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ECDC de-escalates 3 COVID-19 lineages from variants of concern list

Xinhua) 10:10, March 04, 2023

Photo taken on Dec. 8, 2022 shows an exterior view of the headquarters of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Wei Xuechao/Xinhua)

The Stockholm-based agency de-escalate variants BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 "as these parental lineages are no longer circulating."

STOCKHOLM, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) de-escalated on Friday three COVID-19 lineages from its list of variants of concern (VOC).

Variants BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 were de-escalated "as these parental lineages are no longer circulating."

In November 2021, the ECDC categorized Omicron (B.1.1.529) as "the most highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant to-date." It quickly became dominant globally and resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases. Subsequently, a number of Omicron sublineages have emerged (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4 and BA.5).

Currently, the BA.2 and BA.5 descendent variants are circulating, whose properties differ from their parental lineages and which require individual assessment, the ECDC said.

Photo taken on Dec. 8, 2022 shows an exterior view of the headquarters of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Wei Xuechao/Xinhua)

The ECDC currently lists the most prominent of these under the categories of "variant of interest" and "variant under monitoring."

The absence of SARS-CoV-2 variants categorized as "of concern" reflects the current stable epidemiological situation in the European Union and the European Economic Area, the ECDC said, emphasizing, however, that "it does not signal the end of the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2 and possible future variants that may emerge."

The center encourages countries to remain vigilant by reinforcing their surveillance systems, sequencing capacities and reporting practices.

A closed testing centre is seen in Heathrow Airport in London, Britain, March 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 4)  International social media sensation Bretman Rock inspired his fans, who also experience discrimination in their lives, to keep being themselves as he pointed out that they are the representation they are looking for.

Sometimes you are the representation that you need. Theres truly no more representation that matters than yourself, the global influencer said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

The bigger picture now that Im looking at baby Bretman Rock, I was like  You were looking for representation but so many people were looking at you as a representation, he added.

Promoting his newly published memoir sold in bookstores nationwide, Bretman shared his key experiences while rising to stardom as a representative of the LGBTQIA+ and Filipino communities.

Bretman, who grew up in the Philippines as Bretman Sacayanan, was born in Cagayan Valley. He, later on, moved with family members to Hawaii where he earned US citizenship by naturalization.

Moving to the states as a non-binary person, its really interesting," he shared. "It was so weird to see gender roles happening in real-time when I moved to America at such a young age.

Facing a lot of discrimination, Bretman said he did his best not to conform to the standards of those around him, proudly saying, I did kind of make it my mission to not conform to it -- and I think I did a pretty good job.

Bretman encouraged other discriminated LGBTQIA+ fans to continue being themselves.

Keep being unapologetically bakla. I feel like the world is watching  you never know who is watching," he also said. "I believe we are all meant to be a star."

After his success in publishing You're That B*tch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself, the social media superstar said he is setting his sights on the movie industry next.
Two people were injured in a shooting Saturday morning in Omaha.

The victims, a 29-year-old woman and 28-year-old man, were driving near North 75th and Maple Streets when a dark-colored car started shooting at them, according to a press release from the Omaha Police Department.

They then went to Methodist Hospital, where police responded around 2:15 a.m.

The woman, who was driving the vehicle, suffered a minor cut that appeared to have been caused by broken glass, according to police. The man was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center and treated for gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening.

Police ask anyone with information to call Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-7867. Tips also can be submitted online at www.p3tips.com or by downloading the p3tips mobile app. Anonymous tips leading to the arrest of a shooting suspect are eligible for a cash reward of up to $10,000.
Nebraska education officials are one step closer to axing the basic skills test that keeps some new teachers out of classrooms.

During a Friday meeting, the State Board of Education unanimously repealed Rule 23, a state rule that requires new teachers to pass a basic skills test before they can get their certificate.

Nebraska has been using the Praxis Core by ETS of Princeton, New Jersey, as its basic skills test. Incoming educators have to pass each section of the exam  including reading, writing and math  to meet the requirement.

But board members now say that basic skills tests like the Praxis arent the best way to ensure that a would-be teacher is qualified.

Board member Elizabeth Tegtmeier said such tests for years have been a barrier for people wanting to get into the education field. Recently, it has become a substantial obstacle to relieving the states teacher shortage, which has been worsening since the pandemic.

The state reported in a fall 2022 survey that 769 teaching positions remained unfilled or were staffed by an underqualified teacher at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. This was an increase from 482 a year earlier.

We know that basic skills are assessed multiple times throughout our teachers careers, plus they have to apply for (college) admission, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and are required to pass many of their classes, Tegtmeier said. They are also observed in the classrooms by their practicum advisers and cooperating teachers.

The Praxis exam is expensive to take, particularly for people who have to take it multiple times, according to a 2020 recommendation from Johns Hopkins School of Education to Nebraska education officials. The report also said basic skills tests like the Praxis have not been shown to correlate with teaching effectiveness.

The state board repealed Rule 23 to help with the teacher shortage, which is a short-term goal of the board, said Patti Gubbels, board president. A public hearing in February included testimony about how removing the requirement would benefit educators.

We have heard evidence that there are a number of teacher candidates who do not enter the profession because they cant pass that basic skills test, Gubbels said. We are keeping some people out of the profession because of one required test.

The repeal of Rule 23 is only the first step in the process to change the basic skills test requirement. Nebraska education officials said that before the requirement can be completely removed, the state board has to revise both Rule 20 and 21, which set out more guidelines around the basic skills test for colleges and school districts.

The board was scheduled to discuss the revision of both Rule 20 and 21 but ran out of time on Friday. Members moved the discussion to Aprils board meeting.

Gov. Jim Pillen also will have to sign off on the repeal and revisions, plus he can take as long as he wants to make a decision, Gubbels said.

The governor can send (the repeal) back, the governor can not sign it  there is no timeframe we can count on, Gubbels said. We hope that the governor agrees with our position and that it is signed.

The state board considered ending the test in 2019, but didnt go through with the repeal after then-Gov. Pete Ricketts said it would lower standards for teachers.

Kirk Penner, board vice president, said the board wants to streamline the process to become a teacher and its not dumbing down anything.

While the repeal process might be drawn out, officials said decisions still could be made in time to remove the basic skills test requirement for the 2023-24 school year. Board member Sherry Jones said she knows May graduates who are waiting in the wings for the repeals to go through.

My ask is for people who support this  especially those who may know the governor  to share their concerns about this, said board member Lisa Fricke. If you are serious about making a difference for kids, they need qualified teachers in the classroom and this is a way to open the door for more teachers. Talk to the governor. It is his decision.
OXON HILL, Md.  Republican businessman Perry Johnson announced his long-shot bid for president this week.

Johnson, who tried to run for Michigan governor last year before the state's elections bureau deemed he filed thousands of fraudulent nominating signatures, announced his White House candidacy to a group of supporters Thursday night, his campaign said.

Hours earlier, he spoke at the opening day of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference just outside Washington, D.C.

Johnson did not directly mention his presidential campaign when he spoke at the CPAC gathering in Oxon Hill, Maryland, where a handful of other candidates and potential contenders including former President Donald Trump were scheduled to speak Friday and Saturday.

Johnson spent money this year to run an ad during the Super Bowl targeting voters in Iowa, the first state to vote on the GOP presidential field, touting his plan to cut federal spending by 2% every year.

The businessman earned a fortune starting Michigan-based Perry Johnson Registrars Inc., which certifies if businesses are meeting industrial standards. He was considered a top 2022 GOP candidate for Michigan governor before he and four other Republican hopefuls were disqualified because of invalid signatures.
The Nebraska State Patrol arrested two men in the Panhandle after finding more than 100 pounds of suspected marijuana during a traffic stop for speeding Thursday.

A state trooper stopped a Chrysler 300 traveling east on Interstate 80 in Kimball County at 1:25 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release. The trooper detected the odor of marijuana during the traffic stop.

As the trooper prepared to search the car, the driver, a 42-year-old man from Atlantic City, New Jersey, attempted to flee on foot, according to the patrol. The trooper followed him. A bystander stopped at the scene and assisted in taking the driver into custody.

A search revealed numerous bags of suspected marijuana contained in duffel bags located in the back of the car. The patrol said the total weight was approximately 120 pounds.

In addition to the driver, a 48-year-old passenger from Sacramento, California, also was arrested.

Both were booked into the county jail on suspicion of possessing more than 1 pound of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute and no drug tax stamp. The patrol also alleges the driver resisted arrest and obstructed a peace officer.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2023
LINCOLN  One of the Legislatures newest members argued Friday that Nebraskans would be better served if state lawmakers could stay in office longer.

State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk made the case while introducing a proposed constitutional amendment to allow senators a third consecutive four-year term.

Legislative Resolution 22CA would amend the legislative term limits provision added to the Nebraska Constitution in 2000. The current provision limits lawmakers to two consecutive four-year terms in office, although they can serve again after sitting out at least four years.

I introduced this to ensure the citizens of Nebraska are effectively represented in the Legislature, Dover said. Were supposed to understand the complexities of the state government and defend the people and make wise decisions.

He told members of the Legislatures Executive Board that the harms caused by term limits were a common theme among people he met after being appointed to the Legislature last summer.

He said it takes time for new senators to learn about issues, build relationships and figure out how to get things done within the legislative process. Lawmakers get termed out of office just as they become most knowledgeable and effective.

The proposal drew support from both business and agriculture groups. Barry Kennedy, speaking for the Omaha, Lincoln and state chambers of commerce, said that after the 2024 election, 32 of the 49 state senators will have two years or less of experience.

No well-run business, managing several billion dollars worth of activity, arbitrarily dismisses members of the management team or the board of directors after two years, he said.

Kennedy said the proposed three-term limit would be a good way to retain knowledge in the Legislature and help maintain the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of government. He said he doesnt believe voters would support a complete repeal of term limits.

Al Davis, a former senator, testified for the Nebraska Farmers Union and the Sierra Club. Jay Ferris spoke on behalf of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and groups representing corn growers, pork producers and soybean farmers.

No opponents testified at the hearing Friday.

But Paul Jacob, the former president of U.S. Term Limits, which led efforts to pass Nebraskas term limits, has already started fighting LR 22CA through his latest group, Liberty Initiative Fund. The group sent out mailers recently opposing a change in current term limits and distributed a press release saying that 70% of Nebraska voters oppose the proposal.

The release noted that Nebraskans soundly defeated a constitutional amendment in 2012 that would have extended the limit to three terms. The proposal was on the ballot along with a measure to increase pay for state senators, who get $12,000 a year. The pay increase also was defeated.

Dover has 39 co-sponsors for his proposal. Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, the chairman of the Executive Board, is not among them. He said he believes the current two-term limit is consistent with the idea of having citizen legislators and does not believe voters would support a change.

I think Nebraskans are reluctant to enhance the power of incumbency, he said.

The Nebraska Legislature has been operating under term limits since 2006, when the first group of lawmakers were barred from seeking reelection. A handful of senators have returned to the Legislature after being termed out and waiting four or eight years.

They include former Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, the states longest-serving lawmaker and the only one so far to be termed out twice. Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln are in the Legislature now.

Sen. Steve Lathrop returned for one term but opted against seeking reelection. Sen. Rich Pahls of Omaha died two years into his new term and Sen. Mike Flood was elected to Congress partway through his new term.

Photos: 2023 Nebraska legislative session
The parents of a Lincoln elementary school student who brought a loaded handgun to school last week will not face criminal charges, the Lincoln Police Department announced Friday.

The 10-year-old boy who allegedly flashed a handgun in a backpack while threatening another fifth grader at Prescott Elementary School on Feb. 24 is too young to be adjudicated even as a juvenile in Nebraska, Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon said earlier this week.

Condon, who did not return a phone call seeking comment Friday, had left open the possibility that the student's parents could face child neglect charges if they were found to have stored the handgun unsafely.

But investigators found that there were measures in place to secure the firearm, including a cable gunlock, but the student circumvented the safeguards, police said.

"The investigation revealed insufficient probable cause to cite the parents of the student who brought the weapon to school," Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian said in a Friday afternoon email, which came after a full week of relative silence on the investigation.

Police repeatedly declined to answer questions on the incident  including who owned the firearm, whether it was stored at the boy's house, and whether the handgun had been locked away  throughout the week.

Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins declined to answer similar questions at the State Capital Friday, pointing to the ongoing investigation.

Police responded to the school at about 12:30 p.m. Feb. 24 after the student who was reportedly threatened told a teacher, who then alerted administrators at the school.

Staff located the backpack hanging from a coat rack in the hallway and took it to the office before calling police, who responded and found a loaded handgun inside the backpack, the district said.

This could have had a very different result, no question about it, Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Paul Gausman said at a news conference last week, where he praised the response by staff and law enforcement and the student who reported the threat.

Only a couple of minutes passed from when the threat was reported to when the gun was secured, according to the school district.

The 10-year-old will still face consequences at school. Students who bring a firearm onto school grounds are automatically expelled for one calendar year, according to the district's student handbook.
BLOOMINGTON  A Bloomington man received bond after police said he battered and strangled a person in a domestic battery incident.

Nolan C. Love, 46, appeared in court Friday for a bond review hearing after being charged with aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation (Class 2 felony) on Feb. 26.

A judge initially ruled him to be held without bond, pending a domestic violence risk assessment.

Love was also charged with domestic battery with at least one prior conviction of the same charge (Class 4 felony) and resisting a peace officer (Class A misdemeanor).

Charging documents sent to The Pantagraph by the McLean County State's Attorney's Office said police were called to a home in the early morning of Feb. 24 after the victim texted a third party that they were being beaten. That third party reported the battery to dispatchers.

Police said in the report that Love had repeatedly strangled the victim. The document said officers observed that the victim had injuries to their face, shoulder, arm and back. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The report also stated that the victim had observed Love to be drinking when prohibited to do so by the county's drug court program.

Charging statements said Love pulled his arms away from police and pushed an officer. They added that police had to repeatedly use a taser to make him comply.

His bond was set at $150,000 with 10% to apply, which means he would have to pay $15,000 including bond fees to be released from the McLean County Jail.

He was ordered not to have contact with the victim and to comply with an electronic monitoring order. His arraignment hearing is set for 9 a.m. March 17.

Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson
BLOOMINGTON  A Bloomington woman has been indicted on one charge of delivering a controlled substance.

Nikkita L. Sandefur, 36, is charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (Class 2 felony) containing cocaine.

Court documents indicate the offense occurred Jan. 4.

A McLean County grand jury returned a bill of indictment on the case Feb. 22.

According to court documents, Sandefur knowingly and unlawfully delivered less than 1 gram of a substance containing cocaine to an informant with the Illinois State Police Task Force Six Unit.

Her bond was set at $50,000 with 10% to apply, which means she would have to pay $5,000 including bond fees to be released from the McLean County Jail.

An arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. March 24.

Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson
NORMAL  Leaders of Eastview Christian Church, which has one of Bloomington-Normals largest congregations, say the church will undergo an audit to evaluate the health and safety of its staff and workplace culture amid an onslaught of scrutiny tied to allegations of abuse and coverups.

Longtime lead pastor the Rev. Mike Baker resigned over the situation, which stems from allegations that his son, Caleb Baker, engaged in inappropriate sexual relationships and behavior with members of the congregation while working as a pastor at Eastview, a position he left in 2016. The allegations came to public attention after the pastor at an Arizona church said Caleb Baker, who was working there as lead student pastor and associate preaching pastor, had an affair with another employee, and both were removed from the church staff.

Following this, widely circulated social media posts from former Eastview staff members alleged that Caleb Baker had exploited his position of spiritual trust and the church had stifled attempts to bring the behavior to light. Eastview church elders  a group of seven church leaders  published a statement and addressed the congregation last Sunday, acknowledging that "trust has been questioned and eroded" and pledging to investigate thoroughly. Mike Baker has denied the allegations and called the elders' statement a "complete misrepresentation of what was going on." Caleb Baker could not be reached for comment.

Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli and McLean County States Attorney Erika Reynolds told The Pantagraph theyre not investigating any criminal behavior at the church and no criminal charges have been filed.

Petrilli said if someone reported criminal activity, the police would look into it, but these sound like employee or internal issues, and Im not going to get involved with that.

Church leadership told The Pantagraph on Saturday that they did not believe the investigation and audit will require law enforcement intervention.

Leadership has also said the allegations against Caleb Baker all have involved adults.

'This is abuse'

Eastview is a nondenominational Christian church with facilities in both Bloomington and Normal. It has grown exponentially since its founding in 1955, and on its website says weekly attendance under Baker exceeded 5,500.

Among the women who have spoken up about a culture of silencing, cover-up and spiritual abuse at the institution, former Eastview staff member Christine Lee wrote a letter to the church leadership last July, in which she described unwanted advances from Caleb Baker in 2013 and 2014 that she said she now recognizes as sexual harassment.

Lee declined to be interviewed for this story but said her letter and a subsequent video were available to the public.

Brooke Yarbrough, another former Eastview staff member who declined to be interviewed but made a public statement online, wrote that she had learned while on staff that Caleb Baker was let go after multiple women in our congregation came forward disclosing inappropriate sexual relationships he initiated.

She said he was terminated, but leadership was not transparent about that or the reason for his termination in 2016. Instead, I was told to be quiet and to stop asking questions.

This prompted her to leave the church, she said. "When leaders use their platforms to take advantage of the people they commit to serve, this is abuse," she said. "In the church, this is specifically called clergy sexual abuse, and I was not going to stand for it."

Lee's letter to the church elders included a 2016 email from Mike Baker, who confirmed to The Pantagraph that it was authentic. In it, he acknowledged allegations against his son and mentioned an investigation, but said he believed the accusations were "unfounded or at least unresolvable." When additional accusations came, Baker recalled telling his son I cant do this anymore, which led to Caleb Bakers departure.

In her letter, Lee questioned the competency of the investigation and the treatment of those who came forward. She also said she was deeply unsettled by Mike Bakers indication that he kept hundreds of things about staff and church leaders quiet because of his commitment to protect the church and the staff.

She said allegations against Caleb Baker were handled with bias and abuse of power.

We as the Church cannot turn a blind eye to the potential of wrongdoing, especially our own, Lee wrote in closing. We have to do more than the bare minimum when it comes to pursuing integrity. The women in this situation deserved better and still deserve better. Your church deserves to know the truth. You deserve to know the truth. We all do. We all can be set free.

'Need for objectivity'

In the statement last weekend to the Eastview congregation and published on the church website, Eastviews leadership said theyve been made aware of the allegations of abuse that raise concerns as to the culture and health of ECC in 2016 and today.

Leadership said they initiated a third-party audit after receiving Lee's letter last year but determined it was "not thorough enough," so they have requested a second, more detailed audit. They said healing will require a trauma-informed approach that is honest and transparent and invited anyone who has been harmed to come forward.

"While there is a need for objectivity from someone else because we love this place and have an interest in this place, we want you to know from an objective perspective what happened," Adam Ghrist, one of the elders, told the congregation via a YouTube video last week, "but as we become aware of things that we believe to be true, we will share them with you, because truth is needed to love well."

Church leadership told The Pantagraph they plan to update the congregation this week on next steps.

In a video and text post on social media, Lee said she was grateful for these first steps towards transparency but suggested the church leadership hire a victim advocate and work with a third-party entity rather than asking members of the congregation to come directly to the leaders.

If theyre truly opening a third-party trauma-informed investigation, the elders should not be the ones receiving the information and determining if what is shared is factual enough to pass on to the third party, she said.

Mike Baker, who resigned Feb. 25, told The Pantagraph he did not think it was his job to protect Caleb Baker as his son when the allegations were brought to his attention, but instead it was his job to look out for the best for the congregation and the staff.

He said his son obviously holds a different place in my heart, but I did not act differently in any way toward him than I have many staff members.

He also indicated the church did not have a human resources director at the time of the alleged sexual relationships, despite its rapidly growing staff.

In a YouTube video posted Feb. 27, Mike Baker elaborated on the circumstances leading to Caleb Baker's departure from Eastview. He said he had directed some "very trustworthy staff members" to look into rumors in fall 2015 that his son was having sexual relationships outside of marriage, and staff concluded that the allegations could be neither proven or disproven. In January, another allegation arose, he said, and he told his son to resign. A few days later, Caleb Baker had a job prospect in Arizona.

"Whatever allegations were in this second time, I said, 'I don't wanna know,'" Baker said, adding that he again asked staff to investigate. "I didn't mislead anyone because I didn't know anything or anybody. Should I have dug a little deeper? Maybe."

Caleb Baker joined the staff at Central Christian Church in Phoenix, after his departure from Eastview. The lead pastor there, Cal Jernigan, told his congregation last month that he was not aware of the extent of the allegations against Caleb Baker when he was hired, but Mike Baker had informed him of an accusation by a woman who felt Caleb acted inappropriately toward her.

He assured me his leadership team had investigated this charge and it was proven to be an unfounded and unsubstantiated claim by someone who had it out for his son. He felt his sons future in that small town was forever going to be defined by this accusation, Jernigan wrote.

Yarbrough said in her Facebook post she believed Central did an outrageously better job about being honest than Eastview had.

While forgiveness can certainly be granted to all of us, forgiveness starts with honesty and transparency about our actions. Forgiveness also does not come without boundaries and consequences. One can be forgiven and still not placed back in the same position of power to harm others, she wrote.

'Walk through this together'

Mike Baker said he felt real sadness in resigning from Eastview Christian Church after nearly 30 years there.

I love the people of Eastview. I've loved them for 27 years, he told The Pantagraph on Friday. As Ive said many times, me and Eastview grew up together. It saddens me to think that this church that I've poured my heart and soul into, not being part of it anymore, but I felt like I had no other choice.

Baker said he and the church elders disagreed with how to address the allegations surfacing on social media.

I didn't believe that the way that they were going to proceed with finding the truth was the right method. I've never been opposed to finding the truth  but I didnt like the way it was handled, he said.

Baker said he knew that Eastview leadership needed to address the issue, but he thought they should simply say Were aware of the social media posts. We take these accusations very seriously and we will investigate thoroughly to ensure we are a healthy, vibrant, non-abusive church staff.'

He said the leaderships approach was to be very, very public and specific about what was being shared online. I didnt feel that that was either the wise or biblical way to go.

The statement from Eastview leadership says they did not call for Mike Baker's resignation but also noted a disagreement.

Then and now the Elders believe that for the health of our church, a third-party involvement is necessary to adequately address allegations. Mike remains steadfast in his sincere conviction that there is nothing to investigate. However, because the Elders were not aware of everything that transpired involving Caleb Bakers departure and want to be transparent in the process, we reached an impasse, according to the statement.

In a Facebook post published the day after Mike Baker resigned, Eastview encouraged the congregation to read the leadership statement and said, "We know these last few days as a church have been challenging, to say the least. Whether you're grieving, hurting, confused, angry, or feeling any other emotion, we want to walk through this together. Today, with transparency, compassion, and hope, our elder team shared how we will start to move forward as a church."

Today in history: Mar. 4 1789: Constitution of the United States 1917:Jeannette Rankin 1933: Franklin D. Roosevelt 1966: John Lennon 1987: Ronald Reagan 1994: John Candy 2012: Vladimir Putin 2015: The Justice Department 2021: Kay Ivey
BLOOMINGTON  State Sen. David Koehler will host an open house at his new Bloomington office from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 14.

The office is at 216 N. Center St. in Bloomington, across the street from the McLean County Museum of History. The office is a shared space with Illinois State Rep. Sharon Chung.

The public is invited to stop by and chat with Koehler and tour the office upon the start of his representation of the greater Bloomington-Normal area.

The open house was originally scheduled for Friday, March 3, but was postponed due to inclement weather.

Koehler's offices are run by his chief of staff, Jennifer Allison, who is based in Peoria. In the Bloomington office, Joshua Crockett is working as his director of constituent outreach. In Springfield, Aaron Tebrinke is working as his legislative assistant. Each office may be contacted for assistance.

The Bloomington-Normal office will be open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are not required, but are encouraged as the district office is often attending events.

Appointments can be made by calling the office at 309-808-2345.

Hundreds fill up on Kiwanis pancake breakfast in Bloomington 022623-blm-loc-1pancakeday.JPG 022623-blm-loc-2pancakeday.JPG 022623-blm-loc-3pancakeday.JPG 022623-blm-loc-4pancakeday.JPG
(CNN)  Tom Sizemore, an actor known for his work in hit films like "Saving Private Ryan," "Natural Born Killers" and "Heat," has died, his representative Charles Lago confirmed to CNN on Friday.

He was 61.

The actor was hospitalized after suffering a brain aneurysm in mid-February, Lago told CNN at the time.

Sizemore "passed away peacefully in his sleep" at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, with his two sons and his brother, Paul Sizemore, by his side, Lago said in a statement released on behalf of the family.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my big brother Tom," Paul Sizemore said in the statement. "He was larger than life. He has influenced my life more than anyone I know. He was talented, loving, giving and could keep you entertained endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability. I am devastated he is gone and will miss him always."

On Monday, Sizemore's family said doctors informed them there was "no further hope" and recommended "end of life decision" due to the condition of his health, according to a statement released.

"We are asking for privacy for his family during this difficult time and they wish to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of support, and prayers that have been received. This has been a difficult time for them."

Born in Detroit, Sizemore made a name for himself in Hollywood playing tough guys.

He had an early, small role in the 1989 Oliver Stone film "Born on the Fourth of July" and scored his television break playing Sgt. Vinnie Ventresca in the ABC series "China Beach."

Sizemore followed that with performances in various films, including "Point Break" in 1991, "True Romance" in 1993, "Natural Born Killers" in 1994 and "Strange Days" in 1995.

His costarring role as Bat Masterson in Kevin Costner's western "Wyatt Earp" earned Sizemore acclaim. He went on to other major roles in "Pearl Harbor" and "Black Hawk Down," both released in 2001.

He was perhaps best known for his role as Sgt. Mike Horvath in the 1998 World War II film "Saving Private Ryan."

Sizemore recently appeared in the Netflix series "Cobra Kai" and the independent supernatural film, "Impuratus."

Off screen woes and recovery

Sizemore's fame on screen was at times overshadowed by coverage of his life off screen.

Battling substance abuse for years, in 2003 he was convicted of domestic abuse against former girlfriend and Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss. He had other legal run-ins and appeared on the VH1 series "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" in 2010.

That same year he told CNN's Larry King that he had been addicted to cocaine, heroin and meth.

Sizemore later talked about starring in the comedy series "Barbee Rehab" in a 2022 interview with Decider and was asked if he had some hesitancy in taking on the role.

"There was some, but it was so goofy and so not like rehab that I got over it," Sizemore said, laughing at the time. "Plus, it wasn't about drugs. It's about obsessions and compulsions and... Barbees!"

In the same interview, Sizemore reflected on seeing magic in movies like "The Wizard of Oz" as a child and later as a teen watching "Taxi Driver."

"I saw that movie every week for, like, two months when it was playing in the theater. I saw it eleven weeks in a row," Sizemore said. "That's when I first started thinking, 'Whatever that is they're doing up there, I want to be part of it. I want to do that.'"

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan star, dead at 61"
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago

March 4, 1923: One of the old city fire stations at Center and Walnut streets, the disposal of which has been argued about for 14 years, was sold by the city council when it accepted the offer of $7,150 made by Watkins Beverage Co. It was expected that another bid for the houses would be presented but none was received.

75 years ago

March 4, 1948: Wesley Methodist Church celebrated the raising of funds to supplement their building fund. Harold D. Walters, general chairman of the campaign, announced a total of $151,568.05 in payments and pledges. The fund now has $403,235.

50 years agoMarch 4, 1973: Ray Turner came to county school administrators with a dream, and now the dream has become a reality. Turner, with the county Youth Services Agency, is starting Alternative School. It opens Monday at University High School in Normal with four students.

25 years ago

March 4, 1998: While President Bill Clinton urged Congress to pass legislation that would withdraw millions in federal dollars from states that dont lower their blood alcohol level for motorists from .10 percent to .08 percent, Illinois doesnt have to worry: The lower limit has been on the books for eight months here, and state officials contend that its been a success. The number of DUIs has increased by 6% statewide since July.

101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 Gerthart's Union Gas and Electric Co. Hoover Dr. J.A. Moore Dentists Moberly & Klenner W.P. Garretson W.H. Roland Pease's Candy Thor 32 Electric Washing Machine The Kaiser's Story of the War Ike Livingston & Sons Gossard Corsets Cat'n Fiddle 'Stolen Moments' Case Model X The Johnson Transfer & Fuel Co. The Pantagraph want ads Franklin Motor Car Co. 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' Calumet Baking Powder Mayer Livingston & Co. Newsmarket 'The Emperor Jones' 'California Fig Syrup'
CHICAGO  The No. 66 bus is packed on a recent weekday afternoon as it starts and stops its way from Chicago's near west side to Navy Pier along the Lake Michigan shore.

The seats and windows squeak and rattle just like a regular diesel bus, but no one seems to notice the high-pitched whine of the electric motor that makes it go.

That's just what Chicago Transit Authority wants. Buses that don't pollute the air yet can run the route with the same reliability as those that do, even when cold weather cuts into the battery range.

Yet to make electric buses work, the CTA has had to go to great lengths and expense. It built fast-charging sites on both ends of the No. 66 route that plug into the bus rooftops.

Drivers constantly monitor the batteries to make sure they don't get depleted, risking the bus getting stranded. If they get below 50% charge, they're supposed to top them off at a charger.

"We're working through the day-to-day challenges of inclement weather in Chicago," said Don Hargrove, senior maintenance manager at the garage that's home to most of the authority's 23 electric buses.

The CTA started experimenting with electric buses in 2014, and has developed a system that Hargrove says will work as the transit authority moves to an all-electric fleet by 2040.

Other transit systems are going through the same process to help cut pollution and fight climate change.

Cold weather is the CTA's biggest problem. As the temperature drops, lithium-ion batteries that run the buses aren't as efficient and lose range. Most of the energy drained from the batteries goes to keep the bus interior heated to 70 degrees.

"Every time the bus stops to pick up passengers, let people off, the doors are opened," said Richard Lin, assistant chief bus equipment engineer. "You've got to heat that new batch of cold air."

The electric buses do have a small diesel engine that heats the interior in extreme temperatures to extend the battery range, Lin said. But most of the time the buses use electric coil heaters, similar to a giant toaster, which can zap batteries. When the CTA bought its buses, more efficient heat pumps weren't available as an option, he said.

On each 10-mile one-way trip on the No. 66 route, the electric buses lose about 8% of their battery energy. In the winter, they start with roughly 100 miles of range when fully charged. So after about six one-way trips, policy says drivers have to charge as they get below 50%.

Normally the schedule has 10 to 15 minutes built in for charging, and the buses get around 1% of a full charge for every minute they're plugged in.

With enough chargers, the electric buses can run all routes, Lin said. "It's just a matter of our strategy with placing the chargers at the correct locations, having enough chargers available as we scale up our fleet."

At present, the CTA has about 1,900 buses and most run on diesel fuel. The transit system is starting to swap them out for electric ones, but the investment is huge. Each electric bus costs about $1.1 million, about $500,000 more than a diesel model.

But after the initial capital outlay for the buses and charging stations, the electric buses are much less expensive to operate. The CTA calculates it costs $2.01 per mile to run the 40-foot-long electric buses. For a diesel bus it's $3.08, and $2.63 per mile for a diesel-electric hybrid.

It would take decades for the authority to get its investment back in the electric buses, but CTA officials say the cost of electric buses will come down as more are sold.

In the capital of Alaska, Juneau, which has a more temperate climate but winter temperatures can still drop below zero, officials also have plans for an all-electric bus fleet, though one they got in 2020 has been plagued by mechanical problems.

Capital City Transit has ordered seven electric buses to replace diesel models from 2010, said Rich Ross, operations superintendent. The new buses are expected to run regular routes due to increased battery capacity, "which wasn't available when we ordered our first bus," he said.

Cold winter conditions could still knock 100 miles off the expected 282-mile range of the new buses, so on the coldest days, they could be put on commuter routes that run only during the peak transit hours, Ross said.

Like Chicago, Capital City Transit is also planning to construct an "on route" charging station for buses to plug in if they run low.

Back on the No. 66 in Chicago, Dawn Carter, 54, says she's glad electric buses are running the route because they're good for the environment.

About the only difference is the electric buses are quieter than those with clattering diesel engines and noisy heaters, but few people notice, she says. "When I'm coming to work, everybody's just rushing to get on and off," she says. "It's just quieter. It's easier to talk to people. When the heat goes on and off you barely notice it."

____

AP reporter Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, and Video Journalist Teresa Crawford in Chicago contributed to this story.
Question: Today would have been the 71st wedding anniversary of Ronald and Nancy Davis Reagan, married March 4, 1952. When it comes to the Central Illinois town of Galesburg, what is amazing about them and that?

Answer: Although they didnt meet until their Hollywood days, in a weird quirk, both at one point lived or visited frequently in Galesburg. Ronald moved to Galesburg with his family at the age of 5 and attended the Silas Willard Elementary School there for two years. Nancy, in the meantime, was the stepdaughter of a Chicago neurosurgeon whose father lived in Galesburg. Thats where she visited often. Coincidentally, Nancy didnt visit Galesburg until five years after Ronalds family had left.
The Paramount Chief of Asere, a division of the Ga State, Nii Nikoi Olai Amashie III, has announced plans to set up an educational fund to support the development of the youth in his paramountcy.



Nii Amashie III said education was the catalyst for development and the best way to create opportunities for people to achieve their potential in life.



According to him, as future leaders of the country, the youth ought to be supported in all fields not just to achieve their aspirations in life but for the prosperity and development of the country.



Recently, I saw on social media that a young man in medical school called Tagoe needed help to complete his studies.



His name shows that he is from Asere.



With the Asere Educational Fund, we would therefore be able to support such people for the development of Asere and the country as a whole, he said.



The Asere Mantse made this known in an interaction with the media after a meeting with some elders at the Asere stool house near Bukom in Accra.



Paramount chiefs

Nii Amashie IIIs initiative to set up an educational fund followed his recent elevation as a Paramount Chief by the Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.



The Asere Mantse was part of six chiefs who have been elevated to paramount status by the Ga Mantse.



The rest are the Akanmadjen Mantse, Nii Ayikai III; Otublohum Mantse, Nii Dodoo Nsaki II; Sempe Mantse, Nii Adote Otintor II; Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II and the Abola Mantse, Nii Ahele Nunoo III.



They were recently introduced to the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs at Dodowa during a colourful ceremony and will soon become members of the House after the amendment of Chieftaincy (Membership of the Regional House of Chiefs) Instrument, 2020, L.I.2409.



Unity

Nii Amashie III said despite being one of the biggest divisions of the Ga State with vast lands, for many years, Asere had been plagued by infighting, misunderstanding and lack of unity.



Such a situation, he said, had affected the development and the progress of the people of Asere.



He said it was time Asere and the entire Ga state came together, chart a new path and focus on issues relating to the welfare and development of people.



He said failure to do that would be catastrophic, and posterity would not be kind to all those who failed to put the interest of Asere, the Ga state and the entire country above their parochial interests.



According to him, those with progressive mindset have decided to steer Ga to greater heights and therefore those who refused to join the train of unity and development must realise that they were doing a disservice to themselves and the future generation.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Electoral Commission (EC) Ghana has debunked assertions that the proposed elimination of the guarantor policy in Ghanas electoral system will disenfranchise millions of Ghanaians.



The EC chairperson Jean Mensa on Tuesday told Parliament the guarantor system, where an individual can guarantee the citizenship of a person so he or she can acquire a voters ID card for the purpose of election will be no more when the new Constitutional Instrument (CI) is passed.



But the Minority Caucus disagrees. It said the proposed CI, which will eliminate the guarantor system is a deliberate attempt by the election management body to disenfranchise millions of Ghanaians.



Reacting to the development on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (2 March), the deputy chairman of the EC in charge of corporate services, Dr Bossman Asare, said the guarantor system is being phased out as a result of advancement in the electoral process.



In 2021, we had a discussion with our stakeholders including political parties and civil society organisations, Asare said. One of the central decisions that came out was that with the advances Ghana has made and especially with the registration of Ghanaians through the NIA system, it was now appropriate for any Ghanaian, who wanted to register as a voter to do so on his own merit.



In other words, theres no need for someone to vouch for another person, he added.

Source: Asaaseradio









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ahead of the May 2023 presidential and parliamentary primaries of the NDC, the Akatsi South branch of the party, under the aegis of Mr. Anthony Kwadzo Owusu (Westfalia), has promised to mobilize not less than 100% votes for former President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, presidential candidate hopeful of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) in the forthcoming poll.



The party led by Mr. Owusu said it desired a more secure, economically buoyant, and better country for all, hence the need to support an experienced and well-prepared leader against other presidential candidates.



Reiterating the statement made by the Akatsi South constituency on Friday, Mr. Samuel B.K. Nugblega, a parliamentary aspirant, also noted that he has appointed some 28 coordinators across the constituency as part of strategies to achieve the target goal set by the party.



He said, "former President John Dramani Mahama will not only bring stability and prosperity but will also bring sustainable growth so we can usher in the fabrication of a new generation of political, business, and economic leaders, create manufacturing opportunities, build new enterprises, provide social infrastructure, mentor new entrepreneurs, and strengthen the small and medium-scale enterprises, which are the bedrock of any serious and successful country."



Mr. Samuel B.K. Nugblega, however, urged citizens of Akatsi at home and abroad to forget about political affiliation and see a future in him as the next parliamentary candidate of the opposition NDC.



Mr. Japhet Festus Gbede also explained to the media why he thinks former President John Dramani Mahama should be voted into power.



Mr. Gbede, the outspoken former deputy communication officer aspirant remarked on some of the key factors, saying, "It is too late to fail." The success of Ghana is non-negotiable; the Ghana dream must be realized. Whether it is a kid from Sremanu, Have, or Wuxor, that kid has a right to a decent life and an opportunity to actualize his or her dreams under the next NDC government led by former President Mahama.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Leatherbacks are the world's largest sea turtle and a rarity in Thailand thanks to habitat loss, plastic pollution and consumption of their eggs.

It is past midnight on a beach in southern Thailand and 12-year-old Prin Uthaisangchai is anxiously staring at a leatherback turtle nest, waiting for scores of the endangered hatchlings to scrabble out from the sand.

The Bangkok secondary school pupil is producing a short documentary about the snappers, under a programme run by the Environmental and Social Foundation, an NGO working to educate children about conservation.

That morning a team of marine biologists noticed the sand covering one of the leatherback nests on Phang Nga beach was beginning to sink in on itself.

That was a telltale sign the eggs buried inside were starting to crack and that sometime that night the hatchlings would emerge and make a dash to the ocean under the cover of darkness.

But after more than 20 hours with no sign of any baby turtles, Prin and the team grew worried.

Donning plastic gloves, they carefully dug into the nest to give each squirming critter a helping hand into the world.

Soon the tiny turtles were scrambling towards the shore where waves swept in, taking them into their new ocean home.

"I feel very disappointed how we have to interfere with a natural living thing that shouldn't need a human's help," said Prin.

"But in the end, we have to help."

Bangkok secondary school pupil Prin Uthaisangchai is producing a short documentary about leatherback turtles to raise conservation awareness.

Reclaiming the beaches

Leatherbacksthe world's largest sea turtle weighing up to 500 kilogrammesare a rarity in Thailand thanks to habitat loss, plastic pollution and consumption of their eggs.

The creatures are listed as vulnerable globally on The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, with many sub-populations deemed critically endangered.

The pandemic allowed the turtles to reclaim beaches usually packed with tourists, with marine biologists recording an increase in nests.

Better protections for the creatures have also helped. Thailand banned poaching their eggs in 1982, and locals are now awarded 20,000 baht ($570) for reporting a leatherback nestlike the one closely watched by Prin under the moonlight.

But only 87 hatchlings from 126 eggs in the nest survived their short journey to the sea.

Prin spent two years visiting Thailand's southern coast to research the animal's habitat, interview experts and chase turtle tracks on beaches.

The pandemic allowed the turtles to reclaim beaches usually packed with tourists, with marine biologists recording an increase in nests.

"It was a good decision to lend them a hand otherwise we would see more deaths," said marine biologist Hirun Kanghae from the government-run Phuket Marine Biological Centre.

Prin spent two years visiting Thailand's southern coast during school breaks, researching the animal's habitat, interviewing experts, and chasing turtle tracks on beaches.

His 10-minute film, which is now in post-production, will be one of a dozen produced by the Environmental and Social Foundation in the hope of informing other young people about the endangered marine animals in their country.

"I like how they're great swimmers and that they can dive the deepest," he said of the leatherbacks.

"I want to spread awareness to people around me and people on the other side of the world to hear the leatherback turtle story, why they're going extinct."

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Activists from Greenpeace display a banner outside the United Nations headquarters during negotiations on a treaty to protect the high seas.

UN countries appeared Friday to be nearing an agreement on a long-awaited treaty to protect the high seas, a fragile and vital treasure that covers nearly half the planet.

After more than 15 years of informal and then formal talks, negotiators are coming to the end of two more weeks of discussions, the third "final" session in less than a year.

"I do not believe that a solution is not in sight," conference chair Rena Lee told a short plenary session Friday afternoon, calling on delegates to "stock up on snacks" as they try to get the treaty over the finish line before the scheduled end of talks later in the day.

"We have a window of opportunity to seal the deal, and we mustn't let this opportunity slip through our hands," she added, conceding though that the highly political issue of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources remained a sticking point.

Even if compromises are found on all the remaining disputes, the treaty cannot be formally adopted at this session, she explained.

But it could be "finalized" without the possibility of reopening discussions on substantive sections, before a formal adoption at a later date, Lee added.

Even without adoption Friday, "It's a massive step," Veronica Frank of Greenpeace told AFP.

Disputes include the procedure for creating marine protected areas, the model for environmental impact studies of planned activities on the high seas, and the sharing of potential benefits of newly discovered marine resources.

The high seas begin at the border of countries' exclusive economic zones, which extend up to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from coastlines. They thus fall under the jurisdiction of no country.

While the high seas comprise more than 60 percent of the world's oceans and nearly half the planet's surface, they have long drawn far less attention than coastal waters and a few iconic species.

Graphic outlining the environmental degradation of the oceans caused by human activity.

Only about one percent of the high seas are currently protected.

Ocean ecosystems create half the oxygen humans breathe and limit global warming by absorbing much of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities.

North-South 'equity'

But they are threatened by climate change, pollution and overfishing.

For many, any agreement hinges on equity between the rich North and poor South.

Developing countries, without the means to afford costly research, say they fear being left aside while others make profits from the commercialization of potential substances discovered in the international waters.

In a move seen as an attempt to build trust between rich and poor countries, the European Union pledged 40 million euros ($42 million) in New York to facilitate the ratification of the treaty and its early implementation.

The EU also pledged $860 million for research, monitoring and conservation of oceans in 2023 at the Our Ocean conference in Panama where the United States announced $6 billion in commitments.

Observers interviewed by AFP say that resolving these politically sensitive financial issues could help ease other sticking points.

If agreement is reached, it remains to be seen whether the compromises made will result in a text robust enough to protect oceans effectively.

"The text is not perfect, but it's got a clear path towards 30 by 30," said Greenpeace's Frank, referring to world governments' commitment to protect 30 percent of the world's land and ocean by 2030, as agreed in Montreal in December.

 2023 AFP
LAKE GEORGE  A state Supreme Court judge has ruled in favor of plaintiffs who sued to stop the use of an aquatic herbicide to kill an invasive weed that has thrived for many years in Lake George.

In a decision filed Friday, Judge Robert Muller said the Adirondack Park Agency illegally approved the Lake George Park Commissions permit application to apply ProcellaCOR EC in two areas of Lake George to eradicate Eurasian milfoil, a harmful invasive plant.

The herbicide, which has been used in other lakes in New York state, would be a safe but more efficient method for dealing with milfoil, the commission has said, noting that the hand-harvesting method used for many years is costly and time-consuming. But the Lake George Association, Lake George Waterkeeper, the town of Hague and a lakeside resident contend more research is needed about potential adverse impacts the chemical could have on the lake, and in a lawsuit filed last year, argued that the permitting process cut corners.

On Friday, LGA and the Waterkeeper released a statement expressing their gratitude that the judge agreed with them.

We are grateful for Judge Mullers detailed and thoughtful ruling, which recognizes the intense public opposition and the great number of outstanding scientific questions regarding the potential adverse impacts of ProcellaCOR on the water, plants and organisms of Lake George, the statement said.

New York state long ago established that Lake George is deserving of special protections as a Class AA-Special water body and drinking water source, and this decision affirms that special status.

Muller had issued a preliminary injunction blocking the use of the herbicide last year, and the original permits issued by the APA have since expired. But because the Lake George Park Commission has stated its intention to file a permit application again, the judge said it was appropriate to render a decision in the lawsuit so it could shape future review proceedings.

Lake George Park Commission trying again to use herbicide to kill invasive species The Lake George Park Commission will once again apply to use an aquatic herbicide in the lake  even as lake advocacy groups filed a lawsuit last year to block it.

At the heart of the Mullers 31-page decision was a determination that the APA board should have held a public hearing before making its final decision. He also said APA staff presented the board with one-sided information related to the use of ProcellaCOR versus other methods of dealing with milfoil.

Should the Lake George Park Commission decide to proceed with its ProcellaCOR permit application this season, we look forward to once again participating in the regulatory process and to presenting expert scientific testimony at the adjudicatory hearing to clearly convey and document our many concerns, the LGA/Waterkeeper statement said.

The Lake George Park Commission could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon. On its website, the commission said it would like to apply the herbicide on Lake George in early June at two four-acre sites, Blairs Bay in Glenburnie in northern Lake George and the north side of Huletts Landing in Sheep Meadow Bay.

The Commission has held several public outreach meetings with local homeowners, town officials and other interested lake associations to discuss this exciting new tool to manage and perhaps even eliminate this invasive species from long-standing problem areas in Lake George, the website says.
QUEENSBURY  Three youths were arrested on Thursday after a fight at Queensbury High School.

Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon confirmed that four students were involved in a physical altercation during the after-school hours. No weapons were involved. One of the juveniles arrested attends another area school, according to Gannon.

As always, safety is paramount, and the case was immediately referred to the police, he said in an email.

He added that the district appreciates the strong partnership with New York State Police and the Warren County Sheriffs Office.

As a reminder, we encourage all of our school community if you see something, say something, he said.

Gannon did not respond to an email seeking answers to follow-up questions about the fight.

State police did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

However, the state police public information blotter lists the arrest of three juveniles at 2:22 p.m. that day in Queensbury. A 14-year-old and a 15-year-old were each charged with misdemeanors of sixth-degree conspiracy, third-degree assault and third-degree criminal trespass-school. A 13-year-old was charged with six-degree conspiracy and third-degree assault.

All three were released to a third party.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 4)  Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig, an alleged victim of hazing, was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown in Zamboanga City.

Photos of his funeral and final mass were shared on social media by City Mayor John Dalipe, who attended the rites earlier in the day.

Salilig was buried alongside his grandfather who had died recently.

"[We] vow to help the Salilig family get justice for slain son, John Matthew," Dalipe said in his statement.

Salilig  a chemical engineering major  was reported missing on Feb. 18, the same day he attended the initiation rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity in Binan, Laguna. Police said his body was found buried in a vacant lot in Imus, Cavite days later.

Several individuals, including members of Tau Gamma Phi, are facing charges following Salilig's death, which has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of the anti-hazing law.

Binan police said they are still waiting for 13 more persons of interest to surrender.

Meanwhile, the so-called "master initiator," who was with Salilig the night before he died, also underwent inquest proceedings at the Justice Department on Saturday.

CNN Philippines correspondent Crissy Dimatulac contributed to this report.
FORT EDWARD  Washington County Sheriff Jeff Murphy and District Attorney Tony Jordan sounded the alarm about opioid deaths in discussions Tuesday with the Washington County Board of Supervisors public safety committee.

Theres a state and nationwide increase in opioid deaths, mostly attributable to extraordinarily inexpensive and a high volume of importation of fentanyl from labs around the world, Jordan said. The drug is added to cocaine, crack, and meth, he said. Its not found in prescription opioids.

We seldom find heroin any more, Jordan said. Its almost always fentanyl.

Jordan and Murphy warned against handling stray bags that might be contaminated. Law enforcement officers have overdosed just from fentanyl residue on bags and surfaces such as car dashboards, Murphy said.

Jordan said he believes the number of overdoses and deaths is underreported by half due to a lack of information exchange among agencies that respond to overdoses. Fighting the epidemic is an important undertaking that really needs accurate data, he said.

Committee members asked why drug users would continue to buy from a dealer who had been involved in an overdose death. Murphy said its because users want the strongest dose they can find.

He kills one, but he gets five more (customers), Murphy said.

Its irrational no matter how you try to make sense of it, said Salem Supervisor Sue Clary.

Murphy presented his departments 2022 annual report. The department responded to 46 nonfatal overdoses last year and 12 fatalities. Twenty-one calls were to the village of Hudson Falls, 18 to Kingsbury, five to the town of Fort Edward, and three to the village of Fort Edward. Seven towns had no overdoses. The rest had between one and two. The number does not include calls handled by state police, he said.

Sheriffs officers administered Naloxone 10 times. Officers will leave Naloxone kits at houses where theyve responded to an overdose, which they did 34 times last year, Murphy said.

Murphy introduced his departments overdose tracker dashboard, available through the departments website at www.washingtoncountyny.gov/201/Sheriff. Through February, the sheriffs department and coroners office have logged three fatal overdoses and one that was reversed with Naloxone. Hospital data on overdoses are difficult to obtain, he said.

In other areas of the department:

The county correctional facility booked 421 people last year, up from 397 in 2021. The facility boarded 26 inmates from other jurisdictions, bringing in revenue of $52,445. The correctional facilitys kitchen provided 95,088 meals for the county Office for the Aging, up almost 10,000 from the previous year. Combined revenues for the meal service were $534,236.

Overtime was very high last year due to vacancies, several serious investigations, and several suspicious deaths that required posting officers at the scene until autopsy reports were released, Murphy said. However, the department has hired two new officers and has four in training. Were pretty well caught up, he said.

The department is in discussions with the village of Fort Edward about taking over police duties there, but with the departments staffing levels, its not going to be a heavy lift for us, he said. The village will pay for four 10-hour shifts per day, with two deputies on duty from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Weve been covering their calls for a year, Murphy said. We know when their calls were.

The department provides school resource officers for the Argyle, Greenwich, Hartford, Hudson Falls, Fort Ann, and Whitehall central school districts. Its a popular program, Murphy said. The department has ordered weapons and protective equipment to enable it to respond better to incidents like the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and will distribute 100 stop the bleed kits to county schools.

The department handled 2,895 pistol permit transactions, a number that has climbed steadily from 1978 in 2019. Most of the transactions were from permit holders wanting to add guns to an existing permit, Murphy said.

The K-9 departments newest member is an Australian Cattle Dog named Taser, a therapy dog in training. Its probably one of the best things weve done in a while, Murphy said. Taser will enhance officer wellness and participate in community engagement events. Taser has already assisted in a situation where officers had to interview youths who were reluctant to talk. The youngsters opened up when Taser arrived, Murphy said.
WASHINGTON  Self-help author Marianne Williamson, whose 2020 White House campaign featured more quirky calls for spiritual healing than actual voter support, launched another longshot bid for the presidency on Saturday, becoming the first Democrat to formally challenge President Joe Biden for the 2024 nomination.

"We are upset about this country, we're worried about this country," Williamson told a crowd of more than 600 at a kickoff in the nation's capital. "It is our job to create a vision of justice and love that is so powerful that it will override the forces of hatred and injustice and fear."

The 70-year-old onetime spiritual adviser to Oprah Winfrey should provide only token primary opposition  a testament to how strongly national Democrats are united behind Biden. Still, she tweaked the president, a longtime Amtrak rider, by holding her opening rally at the ornately marble-columned presidential suite at Union Station, Washington's railway hub.

Biden gave his own speech from Union Station just before last November's elections, when he led Democrats to a surprisingly strong showing, urging voters to reject political extremism and saying "democracy itself" was at stake. He is expected to announce in the coming weeks that he's running again.

Williamson, whose red, blue and black campaign signs feature the dual slogans "A New Beginning" and "Disrupt the System," says she'll be campaigning in early-voting states on the 2024 election calendar.

That includes New Hampshire, which threatened to defy a Biden-backed plan by the Democratic National Committee to have South Carolina lead off the nominating contests. Democrats and Republicans in New Hampshire warned that if Biden skips the state's unsanctioned primary and a rival wins it, that outcome could prove embarrassing for the sitting president  even if that challenger has no real shot of actually being the nominee.

Even if other Democrats follow Williamson into the race, the party is not planning to hold primary debates.

Striking a defiant tone Saturday, Williamson denounced "those who feel they are the adults in the room" and aren't taking her candidacy seriously, proclaiming, "Let me in there."

"I have run for president before. I am not naive about these forces which have no intention of allowing anyone into this conversation who does not align with their predetermined agenda," she said. "I understand that, in their mind, only people who previously have been entrenched in the car that brought us into this ditch can possibly be considered qualified to bring us out of it."

She didn't mention Biden by name in her speech, and though she noted that former President Donald Trump not being reelected in 2020 kept the country from going "over the cliff," she also said it was still "six inches" from doing so.

Williamson said she opposes a free market "mindset" and corrupt political system that she said prioritizes greed above all else "like an atomizer spray of economic injustice."

"The American people have been trained to expect so little," she said. "The American people have been played."

A Texas native who now lives in Beverly Hills, California, Williamson is the author of more than a dozen books and ran an unsuccessful independent congressional campaign in California in 2014. In 2020, she was best known for wanting to create a Department of Peace and arguing the federal government should pay large financial reparations to Black Americans as atonement for centuries of slavery and discrimination.
The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office on Friday identified a 29-year-old Cherry Hill man as the individual who was shot in the presence of law enforcement at a turnpike service area in Salem County on Tuesday, and the office said the man died that night from the gunshot wound.

Also on Friday, the Camden County Prosecutors Office announced that the same man, Kyle Foggy, had been charged in the fatal shooting of a woman in Lawnside last Saturday.

The original statement by the Prosecutors Office did not directly connect Foggy to the incident in Salem County, but a spokesperson confirmed in an email Friday night that he was the same individual.

The Attorney Generals Office could not be reached for further comment about how Foggy died.

Releasing few other details, the Attorney Generals Office said Foggy suffered a gunshot wound about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Clara Barton Service Area along the New Jersey Turnpike in Oldmans Township in Salem County.

Foggy was transported to Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware, where he was pronounced dead at 10:16 p.m.

The Attorney Generals Office on Friday, without further elaboration, repeated what it said that night: The incident involved members of the New Jersey State Police and the United States Marshals Service.

The Attorney Generals Office said it is investigating the incident.

The Camden County Prosecutors Office, without making any direct mention of the incident in Salem County, announced Friday that it had charged a man named Kyle Foggy, 28, of Cherry Hill, with murder and related offenses for the shooting death of 28-year-old Michelle Cruz.

Last Saturday, shortly after 4:05 a.m., police and paramedics responded to the 100 block of Mouldy Road in Lawnside and found the mortally wounded Cruz, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Prosecutors Office said Kyle Foggy was not a threat to the public because the defendant is deceased.
DR SWAMINATHAN RAVI, MS (Gen Surg), MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surg), DNB (Plastic & Reconstructive Surg) Consultant, Department Of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GYNECOMASTIA

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the male breast caused due to an abnormal increase in the breast glandular tissue along with the accumulation of fat. It affects a significant percentage of the male population to varying degrees and can lead to social embarrassment and body image issues.

What causes gynecomastia?

Most teenage boys experience some degree of breast enlargement due to hormonal changes. However, rare causes can be due to medications (for high blood pressure, heart disease and prostate cancer), drugs (such as marijuana and anabolic steroids) and some diseases (such as liver failure and some cancers).

Who should I consult if I have this condition?

You should consult a qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who will be able to offer complete treatment in the form of Liposuction with Gland removal using minimally invasive techniques and invisible scars.

What happens during gynecomastia surgery?

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and an overnight stay. The fat is first sucked out through a small 3-4 mm incision using a process called liposuction to give the chest a flat appearance and bring out the shape of the pectoral muscles. The gland is then removed through a small incision around the areola. After surgery, you will be placed in a compression garment, which will be worn for 2-4 weeks to help with swelling and pain. Regular activities can be resumed in a weeks time while strenuous exercise can be resumed in 1 month.

What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?

As with any surgery, there is a small risk of bleeding, bruising and infection. Great care is taken to ensure that these risks are kept to the absolute minimum with meticulous surgical technique. In addition, there is a chance of having uneven contour initially which equalises over time.

The views/suggestions/opinions/data in the article are the sole responsibility of the expert/organisation. For plastic surgery-related queries, write to asktheexpert@punemirror.com
Ex-dy CM alleges mental harassment by CBI; custody extended by two days

#NEWDELHI A court here on Saturday extended the CBI custody of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested by the agency in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case, for two days. Special CBI Judge MK Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Court has also listed Sisodias bail plea for March 10. The AAP leader while addressing the court said that the CBI was asking the same questions again and again and it is mental harassment.

They are not using third degree. But sitting for eight to nine hours and answering same questions again and again, that too, is mental harassment, he told the Court. The court had also directed the CBI to conduct his medical exams at regular intervals. The central probe agency had arrested Sisodia on February 26 after eight hours of questioning.

IANS
Madal was held for accepting 40L bribe in Lokayukta raid

Karnataka special lokayukta court remanded BJP MLAs son, who was arrested for accepting a bribe of Rs 40 lakh, to 14 days of judicial custody here on Friday.

According to Lokayukta sources, Prashanth Madal has been sent to judicial custody as raids are pending. The officials will seek his custody after the completion of preliminary investigations. Four other accused in the case have also been handed over to judicial custody. Authorities are also likely to take BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa into custody and question him, they said.

The Lokayukta authorities have found Rs 7.62 crore at Prashant and his aides residences, the sources confirmed.

BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappas son Prashanth worked as the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) Chief Accountant.

The authorities had arrested five persons in this connection, including Prashanth. Siddesh, a relative of Prashanth, accountant Surendra, Nicolas and Gangadhar. Nicolas and Gangadhar had come to hand over the cash of Rs 40 lakh, Lokayukta sources said.

The raids have also been conducted on the residence and office of BJP MLA from Channagiri constituency Madal Virupakshappa at K.M.V. Mansion in Sanjaynagar locality of Bengaluru. The authorities have seized documents and other evidence from the residences. The raid is still on.

Prashanth was caught red-handed by the Lokayukta while accepting Rs 40 lakh bribe on Thursday. IANS

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guilty will be punished, says CM Bommai

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said that the guilty will not be spared. We will not protect any one, he added.
New Zealand is a land of stunning natural beauty that will leave you breathless. It is the perfect destination for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty

New Zealand is truly known for its stunning landscapes. An island nation with a rich geological history, New Zealand is home to white snow-capped mountains, sweeping beaches, lush native forests, glassy lakes and more. But there is more to New Zealand than just the alluring landscapes From the worlds only alpine parrot, the kea, to the prehistoric tuatara, the closest relative of the dinosaur, New Zealand is alive with unique wildlife. New Zealands most famous endemic animal, and the national symbol, is the Kiwi. Despite their small numbers, you can see this bird in several Kiwi hatcheries and sanctuaries. Whether you want to meet some playful dolphins, listen to native bird songs or visit an underground galaxy, New Zealand's wildlife is sure to impress you.

Swim with dolphins:

The marine capital of New Zealand is without a doubt Kaikoura, where visitors get to see whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds just minutes from the coast. Visitors get the chance to indulge in one of nature's most unique experiences at Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, swimming with or simply admiring the highly acrobatic dusky dolphins. These small black dolphins with a white belly inhabit the waters around Kaikoura all year-round with the pod sizes varying from 100  1000 plus.

See rare blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins:

See the tiniest penguins in the world in their natural habitat. Blue penguins can be found all along New Zealand's coasts, but none are closer to human activity than in Oamaru. You have a rare opportunity to watch the birds at twilight as they return to their nests close to the harbour after a day at sea. To witness the biggest colony of Little Penguins on New Zealand's main island, Akaroa is worth a trip. For the yellow-eyed penguins, visit the Penguin Place in Dunedin to view a working conservation programme and observe undisturbed penguin activity up close using a special network of hides and covered tunnels. The reserve is a private conservation effort to prevent the extinction of the yelloweyed penguin, one of the most endangered penguins in the world.

Visit one of the best eco-sanctuaries in New Zealand:

Zealandia is a one-of-a-kind eco-sanctuary for New Zealand's indigenous wildlife. Rare species thrive in the wild within a square mile of regenerating forest surrounded by an innovative pestproof fence. Choose from 32 kilometres of trails to see kaka (the playful forest parrot), tuatara (a reptilian living fossil), saddleback, hihi, falcon, takahe, weta, tui, robin, and other species. Book a night tour to look for the iconic little spotted kiwi and other nocturnal animals.

Marvel at glimmering glow worms:

Glow worms are magical insects that glow in the dark and live in New Zealand's caves, grottos, and native forests. Waitomo Caves, three hours from Auckland, offers one of the best glow worm experiences, with a boat ride down an underground river and thousands of these tiny creatures lighting up the cave roof above you. They can also be found in other parts of the country, and you may be able to spot them on lake banks, in damp overgrown areas, and in caves.

See newly hatched kiwi chicks:

Schedule a tour to the National Kiwi Hatchery, the top kiwi hatchery in the world, to find out more about their conservation efforts and how a chick is hatched. Around 2,000 kiwi chicks have successfully flown from the hatchery thus far! You can watch kiwi chicks receiving a health check during the tour, and if you're lucky, you could even get to see baby chicks up close.

IANS
The wellness and skincare market is growing at a fast and consistent pace both at global scale as well as in India and with an increasing number of working class and rising disposable income, the industry will witness a fast-paced growth for the next five years

The wellness and personal care industry in India is growing at a massive pace. The industry which was earlier majorly connected to the affluent section of the society, has now penetrated to the middle class across states, smaller cities and districts. While the middle class earlier connected personal care with low cost and affordable products, now the same middle class prefers spending on personal care products, with their rising disposable income. Over the past nine years, the per capita income in India has doubled to Rs 1.97 lakh. Similarly, the per capita spending on beauty and personal care products was around Rs 450 per annum in 2017, this is expected to almost double during the 2019-2024 period.

Over the years, the personal care industry brands in India too have been working consistently on innovation, agility and service consistency. Manufacturing companies have spent massively on R&D, innovative machines and focused on building multiple types of personal and skincare products. Companies in India, have also been quick with execution, ensuring good quality of products.

On a global level, the market has been classified into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, where Asia Pacific currently dominates the global market. The skincare and wellness market in India was valued at USD 10.1 billion in 2018 and is forecast to reach USD 30 by 2024. It is expected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of - 18.40 per cent during the 2019-2024 period. The global skin care products market size was valued at USD 130.50 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6 per cent from 2022 to 2030.

Both in India, as well as globally, rising consumer awareness towards regular skin care, along with the introduction of diversified sustainable products is catalysing the consistent growth in the market.

Indias beauty and personal care startups have grown rapidly in the last few years, raising about $700 million in funding since 2014. The market is becoming highly crowded and competitive today. With so many start-up brands entering the market in the last five years, these start-ups have not only created a niche for themselves but have challenged multinational brands with their innovative products.

Due to the quick growth rate in India, the personal care market is becoming a lucrative sector, even for the investors. On a global scale, supermarkets and hypermarkets, beauty parlours and salons, multi-branded retail stores, online, exclusive retail stores have influenced the consumer market for skincare products and brands. Globally, retail stores have held the largest market share for the sales of products. In India, social media has been playing a significant role in building a massive network of influencers in the personal care segment and who in turn have been influencing consumers. Smart content strategies are being used by companies to reach out to the large target audience, at lower costs. Companies are using offline retail stores, as well as online channels to reach out to consumers in this segment.

Online has been playing a significant role in the country in reaching out to consumers in the smaller towns and cities.

In India, as well as globally, Covid has been a major contributing factor to the beauty and wellness industry. With the growing trend of working from home, people started spending more time with themselves. In India, with more women joining the workforce in tier 1 cities, their purchasing power has increased, and they are spending more and more on wellness and skincare products.
ALEDO, Ill.  The City of Aledo has been awarded $600,000 in state funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program to provide partial funding for a new Aledo Aquatics Center.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the grant recipients March 1 in conjunction with the Illinois DNR celebrating the programs largest distribution of funding in its 36-year history.

Aledo Mayor Chris Hagloch said in a news release that the grant is an incredible investment towards a community resource that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The Aledo Aquatics Center is an idea directly responding to community feedback during the Mercer County Heart & Soul process, Hagloch added. The OSLAD grant will help us make that vision a reality.

The proposed Aledo Aquatics Center was announced at a city council meeting in the fall of 2022. It will be constructed near the downtown on the site formerly occupied by Farmers Grain and Coal. The proposed facility will include space for swimming, diving and a splash pad for families.

Aledo's Aquatic Center was named among 118 other park projects throughout Illinois, and provides a portion of the costs for land acquisition and the development for parks and outdoor recreation projects.

The City of Aledo applied for the grant in September of 2022 to fund a portion of the aquatic center.

The grant covers $600,000 of the $1.31 million needed to create the splash pad and pool house facilities within the larger aquatic center.
Members of the Davenport Police Departments Tactical Operations Bureau and the Scott County Sheriffs Special Operations Unit arrested a Davenport man on Thursday for allegedly peddling powder cocaine and cocaine base while in possession of a stolen gun.

Domonique Deshawn Parrow, 37, is charged with one count each of possession with the intent to deliver more than 40 grams of cocaine base, known as crack, and possession with the intent to deliver between 100-500 grams of cocaine. Each of those charges is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

Parrow also is charged with two counts each of violating Iowas drug tax stamp law, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Each of the charges is a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Davenport Police Officer Robert Myers, at 9:06 a.m. Tuesday, officers served a search warrant at Parrows residence in the 3100 block of West 66th Street.

Officers seized 11 individually packaged plastic bags of crack cocaine weighting a total of 77.80 grams; seven individual plastic bags containing 129.10 grams of powder cocaine, and 10.85 grams of marijuana.

Officers also seized a Taurus 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen, and $10,720 in cash.

Parrow has felony drug convictions from 2004 and 2015, and a felony operating while intoxicated conviction from 2020, all in Scott County. He also has served a term in federal prison after being convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was released from federal prison on Aug. 6, 2014.

During a first appearance on the charges Friday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Peter Gierut scheduled a preliminary hearing on the charges for March 10.

Parrow was being held Saturday in the Scott County Jail on a cash-only bond of $75,000.

Federal authorities could take over the case filed in Scott County under Project Safe Neighborhoods. Instituted in 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods is a Justice Department initiative that brings together law enforcement at all levels to reduce gun violence.

At the federal level, a conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Additionally, Parrow could be charged with using a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime that carries a minimum 5-year prison sentence that is consecutive to any other sentences imposed on the drugs or other firearms charges.

There is no parole in the federal system.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 4)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday condemned the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

"My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice," the president said in a statement.

"The investigation into this murder is developing rapidly. We have received much information and now have a clear direction on how to proceed to bring to justice those behind this killing," he added.

Duterte, meanwhile, urged authorities to look into "the political feud that has gripped Negros Oriental and has taken so many lives, not just of Gov. Degamo."

"The attack exposes the extent of desperation, depravity, and thirst for violence of the people who masterminded it as they showed an absolute absence of regard for the lives of the five civilians who were among the fatalities - making it all the more appalling and unforgivable," the vice president added.

The League of Provinces of the Philippines also denounced Degamo's killing.

"The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) condemns this attack on a public servant in front of his home while doing his job as Provincial Governor. While no amount of words would undo the damage done, we offer them to deplore the attack on the life of Gov. Degamo, who has served well his constituents," the organization said in a statement.

Degamo was shot inside his residential compound in Brgy. San Isidro, Pamplona town Saturday morning.

The governor's bodyguards and some civilians were also wounded in the shooting, while five others "who were there to ask for help" died, according to his wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo.

Three suspects were arrested following pursuit operations by government forces.
A tentative trial date has been scheduled for a 19-year-old woman accused of bilking more than $37,000 from donors over a fake cancer diagnosis.

Madison Russo, formerly of Bettendorf, is charged with one count of first-degree theft. The charge is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 10 years.

Russo had been scheduled to appear in Scott County District Court on Thursday for arraignment on the charge. However, her attorney, Andrea Jaeger, filed a written arraignment and plea of not guilty on Wednesday. Russo also waived her right to a speedy trial.

Scott County District Court Judge Stuart Werling on Wednesday scheduled a tentative trial date of May 15. A pretrial conference is scheduled to be held May 5 during which the trial date may be changed.

Woman accused of bilking donors out of more than $37,000 with a fake cancer diagnosis pleads not guilty The attorney for a woman accused of bilking donors out of more than $37,000 with a fake cancer diagnosis issued a plea of not guilty for her client in a written arraignment filed Tuesday in Scott County District Court.

According to Russos GoFundMe page, she learned she had pancreatic cancer on Feb. 10, 2022.

While reading through Russos posts on social media and her GoFundMe page, people and medical professionals began questioning her diagnosis and noticing inaccuracies in the photos she posted of herself and contacted authorities.

Cancer ruse hard on parents whose kids truly suffer Some parents of children with cancer say Maddie Russo stole more than money when she pretended to be afflicted too.

Eldridge Police checked medical records from Genesis Medical Center, UnityPoint Health-Trinity and the University of Iowa Stead Family Childrens Hospital, where she is a patient but has never been treated for any cancers or tumors, according to a search warrant filed by Eldridge Police Officer Garrett Jahns.

As of Jan. 19, Russos GoFundMe page had raised $37,303, according to Jahns' search warrant. According to the GoFundMe page, Maddies Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer has raised $37,228 from 438 donations.

Medical professionals spotted inaccuracies on social posts by woman accused of lying about cancer While reading Madison Russos social media posts about having cancer and undertaking treatment, medical professionals noticed inaccuracies in the photos she posted of herself, according to a search warrant filed Wednesday by Eldridge Police in Scott County District Court.

Russos GoFundMe page has been taken down. GoFundMe has refunded the money to donors, per the organizations policy.

Russo was arrested Jan. 23. She remains free on bond.
Davenport has secured funding to replace a bridge near the Village of East Davenport after being closed since 2018.

The city closed the bridge, which carried traffic above Canadian Pacific railroad tracks and a deep ravine, on 13th Street between Mound and Kuehl streets because of structural concerns.

It followed the closing of a nearby bridge at Elm Street, which fielded more vehicle traffic, and was prioritized for replacement. The city began construction on that in 2021 and the new bridge is now open for vehicles.

Now, it's 13th Street's turn for a replacement, to the pleasure of several neighbors.

The railroad bridge is a staple of the Village Heights neighborhood, said Ann Davis, the president of the neighborhood association of the same name. Couples and students would come to the 1880s-era wooden bridge for picturesque photos, noted Tim Huey, the vice chair of the group.

The overpass bridge originally was built by the Davenport & St. Paul Railroad Co. as part of an agreement with the city to build the railroad, according to an 1873 news story in the Daily Davenport Democrat, unearthed by residents.

Davis was one of four members of the neighborhood group, formed in 2018 just before the bridge closed, to attend the meeting. They've been continuing to keep the bridge top of mind for aldermen by meeting regularly with their representatives and researching the history of the bridge.

Asked after the meeting what it meant for the group, Davis let out a deep sigh of relief.

"Finally, we really have it," Davis said with a laugh.

Huey noted the support for the bridge is not quite unanimous among neighbors  some prefer no traffic at all.

The city took over ownership of both the 13th Street and Elm Street bridges in 2019 in exchange for a $1.9 million payment from Canadian Pacific to help repair them. But city officials estimated at the time it would take more than $6 million to repair both.

The 13th Street bridge only got a fraction of the use of the Elm Street bridge, leading the city to prioritize it. The city's estimates of daily traffic on the 13th Street bridge averaged 370 vehicles a day while it was open.

The city now has $1.5 million secured from the Iowa Department of Transportation in "Federal-aid Funding" to go toward construction of the bridge. Aldermen will take a formal vote on the funding agreement next Wednesday.

The project will remove and dispose of all existing bridge components and replace it with a new bridge.

Davis and Huey would like the new bridge to keep in line with the character of the old bridge that drew visitors  perhaps wrought-iron railings and period lighting, Davis said.

Keeping the bridge at its current height was also important to the association  the city received a waiver to replace the slanted bridge at its current 19 feet instead of the standard 24 feet above the tracks.

At-large Ald. Kyle Gripp said the bridge is in an "ugly state of affairs right now," and called the $1.5 million "awesome news."

Gripp said he wanted to "encourage our staff to continue to work with the neighborhood, get engaged and understanding the history of the bridge and its relationship to the neighborhood and ... just making sure the bridge fits the neighborhood."

"I'm so excited to see these folks that have been working so hard, and so diligently in this neighborhood to see this come to light," said 5th Ward Ald. Tim Kelly, who represents the area.
OAK LAWN  A suburban Chicago police officer has pleaded not guilty to punching a 17-year-old boy during an arrest last summer that led to protests by members of the Arab American community.

Oak Lawn Officer Patrick O'Donnell's plea to aggravated battery and official misconduct charges came Wednesday in Leighton Criminal Court in Chicago.

A grand jury indicted him last month, and his next court date is April 4.

The Cook County prosecutor's office has said that Hadi Abuatelah was struck more than 10 times July 27 with a closed fist and that another officer knelt on the teen's legs while both officers shouted commands, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Abuatelah sustained fractures to his face, skull and pelvis. He also had swelling of his brain and spent six days in a hospital. A federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed by his family against Oak Lawn.

A bystander videotaped the beating. The police department was accused by some in the community of profiling and harassment.

The teen later was charged by the state's attorney's office with illegally possessing a gun. That case is pending in juvenile court.

Oak Lawn Police Chief Daniel Vittorio has said departmental training was followed, that Abuatelah refused to follow commands and was reaching for a shoulder bag that contained a loaded handgun, according to the newspaper.

O'Donnell's attorney, James McKay, said Abuatelah had been "trying to get that gun."

O'Donnell, 33, was hired by the police department in 2014. He has been assigned to administrative duties.
DES MOINES  As the rush from Iowa lawmakers to advance their priority bills before a key deadline stretched into the early hours Friday morning, some eye-catching bills did not make it out of committees and cannot be considered for the rest of the session.

After this weeks legislative funnel, only bills that have passed out of at least one committee can be considered for the rest of the session. But there are exceptions: Budget and tax bills are not subject to the funnel, and leaders have ways to revive bills later in the session if they want to bring them back.

A proposal from a group of House Republicans to remove protections for same-sex marriage from the Iowa constitution  House Joint Resolution 8  was introduced earlier this week, but it did not get scheduled for a subcommittee hearing.

As a proposed constitutional amendment, the measure would have needed to be passed by two separate general assemblies and then pass a popular vote in an election before becoming law.

On the same day, House Democrats proposed House File 509, which would have codified the right to same-sex marriage in Iowa law, which also did not gain traction.

Those are not moving through the process, any of them, from both sides, Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley said on Thursday.

In an email to House lawmakers, Republican Rep. Brad Sherman of Williamsburg, the chief sponsor of the bill to ban same-sex marriage, said the bill recognizes what has been established by nature for all of history and referenced Bible passages.

The definition of marriage was defined as being between male and female for 5,000 years, he wrote.

Medical cannabis expansion

A proposal to expand the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in Iowa and add vaporizable raw cannabis to the list of products failed to advance out of committee.

The sticking point in the bill, Senate Study Bill 1113, was the provision allowing raw cannabis flower, intended to be vaporized rather than smoked, to be sold at Iowas medical dispensaries, Zaun said. The Medical Cannabidiol Board on Monday denied a petition to allow the product, and Zaun said that created opposition to including it in the bill.

Vapes, capsules, and other treatments can be bought at Iowas medical dispensaries, but Bud & Marys, Iowas only operating cannabis manufacturer, argues vaporizable raw cannabis is the cheapest to produce and would bring costs down for patients.

Zaun said there isnt much opposition among lawmakers to expanding the number of dispensaries in the state, a move the board supports. The bill would have increased the limit of licensed dispensaries in the state from five to 10.

While Zaun said the prospects of any changes to the program arent likely this year, hes hopeful the measures can be revived through an amendment or other means.

Social media age requirements

Two bills that would have put an age requirement on social media accounts failed to pass a committee.

House Study Bill 223 would have required social media and gaming websites to verify that a child has parental consent before they make an account or access the site. The bill passed a subcommittee on Wednesday but did not get a vote in the House Judiciary Committee.

Another bill, House File 526, would have barred Iowans under 18 from having an account on a social media site, but that bill did not get a subcommittee hearing.

Republicans overnight push

When Republicans did manage to advance their priorities, in some cases it took a little more time than usual.

The final day of funnel week, Thursday, actually lasted two calendar days as the legislative work seeped into the early morning hours of Friday.

Throughout that final funnel-week push, Republican lawmakers advanced Gov. Kim Reynolds sweeping state government reorganization bill, legislation impacting LGBTQ students and youth, and gun regulations, among others.

House Democrats huddled for roughly nine hours to discuss the nearly 1,600-page government reorganization bill. And when their committee meeting finally resumed, they introduced more than 40 amendments in what they viewed as attempts to improve the bill.

Democrats expressed myriad concerns with some narrow proposals within the bill, but their overarching criticism was that it yields too much authority to the governor.

Reynolds proposal, which was designed with the help of a Virginia-based consulting firm paid nearly $1 million by the state, would reduce the number of state agencies with directors that answer directly to the governor from 37 to 16, in the process folding other state agencies under those fewer directors.

Transgender health care

Bucking impassioned pleas from doctors and transgender youth over the last week, House lawmakers after midnight on Friday advanced a bill that would ban transgender youth from receiving gender-affirming health care.

The move runs contrary to the guidance of major American medical associations and state experts, who say the interventions used to treat transgender youth improve well-being and are often lifesaving.

The bill, House Study Bill 214, would ban the use of puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries as a treatment for gender dysphoria for people under 18.

Bathroom bill

Iowa schools would be allowed to bar transgender students from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity under a bill the House Judiciary Committee advanced in the early hours on Friday.

House Study Bill 208 states that schools cannot be punished for restricting bathrooms and locker rooms to members of the same biological sex. A Senate committee advanced a bill this week that would enforce that requirement statewide, requiring students to use the school bathroom that aligns with their sex assigned at birth.

While the House bill makes the designation optional, it also allows a person to bring a civil lawsuit against a school if they encounter someone in a bathroom of the opposite sex who the school allowed to access the bathroom, and if they are required to share lodging with a person of the opposite sex.

Studies have shown transgender students who are denied access to a bathroom that aligns with their gender identity to be at a higher risk for sexual assault, and transgender people in general are far more likely than cisgender people to be victims of sexual assault.

Close Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds hugs her husband First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds at the conclusion of the Condition of the State address, inside the Iowa House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Iowa Senate President Pro Tempore Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, applauds during Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State address, inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Attendees to Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State address applaud during the speech, inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber on Jan. 10 at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds is escorted into the Iowa House of Representatives, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, to give the annual Condition of the State address, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Photos: Gov. Kim Reynolds delivers the condition of the state address Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds hugs her husband First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds at the conclusion of the Condition of the State address, inside the Iowa House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Iowa Senate President Pro Tempore Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, applauds during Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State address, inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Attendees to Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State address applaud during the speech, inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber on Jan. 10 at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address to members of the Iowa Legislature inside the House Chamber, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines. Gov. Kim Reynolds is escorted into the Iowa House of Representatives, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, to give the annual Condition of the State address, at the Iowa State Capitol, in Des Moines.
DECATUR  A Macon County judge has declared that Illinois' semiautomatic weapons ban violates the state's constitution, a ruling that will likely set up a final showdown before the Illinois Supreme Court.

Judge Rodney Forbes' ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by state Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, and a group of area gun owners. Forbes had previously issued a temporary restraining order halting the state from enforcing the ban on the plaintiffs.

Forbes, in his ruling, said that the law was "facially unconstitutional," which would apparently strike down the law in its entirety pending appeal.

Unlike temporary restraining orders that have been issued in a handful of state courts, which have only shielded named plaintiffs from the law's enforcement, this ruling appears to apply statewide.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office has disputed this notion, however.

"We expected political grandstanding from those more beholden to the gun lobby than to the safety of their constituents and todays ruling comes as no surprise," said Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough. "It does not apply statewide."

Gough added that "the governor is confident the constitutionality of the Protect Illinois Communities Act will be upheld."

Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office, on behalf of himself and Pritzker, filed an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court late Friday afternoon to "reverse and vacate the circuit courts order."

"We filed our notice of appeal today, and we expect the Court to accept it on Monday," said spokeswoman Jamey Dunn-Thomason. "We will ask the Court for an expedited schedule, and we look forward to defending the Act in the Illinois Supreme Court."

Attorney Jerry Stocks, representing the plaintiffs, said that Forbes' ruling "represents a victory in one battle that is not, necessarily, the end of the war against the subject legislation."

The Legislature passed and Pritzker signed the legislation banning semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines in January, and it took effect immediately. Illinois is the ninth state in the country to enact such a measure.

But a slew of legal challenges, including Caulkins', immediately followed. Cases in federal court argued that the ban violated the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Caulkins' lawsuit, however, alleged that the process by which the law was passed violated requirements from the Illinois Constitution that legislation get three public readings on three separate days in both houses, and that each bill be limited to a single subject. He also argued that the law violates the constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law by exempting certain classes of people, such as corrections officers and retired police.

Forbes ruled in favor of Caulkins and his fellow plaintiffs on the latter subject, but in favor of Pritzker's administration on the former, citing appellate court rulings in both instances.

In a hearing last month, Stocks and Darren Kinkead, an attorney representing Pritzker and the attorney general, acknowledged that Forbes' hands were essentially tied by the higher court's ruling.

However, Kinkead asked that Forbes not extend protections from the order to the entire state  a request that the judge apparently did not grant.

Raoul's office has appealed the initial appellate court ruling to the state Supreme Court as well.

During a hearing early Friday afternoon, Forbes said he wanted to delay issuing a ruling until he had a chance to further review the case and said he would do so quickly, and to expect a ruling in "a couple of days."

But the ruling ultimately came in only two hours.

"I'm sure the (Illinois) attorney general is ready to file an appeal," Caulkins said, speaking after the hearing but before Forbes issued his decision.

Other plaintiffs in the case are Decatur Jewelry & Pawn owner Perry Lewin and those under the banner of "Law-Abiding Gun Owners of Macon County." A list provided to the court included about 2,000 names of people who are members of the association.

Though the three state court lawsuits filed by unsuccessful attorney general candidate Tom DeVore are similar in their arguments, Caulkins' lawsuit took a different approach to the process in forgoing the extensive discovery process in the former cases in favor of an expedited ruling that would get gun owners across the state out from under the law.

Their likelihood for continued success is uncertain, however, once it leaves friendly downstate circuits to the high court, which has a 5-2 Democratic majority.

The state challenges were viewed by many has the fastest way for gun owners to get relief from the law. But in the long run, the real battle is expected to play out in federal court, where Second Amendment arguments will be heard.

READ THE RULING

Staff Writer Valerie Wells and the Associated Press contributed.

Photos: Chicago mayoral candidates in the 2023 election
A Clinton man has been sentenced to more than 14 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that operated in California, Iowa and Illinois.

Jovan Fedrick, 38, was one of three people involved in the conspiracy to move large quantities of high-grade methamphetamine, known as ice, from California to Chicago.

On Nov. 3, 2022, Fedrick pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of a controlled substance.

During a sentencing hearing held Tuesday in U.S. District Court, Davenport, Chief U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose sentenced Fedrick to 178 months, or 14 years and 10 months, in prison on each count. The prison sentences are to run concurrently, or be served at the same time.

Rose ordered Fedrick to serve five years on supervised release after he completes his prison term.

Fedrick will receive credit for the time he has served in custody awaiting trial and sentencing.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint filed by Special Agent Jereme Hatler of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, on Dec. 9, 2020, a court-authorized search warrant was executed on a U.S. Postal Service parcel that was delivered to an address in Chicago.

The parcel was mailed for delivery via cash payment on Dec. 5, 2020, from San Diego, California. The parcel contained six vacuum-sealed bundles of methamphetamine weighing approximately 6.49 pounds, which is the equivalent of 2,943.82 grams of methamphetamine.

Police have said that the normal dose of meth is one-tenth of a gram, meaning the parcel contained 29,438.2 doses of methamphetamine.

On Dec. 23, 2020, a person called the Postal Services customer service line to ask about the delivery status of the parcel that had been seized by authorities.

The phone number belonged to one of the conspirators, Brent White, 52, of Chicago.

On Jan. 9, 2021, a trooper with the Iowa State Patrol stopped a Jeep Wrangler while it was traveling on Interstate 80 in Johnson County. Two people were in the vehicle. The driver was identified as White, while the front-seat passenger was a woman named Michaelene Damian Rojas, 50, of Hemet, California.

A police dog sniffing for drugs alerted on the vehicle and troopers seized 17.2 pounds of methamphetamine from the spare tire of the Jeep. White had rented the Jeep in San Diego.

As part of the investigation, agents had purchased a half-pound of methamphetamine from Fedrick at his Clinton home.

White pleaded guilty in December 2021 for his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced to serve 135 months, or 11 years and three months, in prison. White is serving his prison term in the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pennsylvania, according to U.S. Bureau of Prisons electronic records. He is scheduled to be released from prison on May 29, 2030.

Rojas, who served as a source of supply for the meth, pleaded guilty in January 2022, and also was sentenced to 135 months, or 11 years and three months, in prison. Rojas is serving her sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, according to U.S. Bureau of Prisons electronic records. She is scheduled to be released from prison on Dec. 16, 2030.
A fire at a Moline duplex on Friday displaced a family that is being helped by the American Red Cross, Moline Fire Chief Steve Regenwether said in a news release.

The fire was reported at 7:53 p.m. at 1037 19th Ave.

Firefighters arrived on the scene to find smoke showing from the eaves of the duplex. The fire was extinguished in about 20 minutes.

A search was made of the primary unit and the neighboring unit at 1039 19th Ave.

The unit at 1037 was home to a family, two adults, one child and a dog. They were not home when the fire broke out. Smoke detectors were sounding when firefighters arrived on the scene. The other unit was reported as vacant.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Moline Fire Department Prevention and Investigation Bureau.

There were no injuries.

Assisting at the scene were the Moline Police Department, Rock Island Fire Department, Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department, East Moline Fire Department, MidAmerican Energy and the Moline Second Alarmers.
Justices for the Appellate Court of Illinois for the Third District have affirmed the sentence of Sarah Kolb, one of the people involved in the killing and dismembering of Adrianne Leigh Reynolds in 2005.

The courts ruling was released Wednesday.

In January, Kolbs attorney, Robert Markfield, argued that the sentencing court imposed a sentence in violation of the Eighth Amendment (cruel and unusual punishment).

Markfield also argued that the sentencing court did not take into account the aggravating and mitigating factors through the lens of youth and the specific propensities that come with immaturity. In particular, the sentencing court did not take into account Kolbs rehabilitative potential in the particular light of the propensities of youth.

Markfield said that the propensities of youth included the magnified ability to change and grow, and learn to exercise self-restraint.

Kolbs case was argued before Justices Liam Brennan, William Holdridge and Joseph Hettel.

Brennan delivered the judgement of the court to which Holdridge and Hettel concurred.

Brennan wrote that as long as a trial court exercised discretion in the meting out of its discretionary life sentence, the sentence would not violate the Eighth Amendment.

The trial court did just that when it sentenced petitioner, Brennan wrote. The court articulated its findings, discussed the statutory factors and explained how the relevant factors related to its findings.

Although the mandatory minimum sentence for first-degree murder was 20 years, Brennan wrote, The trial court sentenced petitioner to a de facto life sentence of 48 years.

The court noted petitioner was the aggressor, contemplated killing the victim beforehand and enlisted friends to help dispose of the victims body; it described petitioner as a cold and callous person who would not change, Brennan wrote. The court opined that petitioner was nonchalant when telling peers about her crime, she did not care, she was covering her tracks, and her criminal conduct was likely to recur. It also acknowledged it had considered her youth and rehabilitative potential. That the sentencing court exercised discretion is beyond dispute.

Kolb, now 34, of Milan, was 16 years old when she was accused of murdering Reynolds, 16, in January of 2005. Reynolds body was dismembered and buried in two different locations.

Kolb's first trial ended in a mistrial, but she was convicted of murder and concealment of her homicide in her second trial. Kolb was tried as an adult in both instances.

Kolb was 18 when she was sentenced in August of 2006 by then Rock Island County Circuit Judge James Teros.

Kolb's projected parole date is July 18, 2053, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections website.

Kolbs co-defendant in the case, Cory Gregory, 35, of Moline, who was 18 at the time, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 years for murder and five years for concealment of a homicide. Gregorys projected parole date is July 26, 2047.

A classmate of Kolb and Gregory, Nathan Gaudet, who was 16 at the time, helped them dismember Reynolds body. He pleaded guilty to the charge and spent about four years out of a five-year sentence in juvenile custody. He was released in November 2008 at the age of 20. Gaudet was killed in car crash in April 2012 in Monroe County, Indiana, at the age of 23.
A tentative trial date has been scheduled for a 19-year-old woman accused of bilking more than $37,000 from donors over a fake cancer diagnosis.

Madison Russo, formerly of Bettendorf, is charged with one count of first-degree theft. The charge is a Class C felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 10 years.

Russo had been scheduled to appear in Scott County District Court on Thursday for arraignment on the charge. However, her attorney, Andrea Jaeger, filed a written arraignment and plea of not guilty on Wednesday. Russo also waived her right to a speedy trial.

Scott County District Court Judge Stuart Werling on Wednesday scheduled a tentative trial date of May 15. A pretrial conference is scheduled to be held May 5 during which the trial date may be changed.

According to Russos GoFundMe page, she learned she had pancreatic cancer on Feb. 10, 2022.

While reading through Russos posts on social media and her GoFundMe page, people and medical professionals began questioning her diagnosis and noticing inaccuracies in the photos she posted of herself and contacted authorities.

Cancer ruse hard on parents whose kids truly suffer Some parents of children with cancer say Maddie Russo stole more than money when she pretended to be afflicted too.

Eldridge Police checked medical records from Genesis Medical Center, UnityPoint Health-Trinity and the University of Iowa Stead Family Childrens Hospital, where she is a patient but has never been treated for any cancers or tumors, according to a search warrant filed by Eldridge Police Officer Garrett Jahns.

As of Jan. 19, Russos GoFundMe page had raised $37,303, according to Jahns' search warrant. According to the GoFundMe page, Maddies Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer has raised $37,228 from 438 donations.

Russos GoFundMe page has been taken down. GoFundMe has refunded the money to donors, per the organizations policy.

Russo was arrested Jan. 23. She remains free on bond.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 4)  Negros Oriental Governor Roel Ragay Degamo was gunned down inside his residential compound in Brgy. San Isidro in Pamplona town, Negros Oriental Saturday morning.

The governor's wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, said her husband was pronounced dead at 11:41 a.m. at a hospital in Dumaguete City.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Degamo was in the middle of a meeting with some of his constituents at around 9:50 a.m. when around ten armed men entered his compound and opened fire.

The shooters were clad in military uniforms and bulletproof vests, and carried long firearms, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the police revealed in separate statements.

They drove three getaway vehicles: a black Mitsubishi Montero with plate number YAP 163, a Mitsubishi Pajero with plate number NQZ 735, and a green Isuzu pickup truck with plate number GRY 162. These were later found abandoned in Brgy. Kansumalig in Bayawan City, according to police.

Three of the suspects were immediately arrested following pursuit operations by the Philippine Army and the PNP Special Action Force.

Degamo's bodyguards and some civilians were also wounded in the shooting, while five others "who were there to ask for help" died, Mayor Degamo said.

According to a consolidated report from the Negros Oriental PNP, nine people  including the governor  were killed, while 16 others were hurt.

Bounty for mastermind, other suspects

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has offered a 5-million reward to anyone who can give a lead on the mastermind and other suspects in the assassination.

"Secretary Remulla has put up a reward of FIVE MILLION PESOS to anyone who can give vital information or evidence to charge and prosecute the perpetrators and mastermind/s behind the murder-assassination of Governor Degamo and the five (5) civilians," the DOJ said in a statement.

"Further, Secretary Remulla has already instructed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the incident," it added.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Negros Oriental-based correspondent Roy Bustillo, Cebu-based correspondent Dale Israel, and senior multi-platform news writer Vince Ferreras contributed to this report
SD CEO West Women's Business Center is celebrating National Womens History Month by putting South Dakota womens inspiring, empowering stories in the spotlight.

SD CEO West launched a new podcast March 1 to start Womens History Month. The West Podcast invited women entrepreneurs to share their experiences, beginning with Carissa Hauck, director of SD CEO West. In the first episode, It All Started With A Broken Knee, Hauck tells of her unexpected journey from at-home kombucha maker to entrepreneur to becoming the director of SD CEO West.

A friend who became her business partner urged Hauck to start a kombucha business. Hauck had been brewing her own as a hobby.

I wrote up a business plan and (my business partner) helped me get it started. It worked out very well to use the resources we had from BHSU. I consulted with Michelle Kane when I was getting started. Thats how my relationship with SD CEO started to bloom, Hauck said.

After three years in business making artisanal kombucha, Hauck sold the business and went to work for SD CEO, where she was promoted to director in December 2022.

The West Podcast's first episode also includes special guests Kristen Gullickson of Partridge Financial, Choi Jackson of Belle Joli Winery and Kelsey Ruzicka of Moxie Marketing of the Midwest. The podcast can be heard on Spotify, anchor.fm, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.

Continuing the celebration of womens history and stories, SD CEO West will host a Women in History Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 16 at The Lodge at Deadwood. The luncheon begins with early registration and networking at 11 a.m.

Themed Women Who Tell Our Stories, the luncheon program will feature three guest speakers and will explore the lives of women who chronicled the stories of the Black Hills. These women researched and wrote, and presented widely on their material, sharing the stories of the people and places they were passionate about. They were active in their communities, creating connections and sharing their interests with others. Their work and writings live on in publications and in archives, providing insight into how these women served as keepers of community stories.

Guest speaker Kelly Kirk is the director of the Sanford Homestake Visitor Center and is the former director of the University Honors Program Black Hills State University, where she taught history.

Inspired by her surroundings, Kirk has spent her career as a historian discovering and telling the stories of the people and the places where she has lived. Kirk enjoys finding new ways to share history with others, and to that end, she focuses her research and writing on local history. She also serves as a history instructor, Veterans Legacy Program lead, and is active on several local and regional boards.

If you start studying history, its more dramatic than anything Hollywood can dream of, Kirk said. I got intrigued by the personal lives of everyday people living in everyday moments and how they interacted with each other.

Guest speaker Dew Bad Warrior, CEO of Zuya Sica Consulting, will share classic stories from the Native American communities about the Black Hills area. Guest speaker Sierra Ward, associate pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Lead, will discuss how women can document their own histories and tell their stories.

The luncheon program will show women how documenting their lives can be empowering and can impact their community and future generations.

The early bird ticket price for the Women in History luncheon is $30 through March 7. Regular ticket prices are $40 from March 8 to 13. Registration and payment by midnight March 13 is required. Seating for the luncheon is limited and the event is not accepting walk-ins.

Call Bailey Sadowsky at 605-642-6435 for more information about the luncheon or the meal.

After the luncheon, the Womens History Month observance continues with a Deadwood History Tour, limited to 15 people. The tour will focus on women who dealt with the reality of few career opportunities between 1876 and 1980. The tour is from 2 to 3 p.m. in downtown Deadwood. Tickets are $15. Call Deadwood History at 605-722-4800 to join the 2 p.m. tour and indicate you are with SD CEO West. For more information about the tour, call Bailey at 605-642-6435.
Businessman Josh Lyle has entered the race for Rapid City mayor.

The 37-year-old was born in Iowa but grew up a ward of the state, saying he has "a very unique background with the government." He grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and has lived in Los Angeles, Phoenix and Tucson.

Lyle runs an auto body company that works on catastrophic hail damage  work that brought him to Rapid City in the first place after several hail storms moved across the area leaving a line of damage in their wake.

It was 2020, during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"COVID had the world on its knees and Rapid City seemed to be functioning pretty well at the time," he said. "Then I bought commercial property because the market looked great and [it] just looked like a place I really wanted to ground myself."

Lyle lived in Denver prior to moving to Rapid City, citing major changes in the city as a reason for leaving. He likened Denver to being in Los Angeles.

"I went north and it was beautiful country. If everybody knew about South Dakota, it'd be overinflated," he said.

He's not a politician  something he says sets him apart from other candidates, along with it being a pay cut. Lyle said he's financed his entire campaign  save for one donation from a friend  and has no special interest. He doesn't believe that serving on a City Council means someone is necessarily qualified to be mayor, saying the position is a business that needs a business professional.

Lyle's issues include everything from parking meters to homelessness and public safety. He described living downtown before the parking meters were installed as "sweet," and was disappointed to see it change.

"In six months  and I have paid parking in that structure over by the town square  I got over $2,500 in tickets, tows... even in my paid parking spot, tickets all this stuff in six months it drove me out of downtown," Lyle said.

Another downtown issue was safety, he said, with his girlfriend afraid to go out without him because she was "harassed and scared." From there, Lyle said he "just kind of watched our town decline." He disagrees with those blaming it on COVID, because he was able to come to town with an old truck and tools and build the business he has.

He wants safer streets, something he intends to accomplish with more foot patrols downtown, along with enforcing public intoxication and loitering.

Lyle talked about being approached by two obviously intoxicated people on the street, one of whom charged at him fist flexed like he was trying to start a fight. Once the guy realized he was much shorter than Lyle, he backed off, Lyle said. The interaction left him confused and concerned.

"I could only imagine how many times that happens a week, or to actual females or younger kids, even younger men. I just think our city has really kind of gotten away with this, with allowing this to happen," he said. "If I was mayor, I'd walk the streets myself."

Lyle also hit on small business labor and panhandling as focuses for his campaign.

"I would like to be able to strengthen the city and bring the people together," he said. "I think we're a staple for all cities and different states around the country. I feel like we're in a serious decline with what our current administration has done to our country and overthrown elections."

He believes in finding the "strongest, toughest, most-morally centered individual," something he said he is, and someone who understands how to take care of business.

Steve Allender was elected mayor in 2015 and made the announcement last August that he wouldnt seek re-election.

Rapid City's municipal election will take place June 6.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe issued a statement condemning the failure of Senate Bill 191 on Wednesday, calling it "deplorable" and saying it shows the refusal of the state to work with sovereign nations to protect Indian children and families.

SB191 was sponsored by Sen. Red Dawn Foster (D-Pine Ridge) and would have created a 17-member Indian Child Welfare Task Force to examine the disparity of Indigenous children in the state's foster care system. Nine of the 17 were to be a representative from each of the tribes. The group was tasked with meeting at least eight times and presenting their findings no later than Nov. 15, 2024.

The focus was supposed to be on developing best practices for promoting the welfare of Native American children; establishing a plan to recruit, prepare and support Native American foster and adoptive families; and create a plan to prioritize the placement of Native American children with relatives or members of their tribe.

It passed out of the Senate on Feb. 22 with a 22-12 vote and garnered unanimous support from the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 27. But the bill failed Wednesday in the House by a vote of 26-42.

"What we saw [Wednesday] on the House floor is a state that places value on a system that monetizes Indian children," wrote Oglala Sioux Tribe Vice President Alicia Mousseau in a statement. "We witnessed a legislature willing to invest in prisons rather than addressing the systemic issues that fill them."

The statement went on to say that even when approached collaboratively with "a warm heart and a handshake," tribes in South Dakota are met with resistance. Mousseau urged the other tribal nations to declare a state of emergency and use all measures in their power to protect the health, safety and welfare of Indigenous children.

Two bills introduced by Rep. Peri Pourier (D-Rapid City) this session previously failed; one would have prioritized Native families in placing Indian children in foster care, while the other addressed the threshold needed to remove children by the Department of Social Services.

The full text of OST's response can be viewed here:
Supporters of a proposed measure to change how citizens can petition for ballot measures and amend the North Dakota constitution paint their effort as a compromise.

Opponents say the proposal is an attack on citizens' abilities to propose such measures.

The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee on Friday heard House Concurrent Resolution 3031 by Rep. Steve Vetter, R-Grand Forks. Voters in November 2024 would decide the measure if it passes the House and Senate.

Vetter and measure backer Dustin Gawrylow, of Bismarck, say their proposal is a compromise, allowing electronic signature gathering for measure petitions, but adding restrictions such as more signatures needed for ballot placement and two majority votes to pass.

"The Legislature doesn't want it easy to change the constitution, and ... the people don't want power taken away from them," Vetter told the Tribune.

The measure would require the secretary of state to set up an online signature gathering system, effective in 2026, for voters to sign forms and petitions for initiated and referred measures, recall petitions and candidate nominations. Vetter said such a system would benefit "grassroots people" and those with little money, and would mitigate petition fraud.

Secretary of State Michael Howe testified neutrally on the proposal, but said an electronic signature system "has great appeal for our office, just the ease of doing things ... but can we implement this and implement it with integrity?"

Gawrylow told lawmakers the measure "is my attempt to create an olive branch to say let's come up with a solution that is a compromise." Electronic signatures would "push out 90% of the money on the petition side because there would be no reason to hire petitioners to run around the state collecting signatures," he said.

Vetter's measure also would limit all initiated measures to one subject. He said he would like to further amend that component to clarify the definition of a single subject.

His proposal also would increase the number of signatures petitioners would need to get a measure on the ballot, from 4% to 10% of the state's population at the last federal decennial census for constitutional initiatives, and from 2% to 5% for all other initiatives.

The resolution also would require constitutional initiatives to pass both the primary and general elections with a majority of votes and in a majority of legislative districts, which Vetter said would ensure widespread geographic support. Two elections "give the people and the Legislature plenty of time to dive into this," he said.

Opponents to Vetter's measure, who include the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, say it is an attack on the constitution's powers reserved to the people, and puts forth unnecessary and unjustified changes.

"Citizen-led initiated measures have a long history in North Dakota and play an important role in supporting citizen participation in the governance of the state. HCR 3031 intends to bring an end to that role," League Board Member Carol Sawicki wrote in testimony.

Vetter's measure is similar to one passed last month by the Senate and sent to the House. That measure also would raise signature requirements, require majority vote approvals at the primary and general elections, and limit constitutional initiatives to one subject, among its provisions.

The House panel will take up Vetter's measure again at another time.

North Dakota lawmakers in recent years have grumbled about certain constitutional initiatives voters have approved, including measures for a state Ethics Commission in 2018 and for term limits on the governor and state lawmakers last year.

Nearly 62% of voters in 2020 rejected a measure proposed by lawmakers that would have given the Legislature a say in passing constitutional initiatives.
03-30-1945 (cutline): On tour of Richmond and Red Cross activities for the Philippine Islands, Mrs. William Rustia and Miss Aurea Labador see the sights. Their escort is Mrs. Clem Belmeur, of the Red Cross Motor Corps.

05-28-1947 (cutline): Clothing collected for overseas relief--Members of the Red Cross Motor Corps, pick up materials contributed by local merchants from unclained and unsalable goods for the drive for overseas relief. Mrs. W. Earl Miller, chairman of the spcial sources committee, has announced that more than 300 merchants have responded to the appeal. Fifty-trucks and drivers have been donated for the city-wide, house-to-house pickup of clothing, bedding and shoes slated for Saturday.

09-06-1942 (cutline): It's an army truck, and behind the windshield, delivering supplies for the Richmond Air Base Hospital, are Mrs. Anne Pinckney and Mrs. John DeWolf, Jr.

08-31-1943 (cutline): Motor Corps Farmettes--Without the assistance of (left to right) Mrs. Ernest Trice, Miss Bee Fitzgerald, Miss Mabel Forbes, Miss Jean Fensom and Miss Emma Fensom, George A. Herman, of Creighton Rd., would have been unable to get his onions planted. These girls, members of the Red Cross Motor Corps, also recently helped in picking tomatoes and other vegetables and cutting weeds.

03-17-1953 (cutline): On guard--Members of the local Red Cross Motor Corps with the assistance of members of the city police force have the responsibility of depositing campaign funds turned in at the Richmond-Henrico-Chesterfied Red Cross report luncheons. Above, C.S. McKenney turns over some of the money collected at yesterday's luncheon to Mrs. Patrick Walsh, of the Motor Corps.

07-05-1942 (cutline): Mrs. Herbert L. Smith, Mrs. T. Kent Norment, sergeant, and Mrs. Henry Sycle, lieutenant, carrying stretchers from the East End Casualty Center at Leigh Street Baptist Church. Because of the establishment of these centers, the Red Cross Motor Corps needs many more volunteers.

01-23-1942 (cutline): The Red Cross Motor Corps and Canteen held a regional conference at the Jefferson Hotel yesterday , with representatives from 20 Red Cross units. Speakers were Mrs. F. Trubee Davison, national director of the Motor Corps, and Mrs. Graham Dougherty, national director of canteen. Talking over plans before the conference (left to right) Mrs. Dougherty, Mrs. John G. Hayes, chairman of the Woman's Red Cross War Council, who introduced the speakers, and Mrs. Davison.

03-19-1942 (cutline): Motor Corps Holds Test Drill--The Henrico Red Cross Motor Corps holds its first test drill or workout in uniform to show what the women can do after completing Red Cross courses in first-aid and advanced first-aid. They have also completed training in motor mechanics and have had military drill under Colonel Sheppard Crump and blackout test driving under Chief Hendrick. In the picture: Mr. K.L. Jones, instructor in motor mechanics, is giving some las minute advice. Left to right: Miss Ann Vaughan, Mrs. Crump, Mrs. W.B. Cherry and Captain Mary Simmons.

09-04-1952 (cutline): Taxi service at work--Miss Ellen Armentrout (left), chairman of the Richmond Red Cross motor service, helps Mrs. Frances Tucker out of a car at the Medical College of Virginia. Driving patients to and from the hospital's clinic and bloodmobile constitutes the greater part of the work done by the motor service volunteers.

12-21-1945 (cutline) Santa's helpers--Making sure that Christmas gifts arrive on time at McGuire Hospital are (left to right), Misses Mary Jackson Shepherd, Martha Lafferty, Ann Rose, Sudie Mann and Archer Christian, members of the Red Cross Motor Corps.

From the Archives: The Women of the Richmond Red Cross Motor Corps

The Motor Corps branch of the American Red Cross was established in 1918 with the mission to transport sick and wounded soldiers to hospitals and deliver supplies to posts during World War I. According to the American Red Cross, by the end of WWI, women of the Motor Corps had driven more than 35,000 miles. During WWII, the Motor Corps helped thousands of civilians evacuate from dangerous, war-torn areas. From 1946 to 1947, the dedicated 45,000 volunteers of the Motor Corps drove over eight million miles all over the globe.

Here is a look back at the Motor Corps in Richmond.
The recently confirmed University of Virginia Board of Visitors member who disparaged administrators and student groups in a series of text messages published by The Washington Post has apologized.

Bert Ellis addressed himself as the elephant in the room at the boards Friday meeting, its last of the academic year and Ellis first as a confirmed board member.

To all my colleagues, I offer my apology, Ellis said. Those were private and confidential messages but were still out of place. I am emotional and I have the occasion to do things that I would never expect to be on the front page of the Washington Post.

When asked if he would apologize to the students and student groups he had targeted, Ellis said only, No, that was fine.

In text messages dated July 22 that he sent to fellow new members Stephen P. Long and Amanda Pillion, Ellis referred to members of the UVa Student Council and staffers at the Cavalier Daily student newspaper as numnuts and promised a battle royale for the soul of UVa.

Richmond-based author Jeff Thomas requested the texts via the Freedom of Information Act last August but did not receive them until he sued the university after it withheld the texts for months. Earlier this month, a Richmond judge ordered the university to turn over the messages, according to The Washington Post, which published their contents on Feb. 23.

Ellis and other board members were aware that their private correspondences regarding the university could be requested and published.

At the current boards first meeting in August of last year, which Ellis was present for though not yet confirmed, the board was provided an overview on the status of UVa academics, sports, finances and health system  in addition to a presentation on board member responsibilities. As part of that presentation, they were told the Freedom of Information Act requires board members turn over electronic mentions of UVa, the Board of Visitors and any subsidiary of the university if anyone from the public requests them.

I have learned my lesson about FOIA, Ellis told the board on Friday. I cant put the genie back in the bottle, so all I can say is Im sorry.

Both Long and Pillion, who were in attendance Friday, declined an interview request from The Daily Progress.

Ellis is one of four new members to the board appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The majority of the board, whose member serve staggered terms, was appointed by prior Democratic administrations.

Among them is Whittington W. Clement, who was appointed to the board by then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe in 2015 and serves as its rector. Clement was also targeted in Ellis texts.

In texts sent on July 20, also published by the Post, Ellis attacked a letter Clement had written to former board members.

Have you read Whitts letter to the Visitors Emeritus? Ellis wrote to Pillion and Long. What a damn whitewash. Not even a mention of the decline of the honor system  under his watch, I might add. No mention of the crap from the university guides. Its all good, Dorey, thats how he and the rest of the gits in Ryans office see things. We have to change that.

At the start of Fridays meeting, Clement said that he had read the Posts story on Ellis texts and doubted the Jeffersonian values of the man who wrote them.

The rhetoric of those messages, particularly ones that disparage students, faculty and staff, really run contrary to the values that Thomas Jefferson sought to instill in this community and which we as members of the universitys governing board, in turn, try to impart on our students, Clement said.

Ellis, who earned his bachelors and masters degree from UVa, is also president and co-founder of the Jefferson Council, a conservative alumni organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the Lawn, the Honor Code, and the intellectual diversity one would expect from Mr. Jeffersons university, according to the organizations website.

He is also a wealthy businessman: the head of Ellis Capital in Atlanta, a founding investor and board member of the WebMD platform, the owner of Los Angeles television station KDOC-TV and the part-owner of the White Spot burger restaurant on the Corner in Charlottesville.

Ellis appointment has faced pushback from students, faculty and staff at UVa.

Since last July, the Cavalier Daily, Student Council, Faculty Senate, United Campus Workers of Virginia union and University Democrats at UVa have all stood in opposition to Ellis joining the board, all citing the same 2020 razor blade incident.

Ellis sparked a public outcry in 2020 after traveling to university Grounds with a razor blade in hand. According to his own account, he intended to use the blade to remove a sign with an expletive that had been posted on the Lawn room door of a student.

That incident also compelled state Sen. Creigh Deeds, a Democrat who represents UVa in the upper chamber of the General Assembly, to introduce a resolution that would have removed Ellis name from the list of Youngkins nominations to the Board of Visitors. The amendment would have required the General Assembly to vote on Ellis appointment separate from the other appointments, but it failed to gain enough support to pass.

Ellis has defended his actions in 2020 as free speech, while arguing that the notion the sign was protected as free speech is incredibly stupid.

At Fridays meeting, Ellis nodded along as UVa President Jim Ryan read from the Virginia Council of Presidents Statement on Free Speech, which promotes diversity of research and intellectual perspectives while serving as a pledge to promote inclusivity, academic freedom, free expression and an environment that promotes civil discourse.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

The UVa Board of Visitors is the ruling body of the university. The board makes decisions about tuition, property changes, academics and the health system and holds the authority to hire and fire the president of the university.

The board consists of 17 governor-appointed voting members who serve four-year terms, as well as nonvoting student and faculty representatives who serve one-year terms. Appointed board members are allowed to serve two consecutive terms if reappointed by the sitting governor.

Ellis, who began his term on June 30 of last year, will serve until the same date in 2026.
RESTON  When Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, was poised to become the first woman to chair the Senate Finance Committee, she received a luncheon invitation from the man who had already broken ground by appointing her to the panel  former Chairman John Chichester, a Republican from Fredericksburg.

He kind of had in his mind that it was time for a woman to serve on the Finance Committee, Howell said in an interview in her home here.

She was not first in line. Ahead of her was Sen. Dick Saslaw, a fellow Democrat from Fairfax County who is now Senate majority leader. Saslaw offered to step aside for the appointment in 1997 because he, too, thought it was time for the Finance Committee to include a woman as a member.

Chichester, now 85 and out of office for 15 years, acknowledged that Howell was a liberal Democrat while he was a conservative Republican, but he explained, Theres something to be said for surrounding yourself with people of all persuasions.

Now, Howell and Saslaw are both about to leave the General Assembly as part of an exodus of legislative experience the likes of which no one in Virginia politics can recall in the modern era, dating back half a century.

So far, six of the 40 senators are not running for reelection, not including Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, who won a special election for a congressional seat and will be sworn in on Tuesday. Three redrawn Senate districts still feature two incumbents each, which means at least three more senators will leave the chamber.

In the House, 14 of the 100 delegates have announced they are not seeking reelection. An additional 13 are running for state Senate seats. Five other House districts feature paired incumbents.

This means the Senate is assured of at least a 25% turnover, and the House is set to upend nearly a third of its membership, before the first votes are cast in summer primaries and fall elections.

Finance and Appropriations

The impending departures may have their most profound effect on what is now known as the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, where senior members of both parties play a central role in shaping the budget that sets the states priorities. Co-Chair George Barker, D-Fairfax, is not retiring, but faces a Democratic primary challenge from Stella Pekarsky, a member of the Fairfax County School Board, in a much different district than the one he currently represents in Northern Virginia.

Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, another Democratic budget negotiator who has served in the chamber since 1992, is now paired in a district with Sen. Lionell Spruill Sr., D-Chesapeake. One of the senators will oust the other in a nomination fight.

I cant recall this many senior people bowing out, said Saslaw, who was first elected to the House in 1976 and the Senate in 1980.

It is not just senior Democrats who are leaving  Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment, R-James City, a senator since 1992, also is stepping down.

Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, a senator since 1996, chose not to take on Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham, with whom he was paired in a redrawn 2nd District in the Shenandoah Valley. If Hanger chooses to run in the 3rd District, stretching from Augusta County to Roanoke County, he faces a nomination fight with Del. Chris Head, R-Botetourt.

Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, a senator since 1996, is paired in a district with Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, and still has not decided whether to run for reelection.

Of the committees 16 members, at least six are leaving, and four more could lose their seats. Sen. Jill Vogel, R-Fauquier, is not seeking reelection. Neither will Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke.

Like Lucas, Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, faces a tough primary battle. Deeds faces Del. Sally Hudson, D-Charlottesville, in a new Senate district based in Albemarle County and Charlottesville.

If Lucas, Hanger and Newman join Howell, Saslaw, Norment and Edwards in leaving the chamber, the Senate will lose its top seven members in seniority.

And the Senate is not alone. Del. Ken Plum, D-Fairfax, the senior member of the House with 44 years of service, is leaving at the end of his term. So is Del. Rob Bell, R-Albemarle, a 22-year House veteran and chair of the House Courts of Justice Committee.

A trio of influential Republican women will not be back  Del. Kathy Byron, R-Bedford, a member of the House since 1998 and chair of House Commerce and Energy; Del. Roxann Robinson, R-Chesterfield, a 13-year House veteran and chair of House Finance; and Del. Margaret Ransone, R-Westmoreland, a delegate since 2012 and chair of House Privileges and Elections.

You dont get any tougher than them, said House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, who may be spared a primary fight with Del. Glenn Davis, a fellow Virginia Beach Republican and the chairman of the House Education Committee, who is widely expected to take a job in Gov. Glenn Youngkins administration.

All told, Chris Saxman, a former Republican delegate from Staunton, is predicting a potential loss of nearly 500 years of legislative experience.

Its a huge wave of institutional knowledge thats leaving the building, said Eva Teig Hardy, a longtime lobbyist and former Cabinet secretary who first came to the assembly as a legislative aide to Lt. Gov. Dick Davis in 1982.

Redistricting earthquake

This sea change in leadership is not just about time and age. It is also about a political redistricting process in 2021 that caused an earthquake in Virginia politics. Instead of controlling redistricting as the political party in power, divided Democrats agreed to give the responsibility to a bipartisan redistricting commission, which failed and left it to the Virginia Supreme Court to revise legislative districts.

The court approved the final legislative maps at the end of 2021 that, for the first time, paid no regard to where incumbents lived. The new maps paired dozens of lawmakers in districts with other incumbents, prompting many to move or retire. Some lawmakers face formidable challenges in primaries this spring or in the general election in November.

The foremost cost of the new redistricting is experience and institutional memory, both of which matter enormously for a legislature, said Larry Sabato, president of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.

Sabato, who has closely followed state politics and governance for more than 50 years, called the leadership upheaval a serious blow to informed government in Virginia.

It also may be a gift to Youngkin, a political outsider who is holding his first elected office and who has been dealing with legislators with decades of experience.

This is going to weaken the legislature versus the governor, Sabato predicted.

Youngkin, asked this week about the impending shift in assembly leadership, said he is not concerned about the effect on governance, even though the new assembly that meets in January will act on the two-year budget he will propose in December.

One of the great realities of Virginia is that, with a citizen legislature, we draw on extraordinary talent, the governor said. And Im looking forward to seeing some of the new faces next year in our General Assembly.

Howell, 78, does not look back on her 32-year legislative career with many regrets, but one of them was her vote on the 2021 redistricting.

If I look at the votes I wish I had done differently, that was one of them, she said. I just didnt see the long-term implications.

I think we need people with some experience, Howell added. Ive never bought the idea that incumbency doesnt mean anything.

Deepening divisions

The loss of experience is not the only thing that members of both parties fear about the impending shift in leadership. They also worry that deepening political divisions will block bipartisan cooperation and, more fundamentally, human understanding of legislators with different backgrounds and viewpoints.

Its important that even if we disagree strongly on policy, were not disagreeable, said Newman, in his 28th year in the Senate.

That is especially true on the assembly money committees  Senate Finance and House Appropriations  which ultimately must resolve wide policy differences in a budget that must be balanced in a process that depends on cross-party collaboration and hours spent with one another in close quarters.

Janet Howell has been a very collaborative leader, said Newman, a conservative Republican who counts her and her fellow Democrats, such as Saslaw and Lucas, as close friends.

Howell has a similar relationship with Knight, her Republican counterpart in the House, whom she got to know on a fact-finding trip to Southwest Virginia with her husband, Hunt.

We just hit it off, said Knight, who recalls sitting with the Howells on the train trip through the New River Valley and descending together into a coal mine wearing Tyvek suits.

The General Assembly is going to be worse for her leaving, he said. She is a tough negotiator, but she is friendly about it.

Howell cites the advice that Chichester gave her at lunch after her last election, when it was clear she would lead the Finance Committee.

He was really stressing the importance of listening to everybody and the importance of what they need for their districts, she said. Ive tried to be the chairman he was because I really respect him.

For state legislators, serving on the Senate Finance or House Appropriations committees requires a broader view and set of skills, Chichester said. I didnt know anything about the General Assembly until I got put on Finance. ... In the Senate, thats where it all happens.

Serving as a money committee chair requires another kind of education.

Chichester said former Senate Majority Leader and Finance Chairman Hunter Andrews, D-Hampton, started grooming me surreptitiously to help lead the committee after Democrats suffered big losses in the Senate elections in 1991, which were Howells first. Andrews, a Democratic titan who would lose his seat four years later, put the Republican on multiple subcommittees so [he] would know something about everything for finance.

Howell, who quietly installed Barker as her co-chair last August, recalls her own education as finance chief in 2020. I found it was a much bigger job than I had imagined, she said, and I thought I knew.

She worries about the polarized political climate, which she said is not helped by Virginias practice of electing one-term governors the year after a presidential election. Virginia and New Jersey are the only states that elect a governor the year after a presidential contest. That often leads to national attention and talk of a Virginia governor  like Youngkin  as a potential candidate for national office.

But more fundamentally, Howell and Saslaw say increasing political division has made it harder for legislators from different backgrounds and viewpoints to get to know one another, or even have dinner together.

This country is being driven farther and farther apart because people dont want to associate with anyone who isnt like them, Saslaw said.

Howell said she is less worried than others about the institutional change that the assembly faces next year.

After all, she calls herself the miracle senator because she never expected to win her first election  in fact, her husband was planning for them to move to Peru after she lost.

Change is inevitable, Howell said.

Richmond spring festivals: Arts in the Park, Dominion Riverrock & Richmond Greek Festival Swine & Brine Something in the Water Blues & Brews in the Bottom Arts in the Park Que Pasa? Festival Dominion Energy Riverrock Lebanese Food Festival Richmond Greek Festival
Virginias main welfare program for families with children is facing a financial squeeze that is forcing a choice on the General Assembly  to cut some programs, or dramatically increase the sums the state kicks in to supplement a federal grant.

For years, Virginia has funded a series of programs to augment core services Washington requires with leftover federal funds it is required to pay for core Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. That is the 25-year-old welfare-to-work reform that replaced traditional federal welfare programs. It now pays $489 a month for a family made up of a single parent and one child.

Through 2020, Virginias particularly strict eligibility standards meant the percentage of families receiving benefits fell from 73 out of 100 who lived below the poverty line just before the reform, to just 18.1 after it.

The General Assembly in 2020 directed the Department of Social Services to ease the eligibility standards by 10% a year. Yet the current number of families receiving the benefits  20,113  represents just under 19 out of 100 Virginia families with children living below the poverty line.

The current $158 million federal grant for the program that Virginia receives has not been enough to fund both the core services that Washington requires and the optional services the General Assembly has approved over the years. They range from community-run jobs programs, to domestic violence services, to help with transit fees.

Virginia has made up the gap by using funds from the federal grant that it did not spend on the required core services  income benefits, employment and training services and child care  for those optional services.

The state has had a surplus from its core services programs because of its strict eligibility standards and because its monthly cash payments are so low.

Using the surplus, meanwhile, helps hold down the drain on state taxpayers dollars.

But that surplus of unspent funds for core services, accumulated over the years, has been shrinking, from $124.9 million the year before the General Assembly ordered a phased-in increase of the eligibility cutoff, to a projected $46.3 million on June 30, to just $4.2 million as of June 30, 2024.

In order to ensure structural balance, the General Assembly should focus on reductions in the Expanded Programming Category or continuing to support those programs with state general funds, a state working group, which has been looking at changes to how Virginia uses the federal grant and at the financial trends of the program in Virginia, told Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the chairs of the General Assembly money committees during the session.

The budget-writers jargon term structural balance means a program that does not require changes in the current rate of taxpayer support in order to maintain levels of service.

Emily Griffey, chief policy officer at Voices for Virginias Children, says she was surprised there were not more recommendations in this years General Assembly to expand the programs reach. She said the working group seemed more focused on the financial issues.

I think the tough work for the workgroup is still missing ... making the recommendations that put us on a path forward, she said.

Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, a member of the team of House of Delegates negotiators charged with finding a compromise with the Senate over the $1 billion difference between House and Senate versions of the budget, says the conferees are aware of the issue.

He said that, while no decisions have been made, adjustments to the optional TANF programs are on the table.

Sickles said it is also possible that the budget negotiators will increase the states share of the cost. But whatever decision that comes will arrive near the end of discussions over the whole, large portion of the state budget that covers health, behavioral health and social services, once conferees have agreement on the size of the budget  that is, whether to agree to all, some or none of Youngkins $1 billion of tax cuts.

The Senate has proposed spending an additional $1.2 million of state funds and directing an additional $9.8 million from the federal grant. That would cover the additional families that might be covered if Virginia raised the eligibility cutoff by 10 percentage points from the current 32% of the federal poverty level. For a family consisting of a single parent and one child, the poverty level income would be $1,526 a month; 32% is the $489 of cash assistance the family of two receives.

It hasnt been an incredibly effective tool for economic security because it reaches few families, said Griffey, at Voices for Virginias Children.

Both the House and Senate call for increases for specific groups that provide the optional services.

Currently, Virginia spends just under $57 million on the core services required by the federal grant, but Washington leaves it up to the states to determine eligibility and the amount of monthly cash assistance payments. That is less than administrative costs for Virginias TANF program, which total $59.6 million.

The biggest part of core services spending is cash assistance to families, accounting for $41.8 million, with employment and training accounting for an additional $11.5 million. Child care services and a reserve fund account for the rest.

Sadly for families receiving cash assistance through TANF ... they will need more support than cash assistance can offer to reach independence, Griffey said.

Cash assistance is the single most important tool to help families become self-sustaining, but we need more wraparound services, too, said state Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, whose experience with federal welfare for families predates the TANF reform.

Expanding limited child care funding, for instance, to cover longer periods while a parent starts work or follows a job training program is vital. So is help with transportation, she said.

Virginia spends $102.3 million on the optional programs, mainly run by nonprofits and local governments.

The largest piece of this was the more than $9.2 million to 28 local agencies for services ranging from helping 1,235 adults find work, to paying rent for 3,871, to providing temporary shelter for 1,913 people who lost their homes, to supplying prepared meals for 12,954 people.

An additional $9 million went to community employment and training programs, including Richmonds Office of Community Wealth Building, which over the past several years provided job skills training to 2,409 people and helped 1,275 find work, at a cost of $145 per participant.

Charlottesvilles program helped 39 of 91 participants find work. Lynchburgs program provided support services to 161, 41 of whom found jobs, while Danville Community Colleges programs has served 260 people over the years, with 166 finding work.

Other TANF funding for optional programs includes $3.8 million for domestic violence services that have helped 4,500 adults, including 1,286 who went to shelters to escape abuse, and 1,927 children, and $3 million to food banks for after-school and summer meals for children.

Theres been a tendency to say its your fault if youre poor, Favola said. But people dont want to be on welfare; who wants to have to worry every day about making ends meet?

Close In May 1953, students at the York County Training School for Negroes had to attend class in school buses after a fire that week destroyed the schools 11-room main building near Yorktown. Five classes were held on buses and three in small buildings that were saved from the flames. In November 1982, a crowd filled Regency Square mall for the first day of Sunday store openings in Henrico County. Before the Sunday closing law, or so-called blue law, was formally repealed by the Board of Supervisors, Henrico residents  who in a referendum that month voted in favor of repeal  had to travel to surrounding localities to shop on a Sunday. In March 1959, visitors at the Richmond Boat Show inspected a new cruiser, a sort of floating camper, during the five-day event at the State Fairgrounds in Henrico County. It was considered to be the first strictly marine show to be held in Richmond. In August 1971, members of Camp Willow Run gathered outside their dormitories, which were former train boxcars. The railroad-themed camp, on a Lake Gaston peninsula in Littleton, N.C., is still run by Youth Camps for Christ Inc. The dining hall, modeled after an 1890 train depot and built from plans furnished by the Southern Railway Co., was the focal point of activities. In July 1963, John Adam, director of talking books for the Royal National Institute for the Blind in London, visited Richmond and showed Virginia Library for the Blind employee Mrs. Richard V. Carter a new cassette system for recording and reproducing audio tapes of books. Using a federal grant and tapping into British expertise, the Virginia library was testing the system, whose cassettes offered more capacity and lasted longer than old discs used by blind patrons. This September 1953 image shows the canal locks in downtown Richmond between 14th and Pear streets. After their installation and later refurbishment in the mid-19th century, the locks increased boat traffic and allowed for easier transport of goods to and from the city. In September 1935, a small group of men, part of a larger army of workers and 70 trucks, reinforced dikes with sandbags to protect the 5-mile area controlled by Richmonds Shockoe Creek Pumping Station from flooding caused by a severe storm. In July 1977, Christine Bunce, a student at Manchester High School in Chesterfield County, worked in the Chippenham Hospital gift shop in Richmond as a volunteer. The nickname candy striper came from the red-and-white striped aprons worn traditionally by volunteers. In April 1976, men tended to the roasting planks at the 28th annualshad planking in Wakefield, an event in Sussex County that lured politicians, reporters, campaign workers and others to kick off the electoral season. Sponsored by the Wakefield Ruritan Club, the event historically was a function of the states Democrats, but it evolved into a bipartisan tradition. In October 1941, babies slept in the nursery at Brookfield, located on West Broad Street in Henrico County. The home for unwed mothers was the successor to Spring Street Home in Richmonds Oregon Hill area, which was established in 1874 by the Magdalen Association to help single women and their children. In April 1979, the St. Marys Hospital Orchestra rehearsed in the hospital auditorium in Henrico County. The orchestra, which formed in 1966 and initially consisted of staff doctors and hospital employees, performed several public concerts a year at the hospital. In May 1950, motorcyclists raced in the 10-Mile National Motorcycle Championship at the Atlantic Rural Exposition grounds in Henrico County. The winner was Little Joe Weatherly of Norfolk, who later turned to stock car racing and won NASCAR titles in the 1960s before being killed in a race accident in Riverside, Calif., in 1964. In July 1954, Kitty Liles performed with her band. Liles had played the drums for years, starting when she was a student at Varina High School in the 1940s. In 1954, Liles was using money from her gigs around Richmond to pay for her pursuit of a social work degree at Richmond Professional Institute. In September 1948, Richmond actress, singer and national radio show host Patsy Garrett greeted a friend downtown during her visit here. Garrett was known for her time on Fred Warings Pleasure Time radio show in the 1940s and for her recurring film and television roles in Nanny and the Professor, Room 222 and the Benji movie series. In September 1985, NASCAR Cup driver Kyle Petty inspected his wrecked Ford Thunderbird after a practice session at the half-mile Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway during the Wrangler 400. Pettys car hit Dale Earnhardts, with Petty getting the worst of it. In March 1969, balmy weather drew a large crowd to Monroe Park in downtown Richmond. A small band joined the gathering, serenading visitors as spring arrived. In April 1968, David Long manned the bar at an exhibit at a Virginia Restaurant Association convention, and Barbara Ann Brigel took a spot along the brass rail. That year, the General Assembly allowed liquor by the drink to become a local option in Virginia. In June 1941, Patrick Henrys Give me liberty or give me death speech was re-enacted at St. Johns Episcopal Church on Church Hill in Richmond as part of its bicentennial celebration. Construction of the church, built on land donated by city founder William Byrd II, was completed in June 1741. In July 1979, two boys walked along the rocks in the James River near the Lee Bridge in Richmond. In May 1942, actress-singers Dorothy Lamour (center), Patsy Garrett (at left) and actor Bert Lytell (at right) visited Richmond as part of a rally to stimulate sales of war bonds and stamps. They stood under a Welcome to Richmond sign and were flanked by Malcolm Bridges (left), the executive secretary of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and Ship Ahoy Girls Jetsy Parker and Dorothy Schoemer. The rally drew more than 5,000 people. This 1966 image of a quiet night on Franklin Street in downtown Richmond was captured by Times-Dispatch photographer David Harvey, who became renowned for his National Geographic magazine work and has received national awards. His photographs have been exhibited nationwide, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts locally. In June 1977, John Stevens and his long-eared assistant performed a magic trick. Known as Nabis the Magician, Stevens was among the Richmonders in the International Brotherhood of Magicians. The local chapter had 25 members who met regularly to discuss their craft. In January 1970, Virginia Gov. Mills E. Godwin Jr. received his final salute from state police as he and his wife, Katherine, left the Executive Mansion in Richmond en route to the inauguration of A. Linwood Holton Jr. Godwin, then a Democrat, returned as governor four years later as a Republican. In July 1961, two men fished for bluegills in Chickahominy Lake, a large water-supply reservoir along the New Kent-Charles City county line. In June 1968, Toru Yanagida (left) and Ken Seguchi posed at Hillcrest Dairy in Crewe, in Nottoway County. They were learning American farming techniques from the dairy farms owners, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Johnson, who were their sponsors. Seguchi was a dairy farmer from Gifu, Japan, and Yanagida was a student in a college horticulture program in Hokkaido. In May 1973, local Scouts assembled their tents amid exhibits at the daylong Scout-O-Rama at the State Fairgrounds in Henrico County. In addition to traditional skills of woodcraft, wilderness survival, camping and cooking, the event highlighted Scoutings growing attention to archaeology, seamanship, aviation, metal detection, TV and space technology, among other topics. More than 2,000 Cub and Boy Scouts attended the event that year. In June 1977, a crowd lined up for drinks and barbecue chicken at the Virginia Chicken Festival in Crewe, a town in Nottoway County southwest of Richmond. Held on the pavilion grounds of the Southside Electric Cooperative, the annual affair was sponsored by the Burkeville Ruritan Club and the Crewe Kiwanis Club. It attracted state and local politicians  including gubernatorial nominees John Dalton and Henry Howell  among the more than 3,500 attendees that year. In February 1973, prisoners at the Virginia State Penitentiary made and stacked license plates. The pen was along Spring Street at Second Street in downtown Richmond. A print shop, metal shop, textile plant, leather shop and woodworking area offered vocational training to prisoners. Today the site is largely occupied by Afton Chemical Corp., a unit of NewMarket Corp. In November 1951, workers constructed a new lane on Monument Avenue in Henrico County. The truck was occupying what used to be the front yard of a house in the 6500 block. The road was being widened for divided lane traffic in the block between Bevridge Road and Roxbury Road. 29 photos from the Times-Dispatch archives In May 1953, students at the York County Training School for Negroes had to attend class in school buses after a fire that week destroyed the schools 11-room main building near Yorktown. Five classes were held on buses and three in small buildings that were saved from the flames. In November 1982, a crowd filled Regency Square mall for the first day of Sunday store openings in Henrico County. Before the Sunday closing law, or so-called blue law, was formally repealed by the Board of Supervisors, Henrico residents  who in a referendum that month voted in favor of repeal  had to travel to surrounding localities to shop on a Sunday. In March 1959, visitors at the Richmond Boat Show inspected a new cruiser, a sort of floating camper, during the five-day event at the State Fairgrounds in Henrico County. It was considered to be the first strictly marine show to be held in Richmond. In August 1971, members of Camp Willow Run gathered outside their dormitories, which were former train boxcars. The railroad-themed camp, on a Lake Gaston peninsula in Littleton, N.C., is still run by Youth Camps for Christ Inc. The dining hall, modeled after an 1890 train depot and built from plans furnished by the Southern Railway Co., was the focal point of activities. In July 1963, John Adam, director of talking books for the Royal National Institute for the Blind in London, visited Richmond and showed Virginia Library for the Blind employee Mrs. Richard V. Carter a new cassette system for recording and reproducing audio tapes of books. Using a federal grant and tapping into British expertise, the Virginia library was testing the system, whose cassettes offered more capacity and lasted longer than old discs used by blind patrons. This September 1953 image shows the canal locks in downtown Richmond between 14th and Pear streets. After their installation and later refurbishment in the mid-19th century, the locks increased boat traffic and allowed for easier transport of goods to and from the city. In September 1935, a small group of men, part of a larger army of workers and 70 trucks, reinforced dikes with sandbags to protect the 5-mile area controlled by Richmonds Shockoe Creek Pumping Station from flooding caused by a severe storm. In July 1977, Christine Bunce, a student at Manchester High School in Chesterfield County, worked in the Chippenham Hospital gift shop in Richmond as a volunteer. The nickname candy striper came from the red-and-white striped aprons worn traditionally by volunteers. In April 1976, men tended to the roasting planks at the 28th annualshad planking in Wakefield, an event in Sussex County that lured politicians, reporters, campaign workers and others to kick off the electoral season. Sponsored by the Wakefield Ruritan Club, the event historically was a function of the states Democrats, but it evolved into a bipartisan tradition. In October 1941, babies slept in the nursery at Brookfield, located on West Broad Street in Henrico County. The home for unwed mothers was the successor to Spring Street Home in Richmonds Oregon Hill area, which was established in 1874 by the Magdalen Association to help single women and their children. In April 1979, the St. Marys Hospital Orchestra rehearsed in the hospital auditorium in Henrico County. The orchestra, which formed in 1966 and initially consisted of staff doctors and hospital employees, performed several public concerts a year at the hospital. In May 1950, motorcyclists raced in the 10-Mile National Motorcycle Championship at the Atlantic Rural Exposition grounds in Henrico County. The winner was Little Joe Weatherly of Norfolk, who later turned to stock car racing and won NASCAR titles in the 1960s before being killed in a race accident in Riverside, Calif., in 1964. In July 1954, Kitty Liles performed with her band. Liles had played the drums for years, starting when she was a student at Varina High School in the 1940s. In 1954, Liles was using money from her gigs around Richmond to pay for her pursuit of a social work degree at Richmond Professional Institute. In September 1948, Richmond actress, singer and national radio show host Patsy Garrett greeted a friend downtown during her visit here. Garrett was known for her time on Fred Warings Pleasure Time radio show in the 1940s and for her recurring film and television roles in Nanny and the Professor, Room 222 and the Benji movie series. In September 1985, NASCAR Cup driver Kyle Petty inspected his wrecked Ford Thunderbird after a practice session at the half-mile Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway during the Wrangler 400. Pettys car hit Dale Earnhardts, with Petty getting the worst of it. In March 1969, balmy weather drew a large crowd to Monroe Park in downtown Richmond. A small band joined the gathering, serenading visitors as spring arrived. In April 1968, David Long manned the bar at an exhibit at a Virginia Restaurant Association convention, and Barbara Ann Brigel took a spot along the brass rail. That year, the General Assembly allowed liquor by the drink to become a local option in Virginia. In June 1941, Patrick Henrys Give me liberty or give me death speech was re-enacted at St. Johns Episcopal Church on Church Hill in Richmond as part of its bicentennial celebration. Construction of the church, built on land donated by city founder William Byrd II, was completed in June 1741. In July 1979, two boys walked along the rocks in the James River near the Lee Bridge in Richmond. In May 1942, actress-singers Dorothy Lamour (center), Patsy Garrett (at left) and actor Bert Lytell (at right) visited Richmond as part of a rally to stimulate sales of war bonds and stamps. They stood under a Welcome to Richmond sign and were flanked by Malcolm Bridges (left), the executive secretary of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and Ship Ahoy Girls Jetsy Parker and Dorothy Schoemer. The rally drew more than 5,000 people. This 1966 image of a quiet night on Franklin Street in downtown Richmond was captured by Times-Dispatch photographer David Harvey, who became renowned for his National Geographic magazine work and has received national awards. His photographs have been exhibited nationwide, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts locally. In June 1977, John Stevens and his long-eared assistant performed a magic trick. Known as Nabis the Magician, Stevens was among the Richmonders in the International Brotherhood of Magicians. The local chapter had 25 members who met regularly to discuss their craft. In January 1970, Virginia Gov. Mills E. Godwin Jr. received his final salute from state police as he and his wife, Katherine, left the Executive Mansion in Richmond en route to the inauguration of A. Linwood Holton Jr. Godwin, then a Democrat, returned as governor four years later as a Republican. In July 1961, two men fished for bluegills in Chickahominy Lake, a large water-supply reservoir along the New Kent-Charles City county line. In June 1968, Toru Yanagida (left) and Ken Seguchi posed at Hillcrest Dairy in Crewe, in Nottoway County. They were learning American farming techniques from the dairy farms owners, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Johnson, who were their sponsors. Seguchi was a dairy farmer from Gifu, Japan, and Yanagida was a student in a college horticulture program in Hokkaido. In May 1973, local Scouts assembled their tents amid exhibits at the daylong Scout-O-Rama at the State Fairgrounds in Henrico County. In addition to traditional skills of woodcraft, wilderness survival, camping and cooking, the event highlighted Scoutings growing attention to archaeology, seamanship, aviation, metal detection, TV and space technology, among other topics. More than 2,000 Cub and Boy Scouts attended the event that year. In June 1977, a crowd lined up for drinks and barbecue chicken at the Virginia Chicken Festival in Crewe, a town in Nottoway County southwest of Richmond. Held on the pavilion grounds of the Southside Electric Cooperative, the annual affair was sponsored by the Burkeville Ruritan Club and the Crewe Kiwanis Club. It attracted state and local politicians  including gubernatorial nominees John Dalton and Henry Howell  among the more than 3,500 attendees that year. In February 1973, prisoners at the Virginia State Penitentiary made and stacked license plates. The pen was along Spring Street at Second Street in downtown Richmond. A print shop, metal shop, textile plant, leather shop and woodworking area offered vocational training to prisoners. Today the site is largely occupied by Afton Chemical Corp., a unit of NewMarket Corp. In November 1951, workers constructed a new lane on Monument Avenue in Henrico County. The truck was occupying what used to be the front yard of a house in the 6500 block. The road was being widened for divided lane traffic in the block between Bevridge Road and Roxbury Road.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  An oil slick that originated from Oriental Mindoro has reached the shores of Caluya, Antique, affecting some 600 residents, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Saturday.

The PCG said the layer of oil floating on water was seen in three barangays in Caluya, namely Brgy. Tinogboc in Sitio Sabang; Brgy. Sibolo on Liwagao Island; and Brgy. Semirara in Sitio Tambak.

The coast guard said it is currently conducting a shoreline clean-up in the affected areas.

Caluya, Antique is roughly a hundred kilometers away from Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The local government of Oriental Mindoro previously said the slick has affected the livelihood of over 10,000 fisherfolk in the towns of Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, and Mansalay.

The oil spill came from a tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel that sank near the province on Monday.

In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is "prepared to provide various forms of assistance to families and individuals affected by the oil spill."

The DSWD on Friday said it has started distributing family food packs to 7,000 affected families in six municipalities in Oriental Mindoro.

The agency said DSWD MIMAROPA office has prepositioned more than 78.9 million worth of standby funds that can be used to augment assistance to affected municipalities in the province.
Natalie Ealy wants to highlight the need for mental health services in the military community, not just for those in uniform but also for their families.

Her husband, Dan, has been in the Marine Corps, both enlisted and as an officer, since 1998, and she said the topic of suicide is just as taboo among spouses and their children as the military members themselves.

We dont talk about it, she said. We have to be strong because when our servicemember is away, we have to literally hold down the home front and put on a happy face.

But during decades in the service, she and Sarah Otto of Caroline County, whose husband, Jay, retired from the Navy in 2018, saw firsthand the issues spouses and children face.

Younger women, especially, who were new to the military and unfamiliar with its ways, sometimes faced bullying by wives whose husbands outranked theirs, Ealy said. Or, they werent able to find work in their chosen field because of the frequent moves.

Some families had difficulty making ends meet with the lower pay typically assigned to younger members. In addition, spouses and children struggled with fear and anxiety when their loved ones were deployed in war zones.

Otto dreamed of an organization that could provide help to spouses at all levels, from those who just needed a friendly ear to those whose children needed therapy after suicidal thoughts. She also wanted to provide mental health help to veterans at every stage of their career, from the onset to retirement, when they faced questions about what comes next.

We needed a one-stop shop for the entire military community, Otto said. So not only can we take care of the kids, the dependents, we can take care of the caregivers, the retirees, the veterans, everybody can come to us.

She brought her idea to Ealy, who is living in Fredericksburg and working for the citys Department of Economic Development while her husband is deployed to Bahrain. Both women had been stationed in Hawaii and were familiar with Ohana, a Hawaiian term meaning family, so they co-founded the Ohana Homefront Foundation in 2021.

The two have worked to establish a network of licensed counselors in each state who volunteer their time to anyone associated with the military. Theyre also pooling other resources so they can find help, quickly, for anyone who reaches out to them, through their website at ohanahomefront.org or at 804/214-2763.

Ealy also is in the spotlight  where she hates to be  for another campaign.

She was nominated for the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. Because she and her family dont live on a particular base, shes in whats called the unattached category and already has been voted the top military spouse in that group.

Ealy is among 20 finalists nationwide, representing all branches of the military, for the spouse-of-the-year title. Seven finalists will be announced Monday, then a winner will be determined by judging panels and popular votes at msoy.afi.org/. The voting will take place on Thursday and Friday, March 910, and the winner will be announced in May in conjunction with National Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

Ealy didnt want the limelight. She cringed at the thought of submitting photographs for the nomination and said, while putting together a required video, made more bloopers than actual footage.

But, she said she accepted the nomination because of the attention it could bring the new foundation. And thats typical of Ealys selfless nature, said those who submitted letters of recommendation.

Natalies passion for ending the stigma surrounding mental health while bringing awareness to the suicide epidemic truly sets her apart, wrote Marcel BolboacaNegru, an Army major and member of the Ohana Homefront Foundation board.

He said her quest to provide crisis intervention for all members of the military community is to ensure that no service member, veteran, military spouse or military child is left behind.

Marine Corps Col. P. Burke Eltringham, the executive officer of the U.S. Africa Command of which Dan Ealy is a part, first met the Ealys at Camp Pendleton, California. There, she was a central figure in the spouse and volunteer group, and her list of accomplishments, including as a mentor to other spouses and in various leadership positions, was impressive then and is absolutely staggering to me today, he wrote in his letter.

Eltringham called her a graceful powerhouse, a woman of thoughtful action, a passionate servantleader.

Ealys current boss, Bill Freehling, Fredericksburgs director of economic development and tourism, praised her skills in his department and the way shes taken on whatevers asked without batting an eye. He said hes also admired the many roles she plays, as a military spouse with a husband deployed overseas, a mother, sibling, an entrepreneur through her extended familys business, co-founder of the foundation and a friend.

She simply never drops the ball on anything, Freehling wrote, and we are all lucky to know her.
South Carolinas Low Country is coming to eastern Goochland County. Or at least some of its architectural flair is. Henrico-County-based Eagle Construction of VA has started construction in The Blufftons, a community that will bring 29 Low Country-inspired homes to the West Creek area.

Eagle bought the 21.74-acre site, which is located near the intersection of Patterson Avenue and West Creek Parkway, in 2021.

We partnered with the Pruitt companies, specifically Michael and Thomas Pruitt, and looked at the site for a long time, said Josh Goldschmidt, Eagles president. We wanted to do something that was authentic and different but also not out of place in Richmond. I traveled with the Pruitts to Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina to get inspiration for the vision of The Blufftons.

The homes in The Blufftons will be classical but contemporary, as if theyve been there for generations, Goldschmidt said.

While Eagle will be the communitys developer and sole builder, it hired South Carolina-based Allison Ramsey Architects to design the plans.

With the unique nature of The Blufftons community and the Low Country home designs, it made sense to partner with one of the top architecture firms on it, Goldschmidt said.

Buyers will have 10 plans to choose from, with features including full-masonry, wood-burning fireplaces; standing-seam metal roofs; and kitchens with Shaker-style inset cabinetry and Wolf and SubZero appliances. In addition, some homes will feature exposed rafters, screened porches and beadboard or tongue-and-groove porch ceilings, among other highlights.

There will still be room for personalization, such as indoor/outdoor living spaces, detached garages and finishes such as flooring, countertops, backsplash and paint, Goldschmidt said.

Home sizes will range from 2,700 to more than 4,400 square feet, with some of the sites having basement options, as well. Eagle expects prices to begin at $1.5 million.

Weve started construction on the model home, The Braddock floorplan, Goldschmidt said. We anticipate this model home to be completed in May. Weve also started construction on another home, which is currently at the foundation phase.

Eagle hasnt opened the community to sales yet, but it has built a sizable VIP list, along with hosting an open house to showcase its plans.
Biden administration sanctions eight Mexican companies connected to CJNG timeshare fraud

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco  The Biden administration has sanctioned eight Mexican companies they say are connected to a timeshare fraud scheme. The March 1 sanctions were handed down in a coordinated effort between the U.S. and Mexican governments.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the timeshare fraud network is run by the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), a Mexican organization that the U.S. government says traffics a significant proportion of the illegal fentanyl and other drugs into the U. S.

As the CJNG has consolidated territory over the past decade, it has added other crimes to its core activity of drug trafficking, Andrea Gacki, the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said in a statement.

In tourist destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, CJNG has become heavily engaged in timeshare fraud, which often targets U.S. citizens. This crime, which can defraud victims of their life savings, results in another significant revenue stream for the cartel and strengthens its overall criminal enterprise. Todays action exposes this CJNG scheme and also serves as a warning to potential victims, many of whom are elderly.

The sanctions were followed by a consumer alert issued by the OFAC to make the public aware of telephone, email, and letter scams involving individuals falsely claiming to represent OFAC and requesting payments.

The agency clarified that the OFAC does not collect this type of payment from the public.

The eight companies designated today, which are linked directly or indirectly to CJNGs timeshare fraud activities, claim to be financial services or real estate companies.

Five of the companies, Servicios Administrativos Fordtwoo, S.A. de C.V., Integracion Badeva, S.A. de C.V., JM Providers Office, S.A. de C.V., Promotora Vallarta One, S.A. de C.V., and Recservi, S.A. de C.V., are based in or near Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Servicios Administrativos Fordtwoo, S.A. de C.V. has also made direct payments to CJNG members.

Puerto Vallarta is a CJNG strategic stronghold for drug trafficking and various other illicit activities.

OFAC has taken multiple actions against CJNG actors in Puerto Vallarta, including those who have ties to nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. Additionally, OFAC has designated senior CJNG members Carlos Andres Rivera Varela (a.k.a. La Firma), Francisco Javier Gudino Haro (a.k.a. La Gallina), and Julio Cesar Montero Pinzon (a.k.a. El Tarjetas), who are part of a CJNG enforcement group based in Puerto Vallarta that orchestrates assassinations of rivals and politicians using high-powered weaponry.

The remaining companies designated today, Corporativo Title I, S.A. de C.V., Corporativo TS Business Inc, S.A. de C.V., and TS Business Corporativo, S.A. de C.V., are based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

These eight companies are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, a person sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 14059, namely, CJNG, the Treasure detailed in their press release.
Foreign Ministry says Tesla Gigafactory could create as many as 6,000 new jobs

Santa Catarina, Nuevo Leon  Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Relations says the new Tesla Gigafactory could create as many as 6,000 jobs. On Thursday, a day after Elon Musk announced his intention to build the factory in Mexico, the Secretary of Foreign Relations, Marcelo Ebrard said the $5 billion USD plant could generate between 5,000 and 6,000 jobs.

On March 1, Elon Musk made the official announcement to build a Tesla Gigafactory in Santa Catarina, outside of the city of Monterrey.

Ebrard said that this investment is part of the Electromobility Strategy that the Mexican Foreign Ministry promoted to move toward environmental sustainability.

On behalf of Marcelo Ebrard, the Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, Martha Delgado, attended the Tesla Motors Investors Day 2023, which took place in Austin, Texas.

During the event, Elon Musk confirmed that his next Gigafactory will be established in Mexico, precisely in the municipality of Santa Catarina, Nuevo Leon.

Musk announced that a respective inauguration ceremony will be held for the opening, highlighting that this factory will be complementary to the other factories that the company has located not only in the United States, but in other countries, such as China and Germany, thus contributing to the ecosystem that the company has for the production of electric cars, among other clean energy storage technologies.

This announcement specifies a process of accompaniment and coordination that took 14 months of work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ebrard said that since 2021, there was a first approach between representatives of the Government of Mexico and Tesla Motors.

Subsequently, in February 2022, after an initial meeting with Teslas Director of Public Policy, Rohan Patel, the automotive company expressed its first formal interest in exploring options for building an electric car assembly plant in the national territory.

Since then, the Undersecretariat for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights through the General Directorate of Global Economic Impulse, has maintained contact with the firm to carry out the negotiations regarding the installation of Tesla in Mexico.
MKDC opens second plant and announces $70 million expansion investment

Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila  Korean company MKDC Kodaco has announced the opening of a second plant and an expansion investment of $70 million. The expansion plant is expected to open in 2024 creating 600 new jobs.

Miguel Angel Riquelme Solis, the Governor of Coahuila, attended the March 1 inauguration of the companys second plant. While there, he also celebrated the companys announcement of a $70 million USD expansion investment.

I would like to seal my commitment with Kodako to guarantee its operations through the improvement of our indicators, strengthening security and qualified labor, he said during the opening of the second plant.

MKDC Kodaco specializes in the manufacturing of vehicle parts. Company president, Kwi Seung, said that in two years they will be producing at one hundred percent of their capacity.

The investment that MKDC announces today is a clear sign that Coahuila and Ramos Arizpe are fertile ground for business development, and I am sure that it will greatly strengthen the value chain of our local industry, said Jose Maria Morales Padilla, the Mayor of Ramos Arizpe.
Quintana Roo meets Yucatan in court over border land dispute

Chetumal, Q.R.  Representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the State of Quintana Roo participated in a meeting March 2 to discuss an ongoing border dispute.

The dispute in question is regarding the State of Yucatan  State of Quintana Roo border and a third party, the State of Campeche. The three states are claiming a north-south section that legal authorities say belongs to Quintana Roo.

Carlos Fuentes del Rio, legal advisor to the Government of Quintana Roo, said evidence was presented to the Rapporteur Minister of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation to support the states claim that they own the disputed border territory.

Carlos Fuentes del Rio said that evidence was presented before the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation as part of the border dispute with Yucatan, in which Campeche is the third interested party.

We presented the evidence with the certainty that the disputed territory belongs to Quintana Roo, he said adding that historical documentary evidence, geographic geolocation and geopositioning have been presented.

The Thursday meeting was held in Mexico City. Fuentes del Rio was confident that the ruling would be in favor of Quintana Roo but also mentioned that there is no date for the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation to make its ruling known.
A Roanoke County jury returned a mixed verdict late Friday in the case of a teenager accused in connection with the 2021 firearm killing of the manager of a Vinton McDonalds.

Jeremiah Unique Pannell, 17, of Roanoke, was found not guilty of first-degree murder  a charge amended mid-trial from the more-serious aggravated murder  and not guilty of using a firearm to commit a felony. However, Pannell was found guilty of taking part in an attempted robbery that caused a death.

Defense attorney Aaron Houchens of Salem called the judgements inconsistent and asked Circuit Court Judge James Swanson to overturn the finding of guilt.

Swanson declined to rule immediately but said that he would take the guilty verdict under advisement while accepting the two findings of not guilty. The judge asked Houchens and Roanoke County Commonwealths Attorney Brian Holohan to file written motions about whether to throw out the guilty verdict, and also ordered a presentence report to be prepared.

He scheduled a hearing for July 11.

Pannell was 15 years old when Gary Lamont McMiller was fatally shot, but was tried as an adult. If the judge ultimately accepts the jurys guilty verdict, he could choose to sentence Pannell as a juvenile, meaning that any incarceration would either end when he turned 21, or if continued, be reviewed every two years.

The charge of robbery that causes a death or serious injury is a Class 2 felony that carries a potential penalty of 20 years to life in prison.

Pannells jury trial lasted all day Thursday and Friday, with a string of law of enforcement officers, McDonalds co-workers of McMiller, and others offering what Holohan described as mountains of circumstantial evidence.

Pannell was not accused of actually shooting, robbing, or feloniously using a gun himself. Instead, he was said to have been a principal in the second degree to the three charges he faced, meaning that the prosecution argued that he was present when the crimes occurred, and that he actively assisted or participated in some aspect of them.

Swanson at one point during the trial commented there were evidentiary gaps, so to speak, in Holohans case, which attempted to tie Pannell to the accusations.

The prosecutor concluded his presentation to jurors by playing a Snapchat video taken from Pannells phone in which the teen, in his bedroom, recited an apparently original rap lyric that boasted of owning a .38-cal. handgun and threatened to use it on anyone who crossed him.

In the rap, he called himself a member of Roanokes Villa Heights gang.

Houchens ridiculed the prosecution case, calling it speculation  total guesswork and asking, Are we dreaming? Is this what passes for evidence in these United States of America?

As for the rap video, Houchens called it not classy but said Holohan was only using it to play on the jurors fears.

This juvenile rap culture is not a substitute for evidence, Houchens said.

McMiller, 38, of Vinton was shot on Oct. 11, 2021, in the parking lot of his own restaurant, where he was trying to sell an ounce of marijuana to Pannell and two males.

Holohan said the other two persons involved have never been identified by investigators.

Testimony described Pannell arranging the marijuana deal through a former classmate at Patrick Henry High School who now worked at the McDonalds.

Pannell drove his companions to the McDonalds, and McMiller and the former classmate talked to them for three minutes, according to a security video of the parking lot that was played repeatedly throughout the trial.

The former classmate said there was some sort of impasse about the sale and McMiller walked away, but one of Pannells passengers got out, soon followed by Pannell and the other passenger.

According to testimony from two McDonalds workers, the first of Pannells passengers to emerge told McMiller to hand over everything he had or get shot. McMiller asked if the male was armed, and told that he was, punched the passenger  who then shot McMiller in the chest.

McMiller died later in the hospital.

Holohan argued that other Snapchat videos and Facebook messages connected Pannell to McMillers death. But Houchens countered that while they showed the teen had a revolver of the same caliber that killed McMiller, there was nothing to show that it was the actual weapon fired by Pannells unidentified passenger.

Houchens said the evidence showed only that Pannell set up a drug deal, not that he had anything to do with his passengers actions.

As jurors began their deliberations, Holohan noted that Pannell had repeatedly refused to identify the shooter or the other person with him that night.
Allegations of student violence at Northside Middle School prompted a review Thursday of the school divisions disciplinary policies by the Roanoke County School Board.

The discussion of discipline was added after two parents spoke during the boards Feb. 16 meeting about incidents their children had witnessed or experienced at the school.

Both parents complained of unresponsiveness to their concerns by the school divisions administrators and a lack of classroom control at Northside Middle School.

On Thursday, Brent Hudson, board chairman, and Tim Greenway, vice chairman, called for strict penalties for all fighting, bullying and similar offenses in county schools.

I will back any teacher, any principal, that says suspension,  Greenway said. If you lay your hands on another kid, I dont care what the reason is, if its to that level, I will back them.

Greenway also alluded to a separate violent incident that occurred earlier in the week at a county school, expressing concern over a trend of violence. Greenway did not give further details regarding the incident.

Hudson suggested during the meeting that the schools might take legal action in response to student assaults or fights.

To set a precedent, we as a school system might say, zero tolerance,  Hudson said. You put your hands on somebody, it needs to go to juvenile intake. The police officer is going to write the report regardless because its assault and battery.

According to statistics from the Virginia Department of Education, numbers of fights reported in county schools have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

For the 2022-23 school year so far, there have been 86 fights, with 26 resulting in minor injury. Last school year, there were 110 fights, with 67 resulting in minor injury.

For comparison, in the 2018-19 school year there were 262 fights, with 49 resulting in minor injury.

Greenway said that his concern was not the number of fights, but that the intensity of altercations and assaults have increased.

I think its more the trend in severity that worries me, Greenway said. The attacks are more harsh than when I was younger.

During Thursdays meeting, Rhonda Stegall, assistant superintendent of administration, and Jessica McClung, assistant superintendent of student services, outlined the districts existing disciplinary measures.

There are five levels of disciplinary response, with level one being no punishment beyond a statement of classroom rules, and level five, the most severe, an 11- to 45-day suspension or expulsion, a punishment that can only be given by the school superintendent.

Another measure, which board members said they wanted to see used more readily, involves placing students in a separate class devoted to preventing violence and other adverse behaviors.

Currently, there are 41 county students in the program with 12 in the program for disciplinary reasons. The rest are placed in the program as remediation, to help students meet graduation requirements.

Board members also said that they hoped to see suspensions employed more readily in response to fights and other violence at county schools.

I was surprised and pleased to hear them talk about a zero tolerance response, said Ashley Guilliams, one of the Northside Middle School parents who spoke at the Feb. 16 meeting.

However, Guilliams said she still had not she hadnt received an official response from school officials.

Part of the disciplinary discussion Thursday also covered county schools policy involving restroom use by transgender students. A Glenvar High School student told the board on Feb. 16 about an encounter in a school restroom with a transgender student that disturbed her.

School administrators said that new guidelines involving transgender students and restrooms for Virginia schools are pending from the state. Until then, county schools are obligated to follow a court ruling which states that students are required to use the bathroom corresponding to their biological sex.
SUICIDE RATES

The suicide rate among active duty military members dropped 15% from 2020 to 2021, according to a U.S. Department of Defense report released in October.

While Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said the decrease is encouraging, he also said "we recognize we have more work to do."

There were 582 suicides among military members in 2020 and 519 in 2021, according to the report. The 2021 rate reflects 28.7 deaths per 100,000 people.

Even with the decrease, the number of suicides is still staggering, according to a June 2022 article published by the United Service Organizations. Officials started keeping records of military suicides after 9/11 and determined that 30,177 active duty personnel and veterans who served after 9/11 died by suicide between 2001 and 2021, according to research by the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. That's four times higher than deaths caused by combat.

There's not as much data on the number of suicides by military spouses or dependents. In 2019, the Pentagon released its first report on military family suicides and the Defense department said 123 spouses and 63 children took their own lives in 2017. At the time, the rate of suicide among spouses was less than half of that for the general population, according to the report.

Cathy Dyson
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(CNN)  Concerns about North Korea's chronic food shortages are growing, with multiple sources suggesting this week that deaths due to starvation are likely.

Some experts say the country has hit its worst point since a 1990s famine known as the "Arduous March" caused mass starvation and killed hundreds of thousands of people, or an estimated 3-5% of what was then a 20 million-strong population.

Trade data, satellite images and assessments by the United Nations and South Korean authorities all suggest the food supply has now "dipped below the amount needed to satisfy minimum human needs," according to Lucas Rengifo-Keller, a research analyst at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Even if food was distributed equally  something close to inconceivable in North Korea where the elite and military take priority  Rengifo-Keller said "you would have hunger-related deaths."

South Korean officials agree with that assessment, with Seoul announcing recently that it believes deaths from starvation are occurring in some areas of the country. Though producing solid evidence to back up those claims is made difficult by the country's isolation, few experts doubt its assessment.

Even before the Covid pandemic, nearly half of the North Korean population was undernourished, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Three years of closed borders and isolation can only have made matters worse.

In a sign of just how desperate the situation has become, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a four-day Workers' Party meeting this week to discuss a revamp of the country's agricultural sector, calling for a "fundamental transformation" in farming and state economic plans and a need to strengthen state control of farming.

But various experts say Pyongyang has only itself to blame for the problems. During the pandemic, Pyongyang ramped up its isolationist tendencies, erecting a second layer of fencing along 300 kilometers of its border with China and squeezing what little cross border trade it had access to.

And in the past year it has spent precious resources carrying out a record number of missile tests.

"There's been shoot on sight orders (at the border) that were put in place in August 2020 ... a blockade on travel and trade, which has included what very limited official trade (there was before)," said Lina Yoon, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch.

During 2022, China officially exported nearly 56 million kilograms of wheat or maslin flour and 53,280 kg of cereals in grain/flakes form to North Korea, according to Chinese customs data.

But Pyongyang's clampdown has strangled off unofficial trade, which as Yoon points out is "one of the main lifelines of the markets inside North Korea where ordinary North Koreans buy products."

Cases in which people smuggle Chinese products into the country, with a bribe to a border guard to look the other way, have been next to non-existent since the borders closed.

Various experts say the root problem is years of economic mismanagement and that Kim's efforts to ramp up state control further will only make things worse.

"The North Korean borders need to open and they need to restart trade and they need to bring these things in for agriculture to improve and they need food to feed the people. But right now they are prioritizing isolation, they are prioritizing repression," Yoon said.

But as Rengifo-Keller pointed out, it is not in Kim's interest to allow the unofficial trade of the past to re-emerge in this dynastically ruled country. "The regime does not want a flourishing entrepreneurial class that can threaten its power."

Then there are the missile tests Kim remains obsessed with and his constant refusals of offers of aid from his neighbor.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin told CNN in an interview last week that "the only way that North Korea can get out of this trouble is to come back to the dialogue table and accept our humanitarian offer to the North and make a better choice for the future."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo told CNN Thursday said the situation "is worsening, our intelligence shows, because it's clear that their policies are changing... the chairman (Kim Jong Un) would like to put a lot of pressure to make it state dictated, you know, supply of food to their people, which will not function."

Seoul's Ministry of Unification was quick to point out Pyongyang continues to focus on its missile and nuclear program rather than feeding its own people.

In a briefing last month, vice spokesperson Lee Hyo-jung said, "according to local and international research institutions, if North Korea had used the expense of the missiles it launched last year on food supplies, it would have been enough to purchase over one million tons of food, believed to be more than enough to cover North Korea's annual food shortage."

Seoul's rural development agency believes North Korea's crop production last year was 4% lower than the year before, suffering flooding and adverse weather.

Rengifo-Keller fears the culmination of these effects coupled with the regime's "misguided approach to economic policy" could have a disastrous impact on the already suffering population.

"This is a chronically malnourished population for decades, high rates of stunting and all signals point to a deteriorating situation, so it certainly wouldn't take much to push the country into famine."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "North Koreas food shortage is about to take a deadly turn for the worse, experts say"
Letters to the Editor: Gas users are getting ripped off; Treat everyone the same; Questioning coverage of Rupert Murdoch
South Carolina cotton farmers will receive the latest updates on the states successful fight against the boll weevil on March 15 in Cayce.

The meeting will include updates from the S.C. Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, the Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Program and Clemson University Extension, research and regulatory programs.

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Farm Bureau Office at 724 Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce. Registration is not required.

The Boll Weevil Eradication Program is one of the most successful such efforts ever devised against an invasive agricultural pest. Cooperation among farmers and others in the cotton industry as well as researchers, regulatory officials and Extension professionals is key to that success, said Steven Long, assistant director and state plant regulatory official in Clemsons Department of Plant Industry. We appreciate input from all who are involved in this extensive effort.

Experts will provide brief reports of activities associated with the Boll Weevil Eradication program during the growing season. The board of directors will meet immediately following this meeting to discuss the South Carolina program budget, the 2023 assessment rate and the regional program expenses/progress and how they affect the states program.

For more information, contact the South Carolina Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation at plantindustry@clemson.edu, or (864) 646-2140.

The Boll Weevil Eradication Program, first organized more than 30 years ago, combined coordinated pesticide applications with baited traps to methodically fight the insect.

An early system of weevil traps was established wherever cotton is grown as an early warning system against highly mobile insects.

The last boll weevil caught in South Carolina appeared in 1997.

Reinfestation of the pest would be devastating to the economy. Cotton is the states most valuable field crop and routinely covers 300,000 acres.

The vigilance of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program is essential to protecting our cotton industry, Long said. Regular input from farmers and industry helps defend against this devastating pest.
Producers attending the 2023 South Carolina Peanut Growers Meeting learned cotton costs and price may help peanuts gain some ground in South Carolina in 2023.

Nathan Smith, Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service agricultural economist and agribusiness program team director, said tightened peanut stocks, lower cotton prices and a rebound in consumption could result in more acres planted in peanuts this year.

Crop insurance prices for 2023 are in the discovery phase right now, Smith said. Those prices are reflecting 2022 prices for peanuts, which were higher because of the lower acreage and the higher prices in cotton.

A slow economy and reduced demand coupled with a carryover increase is pushing down cotton acreage. Increased cotton production costs may also help increase peanut acreage.

Generally, peanuts dont require fertilizer, whereas cotton is a high-input crop, Smith said. And so, with higher fertilizer prices, this may help peanuts out a little bit this year. Also, cotton prices are down, so cottons probably going to give up some ground to peanuts this year.

In a presentation on runner peanut maturity, Dan Anco, Clemson Extension peanut specialist, said newer runners appear to mature quicker than standards.

Peanut sustainability

Peanut has been a profitable crop for South Carolina. Dell Cotton, manager for the Peanut Growers Marketing Association, said peanut growers have seen increased yields for the past two years.

South Carolina growers harvested more than 4,000 pounds per acre in 2021 and 2022, Cotton said. Yields have been increasing across the United States. Contracts come out in the next few weeks and then well see. But if cotton prices remain low, I believe well see more acres grown in peanuts.

South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers confirmed peanut production is increasing in the state. A new grower-owned peanut shelling company, Premium Peanut, is establishing operations in Orangeburg County. Peanut growers in South Carolina will benefit from having a locally owned operation, he said.

Companies like the Premium Peanut operation are needed to help ensure peanut sustainability. Eric Coronel from the American Peanut Council talked about programs the council is involved in such as the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts initiative that uses data supplied by peanut growers who want to tell their sustainability story. The council also has created the Peanut Trust Protocol, which helps set standards for more sustainably grown peanuts.

A sustainable future for peanuts means producing peanuts that can withstand climate change. In a peanut/climate change study, a group of researchers led by Clemson University Plant and Environmental Sciences assistant professor Sruthi Narayanan is working to develop heat-tolerant peanut varieties they hope will help maintain peanut production and profitability.

Additional climate smart research also is being conducted at Clemson. One involves a $70 million grant from the United States Department of Agricultures Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. The project focuses on agricultural production sectors of South Carolina and will ensure meaningful involvement of small and underserved producers.

Anco explained this award will provide incentives and technical support to South Carolina farmers, enabling them to implement selected conservation practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. The initial pilot of this project will focus on production of peanuts, leafy greens, forages for beef cattle and forest products. For information, contact Kelly Flynn at kgilker@clemson.edu or call (864) 656-3386. Information also can be found at www.climatesmartsc.org.
COLUMBIA  A new South Carolina Arts Commission economic impact report using 2021 data estimates an annual $14.1 billion impact is made on the states economy by the arts-related economic cluster.

Like other large sectors of the states economy, arts and creativity form a cluster. The research reviewed 2021 data from the portions of the state economy associated with the performing arts, individual artists and artisans, design arts, crafts and further related activities.

The SCAC engaged Joseph C. Von Nessen, Ph.D., research economist with the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, for the report. He analyzed data from the U.S. census and economic analysis bureaus and commerce department. The research discovered across-the-board increases in the arts-related economic clusters annual economic impact in South Carolina from the previous study released in 2018.

123,550 jobs paying $5.7 billion. That is the total number of local jobs supported by the arts-related cluster. This level of employment represents 5.5 percent of the total employment base in South Carolina, generating $5.7 billion in wages and salaries. It is a 7.5 percent increase from the 2018 study.

$360.2 million in estimated annual tax revenue generated for the state of South Carolina that arises from the arts-related cluster. That is a 33 percent increase from the 2018 study.

A $14.1 billion total economic impact, which represents both the direct and indirect demand generated by the local spending activity of all arts-related businesses, their suppliers, and their employees. This is a 45 percent increase from the 2018 study ($9.7 billion).

This report illustrates clearly the powerful impact of our states investment in the arts, SCAC Executive Director David Platts said. The Arts Commission currently receives an annual appropriation of around $8 million, 70 percent of which is returned directly to artists and arts organizations in communities across the State in the form of grants which fund arts experiences for our citizens, fuel the creativity of emerging and established individual artists, and address pandemic-related learning loss for students. And the resulting economic activity generates more than $360 million in tax revenue which comes back to the state. It is truly a win-win for all South Carolinians.

The SCAC is seeking to increase its recurring base appropriation by $3 million starting in FY2024 to sustain and grow arts learning programs. Much of those are directed by its Arts Grow SC program, a federally-funded partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education. Funding for the three-year partnership will expire after FY24, and additional state funding would allow its work with national, state and local partners to continue.

Since it began, we have been proud of the work accomplished by Arts Grow SC. The arts, and especially arts learning, do so much to help our students learn to be creative problem-solvers. We are especially proud that this work reaches rural and underserved communities because the Arts Commission works to ensure everyone has access to the arts benefits, SCAC Board Chair Dee Crawford said.

The study utilized an economic multiplier model to determine the extent of the arts-related clusters impact. Researchers first analyzed the number of direct jobs in the sector and then assessed its economic impact using a model of South Carolinas economic linkageshow spending in one sector spreads.

The complete report is available from the SCAC website: https://www.southcarolinaarts.com/why-arts-matter/arts-the-economy/.

SC Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to promote equitable access to the arts and support the cultivation of creativity in South Carolina. We envision a South Carolina where the arts are valued and all people benefit from a variety of creative experiences.

A state agency created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the SCAC works to increase public participation in the arts by providing grants, direct programs, staff assistance and partnerships in artist development, arts industry, arts learning, creative placemaking, and folklife and traditional arts. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the SCAC is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts, and other sources. Visit SouthCarolinaArts.com or call 803.734.8696, and follow @scartscomm on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for #Arts4SC and #SCartists content.
Dalondo Moultrie is the assistant managing editor of the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail him at dalondo.moultrie@seguingazette.com .
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 "To Hemp in a Hand-basket: The Meaning of 'Controlled Substance' Under the Career Offender Enhancement" | Main | "Mandatory Sentences as Strict Liability" 

March 4, 2023

New Arizona Gov pledging not to allow new scheduled execution to go forward

As reported in this AP article, headlined "Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs refuses to proceed with execution set by court," the new Arizona Governor is continuing to promise to block executions in her state pending a review of state execution protocols. Here are the basics:

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vowed Friday that her administration wont carry out an execution even though the state Supreme Court scheduled it over the objections of the states new attorney general. The Democratic governors promise not to execute Aaron Gunches on April 6 for his murder conviction in a 2002 killing came a day after the state Supreme Court said it must grant an execution warrant if certain appellate proceedings have concluded  and that those requirements were met in Gunches case. Last week, Hobbs appointed retired U.S. Magistrate Judge David Duncan to examine the states procurement of lethal injection drugs and other death penalty protocols due to the states history of mismanaging executions. Under my administration, an execution will not occur until the people of Arizona can have confidence that the state is not violating the law in carrying out the gravest of penalties, Hobbs said in a statement Friday. Attorney General Kris Mayes office has said it wont seek court orders to carry out executions while Hobbs review is underway. Mayes, a Democrat who took office in January, tried to withdraw a request by her Republican predecessor, Mark Brnovich, for a warrant to Gunches. The court declined to withdraw the request on Thursday. The court said Hobbs review does not constitute good cause for refraining from issuing the warrant. Mayes office declined to comment on Hobbs promise not to carry out the execution next month. Hobbs maintains that while the court authorized Gunches execution, its order doesnt require the state to carry it out. Dale Baich, a former federal public defender who teaches death penalty law at Arizona State University, said Hobbs can use her authority as the states chief executive when the state believes it cannot carry out an execution in a constitutionally acceptable manner. What the governor did is not unique, said Baich, who applauded Hobbs move. Governors in Alabama, Ohio and Tennessee recently used their authority to pause executions because they had serious questions about the protocols in their states.... Arizona, which has 110 prisoners on death row, carried out three executions last year after a nearly eight-year hiatus following criticism that a 2014 execution was botched and because of difficulties obtaining execution drugs. Since resuming executions, the state has been criticized for taking too long to insert an IV for lethal injection into a prisoners body in early May and for denying the Arizona Republic newspapers request to witness the last three executions. Gunches is scheduled to be executed on April 6 for the 2002 killing of Ted Price, his girlfriends ex-husband, in Maricopa County. Gunches, who isnt a lawyer, represented himself in November when he asked the Supreme Court to issue his execution warrant so justice could be served and the victims could get closure. In Brnovichs last month in office, his office asked the court for a warrant to execute Gunches. But Gunches withdrew his request in early January, and Mayes asked for the execution warrant submitted during Brnovichs tenure to be withdrawn.

March 4, 2023 at 01:04 PM | Permalink

Comments

Typical criminal-coddling 'rat.

Posted by: federalist | Mar 6, 2023 8:41:03 AM

Except it was the crime-coddling Republicans who had held up executions for eight years due to problems with the last pre-moratorium execution and only decided to resume them during an election campaign (in which the AG was running for U.S. Senate).

If the shoe was on the other foot (as it is in other areas of the law) and it was a last-minute change in policy by a Democrat AG, we would certainly hear arguments that the new policy warrants a brief review.

Given these circumstances, it is worth taking a step back and seeing how the story develops rather than resorting to default assumptions about what is happening.

Posted by: tmm | Mar 7, 2023 1:19:23 PM

That there are squishy Republicans doesn't absolve Democrats of denying promised justice to victims' families.

Posted by: federalist | Mar 7, 2023 2:55:58 PM

Post a comment
 AISONY AI CloudMileIT KOKO MARE60  2.82     KOKO MARE2400 University Hill 1   CEOCEO161 ChatGPT2029 0.08% 25 0.46%  6   ChatGPT    64.24 48  27%2024    ChatGPT  0.71% GDP  1.4 9  LV5000   
SIOUX CITY -- On March 30, 1930, Sioux City Bishop Edmond Heelan and the Sisters of Saint Francis from Dubuque held a cornerstone dedication ceremony for Heelan Hall.

Almost 93 years later, Briar Cliff University is honoring that ceremony and the history of the university with a mural depicting a picture from that day.

A new mural is taking shape at Heelan Hall at what was originally the main entrance.

The mural showcases a well-known picture of Bishop Heelan and the founding sisters during the dedication ceremony.

Nan Wilson, an assistant professor of art at Briar Cliff, is creating the mural. She has taken the original picture and extended it, to show the event, but also what an onlooker would have seen beyond the picture, such as Sioux City at the time and the fields of prairie grass -- which is now the largest urban prairie in the United States.

If you go out this doorway, this is what you saw back then, Wilson said.

The project was initiated by Brian Hazlett. He is a professor of biology and environmental science at Briar Cliff and was inspired by attending a North American Prairie Conference in Winona, Minnesota. In the city's administration building, there was a similar entrance that had a mural.

He thought it would be a good idea to do something similar to showcase Briar Cliff's history. Hazlett said many people know of Bishop Heelan, but he felt students in the future should know more about the founding sisters.

The university received a $10,000 Gilchrist Foundation grant. Wilson began painting the mural on Jan. 8 and is about halfway through the project. She hopes to complete it by mid-April.

Wilson has painted a variety of murals throughout Sioux City. She said she enjoys painting on a large scale. Unlike other murals that are done with spray paint, Wilson is brush painting the Briar Cliff piece.

She said she has enjoyed working on the mural and have had people stop by to see where they live now and how the view now compares to 1930.

Im pleased that many people are noticing the landscape in the background of the main event, Hazlett said.

Next week, the scaffolding will be moved and Wilson will start painting the sisters and bishop.
The North Liberty man communicated with the victim for about four months and requested nude images and videos, prosecutors said. He also sent graphic images of himself to the girl.
The Legislature on Friday broke through a filibuster that had trapped a bill to allow concealed carrying of handguns in Nebraska following eight hours of debate and sent it on to second-stage consideration on a 36-12 vote.

The earlier motion to invoke cloture and end the debate was approved on a 36-10 vote.

Friday's action marked a major victory for Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, who championed the gun rights proposal, arguing that the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment bestows a fundamental right to "keep and bear arms" without government intrusion in the form of required permits, fees and gun safety training.

The bill (LB77) is expected to encounter additional filibusters waged by its opponents along its continuing journey with legislative rules allowing four hours of debate at second-stage consideration before a cloture motion could be invoked and an additional two hours of debate at the third and final stage of consideration prior to a climactic vote to give final approval to the bill.

Brewer's earlier efforts to enact so-called "conceal carry" legislation fell victim to a filibuster in 2022.

On Friday, Brewer said gun advocates are preparing to offer gun safety training at no cost to gun owners throughout the state as a replacement for the current requirement which is accompanied by a fee.

That declaration followed on the heels of a question posed by Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington as to whether Brewer would support a proposal to "offer free training on gun safety for Nebraskans."

In urging a subsequent vote to end the filibuster and move the bill forward, Brewer said the proposal is designed to allow Nebraskans "to protect yourself, your family and your business."

Friday's vote marked a fundamental division between registered Republicans and registered Democrats serving in the nonpartisan Legislature, although four Democrats joined all 32 Republican senators in voting to advance the bill.

They included Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln and Omaha Sens. Mike McDonnell, Terrell McKinney and Justin Wayne.

Sen. Lynn Walz of Fremont, a Democrat, did not cast a vote.

Twelve Democrats voted no.

Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln said the legislation "puts children and law enforcement more at risk" and questioned whether it might lead to more suicides.

"A generation of people are asking that we do something to make the world a little safer," Sen. George Dungan of Lincoln said.

While the proposal has wide support outside the state's two largest cities, Lincoln and Omaha police chiefs oppose the legislation.

Brewer is a retired Army colonel who served six tours in Afghanistan, where he was severely wounded. More recently, he has made trips to Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance in the wake of the Russian invasion.

Photos: Judiciary Committee hearing on concealed carry bill
Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, a village of around 400 in Boone County, has a school, a church, a few local shops and a very unique grocery store.

"You've got to have a grocery store," said Tom Bethscheider, owner of Bethscheider's Market.

His grandfather, Carl Bethscheider, opened the store in 1918, later passing it to Tom's father, Carroll, who passed it to Tom in 1975. Tom, of course, worked there for a while before becoming taking the reins.

"I've been in it all my life, so I just kind of grew up with it," he said. "I was probably in grade school when I started. I've been here a long time."

But after 48 years, he and his wife Chris are ready for life's next chapter. They want to travel and spend more time with family.

And so, the store reopened this month without a member of the Bethscheider family in charge for the first time ever.

Connor Spelic and his family, operators of Spelic's Market and Meats in Spalding, bought the store.

"(We took) a chance to sell it and not lose having a grocery store in this town because a town needs a grocery store," Tom said.

Spelic said he saw an opportunity to keep another small-town grocery store alive, for the same reason.

We "have seen what happens to small towns when they lose a grocery store, we have a strong passion for keeping small towns together, shopping local because it seems like as soon as you lose schools, grocery stores, bars, it starts going down quick," Spelic said. "We want to keep it alive, keep the money local."

The margins on a grocery store are slim and it's a competitive industry, even in a small towns where there isn't a lot of competition.

"We tried different things, like we had a gift shop, when that wasn't working so good, we had an ice cream shop with food," Chris said. "We had that for like nine years. You just keep trying new things."

While they had a crew they could depend on, they felt like it was time to move on and let somebody else take the reins.

"There is a lot of competition and staffing is getting harder," Tom said. "We've been very fortunate we have very dependable help right now but as we get older, we need young guys to help us lift things and stuff and its harder to get that."

The Bethscheiders had their last day in the store in late February. They said they'll miss the customers.

"They're like family. You know their kids, we've seen all their families grow up," Chris said. "That's the hard part of leaving the business, it's kind of your social time, too."

A lot of changes will come in the next few months as it merges with his current system at Spelic's Market and Meats.

"The building and store should look very different when we're done," Spelic said.
The elephant baby boom at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is in full swing.

The herd welcomed its third calf in a little over one year.

Lolly, who is about 11, gave birth to the male calf early Thursday morning.

The elephant care team had been monitoring Lolly 24 hours a day leading up to the birth.

The elephant family quarters will be temporarily closed to the public to allow Lolly some quiet bonding time with her calf, which does not have a name yet. Once the building is reopened, guests will be able to see all three young elephants with the herd.

A fourth calf is due in August or September.

Lolly's pregnancy was announced in March 2022. A fourth pregnancy announcement  for Jayei, the herd matriarch  was announced four months later in July.

Lolly's calf joins fellow youngsters Eugenia and Sonny. Eugenia was born to mom Kiki in January 2022. Sonny was born weeks later to mom Claire.

Jayei's calf is due in August or September. Jayei is mother to another herd member, Omma, who is now about 11 years old.

Callee is the father of both Lolly's and Jayei's calves as well as Eugenia and Sonny.

Callee joined the herd in 2019 from the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama. The zoo's five adult female African elephants, plus one male, arrived in Omaha in 2016 from Swaziland.

Since their arrival, the elephants have been housed in the zoos $73 million African Grasslands exhibit.

Photos: Two baby elephants make their public debut at Omaha Zoo 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm001 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm002 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm003 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm005 elephants-cm006 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm007.jpg 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm009.jpg elephants-cm011 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm012 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm013 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm014 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm015 021522-owh-new-elephants-pic-cm016 Two baby elephant calves make debut in Omaha
Sioux City residents should expect temperatures in the 40s. The forecast calls for it to be a brisk 45 degrees. 29 degrees is today's low. We'll see sunshine today, but also cloud cover at times. Keep an eye on the radar before you head outside today, there is a slight chance of rain. The area will see gentle winds today, with forecast models showing only 11 mph wind conditions coming up from Northwest. This report is created automatically with weather data provided by TownNews.com. Keep an eye on siouxcityjournal.com for forecast information and severe weather updates.
Perhaps no piece of science fiction relies less on text and linear narrative, and more on visual style and tone, than Peter Chungs on Fluxnot Karyn Kusamas visually stunning but unfulfillingly straightforward live-action film from 2005, but the 1990s animated series created for MTVs Liquid Television. The series resonates powerfully with our contemporary obsession with, and confusion over, a web of ideas about surveillance, privacy, transparency, spectacle, performative acts, and the ethics and effects of watching and being watched. Decades later, on Flux still presents a fresh alternative to black-and-white moralizing about life in a surveillance society. It takes the oppressive power of surveillance seriously, but its stubbornly playful, unafraid to point out how often we willingly expose ourselves to the all-seeing lens.

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Chung, a veteran animator known for his work on Rugrats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Transformers, builds an aesthetic that blends Japanese anime, German Expressionism, and cyberpunk. His angular, spare, often brutalist urban landscapes are populated by elongated, distorted, fluid human characters drawn in the style of 19th-century Austrian portrait painter Egon Schiele.

The series unfolds in Monica and Bregna, two neighboring futuristic cities that find themselves perennially warring, though the cause and stakes of the conflict always remain murky. Bregna is the locus of much of the series action, with the titular on, a trickster secret agent, navigating the byways and interstices of the city, a surveillance state run by the irresistible rascal Trevor Goodchild. on and her counterparts are clad in high-tech fashions that marry the patent leather and harnesses of BDSM scenes with techno-fetishistic spy thriller touches (think James Bonds ziplines, spyglasses, and fancifully enhanced handguns), plus stormtrooper-esque helmets and body armor drawn from steampunk and dystopian science fiction, calling to mind the fascist military raiment of World War II.

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In memorable works of science fiction, the tone, style, and technological accoutrements that make up a particular vision of the future endure as much as, or more, than the plot and character arcs, from the dusty, weather-beaten grandeur of Star Wars Tatooine to the black trench coats, narrow sunglasses, and bullet-time ballet of The Matrix. Its equally true in literature: Think of Isaac Asimovs ruminative, often formal prose style in his classic Robot stories (The radical generalization offered it, i.e., its existence, not as a particular object, but as a member of a general group, was too much for it) or Ursula K. Le Guins self-aware narrator in The Left Hand of Darkness acknowledging the partiality of his own account, emphasizing the authors anthropological approach to life and culture on the planet Gethen (The story is not all mine, nor told by me alone. Indeed I am not sure whose story it is; you can judge better).

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on Fluxs narratives are famously cryptic, its morality opaque, and Chungs priority is aesthetic; he told Sound magazine in 1992, I was interested in experimenting with visual narrative, telling a story without dialogue [] For me there is a solid storyline going on under all the action. Its not really that important to me whether or not everybody agrees on what that story is. Later in that same interview, he says, Whats interesting to me about filmmaking is that its not a literal, linear medium.  [I]ts all external imagery, its all physical. And the most externalized, tangible aspect of on Fluxs style is its fascination with surveillance, transparency, and what happens to people when they are secretly watching, or suspect theyre being watched, or feel confident that nobody is looking.

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Which might lead you to believe that on Flux is eerily prescient, or freighted with invaluable lessons for grappling with the messy landscape of technology and society today. Alas, the series doesnt have any answers for usit doesnt make policy prescriptions or stake out any philosophical terrain. What it does superbly is to dramatize the difficulty of disentangling surveillance from curiosity, eroticism and desire, our hopes to hold power to account, and the pleasures we take in putting on a show. Its science fictional world helps us to appreciate why it remains so difficult to define our terms when we try to talk about ubiquitous surveillance and its consequences.

on Flux started as a series of dialogue-free vignettes of two to five minutes, aired by MTV in 1991 and 1992, with the main character dying (!) at the end of each episode. In 1995, the network aired a 10-episode season of half-hour episodes, with dialogue, flirting with if not settling on more continuity. The first longer episode, Utopia or Deuteranopia? is particularly concerned with surveillance, transparency, and voyeurismand, happily, is currently available for free online streaming at MTVs website.

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The episode has a fairly clear plot, by on Flux standards: Trevor Goodchild begins his leadership of Bregna by declaring a regime of radical openness, which he unveils by literally disrobing on live video in front of a vivacious reporter and her floating drone-mounted camera. Later in the same scene, hell kill on camera, after the reporter, who turns out to be an assassin, attacks him. on and her hapless sidekick, Gildemere, try to thwart Trevors newly established rulewhat has he done with Clavius, the previous leader?

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But the closer one looks, the more the threads fray and unravel: We dont know why Trevor wants to be in charge, any differences in policy he might instigate (beyond the new openness, which we dont get any of the larger context for), or what motivates on to move against him. The plot intentionally lacks, or thoroughly obscures, any sense of stakes. on and Trevor seem to be playing an erotic game of catch-and-release as much as politically maneuvering, and Gildemere, who is loyal to Clavius, comes off as an overmatched buffoon throughout, standing in for the viewers misdirected efforts to fit the plot into the spy or political-thriller genre.

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What sticks much better than the slippery plot is the style, the little architectural and technological details, and the visual setpieces: Trevor naked, lithe and triumphant, in front of the buzzing drone; the doubling of the shocked eye of the journalist with the impassive camera lens; the repeated shots of Chungs serpentine-bodied characters wrapping themselves like bundles of sinew without bones around corners and pillars, furtively watching one another; the security camera that broadcasts Goodchild sleeping, and the Ferris Buelleresque contraption that slides him secretly under the bed and replaces him with a dummy. The way our look is funneled through camera lenses time and again, the mediated images further distorting the characters bodies (at one point, on addresses a camera and looks like a bobblehead doll, shes so foreshortened); the scene in which on restrains Trevor and makes him watch while a worshipful security guard rubs and kisses her feet; the way all of the buildings in Bregna are built with large, uncovered windows facing the street, and one another, creating a total urban panopticon in which everyone has the pleasure (duty?) to watch and be watched. Even the combat scenes are distorted by the episodes fixation on looking; at one point on kicks Gildemere off a ladder, and were inexplicably jolted from a third-person perspective that allows us to easily track the action to ons perspective as the man bounces off the hard ground below.

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The episode opens with a hyper-industrial urban vista, the animated camera panning over a dollhouse-style slice of city life: a cart laden with boxes pulls to a stop in front of an elevator, a man drops a box over a ledgeintentionally or not, we never learn. on appears to load the box onto the cart, and the man who dropped it over the edge bursts through a door, looking concerned, just as on swings out of view. This is storytelling typical of the series earlier mini-episodes; who knows what happened, and who really cares? Within seconds, the moving camera makes us realize that weve been watching through Trevors eyes, as he says: The unobserved state is a fog of probabilities, a window of, and for, error. The watcher observes, the fog collapses, an event resolves. A theory becomes a fact. What is the truth? Tell me if you know, and I will not believe you. Things are never what they seem.

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As we watch and listen to Utopia or Deuteranopia? were awash in discourse about these sacrosanct notions of surveillance, privacy, transparencytruth and lies, interpretation and reality. But Chung and the rest of the filmmakers state their case immediately, in this first shot of the series: None of these culturally freighted terms are sacred, and everyone is leveraging these ideas for different reasons, to justify themselves, to cloud their true motives, to grasp at power, or just to catch a thrill. In the episode, Trevor will announce Nothing is sacred, nothing is secret, and later hell just as fervently extol the virtues of privacy, as hes leading on to a secret rendezvous inside the hollowed-out body of Bregnas former leader: I will give her freedom. True freedom. Freedom from prying eyes and expectations.

A private place. A place of our own.

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Its a surprisingly 2020s-vibed set of maneuvers, because on Flux appreciates that what shoots through and confounds our pieties about privacy, our inconsistent responses to surveillance, is that a lot of us like watching others, and crave being watched. Throughout the episode, and the series, on and Trevor are positioned as adversaries, but theyre also addicted, perversely, to orbiting each other in some sort of intensely charged political-erotic-competitive choreography. The more you watch this episode, the more you get pulled into its circularity: Were watching people watching other people who know that theyre being watched. Their actions are tailored to the presumption that theyre observed, so everything is innately theatrical, even when its staged to seem spontaneous. Today, we find ourselves awash in contrived reality TV premises, Twitch streams, OnlyFans bedroom cams, and wholesome family vloggers. Meanwhile, were ever navigating impossible negotiations of our privacy, from Ring doorbell cameras and TSA queues to unpredictable location tracking, intrusive search engines, and data brokers endlessly, quietly exchanging our details among themselves. This episode offers an exhaustingly familiar sense of a bleed between private and public, organic and artificial.

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So what makes on Flux really sing is how its characters inhabit these contradictions with aplomb, a confidence and lack of cognitive dissonance that feels otherworldly. The very real chemistry between on and Goodchild is entirely staged, a mannered performance enacted for one another. Meanwhile, narrative beats that feel less managed and plannedas when a handful of armor-clad soldiers run headlong after on while she disposes of a bodyare styled in a way that makes them feel stilted. The soldiers are moving fast, but unlike on and Goodchild, their movements are stiff and jerky, their arms canted at unnatural angles; they look like action figures manipulated by a childs hands.

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When on finally gets to the literal bottom of Goodchilds plan, penetrating his secret bunker inside Clavius body, she scoffs: I thought you had an operation here. I thought you were getting some work done. Where is the smoke-filled room? Where are the sleazy characters? They exchange some enigmatic barbs, but we dont learn anything. Its not so easy, in this science fictional universe: Secrecy doesnt get you any closer to truth, and on and Goodchild are just as actorly with one another here, in apparent total privacy, as they are chasing one another through the busy streets.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Balter stopped speaking in around 1760. According to his family, his self-imposed silence was the result of a sudden trauma, but they couldnt agree on what, exactly, that was. Maybe it was a disastrous sea voyage. Or maybe it was the profound shock of watching a chest of money sink to the ocean floor in the course of that voyage. Or maybe it was because he was unlucky in love, pining for a German girl who didnt return his affections. The story changed depending on which family member told it.

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Balter ended his silence 14 years later when, according to his great-niece, he fired a pistol from his window and yelled the devils in fourteen. A few days later, he died, never having elucidated the source of his sudden silence.

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Before Balter became the queer uncle of family lore, he was one of the many thousands of German-speaking immigrants who came to Colonial America in the 18th century. Sometime in the 1730s, Johann and Balthazar Hieronymus left their home along the Rhine River and set out for Rotterdam, where they boarded the Two Brothers, a tall ship bound for Philadelphia. After disembarking on Oct. 13, 1737, the brothers set out for Virginia and settled on its edge, in modern-day West Virginia, where they began building a farm and were renamed Francis and Balter by local British authorities.

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Francis life is richly documented; there are surviving bills of sale for horses and livestock, a marriage certificate with Elspeth Richter, and birth certificates and other written documents testifying to his constantly growing family. But Balter virtually disappears from public records after hes renamed, with the exception of two court cases, of which he was the subject. On Aug. 11, 1761, the Loudoun County court ordered Francis to build a house ten Feet square to secure Paldos Heironimousuntil he recover his reason that he be confined therein and that Thomas Ormsby and William Ormsby go there weekly to see that he is found with all Necessaries by the said Francis for his Support. (Paldos was likely a misinterpretation of Balter, as pronounced with a German accent. Similarly, the Hieronymus name appears in numerous records with multiple spellings. The Ormsbys relationship to Balter isnt clear, but its likely that Thomas was the parish minister.)

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Its unclear whether Francis or his neighbors referred Balters case to the court, but the result was that Francis was ordered by the court to build a private madhouse for his brother, where Balter likely resided for the remainder of his life. (An archeological dig on Francis land, conducted by Hieronymus descendants, uncovered the foundation of a building of a size identical to that ordered by the court.) The document is remarkable because it offers a brief, if rare, glimpse into what Balters life as a mentally ill person in Colonial America would have been like. This kind of window is particularly rare to find before the obsessive record-keeping of the later asylum movement.

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For those who were, in the contemporary parlance, crazy-brained, afflicted, or just simply insane, legal records are invaluable for understanding how they would have been perceived, both legally and by their communities. Throughout the 18th century, the mentally ill appear in criminal and civil cases, in probate cases, and in cases of wives asking courts for the legal authority to make decisions for a husband incapable of doing so. Court records, combined with surviving diaries, letters, and family histories, show that Colonial America was relatively tolerant of the mentally ill, leaving them to move in and out of society as long as they werent violent. Lynn Gamwell and Nancy Tomes argue in their book Madness in America that the historic record shows that people who behaved in bizarre and disruptive ways were still allowed to move about freely, and even retain important positions of responsibility. During periods of madness, such individuals were watched and cared for, but as soon as they recovered they rejoined the community. At least, this was the case with the people whose records we retain; it seems fair to presume that perceptions of madness and violence in the 18th century were bound to race and gender. Any tolerance and empathy shown to the distracted was undoubtedly predicated on their station within the social hierarchy. (There are very few surviving records from this time concerning Black people, enslaved or free, who were considered mentally ill.)

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This fluid pattern of engagement and withdrawal might have been true for Balter.

According to Hieronymus family stories told to me by my grandmother, a direct descendant of Francis, Balter had periods where he was lucid and able to work, although he remained silent. A suit brought posthumously on Balters behalf by Francis suggests that the family story might be true. In October 1781, Francis sought the intervention of the county court for unpaid wages owed to Balter, suggesting that he had labored on neighboring farms when he was well. Colonial American history is littered with similar stories. James Otis, a lawyer, patriot, and pamphleteer whose influence was cited by both Samuel Adams and John Adams, suffered bouts of insanity. In 1770, Otis left his law practice after a mental break only to return a few months later without any apparent damage to his careerhe was even reelected to the Colonial assembly. That pattern continued until the 1780s, when Otis was permanently placed in the care of a man named Osgood who housed a large number of mentally ill people on his farm. (Otis died in 1783 after he was apparently struck by lightning.)

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Otis care by a private citizen who housed the mentally ill, likely paid for by both public and private funds, wasnt a particularly unusual arrangement. Colonial America largely operated under English Poor Laws, leaving care for the mentally ill to local governments, namely counties or towns, if families were unable to provide. As in the United Kingdom, the shape of that care changed drastically from community to community. Some might board dependents in private homes while others might send them to a poorhouse; they might also compel a family to take care of a relative or intervene in their care, as Loudoun County appears to have done in Balters case. Others might simply leave them to wander the streets.

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Family was, as Gamwell and Tomes note, the bedrock of care for the sick and disabled in Colonial America. But even the care of family could prove less than ideal. A quick comparison of the dependents of two Founding Fathers shows how varied care could be, a persisting reminder of how precarious the lives of the mentally ill were. Take Angelica Hamilton, the eldest daughter of Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, who was considered an invalid due to her insanity, according to her nephew. Angelica lived with her parents for much of her life, and relocated to a private asylum in upstate New York after, it seems, her mother became too old to care for her. Angelicas existence was no secret and she was not hidden from visitors to the Hamilton home, some of whom mention her in their letters. (Alexander Hamiltons letters include a few references to Angelica.)

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Angelicas life is a stark contrast to that of Sarah Shelton Henry, the wife of Patrick Henry. Like Angelica, Sarah was kept at home, but she was locked in the household cellar. According to the family physician, Sarah lost her reason and could only be restrained from self-destruction by a strait-dress. Its unclear how many years Sarah was confined, though it may have been up to four years, until her death sometime in early 1775, the same year Henry delivered his Liberty or Death speech. It appears Sarah had little contact with anyone other than an enslaved woman tasked with caring for her.

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The contours of Angelicas and Sarahs illnesses are abstract since their experiences are exclusively narrated by others and filtered through deeply romanticized tropes of illness. And, in the case of Sarah in particular, these stories of mental illness are told in such a way as to be both forgiving and flattering to the narrator. But as family stories passed down from generation to generation, these tropes are also meant to reassure the listener, often suggesting that the illness within a family was caused by uncontrollable outside forces.

As with Balter, the narratives that gathered around Otis, Angelica, and Sarah all told of a single traumatic event that produced sudden madness. Otis madness was brought on after he was beaten by a British official for publishing an inflammatory newspaper article, Angelica was rendered dumb after her brother was killed in a duel, and Sarah turned violent after the birth of her sixth child.

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On even the most cursory inspection, none of these stories are entirely true. Though the narratives of insanity are all based on factual, undoubtedly life-altering events, the emphasis on a quick, swift break, rather than a slow deterioration of mental health, is purposeful. Closer readings of biographies usually show worsening over time, instead of a singular break. John Adams, for example, noted that Otis was troubled long before he was beaten, and contemporaries had remarked on Sarah Henrys melancholy before the birth of her last child.

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These stories arent meant to be a literal recounting of mental illness. Rather, they are reassuring, creating a kind of empathetic bond with the well. Samuel Coates, who was the manager of the Pennsylvania Hospital, a Quaker institution that was the first organized attempt to care for the mentally ill in Colonial America, particularly those who were violent, kept an illustrated notebook between the 1790s and 1817. In it he recorded anecdotes and stories of inmates (he often refers to them as prisoners), nearly all of whom were supposedly driven insane by disappointments in love, money, or kin. Coates perception of the inmates at the Pennsylvania Hospital was typical of the era, a particular blend of pathos and paternalism that pointed to the accumulation of disappointments as the primary source of madness.

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The stories passed down by my ancestors about Balter reflect something similar to Coates point of view, giving his 14 years of silence and half a lifetime spent in and out of a house that was ten feet square a sympathetic frame while eliding difficult details. Balter and his counterparts lived at a moment when the responsibility for the mentally ill was shifting from the home to confinement in public asylums. Francis Fauquier, lieutenant governor of the Virginia colony, asked the House of Burgesses to build an asylum in 1766. Every civilized Country has an Hospital for these People  to endeavour to restore to them their lost Reason, Fauquier wrote. The Burgesses agreed and Williamsburgs Eastern State Hospital, the first public asylum in Colonial America, opened in 1773. Its opening marked a significant shift in the treatment of the mentally ill as government apparatuses expanded.

Balter died a year after Eastern State Hospital opened. Like so many of historys vulnerable populations, the details of his life have been almost completely obscured. Whats left is a story of the broadest strokes, a queer uncle who had little to say.

State of Mind is a partnership of Slate and Arizona State University that offers a practical look at our mental health systemand how to make it better.
Sharing agendas at the municipal level can save money and improve the quality of services.

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Back in 1990, a group of villages in the Bardejov district, northeastern Slovakia, joined forces and created a body to deal with some of their municipal agenda. Named Bardejovska Uradovna, it currently serves more than 80 municipalities, including some outside of the district, helping with building, environmental and HR issues, as well as accountancy.

The idea came from the villages, said Zuzana Germanova, former mayor of the village of Richvald and ex-head of Bardejovska Uradovna. She was a guest at an annual conference held in September 2022 by the Business Service Center Forum (BSCF), a sectoral organisation for business centres active in Slovakia that operates under the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Slovakia.

Germanova noted that the mayors of smaller villages often have no capacity to deal with all administrative processes, which is why they decided to join forces and share the processing of some agendas.

Its a mystery that similar offices are not a matter of course in other parts of Slovakia, she said.

Slovakias capital, Bratislava, now wants to adopt a similar principle for its municipal organisations and institutions. In order to unburden them of activities that have nothing to do with their core agenda, and thus improve the quality of services provided and cut costs, it aims to create Municipal Shared Services for Bratislava in the coming years.

To achieve this goal, it has teamed up with the private sector and is consulting on various problems with companies active in the business service centre (BSC) sector.

The concept of shared services in the business environment works great all over the world, and there is no reason why it shouldnt work in public administration, said Peter Rusinak, senior policy manager and BSCF coordinator.

Pilot testing to set standards

Bratislava has already taken the first steps towards launching municipal shared services.
Artpresso Design LLC has announced the launch of a new line of espresso machine accessories to be offered globally by La Marzocco branches and preferred resellers. Created by Steven Monti, a product designer and founder of Artpresso Design, this collection of products began with Scott Callender of the La Marzocco USA branch in 2017. Our collaboration with La Marzocco was inspiring and generated a range of quality accessory products for the brand, said Monti.

Then in 2021, Steven met Kent Bakke (La Marzoccos CEO until 2018) who invited him to meet with Guido Bernardelli (current La Marzocco CEO). Over an amazing lunch in Scarperia, we discussed the work Artpresso was doing in the US with the team in Italy. Guido recommended we conduct a market test by offering the accessory product line to other La Marzocco branches throughout the world, said Monti.

Today, Im excited to share that the global accessory product trial proved to be successful! Now, La Marzocco branches worldwide have the opportunity to carry a cohesive line of barista tools and accessories that align to their brand. My hope is this expansion will bring joy to more customers in new regions and create the opportunity for us to further partner with La Marzocco on new product innovations.

For close to a century, La Marzocco has set the standard for excellence in espresso machine design and engineering. Their commercial and home machines are innovative and handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. They are leaders in the coffee community and I have been a proud user of their machines.

When I began Artpresso Design in 2016, I wanted to design products that would lead with innovation and hoped to either work with La Marzocco or create a company with similar attributes of this iconic brand. The sense of pride and solidarity at La Marzocco is unmistakable, and I am honored and humbled by this opportunity. Most of all, Im thankful to everyone at La Marzocco who supported us and for their commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit.

La Marzocco is currently offering eleven accessory products to their International customers, this collection includes barista essentials like Solo tampers, knockboxes, steam pitchers and towel sets. In addition to these items there are Linea Mini cup rails and grinder custom lid sets.

It is a great feeling as a designer and owner of Artpresso to contribute in a small way to La Marzoccos legacy through the products we provide. Im grateful for everyone who made this collaboration a reality, including Chris Salierno, Dave Bise, Scott Guglielmino, Angelo Rossi, Tommaso Natale, and Zach Wright.

The complete product line can be seen at https://www.artpressodesign.com/la-marzocco/.

This press release was provided to Sprudge for Sprudge Press Releases. Interested in submitting a press release? Get in touch!
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/russian-envoy-us-responsible-for-bryansk-attack-as-key-arms-supplier-of-kiev-1107995602.html

Russian Envoy: US Responsible for Bryansk Attack as Key Arms Supplier of Kiev

Russian Envoy: US Responsible for Bryansk Attack as Key Arms Supplier of Kiev

The United States shoulders responsibility for the attack on Russia's border region of Bryansk, as it is the prime arms supplier of Ukraine, Russian Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov said on Friday.

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Earlier in the day, the Biden administration announced a new $400 million military package, which includes more ammunition for US-provided HIMARS and howitzers, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles. "With each new batch of US weapons, the criminals in Kiev feel even greater impunity. Inspired by the US support, they resort to inhuman actions, such as the terrorist attack in the Bryansk region," Antonov said in a statement.On Thursday, Bryansk region Governor Alexander Bogomaz said that a Ukrainian sabotage group had penetrated the border. Saboteurs shelled a moving car, killing two people and injuring a 10-year-old child and an adult male. Later, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said the Ukrainian nationalists had been pushed back into Ukraine, where they were hit by a massive artillery strike. The more actively the US administration helps Kiev, the more often the Ukrainian government will use terrorist tactics, aiming NATO weapons at women, the elderly and children, the Russian ambassador continued. US assistance will only "prolong the agony of the Kiev regime," Antonov said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has blasted the Bryansk attack a terrorist act.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230302/putin-ukrainian-forces-committed-terror-attack-in-bryansk-by-opening-fire-on-civilians-1107946483.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/500-year-old-spices-reportedly-discovered-on-scandinavian-shipwreck-1108003627.html

500-Year-Old Spices Reportedly Discovered on Scandinavian Shipwreck

500-Year-Old Spices Reportedly Discovered on Scandinavian Shipwreck

Archaeologists from Lund University in Sweden found a "treasure trove" of spices aboard the wreck of the Scandinavian ship Gribshund

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Archaeologists from Lund University in Sweden found a "treasure trove" of spices aboard the wreck of the Scandinavian ship Gribshund, according to media reports.The ship's wreck was found in the Sixties, and in the following years it was studied by marine archaeologists, but not thoroughly enough. A new study of the shipwreck has revealed containers with well-preserved plant material - more than 3,000 specimens. Researchers found spices such as nutmeg, cloves, mustard and dill. They also found samples of saffron, ginger, black pepper and almonds. Some of these probably came from Indonesia, indicating advanced trade.In 1495, King Johann of Denmark docked the Gribshunden off the coast of Sweden, preparing to meet Swedish ruler Sten Sture the Elder. Johann planned to make a deal that would give him control of Sweden. Soon after docking, however, the ship caught fire and sank, which was a great loss since it was filled with goods worthy of a rich and powerful ruler.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/africa-is-becoming-new-market-for-russian-oil-products-amid-eu-embargo-report-says-1108021214.html

Africa is Becoming New Market for Russian Oil Products Amid EU Embargo, Report Says

Africa is Becoming New Market for Russian Oil Products Amid EU Embargo, Report Says

New buyers from Africa have doubled their imports of Russian fuels in February, following the EU's embargo on oil and refined petroleum products from Russia, according to data provided by S&P Global Commodities at Sea.

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New buyers from Africa doubled their imports of Russian fuel in February, following the European Union's embargo on oil and refined petroleum products from Russia, according to data provided by S&P Global Commodities at Sea.The EU imposed a ban on the purchase and import of seaborne Russian crude oil starting from December last year. Early last month, an EU ban on imports of refined petroleum products from Russia, including diesel and jet fuel, came into effect. The moves are ostensibly part of Western efforts to cut off Russian fossil fuels from their economies, end their energy dependence on Russia, and limit Moscow's sources of funds.The agency noted that following the sanctions, in February this year, Europe's imports of Russian fuels plummeted significantly. In general, the impact of the embargo was seen in the diesel and fuel oil markets. Last month, Russian diesel exports decreased by over 100,000 barrels per day (b/d) to 830,000 b/d, while fuel oil exports slumped by 170,000 b/d from the previous month to 614,000 b/d. As for the destinations, flows of Russian fuel to Europe fell from approximately 1.5 million b/d in December to less than 500,000 b/d in February. At the same time, the very structure of Russian oil product exports in regard to the main buyers has changed. According to the agency, Turkey, the UAE, and China are now the biggest importers of Russian fuels, as about 35% of all the country's oil product exports are now headed to these states. The agency noted that African buyers include Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Ghana, and Egypt. In February, these countries increased Russian fuel imports to 440,000 b/d.As for Russian crude oil exports, the agency noted that they "remained resilient" in February, as the country managed to redirect large volumes of its crude to other states, in particular to India. Russian-origin crude loadings averaged 3.31 million b/d, down 8% from January levels. Last month, a leading US-based newspaper reported that North African countries, namely Tunisia and Morocco, had increased imports of diesel and other refined petroleum products from Russia. In January, Tunisia acquired 2.8 million barrels of Russian oil products, while Moroccan imports of Russian diesel stood at two million barrels. The newspaper stressed that North African nations had "picked up the slack," as Russia is now largely cut off from the European market. In response to the situation, Russia has been increasing its cooperation in the energy field with its African partners. Moreover, the development of oil production and refining on the continent through Russian investment will be one of the key topics of the upcoming Russia-Africa summit, which is slated to be held in July in St. Petersburg.Furthermore, according to NJ Ayuk, the head of the African Energy Chamber, Russia could take the lead in assisting energy projects in Africa.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/all-hostages-freed-following-protests-against-emerald-energy-in-colombia-president-says-1108004032.html

All Hostages Freed Following Protests Against Emerald Energy in Colombia, President Says

All Hostages Freed Following Protests Against Emerald Energy in Colombia, President Says

Colombian ministers have negotiated the release of dozens of hostages, including members of law enforcement, taken during protests against the Emerald Energy oil company

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colombia

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On Thursday, 88 people (nine oil company employees and 79 police officers) were taken hostage during protests against Emerald Energy in southern Colombia. On Thursday, protesters set fire to some of the oil companys property. One law enforcement officer and one protester were killed. Government officials traveled to San Vicente del Caguan on Friday to hold negotiations with the protesters. According to local media reports, local residents have been protesting for over a month, demanding that oil workers pave the 42-kilometer (26-mile) road to the oil fields, which is used by the Emerald Energy company trucks.

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protests against emerald energy, release of dozens of hostages
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/belarus-lukashenko-chinas-xi-discuss-promotion-of-ukraine-peace-talks-1108024852.html

Belarus' Lukashenko, China's Xi Discuss Promotion of Ukraine Peace Talks

Belarus' Lukashenko, China's Xi Discuss Promotion of Ukraine Peace Talks

MINSK (Sputnik) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during his state visit to China has discussed with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping joint efforts... 04.03.2023, Sputnik International

2023-03-04T18:44+0000

2023-03-04T18:44+0000

2023-04-06T10:50+0000

world

belarus

china

xi jinping

alexander lukashenko

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"The discussion also took place between our leaders. The presidents stressed that it was necessary to unite the efforts, seek to continue working to influence this conflict in such a way that the parties move on to a peaceful discussion of issues, and search for solutions that would be favorable for everybody and for the whole world," Senko told Belarusian broadcaster. Lukashenko paid a state visit to China from February 28 to March 2. On Wednesday, the Belarusian and Chinese leaders, following the official talks in Beijing, adopted a joint statement on the further development of the exemplary comprehensive strategic partnership between Belarus and China in the new era.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230227/lukashenko-belarus-is-chinas-only-ally-in-europe-1107854372.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/biden-could-skip-coronation-of-king-charles-iii-reports-say-1108003083.html

Biden Could Skip Coronation of King Charles III, Reports Say

Biden Could Skip Coronation of King Charles III, Reports Say

US President Joe Biden is unlikely to attend the coronation of UK King Charles III, US magazine reports, citing two people familiar with Bidens plans.

2023-03-04T04:54+0000

2023-03-04T04:54+0000

2023-03-04T04:54+0000

world

king charles iii

joe biden

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"That does not feel like an event Joe Biden will attend," a White House official told Time on Friday, specifying that the US president's schedule for May had not been finalized. The official coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla will take place on May 6, 2023. World leaders and foreign monarchs are reportedly expected to receive formal invitations to the event, which will be the UKs first coronation in 70 years, in April. If Biden does not attend the coronation, he will have followed in the footsteps of late US President Dwight Eisenhower, who skipped the coronation of late Queen Elizabeth II 70 years ago, in June 1953. Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She died on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96 in Scotland. Her son Charles became the United Kingdom's new monarch under the name Charles III.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/burundi-to-send-about-100-troops-to-drc-as-part-of-eac-regional-force-1108016334.html

Burundi to Send About 100 Troops To DRC as Part of EAC Regional Force

Burundi to Send About 100 Troops To DRC as Part of EAC Regional Force

Burundi will send 100 soldiers as part of a regional force on Saturday to the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the media reported.

2023-03-04T12:40+0000

2023-03-04T12:40+0000

2023-03-04T12:40+0000

africa

eac regional force operation in drc

eac

drc

democratic republic of the congo

burundi

east africa

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Burundi will send 100 soldiers as part of a regional force on Saturday to the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), media has reported.According to reports, an unidentified senior Burundian army commander said on Friday that "about 100 soldiers" would be flying to Goma the next day. The troops will be stationed in Sake as well as the M23-controlled towns of Kitshanga and Kilorirwe. The deployment of Burundian troops on Saturday was confirmed in a press release from the EAC on Friday, although the number of soldiers going to the DRC was not specified. The M23 must leave by 30 March in accordance with a new timeline established by the East African leaders last month. The three-step process was supposed to begin on 28 February.Earlier, the key negotiator in the eastern DRC peace process, Uhuru Kenyatta, urged the nations of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) to deploy their troops fully in the east of the country to protect controlled areas from clashes between the government forces and rebels.The EAC established a regional force with the goal of stabilizing the eastern DRC and has asked the M23 to leave occupied territories during several meetings designed to defuse the crisis. But, thousands of people protested in Goma last month, accusing the EAC force of being indifferent to armed groups and demanding it to fight the rebels alongside government forces.Large numbers of civilians have been displaced by the conflict in North Kivu province, which has heightened regional tensions. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, a charge Kigali has refuted. Late in 2021, the militia came out of hiding once more, and by the end of the year, they controlled large areas of North Kivu, including much of the area to the north of the country's capital Goma.The eastern DRC has been plagued by rebel groups for decades; many of them are a result of local conflicts that erupted in the Nineties and the early 2000s. According to the UN organization, 5.5 million people were internally displaced within the nation as of last November.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230122/eac-force-will-not-fire-first-shot-in-eastern-dr-congo-secretary-general-says-1106568968.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/central-africans-protest-against-wests-interference-in-countrys-affairs-1107981066.html

Central Africans Protest Against West's Interference in Country's Affairs

Central Africans Protest Against West's Interference in Country's Affairs

Hundreds of people gathered in the Central African Republic's capital city of Bangui to protest against Western countries attempts to intervene in the country's internal affairs and their demands to stop cooperating with Russia

2023-03-04T04:20+0000

2023-03-04T04:20+0000

2023-03-04T04:20+0000

africa

central africa

central african republic

protests

russia

us

france

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flags

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Hundreds of people gathered in the Central African Republic's capital city of Bangui to protest against attempts by Western countries to intervene in the country's internal affairs and their demands to stop cooperating with Russia, a Sputnik correspondent reported.The activists who came to protest held Russian flags and banners which said "the Central African people favor its sovereignty in line with the UN Charter," "the CAR supports Russia," and "No to the West's blackmail and harassment."Didacien Kossimatchi, one of the organizers of the demonstration, said it was a "response to the actions of the US and France, which addressed the CAR's president in order to make Russians leave the country."There was another demand from the protesters which consisted of releasing the military of the CAR's army, being held hostage by rebels from the Coalition of Patriots for Change led by the country's ex-President Francois Bozize."This action is a prelude to a demonstration which is planned for the upcoming days. It is uncontested support for Putin's Russia for liberating the people of the Central Africa from criminals in our cities," Didacien Kossimatchi added.In May last year, the US House of Representatives passed a bill designed to counter "malign" activities of Russia in Africa, which "undermine the US objectives and interests." In accordance with the bill, Washington might take punitive measures against countries that cooperate with Moscow in different areas.The bill has repeatedly been criticized by multiple countries' officials.For instance, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa during his meeting with US President Joe Biden on the margins of the December 2022 US-Africa Summit said the bill would harm Africa and "marginalize" the continent.Along with him, the speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe Jacob Mudenda stated that African countries reacted with disgust to the US bill, as it infringes on African nations' sovereignty and territorial integrity.Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in turn, emphasized he had no doubts that even those who did not comment on the bill believed "this law harms Africans first of all."At the same time, while the Central African Republic is seeing protests, French President Emmanuel Macron embarked March 1 on a trip to four Central African countries - Gabon, Luanda, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.However, Macron's visit to the African nations that followed the announcement of France's plans to "reorganize its military presence in Africa" was also opposed by Africans.In Gabon, the first country to visit on his list, where he attended the One Forest environmental summit, Africans met him with a pots-and-pans protest.One of the organizers of anti-Macron protests, speaker of the Federation of the Civil and Anti-Francafrique Movements of Gabon Privat Ngomo, told Sputnik the action was designed to express opposition against the French heritage in Gabon.Along with Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo also saw several dozen protesters with portraits of Vladimir Putin and Russian flags, which gathered before the French Embassy in Kinshasa, the country's capital.Among the phrases the banners showed were: "Macron is the godfather of DRC balkanization," "Congolese say no to French policy," "Macron is an unwanted guest in DRC," and "Macron is a killer, Putin to the rescue!"Furthermore, an organizer of the DRC's protests said the country no longer needed France.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230118/lavrov-us-bill-countering-russia-in-africa-represents-colonial-mentality-1106460779.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230301/putin-portraits-russian-flags-protests-reported-against-macrons-visit-to-dr-congo-1107904718.html

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central african republic protests, support for russia, us and france interference
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/condition-of-boy-injured-in-attack-in-russias-bryansk-region-still-serious-doctor-says-1108024285.html

Condition of Boy Injured in Attack in Russia's Bryansk Region Still Serious, Doctor Says

Condition of Boy Injured in Attack in Russia's Bryansk Region Still Serious, Doctor Says

The condition of schoolboy Fedor, who sustained injuries during an armed car attack by saboteurs in Russia's Bryansk Region, is still serious, but it corresponds to the post-surgery period, the chief doctor of the children's regional hospital, Viktor Alexa, said on Saturday.

2023-03-04T18:37+0000

2023-03-04T18:37+0000

2023-03-04T18:37+0000

russia

russia

bryansk

ukraine

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On Thursday, a sabotage group penetrated from Ukraine to the territory of Russia's Bryansk Region. Saboteurs shelled at least two cars, killing drivers. One of the vehicles was also carrying Fedor and his two female classmates. The boy was injured, but he still managed to get out of the car and save the girls. The child was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery. The Russian Federal Security Service said on Thursday that Ukrainian nationalists responsible for attack in the Bryansk Region had been squeezed out into the territory of Ukraine, where they had been subjected to a massive artillery strike. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the attack of Ukrainian saboteurs a terrorist act, stressing that civilians, including children, had been shelled.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/how-10-year-old-russian-schoolboy-shot-by-nato-bullet-turned-hero-overnight-1107975838.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/eu-defense-industry-should-switch-to-wartime-economy-european-commissioner-1108002685.html

EU Defense Industry Should Switch to Wartime Economy, European Commissioner Insists

EU Defense Industry Should Switch to Wartime Economy, European Commissioner Insists

Commissioner for Internal Market of the European Union Thierry Breton says that the bloc needs to shift to a wartime economy model.

2023-03-04T04:48+0000

2023-03-04T04:48+0000

2023-04-12T17:05+0000

economy

economy

european union (eu)

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"I believe it is time that the European defence industry moves to a wartime economy model to cater for our defence production needs," Breton told UK media, adding that he was "determined to support the production ramp-up of the European defense industry to face the realities of a high-intensity conflict  starting with the question of ammunition." Diplomats told a British newspaper on Friday that several EU member states are skeptical of Bretons plans. The newspaper said that Breton is working with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on a plan to boost arms production by expanding factory work and is pressing banks and other financial institutions, some of which boycott arms companies, to increase their lending. A German magazine reported on Wednesday that the European Commission had developed a plan to increase the production of munition shells, including 155mm heavy artillery howitzer ammunition, to deliver them to Ukraine and boost the bloc's own reserves.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20221103/eus-economy-may-collapse-in-three-years-after-banning-russian-gas-prof-warns-1103692641.html

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wartime economy, european union thierry breton
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/ex-lawyer-alex-murdaugh-sentenced-to-two-life-terms-for-murdering-wife-and-son-1108006696.html

Ex-Lawyer Alex Murdaugh Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Murdering Wife and Son

Ex-Lawyer Alex Murdaugh Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Murdering Wife and Son

On Friday, Judge Clifton Newman delivered two life sentences, consecutively, for Alex Murdaugh for the murders of his wife and son.

2023-03-04T10:30+0000

2023-03-04T10:30+0000

2023-03-04T10:30+0000

americas

us

life sentence

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Judge Clifton Newman has handed down two consecutive life sentences to Alex Murdaugh for the murder of his wife and son.On the day of his conviction, Mudaugh was also found guilty on two weapons charges. The jury deliberated for several hours and took into account the testimony of 70 witnesses over six weeks. They even visited the 1,700-acre crime scene the day before sentencing.The verdict came after a six-week trial that dealt with brutal murders, telephone forensics, a mysterious blue tarp, major financial irregularities, and the defendant's own lies.Lawyers for the defendant said they plan to challenge the decision within 10 days.Murdaugh had previously been a successful lawyer himself until his 52-year-old wife, Maggie, and 22-year-old son, Paul, were found dead in 2021. In July 2022, Murdaugh was accused of "shooting" two members of his family on their 1,700-acre Moselle farm in Islandton, South Carolina. He pleaded not guilty. His fate was sealed by a video his murdered son had made moments before his death. The video, taken by Paul on the night of 7 June 2021, captured his father Alex Murdaugh, mother Maggie and himself altogether. This video placed Murdaugh at the crime scene around the time of the murder.In a separate case yet to go to trial, Murdaugh also faces 99 separate charges stemming from a host of alleged financial crimes, including defrauding his clients, a former law firm and the government of about $9 million. The prosecution argued that the motive for Murdaugh's murders was to distract and delay the investigation into his financial misdeeds.

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alex murdaugh sentenced, murders of his wife and son, two life sentences
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/foreign-minister-joly-canada-will-never-tolerate-chinese-meddling-in-its-democracy-1108000736.html

Foreign Minister Joly: Canada Will Never Tolerate 'Chinese Meddling' in its Democracy

Foreign Minister Joly: Canada Will Never Tolerate 'Chinese Meddling' in its Democracy

Canada will "never tolerate" any form of interference in the countrys elections and internal affairs from China, Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly said on Friday.

2023-03-04T03:27+0000

2023-03-04T03:27+0000

2023-03-04T03:27+0000

americas

china

canada

election interference

ottawa

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In a statement released on her Twitter account, Ottawas top diplomat detailed the countrys position regarding the alleged Chinese interference in Canadas federal elections of 2019 and 2021. Joly added that Ottawa will neither accept breaches of Canadian territorial integrity or sovereignty, adding it will also not tolerate any violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by Chinese diplomats stationed in Canada. However, while relations between Canada and China continue to sour, both ministers agreed on keeping lines of communications open, the statement continued. On Tuesday, the Canadian government released a report on elections integrity. According to the findings, although no "significant" indications of state-sponsored interference had been observed during the 2021 federal elections, intelligence agencies expressed concern over potential foreign meddling by China and other states. China has repeatedly denied having engaged in any sort of interference during past elections in Canada. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin dismissed Jolys claims of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Ottawa being involved in electoral interference, according to Chinese media. Qin said that China has never meddled in the internal affairs of any state and its diplomats in Ottawa have never infringed on the Vienna Convention.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20221119/canada-will-boost-military-presence-in-indo-pacific-will-challenge-china-when-it-ought-to-1104433543.html

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canada, melanie joly, canadian minister of foreign affairs, election interference
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/germanys-rheinmetall-in-talks-with-kiev-on-construction-of-tank-plant-in-ukraine--1108010299.html

Germany's Rheinmetall in Talks With Kiev on Construction of Tank Plant in Ukraine

Germany's Rheinmetall in Talks With Kiev on Construction of Tank Plant in Ukraine

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is currently holding "promising" talks with Kiev on the construction of a tank plant worth 200 million euros ($213 million) in Ukraine, Armin Papperger, the head of the company, said on Saturday.

2023-03-04T09:37+0000

2023-03-04T09:37+0000

2023-03-04T09:37+0000

military

germany

ukraine

leopard 2

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"A Rheinmetall plant could be built in Ukraine for about 200 million euros," Papperger told the German newspaper, adding that the negotiations were "promising." Such a plant will be able to produce up to 400 Panther tanks per year, the company's chief said. He expressed hope that a final decision on the deal would be made "in the next two months." Ukraine needs from 600 to 800 tanks to win in the conflict with Russia, so even if Berlin gives Kiev all 300 Leopard 2 tanks from the reserves of the German armed forces, this will still "not be enough," Papperger told the news outlet. Over the past months, the German arms manufacturer has been an active participant in projects aimed at providing military support to Ukraine. Rheinmetall is supplying ammunition for German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns used by Ukraine in the conflict, as well as providing Kiev with high-mobility HX swap-body trucks and automated reconnaissance systems, among other items. Western countries have been supplying Ukraine with various types of weapon systems, including air defense missiles, multiple launch rocket systems, tanks, self-propelled artillery and anti-aircraft guns since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine over a year ago. Moscow has warned that arms deliveries do not contribute to a peaceful resolution and further escalate the conflict, risking full-scale NATO involvement in the fighting.

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german arms manufacturer, construction of a tank plant, manufacturer rheinmetall
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/hecklers-chant-we-love-trump-after-gop-presidential-hopeful-nikki-haleys-cpac-speech-1108016545.html

Hecklers Chant 'We Love Trump!' After GOP Presidential Hopeful Nikki Haley's CPAC Speech

Hecklers Chant 'We Love Trump!' After GOP Presidential Hopeful Nikki Haley's CPAC Speech

Hecklers chanted 'we love Trump!' after GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley's CPAC Speech on March 3.

2023-03-04T13:20+0000

2023-03-04T13:20+0000

2023-03-04T13:20+0000

americas

us

nikki haley

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joe biden

2024 us presidential elections

ron desantis

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Nikki Haley, 51, plastered a smile on her face and took selfies with supporters after her Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) speech on Friday, but there was no ignoring the jeers and chants of We love Trump.Supporters of the ex-president thronged the hall of Trumps stomping grounds as the former South Carolina Governor wrapped up her speech. Delivered to what appeared to be a far from packed audience of conservatives, judging by footage posted on social media, the Republican presidential candidates words were given a warm-enough welcome, as she aimed to pitch herself to the CPAC crowd as the face of a new generation.Haleys speech was peppered with jabs at 80-year-old President Joe Biden, as she urged a mental competency test for all politicians over 75 years old. Incidentally, this would potentially also apply to 76-year-old Donald Trump. She also weighed in on the fact that Republicans had ceded the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections, saying:She pledged to renew an America thats strong and proud  not weak and woke.Haley juggled the terms, woman, minority, and immigrant as part of her pitch to the crowd, finally eliciting some loud applause when she described herself as the first minority female governor in history, and exclaimed that, America is not a racist country!The ex-UN ambassador under Trump announced her 2024 presidential bid on February 14, and is regarded as a major competitor to challenge the 45th POTUS for the Republican nomination. Nikki Haley has already laid out some of her key campaign points. Among them are that US businesses must hire Americans and not illegal immigrants, implement term limits for Congress, require mandatory mental competency tests for US politicians over 75 years old, increase domestic energy production, etc. However, ever since she tossed the proverbial hat in the ring, Haley has trodden carefully, avoiding any mention of Trump by name. In a recent interview on the podcast "Honestly," she pledged to support him if he secured the GOP nomination.Meanwhile, a late February survey by a US media outlet indicated that more than 40% of respondents would support the candidacy of Donald Trump in the 2024 GOP primaries, aimed at determining the Republicans' presidential candidate. Trump is followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was backed by 28% of potential voters and has yet to announce a potential presidential bid. Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence got 7% each, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott and House Republican Liz Cheney stood at 2% each.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230215/more-the-merrier-trump-says-hes-glad-ex-un-nikki-haley-is-running-for-president-1107479049.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230228/trump-pledges-to-ban-all-imports-of-essential-goods-from-china-if-elected-in-2024-1107883197.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/how-kuindzhi-became-ukrainian-new-york-metropolitan-museum-employees-havent-a-clue-1108004664.html

How Kuindzhi Became Ukrainian: New York Metropolitan Museum Employees Haven't a Clue

How Kuindzhi Became Ukrainian: New York Metropolitan Museum Employees Haven't a Clue

The Metropolitan Museum in New York continues to change the nationality of the classics of painting, on Friday it listed Ivan Aivazovsky as an Armenian artist and before that officially called Arkhip Kuindzhi a Ukrainian.

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Nevertheless, although Kuindzhi was referred to as simply "Ukrainian" until only a few weeks ago, the museum later added the words "born in the Russian Empire" on its website.Now the plate next to the painting "Red Sunset" says: "Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi, Ukrainian, was born in Mariupol in 1841, died in St. Petersburg in 1910." Sputnik has for weeks been asking the Metropolitan museum's press office for an explanation as to why it suddenly began to consider the Russian/Greek Kuindzhi - who was born and died in the Russian Empire - a Ukrainian. However, it has not yet received an answer.However, an employee at the museum's information desk tried to explain the reason with the following: "I think the reason is that yes, he's of Greek descent, he was from Mariupol, which is Ukraine, so that's why they probably changed it." But since 2014, Mariupol has been part of the Donetsk People's Republic and on 21 February 2022 the DPR became a region of Russia.Earlier, the museum decided that Ivan Aivazovsky, Ilya Repin and Arkhip Kuindzhi were Ukrainian artists. On Friday, however, Aivazovsky was repatriated as Armenian and in the space next to his paintings the inscription says: "Armenian, born in the Russian Empire (now Ukraine)".In the case of Aivazovsky there's a certain logic in the museum's decision: the artist's father, Ovanes Aivazovsky, was born in the family of Armenian Gevork Aivazyan. However, in the case of the ethnic Greek Kuindzhi, there are still questions to be posed to the Metropolitan Museum.Since the beginning of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Western countries have imposed comprehensive sanctions against Moscow, including in culture. Russia has faced problems retrieving its art works from overseas exhibitions, and many Western countries have canceled shows by Russian performers, removed Russian literature from educational syllabuses and demolished monuments dedicated to prominent Russian individuals.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/hundreds-of-african-migrants-protest-in-paris-against-bill-tightening-immigration-policy-1108024584.html

Hundreds of African Migrants Protest in Paris Against Bill Tightening Immigration Policy

Hundreds of African Migrants Protest in Paris Against Bill Tightening Immigration Policy

Hundreds of migrants from African countries took to the streets of Paris on Saturday to protest a new draft law tightening the French immigration legislation and facilitating deportations, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

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The demonstrators gathered at the Chateau Rouge square in northern part of the capital. They were chanting slogans "Let's legalize all illegal immigrants", "Work without documents is suffering for the Africans" and carrying banners, saying "Against repression, detention and deportations!", "For a hospitable migration policy." The rally was organized by French non-governmental organizations and several foreign labor unions. The text of France's new bill on asylum and migration, presented in early February, provides for the measures to facilitate expulsions of "delinquent" foreigners, a structural reorganization of the asylum system, and a mechanism to integrate certain undocumented workers. This is the "toughest" bill on immigration ever presented by the French government, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has said.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/iaea-boss-upbeat-about-reviving-nuclear-deal-after-tehran-trip-1108019249.html

IAEA Boss Upbeat About Reviving Nuclear Deal After Tehran Trip

IAEA Boss Upbeat About Reviving Nuclear Deal After Tehran Trip

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Saturday he felt positive that the talks he was having with the Iranian nuclear chief in Tehran would help revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iranian nuclear deal

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Grossi arrived in Iran on Friday to discuss future cooperation with Mohammad Eslami, who heads Iran's Atomic Energy Organization. The talks come amid a stalemate in the IAEA efforts to rescue the landmark nuclear deal. Grossi rejected as "absurd" the claims that the Austria-based nuclear watchdog was acting on US or Israeli orders. The United States quit the six-way nuclear pact with Iran in 2018, prompting Tehran to go back on some of its commitments under the JCPOA. Grossi's two-day visit to Iran comes just days before the IAEA Board of Governors meets on Monday to discuss nuclear nonproliferation safeguards in place for Iran.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/iranian-government-blames-poisoning-of-schoolgirls-on-enemies-seeking-hybrid-war-1107999279.html

Iranian Government Blames Poisoning of Schoolgirls on Enemies Seeking 'Hybrid War'

Iranian Government Blames Poisoning of Schoolgirls on Enemies Seeking 'Hybrid War'

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has blamed the nationwide poisoning of Iranian schoolgirls on Tehrans enemies who are seeking to wage a "hybrid war" against Iran.

2023-03-04T01:54+0000

2023-03-04T01:54+0000

2023-03-04T01:53+0000

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has blamed the nationwide poisoning of Iranian schoolgirls on Tehrans enemies who are seeking to wage a "hybrid war" against Iran."This is a security project to cause chaos in the country whereby the enemy seeks to instill fear and insecurity among parents and students," said Raisi during a speech in southern Iran on Friday which aired on state television.The Iranian president did not specify which enemies he was referring to in his speech. Raisi added that he had tasked his ministers of intelligence and interior to follow up on the poisonings and to make their findings public.Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian echoed the presidents sentiments, but targeted his criticism against concerned Western governments and accused them of shedding crocodile tears over the poisoned schoolgirls.The interventionist reaction of some Western authorities to the question of the suspected poisoning of dear Iranian female students is the continuation of the enemy's hybrid war, he wrote in a Twitter post after Germany and other states said the poisonings should be investigated.The relevant institutions of the country are following up seriously and meticulously examining its dimensions. The great nation of Iran know crocodile tears very well!John Kirby, the White Houses national security spokesperson, also weighed in on the attacks, remarking that the development was deeply concerning.Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American activist who works for the US State Department-funded Voice of America, earlier told US media that an "outside" organizations also needed to be called on to carry out an independent review on the poisonings.We need the United Nations accountability mechanism to be on board, we need the Doctors Without Borders to be on board and do an open investigation about this tragedy in Iran, Alinejad said.However, a mother of two girls in Qom told US media that both of her daughters had been poisoned at separate schools, and one of them has had serious health issues ever since the incident. She first experienced nausea, shortness of breath and numbness in her left leg and right hand.Now she has trouble with her right foot and has difficulty walking, the mother said on Tuesday.Were very concerned about these allegations that girls are being deliberately targeted under what appear to be mysterious circumstances, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told a briefing.Habibi believes the poisonings are linked to recent Women, Life, Freedom! protests in Iran spurred by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who is believed to have been killed at the hands of the countrys morality police after she failed to properly wear her hijab.At least four protesters have been executed by the Iranian government for their role in those protests, all four were men and were charged with moharebe a term that means waging a war on God. The trials were fast-tracked behind closed doors, during which the accused had just 15 minutes to defend themselves, and Irans Revolutionary Court system relied on forced confessions from the accused which were broadcast on state television.

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iranian government, schoolchildren, enemies, hybrid war, poisoning
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/macron-vows-to-build-free-france-monument-in-congos-brazzaville-1108019110.html

Macron Vows to Build 'Free France' Monument in Congo's Brazzaville

Macron Vows to Build 'Free France' Monument in Congo's Brazzaville

France will erect a monument in the Republic of Congo's capital to remember the African men and women who gave their lives to free France from the Nazi occupation during the Second World War

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2023-03-04T14:51+0000

2023-03-04T15:14+0000

africa

france

emmanuel macron

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monument

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central africa

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France will erect a monument in the Republic of Congo's capital to remember the African men and women who gave their lives to liberate France from Nazi occupation during the Second World War, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Friday.Macron is visitng the Republic of Congo as part of his ongoing African tour, which he started in the Gabonese city of Libreville on Wednesday. He made a brief stopover in Angola on Friday, taking part in an agricultural economic seminar before visiting Joao Lourenco, his Angolan counterpart.Later in the day, Macron landed in the Congolese capital. According to Paris, his visit is intended to usher in a new era in French relations with Africa. Denis Sassou Nguesso, his Congolese counterpart, greeted him at Maya Maya Airport. The French leader's visit takes place against the backdrop of rising anti-French sentiment in Africa and the strengthening of the positions of Russia and China on the continent. As a Sputnik correspondent reported on Friday, hundreds of people gathered in the capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, to protest against the West's attempts to interfere in the country's internal affairs and its demands to stop cooperation with Moscow. The day before, a rally was held in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, against Macron's visit to the country.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230302/macron-bids-farewell-to-age-of-francafrique--1107946359.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/multinational-companies-control-food-supply-in-africa--benefit-from-increasing-prices-report-says-1108020574.html

Multinational Companies Control Food Supply in Africa & Benefit From Increasing Prices, Report Says

Multinational Companies Control Food Supply in Africa & Benefit From Increasing Prices, Report Says

Food prices in several African countries have surged to unprecedented levels that is mainly attributed to a lack of transparent information from food companies that monopolized the market and forced imports on Africans

2023-03-04T16:27+0000

2023-03-04T16:27+0000

2023-03-04T16:27+0000

africa

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In recent years, food prices in several African countries have surged to unprecedented levels, mainly attributed to a lack of transparent information from food companies that have monopolized the market and forced imports on Africans, a report by Greenpeace has revealed. According to a report titled "Food Injustice 20202022," published this week, many people across the globe, in particular in Africa, "remain structurally vulnerable" in terms of food security. In Kenya, food prices skyrocketed by over 650% from 2008 to 2022. Greenpeace stated that this is a direct result of the global food system pushing African countries to import food, even though they could instead produce and benefit from a higher proportion of their own food.The report revealed that a group of multinational agribusiness corporations in the grain, fertilizer, meat, and dairy sectors control the food chain and "use their power to deliver outrageous profits to their shareholders while millions starve."It was noted that in the last two years, two severe crises, the COVID-19 pandemic and the military conflict in Ukraine, have disrupted global food supply chains and caused food shortages in many parts of the world. However, it was underlined that during the period when many nations were facing food insecurity in 2020 and 2021, 20 multinational food corporations that were covered by the research and represent only a slice of the market, gave $53.5 billion to their shareholders. The report further added that their profits are still on the rise. Meanwhile, in December last year, the UN estimated that a record $51.5 billion is needed to help 230 million of the worlds most vulnerable people in nearly 70 countries in 2023. The research compared these two figures, reaching the conclusion that the amount of money delivered to the shareholders of food firms "is more than enough to fund the basic needs" of the most vulnerable. It was noted that one of the key reasons for speculation and rising food prices is the lack of clear information from food corporations about the food system and supply chains. The companies "have disproportionate control, not only over the supply chains," but also over information about them. They withhold information that would contribute to a stabilization of prices, if it were published "with full transparency," the research highlighted. The report underscored that the current "vulnerable system" must be changed, and that this could be achieved by "bringing about food sovereignty," which would mean the creation of a more socially just and ecological food system. In this regard, Greenpeace urged policymakers to empower consumers and producers of food. It also called on governments to introduce measures to cut the power of the food firms that dominate the system.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230120/how-west-used-global-food-crisis-to-whip-up-profits-seize-russias-niche-in-market-1106535089.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/robert-f-kennedy-jr-could-run-for-president-in-2024-reports-say-1108002962.html

Robert F. Kennedy Jr Could Run for President in 2024, Reports Say

Robert F. Kennedy Jr Could Run for President in 2024, Reports Say

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nephew of late President John F. Kennedy, is eyeing a Democratic nomination and could run for president in the US election next year, US media report.

2023-03-04T04:52+0000

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"I am thinking about it yes. I have passed the biggest hurdle, that my wife has greenlighted it," Kennedy said at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics on Friday, as quoted by Fox News. Kennedy reportedly attended the New Hampshire event along with his wife Cheryl Hines. Former US President Donald Trump has already formally announced his 2024 campaign, with possible contenders including Ron DeSantis, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence. Trump surpassed DeSantis 47% to 39% in a two-candidate matchup for the Republican nomination, according to a Yahoo New/YouGov poll released on Tuesday.

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Helicopter coordinates with warship in rescue exercise

China Military Online) 10:19, March 04, 2023

A ship-borne helicopter assigned to the PLA Naval Aviation University conducts joint search and rescue with a vessel assigned to a naval flotilla under the PLA North Theater Command during a combat rescue exercise on February 10, 2023. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Hu Jiajie)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/russia-china-to-keep-explaining-danger-of-nato-presence-to-asia-pacific-ambassador-says-1108019530.html

Russia, China to Keep Explaining Danger of NATO Presence to Asia-Pacific, Ambassador Says

Russia, China to Keep Explaining Danger of NATO Presence to Asia-Pacific, Ambassador Says

Russia and China will keep explaining to all Asia-Pacific countries the dangers and threats posed by NATO's presence in the region, and continue to build up military cooperation with partner states

2023-03-04T13:52+0000

2023-03-04T13:52+0000

2023-03-04T13:52+0000

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"There is a need to explain to all those countries of the region, where Russia has many like-minded people, the dangers and threats posed by NATO's presence in the Asia-Pacific region. We will continue the relevant work together with our Chinese friends," Morgulov told the Chinese broadcaster. Moscow and Beijing must also continue their efforts to preserve the region's post-Cold War security structure, Morgulov said, when asked how the two partner countries could counter NATO's deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. Morgulov also said that the West sought to undermine the existing structure of security and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region by offering instead a new system based on NATO. "I have repeatedly expressed bewilderment why NATO is rushing into the Asia-Pacific region. At the Madrid summit in June last year, the North Atlantic Alliance officially announced that its sphere of responsibility was becoming global at that moment. This raises a lot of questions for us," Morgulov added. The Russian diplomat said in conclusion that he saw no positive aspects of the fact that NATO could appear in the region.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/russian-deputy-un-envoy-renames-us-uk-after-biden-spox-calls-russia-peoples-republic-of-russia-1108013441.html

Russian Deputy UN Envoy Renames US, UK After Biden Spox Calls Russia Peoples Republic of Russia

Russian Deputy UN Envoy Renames US, UK After Biden Spox Calls Russia Peoples Republic of Russia

At a press conference Friday, Biden's press secretary announced that the president and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen would be discussing ways to address the challenges posed by the Peoples Republic of Russia.

2023-03-04T10:44+0000

2023-03-04T10:44+0000

2023-03-04T10:44+0000

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Russian first deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy did a bit of light trolling of Bidens press secretary over her new name for the Russian Federation, coming up with a couple alternative names for the United States and the United Kingdom.The Russian diplomat wasnt the only one to notice the new name for the Eurasian nation. I guess the two countries merged when nobody was looking, one person quipped, implying the Peoples Republic of Russia may be a reference to Russia and China. The woman is a prophet. The Peoples Republic of Russia is acquiring contours in the worlds imagination, another joked. The Peoples Republic of Russia has already happened. It beat them to launching satellites and people to Space. It beat them at the Olympics, another chimed in, perhaps referring to the Soviet Union, officially known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Maybe shes seen the future, another person wrote. Diversity at a cost of qualifications, another suggested, most likely referring to the Biden administrations constant reminders that Jean-Pierre is the first black, first openly gay, child of immigrants press secretary.Russia, officially the Russian Federation, emerged on the world stage in December 1991, after the leaders of the Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian republics of the USSR met to dissolve the Soviet Union. Before that, it was called the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. The federation part of Russias name signals its status as an agglomeration of 89 federal subjects, including oblasts, autonomous republics and districts, and major cities that function as regions.There was never a country called the Peoples Republic of Russia. However, a Russian Peoples Republic and a Russian National Peoples Republic have popped up in online fantasy roleplaying games.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230222/biden-stumbles-and-falls-while-boarding-air-force-one--1107714202.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/russian-embassy-uk-fabricated-skripal-poisoning-as-trial-balloon-for-future-moscow-demonization-1108002581.html

UK Fabricated Skripal Poisoning as 'Trial Balloon' for Future Moscow Demonization: Russian MFA

UK Fabricated Skripal Poisoning as 'Trial Balloon' for Future Moscow Demonization: Russian MFA

The UK fabricated the Skripal poisoning incident in 2018 as 'trial balloon' for future campaign to demonize Russia, said the Russian Embassy in London.

2023-03-04T06:21+0000

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Moscow condemns all of Londons attempts to blame it for what happened in Salisbury in 2018, and insists on an objective investigation, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated in connection with the five-year anniversary of the poisoning of Russian citizens Sergei and Yulia Skripal in the UK city.Earlier, the Russian Embassy in London released a statement on Telegram in connection with the anniversary.Britain fabricated the Salisbury poisoning incident back in 2018 "to prepare its own population and their Western allies for a future confrontation with Russia that has now assumed military-political characteristics in Ukraine, the Embassy stated.On 4 March, the diplomatic mission released its official 'Comment on the Fifth Anniversary of the Salisbury Incident' involving Russian citizens Sergei and Yulia Skripal. The embassy pointed out that many details of what really happened in the Wiltshire city remain unknown, and many questions have still gone unanswered by UK authorities, who flatly refused the cooperation offered by Russia. Since 2018, the situation around the Skripals has become one of the elements of the comprehensive anti-Russian course on which London has embarked."We now realize that from the very outset London never had any interest in establishing the truth," stated the diplomatic mission, adding:The Russian Embassy in London attached to the social media post a link to its full report, entitled, 'Salisbury: Five Years of Unanswered Questions'.The Russian diplomatic mission stressed that it would not stop pursuing answers from the UK to absolutely legitimate and well-founded questions.Sergei Skripal was a former Russian intelligence officer convicted in 2006 of espionage and released to the UK along with several other individuals in 2010 in a swap. On 4 March 2018, he and his daughter Yulia fell seriously ill in Salisbury, UK. According to a subsequent investigation, the British side decided that they had been "poisoned" with the nerve agent Novichok. Without providing any substantive evidence, London claimed it was "highly likely" the attack had been carried out by two Russian intelligence officers at the behest of the Kremlin. Moscow categorically rejected all accusations, denouncing the so-called evidence presented by the UK authorities as "lies". After the 2018 incident in Salisbury, almost 30 countries, including the UK and US, expelled more than 150 Russian diplomats in retaliation, and the US and European Union slapped sanctions on Russia.Moscow has consistently denied involvement in the poisoning and has protested that the UK failed to provide evidence or allow its embassy in London access to the Skripals, who remain Russian nationals.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20210923/uks-claims-about-third-russian-involved-in-skripal-case-another-lie-foreign-intel-chief-says--1089323692.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20200616/bbc-skripal-salisbury-poisonings-1079633035.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/us-seeking-to-limit-investment-in-advanced-technology-abroad-department-of-treasury-1108013560.html

US Seeking to Limit Investment in Advanced Technology Abroad: Department of Treasury

US Seeking to Limit Investment in Advanced Technology Abroad: Department of Treasury

The US Department of the Treasury said that Washington was preparing a new program that could limit investment in advanced technologies abroad due to security reasons.

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The program would focus on "preventing US capital and expertise from being exploited in ways that threaten our national security while not placing an undue burden on US investors and businesses," the Treasury said in a report provided to lawmakers, as quoted by US media on Saturday. The newspaper noted, citing sources, that the program would ban private-equity and venture-capital investments in sectors that could enhance the military capabilities of US rivals, including advanced semiconductors, quantum computers, and some forms of artificial intelligence. Although the Treasury and Commerce departments did not indicate which countries would be affected by the new program, the sources believed that it would in practice largely deal with US investments in China, the newspaper said.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/weekly-news-wrap-artemovsk-cauldron-closes-africa-rejects-us-imperialism-us-biolab-threat-1107999945.html

Weekly News Wrap; Artemovsk Cauldron Closes; Africa Rejects US Imperialism; US Biolab Threat

Weekly News Wrap; Artemovsk Cauldron Closes; Africa Rejects US Imperialism; US Biolab Threat

The Ukrainian town of Artemovsk (Bakhmut) is ground zero of a dramatic military showdown that could change the political and military dynamics in the Eastern... 04.03.2023, Sputnik International

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Weekly News Wrap; Bakhmut Cauldron Closes; Africa Rejects US IMperialism; US Biolab Threat The Ukrainian town of Bakhmut is ground zero of a dramatic military showdown that could change the political and military dynamics in the Eastern European conflict.

Caleb Maupin, journalist, and political analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. A new generation of Palestinian fighters is rising in the West Bank. Also, the Ukrainian town of Artemovsk is ground zero of a dramatic military showdown that could change the political and military dynamics in the Eastern European conflict.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor of Economics and Politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss this week's critical news stories. The world economy is weak but holding on as the Ukraine conflict affects food and exports. Also, we discuss the first anniversary of the Ukraine conflict and how predictions have squared with facts on the ground.Regis Tremblay, an American citizen in Crimea, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. The US army is laying out its strategy for a potentially apocalyptic war with China. Also, the US and Russia have held some high-level talks.Dr. Colin Campbell, DC senior news correspondent, and Ajamu Baraka, 2016 US vice presidential candidate for the Green Party, come together to discuss this week's important news stories. The Global South is rejecting US hegemony. The use of economic power to coerce targeted adversaries may be the undoing of the US empire. Also, African nations are pushing back against US imperial demands.Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, and Jim Kavanagh, whose work can be found at Jim Kavanagh's Substack, thepolemicist.net, and Counterpunch, come together to discuss this week's important news stories. Matt Taibbi has released another tranche of Twitter files that reveals a cottage industry of fake foreign online interference. Also, the attack on Nord Stream created the cataclysmic release of greenhouse gases, and President Biden seems to be ignoring the environmental disaster in Ohio and Pennsylvania.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/west-may-be-deliberately-concealing-findings-of-probes-into-nord-stream-blasts-says-french-general--1108004818.html

West May Be Deliberately Concealing Findings of Probes Into Nord Stream Blasts, Says French General

West May Be Deliberately Concealing Findings of Probes Into Nord Stream Blasts, Says French General

The West may be deliberately concealing the findings of probes into Nord Stream blasts, believes French General Dominique Trinquand.

2023-03-04T07:44+0000

2023-03-04T07:44+0000

2023-03-04T07:44+0000

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The West may be purposefully suppressing the findings of investigations into the Nord Stream blasts, General Dominique Trinquand, former Head of the French Military Mission at the United Nations, has stated.The mere fact that there have been no conclusions presented from three Western investigations into the explosions at the Nord Stream 1 and 2 natural gas infrastructure may evidence that their findings have been swept under the rug, the general said during a TV interview.The military expert in geostrategy believed that the principal question that should be asked is: who benefited from this crime? "The fact that that the gas pipeline belongs to a Russian company shows a priori that Russia would not benefit from the explosion," the General said. At the same time, Trinquand expressed confidence in the "high quality and detailed" investigation carried out by US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh. In his February article, Hersh accused the United States leadership of orchestrating the destruction of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 natural gas pipelines in late September 2022. Citing sources familiar with the planning of this operation, Hersh claimed that US Navy divers planted explosive charges on the pipelines during summer 2022 under the cover of a NATO military exercise in the Baltic Sea. The explosives were then reportedly detonated remotely three months later so as to avoid casting suspicion on the perpetrators.Referencing to these bombshell revelations, General Dominique Trinquand said the version of events put forward by Hersh was credible."I believe the version presented is absolutely trustworthy... This is not merely reliable but also checked - everyone can do this at present," the General noted, pointing to the current widespread opportunities for tracking aircraft and marine vessels."If Russia had been involved in the blasts, as some claimed, then Germany, Denmark and Sweden would have definitely found that out during their investigations," the expert said, adding that since this has not been proven, "there is a need to search in a different direction."The Nord Stream 1 and 2 natural gas infrastructure was built by Russian and European energy companies to carry up to 110 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Russia to Europe via pipelines along the bottom of the Baltic Sea. On September 26, 2022, sections of pipelines off the Danish Island of Bornholm were struck in a coordinated terror attack. A month after the incident, Russian officials accused the "Anglo-Saxons" of responsibility. When Seymour Hersh wrote about the sabotage operation in great detail in his article, Western officials dismissed the reporting as false, while mainstream media either cast aside the story, or attempted to smear the investigative journalist himself.Russia, however, has no intention of allowing the western countries to just sweep the intevigation under the rug, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recetly stated at a press conference following the meeting of the G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi, India.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230225/sy-hersh-on-us-proxy-war-on-russia-snowdens-expose--nord-stream-sabotage-1107779243.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230224/how-us-false-flags-record-prompts-public-to-trust-hershs-nord-stream-bombshell-even-more-1107748821.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230302/russia-will-not-allow-nord-stream-probe-to-be-swept-under-the-rug-lavrov-tells-sputnik-1107941889.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230304/young-malawians-shouldnt-take-independence-for-granted-as-heroes-must-be-remembered-expert-says-1108007520.html

Young Malawians Shouldn't Take Independence for Granted as Heroes Must Be Remembered, Expert Says

Young Malawians Shouldn't Take Independence for Granted as Heroes Must Be Remembered, Expert Says

On March 3, Malawi celebrates Martyrs Day, a public holiday, which commemorates political heroes who gave their lives in the service of their country.

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2023-03-04T10:41+0000

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Many young people in African countries "take everything for granted" in regards to their nation's independence and its history, and don't know what their predecessors went through, how much they sacrificed to achieve the future their descendants live in, says Dr. John Lwanda, research affiliate at Glasgow University, Scotland, in an interview with Sputnik. According to Dr. Lwanda, the problem of ignorance can be seen across the continent, including South Africa and Malawi, where the youth is not "taught the history of the struggle" and not even interested in "the whys and hows" of the nationalist fight for independence. As for Martyrs' Day in Malawi, he notes that the holiday should be very important to young people, but it has been observed as a ritual or tradition for years with almost no profound understanding of its background. One of the reasons for this, he explains, is the global trend of materialism that prevails in contemporary work and life and which is "geared toward foreign aspects" of living. Dr. Lwanda elaborates that young people now are more attracted to consumerism, and this can be regarded as an effect of so-called neocolonialism. According to the expert, the colonial system has made Malawi "a consumer nation rather than a producer" one. He underlines that young people should be taught the history of their nation in greater detail. But the difficulties also lie in the education system itself, as it "is very stratified." Some youngsters are not getting education because their parents can't afford it, while those who are receiving it "are from elite families."Another aspect in which the neocolonial influence can be traced, according to Dr. Lwanda, is the way how Martyrs' Day was conceived. There are two other days in Malawi during which people commemorate the political heroes who fought for the independence of the country. But on those, days people honor individuals, while on Martyrs' Day, all the "martyrs" are remembered.He specified the reference to British history by giving an example of David Livingstone, an explorer in Africa. He underlines that Livingstone was definitely guided by Africans across the continent, but their names are not mentioned in the records. The same applies to the martyrs, he adds.On January 15, Chilembwe Day, Malawians celebrate the life of John Chilembwe, who in 1915 organized the first armed uprising against the British colonial authorities.On May 14, Kamuzu Day, people remember the country's first President Hasatings Kamuzu Banda, who led the later part of the nationalist movement. Dr. Lwanda explains that it was typical of African national movements that when independence was gained, the nationalist leader became the first president. He notes that "understandably and inevitably, there was a cult of personality around him." Therefore, the declaration of Martyrs' Day had some political issues behind it. First, by the time the nation became independent, the ideologies of some of the fighters for independence had changed from Banda's, and "it was very difficult to praise individual matters." Second, given the cult of personality that was unfolded at that time, the president "didn't want too many names mentioned." Thus, he states, "everybody was lumped together into Martyrs' Day," and regardless of the political situation, the country has to remember all people who fought for independence and contributed to the nation's future. According to Dr. Lwanda, an uprising against the British in Nyasaland, modern-day Malawi, which took place on March 3, 1959, had a significant impact on subsequent events in the country's struggle for independence. As a result of the uprising, the nationalist leaders and their supporters were detained and held at various camps. He states that people were subjected to "terrible conditions," being locked up in their cells, deprived of food, and "allowed to exercise for a limited period." He emphasizes that the British thought that by detaining the nation's leaders, they would weaken the nationalist movement, but they made it even stronger. Dr. Lwanda underscores that instead of delaying, the colonial authorities accelerated the movement towards independence. Therefore, this day is particularly important to the nation and should be remembered as the day when the country made a significant step towards sovereignty.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230303/martyrs-day-in-malawi-remember-those-who-sacrificed-lives-for-independence-1107978049.html

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Mariann Thorup Nielsen and Sabina Gammelgard have won races around the world, but never competed in the U.S.  until Saturday night (March 4). Nielsen and Gammelgard, both from Denmark, are among the drivers participating in races celebrating International Womens Day at The Meadowlands.

The Big M is hosting two races Saturday with fields of all female drivers. The first, which is race two, is a $13,000 claiming handicap pace. The second, which is race four, is a $15,000 conditioned trot.

Nielsen and Gammelgard both will drive in the trot.

Trotting horses are our life and this is a fantastic experience, said Nielsen, who breeds and races horses with her husband, Theo Damsgaard (pictured above at right). The sport of trotting is fantastic for me. My grandfather and my father raced and had quite a few horses, so I was born into the sport.

Nielsen got her license when she was 18 and several years later helped start under-saddle racing  known as Monte in Europe  in Denmark. She is the chairwoman of the Danish Monte Association and also serves on the board of the DTC, or Central Association of Danish Trotting, which is the sports highest organization in Denmark.

Monte gives young girls the chance to try riding a trot, which probably seems easier for many girls than driving a trot, Nielsen said. It is incredibly important for our sport as it captures other target groups.

It is incredibly exciting to be part of, to develop trotting, which is important so that we maintain the joy of the sport but also the financial aspect. It is important that we keep everyone in the sport  from the childrens pony trot, to the elite, and then all amateurs and Monte races.

Among Nielsens top wins include an international womens race at Solvalla Raceway in Sweden, as well as a triumph in an international womens event in Malta.

We go to the Elitlopp almost every year, so it was an indescribable experience to win at Solvalla, Nielsen said. Malta also was very special. We visited the president of Malta and she visited the racetrack to see the race. It was a great experience.

All these experiences are special in their own way and the joy is equally great, but the acquaintances I meet on my travels mean an incredible amount to me.

Nielsen and her husband met at Charlottenlund Racetrack, near Copenhagen, and have 13 horses at their farm.

Bo Westergaard drives our better horses in the Great Races, Nielsen said. We look forward to new experiences in 2023 and hope our horses have a fantastic season and create many wonderful memories.

Nielsen will drive Nylander for trainer Katricia Adams in Saturdays trot. They will start from post five and are 9-2 on the morning line. Lauren Tritton will drive 3-1 favourite Harry Knows IR for her husband, trainer Shane Tritton.

Gammelgard, who got her license in 2008, has long been one of Denmarks top riders  both trots and gallops  and has recently turned more of a focus on driving. As a rider, she has won more than 60 races, including memorable victories in Sweden and Bahrain, and received multiple awards.

In 2022, she visited Ontario to present a seminar on Monte, and riding in general.

I used to be scared of driving races, but as I got my own horses, whom I trusted, I got braver, Gammelgard said. It gave me good experience. I realized it wasnt the driving I was afraid of, it was the other people I was driving against. As I got more confident, that slipped away. I dont feel any fear anymore. That is why I dared to do this.

Gammelgard (pictired above at left) gained experience driving pacers while in Ontario, and hoped she would get to drive one at The Meadowlands.

I thought pacers were great, she said. Theyre so fast. Its like they have two more gears.

Gammelgard will drive Tad Krazy Hanover from post one on Saturday for trainer Per Engblom. They are 7-2 on the morning line.

This is a great opportunity, said Gammelgard, who is visiting the U.S. for the first time. Its going to be great fun. I dont ever have expectations, except for the experience. Obviously, you always want to win. Ill just do my best and well see what happens.

Racing at the Meadowlands begins at 6:20 p.m. (EST).

(USTA)
No trotter made more money on North American soil in 2022 than Joviality S. Now, reports indicate that the four-year-old mare is leaving North American soil.

According to a report in Travronden, Joviality S will ship to Sweden this spring and join the stable of her new trainer  Courant Inc. racing manager Sabine Kagebrant

"Joviality has been trained all winter by Marcus Melander and is in top condition," Kagebrant told Travronden. "I drove her in New Jersey last Wednesday and she felt very nice. Now I'm really looking forward to this."

A 20-time winner with more than $2 million banked in purses from 28 starts during her first two seasons racing in North America, Joviality S is being pointed to begin her 2023 campaign overseas at the beginning of May. Her racing schedule is expected to include the Stochampionatet and the Swedish Trotting Derby.

A Breeders Crown champion at two, the daughter of Chapter Seven-Pasithea Face S was named U.S. Three-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year after a $1.1 million season in 2022 that included record performances in the Delmonica Hanover Stakes at Pocono Downs and the Yonkers Trot, where she became the first filly this millennium to defeat the boys in that stakes event. Also facing the colts in the Hambletonian and finishing second, Joviality S scored other Grand Circuit victories in divisions of the Bluegrass Stakes and Delvin Miller Memorial, taking a lifetime mark of 1:50.2.
Tioga and Vernon Downs will again host the $1 million (est.) Empire Breeders Classic for New York-sired three-year-old pacers and trotters this summer.

Sustaining payments for the 2023 races, nomination payments for foals of 2021 to race in 2024 and the stallion eligibility payment on foals of 2022 to race in 2025 are all due (postmarked by) March 15.

The 2023 EBC will be raced as it has been for the past three years, a single event with no eliminations scheduled and the race will be divided with the purse and entry fee split equally by the number of divisions.

This year, the EBC trotting stakes will be raced at Vernon Downs on Friday, June 16 while the pacers are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 27 at Tioga.

The EBC was conceived in 2007 by Jeff Gural to provide New York-bred sophomores an opportunity to race in a high dollar, state-restricted stake. Over the subsequent 17 seasons, more than $15 million in purses have been distributed to those N.Y. breds that have competed in the stake.

The purse is funded by an annual grant from the Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund, Tioga and Vernon Downs stakes purse accounts and N.Y. stallion owners along with the payments made by the connections of competing horses.

The nomination form and all other pertinent information may be found on the track's website. Questions should be directed to 607-972-5500.

(Tioga)
The company working to open a gold and copper mine outside Cheyenne submitted its application last month to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Qualitys Industrial Siting Council.

If everything goes smoothly, Nevada-based U.S. Gold Corp expects to start construction at the site of the old Copper King Mine in early 2024 and open the new mine toward the end of 2025. It projects that operations will last for about a decade, create over 300 long-term jobs and generate roughly $75 million in tax revenue.

U.S. Gold Corps request for an industrial siting permit comes about five months after it applied to the Department of Environmental Quality for permission to open the mine  an extensive review that could take more than a year to complete.

Wyomings Industrial Siting process is intended to ensure communities across the state are prepared to accommodate the activities and needs of multi-hundred-million-dollar developments.

The Industrial Siting is kind of those outside-the-fence activities and impacts, whereas the mine permit itself is more of inside-the-fence, said Jason Begger, the projects spokesperson.

With an anticipated  but not yet finalized  price tag over $253.9 million, U.S. Gold Corps proposal comes in above the states price threshold for an industrial siting permit, Begger said. Earlier estimates were slightly below the Industrial Siting cutoff.

Traffic is one issue the company, with the help of a Wyoming-based consulting firm, is evaluating for the permit. Water is another.

Earlier, we did sign an agreement with Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities, that they would sell us the water necessary to conduct the mining activities, Begger said. But part of industrial siting is, the State Engineers Office does a third-party analysis, to ensure adequate water supplies really will be available.

Its been a long time  many decades  since a hardrock mine opened on state lands in Wyoming. Thats added another layer of complexity to the permitting process, Begger said. The state government employees who knew how it used to work have all moved on or retired.

In recent decades, U.S. companies have focused on the biggest, most lucrative deposits of gold, copper and other metals, like those found in Nevada. But prices are up and expected to remain high, and demand is forecast to grow, boosting the appeal of smaller deposits like Wyomings.

After a number of false starts by other companies at the site over the years, the projects economics finally make sense for another reason, too. The technology has come a long ways, to really be able to maximize how much you can get out of an ore body, Begger said.

Cyanide heap leaching, a method still used to extract gold from ore at some of the countrys gold mines, wouldnt be effective on gold and copper, he said. U.S. Gold Corp plans to rely on newer floatation mechanisms that are more effective  and less ecologically destructive  at multi-metal mines.

Its industrial siting hearing is scheduled for May 10.

Photos: Panning for gold on Casper Mountain Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper Gold Prospecting in Casper
OMAHA  A former Nebraska corrections employee who gave birth in December now faces a felony charge after DNA testing confirmed that a convicted murderer is likely the father of the baby boy.

Samantha Cedillo, 31, was charged Wednesday in a warrant in Douglas County with sexual abuse of an inmate. The charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and no required minimum sentence. She was not yet in custody as of 5 p.m. Thursday.

Authorities had recently collected DNA of the infant, who was born in December, and the inmate, James E. Price, who is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder in connection with a 1995 homicide. Lab testing in mid-January revealed that Price, 47, could not be excluded as the father of the child.

The babys mother, Cedillo, had worked as a non-clinical program manager and oversaw three inmates at the Omaha Correctional Center last spring, one of whom was Price.

Nebraska law prohibits anyone from subjecting an inmate or parolee to sexual penetration or sexual contact.

Although the relationship between Cedillo and Price may be a legitimate, loving one, based on messages between the two, consent is not a valid defense, according to state law.

According to affidavits filed by a Nebraska State Patrol investigator:

* Cedillo, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, oversaw programs not involving substance abuse or medical needs at the Omaha Correctional Center. Cedillo had an office in the library and wore a gun belt while on the job.

* She was in her second stint as an employee for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services  she started in June 2021 and had previously worked at the center from April 2018 to July 2019, said Dayne Urbanovsky, a spokesman for the department.

* In November 2021, informants told prison staff that they suspected Cedillo, then 30, was having an inappropriate relationship with her library clerk, then-46-year-old Price.

* Over the next four months, staff members observed and documented at least 10 questionable interactions between the two or prison code of conduct violations by Cedillo.

* One rule that was routinely broken was that Cedillo and Price were in her office with the door shut or partially closed  in several different instances lasting from three minutes to roughly an hour. A motion-activated security camera captured part of Cedillos office, so staff members were able to corroborate the twos interactions.

Urbanovsky declined to answer specific questions about prison policies regarding contact between staff and inmates and said only that it ranges based on the position of the staff member and the type of communication required.

Deputy Warden Shawn Freese had given Cedillo a verbal warning, then removed Price from his library clerk job and later told Cedillo and Price to avoid contact with each other except during an active, non-clinical program session.

Yet the two continued to talk in the library and in Cedillos office  staff members even reported that Cedillo blew kisses to Price, an allegation she denied.

On March 30, video surveillance captured Cedillo taking off her radio belt when Price was in her office. The two moved behind the door, out of the cameras view. The camera stopped recording for three minutes until a correctional employee entered the library, triggering the cameras motion sensors.

Cedillo hurries back to her chair, staff members wrote in a report. She appears to be adjusting her shirt and bra. Her shirt is untucked, and her hair is in a loose ponytail.

Cedillo had entered her office with her shirt tucked and her hair in a bun. The entire interaction occurred within roughly 12 minutes.

Freese asked Cedillo to file an incident report justifying the interaction. She turned angry and said she was fed up with having to explain. She resigned that day.

After having gone through this conversation before and having put in my notice once before withdrawing it, I have made the decision to discontinue working for NDCS, she wrote in an incident report.

Investigators later found a baby registry created by Cedillo, with a due date in mid-December  nine months after that March interaction.

State Patrol investigators interviewed Cedillo in July, and showed her the video of the March 30 interaction. Cedillo said she couldnt remember why they were both in her office and said she had untucked her shirt because it was uncomfortable.

Cedillo denied rumors that she was having sex with inmates and staff and said she resigned because she felt her concerns about verbal assault and physical intimidation from inmates were not taken seriously. State Patrol Investigator CJ Alberico noted that Cedillo didnt mention that at all in her resignation letter.

After Cedillo left her job at the correctional center, she and Price continued to message each other  either via an illegal phone that Price had possession of in his cell and later destroyed when authorities searched for it, or via legitimate prison communications.

Cedillo was approved to send letters and messages to Price through the correctional communication system. The two exchanged 14 letters and 371 emails and messages as of early January and also spoke on the phone.

They had nicknames for each other, told each other they loved each other and recorded Nov. 22 as their anniversary. They talked about family, her pregnancy and her baby shower. In letters, Cedillo said the baby was her first and planned only child and also wrote sexually graphic messages.

I took care of him so hes growing bigger, Cedillo messaged Price in October. Also I like to push on his head so he moves.

You better be nice to him, Price responded.

Its kind of cute. He does get irritated when I push on him, Cedillo messaged Price in October. I wish you could feel this. Wed be up all night botherin (sic) him.

Two months later, Cedillo sent messages to Price when she was having contractions and going into labor at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs.

I cant sleep Mama. Tell me whats going on? Price wrote.

Just got to hospital annoyed with nurses and this (expletive) hospital but otherwise Im good, Cedillo responded.

You are amazing babe and I love you so very much, Price said.

Thank you baby. Its getting harder but it seems to be progressing, she said.

After the boy was born, Cedillo told Price she would send photos once theyre approved.

Im so thankful you are allowing me to be a part of your lives and to step in as this little ones father means the world to me, Price wrote. I hope I can make you both proud. Love you.
Iredell County Emergency Management urges residents to prepare for severe weather that may occur with little to no warning this spring.

March 5-11 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Iredell County officials urge residents to participate in the annual statewide tornado drill March 8 to practice their emergency plan in case severe weather strikes our state.

Spring is around the corner but so is the potential for severe weather. Severe thunderstorms can develop rapidly and include a variety of weather conditions such as hail, flash floods and tornadoes. The best way to prepare for quick action is to have a family emergency plan, assemble a supplies kit and stay alert by listening to local radio, television or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio for information on severe weather.

Iredell County schools and government buildings will participate in the statewide tornado drill March 8, at 9:30 a.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) will broadcast the drill over NOAA weather radio stations and the Emergency Alert System.

All county residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in the drill. Practicing what to do is part of being prepared and knowing what to do when severe weather strikes. The time you take now to prepare will make all the difference if and when disaster strikes.

In 2022, the NWS issued 107 tornado warnings for North Carolina and recorded 21 tornadoes. There were 74 flood incidents across the state. In addition, the NWS issued 752 severe thunderstorm warnings, and recorded 125 large hail events and 826 damaging thunderstorm wind events.

Iredell County Emergency Management officials recommend having a family emergency plan in place so all members know where to go, who to call and what to do during a disaster. Officials also recommend staying alert by listening to weather radios that broadcast alerts from the National Weather Service.

Emergency officials recommend residents use the following safety tips:

Know the terms: WATCH means a tornado is possible. WARNING means a tornado has been spotted; take shelter immediately.

Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room and away from windows, and go there immediately if you hear or see a tornado.

If driving, you should leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequate structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge.

If you are outdoors, and there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area. Watch out for flying debris.

Following a storm, wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when walking on or near debris, and be aware of exposed nails and broken glass.

Be aware of damaged power or gas lines and electrical systems that may cause fires, electrocution or explosions.

More information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness can be found online at www.ReadyNC.gov.
Beverly Maurice said she hoped to deliver one message to a group of eighth-graders Friday.

Never forget, Maurice said after talking to the class at the American Renaissance School about the Holocaust.

Maurice is a member of Congregation Emanuel in Statesville and works with the North Carolina Holocaust Council. I wanted to advise the children of the importance of not forgetting the Holocaust, she said after talking to the class about the origins of the Holocaust.

She told the class that the beginnings of the Holocaust predated the beginning of World War II. She talked about the practice of eugenics and of targeting children with birth defects and physical ailments. Children were taken from their parents, she said. The parents were told the children would be taken to a hospital but they never saw their children again.

This began in the 1930s, she said.

Eventually children up to age 17 were targeted for removal. About the age you are now, she told the class.

She also told the students about the concentration camps that arose in the 1940s in which large numbers of mostly Jewish people were murdered, either by being rounded up and shot with their bodies falling into mass burial pits or in the gas chambers.

However, Maurice told the students, it wasnt just Jewish people who were targeted by the Nazi regime.

Many other ethnic and racial groups died in the concentration camps or were used for forced labor before being liberated in 1945 with the fall of Germany to the Allied forces.

She posed questions to the students, such as why did the Jews not fight back or why didnt they leave Germany.

There are no easy answers to those questions, Maurice said. Jews, she said, were rounded up by soldiers and had very little opportunity to fight back. And in terms of leaving the country, that was not a simple solution either.

Their assets were seized by the Nazis, leaving them without the means to escape, and leaving was something many didnt consider because of their love of their country.

Maurice also told the students of people she knew who survived the Holocaust. One woman told her that she and her brother were sent away by their mother as children. The daughter was sent to London and her brother to Israel. Their mother died in Auschwitz.

Maurice said Black soldiers, who served in segregated units, were some of the first soldiers to discover the horrors of the concentration camps. One man, she said, a child at the time, remembered stumbling out of the camp, falling into a ditch and being rescued and a soldier carrying him 10 miles to safety. He never found out that soldiers name, she said.

She said the bigotry and hatred that fueled the Holocaust is still happening today.

I am the leader of a synagogue here in Statesville, and when I invite high schoolers to come for a tour, I show them the bar that we have to put across the front door, and explain to them how we have to have security every time we have a worship service. We have to have the Statesville Police Department guarding us, she said.

Maurice said those precautions show that while the Holocaust was more than 75 years ago, making sure younger people are educated on what happened may help prevent something similar from happening again.

She pointed out to the students that there are few Holocaust survivors still alive and their stories need to be told.

And thats one of the reasons she is spreading the word to younger people in the hopes they will carry on the efforts to address antisemitism, racism and bigotry.

The attention the children paid to Maurice and their interest in hearing her story shows there is hope for the future, she said.

You guys are amazing, she said.
The dream of more than two decades is now a reality in Wytheville.

The Willowbrook Jackson/Umberger Homestead property will open to the public for tours Wednesday, March 29 with a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the Homesteads Wythe County Decorative Arts Museum, 1125 Tazewell Street.

The nine-acre Homestead includes the decorative arts museum (located in the late R. Cecil and Seawillow Jackson family home), smoke house, Henry Umberger cabin, spring house, kitchen house, log barn and blacksmith, gunsmith and woodworking shops. The Homestead and Wythe County Decorative Arts Museum is the fourth museum property operated by the Town of Wytheville Department of Museums, which includes the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum, Thomas J. Boyd Museum and the Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum.

The reality of the Homestead began over 20 years ago in 2000 when Mr. and Mrs. Jackson donated the property (divided into four parcels) to the Town of Wytheville to preserve the nine-acre property. Every five years since 2005, one parcel has been conveyed to the Town, with the last parcel (including the 1848 home) in 2020. The Jacksons, great supporters of the community, wanted the property to interpret and preserve the history of Wythe County farm life within the context of the 18th century to the late 19th century.

The opening of the Homestead and the Wythe County Decorative Arts Museum is the accomplishment of a dream that has been over 20 years in the making! This is an important milestone in fulfilling the potential of the Homestead to become a regional center of education and preservation, said Frances Emerson, who retired last December after 28 years as museum director for the Town of Wytheville Department of Museums.

Getting the Homestead property ready to open has been taking place over the last 20 years, not only with restoration of existing structures but adding blacksmith, gunsmith and woodworking shops. Adding walkways, signage, outdoor lighting and emergency/handicap accessible parking were also part of the process. The Jackson family home has taken the most work  in just the last eight months the home has had new heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing as well as new museum grade windows and internet connection to the Town network. Not to mention getting rooms ready with plaster work and paint to house an extensive decorative arts collection.

Its been very exciting to see this property come together, after I was made site manager in 2021, said Michael Gillman, Manager of Historic Sites/Homestead Museum Operations for the Town of Wytheville Department of Museums. We have made leaps and bounds to provide great, accurate history of early settlers in Wythe and Southwest Virginia from the 18th century to the late 19th centurythe opening of the decorative arts museum in the 1848 home is just icing on the cake.

He added that the decorative arts museum will allow people to see items that were made in Wythe County, including furniture, pottery, weaponry, metal works, and baskets. After visitors tour the home, they can visit the log buildings on the property and see how these items were used or made.

Im not aware of another site focusing on a singular countys contributions to the rich and diverse history of southern decorative arts. We have accomplished that here at the Willowbrook Jackson/Umberger Homestead, said Gillman. I cant wait to share the cultural heritage of Wythe County, Virginia and SWVA to all who come, near or far!

Emerson agreed, I am excited that this wonderful resource will be available to our community and visitors, and cant wait for everyone to have the opportunity to tour the historic Umberger/Jackson home and see the incredible collection of furniture and other decorative arts by early Wythe County artisans. History is alive and thriving at the Homestead!

A major plus to the Homestead property is that it is large enough to hold festivals that will draw people from the surrounding areas to Wytheville, said Grant Gerlich, director for the Town of Wytheville Department of Museums. He noted that last falls Oktoberfest was enthusiastically received and plans are in the works for this years event. We are also initiating a Bluegrass, Arts, Bourbon and Ale (BABA) Festival this Spring to feature music, artisans and various local distilleries and breweries. We are really looking forward to future events and programs, in addition to opening up the Homestead property to the public for tours. I am grateful to have such a wonderful team who have transformed the site into such a treasure.

Tours of the Homestead, including the decorative arts museum, will be held Wednesdays through Fridays, 10am  4 pm. Tour admission is $10. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (276) 617-0773.
A December production at Floyd County High School prompted quick action by officials, including Principal Barry Hollandsworth and Superintendent John Wheeler.

Dorothy Harrell of the Little River District said at the Feb 13 School Board meeting that the play was inappropriate, with nude pictures and sexual innuendos, directed by a faculty member.

Neither the cast members parents nor the audiences parents were notified about the production and its mature content before or after it occurred, Harrell said.

Harrell was assured all the safeguards are in place to keep it from happening again, she said, after meeting with Hollandsworth and Wheeler.

She suggested the Board develop a written protocol with guidelines and oversight, and include public input.

We live in a dark world, and Floyd is and should remain a bright light  to children, Harrell said.

Wheeler said in January that school officials acted promptly, as they do for any inappropriate actions within the school system.

Tracy Ann Costello said the Board should keep insurance costs in mind heading into the 2023-2024 budget season.

Speaking with staff and teachers, its really difficult on them, Costello said.

Superintendent Wheeler said while the budget is still up in the air, the initial numbers have FCPS $275,000 in the hole due to a miscalculation by the Virginia Department of Education.

Thats what were up against, Wheeler said.

There are annual insurance committees that find the best deals for the fiscal year, Wheeler said, to find plans that are sustainable.

The Courthouse Districts Debbie Snellings said, We need to educate our employees on how that interest is being paid.

The Board voted unanimously to adopt the 23-24 school year calendar, which Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jessica Cromer said is similar to this years.

A copy of the calendar can be found online at www.floyd.k12.va.us.

The Board also moved its April meeting from April 10 to Wednesday, April 12.

At the beginning of the meeting, Superintendent Wheeler presented certificates and treats (courtesy of Board Clerk Janet Harris) to Board members to celebrate School Board Appreciation month.

There is no question that common sense, the desire to take care of children and make sure the future is always bright is evident, Wheeler said. We greatly appreciate you.
Authorities report the man suspected of killing Longview restaurateur Grant Hadler was arrested Friday, almost two weeks after Hadler was found unconscious in a Kelso roadway.

Kelso police say Hadlers autopsy results Thursday ruled his manner of death a homicide caused by assault, and 42-year-old Kelso resident Ruperto Aguayo was arrested the next day.

Aguayo is facing one count of first-degree manslaughter and was in Cowlitz County Jail as of Friday afternoon.

Police say first responders were initially called to triage a fall patient around 2:30 a.m. Feb. 19 in the 1500 block of Ross Avenue in Kelso, a residential street that is a two-minute walk south from Barnes Elementary School. When paramedics arrived, they found Hadler unconscious in the roadway, police report.

Police say they started investigating due to the nature and extent of Hadlers injuries, but did not provide specifics.

Hadler was transported to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, then Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver. He died Sunday, and his autopsy was performed by the Clark County medical examiner Thursday.

People with information about the incident are asked to call Kelso detectives at 360-423-1270.

Grant Hadlers wife and restaurant co-owner Sherry Hadler released a statement about the arrest.

On behalf of the entire Hadler family, we want to thank the Kelso Police Department, the Longview Police Department and everyone involved in this investigation, for their quick and efficient work in arresting one of the people responsible for such a senseless act of sheer violence, she writes. We hope that justice will be brought swiftly and appropriately through the legal court system.

Sherry Hadler said the family is focusing on her husbands funeral, and will then host a celebration of life.

We just want to devote all the time we can to make sure he gets the most wonderful celebration that he deserves, she said.
Increasing equity for Longviews highly capable students is one of the school districts goals for 2023, district officials say.

Amy Neiman, Longview School Districts director of state and federal programs, told the school board Monday that of the 264 advanced students, those who are Hispanic/Latino or are on free/reduced lunch have less access to some of the services offered for advanced curriculum and instruction.

Though Hispanic and Latino students make up 22.9% of the districts students, 12.5% are represented in the highly capable program, according to school board documents.

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We know that the top 10% of people across the world that are considered highly capable has nothing to do with their geography and has nothing to do with their genetics, Neiman said. So were taking steps to try to make sure that we reach out to communities and groups that are possibly underserved.

Part of this outreach includes sending out letters that have both English and Spanish translations, as well as identifying students who are highly capable but face challenges like unstable housing, homelessness and foster care.

New this year is an assessment of all second graders to figure out which students would benefit from the advanced programs, according to school board documents.

This screener will likely increase the number of highly capable students served in the district at the start of the next school year.

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction gives school districts funding for advanced programs based on 5% of the districts population.

Last year, the Longview School District got $185,000 total, $100,000 of which went toward paying the salaries and benefits of teachers tasked with the highly capable instruction. The rest went toward supplies, professional development and activities available to advanced students.
KALAMA  The City Council Thursday decided not to pursue an investigation against the former city attorney, as it doesnt appear he overcharged or misbilled the city, according to officials.

In early October, Samuel Satterfield, who served as the Kalama city attorney for about five years, voluntarily and permanently resigned from the Washington State Bar Association following a disciplinary investigation.

While representing a Lewis County woman in a marriage dissolution and custody matter, from April 2019 to March 2021 Satterfield repeatedly lied about scheduling hearings and filing motions, according to the statement of alleged misconduct filed Sept. 26.

Satterfield allegedly billed the client for work he didnt perform; however, it appears he ultimately earned all the fees collected through subsequent work, according to the statement.

The statement did not mention any alleged misconduct during Satterfields work as city attorney for Kalama or any other municipality.

During the Sept. 1 City Council meeting, Satterfield said he was leaving the Chehalis firm Hillier, Scheibmeir, Kelly and Satterfield, P.S.  now called Scheibmeir, Kelly and Nelson  for a job in Olympia.

Following Satterfields departure, the city put out a request for qualifications for a municipal attorney, said City Administrator Adam Smee. The mayor decided to contract with new attorney Frank Randolph, who had suitable and appropriate qualifications, he said.

Randolph told the council he has been practicing law in Cowlitz County since 2002, including 15 years of municipal work. He also serves as the city attorney for Woodland and Castle Rock.

Investigation proposal

On Thursday, Councilmember Matthew Merz proposed the council request the Washington State Patrol investigate all allegedly illegal activity that may have occurred within the city while Satterfield was city attorney.

Other councilmembers discussed potential financial harm Satterfield may have caused the city.

Councilmember Scott Moon said he is mostly concerned about if Satterfield overcharged the city or gave the mayor, council or staff bad legal advice.

Over the past week, city staff reviewed the billing to check for any red flags, said Smee. The city paid the firm about $25,000 last year to have an attorney on retainer, attending council meetings and answering questions from the mayor and management, he said.

Beyond the retainer amount, the city paid the firm about $9,000 for other legal services over the last two years, Smee said. Most of that was preparing easement language for the Tidewater Drive project, he said.

Coni McMaster, clerk/treasurer, told the council when reviewing the bills, she did not see any unreasonable charges. The few bills outside the retainer matched up with work that was done or appearances in court, she said.

Mayor Mike Reuter said while the city could have Randolph look into it but it would be expensive to thoroughly review the invoices and pursue damages.

Council members Jon Stanfill, Wendy Conradi and Steve Kallio said they were not interested in pursuing a further investigation since city staff did not find any evidence of misbilling.

Merz had other issues with Satterfield, and in his letter to council said he found Satterfield to be deceptive in his claims relating to both the legality of the formation of the Police Advisory Committee without City Council consent and the authority of Kalamas mayor to create new employment positions within the city.

Last March, Satterfield and other city officials defended an advisory committee created in 2021 to get citizen input on the police departments five-year strategic plan after Merz on Facebook called it an illegally created shadow committee.

Merzs letter to council also noted his concerns about Satterfields actions related to two separate criminal cases involving Merz.
Drew Fish, a resident at a homeless encampment in east Vancouver, awoke Friday in the middle of the night to the sound of propane tanks exploding.

The explosions were the result of a fire that broke out at an encampment at the intersection of Northeast 107th Avenue and Northeast 53rd Street, often referred to as The Swamps. Encampment residents said the blaze began when a persons warming fire got out of control.

It just spread and got bigger, said Fish, who took a video of the blaze on his phone. Everybody was just kind of watching it.

The community immediately responded to help those at risk. The Vancouver Fire Department, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and outreach teams at the city and county levels all met at The Swamps Friday morning to play their parts.

Vancouver fire units were called to the encampment around 2 a.m. Friday, according to a statement from the department. Firefighters fought the blaze for about 2 1/2 hours. One encampment resident was treated and released with minor burns.

The Swamps was uncharacteristically quiet when the sun came up Friday morning. Everybody kind of is in decompression mode because the anxiety of everything was so high, said Sheila Andrews, Vancouvers encampment response coordinator.

The smell of smoke still hung in the air as outreach workers and employees with WSDOT, which owns the land where The Swamps is located, surveyed the area.

Blackened tree trunks, scorched from the blaze, stretched into a gray sky. At their bases lay heaps of charred belongings  lawn chairs, shopping carts, lamps, plastic bins, carpets, furniture, trash.

Council for the Homeless outreach teams arrived around 8 a.m. with tarps, backpacks, hygiene kits and other supplies to help mitigate the loss, according to Clara Johnson, the councils coordinated outreach director.

Were working on getting folks resources, to get them hotels so that they can get cleaned up, Johnson said. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.

Andrews estimated about 10 Swamps residents were affected by the fire. But its hard to be sure, since most people living by the blaze fled before outreach arrived.

They did kind of all scatter, which is common when the fire department shows up, said Jamie Spinelli, Vancouvers homelessness response coordinator. But we know who the stuff belongs to.

If the encampment needs to be cleared, outreach will ensure residents get proper notice, Spinelli added.

The goal is to find the people who still have stuff back in here, let them know they have a little bit of time to get whatever they want and need to grab of their possessions that are still kind of viable, and then get them either into shelter rooms or hotel rooms, she said.

A fire like this is nothing new for homeless outreach teams, according to Spinelli. People light fires to stay warm during the wet winter, and sometimes the flames get out of hand.

Propane tanks and the amount of flammable items at The Swamps can make it particularly dangerous when fires break out.

Ive seen bigger and Ive seen smaller (fires), Spinelli said. The things that are concerning is that there are people involved, number one, that could be hurt. Its difficult to get out of here because of the amount of stuff thats here. Number two, there are obviously nearby businesses and residences.

Bill Morrison, WSDOT assistant regional administrator of maintenance and operations, is responsible for maintenance and assessing safety concerns at the site.

Were going to put fencing in because this is not safe for anybody to be in there, Morrison said. Were going to try and secure it best we can, and well evaluate steps moving forward.
One of the most hotly debated health care topics in this years legislative session is staffing: How to best ensure hospitals have enough nurses to properly care for patients.

The issue has pitted Washingtons hospital leaders and nurses against each other for months, but this week, both sides announced that a potential compromise could be ahead.

The proposed legislation that has caused the most controversy would have required hospitals to meet statewide, standardized nurse-to-patient ratios, a term that describes the number of patients a nurse is assigned to during one shift, depending on the unit.

For example, intensive-care nurses, who often care for the sickest patients, might each be responsible for two patients max, while pediatric nurses might watch up to four.

The bills biggest supporters include the states health care unions, which represent thousands of nurses and have argued staffing levels will only improve if hospitals are forced to meet certain standards.

Last weekend, a crowd of community members joined Providence Regional Medical Center nurses as they voiced pleas for staffing help at a candlelight vigil in Everett. Lynda Price, a 32-year Providence nurse, said she and her co-workers are burned out and desperate for legislative change. Higher staffing levels mean nurses can take more time, focus on each patient more and cut back on potential mistakes, advocates for the ratios say.

Meanwhile, opponents of the legislation, mainly hospitals, think required ratios will ultimately force hospitals to turn patients away and close services if they dont have enough staffers.

The newest version of the bill, however, has reworded language around the ratios. Instead of setting a mandate, it introduces a penalty system  which could include enforced ratios  for hospitals if they dont follow the staffing plans created by their own staffing committees at least 80% of the time.

Each hospital already has its own committee tasked with planning out nurse staffing. But their recommendations are often ignored or vetoed by hospital management, according to WA Safe + Healthy, a coalition of health care unions and staffers that has long advocated for strict ratios.

Now, the state would start measuring how often hospitals are in compliance with their staffing plans, said Chelene Whiteaker, senior vice president for government affairs at the state hospital association. Under the new concept, Whiteaker said, when hospitals arent in compliance, the state departments of Health and Labor & Industries would require them to submit a corrective plan of action.

This amended bill certainly isnt everything caregivers need, but the inclusion of real penalties and oversight for hospitals that refuse to follow staffing plans is an important first step toward improving safety for health care workers and patients, Faye Guenther, president of UFCW 3000, said in a statement this week.

Jack Sorensen, a WA Safe + Healthy spokesperson, said Friday that the priority for the coalition has always been making new standards enforceable. Because the new language still ensures standards are followed, many hospital staffers support the amended version, he added.

The amended bill cleared the Senate Ways and Means Committee last week and is now on its way to a Senate floor vote. Still, debate has continued over what research on mandated ratios actually shows.

History in California

In Washington, hospitals and staffers have gone back and forth on the topic of staffing ratios for a little over a year  but in California, the debate has spanned almost three decades, said Joanne Spetz, director of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at the University of California, San Francisco.

In 1999, California became the first and only state to pass legislation requiring hospitals to meet strict nurse-to-patient ratios, said Spetz, who has published several papers on the topic. The law went into effect in 2004.

At first, hospitals struggled, Spetz said.

That happened when we were in a very, very deep national nursing shortage, she said. The shortage [in the early 2000s] was perceived to be much worse than what were having now.

Hospitals brought in waves of travel nurses to fill in short-term gaps. Then in 2002, Gray Davis, the governor at the time, pledged $60 million in special funds to train more than 5,000 nurses in three years, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The states next governor, actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, announced a $90 million initiative three years later to further expand nursing programs in the state  a plan he released months after moving to delay implementation of the new ratios law. At the time, he said he worried hospitals were having a difficult time hiring enough nurses to meet the requirement.

We more than doubled our education capacity over a decade, Spetz said. In the short-term, hospitals had to use temps and travelers to meet ratios, but in the long-term, the supply of nurses caught up.

Hospitals also used the law to renegotiate contracts with their private insurers and demand better reimbursement rates, ultimately allowing them to increase nurse wages, Spetz said.

Decades of research

Many advocates for strict ratios argue theres clear evidence that higher nurse staffing levels lead to better patient care. Hospitals, on the other hand, have pointed to national data on Californias low number of nurses per capita and patient access to critical care.

Some national nursing experts, like Linda Aiken, are fierce advocates of the former.

Every single seriously designed study thats been published in a peer-reviewed journal shows that more nurses are associated with lower hospital mortality, said Aiken, a nursing professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founding director of the schools Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research. Every single one of them.

In a 2002 paper, Aiken and her team found that each patient added to a nurses list was associated with a 7% increase in mortality following common surgeries. She also pointed to a 2021 paper she worked on that shows staffing levels in New York hospitals varied widely, but that more nurses led to fewer Medicare patient deaths.

In addition, Aiken referenced research showing ratio mandates led to happier nurses in California and faster wage growth for them than in other states.

But Spetz says gray area still exists around a more specific question: How do mandated staff ratios affect patients? Twenty-plus years into her work, shes not completely convinced one way or the other.

I dont think there is strong evidence that it clearly improved patient outcomes, which is a little bit puzzling, Spetz said. In general, the preponderance of the evidence tells us that better nursing staffing produces better outcomes. Not to mention that its just logical.

At the same time, she said, there is also no reliable evidence in California that mandating specific ratios led to poorer patient care, hospital closures, or more people being sent away from full emergency departments  one of the major concerns of Washington hospitals.

Maybe in the short term there were some bobbles, but you dont really see a widespread issue there either, she said.

In a paper that Aiken led out of Queensland, Australia, which implemented similar ratios in 2016, the team did find significant improvements in patient care after the legislation was implemented, including lower mortality rates, lower readmissions and reduced length of stay. In addition, results showed hospitals saved millions of dollars in reduced patient care.

But Spetz pointed out that in Queensland the minimum staffing ratios were for all hospital roles, not just nurses. In California, on the other hand, some hospitals started dropping nursing assistants in the early 2000s in order to free up money to hire more licensed nurses and meet ratios, Spetz said.

The trade-off could create problems in patient care because while a registered nurse usually handles initial assessments and creates a care plan for the patient, nursing assistants are vital in the process. Assistants often help handle tasks like turning the patient or checking on their vitals.

If you basically laid off two nursing assistants and hired one RN, maybe you get more assessments done, but you dont have the staff to do the intervention to prevent the bad outcome, Spetz said.

Ultimately, patient outcomes in California dont look that different from the rest of the country 20 years after the mandates passed, reports show. But there are other significant benefits, Spetz said.

Our staffing is better, she said. Our nurses continue to be somewhat happier than other states. They are paid better than in other states.

Sorensen of the WA Safe + Healthy coalition said changes are needed in Washington to protect hospital workers from burning out, and creating even more stress and work for those left behind.

Were continuing to work around the clock with all parties involved to get to the strongest bill possible, Sorensen said. Otherwise, were looking at a massive system collapse.
King County would need to see nearly 17,000 new homes built every year for the next two decades to keep up with demand, according to new state projections.

And clearing the way for private developers to build thousands more market-rate homes will not be enough to meet that need. More than half of the new homes need to be affordable to people making less than 50% of area median income, or $45,300 for a single person in King County, the state Department of Commerce said Thursday.

The need for new housing spans the entire state. All told, Washington will need 1.1 million new homes over the next 20 years, or about 55,000 per year, according to the projections.

Thats a higher level of building than the state has seen in recent years. In the last decade, Census data shows Washington has added an average of about 35,000 housing units per year. In 2021, the state added about 43,000 units.

Washington will also need more than 91,000 additional units of emergency housing for people experiencing homelessness, according to the projections.

Im not surprised by the numbers, said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, who has served on county task forces focused on affordable housing. But, she added, theyre daunting numbers.

The projections released Thursday are part of new requirements that cities plan and accommodate for housing growth at all income levels. Gov. Jay Inslee and Democrats in Olympia have cited the need for new housing as they push for allowing more duplexes, fourplexes and six-plexes in single-family neighborhoods. That bill, HB 1110, is awaiting a vote in the state House of Representatives.

Affordable housing advocates say the state must also boost funding for subsidized rentals and homeownership opportunities. Three in 10 Washington households are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, according to federal data from 2015-2019 that includes homeowners and renters.

Given the demand, many communities will need to change the way they plan for housing and plan for more apartments, condominiums, moderate density housing such as middle housing, and accessory dwelling units, Dave Andersen, managing director of the Department of Commerces growth management services unit, said in a statement.

The need for new homes will cross all income levels.

King County, where the median price for a detached single-family home or townhouse is more than $780,000, will need nearly 340,000 new homes total over the next 20 years. That includes about 60,000 shelter beds, 179,000 homes for people making less than half of area median income and 95,000 homes for people making 120% of area median income (about $109,000 for a single person).

Cities across the region are likely to see more growth. According to preliminary county projections, Seattle will need about 112,000 total new units and Bellevue will need about 35,000.

Of the more affordable homes countywide, the state estimates about 43,000 will need to be permanent supportive housing, subsidized rentals that include services for people who were previously homeless and typically rely on government funding to build. That funding will need to come from state and federal sources, Balducci said.

We know that we are way behind in producing enough housing to meet the need in our county, Balducci said. And we also know that we are particularly far behind in meeting the need for housing at the lower ends of affordability.

The projections rely on medium population projections from the state. If Washingtons population instead grew to the highest end of the states estimates, King County would need more than 600,000 new units by 2044.
Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and likely presidential candidate, rallied Houston-area Republicans on Friday with a speech that proclaimed his state as Texas new partner on the front lines in the battle against the political left.

With Austin buzzing about an unspoken rivalry between the countrys two biggest Republican-controlled states, DeSantis paid homage to Texas boisterous self-image  and said Florida is gaining its own big sense of pride under his leadership. He said it is being noticed all the way up to the fella in the White House, referring to his potential opponent in 2024: President Joe Biden.

They know you dont mess with Texas  and you dont tread on Florida, DeSantis said. I really believe if it hasnt been for Texas and Florida playing the role we have in this country in recent history, our entire country would be one big woke, neo-Marxist Dumpster fire.

DeSantis remarks at the annual Harris County Lincoln Reagan Dinner were part of a two-day swing through Texas that also included a similar event Saturday for the Dallas County GOP. The events come as DeSantis increasingly travels outside Florida in advance of an anticipated bid against former President Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination.

Texas own governor, Greg Abbott, has not ruled out his own White House bid, fueling the notion of a budding competition between the two megastates.

DeSantis hardly mentioned Abbott, but his speech was filled with flattering references to Texas and its recent efforts to lead the way nationally on conservative policy. It was a far cry from the tone adopted by Abbotts intraparty critics, who see DeSantis as a stronger fighter for their causes.

Instead, DeSantis spoke multiple times about the two states as new equals in a culture war, invoking the Alamo as he promised to never, ever surrender to the woke mob.

The state of Florida  and the state of Texas  is where woke goes to die, DeSantis said, refashioning a line from his January inaugural address to include the Lone Star State.

Still, DeSantis was not afraid to trumpet Florida  and himself. He said he made his state a refuge of sanity during the COVID-19 pandemic, spurning federal pressure to keep the state shut down and perhaps, he added, showing our own form of Texas swagger. And referring to more recent events, he bragged that Florida was the only state brave enough to publicly oppose the draft curriculum of a new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies.

DeSantis also boasted about his two gubernatorial elections. He said that even though he won with only 50% of the vote in 2018, he earned 100% of the executive power, and I intend to use it to advance our agenda, to stand up for the people I represent and make good on my campaign promises.

I am just not going to be a potted plant and let the left determine the shape of the debate, let the media shape the debate, DeSantis said. Im going on offense.

That approach, DeSantis said, led to his blowout reelection win last year, declaring the Florida Democratic Party dead as a result.

The Houston dinner was closed to the media, keeping with DeSantis hostility toward traditional journalists. But at least one attendee broadcast DeSantis speech live on Facebook, and The Texas Tribune separately obtained an audio recording of it. The Dallas event also was closed to the media.

In Dallas, DeSantis appeared at a yearly fundraising dinner for the county party, but it was a different format than the speech he gave in Houston. It was billed as a fireside chat between DeSantis and his wife, Casey DeSantis, who is one of his closest political advisers.

Proceeds from the fundraising dinners benefit the county parties, but they also give DeSantis a large audience with activists and donors in two cities that are home to some of the partys biggest contributors nationwide. DeSantis was expected to privately meet with donors on the sidelines of both Texas events.

During his speech in Houston, DeSantis mentioned one top donor to Texas Republicans by name  Dick Weekley  saying Florida was working to catch up to Texas on Weekleys longtime cause, tort reform.

DeSantis was introduced in Houston by state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, chairman of the Senate Education Committee. Creighton traveled to Tallahassee in December to meet with DeSantis about education issues.

Creighton lavished praise on DeSantis but also emphasized what the Texas Senate is prioritizing this session. He nodded to one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks priorities, saying Texas will stand against the teaching of critical race theory by woke tenured professors.

Creighton was most emphatic about a priority of both Patrick and Abbott: a school choice program that would redirect tax revenue to let parents take their kids out of public schools.

This Texas legislative session, we will make clear that Texas parents have the rights they deserve in the public school classroom and with alternative education opportunities and with tax dollars that belong to families, not the government, Creighton said.

Florida already has a suite of school-choice programs, and in his speech, DeSantis wished Texas luck in bringing a big school-choice package across the finish line.

The lineups for both the Houston and Dallas events also included U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Austin, a sign of his higher profile statewide since he served as a key negotiator for conservatives on Kevin McCarthys ascension to House speaker in January.

Abbott was in San Antonio on Friday and set to appear in Austin on Saturday to address a conservative legal group at the University of Texas.
DALLAS  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wont need much of an introduction at Saturdays Dallas County Reagan Day Dinner.

They know his name. They know his work.

DeSantis is a top cultural warrior for conservatives in Florida and across the country. Hes pushed or copied a cavalcade of GOP policies and legislation praised by conservatives as common sense and blasted by critics as extreme.

Florida is where woke goes to die, DeSantis has said.

Now hes bringing his fighting words to Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott has been the leader of his own highly publicized cultural war. Abbott is not expected to attend any of the events featuring DeSantis.

The Saturday banquet is billed as a fireside chat in front of conservative activists, donors and elected officials who are not only interested in his ideas, but his standing in the 2024 Republican race for president. As his appearance in Dallas indicates, DeSantis has used hard-right stances to catapult himself as the leading alternative to former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary.

The Dallas trip follows a similar event DeSantis will headline for Houston-area Republicans.

Hes made that work and hes put skins on the wall, said Plano-based GOP political consultant Vinny Minchillo, whos worked on the presidential campaigns of Utah Sen. Mitt Romney. Hes gone to war with woke people regarding education, so he is drilling down on some of the really hot topics that primary voters are interested in.

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said DeSantis engages in these culture wars issues to increase support in the right-wing base of the Republican Party because he wants to be the nominee of the Republican Party for president.

Thats why you see DeSantis in Dallas. He wants them to know that no matter how bad their governor is on these cultural issues, hes worse than the governor and hes their man.

Cultural warrior

Abbott and DeSantis have been in an undeclared competition: Which governor can implement the most legislation that appeals to the far right? Both were reelected last year, with Abbott easily defeating former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke. And DeSantis made a bigger statement, trouncing former Gov. Charlie Crist en route to winning Democratic Party strongholds in Miami-Dade County.

DeSantis has impacted Texas politics and public policy, and some of his anti-woke policies are being considered by the Texas Legislature.

Texas and Florida have been political twins.

The states reopened during the 2020 pandemic roughly at the same time, though DeSantis received more publicity and Abbotts initial shutdown and mask mandate were criticized by far-right voices in the Texas GOP.

Abbott was ahead of DeSantis and Florida in passing tough anti-abortion laws. Texas also approved laws that allow Texans to carry guns without a permit, something that Florida lawmakers are now considering.

DeSantis has set the tone for diversity policies in public education  a topic Abbott and lawmakers are dealing with during their 2023 legislative session.

DeSantis and Abbott support proposals that ban the Chinese government and its citizens from purchasing state land. DeSantis announced his support for such a plan five days before Abbott took to Twitter to back a Texas Senate bill which originally would have banned citizens of China, Iran, Russia or North Korea from buying land in Texas. Under a new version considered Thursday, the ban wouldnt apply to dual citizens or lawful permanent residents.

DeSantis was ahead of Abbott when he moved to block diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Florida state colleges. A week later, Abbotts chief of staff sent a letter to state agencies and public colleges warning that it is illegal to make hiring decisions based on DEI. The Texas A&M University System responded by blocking DEI as a factor in hiring.

The Florida governor also has set the conservative tone in his fight to restrict classroom conversations on gender identity and sexual orientation, which is now a topic in the Texas Legislature. This week DeSantis signed a bill to take control of municipal services and development for the special zone encompassing Walt Disney World. The move deals a major blow to the companys ability to operate with autonomy and is seen as political payback for Disney officials opposing discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation in classrooms.

Abbott took the lead in amplifying the border security issue by busing migrants to Democratic Party strongholds New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. After that, DeSantis pounced on the issue by flying 49 migrants to Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts. Abbott followed that by busing migrants to Philadelphia and then to the residence of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Texas is ahead of the rest of the nation in the fight to ban or restrict drag queen shows, but Florida is not far behind.

But DeSantis is out front on another issue: Hes pushing a tax exemption for gas stoves amid concerns that those appliances may emit dangerous pollutants.

Another similarity between Abbott and DeSantis: Both governors have been calling some of the events fireside chats.

Democrats say DeSantis and Abbott are more dangerous than gas stoves.

It is a total race to the bottom between those two in a way that really negatively impacts Texas families, said Lisa Turner, state director of the Democratic Party research group called the Lone Star Project. Culture war is too light of a term. Whether its the attack on kids, the attack on women, its just this constant attack for political points with their base.

Winning these battles could be key for influential primary voters.

It plays to where the Republican Party is right now, Dallas-based GOP political consultant Clayton P. Henry said. Its obvious that hes running for president and hes hitting the base really hard by attending these dinners.

Alternative to Trump

No matter who has been first, DeSantis has bolstered his political standing among conservatives across the country with his dedication to the culture wars.

Most polls show Trump leading the Republican race for president, with DeSantis running second.

With only 2% support in the latest Fox News poll, Abbott is not a formidable contender in the 2024 presidential sweepstakes.

In that survey, Trump is leading DeSantis, 43% to 28%.

Thats why DeSantis Dallas visit is important for his prospects because it puts him in front of donors and activists who could support him against Trump. And Texas has a huge delegate haul that could make a difference in the 2024 contest.

When hes going to be both in Houston and in Dallas, you know this guy is running for president, Henry said.

Though they have similar approaches, DeSantis has outflanked Abbott in the presidential race, even in Texas. A straw poll at the 2022 Texas GOP convention had DeSantis running second to Trump and Abbott far off the pace.

He steps up to the microphone more, Henry said of DeSantis. Hes out there all the time. While Abbott is out there, hes not spreading new messages and hes not reinforcing conservatives messages like a presidential candidate would.

DeSantis has been a winning politician in Florida, but its unclear how hell perform on the national stage. Yet to formally announce a presidential bid, hes basically been running an underground campaign for president, making speeches and practicing his craft behind closed doors. The Dallas and Houston events are closed to the media.

When you talk to voters, they describe him in terms of Donald Trump. Hes like Donald Trump, except hes nicer, Minchillo said of how activists see DeSantis. His image is intertwined with Donald Trump and thats something he has to fix.

Minchillo said DeSantis is unproven in a national contest.

He has not been tested on the national stage, he said. Lets see what happens when somebody punches him in the nose.

Trump, who has a large network in Texas that includes Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, will be tough to beat in Texas.

Im a Trump supporter and I want Mr. Trump to win the nomination, said Robert Reed, a 58-year-old warehouse worker after an Abbott speech in Corsicana. If he doesnt make it, somebody like Abbott would be perfect for the White House.
As Gov. Greg Abbott signals stronger support for the creation of a new program to replace a multibillion dollar corporate tax break program that expired last year, hes also drawing a clear line in the sand: wind and solar energy projects need not apply.

I support [the program] not providing economic incentives for renewables, Abbott said during a news conference in Austin. Theres already federal incentives for renewable projects, and those will continue to be allowed. As it concerns especially energy and power and the power grid, our focus is on dispatchable power, such as natural gas or coal.

Abbotts comments lay down a clear marker as a massive coalition of business groups try to revamp Texas economic development tools following the expiration of the program known as Chapter 313. In 2021, the Texas Senate declined to consider a bill extending the program, which discounted local property taxes to lure big companies to the state. It had become plagued with bipartisan accusations of corporate welfare.

For Republicans, one of the most contentious aspects of Chapter 313 was how much it was benefiting renewable energy projects. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick boasted in January that he killed the program because it had been misused, claiming about 60% of all 313 projects were renewable windmills.

Renewable energy has proliferated in Texas: The number of wind turbines has grown significantly over the past decade, and the number of solar farms is rising, too. Texas produces more wind energy than any other state. It rivals California for solar. Both types of power dont pollute the air and are cheap, generally beating out sources such as natural gas to sell the electricity they produce.

Small, rural counties especially benefited from using Chapter 313 to bring renewable energy companies to their areas, said Judd Messer, Texas vice president of the Advanced Power Alliance, in a statement. Those companies generated funding for local schools, government and landowners.

It would be unfortunate for Texas to risk the continued economic prosperity of these rural communities by enacting an economic development program that is exclusionary in nature, Messer said.

Abbotts comments came a day after state House Speaker Dade Phelan gave priority status to a new bill that seeks to chart a post-Chapter 313 future for economic development in Texas. That legislation, House Bill 5, is light on details as written but appears to leave the door open for it to benefit renewable energy projects.

Asked about that bill Wednesday, Abbott applauded it as an innovative approach but did not explicitly endorse it. He said it is one potential idea, and there will be others.

Both Abbott and Phelan are keenly interested in finding a way to beef up Texas economic development tools after the expiration of Chapter 313. But it is less clear what Patrick will tolerate in the Senate, especially as he pushes aggressively to build more natural gas capacity across the state in response to the 2021 power grid collapse.

In response to that storm, the Legislature is considering a change to the electricity market that is designed to provide a financial incentive for more weather-independent resources, such as natural gas-fueled plants and batteries, to be built. The House and Senate have both been debating the Public Utility Commissions controversial plan to do that. It is expected to increase electricity costs, and some experts dont think it will work.

Patrick said in January that renewable energy resources are fine to have, keep energy price low and helps the environment, but you have to have enough dispatchable to meet the needs of the state.

On Wednesday, one of Patricks lieutenants in the Senate, Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, also made clear that renewable energy projects would be a red line for him in considering any post-Chapter 313 proposal.

Let me be clear, Hughes said at an event in Austin. If there is a proposal for a new economic development program, to give incentives, if it has wind and solar, Im not just gonna vote no. Im gonna do everything I can to kill it. I can tell you that will not pass the Texas Senate with wind and solar in it.

Hughes comments were seconded by state Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, a powerful House veteran who serves as Phelans speaker pro tem. I agree, Geren tweeted.

Hughes made the comments on a panel discussion for the Texas Public Policy Foundation alongside Comptroller Glenn Hegar, whose office was responsible for reviewing Chapter 313 applications. He said two-thirds of the Chapter 313 agreements that were signed in 2022  the last year of the program  were for renewable energy projects.

That was the biggest  state-of-Texas program that enabled more renewable wind and solar, Hegar said.
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SPRINGFIELD  On Thursday, Illinois State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza released the $870,629 that was previously withheld from ShawneeLEC Inc. of Equality, now that the state contractor has paid back wages and fines totaling $87,522.65 for failing to pay required wages under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.

The act ensures working men and women around the state are paid a fair salary for their labor, based on wages being paid at work sites in their region of the state. The prevailing wage rates are set by the Illinois Department of Labor.

Comptroller Mendoza signed an Executive Order in August 2019, putting companies around the state on notice that her office would be monitoring compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act and holding up state payments to companies that appeared to violate it by under-paying workers.

I take my role as Illinois chief fiscal and accountability officer very seriously, Comptroller Mendoza said. And when a contractor receives state funds on a project and short-changes the working men and women of Illinois by not paying them the prevailing wage, I will not hesitate to hold up those state funds to get the contractor to follow the law.

In March 2021, Sean Stott with Laborers International Union in Springfield filed a report with the IOC website alleging ShawneeLEC, Inc., was failing to provide certified payrolls to the Department of Labor on over $5 million in state contracts to install broadband in several locations in Southern Illinois.

The Comptrollers Office determined that Stotts inquiry raised legitimate concerns about this contractors compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act in which the state had already paid ShawneeLEC, Inc., over $4.3 million. It was later revealed that the contractor failed to submit all the required certified payrolls to the Department of Labor for two project locations in Goreville and Mitchellsville.

Pursuant to the Comptrollers Executive Order, the IOC withheld $870,629 in payments to the contractor. The Department of Labor and the IOC both conducted independent investigations of the contractor. IOC personnel toured the job sites on several occasions.

Earlier this month, ShawneeLEC, Inc., confirmed to the IOC that they have reported to the Department of Labor that they paid $72,935.54 in underpaid back wages owed to workers for both projects. The Department of Labor additionally fined the contractor $14,587.11.

Now that the IOC has received proof that these workers have been paid and that the additional fine was paid, the IOC released the $870,629 on Thursday. This reflects the final amounts, or about 15% remaining on this contract.

The beneficiaries of these back wages were ShawneeLECs non-union employees who won back $72,935.54, with two employees underpaid over $20,000 working on both sites.

The Comptrollers actions are most helpful in addressing the growing problem of wage theft from hard-working women and men, Sean Stott of the Laborers International Union said. The Comptrollers efforts should serve as a warning to contractors that Prevailing Wage requirements are the law of the land, and that failure to follow the law has serious consequences.

Comptroller Mendoza continues to enforce the law protecting workers rights on state-funded projects throughout the state of Illinois, Steve Hughart, business manager of IBEW Local 702 in West Frankfort, said. The IBEW and all union crafts appreciate and support her efforts! Id like to give a special mention to Josh Downs, Comptroller Mendozas deputy director of outreach and community affairs, for his efforts working with my team doing the field investigation that led to this outcome.
CAIRO  The Southern Illinois Regional Poverty Commission met on Friday afternoon in Cairo and virtually on Zoom to talk about work in the state of Illinois to end poverty.

The group is part of the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Safety, which was created by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to eliminate poverty in Illinois.

The commission was launched in December 2020 and gathered input from Southern Illinois in October 2021 about what should be done about poverty. It was one of eight listening events in the state.

Sen. Dale Fowler said the Southern Illinois Regional Poverty Commission covers Alexander, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski and Union counties. He told the group that this was a chance to provide feedback on their strategic plan and whether or not it hits the mark.

We have a long way to go, but this is a step forward, Fowler said.

Illinois has 1.42 million people living in poverty. Of those, 630,000 of them live in "extreme poverty," meaning that a family of four would have an annual income of less than $13,000.

The commission has three main goals: To reduce extreme poverty by 2026; to eliminate childhood poverty by 2031; and to eliminate all poverty by 2036.

Justin Roberts, outreach pastor at Little Chapel Church in Harrisburg, spoke about his work with homelessness.

He told about a gentleman in Harrisburg who was homeless for 12 years. He broke into a bank seeking shelter and fell asleep on the couch in the lobby. When employees came to work the next day, they found him.

The man was moved into a tiny house that Little Chapel Church has. He stayed for a month, then was transitioned into housing. They also helped him find a job in that month.

Sometimes we are all just a paycheck away from being homeless, Roberts said.

Kari Branham of Illinois Department of Human Services talked about the issues brought up in the Southern Illinois listening event. During the event, 30% of residents said employment was an issue, 20% talked about benefits and the difficulty applying for them, and 10% said transportation was an issue.

They also listed other issues that increase poverty in Southern Illinois.

You all noticed some truly serious concerns, Branham said.

Dana Kelly, chief policy officer for IDHS, talked about strategies that are important to Southern Illinois.

Before she started talking about strategies in place, she said additional investments are planned for the 2024 fiscal year, which begins in July.

Some of the strategies in place include HOME, which will secure supportive housing and affordable housing. A new emergency phone line, 988, has been implemented for crisis response for mental health emergencies.

LIHEAP, a program that pays heating and air conditioning costs, needs to be more clear and applications need to be easier to complete.

Earned income is being expanded for 2023 taxes (payable in 2024).

Illinois broadband is being expanded, especially in rural areas.

Wage increases will be made for those who care for the elderly.

Increase pay to substance abuse and mental health providers.

Food security programs include buying food from Illinois farmers to give out at food pantries.

We need to hear from you, Branham said.

When they asked about new emerging issues or barriers, they got several responses.

Mary OHara talked about the need for guaranteed income programs.

Another person spoke about the need for licensed clinical professional counselors to be approved for payment from Medicaid.

Al Lorens, another commission member, said mental health issues are concerning.

We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to raise a family in Southern Illinois, Fowler said.

Branham said she welcomes input from residents. Her email address is kari.branham2@illinois.gov.
The dream of a four-lane highway connecting Southern Illinois with the St. Louis area has been a long one. New endorsements for the project and the potential availability of federal funding is fueling a new drive for the project.

Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens chairs the Four-County Highway Coalition, a group of community leaders and organizations pushing for what has become known as the Southwest Illinois Connector  a regional, rural expressway connecting Murphysboro to the metropolitan St. Louis area, providing direct connectivity to Interstate 255.

Stephens is especially confident that the proposed project could secure significant federal funding and become a reality if the coalition can obtain a portion of the funding from the state.

We have applied for federal grants and so far, those grants have been declined. The feedback weve received from the federal Department of Transportation is that our application doesnt score as high because we dont have a matching commitment from the state, he said.

Yet, his confidence in the project and the prospect of federal funding has not wavered.

Heres where we stand today, Stephens said, is that we are trying to make sure the the state and everybody else understands that we can get this project 80% federally funded if we can get the state to come up with the other 20% we need.

Stephens estimates the total cost of the project at $1 billion.

Benefits of the Connector

Getting to the St. Louis area more quickly is not the only benefit a four-lane highway would bring. Stephens points to traffic crashes along current routes to the metro east to stress the safety of a divided highway. Most of the benefits hinge around the word access.

The speed and ease of travel is an economic benefit itself, explained Carbondale Economic Development Director Steven Mitchell. Were not talking about providing access from St. Louis, Lambert Airport and all points west to come to Southern Illinois, but this also will make it easier for our businesses to reach out to customers and suppliers in the St. Louis metropolitan region. It opens up new markets.

The connector would also benefit residents needing advanced medical treatments and would make Southern Illinois more attractive to new businesses said Deb Barnett, executive director of SI Now, a regional collaborative effort to promote and grow the region.

In addition to documented safety issues along the current two-lane highway and healthcare access concerns for residents along the route, the lack of a four-lane rural expressway has placed the southwest Illinois region at a significant economic disadvantage. Many development projects require four-lane access to even consider a location, and not having this critical infrastructure in place automatically excludes the region from competing for these projects, she said.

Stephens said the coalition is, in reality, not asking for a lot from either the federal government or the state, even with a $1 billion project. He said the Southwest Illinois Connector is a project which perfectly fits the recently-passed federal infrastructure bill.

Keep in mind that the infrastructure bill was a $1.4 trillion bill and a trillion is 1,000 billion, he said before translating the necessary figures to a more understandable level. Lets boil it down. If you had $1,400 and I ask you for $1, youd likely give it to me. In essence, the federal government has $1,400 to spend and all we need from them is $1 to do this project. In fact, we only need 80 cents from them and 20 cents from the state.

He further explained any state funding could be spread out over years.

We need $20 million a year for $10 years for this project from the state, he added.

The work now, is to secure a commitment from the state of Illinois for 20% of the projects expected $1 billion price tag. The coalition continues to gather letters of support from businesses, organizations and communities  even those outside of the four counties through which the new roadway would run: Jackson, Monroe, Perry and Randolph. The city of Marion has voiced its support and within the last few weeks, the city of St. Louis also signed on in support.

Other supporters include Illinois Deputy Speaker of the House Jay Hoffman (D, Highland), former governors and others. Stephens said what the group needs, however, is top-level support in Springfield.

What it is going to take is one of the key decision makers  whether it be Speaker of the House Chris Welch (D, Westchester), Senate President Don Harmon (D, Oak Park) or the governor to recognize the support that weve gathered and make it apriority, Stephens said. My job is to make sure that we are consistently and effectively communicating with them and with the public.

I think our project is better situation to compete than almost any, Stephens asserted. Weve been working on this for five years and we have support from dozen of statewide economic development entities, dozens of elected officials and weve got support from a wide variety of communities and organizations. The time is now.

Close A sign warns motorists of the pending dangers of water over the roadway in Cambria after Thursday night's rain left the region in a flash flood watch for hours. Motorists should be cautious about road hazards such as hydroplaning where low-lying land allows for water on the roadway. It is best to slow down and take it easy over wet or flooded roads. The Herrin reservoir spills over onto Grand Road on Friday after a storm dropped 3.45 inches of rain overnight. A residence in Carterville has a creek form in the front yard after the rainstorm on Friday. What looks like a small lake sits in the front yard of a home in the country of Williamson county on Friday after a massive storm swept through the area. A picturesque Herrin neighborhood flooded on Friday after a rainstorm dropped several inches over Thursday night. A residential construction site sits in water after Thursday night's storm. A surging stormwater runoff flows through a Carterville neighborhood Friday afternoon. Drainage into lower lands will continue for days after such a large rainstorm. A Cambria neighborhood flooded on Friday. PHOTOS: See images from the Friday flooding in Southern Illinois A sign warns motorists of the pending dangers of water over the roadway in Cambria after Thursday night's rain left the region in a flash flood watch for hours. Motorists should be cautious about road hazards such as hydroplaning where low-lying land allows for water on the roadway. It is best to slow down and take it easy over wet or flooded roads. The Herrin reservoir spills over onto Grand Road on Friday after a storm dropped 3.45 inches of rain overnight. A residence in Carterville has a creek form in the front yard after the rainstorm on Friday. What looks like a small lake sits in the front yard of a home in the country of Williamson county on Friday after a massive storm swept through the area. A picturesque Herrin neighborhood flooded on Friday after a rainstorm dropped several inches over Thursday night. A residential construction site sits in water after Thursday night's storm. A surging stormwater runoff flows through a Carterville neighborhood Friday afternoon. Drainage into lower lands will continue for days after such a large rainstorm. A Cambria neighborhood flooded on Friday.
A male was injured in a shooting incident on the campus of South Carolina State University early Friday morning.

Hes since been released from the hospital, according to S.C. State spokesperson Allie Harris-Beeks.

The S.C. Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting incident at the request of S.C. States police department.

The shooting occurred at 12:30 a.m. at Hugine Suites, an on-campus, co-ed housing facility.

The campus community was temporarily placed on lockdown while law enforcement searched for a suspect, according to the university.

Around 1:25 a.m., the lockdown was lifted after law enforcement determined there was no threat, Harris-Beeks said.

S.C. State University is committed to the safety and well-being of our campus community first, she said.

Last year, President Alexander Conyers implemented a comprehensive safety initiative which included the hiring of six additional campus safety officers to assist campus police, and the upgrading of lighting and security technology, particularly around residence halls and classroom buildings, she said.

Additional security cameras with capability to capture more than 700 views have also been installed and the installation of 27 emergency call boxes across the campus is expected, she added.

The university maintains a strong relationship with other local and state law enforcement agencies that provide education and support when needed. Students, faculty and staff remain diligent in taking personal responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment, Harris-Beeks said.

The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office and S.C. Highway Patrol also assisted following Friday mornings shooting incident.

SLED spokesperson Renee Wunderlich said the investigation is active and ongoing.
The Medical University of South Carolina spent almost $15 million to finalize its partnership with the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties, MUSC Health's CEO said Friday.

MUSC put in almost $15 million in order to bring some services to RMC that MUSC should pay for rather than RMC, MUSC Health Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patrick J. Cawley said.

That was not too bad in terms of that, he said. We feel pretty good about where we are.

He spoke following Fridays celebration of the new partnership. MUSC is now leasing RMC, which is owned by Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

Cawley said much of the cost was related to adding supplies and enhancing services.

We spent some money in order to make sure those things would happen, Cawley said.

The MUSC and RMC partnership was made possible under a budget proviso passed by the S.C. General Assembly. It allowed MUSC, within its own budget, to enter into the partnership with the RMC to help enhance services.

MUSC is a state-assisted institution. However, less than 7% of its annual budget comes from the state of South Carolina.

The majority of its resources are generated through patient care fees, extramural grants, tuition and private contributions.

MUSC's budget for the 2023 fiscal year is about $3.8 billion.

Changes on the horizon

RMC officially became MUSC Health Orangeburg on Wednesday.

Since then, the most visible change has been the internal and external signs designating the hospital as part of MUSC Health.

The new name of the hospital is currently MUSC Health Orangeburg, although hospital officials say the name could change to include Calhoun County in the future.

In the beginning, it is going to be a little bit slow, Cawley said when asked about any significant changes patients and employees will be able to see.

We are going to pull it all together, he said.

The first noticeable difference he says has been patient volume. He said patient volumes have increased in the short time RMC has become a part of MUSC.

I think what we will see immediately is more people come to the hospital that need to come to the hospital as opposed to what they may have done before, Cawley said. They may have gone to other hospitals or they may have gone to different places and within two days people are seeing MUSC is already stepping in.

We are focused heavily on quality, Cawley said. We are focused heavily on the future, telehealth, new electronic health records, all kind of things we are working on.

Cawley said MUSC is no stranger to partnering and assuming operations of other hospitals.

MUSC has done this with other hospitals in the last five years and we think we will be able to do the same and in the next six months you will see a lot of difference, Cawley said.

MUSC has recently purchased hospitals in Florence, Marion, Chester, Lancaster and Columbia.

Orangeburg is definitely bigger, Cawley said, noting RMC has almost 300 beds.

That is definitely bigger than any other hospitals we have had, but we feel comfortable about where we are at, he said.

Cawley said employees at RMC will receive the benefits MUSC employees receive.

They are going to see the benefits are actually going to be roughly about the same, Cawley said. They have had the PEBA (The South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority) in the background, but they will also have a new baseline in terms of retirement. They will see that anything we do that is MUSC, they will see new MUSC things.

Cawley said employees will be notified of any changes before they are implemented.

We are very open, very transparent about what happens at MUSC, Cawley said. We think that is important so that people on the MUSC team know what is happening and we want them to be a part of it.

Most times these are easy things to share, but sometimes you have a little bit of a struggle. But we are very transparent about what is going to happen, he said.

Cawley said his expectation is that all employees will retain their positions.

People may leave us for other reasons, but I really don't see us having a lot of people voluntarily retire or leave us, he said.

Employees

ready for future

Marcie Harding, who works in RMC's physical therapy and acute care departments, says she thinks the change will be a great opportunity for growth and expanding our horizons.

It will benefit us by the research that they have available as they are a big research hospital, she said.

I think it will be a wonderful thing for the community, which will benefit by it, she continued. And employees, too, because it will be a wonderful thing to expand on our education.

Harding said she has participated in educational events that MUSC has provided in the past.

They were phenomenal, Harding said. Anytime I was able to go to MUSC for an educational event, I always felt good about it. I will even go to Charleston. That is the benefit of the research. They have some outstanding physicians.

Harding, who has worked at RMC for over 10 years, says the transition thus far has been smooth.

It was a little stressful doing the computer work, but I got through it, she said. It was fine. They have been very gracious.

Mark Mizzelle, a laboratory applications analyst, has worked a total of 31 years with RMC and now MUSC Health.

I think it will be a good thing, Mizzelle said about the affiliation. It was time for a change the way things were headed. I think it will be good for us.

Mizzelle foresees the partnership bringing more doctors and more services to the Orangeburg area.

Instead of having to go to Columbia and Charleston for things, they will be able to have them do it here, Mizzelle said.

Mizzelle said transition has been smooth so far, with few noticeable changes.

We are just learning how to log into their system and get our emails straight, he said. So far we have not seen anything. It probably will be when we go to their EMR (electronic medical record) system. We are using Cerner now and they use Epic. We are going to be going to that, but not sure what time.

Mizzelle said the transition for employee benefits has also been pretty smooth.

Sherry Cody, who works in the RMC vascular department and has worked at the RMC for nearly six years, said I am excited about it.

I am hoping for a lot of changes, she said. We need change.

Cody said she has already noticed a difference under MUSC.

It has only been two days, but the hospital is already looking better. A lot better, Cody said. We are all still in a transition of updating all of our information for MUSC. I am hoping and praying that it will be good. I am ready.

Michelle O'Dell, security analyst in information technology, has worked at RMC for 10 years. She believes the transition will be a good change for our community, with better care and more resources.

Thus far, the transition has been relatively smooth, she said.

Everything is the same, she said.

She is excited about the new insurance employees will have.

With the new insurance, we can venture out to Charleston or to Columbia and whoever is with MUSC, because we are all in network and so we will not have to stay local if there is a specialist somewhere else and so we won't have to pay more than we would otherwise, she said.
A new era has begun at the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties.

RMC and the Medical University Hospital Authority on Friday celebrated the finalization of a long-term lease and operations agreement.

I have the distinct honor and pleasure to announce that RMC is now officially a part of the MUSC Health system, RMC Board Chair Dr. Lucius Craig said to a round of applause and a standing ovation at a ceremony marking the partnership.

This affiliation will improve access to care for residents in this area, enhance local health care services and improve access to more complex care throughout the MUSC Health system. This is a win-win for this community and also for MUSC, he said.

MUSC took over the operations of RMC on Wednesday under a 99-year lease that gives the Charleston hospital system control of the Orangeburg hospital, the freestanding Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center and affiliated physician practice locations in The T&D Region.

A ceremony was held Friday morning at RMCs Orangeburg facility.

Craig said, We all had one goal and that was to provide access to comprehensive quality care to our community now and into the future.

During Fridays ceremony, MUSC Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. James Lemon said he was born and raised in Barnwell.

This area is very close to my heart, Lemon said. I have been treated in this hospital. For many of you today, this is a momentous occasion for those of us who have lived here and live here now.

Lemon says MUSC embraces a higher purpose and that is to assist and in South Carolina to deliver outstanding health care, educate future health care providers and to research. We must help to increase and improve the health and wellness of our entire state.

MUSC has made incredible progress on some of the most challenging and transformative forces affecting modern health care, Lemon said. I am so pleased that Barnwell and all the communities touched by this new partnership will reap the benefits of these talented and dedicated teams coming together.

Orangeburg resident and MUSC Board member Barbara Johnson-Williams said, This community deserves respect, compassion, collaboration, integrity and innovation.

At its core, these values are what drive MUSC forward in making necessary advances, changes and improvements in local care delivery.

I am thrilled that as we develop this new relationship, our community is going to have health care as it so richly deserves right here in our backyard, Johnson-Williams continued.

Signs inside and outside the hospital have already changed to reflect its new name: MUSC Health Orangeburg. Hospital officials say the name could change to also include Calhoun County.

MUSC Health says its hiring active employees in good standing at compensation levels generally consistent with current rates and fair market value, according to an MUSC press release.

MUSC also notes that its team members are meeting with the administrators at each of the facilities to determine staffing and needs, with the intent to make operations as efficient and successful as possible, maximizing value to patients, families and their respective communities.

RMC employees are now MUSC Health/Medical University of South Carolina employees.

MUSC Health will oversee RMCs finances. The RMC board will be responsible for quality oversight, medical staff accreditation and community engagement.

MUSC President Dr. David Cole said MUSC's job is to provide quality health care and educate future health care providers.

Our job is to change the future in health care, Cole said. That is why we have research. That is why we embrace innovation. That is why who we are.

The best care is local, Cole continued. Together we will be able to make this a reality for this community, this area, this region for decades to come.

We know that access to health care is a problem, but together we will be able to put patients at the center of what we do and those we serve and enable the right decision to be made.

The partnership is the result of a budget proviso passed by the S.C. General Assembly last year that allowed MUSC, within its own budget, to enter into a partnership with RMC.

The proviso was spearheaded by Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg.

Cobb-Hunter received several standing ovations for her leadership in the matter during Fridays ceremony.

She gave a shout-out to Chief of Governmental Affairs and Senior Advisor to the MUSC Board of Trustees Mark Sweatman and Sarah Hearn of MUSC Governmental Affairs for helping with the proviso.

Do yall know that less than 10 months ago, this proviso was inserted into the state budget suggesting to MUSC that they create this partnership and, Lord, here we are less than a year later, Cobb-Hunter said.

She noted the, potential for this partnership is limited only by the vision of the leadership.

There are so many opportunities here, Cobb-Hunter said. Your footprint here in Orangeburg County will allow you, if you choose to do it, to address the concerns in rural South Carolina and access to care. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, described the event as truly historic, and a boon for the local economy and for the future employee pipeline to the hospital.

Rural hospitals are closing down across the country and have left people wondering what to do in the event of an emergency, he said.

People around here are not going to have to answer that in the next 99 years because MUSC Health Orangeburg and Calhoun County are going to be here, he said.

Sen. Vernon Stephens, D-Bowman, touted the importance of rural health care and how the RMC and MUSC partnership will fill that need.

I believe, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the image of the Regional Medical Center has changed already, he said. When the sign went up, the image changed.

It is our day to be excited about living in rural South Carolina for truly we can say As I breathe, I hope, and we have a lot to hope for, he said.
Orangeburg County School District Board Member Idella Carson was one of seven board members hailing from seven different school districts across the state to earn Level Six recognition in the Boardmanship Institute sponsored by the South Carolina School Boards Association.

Level Six is the highest level of distinction for school board training.

Carson served as an elected member of the Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five Board from 2013 to 2018. She was then elected to the Orangeburg County School District Board in November 2018.

As an educator and administrator for over 45 years in Orangeburg County, Carson has dedicated her life to molding and shaping young minds into productive citizens, the district said in a release.

Carson is an adjunct professor at South Carolina State University, training and teaching future students to become professional teachers.

She holds a bachelors degree from Claflin College and a master of education plus 30 hours from South Carolina State University.

She attended several institutions and seminars, including the African American History Symposium at Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania; Advanced Placement Government at the University of South Carolina; the Robert A. Taft Institute and Strom Thurmond Institute at Clemson University, and workshops at the University of Virginia.

She was one of two teachers from South Carolina to receive an all-expense paid trip to the inauguration of President Clinton in 1993.

Carson is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Phi Delta Kappa, La Charms Club, NAACP, Eastern Star and Warren Chapel Baptist Church. She was married to the late John Pookey Carson and is the proud mother of two sons, Terrence and Torez, and two grandchildren, Taylor and Matthew.

Others earning the Level Six designation were Rosey Anderson of Barnwell School District 45; Beverly Bonaparte of Bamberg County School District; Anne Marie Green of Lexington County School District One; Christina Gwozdz of Beaufort County School District; Maria-Helena Miller of Rock Hill Schools (York Three); and Kristy Spears of Fort Mill Schools (York Four).

They received a Level Six pin and plaque at SCSBAs Annual Convention held Feb. 17-19 in Hilton Head.
WALTERBORO (AP)  A judge has sentenced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh to life in prison a day after he was convicted of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. The sentence issued Friday carries no chance of parole or early release. The Colleton County jury deliberated for less than three hours Thursday before finding Murdaugh guilty of killing his 22-year-old son, Paul, with a shotgun and his 52-year-old wife, Maggie, with a rifle on June 7, 2021. Murdaugh soon will be taken to a state prison where he will be held in the highest security.
AIKEN  Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Workforce Services recently held a career fair in Blackville during which recruiters were ready to make on-the-spot job offers.

Senior Vice President of SRNS Workforce Services and Talent Management Francine Burroughs explained that the fair helped recruiters find and talk with qualified Electronic and Instrumentation Mechanics, Maintenance Mechanics, Material Processors, Production Operators and others with hands-on industrial, facility or operations experience, with the desire to offer lucrative and rewarding career opportunities at the Savannah River Site.

We understand that its currently a very competitive job market for employers, and we held the event to ensure the surrounding community understands the many advantages associated with careers at SRNS, Burroughs said. In fact, we had two goals today. One of our goals was to extend offers on the spot when feasible and also to inform all attendees about current SRNS employment opportunities. Were that serious about reaching out to those living in Blackville and throughout the area.

Public tours highlight SRS then and now AIKEN  In 2023, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) is inviting approximately 900 members of the public to hop on board one of 26 driving

More than 350 attendees visited the one-day event, where SRNS staff members quickly analyzed resumes and spent quality time talking with each potential job candidate. As a result, applicants whose skills matched current SRNS job needs could complete their applications using SRS laptop computers at the career fair if needed.

By day's end, 19 qualified candidates received contingent on-the-spot job offers. Angelon Brooks, an experienced Machine Operator and pastor at Miller Swamp Missionary Baptist Church, was the first to receive an offer.

We were impressed with Pastor Brooks qualifications and his enthusiasm, said Bryan Ortner, SRNS Manager, Workforce Services. His interview went well, and we immediately provided him with a contingent offer as a maintenance mechanic.

Ortner also emphasized the value of the Sites internship and apprenticeship programs.

We have a large number of openings for summer internships and year-round apprenticeships, all paid positions, that are providing experience at a nuclear facility. Were offering a very broad range of opportunities in occupational fields that can be difficult to find throughout the U.S., said Ortner.

Todays event was amazing and great news for Blackville, South Carolina, Brooks said. It sends the message things are happening here.

Public tours highlight SRS then and now AIKEN  In 2023, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) is inviting approximately 900 members of the public to hop on board one of 26 driving

Brooks described himself as a team player who loves working with people. My hope is to one day retire from a rewarding career at SRS, he added.

Blackville Mayor Ronnie Pernell strongly promoted the event and was pleased with the exceptionally large turnout.

Ive already been approached by individuals asking how often we can hold more events like this with SRNS, said Pernell. Were so impressed. This will help many people and many families within our community.

To apply or learn more about SRNS job openings, go to www.savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com and click on Careers.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor-led company with Newport News Nuclear and Honeywell, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energys Savannah River Site located near Aiken.

S.C. State awarded $3M grant The Savannah River Nuclear Solutions LLC Task Order Authorization has awarded South Carolina State University a five-year grant totaling more 
COLUMBIA  Jurors in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial got to see for themselves the rural hunting estate where his wife and son were killed, following in the footsteps of other juries that have viewed crime scenes in cases that captured the nation's attention.

Crime scene visits by juries are relatively rare but have occurred in a number of other high-profile prosecutions, including the 1995 murder trial of O.J. Simpson and last year's trial of Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz.

Murdaugh, the disgraced South Carolina attorney, was convicted of murder Thursday in the shooting deaths of his wife and son at dog kennels near their home on June 7, 2021, as his career and finances were crumbling. Murdaugh has denied any role in the fatal shootings.

Here's a look at the practice of having juries view crime scenes and some other notable cases:

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A JURY VISITS A CRIME SCENE?

In a criminal trial, both the defense and the prosecution can request that juries view a crime scene and it's generally up to the judge to decide whether to approve it. In many cases, it doesn't happen because the trial is taking place years later, so the scene has changed and taking jurors there could provide a false impression of what happened.

In some cases, however, crime scene visits can be useful to give jurors a sense of distance or other physical features that don't come across in photos and other evidence presented in court, said Steven Benjamin, a Richmond, Virginia, defense attorney who is not involved in the Murdaugh case.

"It permits a 3D appreciation for what has otherwise been a two-dimensional presentation in court," said Benjamin, a past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

When jurors are taken to the scene of a crime, they are generally advised not to share their thoughts with one another because deliberations don't begin until both sides are done presenting evidence. The attorneys are typically present but instructed by the judge not to say or point out anything to the jurors, Benjamin said.

"What it is not is a scene reenactment," Benjamin said.

WHY DID MURDAUGH'S TEAM WANT JURORS TO GO THERE?

The distance between the kennels where the bodies were found and the home where Murdaugh said he had been napping was a key component of the trial.

Only 16 minutes passed between when the victims stopped using their cellphones and Murdaugh left the house about 1,100 feet (335 meters) from the crime scene. Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian said the jury needed to see the sprawling 1,700-acre (690-hectare) property to "appreciate the spatial issues."

Prosecutors opposed the visit because the scene had changed significantly in the 20 months since the killings. Trees planted between the Murdaugh home and the kennels grew taller and thicker over that period  blocking the line of sight they alleged would have allowed Murdaugh to see the kennel lights when he said he returned from visiting his mother.

Bill Nettles, a criminal defense lawyer and former South Carolina U.S. attorney who was not involved in the case, said the visit could give jurors a "sense of scale" to make more-informed decisions about the timeline and other questions  such as whether Murdaugh could have heard the gunshots across the grounds  that arose during the trial.

"I can see how both sides can benefit from a jury seeing that," Nettles said. "In the interest of justice, it is probably a good thing for them to see it."

IN WHAT OTHER CASES HAVE JURORS VISITED THE CRIME SCENE?

The most notable recent example was the sentencing trial for Cruz, who pleaded guilty to killing 14 students and three staff members at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The visit in that case was requested by prosecutors, who said jurors needed to see the scene to understand the horror of what happened. The defense vigorously objected, arguing that taking the jurors to the school would play to their emotions and that photos and videos were sufficient.

The building had been sealed off and left largely untouched  except for the removal of victims' bodies and some personal items  before jurors visited last year and retraced the steps Cruz took on Feb. 14, 2018. Inside, they saw bullet holes in walls and shards of glass from windows shattered by gunfire. Large pools of dried blood still stained classroom floors.

Nearly three decades earlier, jurors in the Simpson trial toured the scene where prosecutors alleged that he killed his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Jurors saw the spot where Nicole Brown Simpson and Goldman's bloodied bodies were found on the walkway leading up to her Brentwood condominium.

Prosecutor Marcia Clark said at the time that taking jurors to see the narrow, confined walkway would show "the reason why one person could accomplish this, and how the victims were cornered."

Simpson was acquitted of the killings but was later found liable for the deaths in a civil suit.

In 2003, jurors went to the North Carolina home of novelist Michael Peterson where his wife's body was found at the bottom of a staircase. Defense attorneys argued that Kathleen Peterson had died in a 2001 accidental fall.

"They were very curious about how far up they can go up that stairwell," said Raleigh News & Observer reporter Demorris Lee, who went with the jurors, according to a Court TV report. "Many of them went up to about the fourth, fifth step and would turn back and look, even wave their hands to see, look behind them to see if they can fall or if they can possibly catch themselves."

That trial ended with Peterson's conviction for murder, but a judge later ordered a new trial, and Peterson entered a special plea in 2017 acknowledging prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him of manslaughter.
(TBTCO) - Thi truong chung khoan tuan qua chiu ap luc ban ra ngay cang manh hon. Chi so VN-Index co them mot tuan giam iem, trong o luong iem giam chu yeu tao ra o phien cuoi tuan. Thanh khoan chung van duy tri o muc kha cao, nhung dong tien mua ang co chieu huong than trong va yeu hon. Do vay, ap luc ieu chinh len VN-Index co the se gia tang va vung nang o se xuat hien o 1.030 - 1.040 iem.
On this version of Hot off the Wire:

 A judge has sentenced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh to life in prison a day after he was convicted of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. The sentence issued Friday carries no chance of parole or early release.

 The U.S. has announced a new $400 million military aid package for Ukraine that for the first time includes armored vehicles that can launch bridges.

 An 83-year-old Vietnam veteran is at long last getting his due. President Joe Biden on Friday awarded the Medal of Honor to retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat.

 A new crew from the United States, Russia and United Arab Emirates has arrived at the International Space Station. Friday's docking was delayed an hour because of a switch problem with one of the capsule's docking hooks.

 Severe weather continues to move through the Midwest and South and is heading toward the Northeast.

 King Charles III will travel to France and Germany for his first state visits since becoming monarch, underscoring Britains efforts to build bridges with its European neighbors.

 Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs says corrections officials won't carry out an execution even though the state Supreme Court scheduled it over the objections of the states new attorney general.

 Walgreens says it wont sell an abortion pill by mail in 20 conservative-led states.

 Colombia is proposing transferring at least 70 hippopotamuses that live near Pablo Escobars former ranch to India and Mexico as part of a plan to control their population.
Wyoming mothers on Medicaid will see their postpartum benefits extended another 10 months after Gov. Mark Gordon signed into law Friday a bill that continues maternal health policies adopted during the pandemic.

Gordon, lawmakers and health advocates met Friday in the Governor's Ceremonial Conference Room at the Capitol in Cheyenne for a press conference to celebrate the signing of House Bill 4, which backers say will improve access to health services for new moms on Medicaid.

It was a long path, but nothing worth doing is easy, Gordon said. And this is certainly worth doing.

The importance of those first few years in making sure that our children get off to a good start, and the mothers have a great opportunity to help them get off to that first start pays benefits back, he said.

House Bill 4 extends postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a year, allowing new mothers to access postpartum checkups, screenings, breastfeeding assistance, behavioral health support and a range of other services that medical providers have said are critical to the health of mothers and babies.

Pandemic origins

Under Wyoming Medicaid, qualifying mothers were previously limited to 60 days of postpartum coverage.

During the coronavirus pandemic the federal governments public health emergency declaration and a subsequent boost in federal funding led to the monthslong extension of postpartum benefits for Wyoming mothers.

The American Rescue Plan Act passed in 2021 allowed states to lengthen postpartum coverage for Medicaid enrollees, and House Bill 4 secures that extended postpartum care until 2027.

The bill does not expand Medicaid and increase the pool of pregnant women who qualify for the public health insurance program. Rather, it is an extension of benefits for women who are already covered.

The state will finance the program with $1.9 million in general fund money and $1.9 million in federal matching funds for the remainder of the current budget cycle.

Gubernatorial backing

Gordon signing the bill into law brings his support full circle.

Jen Davis, Gordons health and human services policy adviser, testified before the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee in January that Gordon backed the bill as a pro-life governor.

We feel that it is really important for womens health in order for women to be able to parent and to be able to have healthy births and move forward, Davis said.

The bill also found strong support from a number of lawmakers in both the House and Senate, including Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper.

As a pro-life state, we're more than pro-birth, Harshman said during the meeting. We love our moms and our kids.

Groups across the health care spectrum also advocated for House Bill 4, but its fate was in flux for much of the legislative session.

The bill barely made it out of the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee, where it advanced by a 5-4 vote before passing by thin margins on both the House and Senate floors.

House Majority Floor Leader Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, initially buried the bill before striking a deal with Harshman that let it go to a vote ahead of House deadlines.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, then tried to kill the Medicaid postpartum extension multiple times using procedure in the upper chamber.

However, Sen. Fred Baldwin, R-Kemmerer, and Sen. Eric Barlow, R-Gillette, challenged the moves and the Senate ultimately passed the bill.

Health benefits

Extending postpartum Medicaid benefits will close an outstanding gap in the states health care.

Medicaid covers approximately one-third of mothers who give birth in Wyoming. Approximately 70% of those women lost their health insurance at the end of the 60-day postpartum cap before the pandemic extended their benefits, according to a report from the Legislative Service Office.

Roughly 1,250 pregnant women will benefit from extended Medicaid postpartum coverage, according to Wyoming Health Department estimates.

When this is implemented at any given month, any given time, 1,000 to 2,000 women and their children will be helped tremendously. That's huge, said Stefan Johansson, the director of the Wyoming Department of Health.

Women face a number of potential health issues during the postpartum period, including infection, stroke, cardiovascular disease and mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. One 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry found that suicidality among pregnant and postpartum women has increased in the U.S.

Wyomings extension of postpartum benefits also follows a growing maternal mortality rate in the U.S.

From 2018 to 2020, the countrys maternal mortality rate increased by more than 6%, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed. At least one-third of maternal deaths occur during the postpartum phase, which can stretch up to six months, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Wyoming will join nearly 30 states who have already extended Medicaid postpartum care to 12 months, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Baldwin told lawmakers on the Senate floor that the extension would not only ensure the health of mothers, but also safeguard the health of their children as well.

When we protect a mother, it protects the baby, he said. Without a healthy mother, we dont have healthy babies.

During Fridays meeting, Baldwin told those gathered that passing the extension was meaningful.

This kind of stuff makes you feel good when you go home, he said. I can tell my constituents that this is what I did and this is important work that we do.
We stood peacefully and respectfully in freezing cold weather for the third year in a row, protesting with signs outside Buddha Bobs bar on Feb. 25, 2023. This bar hosted the check-in of a coyote killing contest organized by a private group called Wyoming Best of the Best. We held red roses in our hands and wore white shirts with (fake) blood stains in honor of the animals who had been brutally killed, their bodies brought to the bars parking lot to be weighed and counted. We werent protesting regulated hunting, nor were we taking issue with the killing of coyotes in cases of livestock predation. We were there to oppose these gruesome contests in which cash and prizes are offered for the cruel, wasteful killing of our states native wildlife.

During our protests, we were harassed, threatened, and verbally abused, and last year a dead, bloodied coyote was even thrown at our feet by the people opposed to our message. We had respectfully asked the Buddha Bobs bar owner and the contests sponsors to stop hosting and sponsoring this violent event. We also asked Sweetwater County commissioners to consider a non-binding, science-based resolution condemning wildlife killing contests, as several local governments in Arizona, New Mexico, and across the nation  and even a state chapter of a longstanding, highly-respected national hunting organization have already done. But the commission shut the resolution down, ignoring all of the detailed research and context that was provided in support of it  with dismissive and condescending remarks. But we were not intimidated or discouraged by this; we know that a growing list of wildlife management professionals, scientists, veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, responsible hunters, and concerned citizens across the nation oppose wildlife-killing contests.

For example, before banning killing contests in 2019, the Arizona Fish and Game Commission said, To the extent, these contests reflect on the overall hunting community, public outrage with these events has the potential to threaten hunting as a legitimate wildlife management function.

And prior to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission approving a statewide ban on killing contests in 2020, Colorado Department of Natural Resources executive director Dan Gibbs said, For me, hunting contests dont sit well. As a sportsman, Id never participate in one personally. Hunting is an important, reverent tradition in Colorado and powerful management tool, but I also think wildlife killing contests give sportsmen and sportswomen a bad name and damage our reputation. Many of their peers have made remarkably similar statements.

I agree with them. Killing contests violate the fundamental hunting ethic of fair chase, giving Wyomings hunting community a bad name. They do not belong in our state.

Whats more, claims about coyote predation on livestock are vastly exaggerated. According to the USDA, all carnivores combined, including coyotes, unknown predators, and dogs, accounted for less than half of one percent (0.39%) of U.S. cattle and sheep losses. The actual primary sources of mortality for livestock are diseases, illness, birthing problems, and weather. Good animal husbandry practices and strategic, nonlethal predator management methods are the best way to reduce conflicts with coyotes and livestock  not randomly killing coyotes in a contest for cash and prizes.

Eight U.S. states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, California, Washington, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maryland, have banned killing contests, and Oregon also recently began that process. Not one of those bans affected regulated hunting; they simply prohibited the offering of cash and prizes for killing certain wildlife species in a contest.

I hope Wyoming will join that list of states one day. But, in the meantime, my fellow advocates and I will not be discouraged. Instead, we will fearlessly keep fighting for Wyomings wildlife.
Each week we ask you a question about an issue important to Wyoming, then print what you think the following Sunday. We call it Open Air because its a chance to examine a topic from all sides  wide open like Wyomings sky.

You can reply through our website or by email, postal mail, Facebook or Twitter. Be sure to specify youre responding to the Open Air question. Please keep your responses to 350 words and include your full name, town and contact information so we can verify your submission.
Telecoms provider Flow will increase prices next month.

In a notice to its customers on Wednesday, Flow said the 3.5-per cent increase in its Internet and cable packages will come into effect on May 1.

Another notice was sent to customers with multiple cable boxes via e-mail on Wednesday.
The regional symposium on crime to be held tomorrow and Tuesday is an important step toward addressing the problem facing Caricom countries.

So said Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne yesterday.

Trinidad and Tobago will host the two-day symposium at the Hyatt Regency (Trinidad) hotel in Port of Spain.
During an Easter Sunday break from my column, I was forcibly struck by the disconnect between the official messages about Easter from those clothed with high constitutional authority and the grim reality on the ground.

Many persons would have been engaged in pleasurable activities over the Easter weekend. However, the country remains gripped by fear of violent crime, in respect of which the official messages have long ceased to be comforting or inspiring. How can it be otherwise when, in addition to rampant murder, we are frequently confronted with the results of brutal home invasions?
Question: I have heard you talk about your extensive home library. What suggestions do you have for creating one?

Answer: This question is perfect timing considering today is the Tucson Festival of Books.

I have bookshelves upon bookshelves with stacks of books in just about every room in the house.

Voracious readers like me, collect them for a variety of reasons. Some to re-read, others to loan out to friends and family, future reference, and for some, a warm memory of a good read. Each of us has our reasons for keeping a book that just left our hand.

Storing books

Whether on shelves or stacked on a desk or counter, there should be a method to arrange your collection. One suggestion is to keep books where you might need them. Cookbooks are an obvious example. Keeping them in the kitchen makes more sense than in the living room. Location matters. Current reading materials are typically resting where you read them. Some folks have bookshelves in living areas, studies, bedrooms (including the kids bedrooms), and of course, the bathrooms. Where you store your books is often the governing factor in how you store them. Typically, shelving for books can be from floor to ceiling or horizontally. In some areas, only a shelf or two may be possible.

Organizing your collection

Your collection, however modest or extensive it may be, would probably benefit from some further coordination. Arrangement by topic is one such method. My books are stored this way. You choose the topic classifications.

Again, your library is probably not hidden in an unlived space. The bookshelves in your home are probably a major component of your decor. Organizing books by color can add a great deal to the look and feel of your home. My daughter once arranged the home library by color. My wife, Jennifer, said it was beautiful but made books harder to find  and that is your trade-off.

You can also sort by topics such as travel, history, current events, or any area of interest your collection may suggest. Fiction and non-fiction categories are always popular starting points. From there you can create the subcategories that fit you and your collection.

The Dewey Decimal System may be worth considering. This system divides topics or subjects into 10 main categories, (000  900), and those are further divided into subcategories. An example given by Bridgewater College is section 600 for technology, 640 for home economics and family living, 641 for food and drink, and 641.5 for cooking. You get the picture. Granted, most home libraries are probably not so extensive. A system such as this would be overkill. However, it does offer a method of organizing our home libraries.

Keeping a book journal

Once you have arranged your books, you may want to consider keeping a journal of the books you have.

I make a journal entry every time I finish a book. A personalized journal is a great way to keep a record of the books you read. In my journal, I may say something about the book, and will often include something about whats going on in my and Jennifers lives at that time. That is a fantastic way to personalize your reading history. A tidbit about the book can remind us of what we thought was special.

The journal can help you access a book when needed, and if you loan out your books, it is a great way to keep track of them. That step makes it more likely that you will get them back, too. Because I often lend books, I emboss each one, usually on the first page, so the person borrowing the book knows it belongs to me. There are several ways of marking the books in your collection. Simply writing your name on the inside front or back cover is perhaps the most common. Placing a tag on the books binding is another. Once placed on a shelf, that tag, possibly color-coded, is a visual reminder to return that book.

Some books may have a special meaning to you, such as first editions, books obtained while on a trip, and books signed by an author. When receiving a book from someone, I have them sign and date the book for the collection. I especially have them signed it if it is the author. When I buy a book while on a trip, I bring it to the local post office and have them date stamp it. The stamp will remind me when and where that book, or memory, originated.

Caring for your books

It is important to care for the books in your library. The Library of Congress suggests having clean hands when holding a book. The natural oils on your skin can damage the pages over time. Keep food and drink from spilling on the book. Use a bookmark with a low acid makeup. Dont dogear pages, use paper clips, sticky notes, or anything with an adhesive on it. Store your collection at room temperature and away from harsh light such as sunlight. Avoid storing books in basements or attics where the environment is more susceptible to temperature and humidity change.

When removing a book from the shelf, grip the book on both sides of the spine and pull it out. Dont grip the top of the spine and pull. Keep your books upright or flat, dont lean them, as this may warp them. If you can, keep similar-sized books together on the shelf to add better support to neighboring books.

For more ideas, visit Rosie on the House March 4-5, at the Tucson Festival of Books in booth 218.
PHOENIX  Gov. Katie Hobbs is siding with doctors and against other medical providers in the latest round of an ongoing dispute.

Its over the process the latter group must go through to be allowed to provide more services to the public.

The governor vetoed SB1248 on Friday, which would have eliminated the sunrise process, one of the procedural hoops now required by health-care professions seeking to expand their scope of practice. It involves additional hearings above and beyond getting legislators to change the law regulating the particular profession.

The process, more often than not, has ended up with medical doctors and osteopathic physicians arguing successfully that they are the only ones who should be entitled to provide certain services to the public.

In rejecting the change, Hobbs acknowledged there is an imbalance of power between what she called the high level providers, like doctors, and everyone else. And she agreed there are problems with the sunrise process and that additional regulatory burdens can be a barrier to expanding care in underserved communities.

However, repealing the sunrise applications for scope of practice expansion altogether without replacing it with a better mechanism will not address the underlying issues, and poses a threat to the health and safety of Arizonans, the Democratic governor wrote.

Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, who sponsored the measure, called the veto absurd. He said his bill was designed to upend the tremendous imbalance that often occurs when lawmakers are faced with requests from medical groups.

Too often, medical doctors will control the process to keep the medical providers that most of us see on a routine basis down in arbitrary ways, he said. This bill would have leveled the playing field.

Setback for nurse practitioners, others

The veto is a setback for groups such as optometrists, pharmacists and nurse practitioners. Over the years, they have come to the Legislature with arguments that they have the training to do more than they are allowed to do under the law  and that they can do it cheaper than medical doctors and provide needed services in areas with few, if any, doctors.

Under the current law, any group that wants to expand what its practitioners are allowed to do has to make its case to a special committee of reference months before the regular legislative session begins.

That sunrise process requires the group to explain several factors, including why increasing its scope is beneficial, whether practitioners have special education, and whether it may result in a savings in cost to the state and the public. That committee then submits a report to legislative leadership.

Regardless of whats in that report, nothing precludes a lawmaker from sponsoring legislation to give the group what it wants. All the paperwork and the sunrise hearing just become unnecessary hurdles that dont exist for other legislative changes, said Jessie Armendt, who represents dental hygienists and nurse anesthetists.

She said lawmakers get to decide and change laws on complex issues, ranging from tax policy to water law, all without the need for a pre-session review. It is only when it comes to medical issues, Armendt said, there is this extra step.

She pointed out to lawmakers that, with or without the sunrise process, any change in the scope of a groups medical practice still needs to get a majority of the House and Senate votes as well as the signature of the governor, the same as any other law.

The sunrise process, according to Don Isaacson, lobbyist for the Arizona Optometric Association, provides an early advantage to the doctor groups so that the medical profession can prepare to oppose it.

Isaacson said the sunrise process also creates a presumption that anything other than the medical profession MD or DO is second class and has to bring a petition before the Legislature even begins in order to subsequently file legislation.

The stakes are high

But Amanda Rusing, who lobbies for the Arizona Medical Association  the group that represents MDs and medical students  said the extra step is appropriate.

When it comes to professional regulation, especially in the health-care field, the stakes are high, she told the Senate Health Committee at a January hearing.

The decisions should be made by all of you with plenty of time and plenty of data to take a look at the situation and consider the positives and negatives, Rusing told lawmakers. These are heavy decisions with potentially serious patient consequences.

Lawmakers heard similar arguments from Jeremy Browning, who lobbies for osteopathic physicians.

We need, the public deserves, the Legislature deserves all the data necessary to ensure that these individuals can practice safely in the state of Arizona, he said.

That argument apparently resonated with Hobbs, who said a critical eye must preserve health and safety considerations for constituents.

Some expansions provide authority to prescribe dangerous and/or addictive substances, to perform medical procedures, or to practice medicine with less supervision, she wrote. Some are much more mundane, but that does not mean that they should not be held to some level of scientific and public health scrutiny.

Hobbs, who as a legislator from 2011-18 participated in the sunrise process, said she sees a danger in eliminating the extra step.

Without the sunrise application process, provider groups could fast-track their priorities through the legislative process without adequate attention to why the change is necessary, or if it will impact communities with the greatest needs, she wrote in her veto.

Amanda Hagerman of the Goldwater Institute, testifying in support of the measure, said the process has instead proven to be a barrier to certain medical groups being able to provide care that she believes is within their training.

She said that is borne out by the fact that in the last 10 years only 14 of 41 applications to expand scope of practice have made it through.

The sunrise process is more about limiting competition between health professions instead of putting the needs of Arizona patients first, Hagerman said. If people have appropriate training, we want them practicing in our state.

Hobbs vetoed the change even though it had the support of a number of Democratic lawmakers.

Democratic Sen. Eva Burch of Mesa said the key is expanding access to care. Patients who have access to some care are doing better than patients who have access to no care at all, she said.

Longtime dispute

The turf war has been going on for decades.

In the 1980s, House Speaker Frank Kelly held up the legislative process until colleagues agreed to support a measure he wanted to let optometrists use eye drops to dilate pupils, something that has become a common practice. Optometrists and ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors, have been sparring ever since.

More recently, pharmacists fought with doctors over whether they are qualified to decide when people need vaccinations. And just last year dentists won a fight with doctors and got the ability to administer Botox and certain fillers to help puff up lips, fill out cheeks and smooth wrinkled brows.
The recent killing of a migrant on a ranchers property near Nogales, Arizona, never should have happened, and there should be consequences and justice, Mexican officials said at a news conference they held Friday.

Mexican national Gabriel Cuen Buitimea, 48, was shot dead on Jan. 30. Local rancher George Alan Kelly is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the case.

Kelly, 74, was arrested after sheriffs deputies found Cuens body on the ranchers property, close to the U.S.-Mexico border. Kelly has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $1 million cash bond on Feb. 22.

Vanessa Calva Ruiz, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, summarized the case during Fridays news conference in Nogales, Arizona. She said Cuen was killed by bullets from an AK-47, the perpetrator shot his weapon at least eight times, and other victims in the case told authorities the shots continued after Cuen was hit.

Prosecutors say two other migrants, who were with a group on Kellys land when Cuen was killed, are also victims in the case. One of them testified during a Feb. 24 court hearing.

Cuen was unarmed and running from the gunfire when he was shot in the back, Calva said, speaking in Spanish.

The defendant George Kelly opened fire on the group that Mr. Cuen was a part of. Not one person was armed. There was not an element of imminent danger. And proof of this is that the perpetrator called migration officials on different occasions and not to 911, she said.

Calva was speaking of the prosecutions position in the case, which is that Kelly shot an unarmed man in the back in an unprovoked attack as he ran for his life with no warning, and that he was with a group of about eight migrants.

The defense says Kelly was approached by armed men who were on his property and he only fired a warning shot over their heads.

Calva also brought up a self-published book authored by Kelly that has been described as a contemporary novel which brings the Mexican Border/Drug conflict into the 21st century.

We know that the defendant advocates political actions that exalt vigilante practices, she said. He has a published book that is still for sale that reflects this type of ideology and advocates that people take justice into their own hands.

Mexican officials are providing advice and support to Cuens family. They said they couldnt share publicly specific details on the help they were giving the family other than to say in general situations where someone is the victim of a violent crime, they can explain the legal process of criminal proceedings as well as any legal alternatives available to the family.

Santa Cruz County had Cuens remains sent to his family in Nogales, Sonora. The family is being provided with some compensation, an amount that is not being made public, and mental health services, said Marcos Moreno Baez, the consulate general of Mexico in Nogales, at Fridays news conference.

A judge ruled on Feb. 24 that the state established probable cause or adequate evidence against Kelly to proceed to trial in Santa Cruz County Superior Court. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for March 6.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover responded to Fridays mistrial in her offices prosecution of Christopher Clements by saying a new trial will be ordered.

Jurors deadlocked in the trial of Clements, 41, on a charge of first-degree murder in the 2012 death of 6-year-old Isabel Celis, they told Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner after two days of deliberations. He declared a mistrial.

At this point, a new trial date will be ordered, and a new jury will have to be chosen to decide the matter. Our thoughts tonight are with the Celis and Gonzalez families, said the statement Friday evening from Conovers office.

The other family the statement referred to is that of Maribel Gonzalez. The 13-year-old Tucson girl was killed in 2014 by Clements, according to a separate jurys verdict last year in a successful prosecution by Conovers office against the convicted sex offender.

In that case, Clements was sentenced to natural life in prison for first-degree murder and to another 17 years for kidnapping, which will be served consecutively.

There was no immediate reaction to Fridays hung jury from Isabel Celis family members, who were not present in the courtroom when the mistrial was announced.

Isabels father, mother and brother testified about the morning in April 2012 that she went missing from her Tucson bedroom.

Clements defense attorneys argued to the jury that Sergio Celis, Isabels father, was to blame in her death, although he was never charged and testified he had nothing to do with it, and although Clements led authorities to Isabels remains in a desert area five years after she went missing.

Defense attorneys pointed to a lack of physical evidence, with no fingerprints or DNA connecting Clements to Isabels disappearance or death.

Prosecutors told jurors the circumstantial evidence was overwhelming, including internet searches on Clements computer, tracking records showing his cell phone locations, and the fact he knew where her body was.

The trial lasted 10 days and the state called 26 witnesses. The defense called four witnesses; Clements did not take the stand.

Marner set a court hearing for March 27 on the status of the case.

Photos: Disappearance of Isabel Celis and Maribel Gonzalez
Lara joined the Star in 2021. She previously worked for the Nogales International, where she was named the 2019 Community Journalist of the Year by the Arizona Press Club & 2020 Journalist of the Year for non-dailies by the Arizona Newspaper Association.
For Rep. Juan Ciscomani, the Tucson areas new congressman, his big opportunity last month contained a lesson.

Ciscomani, a Republican, got to deliver his partys Spanish-language response to President Joe Bidens State of the Union speech.

Ciscomanis speech got relatively wide notice because it was the only formal response given by a GOP congressman this year. And frankly, as some national publications pointed out, it was better than the uninspiring English-language response given by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Of course, Ciscomani wouldnt have had the chance if he didnt speak Spanish. That seems obvious, but as so many immigrant families have found out, even Spanish speakers living in Tucson, the language can disappear from a family fast, over just a couple of generations.

It takes effort to maintain your Spanish, he said in a recent interview conducted in that language.

Ciscomani and I have known each other since 2015, when he took charge of then-Gov. Doug Duceys Tucson office and I wrote a column about him. When we speak, its mostly in English, but with some Spanish mixed in.

After Ciscomanis State of the Union response, I asked if he would do an interview on his experience with language and bilingualism. We decided to to it in Spanish.

Now, Ciscomani is not unique among our local elected officials in coming from a Spanish-speaking background.

Longtime U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva is bilingual and has delivered comments in Spanish on behalf of the Democrats in response to Republican presidents State of the Union speeches. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero also grew up speaking Spanish, as have other local office holders over the years. Ciscomani is just the latest, but relatively rare as a Spanish-speaking Republican office-holder in southern Arizona.

His family came from Hermosillo, Sonora to Tucson when he was 11. He had learned a little English in classes, but his parents didnt know any.

The classes taught us the basics, he said in Spanish. But when we got here, it was from going to school, being with friends, from the television.

His parents gradually learned English, but they didnt use it at home.

My parents had an interesting rule: In our house, were going to speak Spanish, so we dont forget it,  he said.

The benefits became tangible, Ciscomani said: In his first job at a Wendys, he was paid an extra 15 cents per hour for being bilingual.

Spanish lacks prestige

His parents were smart, though, to be worried about losing the language. I spoke to a University of Arizona sociolinguist, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese Ana Maria Carvalho, who told me that even this close to Mexico, the same immigrant language patterns seen elsewhere in the country often hold true.

What we find in Arizona in general is what we call a three-generation language shift  meaning that the migrants, what we call Generation One in the U.S., they come with Spanish. Their children are usually bilingual, in Spanish and English. They learn Spanish at home and English everywhere else. But those kids, their children, are usually monolingual in English.

Visit with Tim Steller Columnist Tim Steller will be available for readers to chat with Sunday, March 5, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the Arizona Daily Star's tent at the Tucson Festival of Books on the University of Arizona Mall.

Even in Tucson, it may only take a couple of generations for Spanish to disappear in a family. Its sad  grandparents often have trouble speaking with grandchildren.

Why does it happen? Well, English is not only the official language of government and schooling, but it remains, Carvalho said, the language of prestige in the region after all these years.

Theres a lot of pressure to speak English only, she said. Spanish does not have a lot of social prestige. English is the dominant prestigious language in Arizona.

Spanish is not suppressed now the way it was in earlier generations, when schoolchildren were sometimes punished harshly for speaking it, but the vestiges of that era linger.

Children turn to English

Ciscomani, 40, told me he was fortunate not to have suffered the abuse of some earlier Spanish-speaking generations. But he and his family have lived the typical immigrant pattern when it comes to language.

When you grow up in a bilingual home, you become the translator at the bank, with doctors, with the electric company  with whatever service your parents need, he said. You grow up a little faster in that sense.

He and his wife Laura both grew up in Spanish-speaking homes and now are trying to raise six kids to be bilingual. They do it the way their parents did, by speaking Spanish in the home and letting the kids learn English outside. But that can be hard.

The kids might say something to him in English, Ciscomani said, and hell answer it in English without thinking.

It isnt that they dont want to [speak Spanish], but it takes an effort to do it. Often in everyday life, you dont focus on that.

Also, he and Laura can see the language ability diminishing, from the older children to the younger ones.

The little ones speak English with the littler ones, he said. At home they start speaking more and more English among them. They start losing Spanish  the younger they are, the less Spanish they speak.

Opportunity presents itself

Carvalho told me its hard to keep the younger generations interested in the familys first language.

Societal pressure to use English is big, she said. English is seen as the language of success and social mobility.

It helps if the children are in regular contact with family members  say, cousins and aunts and uncles in Sonora  who are monolingual Spanish speakers. It also helps if they live in neighborhoods where Spanish is regularly spoken.

At home, she said, parents can also try to increase the perceived prestige of the language by having books in Spanish, watching movies in Spanish, looking at art created by Spanish speakers.

Ciscomani has, perhaps, stumbled into another way of increasing the prestige of the language.

When I gave the response to the presidents speech, I told the kids, This is why its important to speak Spanish, because opportunities like this open up. If I didnt speak Spanish, or if I spoke it badly, this opportunity wouldnt have presented itself. 
Despite a barrage of national headlines this past week, experts at the University of Arizona say the theory that the COVID-19 virus originated from a Chinese lab leak isnt credible at this point.

There has been no evidence released that anyone could make a reasonable conclusion from, Felicia Goodrum, a professor of immunobiology at the UA, told the Arizona Daily Star. In the absence of that evidence, what we are left with is very strong evidence that it was a zoonosis, meaning the virus first appeared in an animal and organically spread to humans, she said.

The Wall Street Journal was first to report in late February that the U.S. Department of Energy says it now believes, with low confidence, that a lab leak is to blame for unleashing the pandemic that has killed roughly 6.8 million people in the past three years. However, the intelligence within that report remains classified, so it is unclear what kind of evidence the department has to corroborate a lab leak.

Additionally, on Tuesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray told Fox News that the FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan, (China).

This Wednesday, March 8, a U.S. House subcommittee, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, will hold a hearing to further investigate the pandemics origins. It is slated to hear testimony from Dr. Robert Redfield, a former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a proponent of the lab leak theory.

At the same time, numerous other federal intelligence agencies have favored a zoonotic theory, which experts like Goodrum say is the only theory rooted in available data.

Possible, but not plausible

Last summer, Michael Worobey, a virus evolution expert at the UA, co-authored two peer-reviewed papers published in the journal Science. The research concluded, based on the data available to the international team of scientists Worobey worked with, that the virus was first transmitted from animals and spread to humans once it made its way to a market in Wuhan, China.

Worobey, who could not be reached for comment in the last week, addressed the lab leak theory last year, when his findings supporting zoonosis made national headlines.

In 2021, Worobey joined other experts in calling on the scientific community to take seriously both the lab leak theory and zoonosis. But by 2022, after spending a year analyzing all available information about the behavior of the first COVID-19 cases in late 2019, Worobey told reporters those new insights  which revealed the likelihood of two separate viral transmissions from an animal to a human  moved me to the point where I also think its just not plausible that this virus was introduced any other way than through the wildlife trade at the Huanan market.

Worobey presented highlights of that research Wednesday in Tucson during a public lecture entitled Origins of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Facts and Fallacies.

When you put all of the pieces together it becomes extremely difficult to explain how this virus  two times  if it escaped from a lab would have emerged in a lab worker (and) left no trace at that particular workplace, he said, speaking after the Energy Department news was reported but not specifically addressing it.

That person (would have had to make) a B-line to the western side of the market, only one of four locations in this huge city that sold these sorts of animals, and established the first lineage of the virus, Worobey said.

Since scientists have concluded there were two separate viral lineages, Worobey said this exact and unlikely scenario would have had to of happened a second time, with a different lab worker, a couple weeks later to result in the pandemic weve all experienced.

Possible, he said. But not plausible, in my view.

There is no consensus yet among American government officials on how or where the virus started. The Chinese government, however, has roundly dismissed the lab leak theory buzz of the past week.

The scientific community largely stands behind the zoonotic theory. In January, Goodrum and 155 of her colleagues in the scientific community signed their names to a widely published article stating there is no credible evidence to support the lab leak theory.

Neither statements from the Energy Department nor the FBI director last week have changed her mind, Goodrum said.

Giving credibility to the lab leak theory without any scientific evidence, she said, is harmful.

Most of us see science as our best defense against future pandemics, Goodrum said, noting that for the last century a virus with pandemic potential has emerged every 10 years  and that rate is only increasing as humans continue to push the boundaries of nature through urban development. Are we going to cripple science and sow public distrust in science, when thats where we need to have trust? she asked.

Blame nature

Longstanding public trust in the scientific process, Goodrum said, is part of the reason why scientists were able to develop rapid COVID tests and vaccines so quickly  theyd been laying the groundwork for years before the pandemic.

Moreover, the lab leak theory has also fueled the idea that laboratories are not well-regulated, which Goodrum said is simply not true.

Until the intelligence officials leaning toward a lab leak origin make public scientific evidence to support that theory, Goodrum said entertaining it is fruitless. Its much more satisfying to have a person or a country to blame, she said, but nature is generally the culprit for all viruses that emerge.

Science is ever-evolving, however, and if there were compelling, data-driven support of a lab leak, Goodrum said shed welcome an examination of new information.

If evidence emerges to the contrary (of the zoonosis theory), we will remain open and receptive to it, she said. But at this point, there isnt evidence that can justify the driving of the fervor that exists in the public press around the lab leak. Thats dangerous.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Again, my friend, Ray Lindstrom, the prolific op-ed writer and Oro Valley liberal, rails against all things conservative, blaming the late Rush Limbaugh for the Jan. 6 incident at the nations capital and other issues we bad Republicans have caused in the aftermath of Rush clones popping up all over the airwaves since the late 1980s.

As a former radio news director and talk radio programmer, (KNST was my creation, in September 1981), I can tell you that the folks who brought Rush to Americas airwaves saw an unmet need among Americans as regards the media. They saw that liberals, apparently, were getting their information needs met via a variety of sources, from mostly liberal morning newspapers (free to say whatever they want in editorials), music and records, broadcast TV network evening newscasts and from Saturday Night Live. Conservatives had no voice, save for a few mostly afternoon newspapers, (papers that are gone today).

With the abolition of the so-called 1949 Fairness Doctrine by the FCC in 1987, broadcast media finally was no longer obligated to offer equal time to anyone who they criticized on radio and TV. (Remember, newspapers had no such regulation). Thus, Rush. The right voice.

Rush developed his style at a Sacramento, California radio station in 1984. Joining the ABC Radio Network in 1988, his show quickly caught on with conservatives, who finally had an informative, opinionated and entertaining media voice that resonated with them. And, being talk, Rush was tailor-made for the struggling AM radio band at that time. Many said Rush single-handedly saved AM radio when FM Stereo was dominating music listening everywhere. (Similar liberal-slanted radio talkers, the late Alan Colmes, among them, failed). Yes, making money by radio ownership was certainly a goal, as it is with any business.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch brought the same concept to his Fox News Channel on cable TV in 1996, introducing TV viewers to a schedule of prime time conservative-leaning talk shows, hosted by opinionated, informative and entertaining personalities. The channel still dominates the cable TV news universe, meeting an otherwise unmet need.

Liberals love to blame everything that goes bad as a result of failed liberal policies on Fox News. I have to wonder how many hours a week they spend watching the prime-time opinion shows on Fox News. How much time does my friend, and broadcast colleague from Oro Valley, spend watching Fox News or any of the other conservative media services he mentions?

No, my friend, the real issue today goes well beyond the media. There are typically more liberal Democrat voters than Republicans, and ratings show even many Democrats dont much care for liberal-leaning media outlets like MSNBC or CNN. Far too many liberals dont watch much news, dont read newspapers, or pay much attention to day-to-day politics. They all do seem to vote the party come election time, though. Thus, as my father always said, Democrats love to spend our money, Republicans do not. And so on and so forth. Is it any wonder conservatives are frustrated?

Im sorry, its not conservative media opinionaters to blame, my friend. Its not conservatives who are defunding police, freeing criminals, supporting illegal immigration, or otherwise enabling the violence and lawlessness that seem to be increasing daily. Its not conservatives whove enabled our enemies to threaten America. No, its a liberal-leaning America that no longer carries a big stick. Weve become an America that now simply chooses to walk softly, not wanting to offend anyone. When did wanting to be great, to excel, to be somebody, become evil?

Maybe its time to get back to offending where appropriate, starting with China and Russia, and on to lazy parents who dont use a big stick on their recalcitrant children, and on to ignorant, incompetent elected officials, regardless of their race, color or creed. Wanna know whos at fault, my friend? Maybe you should look in the mirror. The media is simply a reflection of society.
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A future chapter in the legacy of The Outsiders will be a documentary about the Outsiders House in Tulsa.

Individuals who have already started work on the project and Danny OConnor, founder and executive director of the Outsiders House Museum, were joined by invited guests for a short sizzle reel preview Thursday night at Circle Cinema. The event was held to enlist financial support for the documentary, which is expected to arrive in the fall of 2024.

The Outsiders House, located at 731 N. Saint Louis Ave., was used as a filming site when Francis Ford Coppola shot The Outsiders in Tulsa in 1982. The house was the home of the Curtis Brothers, played by C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze in the film. Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Tom Cruise and Emilio Estevez also were among greaser actors in the film, an adaption of Tulsa author S.E. Hintons pioneering young adult novel.

OConnor, who soared to fame in the 90s as part of the music trio House of Pain, is a super fan of The Outsiders. He bought the Outsiders House and oversaw its transformation to a museum. A recovered addict, OConnor credits the Outsiders House with saving his life and giving him a purpose. He grew up on both coasts, but moved to Tulsa after purchasing the home.

Joseph Baldassare, an executive producer on the Outsiders House documentary, was joined at the Circle Cinema event by producer-director Tom Donahue and producer Ilan Arboleda (both of Creative Chaos Ventures Media Group), plus Renee McKenney, senior vice president of tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism.

Baldassare, explaining how the idea for the documentary came about, said he created an exhibit of photo stills from the 1967 D.A. Pennebaker documentary film about Bob Dylans concert tour of England. He traveled all over with the exhibit and was asked to bring it to Tulsa after the George Kaiser Family Foundation acquired the Bob Dylan Archives.

While here, he met Julie Watson, whom he called the greatest connector in Tulsa. Watson told Baldassare there was somebody he had to meet. That somebody was OConnor.

Danny told me what he was doing, Baldassare said. I was immediately intrigued. I went to the house. The house was in ruins. He was underway to bring it to a museum level.

Baldassare asked OConnor how Hinton felt about it all. OConnor told him the author was totally on board with the project.

Im an avid reader, a voracious reader, and an avid book collector, Baldassare said. And S.E. Hinton is sort of the female J.D. Salinger, if you will. Thats how I have always looked at her  equally as private, although Susie is not nearly as reclusive. So I told Danny, This is a documentary. And I know the guys to do it.

Baldassare had met Donahue and Arboleda through Deana Martin, a mutual friend and the daughter of Dean Martin. Among past projects shepherded by Donahue and Arboleda was the documentary Dean Martin: King of Cool.

Donahue was initially skeptical when Baldassare pitched the idea for an Outsiders House documentary, but he and Arboleda were sold after meeting OConnor and experiencing Tulsa.

We had no idea how cool Tulsa was, Donahue told the Circle Cinema audience.

Work on the Outsiders House documentary started 4 years ago and was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The eight-minute preview featured excerpts of interviews with OConnor and Hinton.

The reason I am so intrigued about this all is her book, The Outsiders, is on every top 100 list of the great American novels that I have ever seen, Baldassare said.

Just like Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, her book is required reading. Whether they have seen the movie or not, every young person has read this book. I thought, my gosh, the market for this must be amazing and its a market that nobody really puts their finger on.

For more information about Creative Chaos films, go to creativechaosvmg.com. To inquire about investing in the Outsiders House documentary, email ilan@creativechaosvmg.com.

Previously, a mini-feature on the Outsiders House was an extra on The Outsiders: The Complete Novel 4K restoration. A video segment from that Kelly Kerr-shot video can be seen online with this story about the pending documentary.

Featured video:
A cover of the Eagles Peaceful Easy Feeling led to a cool conversation between songwriter Jack Tempchin and William Lee Golden.

For those who need an introduction, Golden is a longtime member of the Oak Ridge Boys, managed for decades by Tulsa-based impresario Jim Halsey. Golden is easy to spot in the Oak Ridge Boys' lineup. Hes the one with the epic beard.

Golden is the patriarch of another group, William Lee Golden and the Goldens, a group that counts his harmonizing sons as members.

The Goldens recorded a three-album set that included Southern Accents, a collection of songs including Take It Easy, Me And Bobby McGee, The Long And Winding Road, Stand By Me, Jambalaya, Long Black Veil, Southern Accents, Elvira, Multi-colored Lady, Bobbie Sue, Hollywood Nights and Peaceful Easy Feeling.

The Eagles recorded Peaceful Easy Feeling for their debut album in 1972 and it has become an enduring hit.

After a video for The Goldens cover was released, the songwriter reached out to acknowledge the new interpretation. As a result, Tempchin and Golden teamed up to discuss the song (which recently celebrated a 50th anniversary), The Eagles and The Goldens.

You can watch and listen to the conversation here.
Richard Dreyfuss latest role is not likely to generate much Oscar buzz.

But in the mind of the 75-year-old Academy Award winner, it might just be his most important part to date.

I loved my acting career. But I have a new career now. I want to save my country, Dreyfuss said Friday morning, speaking to a packed auditorium at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Dreyfuss, an advocate, speaker and writer on civics education, was in Tulsa as part of the Tulsa Town Hall program.

He warned the crowd up front that he didnt come to mince words. I dont tease, he said, launching straightaway into some gloomy prognostications.

The failure for the last 50 years to pass on to our children the lessons they most need to know, Dreyfuss said, has put the country in a precarious position.

Were closer to the end game of America than we ever, ever thought possible, he said. Its horrifying. People, this is our one real world and it has become unquestionably absurd and suicidal.

The disappearance of civics education from some public schools is a major factor, he said.

We dont teach anything that allows the next generation to be prepared for running the country, Dreyfuss said. And we are all going to pay for that.

We dont teach the civic tools that allow us to understand what an incomprehensible miracle our government really is.

Thats not the case in Oklahoma. Civics is taught in public schools. Oklahomas eighth grade social studies standards include the separation of powers among the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government and the development of the Declaration of Independence.

Classes on government and history are required to graduate high school. A law took effect in 2021 that requires Oklahoma students to take and pass a 100-item test over history and government that uses questions from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. That has to be done before they can graduate from high school.

Dreyfuss  whose acting credits range from blockbusters like Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind to his Oscar-winning role in The Goodbye Girl  said his concerns for the country led him to retire from acting in 2004.

I hated the idea of being a celebrity with a cause, he said. But I saw that no one was paying attention and we were letting this thing happen. So, I went to school.

Dreyfuss traveled to Oxford University, where he was named a senior research advisor  what they call someone whos too old to be a student and lacks the credentials to be faculty.

Dreyfuss studied and educated himself, and went on to found the Dreyfuss Civics Initiative, a nonprofit effort to revive civics education in schools.

Hes also written a book, One Thought Scares Me, laying out his thoughts on how to change the countrys direction. All proceeds from the book support the nonprofit.

Weve decided that anyone who has a different opinion than mine is my enemy, he added. Whoever decided one day that differences of opinion are un-American is a jackass.

Before his talk, Dreyfuss participated in a student forum moderated by students from Booker T. Washington High School. Students from Will Rogers, Charles Page, Bishop Kelley and two home school groups attended.

Dreyfuss challenged his adult audience to act before its too late.

This is your community and you have responsibility, he said. Dont let your children be ignorant of the things it cannot afford ignorance about. Let them be proud of their country.

We really did create the most important political revolution in the history of humankind. It is not something we can afford ever to forget, and that is what happened.

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With production of more workforce-ready graduates topping their list of priorities, the states higher education regents have set a goal of awarding 100,000 degrees and other credentials over the next seven years in STEM fields and critical occupations.

The goal is part a new systemwide strategic plan unveiled recently by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to help guide the efforts of the states 25 public college and universities.

The focus really is on STEM and critical occupations, said Allison Garrett, chancellor of higher education. Without the plan, wed be at 85,000 to 90,000 (degrees). So its a nice bump.

The number of bachelors degrees conferred by state system institutions in STEM  science, technology, engineering and mathematics  fields has increased 47% over the last decade and 29% at all degree levels, she said.

The new plan is called Blueprint 2030: Innovating and Elevating Oklahoma Higher Education for Tomorrows Workforce.

We still have a lot of opportunity for higher ed to work more effectively with companies around the state and for us to do a better job of articulating why higher ed, Garrett said.

I think this plan is going to move the needle for the state in some significant ways.

The plan emphasizes the key role Oklahomas public colleges and universities play in producing the states workforce, Garrett said.

Of Oklahomas 100 occupations deemed critical, the top 29 highest-paying jobs require an associate degree or higher, and all of the top 10 require a bachelors degree or higher, she said.

The national studies are still showing that about two-thirds of the new jobs being created today require a degree, Garrett said.

Additionally, nearly 90% of Oklahomans  and almost two-thirds of nonresident students  who graduate from a state college or university remain and work in the state, demonstrating the value of higher education to the workforce, she said.

Gov. Kevin Stitt, in his recent State of the State address, identified the workforce as the No. 1 challenge facing businesses in Oklahoma.

Lets make sure our universities and higher education are partnering with companies to train the workforce of tomorrow, Stitt said, adding that hed like to see more graduates in key career fields such as nursing, engineering and aerospace technology.

Producing workforce-ready graduates is the first of four big-picture goals identified in the strategic plan. Others include enlarging the student pipeline, focusing on student success, and improving system efficiency and effectiveness.

The plan calls for increasing enrollment 10% systemwide by 2030.

Consistent with national trends, college enrollment in Oklahoma has been declining for over a decade, with more than 60,000 fewer students currently enrolled than 10 years ago.

But Garrett is confident that a 10% increase is achievable.

You can get to that in a couple of different ways, she said. One is you increase the number of those entering as first-time, full-time students, but the other is in reengaging students who started at your institution and didnt finish. Weve got a lot of adult learners who didnt complete degrees.

Bringing adult learners back requires a different model, Garrett said, and its a model that, thanks to technology advances, now exists.

Theyre not going to be coming back and sitting in a college classroom between 8 and 5, Garrett said. But our institutions have over the last several years developed lots of programs. We have over 300 online programs at the associates and bachelors level that adults around the state can complete.

In addition to 100,000 degrees in STEM fields and critical jobs, the plan is to boost workforce-ready graduates by engaging employers through a statewide outreach plan and to better connect students to the workforce by increasing engaged learning opportunities.

To view the complete strategic plan, go to okhighered.org/state-system/strategic-plan.

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Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education may be reopening the application process for its vacant District 2 seat.

In addition to interviewing seven candidates in executive session at Friday nights special meeting, several board members expressed interest in potentially allowing a brief second application window.

Weve got some great applicants, and I look forward to hearing from them, board Vice President John Croisant said during the meetings open session. However, there are some new people we might get to hear from, so we should be open minded as we go through this.

The agenda for Friday nights special meeting did not include language that would allow the board to take any action, so the earliest that a hypothetical second application window could open is after Mondays regularly scheduled meeting.

The lone item on Mondays posted action agenda is any motion relating to the appointment of an applicant or the process used to fill the seat.

Speaking to reporters after Fridays meeting, board President Stacey Woolley said that if a second application window were to be approved, it would most likely be for only two or three days in order to wedge in any needed additional interviews before spring break, and then the appointment would come back before the board at its regularly scheduled meeting on March 20.

We didnt discuss preferences or opinions about potential appointees, Woolley said of Friday nights two-hour executive session. I have every faith that we will come to an agreement on the 20th.

The seat has been vacant since Jan. 23, when the resignation of former board member Judith Barba Perez took effect. In the event of a vacant seat, state law allows school boards up to 60 days to appoint a successor. For TPS, the 60-day mark hits on March 24.

If the board is unable to appoint a successor within that time frame, it may request a special election. However, as attorney Jana Burk advised the board Monday night, the earliest such an election could be held is June 13, with a runoff in September if needed.

Fridays special meeting was called after the board was unable to reach a consensus on an appointee at Monday nights meeting, despite pleas from multiple District 2 residents, teachers and parents for representation.

Separate motions to appoint Diamond Marshall and Jasmine Stewart to the vacant seat each resulted in a 3-3 tie, with ELena Ashley, Jerry Griffin and Jennettie Marshall voting no each time.

A motion to appoint Sharita Pratt died from a lack of a second. An attempt to appoint Pratt to the seat at an earlier meeting ended in a 3-3 tie.

Featured video:
Jon Stewarts AppleTV program is called The Problem with Jon Stewart.

For the episode released Friday, Stewarts problem seemed to be state Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow.

What youre doing is youre bringing chaos to order, Stewart tells Dahm less than two minutes into a nine-minute segment about Dahms efforts to deregulate firearms.

In reality, Dahm said Friday, he and Stewart talked for more than an hour and a half when they met two weeks ago in New York, and the exchange wasnt as contentious as the edited version might appear.

It was a good conversation, Dahm said. Jon was a really nice guy before and after. Nothing like Piers Morgan.

Nine years ago, Dahm achieved a certain degree of national notoriety from a gun control debate with Morgan, then a CNN host.

Dahm said he was under no illusions when he agreed to the Stewart interview but added, You know me. Im not afraid of anything.

Asked how he felt about the interview after seeing the final cut, Dahm said, Of course Im glad I did it.

During the interview, Stewart argued that gun deregulation has not made anybody safer and offers the rising number of gun-related deaths as support for his stance.

In every other place in your life, you want to bring order, Stewart said. Guns are the outlier for you.

When Dahm replied that fentanyl and obesity cause many more deaths than guns, Stewart replied, And youre the guy saying, You know what would help (obesity)? Ice cream.

Dahm maintained that the U.S. Constitution gives the right to bear arms unique standing because of the phrase shall not be infringed and that fatherless homes and other social factors are to blame for gun violence, not the guns themselves.

Eighty percent of school shooters came from either fatherless or broken homes, said Dahm.

So you would say no guns for fatherless homes, interjected Stewart.

No, thats not what Im saying, Dahm replied.

By opposing most forms of gun control, Stewart asserted, Dahm has contributed to making the country less safe for everyone, including law enforcement.

The person is the threat  not the firearm, not the knife, Dahm said.

Stewart boiled it down for Dahm: You want to say, Im a Second Amendment purist, and Im making it safer. Youre not. Youre making it more chaotic. And thats not a matter of opinion. Thats the truth.

When Stewart asked whether Dahm sees requiring voters to register is an infringement on their rights, Dahm replied, Does the right to voting say, Shall not be infringed?

While the Second Amendment is the only one of the 10 comprising the Bill of Rights with the phrase shall not be infringed, similar terminology, including shall make no law and shall not be violated, does appear in others.

Stewart noted that Dahm supports a ban on drag show performers reading to children and asked why.

Because the government does have a right to protect  Dahm began.

Im sorry, Stewart interjected, cupping a hand to his ear.

Because the government does have a right in certain instances to protect children   Dahm began again.

Whats the leading cause of death amongst children in this country? Stewart interjected again. And Im going to give you a hint. Its not drag show readings to children.

Gallery: Highlights from bills filed for Oklahoma's 2023 legislative session Minimum age to carry firearms Second Amendment protection Changing the state question process School choice proposal Senate Bill 943 by Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee Slate of bills from Senate Education Committee chair Senate Bill 656 by Sen. David Bullard Putting abortion to a vote Race Massacre reparations Addressing problems at the polls Transgender health care Clarifying Oklahoma's abortion ban Prohibiting sex ed Psilocybin research Defining criminal lewdness Continued work on medical marijuana oversight House Bill 2012 by Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now
Oklahomas new chief law enforcement officer says the states inundation with illegal marijuana production and distribution has unleashed significant new challenges to public safety and general law and order.

Voters will decide Tuesday whether it should be legal to possess and grow marijuana for personal, recreational use in the state.

In his first appearance at the Tulsa Press Club since being sworn into office, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said that for him, The question is not shall we smoke or not smoke marijuana. The question is: Will we let this state be invaded by Mexican cartels, Central American cartels and Chinese operatives that are absolutely destroying our state?

While Drummond said he does not personally support the idea of legalizing recreational marijuana, he also said he isnt out campaigning actively against it.

But regardless of what the voters decide, it is his duty to uphold the law  and he has made it his mission to fight the new wave of organized crime he says has accompanied thousands of illegal marijuana grow operations across all 77 counties.

I want to give my children  a good reason to stay in Oklahoma, Drummond said. And to do that we have to have safe communities. We have to be able to go to bed at night in rural Oklahoma and not fear being murdered in our sleep. We have to be able to walk the streets of downtown Tulsa without the fear of having the criminal element continue to magnify and the magnitude increase in our state.

Medical marijuana brought the state $59 million in tax revenue last year, but Drummond said only $1 million was left to increase funding to public education, as designed by the previous state question that legalized medical marijuana.

Thats not a fair trade. It costs so much to administer and oversee the illegality of those that have invaded our state, he said.

He shared that the latest Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control intelligence suggests that as many as 3,000 of the current 6,299 marijuana grow operations are illegal.

To put that in perspective, the three largest legal grows in Oklahoma (could) supply every adult Oklahoman enough marijuana to smoke 10 joints a day, Drummond said.

Lawmakers are currently considering the creation of an organized crime task force that Drummond said is desperately needed.

That will be kind of the epicenter of not just cutting the head off of each snake as we find them, but find the den of snakes and take them out, he explained. Presently, were kicking in doors and taking their marijuana plants and what fentanyl we find, cash in the facility, their cars, their guns. But what we need to do and what weve begun doing is tracing the money through numerous varieties of banks back over to mainland China or down into Central America and bringing it back.

If we start taking the money away, we start taking the fun away from operating here. And then theyll be encouraged to go to Arkansas or Texas.

To that end, Drummond recruited to Oklahoma a new first assistant named Amie Ely, who had been a prosecutor for the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

She oversees four other new Drummond hires  a solicitor general, a general counsel and the heads of the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Offices civil and criminal divisions. Her primary focus is to assist Oklahoma in standing up a task force that can abate and then eventually drive out organized crime in the state, Drummond said.

Drummonds military experience as a fighter pilot, which included combat service in the 1991 Gulf War, was brought up early in Fridays event when the moderator, Tim Landes of Tulsa People, said he was curious to know what his aviator call sign had been.

Stick, Drummond replied.

Later, Drummond referenced his military experience in explaining how the Attorney Generals Office under his leadership is taking on new challenges and tackling many high-profile public corruption investigations so early.

I looked at business and I look at government leadership very much like I looked at the structure of the military, he said. Im the commander, and Ive got deputies right underneath me that have their respective divisions. And they are empowered to make decisions inside the defined objectives of the office.

Featured video:
The gold-plated Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake Hotel is on sale at a starting price of US$250 million, with potential buyers coming from China, India, and the UAE, its owner has told reporters in Vietnam. The sale of the hotel is expected to be completed in April. It is said that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial troubles to Hoa Binh Group, the owner of the 25-story hotel, which is located near Giang Vo Lake, about five kilometers from Hanois center. The property features gold-plated amenities and furnishings, from bath tubs, basins and toilets to its 24-karat gold rooftop infinity pool. Nguyen Huu Duong, Hoa Binh Groups major shareholder and chairman who grew his fortune in property and construction. Photo: H.B. / Tuoi Tre It offers 342 5-star rooms, including eight standard meeting rooms, a fitness room with modern equipment, and three Asian-European restaurants. Nguyen Huu Duong, a major shareholder and chairman of Hoa Binh Group, is also the owner of the 12,500-square-meter Hoa Binh Green Da Nang complex, which has more than 1,000 apartments and hotel rooms and can resist earthquakes of magnitude 8, in central Da Nang City. Aside from Duong, the decline in the number of visitors and revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led many investors to plan the sale of about 70 hotels in Da Nang, a source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

The gold-plated Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake Hotel is on sale at a starting price of US$250 million, with potential buyers coming from China, India, and the UAE, its owner has told reporters in Vietnam.

The sale of the hotel is expected to be completed in April.

It is said that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial troubles to Hoa Binh Group, the owner of the 25-story hotel, which is located near Giang Vo Lake, about five kilometers from Hanois center.

The property features gold-plated amenities and furnishings, from bath tubs, basins and toilets to its 24-karat gold rooftop infinity pool.

Nguyen Huu Duong, Hoa Binh Groups major shareholder and chairman who grew his fortune in property and construction. Photo: H.B. / Tuoi Tre

It offers 342 5-star rooms, including eight standard meeting rooms, a fitness room with modern equipment, and three Asian-European restaurants.

Nguyen Huu Duong, a major shareholder and chairman of Hoa Binh Group, is also the owner of the 12,500-square-meter Hoa Binh Green Da Nang complex, which has more than 1,000 apartments and hotel rooms and can resist earthquakes of magnitude 8, in central Da Nang City.

Aside from Duong, the decline in the number of visitors and revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led many investors to plan the sale of about 70 hotels in Da Nang, a source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

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The number of Vietnamese first- and second-tier suppliers in South Korea-based Samsung Groups global supply chain increased by nearly 1,000 percent, from 25 in 2014 to 257 at the end of last year, according to Samsung Vietnam Complex general director Choi Joo Ho. Choi told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that Vietnam has created several policies which encourage the development of supporting industries, thereby allowing local enterprises to join global supply chains. In response to these policies, Samsung Vietnam has sought out new Vietnamese suppliers and entered into cooperative agreements with the Vietnamese government in order to develop supporting industries. In particular, Samsungs experts from South Korea have supported nearly 400 Vietnamese companies since 2015 in improving their competitiveness and product quality. As a result, the productivity of Vietnamese companies has surged 40 percent, while faulty products have halved. In addition, 33 Vietnamese companies are currently prioritized to become suppliers of Samsung Vietnam. Choi Joo Ho, general director of Samsung Vietnam Complex. Photo: Samsung According to Choi, Samsung has also provided supported to Vietnamese firms in order to train high-quality human resources since 2018, including more than 400 local innovation consultants. In 2019, Samsung Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade on the training of Vietnamese molding technicians. Under the four-year program, Samsung has so far helped Vietnam train 200 molding technicians. To date, more than 100 technicians have been beneficiaries of the program. Samsung Vietnam also inked a separate memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Trade last year to develop a smart factory project, Choi shared. In particular, Samsung has shared its smart manufacturing knowledge with 50 local enterprises under a two-year roadmap. As of the end of 2022, 26 local companies had received Samsungs consultancy over the smart factory model. Choi said that participating enterprises have been trained and instructed on how to map out their strategies and build a roadmap to develop smart factories. In addition, their management systems have been re-designed to optimize and ensure smooth and continuous information flows. Digital and automated platform management solutions transferred directly by Samsungs experts have helped change both management and production systems. These changes are the foundation for enterprises to improve their competitiveness to meet global standards, thus joining not only Samsungs supply chain but also the global supply chain network, Choi Joo Ho said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

The number of Vietnamese first- and second-tier suppliers in South Korea-based Samsung Groups global supply chain increased by nearly 1,000 percent, from 25 in 2014 to 257 at the end of last year, according to Samsung Vietnam Complex general director Choi Joo Ho.

Choi told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that Vietnam has created several policies which encourage the development of supporting industries, thereby allowing local enterprises to join global supply chains.

In response to these policies, Samsung Vietnam has sought out new Vietnamese suppliers and entered into cooperative agreements with the Vietnamese government in order to develop supporting industries.

In particular, Samsungs experts from South Korea have supported nearly 400 Vietnamese companies since 2015 in improving their competitiveness and product quality.

As a result, the productivity of Vietnamese companies has surged 40 percent, while faulty products have halved.

In addition, 33 Vietnamese companies are currently prioritized to become suppliers of Samsung Vietnam.

Choi Joo Ho, general director of Samsung Vietnam Complex. Photo: Samsung

According to Choi, Samsung has also provided supported to Vietnamese firms in order to train high-quality human resources since 2018, including more than 400 local innovation consultants.

In 2019, Samsung Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade on the training of Vietnamese molding technicians.

Under the four-year program, Samsung has so far helped Vietnam train 200 molding technicians. To date, more than 100 technicians have been beneficiaries of the program.

Samsung Vietnam also inked a separate memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Trade last year to develop a smart factory project, Choi shared.

In particular, Samsung has shared its smart manufacturing knowledge with 50 local enterprises under a two-year roadmap. As of the end of 2022, 26 local companies had received Samsungs consultancy over the smart factory model.

Choi said that participating enterprises have been trained and instructed on how to map out their strategies and build a roadmap to develop smart factories.

In addition, their management systems have been re-designed to optimize and ensure smooth and continuous information flows.

Digital and automated platform management solutions transferred directly by Samsungs experts have helped change both management and production systems.

These changes are the foundation for enterprises to improve their competitiveness to meet global standards, thus joining not only Samsungs supply chain but also the global supply chain network, Choi Joo Ho said.

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JAKARTA -- At least 17 people were killed when a fire broke out on Friday at a fuel storage station operated by Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina in the capital Jakarta, an official at the city's main firefighting unit said. The fire, which started after 8 p.m. local time (1300 GMT), burned some houses and sent nearby residents in the densely populated areas into a panic, some of whom fled with their belongings, footage from broadcasters showed. A Pertamina spokesperson said late on Friday that the fire had been extinguished at about 10.30 p.m. Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at a fuel storage station operated by Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina, in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters Fire was still seen around residents' houses after that, a firefighting station official said on the unit's Instagram account. Two of the fatalities were children, while 50 people were injured including one child, according to Rahmat Kristanto, an official at the firefighting unit. Most of the injured people suffered from burns and the government will pay for their medical treatment, Jakarta's acting governor Heru Budi Hartono told reporters. Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at a fuel storage station operated by Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina, in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters Shortly after the fire started, explosions could be heard in footage shared on social media, although Reuters was not able to authenticate the clips. Near the storage station, residents crowded the area while firefighters carried orange body bags from the fire. Jakarta's disaster-mitigation agency said residents had been evacuated into nearby mosques. Siswandi, a 21-year-old resident, said the scene "was chaotic, as we were running away alongside injured victims who were half burned, and it caused panic among people," adding that he was taking all of his valuable documents from his house. The call centre of Jakarta's main fire station said it had dispatched 51 units to the Plumpang area in North Jakarta, adding that the fire was huge. Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at a fuel storage station operated by Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina, in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters Pertamina said in a statement that the cause of the incident was still being investigated and that evacuation efforts were ongoing. The company said the fuel supply for the Jakarta area remained secure as it planned to divert supply from other terminals. Pertamina chief executive officer Nicke Widyawati apologised for the fire and said it would "reflect internally to avoid similar incidents from ever occurring again". The fuel station has a capacity of over 300,000 kilo-litres, according to the country's energy ministry.

JAKARTA -- At least 17 people were killed when a fire broke out on Friday at a fuel storage station operated by Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina in the capital Jakarta, an official at the city's main firefighting unit said.

The fire, which started after 8 p.m. local time (1300 GMT), burned some houses and sent nearby residents in the densely populated areas into a panic, some of whom fled with their belongings, footage from broadcasters showed.

A Pertamina spokesperson said late on Friday that the fire had been extinguished at about 10.30 p.m.

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at a fuel storage station operated by Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina, in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Fire was still seen around residents' houses after that, a firefighting station official said on the unit's Instagram account.

Two of the fatalities were children, while 50 people were injured including one child, according to Rahmat Kristanto, an official at the firefighting unit.

Most of the injured people suffered from burns and the government will pay for their medical treatment, Jakarta's acting governor Heru Budi Hartono told reporters.

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at a fuel storage station operated by Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina, in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Shortly after the fire started, explosions could be heard in footage shared on social media, although Reuters was not able to authenticate the clips.

Near the storage station, residents crowded the area while firefighters carried orange body bags from the fire. Jakarta's disaster-mitigation agency said residents had been evacuated into nearby mosques.

Siswandi, a 21-year-old resident, said the scene "was chaotic, as we were running away alongside injured victims who were half burned, and it caused panic among people," adding that he was taking all of his valuable documents from his house.

The call centre of Jakarta's main fire station said it had dispatched 51 units to the Plumpang area in North Jakarta, adding that the fire was huge.

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at a fuel storage station operated by Indonesia's state energy company Pertamina, in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Pertamina said in a statement that the cause of the incident was still being investigated and that evacuation efforts were ongoing.

The company said the fuel supply for the Jakarta area remained secure as it planned to divert supply from other terminals.

Pertamina chief executive officer Nicke Widyawati apologised for the fire and said it would "reflect internally to avoid similar incidents from ever occurring again".

The fuel station has a capacity of over 300,000 kilo-litres, according to the country's energy ministry.
BATU PAHAT, Malaysia -- Flooding resulting from days of torrential rain has forced almost 40,000 people to flee their homes in Malaysia's southern Johor state, bordering Singapore, and at least four people have died during the past week, officials said on Saturday. "We used to always prepare for the rainy season in November and December," Mohd Noor Saad, a 57-year-old resident in the town of Yong Peng, in Johor's Batu Pahat district told Reuters. "Each household had a boat, but now with the unpredictable weather, it seems that we are not prepared and it's become chaotic." People wade through a flooded residential area at Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia March 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters Authorities have set up more than 200 relief shelters for people displaced by the floods, the national disaster management agency said. Floods in Malaysia are common during the annual monsoon season between October and March, but the downpour this week left many Johor residents scrambling to find shelter. Carrying belongings out of her house in thigh-high water, cafe worker Kabibah Siam, 54, said she was resigned to fending for herself during the floods. People move a refrigerator from a flooded house, during a flood at Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia March 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters "What can we do? We cannot complain about our fate because everyone is in the same boat here," she said. While Johor was worst-hit, there was flooding in other states too that displaced hundreds of people. The meteorological department warned of more rain in coming days, mostly in the southern states.

BATU PAHAT, Malaysia -- Flooding resulting from days of torrential rain has forced almost 40,000 people to flee their homes in Malaysia's southern Johor state, bordering Singapore, and at least four people have died during the past week, officials said on Saturday.

"We used to always prepare for the rainy season in November and December," Mohd Noor Saad, a 57-year-old resident in the town of Yong Peng, in Johor's Batu Pahat district told Reuters.

"Each household had a boat, but now with the unpredictable weather, it seems that we are not prepared and it's become chaotic."

People wade through a flooded residential area at Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia March 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Authorities have set up more than 200 relief shelters for people displaced by the floods, the national disaster management agency said.

Floods in Malaysia are common during the annual monsoon season between October and March, but the downpour this week left many Johor residents scrambling to find shelter.

Carrying belongings out of her house in thigh-high water, cafe worker Kabibah Siam, 54, said she was resigned to fending for herself during the floods.

People move a refrigerator from a flooded house, during a flood at Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia March 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters

"What can we do? We cannot complain about our fate because everyone is in the same boat here," she said.

While Johor was worst-hit, there was flooding in other states too that displaced hundreds of people.

The meteorological department warned of more rain in coming days, mostly in the southern states.
Check out the news you should not miss today: Politics -- Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha met with Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives Hosoda Hiroyuki, Chairman of the Japan - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance Nikai Toshihiro, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi, and the parliamentarians in charge of environmental issues of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo on Friday, according to the Vietnam News Agency. -- Leaders of Russia, North Korea, Japan, India, Mongolia, Italia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have extended their congratulations to Vo Van Thuong on his election as State President of Vietnam on Friday. Society -- Many parents were scammed recently by fraudulent phone callers who impersonated their children's teachers and asked them to deposit hospital fees by claiming their children had suffered a severe brain damage and required urgent surgery, according to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday. -- Police in Hanoi have arrested and initiated legal proceedings against two kindergarten teachers for assaulting a 17-month baby to death last month. Lifestyle -- Nguyen Thanh Ha, from Vietnam, was crowned Miss Eco International 2023 at the pageants finale in Egypt on Friday, becoming the first Vietnamese contestant to win the title. -- The ninth Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival kicked off at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1 on Friday evening with the participation of many popular artists, beauty queens, athletes, and TV hosts. World News -- Archaeologists say they have uncovered a "unique" cache of well-preserved spices, from strands of saffron to peppercorns and ginger, on the wreck of a royal ship that sank off Sweden's Baltic coast more than 500 years ago, Reuters reported on Friday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Check out the news you should not miss today:

Politics

-- Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha met with Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives Hosoda Hiroyuki, Chairman of the Japan - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance Nikai Toshihiro, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi, and the parliamentarians in charge of environmental issues of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Tokyo on Friday, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

-- Leaders of Russia, North Korea, Japan, India, Mongolia, Italia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have extended their congratulations to Vo Van Thuong on his election as State President of Vietnam on Friday.

Society

-- Many parents were scammed recently by fraudulent phone callers who impersonated their children's teachers and asked them to deposit hospital fees by claiming their children had suffered a severe brain damage and required urgent surgery, according to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday.

-- Police in Hanoi have arrested and initiated legal proceedings against two kindergarten teachers for assaulting a 17-month baby to death last month.

Lifestyle

-- Nguyen Thanh Ha, from Vietnam, was crowned Miss Eco International 2023 at the pageants finale in Egypt on Friday, becoming the first Vietnamese contestant to win the title.

-- The ninth Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival kicked off at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1 on Friday evening with the participation of many popular artists, beauty queens, athletes, and TV hosts.

World News

-- Archaeologists say they have uncovered a "unique" cache of well-preserved spices, from strands of saffron to peppercorns and ginger, on the wreck of a royal ship that sank off Sweden's Baltic coast more than 500 years ago, Reuters reported on Friday.

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Police in Da Nang City, central Vietnam on Friday launched a campaign to crack down on the use of shisha and laughing balloons in the city. Colonel Nguyen Van Tang, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Public Security, said that the city police is the first unit in the country to launch a campaign to handle violations related to shisha, also known as Arab pipe tobacco, and laughing balls, or nitrous oxide. The goal is to completely handle these violations and prevent the use of shisha and laughing balloons in public places and the provision of these services. Colonel Nguyen Van Tang, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Public Security, speaks at the event, March 3, 2023. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre During this period, officers will focus on advising Party committees and authorities at all levels to take necessary measures to strictly oversee service providers in each locality. They will raise awareness about the harmful effects of using shisha and laughing balloons on human health and mind, as well as the adverse consequences for each individual, their families, and the society. Police will also carry out more patrols to promptly detect and handle violations related to the illegal transportation, storage, and use of shisha and laughing balloons. Laughing gas cylinders confiscated by police in Da Nang City on March 2, 2023. Photo: H.B. / Tuoi Tre Officers in Da Nang on Thursday raided three facilities that provided laughing gas to local restaurants, bars, and karaoke parlors and confiscated 103 laughing gas cylinders. In late 2022, police in the central city seized hundreds of laughing gas cylinders without invoices and documents proving their origin. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Police in Da Nang City, central Vietnam on Friday launched a campaign to crack down on the use of shisha and laughing balloons in the city.

Colonel Nguyen Van Tang, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Public Security, said that the city police is the first unit in the country to launch a campaign to handle violations related to shisha, also known as Arab pipe tobacco, and laughing balls, or nitrous oxide.

The goal is to completely handle these violations and prevent the use of shisha and laughing balloons in public places and the provision of these services.

Colonel Nguyen Van Tang, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Public Security, speaks at the event, March 3, 2023. Photo: Doan Cuong / Tuoi Tre

During this period, officers will focus on advising Party committees and authorities at all levels to take necessary measures to strictly oversee service providers in each locality.

They will raise awareness about the harmful effects of using shisha and laughing balloons on human health and mind, as well as the adverse consequences for each individual, their families, and the society.

Police will also carry out more patrols to promptly detect and handle violations related to the illegal transportation, storage, and use of shisha and laughing balloons.

Laughing gas cylinders confiscated by police in Da Nang City on March 2, 2023. Photo: H.B. / Tuoi Tre

Officers in Da Nang on Thursday raided three facilities that provided laughing gas to local restaurants, bars, and karaoke parlors and confiscated 103 laughing gas cylinders. In late 2022, police in the central city seized hundreds of laughing gas cylinders without invoices and documents proving their origin.

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A resident in Ho Chi Minh City handed over a 38-kilogram python to forest protection officers on Saturday morning. The municipal Forest Protection Department confirmed on Saturday that it had received a female python from Trinh Kien Dung, a resident of Binh Tan District. Dung stated that he bought the 10-kilogram python in 2018 to raise it at home. Nevertheless, Dung was unfamiliar with breeding techniques, therefore the female python was incapable of giving birth. After five years, the python now weighs 38 kilograms and measures 4.2 meters long. The owner said he is concerned that the python may break out of its cage and cause harm to other people. I know nothing about breeding a python. Now that it is too large, I fear that it may escape the cage and cause harm to those nearby. It was given to the rangers so that they can release it into the wild, Dung stated. After anesthetizing the python, forest protection officers transported the animal to a wildlife rescue station for further care. The animal is classified as a Burmese python (Python bivittatus), belonging to group IIB in the list of rare and endangered forest animals. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

A resident in Ho Chi Minh City handed over a 38-kilogram python to forest protection officers on Saturday morning.

The municipal Forest Protection Department confirmed on Saturday that it had received a female python from Trinh Kien Dung, a resident of Binh Tan District.

Dung stated that he bought the 10-kilogram python in 2018 to raise it at home.

Nevertheless, Dung was unfamiliar with breeding techniques, therefore the female python was incapable of giving birth.

After five years, the python now weighs 38 kilograms and measures 4.2 meters long.

The owner said he is concerned that the python may break out of its cage and cause harm to other people.

I know nothing about breeding a python.

Now that it is too large, I fear that it may escape the cage and cause harm to those nearby.

It was given to the rangers so that they can release it into the wild, Dung stated.

After anesthetizing the python, forest protection officers transported the animal to a wildlife rescue station for further care.

The animal is classified as a Burmese python (Python bivittatus), belonging to group IIB in the list of rare and endangered forest animals.

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A truck smashed three cars while going down Mimosa mountain pass at the entrance to Da Lat City in Vietnams Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on Friday afternoon, slightly injuring people involved. The truck first crashed into a taxi traveling in the same direction from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City. The impact of the collision sent the taxi to the right side of the road. The truck went on to collide with a five-seater car and dragged it for more than 50 meters towards the opposite lane, before hitting a pickup truck. The large vehicle knocked the pickup truck to the side of the road and pressed the ute into the guard rail before overturning. The taxi and the five-seater car were almost entirely crushed after the serial collision. The pickup truck was also badly damaged. Fortunately, those involved in the accident only suffered minor injuries and were given first aid. A five-seater car is smashed after being hit by a truck on Mimosa mountain pass in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, March 3, 2023. Photo: M.V. / Tuoi Tre Traffic police officers determined that the truck lost its brakes while going downhill, leading to the accident. In addition, the excessive rate of asphalt in the structure of the road caused the roadway to become slippery as the asphalt melted in sunny weather. The bend of the road section where the accident occurred also reduced traction. The Lam Dong public security department had repeatedly proposed repairing the road section in question but have yet to received any responses. Mimosa mountain pass, which is parallel to Prenn mountain pass, has been the main route connecting Da Lat with southern Vietnamese localities for all vehicles after the latter was closed for upgrading starting February 6. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

A truck smashed three cars while going down Mimosa mountain pass at the entrance to Da Lat City in Vietnams Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on Friday afternoon, slightly injuring people involved.

The truck first crashed into a taxi traveling in the same direction from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City.

The impact of the collision sent the taxi to the right side of the road.

The truck went on to collide with a five-seater car and dragged it for more than 50 meters towards the opposite lane, before hitting a pickup truck.

The large vehicle knocked the pickup truck to the side of the road and pressed the ute into the guard rail before overturning.

The taxi and the five-seater car were almost entirely crushed after the serial collision.

The pickup truck was also badly damaged.

Fortunately, those involved in the accident only suffered minor injuries and were given first aid.

A five-seater car is smashed after being hit by a truck on Mimosa mountain pass in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, March 3, 2023. Photo: M.V. / Tuoi Tre

Traffic police officers determined that the truck lost its brakes while going downhill, leading to the accident.

In addition, the excessive rate of asphalt in the structure of the road caused the roadway to become slippery as the asphalt melted in sunny weather.

The bend of the road section where the accident occurred also reduced traction.

The Lam Dong public security department had repeatedly proposed repairing the road section in question but have yet to received any responses.

Mimosa mountain pass, which is parallel to Prenn mountain pass, has been the main route connecting Da Lat with southern Vietnamese localities for all vehicles after the latter was closed for upgrading starting February 6.

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A man in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam has reported to police an incident in which his wife required hospital treatment after being severely beaten by her foreign manager last month. The victim is Nguyen Thi Anh Th., a 32-year-old working as a purchasing employee at OT Motor Vina Co. Ltd at the Nhon Trach 6 Industrial Park in Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai. According to the report made by Th.s 32-year-old husband Nguyen Tan Dung, the Vietnamese woman and Seon Chang H., her South Korean manager, got into a conflict during a discussion at 8:15 am at the company on February 28. Seon then knocked Th. down with a punch in the face. Next, Seon continued to kick Th., grabbed her by the hair and dragged her about one meter before other staff members separated the two. The incident took place in front of almost all office staff and was recorded by surveillance cameras. Th., who just finished her maternity leave and is raising a seven-month-old baby, was badly injured and taken to Long Thanh Regional General Hospital for emergency treatment after the assault. In his report to the police, Dung called on officers to handle Seon in accordance with the law, as well as asked the South Korean man to compensate for treatment costs, wages for Th.s days off from work, and not to repeat the violent behaviors. After receiving the report, the police station at the Nhon Trach Industrial Park summoned Seon and assessed Th.s injuries. The South Korean man admitted to hitting Th. due to a conflict while working together. The entire case file has been transferred to competent investigation agencies. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

A man in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam has reported to police an incident in which his wife required hospital treatment after being severely beaten by her foreign manager last month.

The victim is Nguyen Thi Anh Th., a 32-year-old working as a purchasing employee at OT Motor Vina Co. Ltd at the Nhon Trach 6 Industrial Park in Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai.

According to the report made by Th.s 32-year-old husband Nguyen Tan Dung, the Vietnamese woman and Seon Chang H., her South Korean manager, got into a conflict during a discussion at 8:15 am at the company on February 28.

Seon then knocked Th. down with a punch in the face.

Next, Seon continued to kick Th., grabbed her by the hair and dragged her about one meter before other staff members separated the two.

The incident took place in front of almost all office staff and was recorded by surveillance cameras.

Th., who just finished her maternity leave and is raising a seven-month-old baby, was badly injured and taken to Long Thanh Regional General Hospital for emergency treatment after the assault.

In his report to the police, Dung called on officers to handle Seon in accordance with the law, as well as asked the South Korean man to compensate for treatment costs, wages for Th.s days off from work, and not to repeat the violent behaviors.

After receiving the report, the police station at the Nhon Trach Industrial Park summoned Seon and assessed Th.s injuries.

The South Korean man admitted to hitting Th. due to a conflict while working together.

The entire case file has been transferred to competent investigation agencies.

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Nguyen Thanh Ha, from Vietnam, was crowned Miss Eco International 2023 at the pageants finale in Egypt on Saturday, becoming the first Vietnamese contestant to win the title. The 19-year-old beauty, from Ben Tre City, Vietnams Mekong Delta region, was honored after surpassing 64 other candidates from different countries and territories around the world. The beauty queen was followed by four runners-up, namely Ifunanya Basilia Ikochukwu from Nigeria, Yashna Beeharry from Mauritius, Ratana Sokhavatey from Cambodia, and Genesis Guerrero from Ecuador. With a height of 1.7 meters and body measurements of 85-56-90 centimeters, the Vietnam contestant is a college student who used to be the winner of Miss Vinschool, her highschool in Ho Chi Minh City. This supplied image shows Nguyen Thanh Ha, the newly-crowned beauty in her environmental costume at Miss Eco International 2023 in Egypt. Previously, during the event's semi-final night, Ha won the environmental costume category with a design inspired by Vietnamese traditional water puppetry, earning her a special spot in the top 11. In the final night, Ha not only showed her confidence and outstanding beauty in the national costume and evening gown performances, but also presented good communication skills through the eloquence and behavior categories. During the interview round, Ha delivered a persuasive answer to the judges' question about the changes of the society and the environment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nguyen Thanh Ha is seen in her traditional ao dai in this photo supplied by the organizing board. The beauty queen noted that people's mental health problems must be addressed, as well as harmful habits that cause damage to the environment, and she also urged everyone to work together to protect the environment. According to Nguyen Thanh Ha, she sobbed a lot before the finals because of anxiety, but she still believed she had bravely overcome her limitations. This prestigious title inspires me to work harder every day. This will also leave an unforgettable mark on my life, offer me several opportunities to connect with overseas friends and, most importantly, provide me with the motivation to further expand my career and try my best to the protect the environmental, Ha said after winning the title. This supplied image shows Nguyen Thanh Ha, the newly-crowned beauty at Miss Eco International 2023 in Egypt. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!

Nguyen Thanh Ha, from Vietnam, was crowned Miss Eco International 2023 at the pageants finale in Egypt on Saturday, becoming the first Vietnamese contestant to win the title.

The 19-year-old beauty, from Ben Tre City, Vietnams Mekong Delta region, was honored after surpassing 64 other candidates from different countries and territories around the world.

The beauty queen was followed by four runners-up, namely Ifunanya Basilia Ikochukwu from Nigeria, Yashna Beeharry from Mauritius, Ratana Sokhavatey from Cambodia, and Genesis Guerrero from Ecuador.

With a height of 1.7 meters and body measurements of 85-56-90 centimeters, the Vietnam contestant is a college student who used to be the winner of Miss Vinschool, her highschool in Ho Chi Minh City.

This supplied image shows Nguyen Thanh Ha, the newly-crowned beauty in her environmental costume at Miss Eco International 2023 in Egypt.

Previously, during the event's semi-final night, Ha won the environmental costume category with a design inspired by Vietnamese traditional water puppetry, earning her a special spot in the top 11.

In the final night, Ha not only showed her confidence and outstanding beauty in the national costume and evening gown performances, but also presented good communication skills through the eloquence and behavior categories.

During the interview round, Ha delivered a persuasive answer to the judges' question about the changes of the society and the environment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nguyen Thanh Ha is seen in her traditional ao dai in this photo supplied by the organizing board.

The beauty queen noted that people's mental health problems must be addressed, as well as harmful habits that cause damage to the environment, and she also urged everyone to work together to protect the environment.

According to Nguyen Thanh Ha, she sobbed a lot before the finals because of anxiety, but she still believed she had bravely overcome her limitations.

This prestigious title inspires me to work harder every day.

This will also leave an unforgettable mark on my life, offer me several opportunities to connect with overseas friends and, most importantly, provide me with the motivation to further expand my career and try my best to the protect the environmental, Ha said after winning the title.

This supplied image shows Nguyen Thanh Ha, the newly-crowned beauty at Miss Eco International 2023 in Egypt.

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Wednesday, 8 March is International Womens Day, and here are several titles programmed in recognition.

SBS VICELAND

Women And The Power Of Activism

9.30pm on SBS VICELAND

This Australian documentary shines a positive new light on a group of young female activists who are risking it all to change the future thinking of governments and major companies. These inspirational scientists and conservationists challenge the thinking of out-dated practices that are contributing to climate change. In an emotional and revealing journey, these women have sacrificed everything to take action. Giving their work a new dimension, one of Australias top actuaries investigates their actions to calculate the financial value of each of their projects and the results are astonishing. From sacred ground above Byron Bay to Antarctica, Indonesia and to Pakistan, the women apply their energies to indigenous practices, shark conservation, intensive (factory) farming and antibiotic resistance, the fight against pollution, and the subsequent impact on environmental and human health. Women And The Power Of Activism moves beyond a critique of the worlds inaction on climate change, it celebrates the example set by this group of gutsy future-proofers Alice Forrest (Marine Scientist, Researcher & Conservation Educator); Ashley Avci (Animal & Environmental Law Advocate); Doha Khan (School Strike 4 Climate Adelaide Founder); Ella Noah Bancroft (Connecting Community Back to Country); Jordyn de Boer (Environmental Scientist and Conservationist) and Madison Stewart (Shark Conservationist) and actually puts a dollar value on the work they are doing.

SBS World Movies

The Hours (2002)

Wednesday, 8 March at 8.30pm **Channel Premiere**

The Hours chronicles a day in the life of three women, all of whom share the feeling that they have been living their lives for someone else. Although they are separated by a span of nearly 80 years, they find themselves weathering similar crises, all linked by a single work of literature. Stars Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.

Miss Marx (2020)

Wednesday, 8 March at 10.35pm **Channel Premiere**

Bright, intelligent, passionate, and free, Eleanor is Karl Marxs youngest daughter. Among the first women to link the themes of feminism and socialism, she takes part in the workers battles and fights for womens rights and the abolition of child labour. In 1883 she meets Edward Aveling, and her life is crushed by their passionate but tragic love story. Stars Romola Garai and Maria Vera Ratti.

iWonder

Documentary streaming platform iWonder also showcases several docos this month for International Womens Day:

Help is on the Way

Help Is On The Way brings to the screen a busy training centre in Indonesia preparing women to take up employment overseas as domestic workers. Every year, hundreds of women like Sukma, Meri, Muji and Tari are recruited by local agents who are remunerated after successfully seeing their recruits enrolled and placed abroad. They are among the many women from rural areas aspiring to work in countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. At times highly emotional, Help Is On The Way is also funny, enlightening, and a little competitive, offering a unique insight into a lifestyle not often seen on screen.

Homebound

Tari longs to return home to Indonesia after more than 10 years working abroad in Taiwan. When COVID-19 struck, her plans unravelled revealing a lack of rights for vulnerable migrant workers. In Homebound, Tari narrates her own journey and reveals personal stories related to her decision to work in Taiwan, her strained family relationships, the risks involved in working abroad, and the traps she has fallen into. She shares intimate details of how her relationship with her son has suffered, revealing the guilt she felt for leaving him behind. Homebound is an intimate, animated portrayal of one migrant workers experience abroad, exposing those complicit in a system that takes advantage of thousands of women each year.

The Helper

The Helper chronicles diverse stories from Hong Kongs domestic worker community, uncovering the inspiring combination of grit, pride and determination that drives them. In a city renowned for wealth and luxury, the film brings to light the sacrifices they make to support families  both in Hong Kong and at home. Often seen as the second mother in many homes, the stories show the immense contribution they make to Hong Kong society; a domestic backbone provided to so many. Yet these contributions regularly feel under-recognised, and the constraints suffered by many leave them feeling exposed, and sometimes even homeless. False accusations, relationships and financial hardship often means they struggle for a fair hearing. But the overriding message is a positive one. This film gives a human face to an often-critiqued community, countering negativity with uplifting stories of personal achievement.
China's economy remains resilient with potential, vigor: spokesperson

Xinhua) 10:40, March 04, 2023

Guo Weimin (2nd R, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China's national political advisors believe that the country's economy remains resilient and is full of potential and vigor, a spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said Friday.

China has solid strength in market size, industrial system and human resources despite a complex and severe environment for development, Guo Weimin said when answering questions at a press conference.

While cautioning of headwinds including continuous turmoil in the international political and economic landscape, spillover from policy adjustments in other major economies and a domestic economic recovery yet to be consolidated, Guo urged firm confidence in doing a good job in the economic work in 2023.

"We should make it a top priority to stabilize growth and seek to effectively upgrade and appropriately expand the economy," he said.

China's economy expanded 3 percent last year, overcoming the impact of factors beyond expectations such as a complicated global environment, COVID-19 and natural disasters.

It was a hard-won achievement for the country to maintain overall economic stability and withstand pressure to elevate the economy to a new stage, the spokesperson said.

"The national political advisors have suggested taking concrete reform moves to improve expectations and boost confidence," he told reporters.

Citing advice from the CPPCC National Committee members, Guo said the country should continue to implement a strategy to expand domestic demand to accelerate recovery and spur consumption.

Efforts should be made to promote stable and healthy development of the property sector and advance the industry's transformation to a new development model, he noted.

He also suggested stronger policy guidance to facilitate digital transformation of traditional industries and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as deepened reforms to allow financial institutions to better serve small and micro-sized businesses and innovation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Kazakhstan will supply 100,000 tonnes of oil via Russia's Druzhba pipeline to Germany in March for the PCK Schwedt refinery after it agreed commercial and legal terms with all parties involved, two sources familiar with the talks said.

Kazakhstan's Kazmunaigaz (KMG) oil company will supply the volume via the pipeline system of Russia's Transneft to the refinery, the sources said.

The volume will mostly be from KMG's share in the Karahaganak Petroleum Operating (KPO), the sources said.

The oil will be supplied to Rosneft Deutschland, which Germany had put under a trusteeship of the German industry regulator, the sources said. Rosneft still holds 54.17% of the refinery.

Germany plans to change its Energy Security Act to allow a quick sale of Rosneft's stake in the Schwedt refinery without the need for prior nationalisation, according to a draft law.

Germany stopped Russian oil imports via Druzhba from January and has been working hard to try to secure supply for Schwedt from alternative routes.

"The federal government has continuously supported the procurement of crude oil quantities ... by the shareholders of PCK and will continue to do so," a spokesman for the refinery told Reuters in a written answer.

"This also applies to the ongoing negotiations between the oil companies concerned and the Kazakh side about additional oil volumes from Kazakhstan, for example those of the Rosneft Deutschland," the spokesman said.

German refineries in Schwedt and Leuna near Leipzig are supplied with non-Russian oil via Poland's Gdansk and Germany's Rostock. These seaborne supplies are not enough to provide full runs at both German oil plants linked to the Druzhba pipeline.

"According to PCK management, the refinery's capacity utilization averaged around 60 percent in January," the refinery's representative said.

Kazakhstan initially planned to start oil exports to Germany in January 2023, but negotiations were delayed as legal and commercial questions needed to be worked out, the sources said.

Story continues

Rosneft, Kazmunaigaz, Transneft, KPO and Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry didn't answer Reuters requests for comment. Russia's Energy Ministry declined to comment.

Eni, which owns 8.33% in PCK Schwedt, didn't immediately answer a Reuters request for comment. Shell, which still holds the stake in the plant, declined to comment.

(Reporting by Reuters, additional reporting by Francesca Landini in Milan and Markus Wacket in Berlin; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
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The Banshees of Inisherin has already won Golden Globe awards for best picture and best actor, and the dark comedy is among the second most-nominated films at this years Oscars.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, the critically acclaimed film is set in the early 1920s in Ireland and stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two lifelong friends whose abrupt breakup sparks violence, suffering and self-reflection. Farrell won his second Golden Globe for his role as Padraic, whose pal Colm (Gleeson) suddenly decides he no longer wants to socialize with him.

Related: Where to Watch the 2023 Oscar Nominees Online

The film is nominated for nine Academy Awards (tying with Netflixs All Quiet on the Western Front), including best picture, best director, best actor (Farrell), best supporting actor (Gleeson and Barry Keoghan), best supporting actress (Kerry Condon), best original score (Carter Burwell) and best original screenplay.

The Banshees of Inisherin marks a reunion for Farrell, Gleeson and McDonagh, who worked together on the award-winning film In Bruges. In The Hollywood Reporters Actors Roundtable earlier this year, Farrell called Gleeson a soulmate.

Brendan I adore  It doesnt make sense  were so different in age and look, we live very different lives, we move through the world in very different ways, and yet, I swear to God, Ive known him longer than the 46 years of my life, said Farrell, who was recently a guest on THRs Awards Chatter podcast.

Below, read on to find out where to stream The Banshees of Inisherin online ahead of the 2023 Oscars.

Where to Watch The Banshees of Inisherin Online

The Banshees of Inisherin is available to stream online at HBO Max, or to buy or rent on sale for $1 to $10 on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play or Vudu. (Those who prefer to own a physical copy can buy the film on DVD or Blu-ray on sale for $14 to $18.) If youre located outside of the U.S., you can watch the film on at Disney+.

Story continues

HBO Max is $10 per month for the ad-supported plan or $16 per month for the ad-free tier. Annual plans are $100 to $150, or a 16 to 20 percent discount off monthly billing. Both packages include access to films such as Elvis (which is also nominated for best picture), The Menu, Black Adam, Amsterdam and more, as well as award-winning series and original shows including The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, Euphoria, The White Lotus and others. However, only the ad-free plan lets subscribers stream in 4K UHD and download content to watch later.

You can watch The Banshees of Inisherin for free with a seven-day free trial to HBO Max, which is also available as an add-on on Hulu or Amazons Prime Video (both offer the channel for one week free for new subscribers).

HBO Max Subscription

Price: $10 and up monthly

Buy Now

Disney+ is offering a promotional rate of $7 monthly for the first three months of the Basic ad-free package for new or returning subscribers; after that, the plan is $8 per month. Other subscription options include the ad-free Premium plan for $11 monthly, ad-supported bundles with Hulu and ESPN+ for $10 to $13 per month, or the ad-free Trio Premium package for $20 per month. If youre located outside of the U.S., you can use a virtual private network (VPN) service such as ExpressVPN to access your live TV streaming account and securely watch internationally.

Disney+ Subscription $8 and up monthly

Buy now

After your first week, Hulus base plan starts at $8 per month and the HBO Max add-on is an extra $15 monthly. Prime Video access is included with a membership to Amazon Prime ($15 monthly or $139 annually), which offers a 30-day free trial for new members. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service for $9 monthly.

Disney+ doesnt currently offer a trial period, but new or current eligible Verizon customers can get the streamer for free with select Unlimited plans; learn more at Verizon here. AT&T subscribers may also get access to HBO Max for free with select wireless, Internet and TV plans, including AT&T Unlimited Elite, AT&T Fiber and DirecTV Stream Choice; learn more here.

Click here to read the full article.
Venice has been making the headlines due to the exceptionally low water levels in the citys canals.

Climate change has been cited as the culprit for the dry waterways, but the reality is more complex. I am one of many Venetian residents growing frustrated by the misinformation. So Im here to set the record straight.

Low water levels are an annual phenomenon here, and theyre only indirectly related to the drought hitting many areas of Europe.

If youve booked to visit Venice during this period, you might be worried about how the dry canals will affect your holiday.

As someone who has experienced this phenomenon many times, heres how to prepare for your trip and the easy ways to navigate the low water.

What is causing Venices dry canals?

During January and February, there is usually a period of a few days when the water levels of Venices canals drop.

The occurrence is known as bassa marea or acqua bassa, meaning low tide or low water.

Its the opposite of acqua alta, a term referring to high tides that have caused severe damage to the city in the past.

Acqua bassa refers to when water levels are more than 50cm lower than average due to an abnormally low lunar tide coinciding with a period of high air pressure.

When this happens, some secondary canals are drained of water revealing the muddy bed.

Italy is currently experiencing a prolonged period of high pressure which is protracting the low tide phenomenon.

The high pressure is also responsible for the droughts affecting other regions in the country.

How will the low water levels affect my holiday in Venice?

Low tide rarely hinders daily life in Venice, whether thats catching the waterbus to work or getting supplies by delivery boat.

This is partly because the low water depends on the tides, which change about every 6 and a half hours. This means that some canals are only very dry about twice a day; at peak tide times they usually look completely normal.

Story continues

But if your holiday coincides with the phenomenon, theres a few things you can plan for just in case.

Low water levels are an annual phenomenon in Venice, and theyre only indirectly related to the drought hitting many areas of Europe. - Sebastian Faragazzi

Are water buses and taxis affected by the low water levels?

Water buses, known as vaporetti, and taxis are generally unaffected during low tides. Occasionally a water bus may be redirected down the Grand Canal, which is never too low to navigate, but the service still runs as normal.

As for water taxis, at worst, it might have to pick you up or drop you off in a location that is going to be 30 seconds away from where you are or want to go, says Sebastian Fagarazzi, co-founder of travel advice website Venezia Autentica.

Can I arrive at my hotel by boat when theres a low tide?

If you are planning on arriving at the canal entrance to your hotel by water taxi or private boat, most of the time you shouldnt have a problem.

But if you happen to have booked a property on a very shallow canal and your arrival coincides with the couple of hours of low tide, your taxi will simply take an alternative route and you may have to walk a minute or so to the street-side entrance.

Can I take a gondola ride when the canals are dry?

When tides are very low, gondolas at one specific gondola station in the district of San Polo might not be able to work for about two hours, explains Faragazzi.

When that happens, you can either find a different gondola at one of the many other locations in Venice or come back two hours later.

In short, it is very easy to take a gondola ride or another boat tour even during low tide.

How can I track when there will be low tides?

In Venice, many locals use the app Hi!tide Venice, which shows tide forecasts, says Faragazzi.

As the name shows, however, what locals care about are high tides, because low tides really play a marginal role in Venice.

What are the advantages of visiting Venice during low tide season?

In addition to having little adverse effect on your holiday, low tides can be interesting to witness.

A marvellous thing about low tides is that it allows you to see decorations on the side of palaces and shores that are otherwise hidden as the average tide has risen throughout the centuries, says Faragazzi.

It also shows the more sobering impact of the waves caused by passing motorboats which damage the centuries-old palaces.
As a federal enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ provides advisory services to the Vietnamese Government in three priority areas: (1) Vocational training, (2) Environmental policy and sustainable use of natural resources, and (3) Energy. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam.

The project Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Vietnam (BEM) implemented by GIZ is looking for a group of local consultants to conduct a EVALUATION OF FEED-IN-TARIFF FOR BIOMASS POWER PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT IN VIETNAM.

On behalf of Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Vietnam (BEM), the GIZ Office Hanoi is conducting a public tender to seek qualified National Consulting Firm(s) (here after called as NC) for the assignment as follows:

Tentative duration: from 22nd May 2023 until 15th September 2023Place of assignment:Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Kontum/Pleiku NCs number of working days: up to 150 mandaysRequirements:

- The selected LCF are expected to have extensive expertise, at least 10 years of experience in the power sector, and cooperating with international institutions on assignments in the field of RE supporting mechanism or relevant subjects.

- Ability to provide a team of 03 local experts. The below specified qualifications represent the requirements to reach the maximum points:

o 01 senior national renewable energy expert (Team leader) will be responsible for overall coordination, consolidated reporting, and quality assurance of deliverables. The Team leader is expected to have 20 years experiences (but no less than 11 years) in economic or technology relevant to the area of the study; Intensive knowledge and experiences in biomass sector, experiences in working with government, local authorities, and institutions, private sector in Vietnam. Education: At least a Masters degree in economics or technology relevant to the area of the study.

o 01 Technical expert who has 15 years but not below 11 years of experience in the field of energy economics or energy sector in Vietnam, intensive knowledge and experiences in renewable energy sector in Vietnam with focus on biomass projects, experiences in working with government, local authorities and institutions and RE private sector in Vietnam. Education: At least a Masters degree in in economic/ environment relevant to the area of the study.

o 01 Policy expert who has 15 years but not below 11 years of professional experience in energy or environment, 5 years of legal documents developments for energy sector, familiar with decision making legal procedure and system in the ministries and Government Office of Vietnam, experience in developing and drafting comprehensive reports. Education: At least a Masters degree in engineering or economics or environment.

e. Rejection criteria: LCF or leading firm of consortium will be rejected if having less than 10 years working experience in the field in the power sector, with focus on biomass power projects, and cooperating with international institutions on assignments in the field of support mechanism for RE development or relevant subjects; and cannot provide Valid Legal Status (having copy of business registration/ decision establishment + VAT code, incl. related business area about sustainable development or similar area); Missing either audited financial report or annual tax report of the last 3 years (for Firm)

Interested NCs are requested to send the eligibility dossier in Vietnamese and English or English only including

1. Letter of interest (with Directors or authorised persons signature and company stamp)

2. NC profile (incl. Business license (for firm) or Decision of establishment (for association), Tax code registration, organisational chart, summary of experience in policy sector)

3. Audited financial reports of the last 03 years. Important/key information in the audited financial reports or in annual tax reports must be translated into English if documents are in Vietnamese

4. Consortium agreement and nomination of consortium leading firm (if at least 02 entities joint the assignment)

For your better preparation, receipt of Eligibility Assessment Sheet, Code of Conduct, Guidance on filetransfer and Declaration of agreement of bidder/contractor on consequences in case of submitting falsified information/documents, please send email request to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 17.03.2023.

NCs send Eligibility dossiers to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de latest by 17:00 (Hanoi time) on 29.03.2023 with email subject: Tender 83433374-BEM/GIZ: Eligibility dossier

GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all bidding documents submitted.

Important notes:

1. Request of eligibility assessment to be sent to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 17.03.2023

2. Eligibility assessment related questions to be sent to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 24.03.2023

3. Eligibility dossier to be sent to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de before 5 PM on 29.03.2023. Sending documents to wrong email address will lead to disqualification of the bidder.

4. For data protection and information security reason: In case the total volume of your bids is below 10 MB, you can attach them directly in the email sent to us. In case the total volume of your bids is above 10 MB, the files must be sent via GIZ filetransfer system. We will provide the guidance on how to use filetransfer to interested bidders. Files sent via other applications/systems such as google drive, dropboxwill not be accepted.

5. Only selected bidders will be contacted for receipt of tender dossier.
HA NOI  Commercial banks will hold annual general meetings of shareholders (AGM) next quarter to map out production and business plans for 2023.

Documents prepared for the upcoming AGMs show some banks are cautious about profit targets set for this year.

Nam A Bank set a target of consolidated pre-tax profit of VN2.4 trillion this year, an increase of only 5-6 per cent compared to last year. In 2022, the bank recorded a pre-tax profit of nearly VN2.27 trillion, up 26.1 per cent over the previous year, close to the banks set target of VN2.25 trillion.

Nam A Bank said the expected profit in 2023 is calculated on the basis of the banks credit growth target and in accordance with the regulations of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to ensure safety ratios in line with current legal regulations and stable macro-economic conditions.

Documents for the 2023 AGM of VIB also showed the bank is quite cautious when setting profit targets this year.

Specifically, VIB expects pre-tax profit in 2023 to reach VN12.2 trillion, up 15.3 per cent compared to 2022. Although 2023s profit is expected to still increase by double-digit figure, the growth rate decreases by half compared to last year's profit plan. Last year, VIB set a target to increase profit by 31 per cent compared to 2021.

However, VIB still targets a number of other key business indicators to grow more positively this year. For example, VIB targets total assets and total outstanding loans to increase by 25 per cent.

Earlier, Vietcombanks leaders said the bank aims to increase its 2023 pre-tax profit by at least 12 per cent compared to 2022. In 2022, Vietcombank recorded a 39 per cent increase in pre-tax profit, up 19 per cent against the yearly set target.

Eximbank late last year announced its business plan for 2023 with a pre-tax profit target of VN5 trillion, up 35 per cent compared to last years figure of VN3.7 trillion.

An SBV Q1 2023 business performance survey also showed commercial banks were more cautious when forecasting.

According to the survey, only more than half of banks expect their business performance to improve in 2023, but the improvement is lower compared to 2022.

Experts also forecast the banking industry will continue to face difficulties in 2023 in the context of the real estate market downtrend and the less positive import and export outlook.

Under a recent report, Viet Dragon Securities Company (VDSC)s analysts said the interest income growth of the banking industry in 2023 will slow due to the impact of a decreasing net interest margin (NIM).

The NIM decline will differ among banks in 2023, which will cause the growth of interest income of the entire banking industry to stay at less than 11 per cent.  VNS
HA NOI  The State Securities Commission (SSC) has warned investors about fraudsters impersonating large fund management companies.

According to the SSC, many scammers have used fund management companies' names, logos and information, such as Dragon Capital Vietnam Fund Management Joint Stock Company and VinaCapital Fund Management Joint Stock Company, to set up websites and social media accounts to access investors' assets.

SSC advises investors to check and compare information before trading or investing according to information on websites or accounts on social networks. Investors can also learn about investment services and products of fund management companies licensed by the SSC at the companies websites.

The funds have also run warnings about these fraudulent acts on the websites.

Dragon Capital manages many famous funds, investing heavily in Vietnamese banking, retail and real estate stocks.

The total scale of assets that Dragon Capital Group manages currently reaches about US$4 billion, with services and products aimed at domestic and foreign institutional and individual investors.

Some notable member funds of Dragon Capital are VEIL, CTBC Vietnam Equity Fund, and DCVFM VNDiamond ETF.

Vietnam Enterprise Investment Limited (VEIL) is a closed-end fund established in 1995. This is the oldest and largest fund operating in Viet Nam. VEIL's net asset value (NAV) exceeds $1.6-1.7 billion. Fund certificates of VEIL are traded on the London Stock Exchange.

VinaCapital Fund Management Company (VCFM) is one of the largest investment management companies in Viet Nam and has great influence in investment and asset management in Asia.

As of early 2023, the company manages assets worth $3.6 billion and has 20 years of investment experience in Viet Nam.

VinaCapital's executive team consists of managing directors with extensive experience in international finance and international investment, with names such as Chairman of the Board of Directors Jonathan Choi; Vice President Terence F. Mahony, Co-Founder and CEO Don Lam.  VNS
HA NOI  As Viet Nam is about to join the group of upper-middle-income countries and pursuing the goal of becoming a developed and high-income country by 2045, the continuous renovation of economic institutions becomes more urgent than ever, said experts at a political dialogue workshop in Ha Noi.

Economists said only 13 out of 101 middle-income countries in the 60s managed to break through the middle-income trap by the end of 2008, demonstrating the challenging nature of sustainable economic growth.

Pham Hong Chuong, head of the National Economics University (NEU), said the implementation of a market economy had played a vital part in transforming the country, from a poor country with an average income per capita of US$200 in the early 90s, into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

He said, however, there were still many shortcomings and limitations, made evident with numerous interventions by the Government in the running of the economy, including regulations to control the prices of fuel, electricity, air tickets and medicine.

In many instances, overbearing control from the Government can and did result in market dysfunctions such as last year's nationwide fuel shortage.

Government control at least has played a significant role in major State enterprises such as Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Vietnam Airlines suffering continuous financial losses; and in such case as public hospitals which are constantly overwhelmed, underfunded and underequipped.

Chuong also pointed to a number of shortcomings in the operation of the Vietnamese market economy currently, including problems in intellectual property protection and the overlapping of legal documents.

Participation by individuals in modern financial markets, including forex, gold, and derivatives, has been limited. The process to equitise State-owned enterprises has been sluggish due to either lacking legal frameworks or overly complicated regulations, hindering the business community.

"A prime example is the property market with currently hundreds of projects with legal complications that have not been addressed for years," Chuong said.

Economists have long called for another major reformation of the country's economic institution, which can provide the economy with a much-needed boost to reach its high-income status target in 2045.

"We have seen what it can deliver success in the last 30 years. Now we must stay on this path to modernise the economy and further integrate into the global economy," Chuong said.

He said the key to long-term economic prosperity often lay in institutional economic reform.

He said the Government had seen some success in the last decade in stabilising the macro economy, improving the investment-business environment and international trade. The next step is identifying and addressing major bottlenecks to help maintain and promote confidence among foreign and domestic investors, an essential task against global economic uncertainties.

Fred McMahon from the Fraser Institute, a Canadian economic think tank, said Viet Nam is in a prime position to play catch-up with developed economies since the cost to implement reform is much lower for the Southeast Asian country.

Economic freedom, said McMahon, is what separates countries that can break out of the middle-income trap and those that fail.

inh Tuan Minh, director of the Market-based Solutions Centre for Social and Economic Issues (MASSEI), held that Viet Nam is becoming closer to the group of upper-middle-income countries in terms of component indexes such as government scale, legal system and ownership, and credit, labour and business management. However, the country has a long way to go in other indexes such as good currency and international trade.

Tuan gave a number of suggestions in economic institution reform based on the global economic facilitation criteria.

He said that it is necessary to review non-tariff barriers towards clearance, transparency and stability, while staying persistent in administrative reform in customs, and continuing to review regulations on capital control in compulsory procedures.

According to a World Bank report, the Southeast Asian economy reported an income per capita of US$3,590 in 2021 as a lower-middle income country. The Government has set a target to become an upper-middle-income with GNI per capita between $4,046 and $12,535 by the end of 2030.  VNS
TOKYO  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha has presented several important initiatives of Viet Nam during the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday.

Hailing the Japanese Government's initiative to organise the meeting right after the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), Deputy PM Ha said that this was an important and suitable forum to promote intergovernmental cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to sustainable development in the region.

The path to achieving the targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement would be very tough, and would require intelligence, cooperation and high solidarity, he stated, stressing the need to strengthen cooperation between government and government, between governments and enterprises, and use public investment to lead private finance in the context of private finance being an important resource for emission reduction efforts.

The Vietnamese representative proposed countries put forward a very methodical and realistic emissions reduction roadmap, but not at all costs, as socio-economic issues should be taken into account.

On this occasion, Ha also emphasised Viet Nams commitments to and efforts in responding to climate change and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, including measures to increase the proportion of renewable energies, especially in its Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with G7 countries and partners.

He proposed participating countries establish specific institutions such as a carbon credit market of the region, and a research and technology transfer centre, because technology is a key to reducing emissions while ensuring energy security and ensuring the state, people and businesses have access to clean energy at affordable prices.

He also suggested setting up a scientific research support fund and a high-quality human resource training centre, while stressing the need to rely on digital transformation to enhance exchanges and dialogues on policies and techniques to increase the efficiency of the implementation of emissions reduction measures and ensure the implementation of socio-economic targets.

At the meeting, delegates approved a joint statement about the Asia Zero Emission Community which sets forth cooperation orientations in the coming time to achieve inclusive, just, sustainable and affordable energy transition in Asia.

Within the framework of the AZEC Conference, Deputy PM Ha attended a working lunch with the heads of the delegations attending the conference.

He also directly discussed measures to promote cooperation in energy transition with the Japanese Minister of Environment Hiroshi Ono and Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister. VNS
MADRID  Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang and First Deputy PM of Spain Nadia Calvino had talks in Madrid on March 3, affirming the determination to develop the two countries strategic partnership towards the future on par with potential.

At the meeting, part of the Vietnamese Deputy PMs official visit to the European country, the two sides applauded the recent strides in their countries relations.

They agreed to increase mutual visits at all levels, effectively carry out bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and fruitfully implement the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to raise bilateral trade to US$5 billion.

Deputy PM Quang said Viet Nam always attached importance to the strategic partnership towards the future with Spain. His counterpart also noted that Spain respected Viet Nams stature and role in the Asia-Pacific region.

Quang asked Spain to create optimum conditions for Viet Nams agricultural and fishery products to access its market and the EU; encourage Spanish businesses to boost high-quality investment in such fields as infrastructure, renewable energy, transport, and information technology in Viet Nam; and support the European Commissions removal of the IUU fishing warning for Viet Nams fishery export.

He also called on the Spanish Government to continue providing favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community, which he described as an important bridge for the countries friendship.

At the talks, Calvino highlighted Spanish enterprises growing attention to the Vietnamese market and highly valued Viet Nams political stability and favourable investment and business climate.

She agreed to maintain development assistance for the Southeast Asian country.

She agreed to consider the opening of a direct air route between the two countries, noting that Viet Nam is a favourite tourism destination of many Spanish people.

Calvino added Viet Nam had been striving to develop sustainable fisheries. She pledged technical support for the country to improve its fisheries management system to prevent IUU fishing as requested by the EU.

Both sides also concurred in expanding cooperation in security - defence, education - training, science - technology, natural resources and environment, digital transformation, response to global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity; and in early signing of an agreement on cultural and sport cooperation to help promote mutual understanding and people-to-people exchange.

Besides, the two officials also discussed some regional and international issues of common concern.  VNS
Beverly Hills police announced Friday they have arrested a man they believe sexually abused a child at a local foster home, and they are asking anyone with information about other potential victims to contact them.

Police arrested Jesus Silva, 49, Wednesday on a second-degree felony charge of indecency with a child.

Child Protective Services notified Beverly Hills police Feb. 8 "there was a report of possible sexual abuse at a resident foster home" in Beverly Hills, according to a police press release.

Silva was arrested on suspicion of "fondling, in a sexual manner, a young female foster child under the age of 10 at the home," the press release says.

Beverly Hills police are working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Texas Department of Family & Protective Services to identify other potential victims. Police ask anyone with related information or who knows a potential witness or victim to call Beverly Hills Police Chief Kory Martin at 254-752-2585.

Silva remained in McLennan County Jail on Friday with bond listed at $500,000. Jail records also list an immigration detainer.
During the third day of prosecution testimony in the murder trial of former Waco day care operator Marian Fraser, multiple parents testified Friday about ailments their children experienced while in Frasers care that resolved shortly after her day care closed.

Fraser is on trial in Wacos 19th State District Court in the 2013 death of 4-month-old Clara Felton. An appeals court overturned her 2015 murder conviction in the case, and she was later granted a new trial. The state accuses her of giving Clara a fatal dose of diphenhydramine, or Benadryl, on March 4, 2013, while the child was at Frasers home-based Spoiled Rotten Day Care on Hilltop Drive. Fraser has said she did not give the girl Benadryl. Claras grandfather is McLennan County Judge Scott Felton.

Waco firefighter Corey Bright responded with the firetruck that arrived first at the day care when Clara was reported unresponsive. He said he focused on trying to revive Clara until the ambulance arrived.

Under questioning from McLennan County Assistant District Attorney Will Hix, Bright told the jury he saw several play pens in the home and knew it was a day care but he had tunnel vision for Clara as soon as he was pointed to her location. Bright said he regularly responds to homes with children, but he did not see or hear any other children at Frasers day care that day.

Under cross examination by defense attorney Letty Martinez, Bright said the driver of his firetruck turned off its siren, but he could hear the ambulances siren as it drove up.

A death investigator who worked with Claras medical examiner, Elsa Davis, told the jury she spoke to Claras parents, Perry and Loren Felton, about the use of diphenhydramine, which is available under the brand name Benadryl. They told Davis they did not give this medicine to Clara the day she died. The Feltons also denied giving Fraser permission to give Benadryl to Clara, Davis said.

The state also called to the witness stand multiple parents whose children Fraser also cared for, first among them pharmacist Sheridan Sibley.

Sibley said she had a phone conversation with Fraser after Claras death in which Fraser said she had a Zyrtec prescription for her dog and wondered if that antihistamine had fallen to the floor or somehow gotten into Claras system.

Under prosecution questioning, multiple parents told the jury their children developed mysterious ailments that cleared up after they left Frasers care. When defense attorneys objected, Hix told Judge David Hodges he planned to bring a medical expert to the stand who would show the medical relevance of these parents testimony. Hodges allowed the testimony.

One of Sibleys children developed a tremor in both hands while in Fraser care, and it began to improve soon after he left her care, Sibley told lead prosecutor Tara Avants.

One of Chelsa Ressetars children who experienced an RSV infection at 5 weeks but entered Frasers care in good health at 3 months began to vomit two or three times a night, several nights a week soon after the child began to attend Spoiled Rotten, Ressetar testified. Ressetar said the childs vomiting subsided completely during a two-week trip to Colorado and ended totally within weeks after the day care closed.

Ressetars child had been referred to a childrens hospital in Fort Worth to be tested for cystic fibrosis around the time Clara died, Ressetar said under Avants questioning. On cross, Ressetar said the cystic fibrosis testing was never completed and she did not recall actually traveling to Fort Worth, because the childs symptoms subsided within weeks of Spoiled Rottens closure, but not right away.

Prosecution testimony is expected to resume Monday.
WATERLOO  The Waterloo Career Centers culinary and hospitality programs are hosting the Best Soup in the Cedar Valley Competition from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

They are looking for local chefs to compete.

Chefs have the option to be reimbursed up to $50 for their ingredients if they provide a receipt.

Competing chefs will make a minimum of two gallons of soup on-site. As they cook, students will be able to view the chefs techniques and approaches, talk with participants and study their processes.

Once the cooking portion is completed, chefs can distribute information about employment opportunities and potential career paths to students. Businesses may also inquire about potential learning opportunities and employment for the summer.

Two industry professionals will judge the soup entries and ensure compliance with the rules and regulations. The winner of the competition will be announced at 10:30 a.m. and presented with a trophy.

All of the soup will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to staff and community members for an all-you-can-eat soup luncheon for $15 cash per person. This includes soup, crackers, a drink and cookies/bars.

If interested in participating or for further questions contact Tracey Hulme at (319) 404-8572 or Talia Nieman at (319) 215-9808.

Photos: Waterloo West Girls' State Basketball vs. Ankeny Centennial Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball Waterloo West vs Ankeny Centennial state basketball
WATERLOO  A quartet of Cedar Valley lawmakers expressed a mix of frustration and hope as they discussed health care issues at a community forum Friday night.

Thirteen legislators were invited by the League of Women Voters of Black Hawk-Bremer Counties, but only four  all Democrats  attended. They were vocal in expressing their feelings that Republicans are focusing on bills of less importance to Iowans, not fully involving Democrats in the decision making in Des Moines and ultimately not moving the state forward in a positive direction.

But that didnt stop them from hearing what industry leaders and ordinary people had to say at the two-hour event hosted at Hawkeye Community Colleges Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center.

Valerie Schwager, executive director of North Star Community Services, was among the couple of dozen attendees.

Her organization is a nonprofit rehabilitative services agency that addresses the needs of adults with a wide range of disabilities, including older adults with age-related deficits and challenges, and relies to some degree on managed care organizations to provide payment for their services through Iowa Medicaid.

Im concerned about the type of oversight. We currently as an organization are dealing with some claims issues, she said. This isnt new. We do have to pick and choose our battles because of the time and energy that goes into securing those funds for services that weve provided.

Ill be honest. Were tired. Were very tired, and we are so limited on manpower to chase down what weve already provided.

Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, who has a background in health care, responded that shes worked with a lot of providers to get those reimbursements. The only way to get people the money that they deserve, she added, seemingly is to involve the legislators, though it wasnt always like that.

Sen. Eric Giddens added his two-cents as a board member with Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa.

I am involved in a similar conversation right now with them about exactly the same issue that youre dealing with, he said.

Also related to MCOs, said Schwager, is the fact that if any issues that impact claims arise, there doesnt appear to be a penalty.

Im not saying they need a penalty, but theres no consequence for the MCOs. As providers, though, were the ones dealing with the lost revenue or delayed revenue and getting that, she said.

She said the situation puts her organization at everybody elses mercy, and the loss is not hundreds of dollars, but thousands of dollars.

Sen. Bill Dotzler called it a disgrace because theyre doing this stuff on purpose.

At some point in time, Iowa is going to wake up and realize that the state they used to live in isnt the same state, and the health care system has gone to hell and people arent getting taken care of and providers are disappearing and we dont have people to be able to do the work, he added.

Michael Knapp of Waterloo asked what those on the panel were doing to ensure health services are available to Iowans. He highlighted a bill in the Legislature that would ban transgender people under age 18 from receiving gender-affirming health care, including the use of puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries.

Rep. Bob Kressig pointed out how the legislative process is in the hands of the majority party.

What Ive seen is typically is Ive talked to several of their party members about doing certain things and nothing moves forward, he said. Theyre in control.

The question about what can we do: Well, we can ask them and ask them to try to do the things that are important to our communities and, if they chose not to do it, theres not really a whole lot that we can do Mike, I think, he added.

Brown-Powers noted her feelings that the Legislature is wasting our time on really hateful, toxic legislation when it could be focusing its time on what she feels are more important issues, like funding mental health services.

She said the legislators support those who rally in support of the LGBTQ community when down in Des Moines. She makes a point when talking to Republicans in saying how hateful it is.

My hope, and I dont know if its just me trying to be optimistic, but my hope is that were allowing them to have their voice, and everyones allowed to have their voice, but that at the end of the day were reasonable and move forward, Brown-Powers said.

Christine Kemp, chief executive officer of Peoples Community Health Clinic, was there to advocate for legislation that protects patients access to affordable prescription drugs. But she also wanted to introduce what she says is a newer concept to Iowa, not necessarily the country as a whole.

She was seeking a legislator to champion legislation to allow for dental therapists to practice in the state. They would help address the shortage of dental care access. At her own facility, they should have four dentists on staff but only have two because of challenges hiring and retaining.

These therapists would be similar to a mid-level practitioner or a physicians assistant, Kemp said. Theyd be under direct supervision of a dentist and provide evaluative, preventive, restorative, and minor surgical dental care within their scope of practice.

The goal isnt to take practice away from the dentists, Kemp said. Its to supplement and add access to care. It really does help the dentists that work at the top of their scope to do the harder procedures and lets the other people to do the other things that keeps their practice moving.

Lisa Evitts-Sesterhenn, public health planner with the Black Hawk County Health Department, also provided the legislators with her agencys top legislative priorities. Among the four she provided, one also had to do with the pearly whites  support for preventive measures to help with tooth decay and cover its costly treatment.

Black Hawk County is the number one county in the state for childhood tooth decay. Even when screening and fluoride is covered for most kids through  the I-Smile Dental (program), treatment is not, she said. And its very challenging to find dental providers who accept Medicaid, in part due to low reimbursement rate.

The health departments other three priorities had to do with gaining funding to address the industrys shortage of workers, a commitment to funding mental health services, and support for local programs that address lead exposure in older and low-income homes.

Photos: House fire, Evansdale, Feb. 24, 2023 022423jr-woo-nws-fire-evansdale-3 022423jr-woo-nws-fire-evansdale-4 022423jr-woo-nws-fire-evansdale-2 022423jr-woo-nws-fire-evansdale-1
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.  Even for the Thunder Bay area, a perilous swath of northern Lake Huron off the Michigan coast that has devoured many a ship, the Irontons fate seems particularly cruel.

The 191-foot cargo vessel collided with a grain hauler on a blustery night in September 1894, sinking both. The Irontons captain and six sailors clambered into a lifeboat but it was dragged to the bottom before they could detach it from the ship. Only two crewmen survived.

The gravesite long eluded shipwreck hunters.

Now, the mystery has been solved, say officials with Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan.

A team of historians, underwater archaeologists and technicians found the wreckage in 2019 and deployed remotely controlled cameras to scan and document it, Superintendent Jeff Gray said in an AP interview. The sanctuary plans to reveal the location in coming months and is considering placing a mooring buoy at the site. Officials have kept the find secret to prevent divers from disturbing the site before video and photo documentation is finished.

Video footage shows the Ironton sitting upright on the lake bottom, hundreds of feet down  remarkably preserved by the cold, fresh water like many other Great Lakes shipwrecks, Gray said.

No human remains were seen. But the lifeboat remains tethered to the bigger vessel, a poignant confirmation of witness accounts from 128 years ago.

Archaeologists study things to learn about the past. But its not really things that were studying; its people, Gray said. And that lifeboat  really connects you to the site and reminds you of how powerful the lakes are and what it must have been like to work on them and lose people on them.

The search and inspections involved a number of organizations, including Ocean Exploration Trust, founded by Robert Ballard, who located the sunken wreckage of the Titanic and the German battleship Bismarck.

We hope this discovery helps contribute to an element of closure to the extended families of those lost on the Ironton, and the communities impacted by its loss, Ballard said. The Ironton is yet another piece of the puzzle of Alpenas fascinating place in Americas history of trade, while the Thunder Bay sanctuary continues to reveal lost chapters of maritime history.

Nearly 200 shipwrecks are believed to rest within or nearby the boundaries of the sanctuary, which includes the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena and some 4,300 square miles of northwestern Lake Huron.

Several factors made the area a shipwreck alley for more than two centuries, until modern navigation and weather forecasting reduced the danger, said Stephanie Gandulla, the sanctuarys resource protection coordinator.

The late 1800s was a busy period for Great Lakes commerce. Thousands of schooners, or sailing ships, and hundreds of steamers hauled cargo and passengers between bustling port cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland.

The sanctuary area was something of a maritime highway cloverleaf. Vessels cruised to and from Lake Huron and Lake Michigan through the nearby Straits of Mackinac. Others ranged northward to Lake Superior, fetching iron ore for steel mills from mines in Minnesota and Michigans Upper Peninsula.

Its where the upbound and downbound shipping kind of crossed each other, Gray said. Busy intersections are where most accidents happen.

The weather was notoriously unstable  dense fog, sudden storms. Islands and submerged reefs lurked.

On the fateful night, the Ironton and another schooner barge, the Moonlight, were being towed northward from the Lake Erie town of Ashtabula, Ohio, by a steam-powered ship  a common practice then, much as a train engine pulls freight cars on a railroad. They were bound for Marquette, a port city on Lake Superior.

The steamer broke down in heavy Lake Huron seas around 12:30 a.m. the morning of Sept. 26. The Ironton and the Moonlight disconnected their tow lines and drifted apart, with the Ironton crew setting sails and firing up its engine. It veered off course and ran into the Ohio, a freighter loaded with 1,000 tons of flour, about 10 miles off Presque Isle, Michigan.

The Ohio soon foundered, its crew of 16 rescued by the Moonlight. The Ironton stayed afloat more than an hour before going down.

Newspapers quoted William Parry as saying he and two other Ironton sailors bobbed in the heaving lake for about 30 minutes until another steamer, the Charles Hebard, showed up. Parry struggled aboard as the Hebard lowered a lifeboat with several of its crew.

They picked up the other two Ironton men. But a wave overturned the craft, flinging everyone into the water. Hebard crewmen tossed lines and pulled all to safety except Ironton mate Ed Boswick, who couldnt muster the strength to hold on.

Its a powerful, tragic story, Gandulla said.

So fierce was the gale that it claimed yet another schooner, the William Home, farther west on Lake Michigan. Six of seven crew members died.

Staffers with the sanctuary, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, took a sonar survey in the area of the Ironton-Ohio collision in 2017. They detected two images on the lake bed, one later identified as the Ohio. The other was a more recent shipwreck.

It took two more years to track down the Ironton several miles away. Ballards organization provided an autonomous surface vehicle designed for seafloor mapping. After days of searching, it spotted a figure that later was confirmed as the Ironton.

A high-resolution scan in 2021 provided more details. The vessel is largely intact, Gray said. Its masts point skyward, with rigging and ropes tied to spars and lying on deck. The robotic camera also showed the lifeboat tied to the ships stern.

20 photos of shipwrecks from WWI and WWII 20 photos of shipwrecks from WWI and WWII The Paris II, Kemer, Turkey HMS Majestic, Canakkale, Turkey Sunken barges, Canakkale, Turkey SS Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California Baron Gautsch, Mediterranean Sea Giuseppe Dezza, Rovinj, Croatia Maheno shipwreck, Fraser Island, Australia SS Atlantus, Cape May, New Jersey Helmet Wreck, Palau, Micronesia Goslar cargo ship, Paramaribo, Suriname Higgins landing craft, Lake Mead, Nevada Zibello barge, Gualtieri, Italy HIJMS Nagato Battleship, Marshall Islands USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii German Ship Fritz, Istria, Croatia Nippo Maru Wreck, Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia SS Thistlegorm, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Sunken German submarines, Kocaeli, Turkey Hinko Maru warship, Sakaiura Beach, Japan Cinque Terre shipwreck, Bonassola, Italy
WASHINGTON (AP)  Self-help author Marianne Williamson, whose 2020 White House campaign featured more quirky calls for spiritual healing than actual voter support, launched another longshot bid for the presidency on Saturday, becoming the first Democrat to formally challenge President Joe Biden for the 2024 nomination.

"I, as of today, am a candidate for the office of president of the United States, she said in a campaign kickoff in the nation's capital.

The 70-year-old onetime spiritual adviser to Oprah Winfrey will almost certainly provide only token primary opposition  a testament to how strongly national Democrats are united behind Biden. Still, she tweaked the president, a longtime Amtrak rider, by holding her opening rally at the presidential suite at Union Station, Washington's railway hub.

Biden gave his own speech from Union Station, close to the Capitol, just before last November's elections, when he led Democrats to a surprisingly strong showing, urging voters to reject political extremism and saying democracy itself was at stake.

Williamson, whose red, blue and black campaign signs feature the dual slogans A New Beginning," and Disrupt the System, plans to campaign in early-voting states on the 2024 election calendar, including New Hampshire, which has threatened to defy a Biden-backed plan by the Democratic National Committee to have South Carolina lead off the nominating contests.

Democrats and Republicans in New Hampshire have warned that if Biden skips the state's unsanctioned primary and a rival wins it, that outcome could prove embarrassing for the sitting president  even if that challenger has no real shot of actually being the nominee.

You can appreciate what the president has done, defeating the Republicans in 2020, and still feel that it is time to move on, Williamson said in a recent interview with Good Morning New Hampshire.

Biden, 80, is the oldest president in U.S. history and would be 86 at the end of a second term. Most people in the United States  and even most Democrats  say they don't want him to run again, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The president is expected to announce in the coming weeks that he's running again. First lady Jill Biden recently told the AP that there was pretty much nothing left for the president to do but pick a time and place to announce his reelection bid.

Biden's political advisers say they aren't worried about the Democratic primary and say Biden is anxious to defeat Donald Trump again in the general election. They say a 2024 campaign against another GOP nominee, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, would look much the same because top Republicans remain promoters of Trump's Make America Great Again movement.

The Democratic establishment  and even potential presidential hopefuls who could have competed against Biden from the left or middle  is behind Biden, showing how smooth his path to the nomination probably will be. Even if other Democrats follow Williamson's lead and jump into the race, the party is not planning to hold primary debates.

Williamson insists her 2024 campaign is about far more than just making a statement. In an online post last weekend, she didn't mention Trump by name but noted that few predicted he would ride an unconventional campaign all the way to the White House seven years ago.

Since the election of 2016 its odd for anyone to think they can know who can win the presidency, Williamson wrote. And Im not putting myself through this again just to add to the conversation. Im running for president to help bring an aberrational chapter of our history to a close, and to help bring forth a new beginning.

A Texas native who now lives in Beverly Hills, California, Williamson is the author of more than a dozen books. In the 1980s, she opened the Center for Living in Los Angeles, and later New York, which worked to support people with HIV and AIDS. She ran an unsuccessful independent congressional campaign in California in 2014 and supported Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 progressive challenge of eventual Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

In 2020, Williamson was best known for wanting to create a Department of Peace and arguing the federal government should pay massive financial reparations to Black Americans as atonement for centuries of slavery and discrimination.

On the debate stage, she called racism part of the dark underbelly of American society. While declaring that Trump had used fear for political gain, she chided her fellow Democratic candidates for getting too lost in the wonkiness of policy details rather than trying to stop the then-president's dark psychic force of the collectivized hatred.

Amid fundraising struggles, Williamson laid off her staff nationwide and suspended her campaign in the weeks before 2020's leadoff Iowa caucus, saying she didn't want to "get in the way of a progressive candidate winning. She later endorsed Sanders in the 2020 presidential contest. He finished second to Biden.

By the numbers: President Biden at the two-year mark 6.5% annual inflation 10.46 million job vacancies $31.38 trillion national debt $24.2 billion in security aid to Ukraine 2.38 million migrants stopped at border 97 federal judges confirmed 89 pardons and commutations $3.36 average gas price 666 million vaccines administered 680,000 COVID-19 deaths 36 states visited 197 days in Delaware 6 chats with Xi 21 news conferences $1 trillion in infrastructure $40 billion for bridges 1 state dinner 0 Cabinet departures A closer look
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:

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Yes, you are legally required to pay your taxes

CLAIM: There are no laws requiring people to pay their taxes.

THE FACTS: Title 26 of the U.S. Code requires individuals to pay income taxes. Faulty legal arguments claiming there's no such law have been around for decades but have not been successful in court.

With April's federal income tax deadline approaching, social media users are sharing a short video compiling interviews from a number of purported experts, including a tax lawyer, a tax advisor and a former IRS agent  all of whom claim they discovered through their own research that Americans aren't obligated to pay income taxes because it isn't spelled out in law.

But federal officials and tax experts dismiss the arguments as frivolous and say the law is clear. Raphael Tulino, a spokesperson for the IRS, directed the AP to a website it maintains to address many of the common claims made by those opposed to following tax laws. "The requirement to pay taxes is not voluntary," the IRS' response on the website reads. "Section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code clearly imposes a tax on the taxable income of individuals, estates, and trusts, as determined by the tables set forth in that section." The IRS also notes that the obligation to pay income taxes is described in section 6151, which requires taxpayers to submit payment with their tax returns.

Jonathan Siegel, a professor at George Washington University's law school agreed with the agency's assessment. "No, there isn't even a grain of truth to the theories in the video, nor does it contain any new or surprising arguments," he wrote in an email, directing the AP to his personal website breaking down income tax myths. Federal tax laws are contained in the Internal Revenue Code, also known as Title 26 of the United States Code, Siegel explains on his website. The U.S. Code is the compilation of all the laws passed by Congress.

Garrett Watson, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax policy research group in Washington, said tax protesters continue to misinterpret the IRS' use of the phrase "voluntary compliance" as meaning paying taxes and filing tax returns isn't legally required. But the term refers to the notion that individuals are responsible for determining and paying the correct amount of tax and filling out the necessary forms, rather than the government determining the tax for them. Watson also noted that legal arguments against paying taxes have been around for decades but have seen little success in courts. In fact, one of the people featured in a widely circulating version of the social media video is Sherry Jackson, a former IRS employee and tax preparer who was convicted of willfully and intentionally failing to file tax returns.

 Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo in New York contributed this report.

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US has provided money, not just equipment, to Ukraine

CLAIM: The U.S. is not providing cash to Ukraine; it only supports the country through donated military equipment.

THE FACTS: While the U.S. is indeed providing weapons and equipment to Ukraine, it has also provided billions in financial assistance to the country following Russia's invasion.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, made the inaccurate suggestion recently while taking aim at Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has been critical of U.S. aid to Ukraine. "People like MTG in re: #Ukraine. The aid is not pallets of cash. It's in the form of military equipment, assigned a value, that is donated," Kinzinger wrote in a tweet. "That equipment is usually older and would be replaced in the next few years anyway, at a cost. I'm sure she doesn't understand this."

But while the U.S. has indeed sent Bradley vehicles, ammunition, weapons and other equipment to Ukraine during its war with Russia, the support doesn't stop there. "We're not providing only military assistance," Tom Graham, a distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations with expertise on U.S. foreign policy and Ukraine, told the AP. "We are obviously providing financial assistance  budgetary support  and there's humanitarian assistance as well."

Between January 2022 and January 2023, the U.S. committed more than $26 billion to Ukraine in financial assistance, according to data compiled by the Ukraine Support Tracker at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German think tank. That's about a third of the roughly $77 billion in total aid noted by Kiel, including humanitarian and military assistance, pledged by the U.S. government. The numbers represent money promised, not entirely distributed. Another tally from the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget places the total amount of aid approved by Congress in 2022 for supporting the Ukrainian government and allies at about $113 billion. That includes about $27 billion in economic support funds, $7.9 billion for international disaster assistance and $6.6 billion to support and relocate refugees.

The U.S. Agency for International Development has in releases and a report to Congress outlined how budgetary support to the Ukrainian government has been used. Some of the funding has been spent, for example, on social assistance payments and salaries for health care workers, first responders and educators. It also helps cover pensions and support Ukrainians displaced by the war. Still, the largest bucket of overall U.S. aid committed to Ukraine  more than $46 billion, according to Kiel's tracker  is military support.

Members of Congress have questioned how closely the U.S. is tracking its aid to Ukraine to ensure that it is not subject to fraud or ending up in the wrong hands. The Pentagon's inspector general told lawmakers at a Tuesday hearing that his office has found no evidence of such corruption or wrongdoing, but cautioned that investigations are only in their early stages. An AP inquiry to Kinzinger through his group, Country First, was not returned.

 Associated Press writer Angelo Fichera in Philadelphia contributed this report.

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WHO 'pandemic treaty' draft doesn't sign over US sovereignty

CLAIM: A legally-binding World Health Organization "pandemic treaty" will give the organization the authority to control U.S. policies during a pandemic, including those on vaccines, lockdowns, school closures and more.

THE FACTS: The voluntary treaty, which is in draft form and still far from ratification, does not overrule any nation's ability to pass individual pandemic-related policies.

As the WHO met Monday to discuss the first draft of the treaty, social media users misrepresented the scope of the document to suggest signing onto it would cede U.S. rights to the international body.

"Biden is about to give the China-controlled W.H.O. power to control the United States. This will cover lockdowns, supply chains, surveillance, and 'false news'," claimed one Instagram post referring to the treaty draft. But this interpretation of what the treaty would do is incorrect, multiple experts agree.

"These claims are utterly false," said Lawrence Gostin, a Georgetown University law professor and director of the university's WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law. He's been involved in the treaty's draft process. "The United States retains sovereignty to set its own domestic public health policies," he added. The "zero draft" is designed to protect the world from future pandemics, according to the WHO. The text lays out a vision for building greater equity and effectiveness in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response across the globe through international cooperation. It encourages parties to develop a mechanism to ensure equitable allocation of pandemic-related products such as vaccines and tests while committing to quick and transparent reporting of clinical research and trial results, sharing of information on emerging health threats and recognition of WHO as the coordination authority on international health work.

However, it does not overrule any nation's individual health or domestic policies, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed in a statement to the AP. "It is false to claim that the World Health Organization has now, or will have by virtue of these activities, any authority to direct U.S. health policy or national health emergency response actions," the agency wrote. "The WHO has no such enforcement mechanisms, and its non-binding recommendations to member states are just that: non-binding." In fact, a section of the draft labeled "Sovereignty" clearly says that states have "the sovereign right to determine and manage their approach to public health," "pursuant to their own policies and legislation." Nowhere in the 30-page document are the words lockdown, closures, contact tracing or online speech mentioned, nor are mentions of specific citizen surveillance systems. Further, while the treaty, if ratified, would be considered a legally-binding document, the WHO has no enforcement power, said Dr. David Freedman, professor emeritus of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

 Associated Press writer Sophia Tulp in New York contributed this report.

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Manufacturers need FDA's approval to alter COVID-19 vaccines

CLAIM: Up to 49% of the ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines can be changed without the approval of the Federal Drug Administration because they are still manufactured under emergency use authorization.

THE FACTS: As part of the emergency use authorization process for vaccines, the FDA stipulates in letters to manufacturers that no changes can be made to the description of the product or manufacturing process without notifying and gaining approval from the FDA.

The erroneous claims spread online following an early February episode of an online program hosted by political commentator Rochelle "Silk" Richardson, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, who has been critical of vaccines, stated that emergency use authorizations let drug manufacturers change up to half of the ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines without approval. Neither Richardson nor Tenpenny responded to emails from the AP.

An emergency use authorization, or EUA, allows for the use of unapproved medical products, or unapproved uses of approved medical products, during public health crises. The first two doses of Pfizer and Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines are no longer under EUAs for certain age groups, having been approved by the FDA. EUAs still apply to COVID-19 vaccines produced by Johnson & Johnson and Novavax. But even if a vaccine is available only under an EUA, manufacturers must receive FDA approval before making changes to the product.

"The information circulating on social media that asserts manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines can change up to 49% of the ingredients in their products without FDA approval is completely false," FDA spokesperson Abby Capobianco wrote in an email to the AP. "No changes can be made to COVID-19 vaccines used under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) without prior evaluation and authorization from FDA." As stipulated in the U.S. Code's Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, EUAs come with certain conditions. Vaccine manufacturers are issued a letter of authorization upon receiving an EUA that details the process for making changes to their product. In this case of COVID-19 vaccines, it states: "No changes will be implemented to the description of the product, manufacturing process, facilities, or equipment without notification to and concurrence by the FDA."

Letters containing this language that were issued to Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Novavax for their COVID-19 vaccines are publicly available on the FDA's website. Aaron Lottes, an associate professor of engineering practice at Purdue University who researches regulatory science, confirmed that these requirements mean that the COVID-19 vaccines, even those available under an EUA, cannot be adjusted at will.

 Associated Press writer Melissa Goldin in New York contributed this report.

___
Weather Alert

.Warming temperatures this weekend will bring renewed snowmelt and streamflow rises, especially for snow covered terrain below about 7000 feet. Creeks that brought impacts this past week are likely to be problematic again and potentially reach higher levels, especially by late Sunday. ...FLOOD WATCH FOR SNOWMELT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Flooding caused by snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of California and western Nevada, including the following areas, in California, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties and Surprise Valley California. In western Nevada, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area and Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. * WHEN...Through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Creeks and streams will be running high and fast. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Minor mainstem flooding along the Susan River, Forks of the Carson River, and the East Walker River below Bridgeport Reservoir cannot be ruled out. Anyone participating in outdoor recreation this weekend should use caution as water will be running high, fast, and potentially out of banks for some creeks and streams. The water will be extremely cold as well, quickly causing shock. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. &&
Patty Lundstroms removal is disturbing

IVE HAD the privilege of working with Patty Lundstrom for over 30 years on a wide range of topics and public projects. At every step of the way, Patty has, in my opinion, always been the most diligent, committed and hardest-working person in New Mexicos political arena. No one puts in more work, energy, skill and focus to a project or a job than Patty.

What I find most disturbing about Pattys removal as the chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, beyond the disrespectful way her removal came about, is it appears she was punished for being a moderate  a rarity in todays political environment when many people on both sides of the political spectrum are asking Will the center hold? and Do we still have checks and balances? In my experience, Patty has always looked at all points of view, avoided finger-pointing and collaborated whenever possible. And, at the end of the day, she is willing to embrace a reasonable compromise. Patty fights the political battle on the middle of the bridge. By that I mean that she avoids precipitous actions on either end of the political spectrum that tend to result in more damage, some unintended, than benefit.

There is another aspect of Pattys removal as chair that is disturbing. Early on, Pattys legislative district was composed primarily of the city of Gallup. After the 2000 Census, her district was changed. She now represents half of Gallup and a large portion of the Navajo Nation. Patty has put her heart into representing her Navajo constituents. She has effectively secured both general and capital outlay funding for Navajo chapters that desperately need infrastructure. It would be tragic if Pattys removal as chair of Appropriations ultimately harms some of the most vulnerable citizens in our state.

BOB ROSEBROUGH, Former Mayor of Gallup

Award-winners likely to lose credibility

The N.M. SENATE passed SB 63 (Feb. 22), which asks for an exemption to the Inspection of Public Records Act, which should never be done.

IPRA is there for a researched and solid reason. Allowing public institutions to exempt hiring lists until the last three are selected hurts women and people of color. How will we ever know if any were interviewed?

In my long career, I sat on many hiring committees for public institutions. If I had not been on the committee, I can tell you that women and people of color would not even have been on the long list. Research how many of these people are presidents of public institutions to this day.

As a board member of the Foundation for Open Government for eight years, I note several senators who voted for this were awarded FOGs Dixon Award for transparency. They will never be able to claim advocacy for transparency again. Were they just crossing their fingers behind their backs when they won the coveted Dixon Award? To the House of Representatives, please do not vote for SB 63.

Kyla Thompson, Albuquerque

Businesses driven away by NM laws

IMPROVING THE business climate of N.M. requires creating a good environment for businesses and workers to thrive. A robust economy will go a long way to improving the quality of life in our beautiful state.

So end these obstacles that raise the cost of business: 1. Dictating what kind of bag a business uses. 2. Taxing employees and businesses for paid family leave. 3. Keeping the governors emergency powers act for years after the pandemic is over. 4. Weakening the electrical grid by closing power plants so no industry wants to expand here. 5. Failing to fix the malpractice insurance mess that is driving doctors away, thus restricting health care to citizens.

Elements that attract people to N.M. and retain businesses, employees and families include good schools, good health care, low crime rates and safe neighborhoods. So why not do these things? 1. Stop giving away free college to the refugees of our failed public schools and instead give K-12 vouchers for parents to use for any school  competition always improves quality. 2. Cap malpractice claims at $1 million for both hospitals and outpatient facilities. 3. Stop illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl and meth across our southern boarder. 4. Enforce the vagrancy laws and cancel the free bus service that allow criminals to prey on every neighborhood in Albuquerque.

Our state has so much potential. It is so disappointing to see businesses and professionals driven away by laws that devalue the lives of working families and their children but favor the lives of meth heads and bums.

Marshall Jordan, Albuquerque

Police need to have nonlethal options

I AM WRITING because I am extremely concerned about SB 252, (The Law Enforcement Officer Procedures Act) currently under consideration.

A top complaint of people living in the Albuquerque area is the increasing crime rate. It is absolutely ludicrous to me a bill that would take away tools that law enforcement officers need to do their jobs is even being considered. If they are not allowed to deploy dogs, use stun guns, tear gas or rubber pellets, etc., as nonlethal options to subdue those perpetrating crimes, what is left?

Obviously these nonlethal tools are crucial to keeping the public, the officer and the perpetrator safe. I would further infer that these tools that are so important to maintaining public safety, if taken away, would further degrade morale in law enforcement agencies and increase the shortages we already have. And Im sure nobody wants that.

Please do your part in letting legislators know you are not in favor of removing nonlethal options to ensure public safety.

Teri Sheldahl, Edgewood

Lawyers should get hourly pay, not a cut

I HAVE a suggestion to help solve the malpractice problem that is currently plaguing New Mexico. I would propose lawyers not be allowed to charge plaintiffs a percentage of the settlement in a malpractice case.

I think it would be more than fair for lawyers to charge an hourly rate like most other professionals. With the current system, lawyers may get more than their clients, and they are not even the injured party. If lawyers received less remuneration, the settlements in malpractice case should be lower, however, the injured victims would get as much or more than under the present system. I think reducing the take that lawyers receive will reduce malpractice premiums.

Joel Saland, Albuquerque
It is truly remarkable how a civil lawsuit filed by an individual or entity in Anytown, USA, has the potential for bringing about significant and sweeping social change. For example, currently there is pending litigation that has the potential for changing the social media network as people now know and use it.

Recently, hundreds of families around the country began filing individual lawsuits against social media giants over what they claimed was harm caused to their children by social media sites. Then, Seattles public school district joined the fray, filing a public nuisance lawsuit alleging Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and Google deliberately addicted children to their platforms. The school district went on to allege these social media sites dispersed inappropriate content that resulted in harms to children, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and cyber bullying, to name only a few.

These lawsuits could become very large-scale, resulting in mass-tort litigation, according to a Feb. 27 article in Courthouse News Service, Social medias harm to kids: The next blockbuster lawsuit? The article compares these social media lawsuits to tobacco and opioid litigation; litigation that brought about massive changes in how tobacco and opioids are marketed, sold and otherwise dispensed.

There is a related case before the United States Supreme Court involving legal immunity for social media sites. A family in California sued Google and YouTube for allegedly aiding and abetting an act of international terrorism. Their 23-year-old daughter was killed while dining out in Paris in November 2015 when Islamic State terrorists fired into the restaurant. The family alleged that Google and YouTube allowed ISIS to post hundreds of radicalizing videos, which then allegedly incited the violence which killed their daughter.

The issue is whether a legal shield erected by Congress in 1996, known as Section 230, should be pierced  essentially modified or done away with. Presently, under federal law a social media site may not be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider. And now that legal shield is being challenged. Depending on how the U.S. Supreme Court decides, there is the possibility of very massive changes to the type and actual content of information made available on social media networks going forward.

The power of the civil lawsuit has not only flexed its muscle in terms of how the internet may operate in the future. Civil lawsuits have shaped significant societal changes and policies in the areas of consumer product safety, employment, education, the environment and civil rights, just to name only a very few.

Some lawsuits begin with a single individual claiming a harm and seeking damages. Where there are similarly situated individuals, such a lawsuit can morph into a class-action lawsuit, another powerful tool in bringing about changes that affect society. Or the individuals lawsuit may motivate other individuals to file similar lawsuits in jurisdictions around our country, creating the mass-tort litigation effect mentioned in the Courthouse Services News article previously mentioned.

As a general rule, most civil lawsuits are settled by the parties, and some are dismissed by trial courts on the undisputed facts and/or law. But some lawsuits go the distance and end up in our appellate court system, sometimes all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is in these appellate court cases where significant social policy is crafted.

Lest some people be concerned by the possibility of unfettered judiciary-making policies, there are checks and balances in place. The legislative branches of government, both at a federal and state level, can, and have, responded to judicially created policies by enacting preemptive, and sometimes complementary, legislation. It is very possible, for example, that both state legislatures and our federal Congress may address the very issues currently being litigated in the lawsuits against social media platforms.

In the final analysis, however, no one should ever doubt the power of a civil lawsuit in America. Its capacity for bringing about, or at least initiating, significant changes in our everyday lives has been demonstrated time and time again.

Judge Daniel Ramczyk is a judge of the Second Judicial District Court. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the judge individually and not those of the court.
Holtec International is a private technology and manufacturing innovation company founded in 1986 by Dr. Kris Singh. Recognized as the foremost technology leader in the nuclear power industry, the Florida-based company has over 190 patents in design, materials and manufacturing processes. Holtec has technology development centers in Camden, New Jersey, and Pune, India, and manufacturing centers in Orrvilon, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Camden, and Gujarat, India, and is the largest exporter of capital equipment in the world.

Holtec has positioned itself for accelerated growth by developing innovative technologies for the clean energy future. Technologies include a small modular reactor  SMR-160 MWe, green boiler, high-efficiency solar panels, and regional clean hydrogen hubs. The hydrogen hubs integrate the SMR-160 and green boiler to produce hydrogen via electrolysis  green hydrogen.

Holtec International was invited to New Mexico by the Eddy Lea Energy Alliance (ELEA) to pursue the proposed Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF) in Southeast New Mexico. ELEA and Holtec are partners in this endeavor. The company is also on the precipice of a massive expansion and intends to leverage the proposed CISF in Lea County as an opportunity to bring additional economic development to the region.

Holtec and the New Mexico Building Construction & Trades Council (NMBCTC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide a highly skilled and productive construction labor force to build Holtecs Technology Development and Manufacturing Center in New Mexico. The center will include four facilities: the CISF, a manufacturing center, a technology development center, and a world-wide workforce training center.

1. Consolidated Interim Storage Facility: Located in Lea County to store spent nuclear fuel from U.S. utilities. Will bring 100 operations jobs and 100 long-term construction jobs with an average pay of $75,000 a year. The facility is a $150 million capital investment or a $3 billion investment if all 20 phases are built.

2. Manufacturing Center: Will be located in a New Mexico community with a rail line. It will bring 300 jobs at startup with an average pay of $75,000 a year. It will initially build equipment required for CISF, then expand to green technologies and other Holtec wet and dry storage technologies. Holtecs current manufacturing facilities are operating at capacity.

3. Technology Development Center: Will be located in New Mexico and like centers in Camden and Pune. It will bring 100 jobs at startup with an average pay of $100,000 a year and will leverage New Mexicos national labs. The facility will develop the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub and supporting technologies, solar, and other green technologies. Holtec already integrates development workforces in Camden and Pune. Adding New Mexico reinforces the partnership with ELEA to create and train New Mexicans for high-paying jobs in the state.

4. World-Wide Workforce Training Center: Co-located with CISF in Lea County. This will include 50 trainers at startup and will train local workers to handle fuel and conduct dry storage operations in the U.S. and worldwide. The center will coordinate with the Hobbs chapter of the New Mexico NAACP and the Hobbs Hispano Chamber of Commerce to provide opportunities for local workers to learn a trade and then travel throughout the nation and the world. It will offer high-paying jobs averaging $100,000 a year. The facility will also bring workers from U.S. and world-wide utilities to train on Holtecs technologies, which will provide another opportunity to introduce New Mexico to the nation and world.

It should be clear Holtec International is on the verge of significant expansion into green technologies and must increase its workforce to design, engineer, manufacture and operate the technologies. The proposed CISF in Southeast New Mexico is the down payment for Holtecs commitment in New Mexico, allowing for a public-private partnership that benefits all New Mexicans. The other three facilities will complement the CISF and Holtec International and bring high-paying jobs to New Mexico while creating a green technology hub.
Whether youre in the market for a Baroque ball gown, a warrior mask or a pair of jeans, the Santa Fe Opera Costume Sale offers fashionistas the chance to shop cheap.

The sale runs on Saturday, March 11. Although the first hours are sold out, patrons may come to the operas Stieren Hall from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

The sales includes everything from clothing to hats, masks, shoes, jewelry and accessories, said Brianna Fristoe, the operas costume collections manager. A shortlist of operas represented includes Ariodante, The Golden Cockerel, Radamisto, Tea, The Magic Flute, Lucio Silla, Simon Boccanegra, Countess Maritza and The Lord of Cries chorus.

 The Lord of Cries chorus looks are modern, asymmetrical and edgy, inspired by the runway, Fristoe said. They could easily be a great addition to any wardrobe.

Ariodante spawned Baroque doublets, jewel tone and silk taffeta dresses with gold overlay and pumpkin hose, a precursor to breeches.

The Golden Cockerel brought luxe silk and velvet with Russian prints, as well as sequined and pleated fabric rolls .

The principal costumes from Lucio Silla boast an oversized 18th century design.

We dont have the capacity to hold everything, Fristoe said. Most of the stuff will be custom-made.

There will also be Tyvek costumes (protective garments) and hats from Candide.

The sale will encompass SFO costumes from 1987 through 2017.

The average price for a full look ranging from $65-$70, Fristoe said, with the most expensive running about $250.

The opera spends an average of $3,500 per costume, taking in labor, fabric and design, she added.

An invitation-only pre-sale takes place on Friday, March 10 for community groups such as Theater Grottesco, Wise Fool, Dancing Earth Creations, Atomic Follies, Theatre Santa Fe and the University of New Mexico Opera Theatre.

The opera stages the sale every three years to clean house and create space.

I have 45 racks of costumes, Fristoe said. Theres something for everybody in this sale. When Im low on hangers, I know its time for a sale.

Shoppers are asked to arrive and exit through the south gate on Opera Drive and park in the theater parking lot. Cash or credit cards accepted.
The University of New Mexico is rich in diversity and one place that remains true is the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.

The Maxwell Museum is displaying Conversing with the Land: Native North American Baskets of the Maxwell Museum Collections. According to the museums website, this exhibition celebrates Native North American basketry traditions as seen through the collections in the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology.

Those interested in this exhibit can also read the online booklet at maxwellmuseum.unm.edu.

That is a really important one because its highlighting how, throughout Native North America, technology has been so important for a very, very long time, said Julian Carrillo, curator of education and public programs at the Maxwell Museum.

We are highlighting the differences and similarities of different cultures who have developed this technology and obviously, a relationship with the land that is probably more important than ever to really understand sustainability in terms of cultural heritage, and of Native American presence.

Native American basket maker and knowledge holder consultants for this exhibition include Aay Aay (Haida), Leanne Campbell (Coeur dAlene/Colville/Nez Perce), Kelly Church (Pottawatomi/Odawa/Ojibwe), Sara Bedell Homminga (Bay Mills Indian Community), Josh Homminga (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), Sherri Smith-Ferri, (Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians/Bodega Bay Miwok), and Colleen Lucero, (Hopi).

I am going to be doing public programs around that, including bringing in some basket makers, for conversation and dialogue, Carrillo said. That is something that we really want to highlight, because it is a temporary exhibit, but its a major one that we pull together.

The exhibit was curated by Maxwell Museum Curator of Exhibits and Head of Interpretation Devorah Romanek, Director Carla Sinopoli, Curator of Ethnology Lea McChesney and Curator of Archaeology Kari Schleher.

The exhibit came about because, well, we have space in our exhibit schedule, and we wanted to do something based on our collection, as we have this beautiful basket collection, said Romanek. It is about 2,700 baskets, of which 2,300 are Native Americans from all over North America, and so we thought to pursue that while working with Native basket makers.

Ill just add that one of the main things that interests me is that theres all of these voices, embedded and bodied in the baskets, said Carrillo. So contemporary artists are really dialoguing with their communities, but also with their ancestors and with the land.

These baskets detail stories of creativity, persistence, survival and stories passed down over generations within communities.

It was about letting people see these beautiful baskets because theres lots of different ways to make these baskets and everything that goes into it, said Romanek. Artists who make these baskets are having to adapt and use different materials, or think of different ways to create baskets. If its hard to get the materials and one of the things that has been lost for some Indigenous communities is traditional knowledge.

Access to basket making materials is a minute issue compared to the others affecting the Native community.

Particularly because of the changing cultural landscape for Native people, but also because of the issues with access to the land, through the long history of colonialism, and climate change, said Romanek.

So for me, it is just really important to acknowledge those historical layers, and the many voices that contribute to each one.

Conversing with the Land: Native North American Baskets of the Maxwell Museum Collection is on display now until Jan. 10, 2024.
The five-time Grammy Award nominee Ottmar Liebert has been described as a million-fingered guitar virtuoso.

But the Santa Fe-based musician acknowledges the possession of just 10 digits as he plays his hybrid Spanish-influenced, original music.

Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Liebert and his band Luna Negra will perform with the New Mexico Philharmonic at Popejoy Hall on Saturday, March 11.

Liebert received his first classical guitar at age 11. He really wanted an electric.

There was a show in Germany in the late 60s called Beat Club,  he said. I must have liked something about the expressiveness of the guitar players. But because we lived in a tiny apartment, I knew that wouldnt fly.

He took his first classical guitar lessons at a local university for $20 a semester. Liebert had intended to stay in Germany and pursue a career as a designer and photographer. But as he traveled extensively through Asia, playing with local musicians, he realized he could not escape a life of music.

After pursuing his dreams of playing rock music in Boston, he settled in Santa Fe after arriving to help out a friend.

I thought Id just be there a couple of weeks, he said. Like so many people who come to Santa Fe, I just got stuck. I loved it. There was something about the mix of cultures that was so appealing.

Today his music knits together flamenco, rumba and tango with a sprinkle of reggae. His sound has been described as Nouveau Flamenco, a term he questions, although it became an album title.

I had an album that was finished and I needed to come up with a title, he said. I saw an article about nouvelle cuisine, so I thought, put a French word in front of anything.

The Grammy Awards have categorized him under a variety of titles, including pop, world music and New Age.

Its definitely a hybrid music, Liebert said. I use a flamenco guitar and I use flamenco techniques. To me, all the best things are hybrids.

The Philharmonic audience will get a heavy dose of flamenco, he added. Well also do a reggae tune. Its a mix of things. Its instrumental music; no one is going to be singing.
A mysterious prince solves three riddles and melts a princesss heart while breaking anothers.

Love triumphs, but its complicated.

The story: a vivid fantasy of long-ago China, where the imperious Princess Turandot poses three riddles to any prince who dares to court her, and commands the death of all who fail.

Opera Southwest will produce Giacomo Puccinis Turandot at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on March 12, 15, 17 and 19.

As in Madama Butterfly, the score is filled with Asian touches, the percussion section in particular packed with gongs and various tuned instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels and the like). It is still, however, an Italian opera with the outrageously titled Ping, Pang and Pong, a spin on classic Commedia dellarte characters.

Turandot celebrates the ability of art to transcend cultural borders. The opera is set in a fairytale vision of ancient China, where the beautiful, yet unapproachable, Princess Turandot rules with an iron fist. To those who wish to marry her, she has issued a challenge: answer her riddles or face execution.

This production of one of Puccinis most famous operas, known for the aria Nessun dorma, (Let no one sleep,) will premiere at Opera Southwest and then be presented by partners OperaDelaware and Fargo Moorhead Opera in 2024. Renowned Chinese Director XinXin Tang is coming to the U.S. from her home in Singapore to direct all three productions.

Tang has directed operas in China, Singapore and around the globe. After graduating from the National School of Music and Drama in Hamburg, Germany, from 2011 to 2015 she was the resident director at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing, where she directed more than 20 operas. In 2011, she directed Turandot to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, which was staged at the Seoul Opera House. Since then she directed a new version of Turandot in China in 2017, as well as La Traviata and many other operas. In 2022, she directed the Singapore premiere of Gioachino Rossinis opera Linganno Felice.

Tang, the daughter of the principal oboist at the Central Opera House in Beijing, was introduced to Turandot at the age of 8. She watched a video her father gave her while she was quarantined with chickenpox. Although she didnt know Italian, she loved the music and drama, and watched it twice a day.

Soprano Michelle Johnson makes a role debut as Princess Turandot. She was a Grand Prize Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions where she was described by the New York Times as a clear audience favorite, and has been lavished with praise for her extraordinary breath control and flawless articulation Her voice is velvety and pliant  a dulcet dream. Johnson has performed in opera productions across the U.S.
SANTA FE  A bill that would make it a crime in New Mexico to fail to safely store firearms out of childrens reach inched closer to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams desk on Friday, after the Senate voted 24-16 to approve the high-profile measure.

The vote occurred one day after a teenager entered a no-contest plea in connection with the August 2021 shooting death of 13-year-old Bennie Hargrove at an Albuquerque middle school campus  a case that sparked the push for a statewide gun storage law.

Were too familiar with this tragedy, said Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque.

But Republicans expressed concern during Fridays two-hour debate that the proposal, House Bill 9, would be incompatible with rural New Mexicos gun culture and could criminalize law-abiding citizens.

After raising various hypotheticals, they succeeded in amending the bill  via a narrow 20-19 vote  to exempt hunting and other recreational activities involving firearms from being covered by the bill, though other proposed amendments failed.

Guns are in almost every single pickup in Chaves County, Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, said at one point during the debate, while recalling shooting jackrabbits as a teenager with friends.

Others evoked darker scenarios, with Senate Minority Whip Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rio Rancho, telling colleagues about his armed response to two attempted home invasions.

We live in a violent state  we live in a violent world, Brandt said.

But backers of the legislation insisted it would be specifically targeted to cover situations when children obtain firearms that are not properly stored by adults.

This bill does not keep anyone from keeping a firearm for self defense, said Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque.

Vote along party lines

The measure passed the House on a 37-32 vote last month, though some rural Democrats broke from party ranks and voted against the legislation.

The Senate vote on Friday largely broke down along party lines, as Sen. Benny Shendo Jr. of Jemez Pueblo was the lone Democrat to cast a no vote. All Senate Republicans voted in opposition.

Despite the Senates vote to approve the gun storage legislation, the bill must still go back to the House for final approval before landing on the governors desk since it was amended on the floor and in a Senate committee.

Specifically, the measure would allow prosecutors to charge individuals for negligently allowing a minor to obtain a firearm. The seriousness of the criminal offense  either a misdemeanor or fourth-degree felony  would depend on whether the child used the gun to harm themselves or others, or if they simply brandished it.

In addition to the 2021 shooting outside Washington Middle School in Albuquerque, backers also cited other cases during Fridays debate, including a December 2021 incident in which the 4-year-old son of a Santa Fe police officer fatally shot his 2-year-old brother with his fathers off-duty gun.

Tragedies such as these could be prevented by responsible gun storage practices, Stewart said during Fridays debate.

She appeared to grow frustrated by subsequent questioning, saying, Were not talking about children who are out with their parents hunting  were talking about kids who get guns because theyre not stored properly.

Other bills struggling

This years proposal is similar to a bill that stalled during last years 30-day legislative session due to concerns about possible unintended consequences, though supporters have worked to address some of those issues.

Meanwhile, other gun safety bills have found tougher sledding at the Roundhouse during this years session, including a proposed 14-day waiting period for firearm sales and a bill raising the minimum age from 18 to 21 to buy certain assault weapons, such as AR-15-style rifles.

Lujan Grisham expressed frustration this week that some of the gun measures hadnt advanced more rapidly, describing them as must have legislative priorities and raising the possibility of calling a special legislative session if lawmakers do not approve them.

But she lauded the Senates vote on Friday, saying she looked forward to signing the firearm storage bill once the House gives its final approval.

Holding gun owners accountable for failing to safely store their firearms is common-sense, Lujan Grisham said in a statement, citing statistics showing three children in New Mexico die every month due to gun violence.

The 60-day session ends March 18.
Juveniles sentenced as adults can challenge the decision in a higher court, even if they enter a plea agreement waiving their rights to appeal, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled this week.

Justices handed down the ruling in the case of Christopher Rodriguez, 23, who was sentenced as an adult to 14 years in prison for his role in the 2015 fatal shooting of Albuquerque bartender Steven Gerecke, 60.

Rodriguez was 16 at the time he and five friends shot Gerecke in his own driveway. The teen who pulled the trigger, Jeremiah King, was sentenced to 25 years in adult prison. The other four teens were sentenced as juveniles.

Allison Jaramillo, an attorney who represented Rodriguez before the Supreme Court, said the ruling helps ensure that juveniles sentenced as adults have the right to appeal. But what the decision means in the Rodriguez case is unclear, she said.

Rodriguez remains incarcerated in the New Mexico Corrections Department.

He pleaded guilty in 2017 to aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon and other felonies, court records show.

Juveniles found guilty of certain felonies are considered youthful offenders if they were 14 to 18 years old when they commit such felonies, including aggravated burglary.

Under state law, youthful offenders have a right to an amenability hearing in which a judge decides whether the offender is amenable to treatment in the juvenile justice system.

Following a hearing, 2nd Judicial District Judge Brett Loveless found that Rodriguez was not amenable to treatment as a juvenile and sentenced him as an adult.

Rodriguez challenged the ruling, but the New Mexico Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal, finding that he had waived his right to appeal under the terms of his plea agreement.

Jaramillo said the Court of Appeals ruling startled juvenile defense attorneys, who often argue that their clients should be sentenced as juveniles, even when they reach plea agreements.

That was kind of shocking for everyone, Jaramillo said. Nobody saw that coming.

In a unanimous opinion issued Monday, the Supreme Court reversed the decision and ordered the Court of Appeals to consider the merits of Rodriguezs appeal.

Justice Michael Vigil, writing for the five-member court, said that denying the right to appeal renders the amenability hearing nothing more than an empty shell along the path to imposing an adult sentence upon a juvenile.

Jaramillo said she is uncertain how the Supreme Court ruling will affect Rodriguez, who now is too old to return to a juvenile facility.

I think thats sort of an open question of what happens if the Court of Appeals does find that he should have been found amenable to treatment in the juvenile system, Jaramillo said.
SANTA FE  A year after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham vetoed a proposed salary increase for New Mexico judges, a new attempt to boost judicial pay is making its way through the Legislature.

The Senate voted 32-2 to approve the measure on Friday, sending it on to the House with just over two weeks left in this years 60-day legislative session.

However, some senators questioned why the Legislature was advancing a new proposal this year, instead of seeking to overturn Lujan Grishams veto of last years legislation.

I guess I dont understand why were re-running the same bill instead of doing a veto override, said Senate Minority Whip Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho.

In response, Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, encouraged senators to avoid a direct clash with the governor, as a successful veto override requires a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers.

Im confident the governor will sign it this year, Cervantes said.

Specifically, the legislation, Senate Bill 2, would bring the pay of New Mexico Supreme Court justices into line with the annual salary of federal magistrates, or $214,000 this year. That would represent about an 18% increase over their current salaries of roughly $181,000 per year.

Under the bill, lower court judges would also get corresponding increases, though magistrate judge salaries would still be set by the Legislature.

Lujan Grisham pocket vetoed last years proposed judicial pay raises by declining to sign the measure approved by the Legislature before a bill-signing deadline set in the state Constitution.

A spokeswoman for the Democratic governor said at the time that New Mexico judges and justices were already in line to receive 17% raises, and that a drastic additional change in compensation on top of that deserved more scrutiny in a longer legislative session.

But Supreme Court Chief Justice Shannon Bacon urged lawmakers during her State of the Judiciary address on Jan. 24 to once again approve salary increases for judges, saying such an increase would allow for better recruitment and retention of judges with diverse practice backgrounds.

She also asked legislators to approve a pay raise for judicial staffers, and a $9.4 billion budget bill approved by the House last month includes funding to provide a 5% pay raise for such workers, starting in July.
Bernalillo County deputies arrested a man in an armed robbery-turned-gunfight that left his alleged accomplice dead last year in Southwest Albuquerque.

Ronnie Trillo, 28, is charged in November with armed robbery, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence and other charges in the April 1 shooting that left Christopher Pitts, 28, dead.

His attorney could not be reached for comment Thursday.

The death of Pitts is being considered a justified homicide as detectives say he and Trillo were trying to rob the man who shot and killed Pitts.

Trillo was identified as a suspect within days, but was not charged until months after the shooting or arrested until Wednesday.

Jayme Fuller, a Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman, said deputies were gathering evidence to bring more charges to Trillo during the time he was identified as a suspect and the time of his arrest.

It was around 1:30 a.m. when a man called 911 to report he had been beaten and shot, and that there was a dead man at his house in the 800 block of La Vega SW, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Deputies said they found Pitts wearing body armor and a gun holster in the houses backyard. A pair of handcuffs and several spent bullet casings were found near his body.

The man who called 911 told deputies he had recently started hanging out with Pitts and suspected he had stolen things from his house, according to the complaint. He said Pitts, his girlfriend and another man  later identified as Trillo  showed up to his home unannounced the night of the shooting.

Deputies said the man told them the three were acting strange and Trillo put him in a headlock, pressed a gun into his side and told him give me all your (expletive). The man said he got away and ran to the backyard where Pitts and Trillo fired at him and he shot back, striking Pitts.

Detectives traced several calls from Pitts to a contact named Homies Brother  identified as Trillo  in the hours before the shooting, according to the complaint. Trillo was arrested for a parole violation the day after the shooting and a 9mm handgun, ammunition and Pitts wallet were found inside his Jeep.

Deputies said Trillo told them he shot a gun at the scene of the homicide, but tossed it as he fled in his Jeep and didnt remember where. Trillo also said he didnt intend to rob the man, and that Pitts never told him it was a robbery.

Security footage at the home showed the man exchange gunfire with Pitts and Trillo before Pitts fell and Trillo fled the backyard.
Nonprofit New Mexico OUT Business Alliance will host a business conference on March 24 that will feature state leaders and New Mexico business owners who drive our economy forward, according to a news release.

The business conference will take place at Hotel Albuquerque and is open to the public.

Leadership, networking, and engagement opportunities will be offered through inspiring keynote speakers and educational breakout sessions featuring bustling industries in New Mexico, the news release says.
For Regina Mead, the Sun Van represents freedom.

At 76 years old, she is visually impaired and uses a walker. She does not drive, nor is she able to make it to a traditional city bus stop.

Albuquerques Sun Van service  established to transport people who are disabled  allows her to schedule point-to-point trips wherever she needs to go.

The best thing this gives us is our independence. Thats the most valuable gift anybody can have, Mead said, adding that she does not need always to rely on family or friends to shuttle her around. I can go to the movie, I can go to lunch, I can go to exercise class and I dont have to ask anybody (else for rides).  I just get up and go (with Sun Van). I dont think Id be alive if it wasnt for them.

But Mead worries that an Albuquerque City Council-mandated change will further tax a service already stretched and understaffed by altering the current application process and allowing riders to self-certify that they have a disability that qualifies them for the service.

If anybody can do it, of course, why wouldnt they do it? Mead said. Its door-to-door travel.

Sun Van is a function of the citys Transit Department, providing an origin-to-destination alternative for people who cannot use the regular, fixed-route city bus system due to a physical or mental impairment. Federal regulations require communities with fixed-route transit systems to offer such an option for people with disabilities and that travel time be comparable to a standard bus.

Today, Sun Van riders go through a three-step qualification process. They fill out an application and get a licensed health care provider to complete a second part, which includes questions about the applicants medical diagnosis, how far they can walk and whether they have the mental capacity to ask for and follow directions. The process then includes an in-person interview, which city Transit Department Deputy Director Mike Davis said may include a functional analysis to gauge their mobility and other challenges.

Thats all about to change.

Last month, the City Council passed an ordinance requiring that the Transit Department start allowing would-be Sun Van riders to self-certify as to their disability by June 30.

Davis said that will likely mean removing the doctor paperwork and the functional analysis, though a committee mandated by the ordinance has begun meeting to establish the specific protocol.

City Councilor Klarissa Pena pushed for the update, saying it would help our most vulnerable citizens. She said the current application process is a barrier for some people who need Sun Van, citing her experience caring for a brother who is developmentally disabled, and others who need paratransit.

Its something the federal government says we can do, she said of self-certification. I think we should do it.

Pena said other cities allow self-certification. Its unclear which cities.

Davis said there could be some smaller communities that do it, but hes unaware of any Albuquerques size that allow it, and the City Council staff said its research has identified none specifically, though they say some unnamed agencies (seven of 125 cited in a National Aging and Disability Transportation Center survey) do not require paratransit riders to complete an application.

However, those seven still require in-person interviews and/or functional assessments.

City Councilor Trudy Jones has questioned altering Sun Vans process, expressing worry that some people with other options will exploit a self-certification system to the detriment of the people who truly need it, particularly at a time when the city struggles to provide the existing service.

Right now, the city has 4,048 certified Sun Van riders and 83 vehicles. But the program is severely understaffed; a full third  28  of its 84 driver positions are vacant.

Since the city cannot deny Sun Van trips, Davis said the department has begun cross-training bus drivers to fill in on vans, though the city has such a dire bus-driver shortage that it is right now planning to suspend or trim dozens of city bus routes.

Davis said there is concern about the citys ability to meet its federal obligation to provide adequate service if there is a surge in Sun Van ridership, and that the city may have to look at hiring outside contractors.

One driver can take anywhere from 15 to 20 trips a day, so it doesnt take very many people to impact the number of drivers (needed), said Davis, noting that Sun Van trips are also eight times more expensive than a fixed-route service.

Clients typically arrange rides by calling 1-3 days in advance and, while the city cannot deny trips, it can negotiate with the rider on pickup time based on resources.

Once a time is set, Sun Van drivers are supposed to arrive no more than 15 minutes early or 15 minutes late.

Davis said Sun Van has an on-time rate of about 80%-90%, though riders routinely call to complain about vans not arriving inside their pickup window, according to a Journal review of the citys documented 2022 complaints.

Caller said her ride was supposed to arrive at 11:50 a.m. and it did not arrive until 1:21 p.m. She called and was told it would be 12:50 p.m., but, when it did not show, she waited on hold for 17 minutes before hanging up, according to a November call.

Many riders have registered concern about an overwhelmed call center.

Caller states he attempted to schedule a ride and was on hold for 50 minutes, according to another documented complaint from 2022.

If ridership increases because anybody can ride it now, will we not be in a bigger pickle than we are now? Councilor Jones said in an interview.

Mead, who uses Sun Van up to five days a week and praises what she calls the overworked drivers, said the system is showing obvious signs of strain. Making reservations has become what she called a nightmare as she is rarely able to secure the time she requests, and recently had to get a ride with a friend when her Sun Van was more than an hour late.

Mead noted that the City Council did not run the idea of self-certification by the Albuquerque Paratransit Advisory Board  a volunteer citizen board the city established to advise the Transit Department on paratransit matters  before mandating it.

Ill tell you as a paratransit board member and as a rider of the paratransit (system), I feel like the ugly stepsister, Mead said.

Mead agrees the qualification could be simplified. Requiring a health care provider to fill out a form may be too onerous given how much difficulty people now have getting a doctors appointments, Mead said, but she thinks there must be someone else involved in qualifying Sun Van riders.

Davis said there is concern that some riders who might not qualify today could take advantage of a self-certification system because they prefer Sun Van to the fixed-route system. Currently, the city denies 6% of Sun Vans applicants.

But Pena said the city could potentially audit riders to ensure only those who need the Sun Van are using it. And Greg Trapp, executive director for the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, noted that Sun Van is not so convenient as to be universally attractive. It is not a taxi, but rather a shared service, meaning that drivers may be shuttling multiple passengers to different destinations and pickups are not on the dot.

I dont think there are a great many people who would be seeking to become Sun Van riders who would have any other options, said Trapp, who rides the Sun Van himself.

Still, he said, he hopes the new certification process does not overwhelm a system relied on by many blind people.

Im hopeful that this change would not adversely impact the Sun Van, because it is a very important system for people who need it to get to work or to medical appointments, he said.
University of New Mexico Hospital officials are launching a listening tour in different parts of the county as they work to address health care issues different communities are facing.

UNMH CEO Kate Becker said the hospital has been holding similar sessions this year and will use the input to create a health needs assessment that will guide the hospitals decisions in coming years.

We really want to hear from our community about what their health needs are, as we think about how we prioritize the use of our resources to improve the health of the people of Bernalillo County, she said.

She said the hospital has hosted similar sessions with the Mexican consulate and with deaf and blind communities, for example.

In the coming months, the hospital will host listening sessions in all the county commission districts. The first is at 5 p.m., March 7, at the International District Library, 7601 Central NE.

Im hoping that the needs of that community will really come out in these listening sessions, said Commissioner Adriann Barboa, who represents the district. So we can tailor and really address  the specific needs that do surface.

The sessions are being held at a time when access to health care is a major issue being considered by New Mexico policymakers. State lawmakers in an ongoing session have introduced several bills to try to make it easier for the state to recruit physicians and other health care workers to increase access to care.

Becker said next year voters consider whether to funnel property taxes to UNMH, something that voters have approved every eight years since the 1950s. Revenue from those taxes goes to the hospitals general fund, and Becker said the sessions are one way hospital administrators can ensure the money is being used to address health care issues that people are most concerned about.

She said money from those taxes accounts for about 10% of the hospitals operating budget.

The tax generated about $115 million for UNMH in the 2022 fiscal year. About 85% of that went to hospital operations and 15% went to behavioral health services, according to hospital officials.

We really work hard to be good stewards of that resource, she said. Its really important to us to be responsible with those funds.

Listening tour dates, locations

 March 7, 5-6:30 p.m., International District Library, 7601 Central NE

 March 16, 5:30-7 p.m., Los Padillas Community Center, 2117 Los Padillas SW

 April 13, 5:30-7 p.m., Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center, 9800 Fourth NW

 May 11, 5:30-7 p.m., Paradise Hills Community Center, 5901 Paradise NW

 June 15, 5:30-7 p.m., Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 N.M. 333, Tijeras
Saranam, a local nonprofit for homeless families, received close to 40 mattresses Tuesday as a donation from American Home Furniture and Mattress.

Dozens of high school students from Albuquerque Academy volunteered to help unload and deliver the $20,000 worth of new mattresses, according to a news release from Saranam.

This donation will help ensure that every person has the dignity and security of a place to rest while they focus on building their futures, Tracy Weaver, executive director of Saranam, said in the release.

American Home Furniture and Mattress has been operating for close to 87 years in New Mexico. The company has been supporting Saranam since 2012 and has donated about $50,000 worth of mattresses, according to the release.

We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around us, and this was just one way we could do so, American Home Furnitures owner Kenton Van Harten said.

Saranam is a nonprofit that has been helping families experiencing homelessness for 19 years, according to the release. The two-year program has the capacity to help 20 families at a time by providing education, training and fully-furnished apartments.

The nonprofit has served 162 families with a 77% success rate of families moving out into safe, stable living situations, according to the release.

Dianne Campbell, Saranams director of development, said an expansion of the program, consisting of 25 casitas, is being developed near Montano and Taylor Ranch on the West Side.

Families get to take all household items they were provided when they complete the program, so Saranam is constantly looking for household items to refurnish their apartments, according to Campbell.

We are so grateful for community partnerships including this one with American Home Furniture because we couldnt do the work that we do  without all of our volunteers, all of our community partners, Campbell said. Were a pretty small organization, with only six full time staff, but we really run on community involvement, donations and volunteers.
SANTA FE  First-term state Rep. Yanira Gurrola took a little-traveled path to the Legislature.

The former Albuquerque middle school math teacher grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, and worked as an engineer at maquiladoras, or duty-free factories along the U.S.-Mexico border, before eventually moving to New Mexico.

She currently works as a bilingual educator and was not contemplating a foray into politics until Antonio Moe Maestas vacated his West Side House seat in December after being appointed to the Senate.

When she got a phone call from a union representative urging her to apply to the Bernalillo County Commission for the legislative seat, Gurrola said she at first thought she was joking.

But Gurrola agreed to apply, was subsequently selected and became one of 17 new House members during this years 60-day legislative session, albeit the only one who didnt attend an orientation for new lawmakers since she wasnt appointed until Jan. 9  just a week or so before the start of the session.

Two months ago, I didnt see myself here, Gurrola, a Democrat, said in a recent interview in her office in the Capitol Annex.

With little time to prepare, Gurrola acknowledges its been a challenge getting up to speed in the ways of the Roundhouse, including the rules that guide legislative debate.

I feel like Im swimming, Im swimming, Im swimming and I dont see the edge, she said.

But the political neophyte said shes learning the ropes quickly, in large part due to an outpouring of support from other female lawmakers, and has signed on to more than a dozen bills as a co-sponsor.

As she settles in as a legislator, Gurrola said she plans to focus on education, worker protection and school safety issues.

She also said her background as a bilingual teacher with an engineering degree from the Instituto Tecnologico de Chihuahua could provide her with unique perspectives on issues.

While foreign-born residents make up about 9.2% of New Mexicos population, according to 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data, there have been relatively few immigrants who have served in the New Mexico Legislature.

Records maintained by the Legislative Council Service show nine lawmakers since the 1960s have been born in other countries, though some of them were born on military bases or in unincorporated territories of the United States.

Recently, former Reps. Idalia Lechuga-Tena and Abbas Akhil, both Albuquerque Democrats, were both immigrants elected to the House from Mexico and India, respectively.

Gurrola, who first came to New Mexico on a religious community service trip, said she got her masters degree in teaching from the College of Santa Fe after a counselor told her she could be a role model for other Mexican women.

That prophecy seems to be playing out as a former student from Washington Middle School who was visiting the Capitol as part of a class trip left Gurrola a note during this years session saying she had changed her life.

That made me think, This is the reason Im doing this,  Gurrola said. Thats the reason that motivates me.
The day was Sept. 8, 2016  opening day for the New Mexico State Fair  and people from across the state came to enjoy festivities that ranged from unusual food combinations to rides and games. Vendor booths scattered across the fair grounds, people stopping by for more information on promoted materials.

But one booth stood out.

Ultra Health, the states largest cannabis company, showcased Dorothy, a 3-week-old marijuana plant, at its booth in an effort to bring awareness to medical cannabis.

State police escorted Ultra Health and Dorothy from the premises by days end, but they were too late to remove the message that began to gain traction: medical cannabis had arrived.

It was confrontational  I admit to that, says Duke Rodriguez, president and CEO of Ultra Health. It had the immediate benefit of raising awareness that we even had a medical cannabis program  and not just in Albuquerque. This was raising awareness in all parts of New Mexico.

Enrollment had jumped nearly 18,000 by the same time the following year. And three years after that, enrollment spiked to just about 100,000 patients.

But recently, industry experts have raised concerns about the medical cannabis programs viability with the introduction of adult-use sales, which came online last April.

Those concerns touch on two notable points of data  enrollment and sales, both of which have declined since recreational cannabis became the states new normal.

The state benefits more by doing non-medical because theyre collecting a 20% tax, Ed Gifford, owner of Zia Health & Wellness, says. I eventually think that its all going to just become recreational over a period of time.

A brief history

Medical cannabis was legalized back in 2007 when then-Gov. Bill Richardson signed off on the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act.

But the program was much smaller in the early years, with only a limited number of patients enrolled in the program and fewer qualifying conditions than the 29 the state accepts now.

Just a few years later, by 2014, enrollment jumped to more than 12,000, according to data from the New Mexico Department of Health  the state department that oversees the medical program.

That number was a stark difference from what DOH expected the program to be. Dominick Zurlo, the medical cannabis director for DOH, said originally the state estimated that around just 300 to 500 people would be enrolled in the program.

The jump, in part, came from the additional qualifying conditions added over the years. Post-traumatic stress disorder was added as a qualifying condition early on, opening the door for many new patients to come into the medical cannabis fold, Zurlo said.

And those patients came. In the most recent enrollment report from the department, PTSD is the qualifying condition for 55% of people enrolled in the program.

Those were sort of some seminal points before the program really (started) to expand and without having commercial or recreational adult-use cannabis, Zurlo said. The only way for individuals in New Mexico to obtain cannabis legally was through the medical program.

But a survey conducted by Zurlo, who has his doctorate in educational psychology, may have helped lead to some large changes in the states medical cannabis program, particularly with the expansion of more producers across the state that followed shortly after.

The 69-page study, which was conducted roughly a decade ago, looked at delivery systems and cannabis quantities  and if they met the needs of the programs growing enrollment.

In previous years, dispensaries (back then they were called licensed nonprofit producers) were few and far between. And in the very early years of the program, patients would pick up cannabis from licensed producers similar to a delivery system.

Patients continued to come into the fold as the medical program gained traction.

The number of patients reached more than 19,000 by the end of 2015. By the end of 2020, the patient count stood at nearly 105,000 patients. The programs enrollment hit its peak by May 2022, coming in at more than 135,000 patients, DOH data shows.

Recent picture

Mays record-high patient count was roughly 16 times the size of the programs enrollment just a decade earlier.

A large part of that was due to the addition of new qualifying conditions.

In 2019, a lawsuit by prospective medical patients against a medical cannabis program manager gave way to those outside of the state to apply for and receive medical cannabis cards. But not long after, in 2020, the Legislature amended the Compassionate Use Act to make clear that only New Mexico residents could obtain cards.

Trying to figure out where the medical cannabis program stands now is up for debate  one side saying the program is expected to take a hit with adult-use added to the fold; the other side saying the program is all but dead with very few options left to save it.

An updated count of medical cannabis patients in January shows the program has 108,513. But that enrollment number has dropped nearly every month since adult-use sales started in April of 2022.

Sales are still in the millions, though, with February data showing dispensaries across the state sold nearly $14 million in medical cannabis. It was the second lowest sales month since adult-use sales launched, the other coming in January.

Still, that number was about what the program produced in sales for some time before adult-use came online, with a Q3 report from 2020 showing medical cannabis sales were around $55 million  or an $18.3 million average between July and September. Patient counts were slightly less than 100,000 at the time.

Comparatively, Q3 sales last year was roughly $48.7 million when the patient count was above 100,000, Cannabis Control Division data shows.

And from April 2022 through January 2023, medical sales dropped by $3.6 million, data shows. Zurlo said the numbers show a drop off that they were anticipating.

But he cited other reasons for the decrease.

Not only did we have recreational cannabis starting, but we also had those patients who had enrolled three years ago who may not have been actively participating in the program, he said. What were seeing right now isthose individuals who had been enrolled in the program not enrolling.

Cathryn Cunningham/Journal Cathryn Cunningham/Journal Cathryn Cunningham/Journal Prev 1 of 3 Next

Where does medical cannabis go from here?

Zurlo, including others like New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ben Lewinger and acting CCD Director Andrew Vallejos, believe the dip in enrollment and sales in recent months is more of a correction than a decline.

They said other states that have both medical and adult-use programs see their medical numbers  sales and enrollment  drop.

But Lewinger also attributes part of the decline, at least in respect to sales, to something else.

I think theres a couple of things going on, Lewinger said. The first thing is at the onset of COVID, there was a huge expansion of the medical cannabis program with tens of thousands of new medical cannabis patients who were enrolled in the program.

And then number two, people in the cannabis program in the past we know were buying cannabis for people other than just themselves. We know that every cannabis card was probably more realistically serving two or three or four adults. And now those folks can buy legally on their own, so long as theyre over 21.

Both Zurlo and Lewinger believe the program still has legs  and still serves an important purpose for the patients within it. They cited the benefits of being enrolled in the program, including not having to pay gross receipts or cannabis excise taxes, and higher potency cannabis products.

Additionally, Zurlo said quicker turnarounds for processing applications have also made joining the program more attractive.

But there are others who believe the program is nearing extinction.

Chad Lozano, a combat veteran who saw war in Iraq, has been a medical patient for PTSD for a decade. He said the state needs to better listen to the needs of patients in the program  or they will leave.

If the state continues to ignore patients and ignore what we need, then the numbers are going to continue to dwindle, he said. Patients will find other methods cheaper ways to get cannabis.

Rodriguez said a big turnaround for the program would be getting health insurers to cover the cost of medical cannabis.

His company, Ultra Health, filed a class-action lawsuit with medical cannabis patients against a group of health insurers operating in New Mexico, in which the suit seeks insurance coverage for medical cannabis under a state law. The lawsuit, originally filed in state district court, was moved to federal court and is still awaiting an outcome. But the program is as good as dead if that effort fails, he says.

Under the current trajectory, the New Mexico medical program is going to go the route of the dinosaur if we dont do something dramatic, he says. I dont think that any further change in the medical program is going to be minor. I think youre going to see the program either shrink into nonexistence or fully recover by a major overhaul.
Cleanup began in battered parts of the South and Midwest after a sprawling storm system produced ferocious winds and heavy snow that caused widespread damage and multiple deaths before racing through the Northeast on Saturday.

More than a foot of snow fell in parts of New York state, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before the late-winter storm started to ebb late in the day. Driving conditions were hazardous, as dozens of cars, trucks and tractor-trailers slid off roads, police said. In New Yorks capital region of Albany, crews worked to restore power to nearly 20,000 customers as heavy, damp snow snapped tree branches.

The storms death toll rose with additional fatalities reported in Indiana and Michigan, while Kentuckys governor said at least five people died in that state as the system spawned straight-line winds, possible tornadoes and powerful thunderstorms in the South on Friday.

The system previously slammed California with as much as 10 feet (3 meters) of snow. Search crews have rescued several Californians stranded in the states mountain communities, and some residents in the mountains east of Los Angeles will likely remain trapped in their homes for at least another week after the snowfall proved too much to handle for most plows.

In Indiana, a state trooper was struck by a vehicle and killed Friday afternoon while assisting with traffic backups following weather-related crashes.

Master Trooper James R. Bailey, 50, was hit while deploying stop sticks on Interstate 69 near Auburn to stop a speeding vehicle fleeing Fort Wayne police, state police said. A 42-year-old Marion, Indiana, man was arrested and faces a charge of resisting law enforcement causing death to a law enforcement officer.

In Michigan, an 80-year-old man was struck and killed Friday evening by a snowplow that was backing up while clearing snow from a driveway in Ann Arbor, MLive.com reported. The snowplow driver said he didnt know he had struck the man until a bystander got his attention, police said.

At least five deaths were reported in hard-hit Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said Saturday. The storm, with wind gusts surpassing 70 mph, downed trees and power lines and damaged homes and other buildings.

This is very significant, widespread damage throughout Kentucky, Beshear said.

In central Tennessee, where the severe weather took down power lines and damaged homes, at least two deaths were blamed on the storm. In both cases, the victims were struck by falling trees, authorities told local news outlets.

About 728,000 utility customers in Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee were without power, according to PowerOutage.us. More than 330,000 of those customers were in Kentucky, and the governor warned it would take days for utility crews to fully restore service.

Kentuckys electric cooperatives reported hundreds of snapped utility poles and thousands of power lines down across the Bluegrass State. Soft ground from heavy rains slowed the progress of heavy equipment to access damaged infrastructure.

The damage from this event is as widespread as any natural disaster I have ever seen in Kentucky co-op history, said Chris Perry, president and CEO of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives.

In Alabama, a 70-year-old man sitting in his truck in Talledega County was killed when a tree fell onto his vehicle. A 43-year-old man in Lauderdale County and a man in Huntsville also were killed by falling trees Friday, local authorities said. Heavy rain caused flooding in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.

In the upper Midwest, winter-weary residents dug out Saturday from snowfall that caused widespread power outages and forced Detroits Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to briefly close late Friday. Thousands of residents in the region already had lost power for days following recent ice storms that slammed Michigan.

Victoria Burnett felt a sense of foreboding as the snow began falling Friday in Farmington Hills, northwest of Detroit. Burnett lost power for seven days following the first ice storm. She was able to use a generator until her service returned.

When it started snowing (Friday) and I saw it was heavy, wet snow, I was really worried, Burnett said. Her lights flickered, but the power remained on.



Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Bobby Caina Calvan in New York City; Sarah Rankin in Richmond, Virginia; Kimberly Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; Mark Pratt in Boston and Amy Taxin in Los Angeles.
A political newcomer who lost his bid for the New Mexico Statehouse is scheduled to be tried early next year on charges of allegedly orchestrating a series of drive-by shootings at the homes of Democratic officials.

A judge issued an order Tuesday that charts a course for the case of Solomon Pena, scheduling a potential pretrial evidentiary hearing for November followed by a two-week trial in early January.

The 39-year-old felon remains in custody after being indicted on 14 counts that include criminal solicitation to commit shooting at a dwelling, shooting at a dwelling, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The charges stem from shootings that occurred between early December and January. No one was hurt, but the case reignited the debate over whether lawmakers should make it harder for people accused of violent crimes to make bail. Lawmakers also are considering a bill that would shield from the public the addresses of elected officials.

Authorities arrested Pena on Jan. 9, accusing him of paying for a father and son and two other unidentified men to shoot at the officials homes between early December and early January. The shootings followed his unsuccessful Republican bid for a district long considered a Democratic stronghold. He claimed the election was rigged.

Penas defense attorney has raised questions about the credibility of a confidential witness who shared information with authorities, saying some of the statements used in a criminal complaint were contradictory. She also has argued that her clients criminal history did not involve any violent convictions or crimes involving firearms and that he has not been in trouble with the law  other than two traffic citations  since his release from prison in 2016.

Court records show Pena was incarcerated for several years after being arrested in 2007 in connection with what authorities described as a smash-and-grab burglary scheme that targeted retail stores. His voting rights were restored after he completed probation in 2021.

Court documents show more time is be granted to prepare for trial, with the court citing extensive discovery that will include electronic evidence and the high volume of witnesses who will need to be interviewed.

The list of potential witnesses includes dozens of police officers, forensic experts and some of the elected officials whose homes were shot at.

Authorities said the shootings began Dec. 4, when eight rounds were fired at the home of Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa. Days later, state Rep. Javier Martinezs home was targeted. On Dec. 11, more than a dozen rounds were fired at the home of Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie OMalley.

The final related shooting, targeting state Sen. Linda Lopezs home, unfolded in the midnight hour of Jan. 3. Police said more than a dozen shots were fired, including three that Lopez said passed through her daughters bedroom.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (PTI Photo)

HYDERABAD: Union home minister Amit Shah will take part in an interaction with professionals at Sangareddy during his visit to the city on March 12, party sources said.

The venue was finalised at Sangareddy as the model code of conduct is in force in the city for the Mahbubnagar-Ranga Reddy-Hyderabad teachers constituency Legislative Council polls. He will attend the interaction after participating in an event at the Central Industrial Security Force campus.

BJP state leaders said professionals, including doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, advocates and lecturers, among others, will be invited to the meeting Shah. The party leadership will reportedly seek inputs from the attendees on ways to strengthen the BJP in the state.

The visit comes about 10 days after Shah conducted a meeting with Telangana BJP leaders on February 28 in New Delhi. Following the conclusion of 18-day street corner meetings, Shah discussed various issues, including the Praja Gosa-BJP Bharosa programme, with the core committee.

Shah reportedly told the leaders that he would concentrate on Telangana to ensure a win for the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior BJP leader said, "Amit Shah, who is attending the CISF programme, gave time to the state party to conduct an interaction with professionals. We will be conducting the meeting on March 12, a day before the teachers MLC election," the leader said.

BJP state general secretary G. Premender Reddy , said that he visited the venue of Shahs meeting in Sangareddy on Saturday. "Based on available seating capacity, we will invite the professional to interact with Amit Shah," he said.

After the interaction, Amit will move to Bidar in neighbouring Karnataka, which is also poll-bound this year.

Meanwhile, BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar decided to conduct a one-day deeksha over atrocities against women on March 6. He will observe the deeksha at the BJP state party office in Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Bhavan, along with other leaders.
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On Thursday, March 2, the Brazilian model shared on Instagram a video showing the damage inside the plane after it made an emergency landing at Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

Mar 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - Matthew McConaughey's wife revealed that they were on the Lufthansa flight that dropped over 4,000 feet. Taking to social media, Camila Alves gave fans a look at the "chaos" inside the plane.

On Thursday, March 2, the Brazilian model shared on Instagram a video showing the damage inside the plane after it made an emergency landing at Dulles International Airport in Virginia due to severe turbulence. She began her caption, "On Flight last night,I was told plane dropped almost 4000 feet, 7 people went to the hospital, Everything was flying everywhere."

"To respect the privacy of those around me that's all I am showing but the plane was a CHAOS And the turbulence keep on coming," she added. "The @lufthansa flight you are seeing on the news today!!!! Yesthat one. Thank God everyone was safe and ok. I must say everyone @marriottbonvoy by the airport of Washington where we had to divert to and spend the night was so kind!"

"@officiallymcconaughey and I made it to the bar with 1 minute before closingslept well, getting on new flight today, To the journey I continue," the entrepreneur further noted. "Karin Lacy was a savior with me until 1am working on new flights!!!"

The post has since been flooded with comments from a number of celebrities, including Rita Wilson, who wrote, "Camila!!!!! Thank God you're all ok!!!!" Rachel Zoe replied, "Omg dear friend thank gd everyone is OK. I am the worst flyer and not sure i would be as brave as you are right now, sending strength and safety." Kelly Rowland, meanwhile, sent out praying hands emoji.

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Rumor has it, Britney Spears has parted ways with the Calabasas mansion, less than a year after moving in, as she remains estranged from children who live with their dad in the same area.

Mar 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - Britney Spears has allegedly gotten rid of her Calabasas mansion just nine months after moving in. The 41-year-old pop star relocated to the seven-bedroom, nine-bath, 11,600-square-foot estate just days after tying the knot with actor Sam Asghari in June 2022 and is thought to have paid almost $12 million for the property but, according to PEOPLE, has now sold it on just over $10 million, making a loss of almost $2 million.

Britney has sold the mansion to a Texas-based personal injury lawyer and knew that "the longer she would have waited to sell, the less she'd get," according to reports. She eventually agreed on the deal because even though she lives in the same neighbourhood as ex-husband Kevin Federline and their sons Sean, 16, and 17-year-old Jadyden, things haven't "really worked out on that front" and the boys remain somewhat estranged from her.

The "...Baby One More Time" hitmaker - who regained control of her multimillion-dollar fortune and various aspects of her life when a conservatorship that had been governed by her family was terminated in November 2021 after 13 years - appeared to be happy with the luxurious abode at the time of purchasing it because it was one of the first large purchases she made without having to ask her dad for permission.

A source said at the time, "Britney loves her new house. She picked it out with Sam. She wanted a fresh start with Sam. It's been very important to her to have a home that she picked up without having to ask for approval from (dad Jamie Spears)."

The legendary pop star has lived in a string of Hollywood homes since leaving Kentwood, Louisiana in the 1990s to start up her pop career, including one which she sold to late actress Brittany Murphy in 2003, a Beverly Hills mansion she snapped up in 2007 for a reported $6.8 million as well as a string of condos in Florida and built her now-estranged mother Lynne an estate named Serenity in her hometown after she first made it big in music.

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It's revealed that the 'Vanderpump Rules' star found out about Tom and Raquel's affair on Wednesday, March 1 at his band's show and she has since deactivated her social media accounts.

Mar 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval have broken up after he allegedly cheated on her with their "Vanderpump Rules" co-star Raquel Leviss. It was unveiled that Ariana ended their romance because she was "blindsided" by the betrayal.

"Ariana was blindsided by the cheating," a source told Page Six. The source added that she had "no idea there were any issues" in her relationship because her ex has been "affectionate in public recently."

Ariana reportedly "has been hanging out with Raquel recently" and she was even there for her after Raquel called off her engagement to James Kennedy in December 2022. That is why Ariana feels "betrayed by her friend."

It's said Ariana found out about Tom and Raquel's affair on Wednesday, March 1 at his band's show. She has since deactivated her social media accounts.

While the three parties have yet to address the scandal, Raquel's ex-fiance James offered his two cents. "Hope you all feel as sick as I do. This explains everything," he said alongside a screenshot of an article about Ariana and Tom's split.

Lala Kent then inserted herself in the drama, commenting, "I've been telling y'all!" The 32-year-old went on to argue, "Everyone said I was a 'bully'. It's called YOU TRIGGER ME AND I SEE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE! I've known these two are disgusting from the jump."

Not stopping there, Lala called out Tom and Raquel on Instagram Story. "I've seen you for who you [are] for a long time, and you just don't like that," she said of Tom. "But, I think now is the time for you to shut the f**k up. I'm eating good the next time I see you." As for Raquel, she declared, "I suggest you get some energy for me. You're gonna need it."

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Earlier this week, the Canadian pop superstar, who's battling with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, shocked his fans as he announced that he pulled the plug on the remaining shows in his 'Justice World Tour'.

Mar 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - New details surrounding Justin Bieber's decision to pull the plug on his "Justice World Tour" have emerged. According to a new report, the Canadian pop superstar was "forced" by his doctors to cancel the remaining shows.

Daily Mail reported on Friday, March 3 that the 29-year-old musician's decision was actually not his decision at all. Sources close to the star spilled that he was "forced" to cancel the tour by his team of doctors amid growing concerns about his ongoing battle with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

"Justin is fragile and has been worn thin lately," one of the insiders explained. "He was told that this needed to happen and he was left with no other choice. He knows that if he did not cancel the remaining tour dates, it could have a horrible impact on his overall health. If he does not have his health, he has nothing."

The so-called insider added, "[Justin] feels horrible about it." The informant further noted that the "Sorry" hitmaker "is aware that this impacts so many people who really on him and he is committed to making sure that they are all okay."

Moreover, it's not only Justin's doctors who have expressed concern. His wife Hailey Bieber [Hailey Baldwin], family and friends have all been "worried" about his declining health, the insider added. "For so many years, Justin felt like he was invincible and that nothing could hurt him. But after getting sick with Ramsay Hunt, it became so clear to him that he is not," the source shared.

No official reason was given as to why the tour was prematurely ending when the news was announced on the website. The shocking announcement stated, "Justin Bieber has officially CANCELLED the remaining dates of his Justice World Tour. Check in with your point of purchase for refunds for your show dates."

Justin, who was set to perform in the U.K., Australia, Poland, France, New Zealand, Denmark and the Czech Republic, has not yet spoken out. He was first diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome in June last year when he was experiencing facial paralysis.

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During his appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', the 'Normal People' star reveals to the host that he once suffered an embarrassing encounter with the acclaimed actress.

Mar 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - Paul Mescal greeted Nicole Kidman in his "sweaty underwear" at a London theatre. The "Normal People" star revealed that he suffered an embarrassing encounter with the acclaimed actress outside his dressing room at The Almeida Theatre.

The 27-year-old actor, who was playing Stanley Kowalski in "A Streetcar Named Desire", explained on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", "We thought it was the stage manager or something and I go to open the door. It's Nicole Kidman, and I'm standing there in, like, sweaty underwear."

Paul admitted that the whole incident was "incredibly undignified". He said, "You'd think the next smart step is [to] put on some trousers, but there's something incredibly undignified about the act of [pulling up trousers]."

Paul rose to international prominence as Connell Waldron in the hit TV series "Normal People". The actor previously joked that he blew his "Normal People" wages on a round of drinks.

Paul, who starred on the show in 2020, said, "I did stupid things like buying the cast a round of drinks, which was pretty much my entire wage!" The series was released amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and even though it helped to raise his profile, Paul struggled with the lack of work in the following few months.

He shared, "I've struggled with the absence of work. A vast period of the day which wouldve been occupied is now totally unoccupied." Paul turned to exercise as a way of curing his boredom.

The actor explained that he was trying to "get as much serotonin" as he could. He shared at the time, "My life is a lot of Zoom calls and lots of running. Ive been trying to get as much serotonin as I can. Serotonin is a wonderful thing."

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After a person who claims to be the former kickboxer's manager confirms the controversial Internet celebrity has been diagnosed with lung cancer in Dubai, he claims that biopsy result shows the 'tumor is benign.'

Mar 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - Andrew Tate is reportedly doing just fine despite his rumored serious health issue. After reports emerged that the former kickboxer is battling lung cancer amid his extended detention in Romania, his manager says that he's "ok."

The person who claims to be Andrew's manager took to his Instagram Story to give an update on the star's condition. Using the handler @thesartorialshooter, he wrote, "Good news team. Romanian news saying Tate actually did have the biopsy that Dubai specialists recommended."

The manager said that after having a biopsy, it was revealed that Andrew's tumor is "benign." He shared, "It was done a month ago in Bucharest - report says tumor is benign."

The manager seemingly slammed the false story that possibly exaggerated his condition, adding, "Be really nice if this was 'leaked' earlier... Family and friends were extremely concerned. Romania wouldn't lie about this. So he's ok. Alhamdulilah."

Andrew Tate's manager played down rumors of his lung cancer.

Previously, Andrew's team seemed to give a conflicting statement on Tate's health condition. After the social media personality hinted he's dealing with a health condition that "shouldn't be taken lightly," the rep said to Daily Mail, "Tate has a dark spot on his lung" that is "most likely a tumour."

According to medical reports, his doctors in Romania and Dubai expressed concern surrounding the lesion of his upper right lung. The doctors reportedly described it as a "serious health condition."

The medical reports also revealed that the 36-year-old visited the doctor on December 5, 2022, prior to his arrest, with plans to return to Dubai in January for a bronchoscopy and biopsy surrounding the lesion. They described the tests as a part of "further urgent investigations."

After the reports emerged, the man who claims to be Andrew's manager confirmed that the contentious media figure had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He posted on his Story, "Okay a lot of people are asking me if Tate lung cancer story is true. Yes, it's true. I was the one driving him to and from the hospitals in Dubai. I don't have any more specifics to share."

Andrew and his brother were arrested in December on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and forming an organized crime group. Recently, a Romanian judge extended their period of detention for the third time while no charges have been officially filed against them.

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Prior to this, the alleged victim, a sound engineer named Mark, claimed that the 'Astroworld' rapper 'attacked' him and 'f**ked up' his face at Club Nebula.

Mar 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - Travis Scott (II) is not running away. The "SICKO MODE" rapper is reportedly planning to turn himself in to the New York Police Department following alleged physical altercation at Club Nebula.

The New York Post reported on Friday, March 3 that the 31-year-old emcee will turn himself in for questioning next week over the Manhattan nightclub assault that saw him allegedly sock a sound engineer in the face.

Police sources also confirmed that Travis' reps have arranged for the rapper to return to the Big Apple after his Rolling Loud gig and speak with NYPD detectives. He will likely be slapped with an assault charge.

Travis, who made headlines in 2021 for the deadly Astroworld festival, is scheduled to perform at the Rolling Loud hip-hop festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 4.

Travis' late-night meltdown unfolded after sources say the "Goosebumps" rapper climbed into the DJ booth as rapper Don Toliver, who is signed to his label, was performing at the West 41st Street club around 2 A.M.

Travis flipped out when the sound engineer tried to lower the volume, sources alleged. The rapper, who shares two kids with Kylie Jenner, then unleashed and allegedly started trashing the victim's equipment, including an audio speaker and a video screen worth about $12,000, cops said.

"Travis came in angry and intoxicated and progressively went postal," one source said of the alleged incident. "His shirt said 'Back the f**k up.' It's like he was poised for battle. It was foreshadowing."

The alleged victim, who identified only as Mark, recently spoke from hospital and claimed that Travis "attacked" him. As he sat in his hospital bed, the engineer explained the extent of his injuries. He said that he was having some trouble turning his head and was feeling some pain. "Obviously, my neck is f**ked up. My arm is tingly. I have pins and needles going down it," he shared.

Responding to the story, Travis' rep called the allegations "a complete and total joke" in a statement to Complex. "As anyone with common sense can see, the video that shows Travis DJ'ing in Nebula proves that the incident was nothing. All it shows that Travis's performance was disrupted by someone aggressively in his personal space," the statement read.

Prior to this, Travis' spokesperson said that there's a "misunderstanding." In a statement provided to Daily Mail, the rep said, "There have been discussions with the venue who confirmed this was a simple misunderstanding that was resolved in minutes."

"The show was great and never missed a beat. This has the earmarks of a cash grab but will be resolved and all those with an agenda will be held accountable," it added. A source close to the rapper also told the outlet that he and his team were "working with law enforcement to resolve and get to the truth."

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The Emily Copper depicter on Netflix's hit series 'Emily in Paris' also reveals in a new interview that she loves looking for interior design inspiration on Instagram.

Mar 4, 2023

AceShowbiz - Lily Collins has recently become obsessed with interior design. The "Emily in Paris" actressThe 33-year-old actress, who is the daughter of musician Phil Collins and his second wife, Jill Tavelman, has revealed that she loves looking for interior design inspiration on Instagram.

Asked about the last "Instagram rabbit hole" she went down, Lily, who is married to director Charlie McDowell, told Glamour magazine, "Interior design. Looking at lamps and chairs because we're redesigning a space right now. And then you start clicking on these amazing homes, and then you're looking at tile colours and wall colours and rugs."

"It's so funny because as a kid, I remember my mom always talking about interior design, and I was more interested in clothing and pop bands and stuff. And then she's like, 'One day you're going to care more about interiors and antiques and designs.' I was like, 'No, I'm not.' And now it's literally what I want to spend my money on," the 33-year-old actress continued.

Lily previously admitted to being inspired by the "boldness" of her "Emily in Paris" character. The brunette beauty plays Emily Cooper in the hit Netflix series, and Lily confessed to loving her character's sense of style.

She shared, "I think Emily's boldness of choice and not being afraid of mixing things has rubbed off on me". Lily has always been passionate about fashion. However, starring in the show has made her more courageous than ever.

She explained, "I always loved fashion growing up, so I've never been afraid of it, but I've just not always thought it would work on me. Throwing in those little influences here and there - Emily encourages me to do it more."

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Dalmia Bharat Limited, leading Indian cement company, launched a thought-provoking digital campaign called Homemaker commemorati ng International Womens Day which is on 8th March. The Indian construction and real estate sector employ around 57 million workers, out of which only 12% or 7 million are women. No more than 1.4% are engaged in technical and managerial roles as architects, civil engineers, supervisor etc and less than 2% in leadership positions. Emphasizing the disparity and gender-ratio gap in this sector, Dalmia Bharat is pioneering the initiative to encourage women across India to join the construction industry in crucial roles.

The digital campaign will be activated through a series of teasers, testimonials, and a short film. Tagged as Because I'm that woman who chooses to be a #homemaker, the short film showcases how women in the construction industry are building their own destiny while encountering constant stereotypes. Initially it will seem that a woman is being portrayed as a homemaker, but there will be a twist towards the end showing her as the actual engineer, contractor, architect of homes - the actual 'homemaker'. Targeted at Tier I and Tier II audience, the Womens Day campaign will aim to reach out to a larger talent pool, potential employees, and educational institutes. The campaign will run across six key digital platforms  LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and WhatsApp till March 2023.

The online campaign centres around a play on the word Homemaker and the difference between its literal and conventional meaning. Normally the word Homemaker is associated with stay-at-home mothers or housewives. However, the campaign focuses on interpreting the word literally to mean someone who builds homes. Through this campaign, Dalmia Bharat aims to highlight the gender ratio skew in the business and wants to lead the change in perception, showcasing women as equally skilled members of this fraternity.

Commenting on the marketing campaign, DBL spokesperson said, Traditionally, the construction industry is a male dominated field and only 12% women are part of this workforce in India. It remains an uncommon choice for women professionally due to the typecast and lack of opportunities. On Womens Day we want to amplify our intent for the need to bring about a paradigm shift in this industry. We hope the campaign can sensitize and encourage women to explore and consider opportunities in our industry and company.
Euronics, a leading washroom automation accessory brand, has renewed its brand endorsement contract with Hrithik Roshan for another two years. The style icon has been the face of the brand since 2021, and the company is now super-excited to continue this relationship as both share common ethos and characteristics. The contract renewal is a reflection of not only Euronicss confidence in Brand Ambassador Hrithik Roshan but his innate ability to connect with his audience, but also the trust that Euronicss customers repose in his approval of the product range.

Euronics is trusted brand in the market for its wide range of sustainable, innovative & touchless washroom automation accessories like Hand Dryers, Sensor Taps, Urinal and WC Flushers, Soap & Paper Dispensers, and so on. The extensive reach of the brand, coupled with Hrithiks endorsement, has been successful in upping its customer relations and marketing communication quotient quite a few notches through sweeping digital and social media campaigns. Euronics has been progressively expanding its footprints across the country though a holistic marketing strategy to increase its ability to woo customers.

Hrithik Roshan said about this bonding, Euronics has been a constant presence in my life and Im proud to be associated with a brand that stands for sustainability and innovation. Euronics delivers world-class products, keeping in mind the dynamic demands and choices of consumers.

Commenting on the renewal of this partnership, Mr. Abhishek Jain, Director, Euronics, expressed great excitement and enthusiasm. He said, Hrithik Roshan embodies the brands core values of innovation, style and performance, and has been instrumental in building Euronicss brand image over the years. Hrithiks immense popularity and mass appeal have helped Euronics reach out to a wider audience and set a stronger foothold in the highly competitive Indian building material industry. This renewed partnership is a testament to the strong relationship between Euronics and Hrithik Roshan and is expected to drive continued success for the brand in the coming years.

Euronics is breaking the barriers of its own path-breaking innovations with progressive and modern technologies in all its products. For the past 20 years, Euronics has been committed to offering the finest washroom automation products to its clients and has remained steadfast in this endeavour.
Accusing MLA Jogu Ramanna of taking a 40 per cent commission on developmental works, Sanjay called on the public to vote for the BJP candidate, invoking the memory of the late Lala Radheshyam, a Hindu leader of Adilabad.(Photo: Twitter/@bandisanjay_bjp)

Adilabad: BJP state president Bandi Sanjay on Saturday challenged the MIM leadership to contest the Adilabad MLA seat, citing the latters claim that their voters would be crucial in deciding the election results in the Assembly constituency.

Accusing MLA Jogu Ramanna of taking a 40 per cent commission on developmental works, Sanjay called on the public to vote for the BJP candidate, invoking the memory of the late Lala Radheshyam, a Hindu leader of Adilabad.

Speaking at a party induction meeting in Adilabad town, Sanjay said that the MIM, representing 12 per cent of Bihars population, was able to win five seats. Against this backdrop, he questioned how many seats should Hindus, who comprise 80 per cent of Telanganas population, should win.

He also attacked the BRS, dubbing it the Bar and Restaurant Party, in a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Delhi liquor scam. He questioned how MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha got Rs 100 crore, alleged to be her share in the liquor scam, when there was no money for welfare schemes.

Bandi Sanjay said that beneficiaries of schemes like Kalyanalaxmi were getting money after having children, instead of at the time of the wedding.

He also accused the BRS of indulging in liquor, sand, granite and drug mafia. He said that there was no protection for the public, citing the death by suicide of Dr Preethi, who was harassed by her senior.

BJP leaders and cadre took out a candlelight rally in condolence of Dr Preethis death in Adilabad town. Adilabad MP Soyam Bapu Rao and district president Payal Shankar also spoke on the occasion.
2023 marks the 150th anniversary of Levis 501 jeans, one of the most enduring icons of global style and the original blueprint from which all other jeans have been created. As the brand that created the first blue jean, Levis drives the denim industry with its world-class jeans  and the 501 design is at its core. Worn by millions of changemakers, risk-takers, experimenters, thinkers, icons and creatives, over the course of its brilliant 150-year history, Levis 501 jeans have witnessed various cultural, political and social moments and have stood the test of time to become a generational icon of culture and fashion.

Characterized by a timeless straight fit and button fly, the pair TIME magazine called the fashion item of the 20th century continues its unrivalled success as a global icon in the 21st century. What began as a patent for copper rivets on work pants in 1873 has, over the last 150 years, become the most iconic and influential piece of clothing ever created. A canvas for rule-breaking, do-what-you-want style, the 501 jeans have broken the boundaries of time and culture. Theyre a true original embraced by each generation as uniquely their own.

To commemorate the legacy of this timeless pair of denim, Levis has collaborated with Deepika Padukone for a campaign featuring Deepika Padukone wearing the iconic Levis 501.

In India, Deepika Padukones inimitable style and ease adds a new chapter to the 501 story and the continuing impact on the 501 as one of the most durable, forward-thinking and stylist pair of pants ever made.
When three new students win a scholarship to the Hampton International School in the Netflix series Class, the Indian adaptation (by Ashim Ahluwalia, Raghav Kakkar, and Kashyap Kapoor) of the Spanish series Elite (2018), a delicate equilibrium is not shaken, but broken. The series opens with a death inquiry. A tale emerges from many points of view via flashbacks and is progressively cobbled together. The series, which stars a remarkable cast of rookies, has received amazing reviews from audiences and has rapidly become a fan favourite. Class is also Netflixs first Indian adaptation of a foreign title.

In conversation with Adgully, Director & Screenwriter Ashim Ahluwalia, and actress and producer Niharika Singh, speak about their series Class, the response they have received from the audience for the same, and much more.

What motivated you to direct/ produce Class?

Ashim Ahluwalia: I was keen to do something around rebellious teenagers. I was offered to look at the Spanish show Elite for an adaptation and although it wasnt very similar to what I had made in the past, I thought it could be interesting if I had the creative control to be able to adapt it the way I wanted. Netflix seemed to be a game. I definitely needed our company Future East creatively involved to make it the way it needed to be made.

Niharika Singh: I joined Future East as a director of the company in 2019 and the pandemic hit soon after. It was a difficult time for everyone and I stepped up as a producer when Ashim was approached to direct Class by Bodhi Tree Multimedia and Netflix. The Elite adaptation was an exciting prospect since it had various elements that seemed personally relevant and had not been explored on screen so far. Ashim and I have had a decade long professional association and he needed me to be able to creatively produce and build a team of cast and crew that could pull off this very unique vision in this difficult situation.

How has the audience response been so far for Class?

Niharika Singh: It has been surprisingly overwhelming. The series has been on the top spot in multiple countries around the world since it started streaming. Some people finally feel represented on screen, some love the way the show is made and some cant relate to it or find it difficult to process. Everybody seems to have a point of view on it which is great. I believe we have a show that will be a benchmark for many years to come.

Ashim Ahluwalia: Im happy that the audience has been open to such layered storytelling told in an intense, cinematic way. All the characters are flawed and imperfect which is very different from what we are used to seeing in India. Nothing is sanitised in this show.

What all locations have you shot this entire series in?

Niharika Singh: The series is shot all over Delhi NCR with some interiors shot in Mumbai. It wasnt the easiest job to get very real locations that the project demanded through a global pandemic a multiple lockdowns, but all thanks to our relationships at Future East, we managed somehow. Even the school is shot over multiple locations in Mumbai and Delhi  part of it is even a set  but it all looks seamless now.

Do you think that such a series has a higher connection with the audience?

Ashim Ahluwalia: Ive been surprised at the enthusiastic response for something so different - of course some people have compared it with the original series and feel like we should have changed the storyline more. I dont believe that, I wanted to keep the story but change the storytelling style focusing more on the psychology of the characters and the social context - that was what I was interested in.

Niharika Singh: Class seemed to have worked very well. Both Elite and Class might have a similar skeletal structure, but they are entirely different in the way theyve been made or approached. The South Asian audience is connecting to Class mainly because the grunge, the wealth and the class divide is very relatable and a clear reminder of the society we all are living in. The characters are all different kinds of people that audiences can connect with.

How do you see OTT as a medium?

Niharika Singh: OTT is the medium of the 21st century where we can consume media on our phones, tablets, while we are on the go. Its perfectly suited to series and long format that can be watched in pieces, but the filmmaking has to be designed like that. It works like a modern blend of advertising, television & cinema.

Ashim Ahluwalia: Streaming allows us to make content that cant be made for theatrical distribution. The audience is more targeted and niche so the work can be more complex, nuanced. It doesnt have to hit a mass audience as a Friday release so we can take more risks.

What are the other projects that you are working on?

Niharika Singh: Future East will continue to be a boutique production company focussing on quality series like CLA$$. Currently we are developing a series for Kids as well as some shows that are in the domestic thriller space. Im personally also working on a documentary and directing for the first time. We are focusing on producing films and series with other directors besides Ashim as well. Of course, we continue making TV commercials for various brands like Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Nivea, Facebook and others.

Ashim Ahluwalia: We are currently also working on an international film with the producers of Cloud Atlas, and developing feature films with Ellipses and Applause entertainment. Im keen to direct films and series both in India but also internationally, for a global audience.
TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy inspects the construction works of the 9th package of the Kaleshwaram project at Samudrala Lingapur in Rajanna Sircilla district on Saturday. DC

Warangal: Telangana Congress chief A. Revanth Reddy alleged that the ninth package works of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme was halted due to commissions pending to be given to IT minister K.T. Rama Rao. They KIIS might see a further increase in cost estimates, he claimed.

Revanth Reddy made the remarks against the BRS on Day 20 of his Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan padayatra in Rajanna Sircilla district on Saturday.

On the day, victims of the so-called Neralla sand mafia met Revanth Reddy, alleging third-degree treatment by police for trying to stop sand mining and requesting the Congress leader to do them justice.

Power loom workers also met Revanth Reddy to request a resolution of their issues, following which the TPCC chief asked the state government to sanction subsidised loans to loom workers to set up small-scale industries for their livelihood.

"Along with giving orders pertaining to seven categories to the power loom workers, the government should also give bulk orders of clothes of RTC, Singareni and health departments along with supplying free electricity by implementing the work-to-owner system without collecting additional money," he said.

Inspecting construction works in Samudrala Lingapur village in Gambhiraopet mandal, he questioned officials concerned about reasons for leaving the works midway, due to continuous delays, citing an increase in costs.

Revanth Reddy again referenced the the KLIS, alleging that the company undertaking the works was a benami of ministers Rama Rao and Harish Rao. He said works were halted midway to increase costs and commissions.

"The state government is least interested in the welfare of the farmers of this region. By winning as a MLA with the votes of the farmers of this region and later becoming a minister, why is KTR not taking any initiative in completing the ninth package works for the sake of betterment of the farmers," he asked.

He warned the government of taking up agitation programmes if it fails to complete the construction of the Kaleshwaram project.

Meanwhile, several Congress leaders and mediapersons were injured during the Haath Se Haath Jodo padayatra, when six cars of Revanth Reddys convoy collided at Thimmapur village in Yellareddypet mandal of Rajanna Sircilla district.

However, there was no casualty and the injured were shifted to a hospital for treatment.
WalletHubs recently released rankings of the happiest cities seems to defy reality. Then again, the psychologists who concocted the rankings seem to defy common sense.

The list was conjured by a bunch of homogeneous professors  by one measure, liberal professors outnumber conservatives by 12 to 1. Whats more, the professors behind this happiest cities ranking are all psychologists, in one form or another. Perhaps one of the professions most dominated by liberal social activists, studies indicate that the ratio of liberals to conservatives in the field of psychology is 14 to 1. Thats not very diverse.

Not to unnecessarily cast aspersions, but given these forbidding ratios, its still legitimate to question the motives of such an apparently intellectually incestuous group of psychologists  without one White male, in their unhappy, un-DEI group (See Ask the Experts section).

Given the publish or perish imperative in liberal academia, skepticism about their intellectual integrity may be warranted. But lets give them a chance, and see what they came up with for WalletHub. First, lets consider a couple of factors that contribute to lasting happiness, then take a closer look at their data, particularly as it relates to cities in the tarnished state of California.

Our founders may very well have delineated some of our inalienable rights as life, liberty, and the pursuit of progress. Progress toward meaningful goals plays an important role in psychological well-being thats intrinsic to lasting happiness. And, ultimately, theres not much more meaningful than helping others.

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy described what happiness meant to our founders: Happiness meant that feeling of self-worth and dignity you acquire by contributing to your community and to its civic life.

Activities that provide a sense of purpose include helping others through charitable giving and volunteer work. In those areas, the cities the ivory tower psychologists rated as happy actually underperformed. Lets take a closer look.

Its no secret that residents are fleeing California; in fact, based on Census Bureau population data, they recently lost a congressional seat for the first time. Many are leaving the Bay Area, per a U-Haul migration trends report. Yet, of the top five happiest cities according to the WalletHub report, three are in the Bay Area and surroundings: Fremont, San Jose (close), and San Francisco itself. Please remember: that is out of 182 ranked cities. Oakland  yep, crime-ridden and dirty Oakland, of all places  is just outside the top 10 at number thirteen. Overall, 6 of the top 20 happiest cities are in California, both in the north and south.

One of the reports indicators of happiness in the Income and Employment dimension is Share of Households Earning Annual Incomes Above $75,000. Well, in the Bay area, and many places in California, thats not enough to fetch a tiny studio apartment. That might explain why, according to a recent Quinnipiac poll, the most urgent issue to Californians is homelessness (22%), followed by affordable housing (17%).

The WalletHub analysts must be overlooking the homeless people in their rankings, and the hapless local businesses and homeowners dealing with Third World-type surroundings. Sure, if one can afford a nice house in Pelosis neighborhood, for example, then things may seem hunky-dory. But those who are fleeing must be discontent because it takes a lot of effort to uproot, pack up, and rent a one-way U-Haul.

A couple of indicators that do contribute to lasting happiness  but receive short shrift in the WalletHub report  are volunteerism and charitable giving. Per AmeriCorpss report Volunteering in America: States, a measly 25.4% of California residents volunteer, ranking them an abysmal 47th. So much for helping others.

Giving to others can also contribute to intrinsic happiness, as opposed to fleeting, self-indulgent notions of happiness that prompt spending like drunken Democrats. Per the same AmeriCorps report, only 47% of California residents donate $25 or more to charity. If that sounds like a lot, it actually ranks them in the bottom ten; in fact, only FL, GA, LA, MS, NV, and NM have lower rates of charity, by that measure. Even the proudly individualistic residents of Wyoming outrank them, with 47.2% making comparable donations.

The like-minded psychologists who contributed to the WalletHub report disclaim, Our analysis draws upon the findings of the following research. Notably absent from the subsequent list is Arthur C. Brooks, who is a renowned researcher, author, and happiness guru. I wonder if thats because Brooks dared to point out that conservatives give more than liberals, volunteer more, and are generally happier than them. Noel S. Williams continues

We gave them a chance, but the psychologists progressive predilections seem to favor conclusions that comport with a bent liberal mindset. For example, stinky and dirty Oakland, with the highest crime index in the country, is ranked the 13th happiest city in America  please! That would put it above 169 other cities on their contorted list. If Oakland residents are so happy, why do they violently riot so much? Its not all out-of-towners fomenting discord. Peaceful protests are sometimes justified, but violent and anarchistic mayhem are unbecoming for a content populace. More likely, Oakland should be ranked 13th  or higher  on a potential most dystopian city list.

At a minimum, these rankings are dubious, but spare some pity for the authors who crafted them to fit a perverted psychology paradigm; after all, they may be more screwed up than your average progressive. Perhaps its the Solomon Paradox  ones ability to be more discerning about anothers problems than ones own  but psychologists need therapy big time.

The weight they applied to happiness indicators is light on helping others, but heavy on ego-centric measures. For concocting such preposterous rankings, which seem to emphasize liberal selfishness and instant gratification, rather than civic engagement, methinks they need a shrink  now!

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
In his N.Y. Times op-ed (Feb. 28, 2023), columnist Paul Krugman admitted that Social Security is indeed not like a pension plan, but rather incorporates significant wealth transfers from higher- to lower-income participants.

The thing about Social Security is that from the beginning it was designed to encourage misconceptions. It looks, on casual inspection, like a giant version of a private pension plan. You pay into such a plan during your working years, contributing to a pension fund, and when you retire you receive payments from that fund in proportion to the amount you put in. ... I'm pretty sure that it was set up to look like an ordinary pension fund because that made it politically easier to sell. But in reality, Social Security has never been run like a private pension plan.

He makes the further observation:

I get a lot of mail from people saying that we should simply eliminate the upper limit on the payroll tax. That would certainly raise a lot of money. But bear in mind that there's no fundamental reason Social Security has to be financed with payroll taxes  we only do it that way because back in 1935, F.D.R.'s advisers thought it would be a good idea to dress Social Security up to look like a private pension fund.

Republicans should take good notes, because Krugman has outlined a line of attack that they could use for reforming entitlement programs.

Replace Social Security with Personal Treasury Accounts

If you don't like what is being said about reforming Social Security, then change the conversation. Instead, let's talk about replacing Social Security with Personal Treasury Accounts.

The greatest myth sustaining the widespread popularity and legitimacy of Social Security is that recipients are simply getting back what they paid into it. Therefore, Republicans must convert this myth into reality to change the conversation and bypass the conventional unpalatable options for saving the Trust Fund:

Raising the retirement age.

Raising payroll tax rates.

Raising the current $160,200 maximum for payroll taxes.

Raising the percentage of Social Security benefits subject to income taxation.

Each of these options is off the table because Trump, McConnell, and McCarthy know they are election-year kryptonite.

The PTA Nuts and Bolts

Below is a brief outline of the Personal Treasury Account (PTA) program:

The current level of Social Security payroll taxes paid by each taxpayer would be deposited into a separate personal account owed directly to the taxpayer upon retirement instead of being credited to the Social Security Trust Fund.

The taxpayer would own shares in a U.S. Treasury Mutual Fund that is managed by the Treasury secretary. Payroll tax collections would be used to purchase Treasury Bonds.

Upon reaching a minimum retirement age, PTA owners have the option to withdraw an amount of money from their PTA, not to exceed a maximum amount based upon their expected remaining lifespan.

When the PTA owner dies, then he would transfer his remaining PTA balance to the PTA of named, eligible beneficiaries.

Advantages of the Personal Treasury Account

Take Control Away from Politicians

Unlike Social Security, the PTA avoids all the budgetary pitfalls of changes in life expectancy, retirement age, and benefit payouts that accompany all defined benefit pension plans like Social Security. Because the PTA is a defined contribution plan, the PTA owner receives whatever he earned instead of whatever politicians in Washington decide to give him.

Taxpayers would be shielded from budgetary trauma of changes in life expectancy, benefit formulas, and retirement age that politicians manipulate to win votes without regard to fiscal consequences in the future.

Appeal to Young Voters

Republicans could champion the PTA to attract young voters who hear doomsday stories about Social Security not being around when they retire. Knowing that the PTA is their personal property that cannot be arbitrarily decreased or revoked is preferable to the uncertainty and opaque machinations of Social Security.

Address Unfairness of Differences in Life Expectancy

The Social Security Administration bases its monthly payout formulas on remaining life expectancy at ages 62 to 70. Recipients receive a life annuity of a fixed amount that stops when you die. If you take your first Social Security distribution at age 65 and then die one year later, then your heirs receive nothing.

While this is sound budgeting for the aggregate population, it will be unjust for separate classes of recipients.

The expected lifespan of men is less than women, so men, on average, men will receive fewer Social Security payments than women.

On average, the expected lifespan of lower-income recipients is less than higher-income recipients, so lower-income recipients will receive fewer payments.

On average, the expected lifespan of Black Americans is less than White Americans, so they will also receive fewer payments.

The PTA fixes this defect in Social Security's lifetime annuity payout formula by converting to a maximum distribution formula, similar to the Required Minimum Distribution formula the IRS has for Individual Retirement Accounts. This ensures that you cannot outlive your savings, and it also ensures that whatever you earned during your lifetime will pass on to your heirs if you die earlier than expected.

Wage Class Warfare

Republicans should bait the Democrats to open the class warfare battle front for Social Security reform. That battle will only tarnish voter perceptions of Social Security and remove the scales from voters' eyes about how unfair it is to middle- and upper-income voters.

The current Social Security benefit schedule is not proportional to the lifetime payroll tax contributions of the recipient. Social Security is a massive wealth redistribution program posing as a pension plan. The PTA would force Democrats to admit this deceit in their political marketing for Social Security and explode the myth that recipients are receiving only whatever they invested in the program.

Democrats know that targeted welfare programs are not nearly as popular as Social Security. If voters understood the wealth transfer component of Social Security in contrast to the PTA, then that would severely undermine its popularity.

Phasing In the Personal Treasury Account

Over 50 years, the PTA would eventually replace Social Security until no more payroll taxes are credited to the Social Security Trust Fund. The simplest approach would be to exclude workers who have already paid into Social Security and then introduce the PTA solely to new workers. This proposal would have the least beneficial fiscal impact in the short term, but it would remove the long-term fiscal threats posed by the current system, and it would arouse the least opposition.

Once in place, politicians could use momentum from the popularity of the PTA to expand participation to workers who have already contributed to Social Security, and thereby obtain additional cost reductions in Social Security.

Conclusion

Republicans have always played defense on Social Security reform. The bottom line is that Democrats sound generous, and Republicans sound miserly and mean. Paul Krugman assures his New York Times readers that Republicans are only manufacturing a fake fiscal crisis to create fear and support for unnecessary spending cuts.

Unlike President Bush's ill-fated 2005 proposal to privatize Social Security, a defined contribution plan like the PTA that invests in Treasury Bonds is fiscally sustainable, safe, and more popular with middle- and upper-income voters than Social Security.

Republicans can use the leverage of the debt limit negotiations to enact the PTA and begin winning the debate on entitlement spending reform by exposing the weaknesses of Social Security and mercilessly attack the Democrats who defend it.

Image: 401(K) 2012 via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Illicit proceeds are the catalyst driving the tragedies surrounding the open U.S. border. Yet few realize the quiet ascendency of Chinese money launderers. They are displacing Colombians and Mexicans.

Their preferred methodology is the Black-Market Peso Exchange (BMPE). It is arguably the largest and most effective money laundering methodology in the Western Hemisphere. The evolution of the BMPE is an excellent case study of how international criminal networks adapt and how China is taking over.

Ironically, the BMPE was not created to launder drug money. In 1967, Colombia enacted regulations that strictly prohibited citizens access to foreign exchange. Colombian merchants who wanted to import U.S. trade goods -- for example, John Deer tractors, Bell helicopters, or Marlboro cigarettes -- through legitimate banking channels had to pay stiff surcharges above the official exchange rate. To avoid these steep add-on costs, importers often turned to Colombian underground peso brokers, from whom they could buy U.S. dollars on the black market for less than the official exchange rate to finance their legitimate trade.

By the 1980s, the underground peso situation was taking on a new dimension. As U.S. cities found themselves awash in Colombian cocaine, narco-traffickers and cartels were faced with a logistical problem. They had to devise ways to launder and repatriate approximately 20 million pounds of U.S. currency they annually accumulate in North America.

The criminal organizations found a partial solution in the first law of economics. Supply met demand in the form of the BMPE.

For example, consider a Colombian drug cartel that has sold $3 million worth of cocaine in the United States. A representative of the cartel sells these accumulated dollars to a Colombian peso broker at a discount. The cartel is now out of the picture, having successfully sold its drug dollars in the United States and, in return, obtains pesos back in Colombia.

To complete the BMPE cycle, the peso broker must take two more steps. First, he directs his representatives in the United States to place the purchased drug dollars into U.S. financial institutions, using a variety of techniques designed to avoid arousing suspicion or triggering financial intelligence reporting.

Second, he takes orders from Colombian businesses for U.S. trade goods, arranging for their purchase using the laundered drug money he owns in the United States. Some businesses should know better. Via willful blindness, they dont ask the questions they should. The broker has laundered the $3 million in drug money he purchased from the drug cartel.

This money laundering methodology was so successful that the Colombian BMPE became the premier money laundering methodology in the Western Hemisphere in the 1980s, 1990s, and the first decade of the 2000s.

In 2014 there was a turning point. A large law enforcement investigation called Operation Fashion Police showed how Los Angeles-based garment dealers took U.S. drug money and exported their product not to Colombia but to Mexico.

In addition, some of the clothing exporters mixed customs fraud into the BMPE conspiracy. Made in China labels were removed from thousands of imported garments. The fraud saved the co-conspirators from paying taxes on the Made in China imports because on paper they appeared to be Made in the USA, and exempt from customs duties under the North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA).

Once again, with the Mexican BMPE, the proceeds from narcotics trafficking stay on the U.S. side of the border. The same is now true with the cartels U.S. involvement in human trafficking, trade in opioids, kidnapping, stolen cars, and other illegal activities. In return, trade goods are shipped to Mexico.

About five years ago, the BMPE shifted focus once again. Now, investigators are finding that Chinese manufactured goods are becoming favored instruments in the BMPE and that similar BMPE financial systems are found around the world.

In 2000 bilateral trade between China and Mexico was about 1 billion dollars. By 2021, trade between China and Mexico topped 100 billion dollars. Mexican authorities have said that the surge has allowed drug cartels and their money launderers to piggyback on this burgeoning trade relationship.

Fronts for Mexican drug trafficking organizations use illicit proceeds to buy container loads of cheaply made Chinese goods. Using the trade-based money laundering (TBML) technique of over-invoicing, low-quality Chinese manufactured items are made to appear on paper as being worth significantly more. Payment for the goods is sent out of the country. Thats the wash.

We see the result of this in our cities and towns but we dont recognize or understand what is going on. Massive quantities of cheaply manufactured Chinese goods including counterfeits are found in black markets as well as souks, bazaars, marketplaces, dollar stores, Mom and Pop shops, swap meets, street kiosks, China shops, and warehouse stores around the world.

In some cases, brokers under-invoice Chinese product. A variety of goods including electronics, garments, small household appliances, are purchased, imported, and sold in many China shops and on the black market in countries around the world. Via this form of value transfer, funds are used to buy contraband including drugs, ivory, endangered and illegal wildlife and their parts, and heavily regulated flora and food items that are later shipped to China.

The BMPE has evolved further as Mexican and other foreign national buyers and brokers travel directly to China to place orders for the goods or they avail themselves of e-commerce brokers to purchase consumer products that are made in China.

Chinese organized crime has entered the mix. Chinese actors working with the Mexican cartels pioneered the growing use of mirror accounts or mirror swaps to launder the proceeds of crime.

With swaps, Chinese brokers often working with Chinese organized crime groups and the cartels identify Chinese/American cash intensive businesses that are willing to cooperate.

How do the swaps work? The Chinese/American businessman receives the drug cash from the Chinese broker working with the cartels. The business later places the proceeds of crime into its revenue flow and represents the drug cash as legitimate proceeds from the business. Or, the Chinese use the cash to assist other Chinese that want to circumvent Chinese capital flight restrictions and, for example, purchase U.S. property, housing, or other high-ticket goods.

Meanwhile, these complicit businesses are asked to transfer a designated amount of money through Chinese phone apps to accounts based in China. Using a currency converter app on a smartphone, the participants agree on the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan. Once the money is offshore in China, the value can be further rerouted to Mexico or elsewhere per the instructions of the cartels.

It's called a swap because the participating businessperson takes possession of the drug cash, while simultaneously transferring the equivalent in Chinese yuan from his/her account in China to the account provided by the broker. Of course, the Chinese/American businessperson also receives a commission.

During the original Colombian BMPE, the average commission for the black-market peso broker was about 15%. The Chinese are doing it for 1 to 2% on average. And the speed is almost instantaneous. For the traffickers, the big plus is that the Chinese organized crime groups involved absorb all the risk. The cartels know they will get paid.

Communications are generally accomplished via Chinese apps such as WeChat. Law enforcement is reportedly challenged to monitor the communications and monetary transactions. Yet the same transactions are easily monitored by the platforms involved as well as Chinese intelligence entities. Mirror swaps also avoid U.S. financial intelligence reporting requirements -- our primary anti-money laundering countermeasure.

Never before in the history of organized crime has such a large revenue stream been taken over without resorting to violence.

The BMPE is just one example of how communist China and its actors have become the worlds most dominant ongoing transnational criminal and money laundering enterprise.

John A. Cassara is a retired Treasury Special Agent. His most recent book is China -- Specified Unlawful Activities: CCP Inc., Transnational Crime and Money Laundering. For additional information or for contact see www.JohnCassara.com

Image: ThiNguyen2021
For Black History Month 2022, Disney released a Proud Family episode asserting that slaves built America, and Hulu began streaming the 1619 Project docuseries. The latter builds on The New York Timess 1619 Project, which presents American slavery as the cruelest in the world. This is nonsense and, even as Black History Month 2023 is in the rear-view mirror, it must be countered because it serves as the basis for a never-ending, society-corrupting shakedown.

Both productions assert that, in addition to the basic immorality of slavery itself, whites were unrelievedly cruel to black slaves. From that foundation, leftists insist that the worlds most prosperous and educated black population are still victims of white oppression, justifying economy-busting reparations. Its a shakedown.

In fact, the uncontested winners for worlds cruelest slavery exist outside Americas borders and history. In Haiti , for example, slaves were treated so poorly that they died after a few years. It was cheaper to purchase new slaves than to treat slaves humanely.

Non-American slave owners discouraged reproduction because children often died before they were productive. In 1802, the U.S. black population was 1 million. If the US had duplicated conditions in the Caribbean, the black population would have been 186,000and that attrition rate would still have been better than in Middle Eastern nations. A thousand years of black slavery are concealed by the virtual absence of black people.

In the Middle East and Africa, it was normal to castrate young boys without pain reducers. The greatest demand, though, was for female sex slavesmats of pleasure. When women became old, say 40, they were often left to die. The immorality of slavery in America, notwithstanding, American enslavers were, uniquely, required to care for their slaves until they died.

Image: Illustrations from the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, 1849. Public domain.

The 1619 Projects cruelty narrative has endless stories about an inhumane planter class taking pleasure in whipping slaves, dividing families like livestock, and raping slave women without consequence. These stories arent fiction, but they are exaggerated. More importantly, they are only a slice of the history of black slavery in Americawhich, again, while inherently cruel and immoral, was not extraordinarily cruel.

Before the 1970s, cruelty narratives were largely uncontested. Then, cliometricians analyzed mountains of historical data to refine and, sometimes, refute accepted slave history. This data showed that whipping slaves, dividing families, and raping slave women were not as common as portrayed and that these actions had consequences.

Cliometrician Robert Fogel won a Nobel prize for his work, but was savaged by historians and activists. They didnt find fault with his data; they objected to the updated narrative.

Fogel went on the defensive and created a tome to respond to his critics. He showed that slave historians could create just about any narrative they wanted using anecdotal data sources from abolitionists or pro-slavers. The problem was that there was no generic slave environment. Instead, there were large and small plantations; tobacco, cotton, indigo, or sugar, plantations; and field hands, craftsmen, drivers, managers, or domestics. Life for a field hand on a sugar plantation was unrelated to life as a blacksmith for hire.

These cliometric analyses, though, are ignored because anyone contesting the extreme cruelty narrative is presumptively racist. However, those with common sense and open minds would find Fogels and other cliometricians conclusions logical because they reflect the planters overriding motive: making money. Cruelty cut into profits.

Planters didnt delight in whipping slaves. Debilitating punishments were defined in some slave codes, but these were rarely followed because convalescing slaves were unproductive. When slaves reflexively responded to reports of harsh punishments by doing less, that too damaged their productivity. Overseers of slave gangs (about 70% black)something common on Louisiana sugar plantationsused the whip to maintain productivity. However, plantation owners generally preferred motivational rewards, such as cash, promotions, free time, and superior living conditions, because they were more effective.

Significantly, whipping was not just a punishment for slaves. It was, instead, the punishment of choice for many rule breakers into the 19th century. Petty thieves, those behaving immorally, unruly children, disobedient wives, non-chaste women, and unmarried pregnant women were all punished with the whip.

Yes, slave families were broken up, but by all indications, slave families were stable and nuclear, and living under one roof. It was in the economic interest of planters to encourage the stability of slave families. Utterly demoralized slaves were the least productive.

Some slave families were, indeed, broken up, but so were the families of indentured servants. Finding buyers for an entire familys labor was rare. The reality of pre-modern America was that poverty, disease, and war meant broken families were normative. Dangerous jobs broke families apart. Building the New Basin Canal took up to 30,000 Irish family men between 1831 and 1838. Epidemics of yellow fever, cholera, and smallpox decimated families. In the 1850s, about 30,000 orphan children lived in New York City. From 1607 to 1866, wars left over 635,000 white families without fathers.

Contrary to lore, it was rare for planters to rape female slaves. A planter raping a plantation slave would cause a work slowdown and risk inciting a slave revolt. Paranoia about slave revolts and secular and religious laws moderated adultery and pre-marital sex. Sinning planters preferred sex with white women, and prostitutes were plentiful and affordable.

Raping domestic workers was more common. Domestic workers were mostly black slaves in the south and free white immigrants in the north. And while poor white women might have rights on paper, it was often absent in a courtroom. The rape of women of any color remained a problem into the 20th century.

Planters managed slave productivity, making slavery more profitable than prominent historians admit. However, slave labor wasnt free. From cradle to grave, feeding, caring for, and housing slaves consumed about 90% of the value they produced. Planters did make 2-13% in profit, just enough to keep Southern elites beholden to slavery and the South an agrarian-based economy until emancipation.

Cotton plantations and cloth production are the central facts supporting the argument that slaves built America. However, America was not built on cotton. Building America is synonymous with economically developing America, and this did not take place on southern plantations.

Americas economic development began in earnest in slaverys final decades when the industrial revolution exploded in the North. This was roughly around 1848 when former American slaves and their descendants (the Americo-Liberians) began to build Liberia.

Liberia shows that slavery and agrarian economies have limited growth potential compared to an industrial revolution with free workers. Americo-Liberians constitutionally enshrined their liberty from white (or any other) oppression by restricting citizenship to blacks and making slavery illegal. This kept Liberia black, but the same Americo-Liberians, using squirrely linguistic games, used enslaved indigenous people on their plantations into the mid-20th century.

In 2022, Liberias agrarian economy supported a per capita income of $735, or about 1% of Americas. Without industrialization, nations stay poor, and forced labor will never inspire the innovation needed to be an economically developed country.

Americans support more black history because its integral to American history, and an honest moral reckoning demands it. The problem is that its never been a balanced history, which requires adding global historical context to slavery and racism, comparing American lives today with life in the lands of their ancestors, or exploring the challenges minorities face in Asia, Latin America countries, and Africa. Without context and comparisons, American black history morphed into an anti-American, race-obsessed movement ravenous for tax dollars.

Without rejecting slaverys inherent immorality and cruelty, America still wasnt a contestant for the cruelest slavery in the world, and slaves did not build America. America was built by all Americans. The drivers of this historical revisionism are complicit in the Greatest American Shakedown, but its worse than that. Bastardizing American history and slandering white people is itself racist, and it sullies the legacy of all who fought for liberty, from the abolitionists to Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to Martin Luther King.
I recall first paying attention to Diamond and Silk long before I became a Trump supporter. Circa 2018, clips would roll by on my Facebook feed. Staunch left-supporting Black Americans held them in no kind esteem -- one comment after another, mocking the sister-twosome. At that time, I personally did not pay them very much mind one way or the other. They had a right to their beliefs, and I didnt think much of their presence.

By the time 2019 had rolled around, I found myself in what I called a purgatory mindset of not having voted for Trump (nor Hilliary Clinton) in 2016, but feeling that something was rather off with regard to the mainstream medias relentless attacks upon Trump. Being 59 at the time, I found myself thinking time and again that, this isnt the man I remember from the 80s and 90s. A blatant racist? This bewilderment could serve as a textbook example of the power of the media to program any individual who is virtually asleep and not paying attention. Fortunately for me, I was paying attention, or at least just enough attention to question the mainstream media versus my own sound memory bank. Suffice to say, I am someone who is far from asleep. I remember saying to friend that I did not recall 45 being a racist, and that the problem with Trump seems to be that he is not on board with the agenda that the mainstream media wants him to be on. I could not make heads nor tails of it all, because the truth was -- I had not been keeping up. I was awash in the details of my own personal life. I had distanced myself from the Black consciousness movement and any other movement for that matter. It was the first time in my life that I did not vote. At that time, I deemed Trump a narcissist. I now assert that he is not. A narcissist would not put his life and leisure on the line for literally millions of strangers. Trump is a man who genuinely cares about others. Does he have a sizeable ego? Perhaps so. I dont know. But I also dont know of any highly accomplished men who dont possess an abundance of ego.

I deemed Hillary (after downloading the Podesta emails) a corrupt cohort, involved in the trafficking of Haitian children. True or not, this was the conclusion that I came to in 2016. I had no reservations about it. For the first time in my life I did not vote.

All of that changed in 2020 during the onset of the COVID pandemic, when I began to more frequently log in to Facebook to listen to Baltimores Daren Muhammads candid, no-holds-barred, radio broadcast The State of The City. The long and short of it all was that Daren Muhammad enlightened me on the favorability and worthiness of President Donald J. Trump. From there I began to search the internet on my own with regard to the MAGA/AMERICA FIRST movement, and when I dig I dig deep. It wasnt long before I found myself alone on my Facebook feed as a Trump supporter. It was at this point that I backtracked to the raw delivery Diamond and Silk.

Ill be transparent in revealing that I was guilty of wanting Diamond and Silk to present their views with a tad more eloquence. With this being said, it remained that I valued their candor, their unwavering diligence in their battle against the anti-Trump propaganda machine. I understood that lack of eloquence did not diminish their verity for those with ears to hear. For decades Americans have been listening to politicians and pundits with graduate degrees and diplomatic eloquence. Warmed and fuzzied-up commentary, devoid of jagged edges. We are now in an era where edification is being garnered from within. From home, our family members, neighbors, Facebook friends, and those crazy internet vloggers. I will speak for myself and assert that I no longer harbor any special favor for the diplomatic tongue. I simply require the truth. If the truth is articulated in a raw fashion, it wont hinder me in the least from lending my ear. After all, did our precious Diamond not serve as somewhat of a reflection of the man she so vehemently supported President Donald J. Trump? The same man who pompously positioned himself in front the nefarious NATO swamp creatures, in a spectacle so brazen that I wondered (at the time) what was wrong with him. It wasnt until months later that I understood the nature of the clip. Many of us find ourselves hanging by a thread at the precipice, and have come to the conclusion that we dont care how you thwart the bully just get it done.

I addition to the fervent voice of Diamond, I could find very few Black women vocalizing their support of President Trump. There is Dr. Stella Immanuel, who supported Trump on COVID therapeutics, and still supports him to this day. Yet, I dont hear very much from the good doctor. There was Candace Owens, who lost me from the very onset, but thats another story for another time.

Over the past two-three years, I have spoken with American women across ethnic boundaries here in New Woke City. Black women, Puerto Rican women, and Dominican women. Boomers and young women of Generation Z. They nod at me. They know whats really going on. They voted for 45 in 2020. They speak amongst themselves. But they are publicly silent. Perhaps they understand or fear the gravity of what could ensue if they became too vocal what with censorship, monitoring, and rigged elections flourishing at the forefront. Nobody wants to be January 6ed. Not to mention the leftist friends and family members who have already ridiculed and abandoned them. Who knows what could be next? Perhaps women of color feel they dont have much, but that what little they possess is precious. They dont wish to forfeit that precious little. I do not know if thats true, I am just pondering. Whatever the case, their lack of presence in our AMERICA FIRST, MAGA movement has proven to be disheartening for me. I know they exist but where are they?

The passing of Diamond even further diminishes our presence within the movement. Im sure that I have missed other ardent supporters of President Trump who are Black and female, but certainly none with the courage to position themselves at the forefront as Diamond and Silk have. My heart is broken. Sister Diamond was brave, bodacious, and always a pleasure to watch. She asserted herself and spoke truth to power, while others cowered and fled into the shadows. I lament that I will never get a chance to greet and hug her, but perhaps that time will come with SILK.

Janet Walters Levite

TRUTH SOCIAL: @JanetLevite

Image: Alex Jones Channel
Following his State of the Union address, President Biden has been on the attack over the GOP's many proposals to reform Social Security. Before you react to the talking points, you should ask: is there any validity to Biden's concerns?

To even the casual observer, Biden's apprehensions concerning the GOP's Social Security reform proposals appear to ignore one basic fact  and likely the most important one. There is not a Republican plan or even lone Republican member of Congress pushing reductions to benefits on the scale that Social Security is scheduled to reduce checks going to seniors on its own when the trust fund is exhausted.

That is zero.

In its fact sheet, the Biden administration claims that congressional Republicans have repeatedly tried to privatize Social Security. In reality, the last time a Republican put forward a plan to privatize Social Security was more than a decade ago.

The fact is that the last proposal from the GOP scored by the Social Security Administration to overhaul the program's finances was introduced in the waning weeks of the 114th Congress by a retiring congressman. That was nearly ten years ago.

It is true that some Republican members of Congress have talked about allowing younger workers to keep a portion of their payroll taxes, but none of those lawmakers has gone to the trouble to draft legislation. So a lot of the concern comes down to semantics: what do you call a plan?

The White House asserts that "Florida Senator Rick Scott is championing a plan to put Social Security on the chopping block every five years." In fact, Sen. Scott (R-Fla.) offered a plan based on the idea that Congress would do its job. That plan may not work out, but what the White House labels a "plan" to sunset Social Security is actually a remote possibility.

The Democrats are correct that the Republican Study Committee released a formal budget that would reduce benefits substantially in the future. The problem is that no one has asked the Social Security Administration to officially determine whether the plan would fully overcome the program's existential threat of insolvency.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) did say something like he was going to rip Social Security out by the roots. Keep in mind that he said that in 2010 and has not attempted to change Social Security since then. At this point, he does not even list Social Security as an issue on his Senate website.

Ironically, the last person on Earth who should be playing the antiquated quote card is President Biden. A quote on Social Security reform from 2010 is no more relevant to the subject today than Biden's decision to vote for reductions to benefits for retirees back in 1983. Lee's quote is no more relevant than Biden's decision to vote to increase the tax on benefits in 1993.

Keep in mind, Biden's current concern stems from quotes about what a politician might want to do to the program. On the other hand, Biden's votes as a senator were actually connected to the reduction of benefits paid to seniors.

Long story short: 2010 was a long time ago, and quotes or votes in Congress have little context in today's discussion. The passage of time makes the distant past no more relevant today than Stonehenge is to modern architecture.

To illustrate, a change in 2010 to the normal retirement age of one month every two years would have resolved 44 percent of the problem that the program would face over a 75-year period. In order to achieve the same efficacy today, Congress would have to increase the retirement age by three months per year until the age for full benefits reached 70 years old  and index it thereafter.

At the same time, it would be unfair to suggest that Republicans are doing more than Democrats to protect Social Security. Neither party has demonstrated any sense of urgency with the pressing problem at hand. That problem is that someone turning 76 years old today, on average, expects to outlive full benefits.

Social Security is going to put itself on the chopping block, and the one thing that will not "protect Social Security" is needless delays and political games today. So dredging the archived news clips about secretive plots to gut Social Security isn't the solution. It is part of the problem.

Brenton Smith (think@heartland.org) is a policy adviser with The Heartland Institute.

Image: SSA.
When someone harms or destroys a bald eagle in this country, the federal penalties are swift and draconian. Like it or not, it's the law.

But there seems to be an exception to it now: When the perpetrator is an illegal.

Breitbart News reports this story:

Federal authorities have not yet brought criminal charges against two Honduran nationals who allegedly shot and killed a bald eagle in Nebraska to eat it for dinner. On February 28, Stanton County sheriffs arrested two Honduran nationals found carrying a dead bald eagle after responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle outside of the Wood Duck State Wildlife Management. According to a press release issued by the Stanton County Sherrifs Office: On Tuesday afternoon at about 4:00 p.m. the Stanton County Sheriffs office responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle just northwest of the main Wood Duck Recreation Area that is located about three miles southwest of Stanton. The vehicle was located in a field and while having contact with the two males it was determined that they had a dead North American Bald Eagle in their possession. Further investigation revealed that the two had shot and killed the protected national bird in that area and stated they planned on cooking and eating the bird. Nebraska Game and Parks was contacted and took custody of the eagle and the rifle used to kill the eagle. The two individuals, 20-year-old Ramiro Hernandez-Tziquin and 20-year-old Domingo Zetino-Hernandez, spoke no English and only carried documents from the Honduran consulate as a form of identification, according to Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger.

So there they were, all set to cook and eat the national bird for dinner. It calls to mind that over in Venezuela, the locals took to eating zoo animals to stave off hunger. But these guys apparently had money for an expensive gun, which rather suggests that the motive wasn't exactly hunger. The U.S. bird is an internationally well-known symbol, and well, illegal border crossers do what they want.

It actually calls to mind the 'conquest' mentality of many Honduran illegal border crossers, entering the U.S. illegally, waving the Honduran flag, and flashing the middle flag, such as this group I wrote about here. I took this television screen shot in 2018:

Or the Honduras illegal alien known as "Lady Frijoles," who had gratitude problems. For a small country, Honduras sure has a lot of memorable illegal immigrants.

Now we have the bald-eagle eaters, and the most critical element of this story is that the federal authorities seem to be hesitating to prosecute them, even though, as Breitbart notes, many Americans have been sentenced to a year in jail and draconian fines for violating the 1940 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

It calls to mind that over in San Francisco, another group of Honduran illegal aliens, who were professional drug dealers, and went unprosecuted or saw their charges cut down to minor crimes -- precisely because of their illegal status. Then-district attorney Chesa Boudin explained that he wouldn't prosecute these fentanyl dealers on the maximum charges, despite an objective reading of the harm they had done, because it could result in their deportation. That exemption from prosecution for Honduran drug dealers is still going on in that city, with a recent move by one supervisor to reverse that drawing a big brouhaha.

San Francisco's mayor, London Breed, was forced to apologize for pointing out that a large number of her city's drug dealers were Honduran. This wasn't about the facts let alone the law. Identity politics and sanctuary cities top those things.

Seems that the feds are acting on similar logic in witholding prosecution for the Honduran miscreants, and too bad about the bald eagle shot down for supper.

It points to a double standard for the law, the triumph of illegals over law itself -- and the Honduranization of the U.S. system of law, with one set of laws to enforce for laaw-abiding Americans, and another set for illegal aliens.

If these characters don't get the book thrown at them by the feds soon, it's time for congressional hearings. Identity politics, migrant politics and sanctuary claims should never top actual U.S. rule of law.

Image: Monica Showalter

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Remember Nina Jankowicz?

That would be the now flamed-out Biden administration appointee who was to lead Joe Biden's "Disinformation Governance Board," the agency hatched by the Bidenites to police Americans' speech in the name of "protecting" Americans from "disinformation." That was until Congress got wind of it and the public found out and the Homeland Security's Advisory Board scrapped it last August.

Jankowicz was out of a job then, but she seemed to have landed on her feet, re-emerging as a registered foreign agent working for some British public relations firm seeking to exert some kind of influence on the American government.

Apparently, that didn't pan out, or perhaps she couldn't stop stewing about losing that six-figure government job that made her feel so important.

So now she's out raising money through GoFundMe campaign to sue Fox News, claiming they lied about her.

I'm asking for your financial support of a lawsuit that I want to bring against Fox News for their malicious, reckless lies about me. On March 2, 2022, I realized a lifelong dream: entering public service. I had spent my career researching disinformation and would be using my expertise to make the United States safer and American democracy more robust. At the Department of Homeland Security, I would lead a new internal body to help address the challenges of disinformation: the Disinformation Governance Board. My job was to make sure different entities within DHS were coordinated, to bring the latest research to bear in the Department, and to help the Department set up policies to ensure its existing counter-disinformation work was grounded in American values: privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Thats all the Board was. It had neither the ability nor authority to act on its own. In late April, my position was announced, and within hours, baseless claims that the Board was a nationwide, Orwellian Ministry of Truth and I was President Bidens chief censor were trending on social media, even though the Board had nothing to do with arbitrating or restricting speech. The next day, Fox News launched its overly personalized, false, and incendiary coverage of me, mainstreaming online conspiracy theories to tens of millions of Americans. The network made over 500 scaremongering statements about my role, my views, and my personal life over the next nine months  an entirely disproportionate disinformation and smear campaign against a person who simply took a job to serve her country within her area of expertise.

This is laughable. Jankowicz would have you think that all she wanted to do was selflessly "serve" in a position that was all about exerting power in the crummiest manifestation of it imaginable, effectively censoring Americans who didn't toe the government line, like those little gray East German secret policemen in The Lives of Others.

Jankowicz, a TikTok enthusiast who got her name out there with this video, pretty well let us all know what she was about:

She was all about "informing" us about the national security threat of MAGA...from her China-controlled TikTok account.

In fact, she had a bad record of spreading disinformation  about Trump-Russia collusion, about the Hunter Biden laptop, about the Steele dossier, about the 50 intelligence officials, about the COVID lab leak origins, in each case claiming that what was true was false, and she was the master fact-checker on such matters. Well, she botched it, wrong every time, and what she spread was actual disinformation, which made her an odd choice to run a "Disinformation Governance Board."

Worse still, her claims to have only been running a clearing house for disinformation, not acting as a de facto censor, are belied by whom she was "partnering" with while she was with that board.

According to Jennifer Oliver O'Connell at RedState:

In November 2022, my colleague streiff reported on an investigation conducted by Senators Chuck Grassley and Josh Hawley, which revealed that this same Disinformation Governance Board that DHS claimed had not even been launched yet, was actually up and running as early as February with a steering group holding weekly meetings to set policy and strategy. Jankowicz and her team were already partnering with Big Tech with a meeting with Facebook being scheduled, and they created a portal to share information with foreign governments. Omidyar Network, a prominent Democrat dark money group, was also coordinating with them on policy on how to censor speech. ... But do go on about how you had no real power to enforce anything when you were already coordinating with those who could.

It's probably noteworthy that she was earlier affiliated with the National Democratic Institute, supposedly spreading democracy or something, right about when that agency's parent, the National Endowment for Democracy, was partnering with the U.K.-based "Global Disinformation Index," which was all about advising corporations, through their advertising agencies, to defund conservative media sites as disinformation, or else "offensive." That appalling foreign censorship group was handed $300,000 by the State Department, of which the NED and the National Democratic Institute are subsidiaries. Given Jankowicz's U.K. ties (notice how her new firm, the Centre for Information Resilience, and the Global Disinformation Index share space for job listings on this E.U.-based site), I wouldn't be surprised if she herself had something to do with the establishment of that unholy alliance.

What's vivid about this lawsuit against Fox is that she still has that censorship bug in her. If she can't shut down Fox through the federal government, she will try to do it through the courts.

Her censorship orientation, combined with her lack of self-awareness, reminds me of this famous description of a Nicaraguan Sandinista censor by the great Ronald Reagan:

The Sandinistas' real face is not hard to find. A few years ago, the chief of censorship at the Interior Ministry explained the censoring of La Prensa with a comment that would have made George Orwell blush. She said, and I quote: "They accused us of suppressing freedom of expression. This was a lie, and we could not let them publish it.''

So now for Jankowicz, it's anything to shut down Fox, a conservative media site that was critical of her. Rabid left-wing Democrat groups, such as Media Matters, has had Fox as its white whale for years, too, their inner censors burning away for it. Now Jankowicz has joined the crowd, unable to suppress her urge to censor, somehow, unable to just ignore the news she doesn't like the way normal people do. She's seeking to crowdfund money to sue Fox because they hurt her feelings, and she wasn't very convincing at explaining herself on a self-propelled public platform, in public life, in public service, to counter it. She's now a thin-skinned victim.

Her so-called expertise is garbage, her record is bad, and her associates are worse.

Now she wants money to sue Fox, convinced she's got a winner of a cause on the rabid left.

Once again, it appears she was misinformed. She's raised only $10,000 of her $100,000 goal, from small donors of the type who likely watch MSNBC. She has one fat cat who donated $1,000  his name matches that of an acupuncturist in Takoma Park, Maryland  and a $500 donation from a musical theatre enthusiast in the Washington, D.C. area, both of whom could easily be people she already knows. The rest of her donors gave much smaller amounts. Something tells me this isn't going to make its $100,000 goal even if she could win the case in court, which she likely can't. Instead of making more TikTok videos to give her point of view, she burns to punish her critics. Something tells me that after all these months on the hot seat, she doesn't really understand the First Amendment.

It doesn't get more pathetic than that.

Image: Screen shot from Assorted Video Channel via YouTube.
Democrat Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro has said he will not sign any execution warrants while he is governor. He even called for the Pennsylvania Legislature to abolish the death penalty.

Never say never, governor. There are exceptions to every rule. In this case, some people deserve the death penalty.

The responsibility of the government to determine who lives and who dies in capital crimes should never be taken lightly. Innocent people have been imprisoned and, perhaps, executed. However, the justice system in the United States, although it can move slowly, has lots of checks and balances, and that allows for plenty of time for innocent people to prove their innocence.

However, there are people on death row who deserve to be there  men and women with records showing they are unrepentant criminals, who committed an act heinous enough that multiple courts and juries have decided that these people do not deserve to live.

In Pennsylvania, Shapiro has now given more than 100 prisoners on death row, some of whom murdered police officers and children, something their victims they didn't have: hope.

In Pennsylvania, the law requires the governor to sign an execution warrant before an inmate can be put to death, and Shapiro said he would not be doing that during his time in office. He said he believes that it is immoral. This is contradictory on a couple of levels

As a prosecutor and attorney general, Shapiro supported the death penalty. "For more than a decade, including when I assumed office as Attorney General, I believed that the death penalty should be reserved for the most heinous crimes  but that it was, indeed, a just punishment for those crimes," he said.

He went on to say that his position evolved. He tried to tie the evolution to his question of what is moral or not, but it also happened to coincide with his goal to become a Democrat governor. A prodeath penalty candidate would not have been on the Democrat ticket.

He told anecdotes to support his position, ignoring the fact that for every person who didn't want to see the murderer of a loved one executed, there was another person who did. In some cases, it might even be the same murderer.

He touted the exceptions while promising actions on his part that would ignore exceptions.

Republican Pennsylvania state rep. Aaron Bernstine told the Daily Caller News Foundation, "I strongly believe that capital punishment should be an option for prosecutors reserved for the most violent offenders, particularly those who have committed crimes against children." This was a position Shapiro himself had until he decided to run for governor.

What Shapiro should be saying is that he will review each case on its own merits. Perhaps he will find a reason to believe that there is a slight possibility that someone isn't guilty. In such a case, that person could be spared death and remain imprisoned, just in case his innocence is irrefutably established later, at which point he could be freed.

But in the cases of unrepentant criminals, proven guilty well beyond the shadow of a doubt, allow the will of the state to be carried out.

In giving a flat-out "no," Shapiro is saying that some victims matter more than others, and convicted killers matter more than the victims.

Never say never, governor.

Michael A. Letts is the CEO and founder of In-VestUSA, a national grassroots non-profit organization helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs.

Image: Josh Shapiro. Credit: Governor Tom Wolf via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Sometime in mid-January, under the direction of Ron DeSantis, Floridas state department of education dispatched a letter to the College Board, informing the organization that a certain course was prohibited from being taught in the states schools: AP African American studies.

The course covers topics like Black queer studies and racial capitalism  obvious leftism  but despite that, DeSantiss move caused outrage among leftwing Black supremacists and academics. Today, The Guardian published an exclusive interview-type story with Kimberle Crenshaw, a professor and leading voice on critical race theory. Crenshaw declared the move to prohibit revisionist history as just the tip of the iceberg of a renewed campaign to subjugate Black Americans, warning the readers of make America great again extremists. From the article:

[Crenshaw] warned that the rightwing battle against racial justice education not only threatens US democracy, but encourages a revival of segregationist values and policies.

Someone get this lady a real history book! A revival of segregationist values? Remind me again which president re-segregated federal agencies? Oh, thats right  Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat. What party was responsible for Jim Crow laws? Democrats. Who said he didnt want his children growing up in a racial jungle? None other than Joe Biden. I could go on and on.

Shes steeped in misinformation, and it really is dangerous. Yesterday, the Daily Mail reported the following:

A criminal investigation at an Ohio elementary school has been launched after black students forced their white peers to say 'Black Lives Matter' on camera and assaulted those who didn't. The incident at Kenwood Elementary on February 10 showed the altercation play out as two students were initially seen escorting their peer to an area on the playground while punching the student in the head. Footage of the 17-minute video showed the student being tossed on the ground while another student joined seconds later. About 10 minutes later a third student was thrown right beside them.  School Principal Evan Hunsaker told police he was informed about the incident the following Monday. 'He stated that a few of the students who had tried to avoid the situation, were chased down and escorted, dragged, or carried to the spot on the playground. One student was also punched in the head by one of the suspects,' the police report reads.

As a mother to two young boys, stories like this shatter my heart. My heart breaks for the victimized children, but it also breaks for the perpetrators  their precious minds have been poisoned by people like Crenshaw. Instances like those listed above are exactly why Governor DeSantis found the woke indoctrination so offensive; its tearing up our country and our unity.

From the Book of Truth: Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.

Hat tip: Arnold Cusmariu.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
Since the Federal Register published the ATF's final rule to restrict stabilizing pistol braces on January 31, dozens of states as well as many private organizations have launched legal battles against the ATF, claiming that the new rule is unconstitutional. Luckily, the recent overturn of the "bump stock ban" sets a strong legal precedent to quickly overturn the new stabilizing brace restriction.

A pistol brace is an accessory that was originally designed to facilitate for disabled veterans the ability to effectively operate a pistol with one hand. According to the ATF's final rule, the additional surface area provided by a stabilizing pistol brace now classifies these firearms as a short-barreled rifle (SBR), which requires them to be registered and for new purchases to face a long waiting period and additional tax under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This arbitrary policy shift infringes upon the rights of law-abiding citizens by reclassifying an accessory that had been previously legal and unrestricted.

With the creation of the new rule, the ATF essentially usurped the power to create a new law that deviates from existing law and precedent. If left unchecked, this regulation sets a dangerous precedent that could develop into many or all federal agencies ruling through bureaucratic mandates with little regard for the Constitution, congressional authority, and legal due process.

A similar executive ruling  the "bump stock ban"  was overturned in January 2023 by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which concluded that the administrative fiat used by the ATF under the Trump administration circumvented Congress and did not follow the legal procedures to become a law. The same style of administrative fiat was used to tighten regulations on stabilizing pistol braces. The overturn of the bump stock ban may open the door for legal precedent to shoot down the new pistol brace rule.

A group of disabled veterans represented by the Wisconsin Institute For Law & Liberty (WILL) filed a lawsuit against the ATF on the grounds that the new rule violates the Second Amendment and the separation of powers, which prohibit agencies from creating laws through bureaucratic fiat in a process lacking congressional authorization and oversight. The lawsuit also claims that each plaintiff utilizes stabilizing braces as a necessity to exercise his 2nd Amendment rights due to his disability.

The National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action, in conjunction with a coalition of 25 states and many other organizations, launched its lawsuit on February 9, against the Biden Administration's ATF, arguing that the ATF's "pistol brace ban" is an egregious overstep of its authority and a gross misuse of executive fiat. According to the ATF website, the ATF's role in firearms is to "enforce the federal firearms laws," but this does not give the agency authority to rewrite them. This is a clear abuse of power by the ATF.

While these lawsuits are pending, Republicans in Washington are doing everything they can to reverse not only this ruling, but past overreach by the ATF as well. Senators Marshall (R-Kan.) and Kennedy (R-La.) have formally introduced the "Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today" Act, or SHORT Act for short. This bill aims to remove some short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and other weapons from the daunting grasp of the NFA. Notably, this bill would also require the ATF to destroy any records related to registration, transfer, or manufacture of firearms removed from the NFA by the bill.

The SHORT Act adds supplementary pressure to the arguments surrounding the new rule on pistol braces. For advocates of freedom, the ideal outcome would be the overturn of the pistol brace rule and the SHORT Act becoming law. This would remove immediate threats to Second Amendment rights, and the destruction of registration records would put many at ease over fear of future confiscation and outlawing of NFA firearms.

The ATF's pistol brace ban illegally redefined federal firearms law through a usurpation of congressional authority, and subsequently infringes upon the rights of disabled individuals as well as the millions of firearms owners who legally purchased their firearms and pistol brace accessories. The ban should be immediately overturned.

Parker McCumber is an OEF veteran and firearms expert who currently serves as a field artillery officer in the Utah National Guard. He has over 11 years of experience in combat arms roles within the Army and Army National Guard.

Image: Free SVG.
New York never fails to amuse me. We are all familiar with Saturday Night Live, an NBC production that, in its early years and with its original stellar cast, was the comedic highlight of the week as it came to us "live from New York." Even if its laugh-provoking talent has diminished since the days of John Belushi and Gilda Radner, it can still produce at least an occasional chuckle from this fossilized cynic. Additionally, the comedy routines of the Cuomo brothers, much like the brothers Marx, have me in stitches when I view them. But lately, both the city and state of New York have outdone themselves in providing smiles for citizens outside their borders.

It is widely believed and statistically demonstrated that New Yorkers live in a generous welfare state. Full benefits in New York can garner a welfare recipient the pre-tax amount of $43,700 annually, or an hourly rate of $21.01. At the same time, a Floridian in similar circumstances would receive $12,600, or $6.06 per hour. If you think that benefits in the sums available to New Yorkers are not a disincentive to being employed, you are delusional. The citizens who do get up each day and go to work are paying for those welfare benefits through their exorbitant tax bills. They find those figures laughable but not at all humorous. Is it any wonder that so many New Yorkers, at least those willing to work, are heading south to the Sunshine State? The Floridian sense of humor does not include laughing at the poor guy forced to support freeloaders.

Everyone remembers the damage done throughout the nation by the BLM riots of 2021. In New York City alone, at least 450 businesses were damaged by "protesters" angry about the drug overdose death of career criminal George Floyd. A large number of those businesses were of the mom-and-pop variety and were unable to recoup their losses. They remain closed to this day. The courts awarded each business a maximum of $10,000 to rebuild the business and its owners' lives.

Recently, however, in contrast to the minimal relief offered to those unfortunate business-owners, the BLM class-action lawsuits have awarded the largest payouts for mass arrests in American history. Each of the so-called protesters in New York will receive $21,500 for a total in excess of $6 million from the city and state of New York because "police officers responding to protests frequently failed to wear masks or to assist detained protestors in covering their noses and mouths, and on occasion even forcibly removed protestors' masks, exposing them to a heightened risk of contracting Covid-19."

The best comedy writers in the world could not have come up with this. Thugs, intent on burning and looting, were found to be more sympathetic and deserving to the courts of New York than the victims of their mayhem. It seems that crime does pay, at least in New York. I wonder if the Cuomos get a cut. Or Tony "masked man" Fauci. I guess I should be ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing), and I would be if I weren't SDD (so damned disgusted).

Saturday Night Live could have a field day with this. It's likely that John Belushi and Gilda Radner are spinning in their graves.

Bill Hansmann is a dentist and dental educator with over fifty years in the profession. He continues to teach and write political blogs and semi-mediocre novels while living with his wife and cats in Florida.

Image: Johnny Silvercloud via Flickr (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0.
An early portion of Tucker Carlson's monologue yesterday referred to the Democrat party leadership backing then-U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman, despite knowing he had suffered a massive stroke which raised questions about his mental abilities.

The initial proof of Fetterman's problems was revealed during his interview with NBC Newss Dasha Burns.

Burns revealed that Fetterman needed captioning technology to read the questions being asked, which meant that his comprehension skills were probably not entirely functional.

Burnss factual reporting violated the Democrat agenda, so she was slammed for being an ableist.

During the debate, Fettermans utterances were often incomprehensible and disconnected from the questions posed by the moderators.

But the Democrats and their PR wing, i.e., the news media, spun it as an inspiring story of a disabled man attempting to rise above his handicaps.

Tucker revealed that Fetterman's wife said she deals with her situation by merely ignoring her husband when he speaks. This was a rude statement by any standards, and particularly insensitive considering Fettermans condition.

But the Democrats didnt seem to mind and Fetterman was elected.

Just weeks after being sworn in, Fetterman was hospitalized; he even checked himself into the hospital for "clinical depression and has rarely been seen in public. His wife then took a recreational trip to Canada.

Tucker revealed that bizarrely and perhaps even illegally, Fetterman managed to co-sponsor legislation in the U.S. Senate: "U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania," aimed at preventing future freight train derailments, like the one last month in East Palestine, Ohio."

Casey himself was away from the Senate, recovering from surgery for prostate cancer.

Clearly, the puppet-masters are running the show.

To be fair, this is how it usually happens - senators know the fundamentals of the bill while the staff works the details. But senators have to be present and fully functional, to seem like they are in charge and representing their voters in the Senate.

In Fettermans case, Tucker hypothesized that Fetterman's chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, was the one pulling the strings. Jentleson blocked those on Twitter who dare to ask him the obvious question of how a bill could be co-sponsored by Fetterman when he remains hospitalized.

Next, Tucker mentioned Joe Biden, whose rapidly declining cognitive and mental abilities were obvious to all, including his primary challengers in 2020.

Yet the Democrats used big media to suppress news about Bidens situation. Biden used COVID-19 as an excuse to refrain from making public appearances.

Big Tech was coopted to suppress news of Hunter Bidens laptop which exposed Bidens shady dealing in Ukraine and his abuse of powers as vice president. Mark Zuckerberg spent $419 million to enable far-left activists to infiltrate sacrosanct electoral infrastructure and push for mail-in voting.

Mail voting, which compromises the confidentiality of the vote and makes it vulnerable to fraud, was made the norm using COVID-19 as a pretext.

In the 2020 elections, 69% of voters cast their ballot either by mail and/or prior to Election Day and Biden was 'elected.'

Next, Tucker mentioned Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) who has been a U.S. Senator for over 30 years, a member of the Intelligence Committee in the United States Senate, and at 89, is the oldest member of Congress.

Last month, Feinstein learned that her staff took a very important decision without consulting with her. They announced her retirement from the Senate. Feinstein sounded baffled when notified about this development but eventually accepted her fate upon being told that the announcement had already been made.

Feinsteins office recently released a statement that she was hospitalized due to shingles but expects to make a full recovery and return to the Senate later this month.

Tucker concluded with the following:

A tolerant and compassionate society should do its best to help people suffering from problems like depression or schizophrenia or whatever. The problem is that a society that elevates people who are mentally ill is doomed. Wouldn't a functional society elevate people to positions of leadership who are the wisest, the smartest, the sanest, who have the greatest degree of foresight and emotional self-control? "Yes, it would. They would not intentionally put people in positions of authority who were incompetent

The question is why are the Democrats doing this?

We know that the Democrats are looking for various ways to push their deeply unpopular far-left policies.

The only way they can do that is to tamper with elections.

They open up the border to allow an uncontrolled influx of illegal aliens, hoping to give them voting rights that will drown the impact of voters in the Red States.

The media is their PR wing that brays Democrat talking points 24/7 and peddles relentless demonizing hoaxes against GOP challengers. Despite their lack of credibility, there is a section of the public that still trusts them.

The government agencies are politicized and compromised by the Democrats and are used to destroy opponents not just in active politics but citizens as well.

The Democrats have other ploys as well.

Prior to the elections, they amplify issues like abortion to cause panic among voters by giving them the impression that the GOP would have the Stasi knocking down their doors even at the mention of the word abortion. If there is a mass shooting, the GOP is blamed. If a person of color is killed by the police, once again the GOP is blamed. They also promise freebies such as paying off student loans.

Democrats know that voters are driven by emotion from these narratives and usually end up voting Democrat.

The Democrats also rig the elections by changing sacrosanct voting rules and ballot-counting practices, making elections vulnerable to fraud.

This enables the installation of a puppet in the highest office.

Once the puppet is in power, it is used to further weaken elections.

Last year Biden signed Executive Order 14019 that asked all 600 federal agencies to consider ways to expand citizens opportunities to register to vote and to obtain information about, and participate in, the electoral process. The Biden administration isnt revealing the specifics of the order. Clearly, this is something very fishy.

Having puppets is very beneficial to the Democrats.

They know that even far-left Democrats may hesitate to vote in favor of extremist ideas such as coercing children into transgenderism. Some people fear how history will judge them.

But it is different with the likes of Biden, Fetterman, and Feinstein.

They are probably in such a poor mental state that they are unable to perform elementary tasks. The idea of their legacy is the least of their concern. The Democrats use them as rubber stamps to push their far-left policies. They coopt close relatives who agree to this deal perhaps for power and pecuniary gains.

These puppets do as told; they vote yes for the green new deal or the open borders or dispatching billions in taxpayer funds to Ukraine without any accountability measures.

Even if these puppets are dislodged later, the changes they made are either permanent or have long-lasting impacts.

This is common practice in third-world totalitarian nations, but this must not happen in one of the worlds largest democracies and the only global superpower.

The Democrats are building their power on the grave of American democracy.

Image: Screen shot from GOP War Room NBC video, via YouTube.
Hungary has concerns over Sweden disseminating fake news as its legislature must consider its NATO bid to let it join the bloc. This prompted Budapest to send representatives to thresh this alleged disinformation affecting their relations.

Sweden Must Clarify Fake News About Hungary

If the Swedish and Finnish bids get through, it would depend on Budapest and Ankara, the last two stumbling blocks. Whether Stockholm gets admitted into NATO will depend on the Hungarian parliament, which will argue whether the Nordic country will get ratification or not. Budapest is scheduled to send a group to Stockholm before deciding, reported Euractiv.

Sources say that Swedish officials blatantly disrespect Hungarian lawmakers. They've had enough and want Stockholm to explain its detrimental actions.

Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that Stockholm spreading disinformation about Budapest is unfounded and untrue. He added this news are lies that should stop, noted CNN.

The topic of Sweden joining NATO should have been dealt with last autumn, mentioned Budapest. It did not materialize due to several factors that prevented it from happening. These reasons are getting EU COVID funds that were more important at that time which prevented the agenda from getting covered by the parliament.

Swedish Orban Oppositionist Publish Comments

According to sources, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban assured that Stockholm and Helsinki's application would be under discussion for ratification by 2023. But the Swedish media posted opinions by socialist Hungarian opposition MP Agnes Vadai asking if Orban was serious about it.

Read Also: Finland Concludes NATO Bid Without Sweden

Vadai spoke to Aftonbladet about the ratification of the two Nordic Countries. She added that Putin and Erdogan have a stake in the decision of Orban in the deciding on the matter. Alleged that the Hungarian leader is partial to Putin, especially about Finland due to the long border that NATO would acquire.

He insists that the decision of Ankara and Budapest are mutually connected, which is also crucial. Due to the affiliations, the Hungarian PM does not give assurance of readiness to signal the applicants to enter NATO. Vadai is not convinced that Orban will relent soon and take a side opposed to Putin.

News that says NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin last Tuesday, as disclosed by Telex. A week from now, Turks, Swedes, and Fins will meet to thresh out concerns about acceptance to NATO.

The NATO officials said that the Two Nordic nations are ready to be accepted with all requirements. He mentioned that if a chance of rejection could happen, then NATO would step in, insinuating that Budapest would decide faster to allow accession.

But Orban last Friday said that most representatives could be more enthusiastic, which shows a hesitance regarding Stockholm's intentions. Remarked that, ironically, both the Finns and Swedes were asking a favor and said that Budapest is undemocratic is something to discuss further.

Hungary says Sweden pushes fake news that deserves an explanation for such misinformation, and its NATO bid might be in the lurch if Budapest is not satisfied.

Related Article: Finland, Sweden NATO Bids Will Take Longer

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT could play a role in Whitehall, the new science secretary has suggested.

Michelle Donelan, recently appointed Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, told the Sunday Telegraph that ChatGPT represented a massive opportunity more broadly.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, since taking office last year, has spoken of his ambition to turn the UK into a science superpower.

Ms Donelan, who took over the new role following the Prime Ministers departmental reshuffle last month, said the civil service should rely on its own experts but did not rule out a role for artificial intelligence in the future.

ChatGPT, which has made headlines in recent weeks, is a form of generative AI which came to prominence after a version of it was released to the public last year.

It can respond to questions in a human-like manner and understand the context of follow-up queries much like in human conversations, as well as being able to compose longform pieces of writing if asked.

I think these types of technology are going to create a whole new section of jobs and in areas that we havent even thought of, and where this leads us is limitless. We need to tap into that, Ms Donelan said.

Of course we need regulation in place, we need safeguards. But we should never be afraid of these technologies. We should be embracing them and utilising them so that they can lead to job creation here in the UK.

Asked about the use in the civil service, she said: We need to think about what is the use for ChatGPT, just like any other organisation would as well.

I think these are things we need to look at  I think that when we look at all forms of technology, what we should be thinking about is not how does this replace somebodys job or how does this replace the functions of an individual.

If we look at how this kind of technology could be utilised by teachers or by hospitals, you can think about how AI and other technology can reduce the administrative burden that individuals are facing so that they can get on with the actual job they were hired to do.

Those are the kind of opportunities that I think we should be exploring from new and emerging technology.
The aunt of murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena has said she is always hopeful that a system, which is broken across the board and does not protect women, can change.

Farah Naz was speaking as she joined hundreds of people who marched to remember and grieve for women and girls killed through male violence and to call for action to tackle it.

Supporters of the Million Women Rise (MWR) collective who walked through central Londons West End shopping district to Trafalgar Square on Saturday claimed that the lack of action against male violence amounted to state inflicted or sanctioned abuse.

They drummed, chanted and carried signs saying together we can end male violence and women are not the problem during the protest ahead of International Womens Day on Wednesday.

Farah Naz, the aunt of murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, holds up a banner (Helen William/PA)

Ms Naz told the PA news agency: Zaras loss is societys loss.

She added: Zara has brought me, my sister and my friends here but we are here for all women, all girls, to make a change and to make some meaning out of the tragedy that has happened to us.

We are in trauma but at the same time we are really heartened by the support in society of all sectors and leaders.

We are hopeful that things can change for other women and girls.

Failings in the probation service were among the issues which meant a known perpetrator was free to murder Ms Aleena.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, was handed a life sentence and jailed for at least 38 years after admitting sexually assaulting and murdering the 35-year-old law graduate in Ilford, east London, in June last year.

Zara Aleena was murdered in east London (Family/PA)

With her voice breaking, Ms Naz said: We lost Zara but we dont want her death to be the end.

Zaras loss is societys loss and we have, as victims, to become more than that. There has to be work with communities and leaders.

The protest today is shining a light on the mistakes and on a system that is broken across the board.

We know from Zaras case that probation made a series of mistakes, huge errors, that are so deeply painful for us as a family, and for us as a society to be aware of, because it means that women are not safe.

The number of women who are murdered is a sign that something is wrong, she added.

Ms Naz said: We already know that domestic violence leads to so many deaths and, that as it is not treated as any other form of violence, we have seen a lack of convictions which then releases men to murder women.

We know that probation has collapsed because of the privatisation that has happened and has then led to a system that is broken and has not been attended to.

We know that reviews have been written from when other people have been murdered and the recommendations have not been followed up.

We know that government leaders have failed us.

We know that the systems have failed us but there are also people working to change that.

Danyal Hussein was jailed for a minimum of 35 years after murdering sisters Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, in 2020.

Deniz Jaffer and Jamie Lewis, a pair of Met Police constables who took photos of the murdered sisters and shared the images on WhatsApp groups, were later jailed.

In a video message of support, Mina Smallman, the mother of the sisters, told the marchers: We have so much important work to do.

The slogan I would like us all to adopt is that its time. We have had enough talk. We have had enough rhetoric. Now we are demanding that those in power put girls and womens safety at the forefront.

MWR also noted that serial rapist David Carrick kept his job as a Metropolitan Police officer despite multiple reports against him, allowing him to commit a string of offences over almost 20 years.

The disgraced 48-year-old Pc, who was described as a monster and evil by some of his dozen victims, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 32 years after carrying out a catalogue of violent and brutal sex attacks between 2003 and 2020.

The cost-of-living crisis is also trapping women with perpetrators and decimating vital support services, MWR warned.
Thousands of older people have died without getting the care they needed, a charity said as it branded the figures heartbreaking.

Age UK said it is deeply concerned about the plight of the elderly whose needs are not being met and urged the Chancellor to direct more resources towards social care.

The charity pointed to NHS Digital figures for England showing that 28,890 requests for people aged 65 and over to be given support in 2021/22 were recorded as them having died without any services being provided.

While the figures are for requests for support rather than individual people, the charity said it was unlikely many people would have had multiple requests logged when they died.

Therefore, they said the numbers equate to more than 550 deaths a week  or 79 per day.

The charitys director Caroline Abrahams said: There isnt enough social care to go round and so some older people are waiting endlessly for help they badly need.

It is heartbreaking that on the latest figures, more than 500 older people a week are going to their graves without ever receiving the care and support to which they were entitled.

Nor can the blame for this parlous situation be placed on the pandemic, for while it certainly didnt help, social care services were struggling to secure enough staff and funding in the years preceding it.

Since then, all the evidence is that the position has not got any better and, on most measures, has continued to get worse.

Ms Abrahams said long waits for social care cause huge distress to older people and place intolerable pressure on their families.

She added: At Age UK we are deeply concerned about the plight of all the older people with an unmet need for care, living alone, without any family or friends. We fear there are many tragedies playing out silently behind closed doors.

An incredible 31,000 of you signed Age UKs letter to end long waits for social care. Today were headed to the @hmtreasury with campaigners to deliver it! Follow the action on @age_uks Instagram: https://t.co/Qic3xdwVLG#CantWaitForCare pic.twitter.com/UWrbkXGJkK  Age UK Campaigns (@ageukcampaigns) March 2, 2023

The charity has written to Jeremy Hunt, calling on him to use his role as Chancellor to fix a problem he had spoken about as chairman of the Health and Social Care Committee.

The letter said millions of older people in England awaiting care are struggling to go to the toilet, eat, get dressed or wash because they cant do these things unaided.

It went on: When you were chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, you expressed deep regret at being unable to fix the problems faced by social care during your time as Secretary of State.

Now, as Chancellor, the Spring Budget is your opportunity to help the millions of older people, often unheard and feeling ignored, who are waiting for good, reliable care and support to live with dignity.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Everyone should have access to good quality social care when they need it, and our thoughts are with all those who have lost elderly relatives and loved ones.

We are providing up to 7.5 billion in funding available over the next two years to support adult social care. This will put the adult social care system on a stronger financial footing and help local authorities address waiting lists, low fee rates, and workforce pressures in the sector.

We are also tackling workforce pressures by promoting careers in adult social care through our annual domestic recruitment campaign and by investing 15 million to increase international recruitment of care workers.
Labour will call for a national conversation on womens wellbeing when the partys Anneliese Dodds addresses the Womens Institute on Saturday.

Ms Dodds, who is Labour chairwoman as well as shadow women and equalities secretary, will use the speech in London to call for greater discussion of the pressures faced by women aged 45-64 in work, health and childcare.

The party has pointed to an analysis of data showing that 185,000 more women aged between 50 and 64 have been economically inactive since the beginning of the pandemic.

Labour says that the economy could get a 7 billion boost if employment rates among that age group returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Ms Dodds said: Women in their 40s, 50s and 60s are often juggling the school-run, caring for their elderly parents and managing their careers, potentially while experiencing the menopause and other health conditions.

It is only right that we ask how we can make their experience a little easier.

While we have made progress on equality in parenting, with many working parents now sharing the load in looking after young children, we havent seen the same support for older women.

Melissa Green, the chief executive of the National Federation of Womens Institutes, said that many women are facing an impossible balancing act and it was time to shine a spotlight on the issues they face.

Women are constantly juggling their careers and the demanding task of caring for their own children, grandchildren and too often their own parents, amid a crumbling social care system, she said.

These are women at the very heart of their families, communities and civic life across the country, yet their experiences are all too often ignored by society and politics and their contributions taken for granted.

Ms Dodds will be hoping to avoid the experience of then-prime minister Tony Blair when she addresses the Womens Institute.

Addressing the Womens Institute national conference in Wembley in 2000, the Labour leader drew heckles and had his speech interrupted by slow handclapping as the audience showed its displeasure at his decision to use the forum for a political speech.
A pay deal between the Government and unions representing ambulance staff could be on the horizon after major strikes were suspended.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has said he wants to start talks ASAP with Unison and GMB unions after they called off industrial action which would have involved tens of thousands of key workers walking out next week.

Unison and GMB made the decision after the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said money was available for potential pay rises covering this year and next.

Some 32,000 NHS workers would have been involved in planned Unison strikes  including 24,500 ambulance staff  while 13,000 ambulance workers were part of the GMB action.

However, Unite union said it will still be going ahead with strikes on Monday and Wednesday over what it calls unreasonable pre-conditions for negotiations imposed by the DHSC.

I'm pleased unions representing the majority of ambulance workers, nurses and physios have agreed to pause strikes and begin formal talks. I want to start these talks ASAP to find a fair deal. I call on Unite to end strikes and join other unions at the negotiating table.  Steve Barclay (@SteveBarclay) March 3, 2023

The Health Secretary has said he is keen to agree a fair deal with Unison and GMB, and called on Unite to join other unions at the negotiating table.

Mr Barclay said: Im pleased unions representing the majority of ambulance workers, nurses and physios have agreed to pause strikes and begin formal talks.

I want to start these talks ASAP to find a fair deal. I call on Unite to end strikes and join other unions at the negotiating table.

GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison said the Governments latest concession marks a huge shift in its position, but warned that the strike will return with a vengeance should talks break down.

Unisons Sara Gorton said that industrial action would resume if discussions were not meaningful.

On Monday, Unite members at ambulance trusts in the West Midlands, North West, South Central, South Coastal, and East Midlands will strike.

This marks the first time that Unite members in South Central and South Coastal have taken industrial action.

Members in Yorkshire, who are also striking for the first time, will take industrial action on Wednesday.
Proposals to reimburse victims of bank transfer scams are half-baked in their current form and need further action, according to the Treasury Committee.

New financial regulations being considered by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) will require banks and building societies to fully reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams, where the loss is more than 100.

At least 196,000 people collectively lost 583 million to APP scams in 2021 according to the trade association, UK Finance.

Last month, the Treasury Sub-Committee on Financial Services Regulations, which scrutinises regulatory proposals, questioned why fraud under 100 would not be refunded.

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) said, in correspondence published on Saturday, that about a quarter (24%) of APP scams were for transactions of less than 100, representing 1% of cases.

These figures were taken from analysis of figures provided by eight members of UK Finance.

The regulator has indicated that it is aligning with the minimum reimbursement level for credit card fraud, the committee said.

The committee also asked what actions would count as gross negligence  which would mean customers would not be reimbursed in some circumstances.

The regulator has said it will be working with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) to monitor how gross negligence is applied by firms.

The committee is concerned that this could further delay scam victims getting their money back.

Commenting on the correspondence, Harriett Baldwin, chair of the Treasury Committee, said: Fraud is on the rise and our constituents are being robbed.

Regulators need to get their skates on and sort out all of these exclusions and criteria quickly.

Our committee will keep up the pressure so that implementation is not dragged out or half-baked.

Separately, the MPs also asked the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) whether fraudulent transactions within the same bank will miss out on mandatory reimbursement protection.

In response, the regulator agreed in principle that these scams should be reimbursed, but outlined that it does not currently have the regulatory powers to enforce this.

The FCA has said it is considering the next steps, including whether a legislative change may be needed.

The Financial Services and Markets Bill making its way through Parliament will require the PSR to establish a system for mandatory reimbursement of APP fraud over the faster payments system.

MPs are also interested in understanding what similar measures are being taken in the high-value payments system Chaps, which can be used for transactions such as buying a house or a car.

The committee has asked the Bank of England, which is the operator of Chaps, why transactions made through Chaps are not included in the reimbursement proposals.

The Bank has said it is working closely with regulators to ensure planning around APP scam reimbursement intervention is aligned effectively and it will write back again to the committee in the weeks ahead with a fuller update.

The PSR said in a statement: We welcome the Treasury Committees continued interest in this important matter.

We want people to be better protected if they are targeted by a scammer and our recent proposals aim to provide much greater and consistent levels of protection against APP fraud.

Our proposals will place strong incentives on banks to do more to detect and prevent APP fraud in the first place. All in all the change were proposing, and those weve already made, represent a significant step up in the level of protection and support people will get.

Under our proposals, banks must reimburse the majority of customers who have fallen victim to APP fraud. This will lead to a significant increase on current reimbursement rates, which are around 56%.

Any exceptions to reimbursement, including gross negligence, are a very high bar which we expect will apply in only a small minority of cases and never where the victim is a vulnerable consumer.

The PSR said it has received a wide range of views to its consultation, which it is considering.

It said: We will set out our final position in May 2023, which will include our approach to ensuring that there is a consistent understanding around any exceptions.

The PSR said all feedback received will be considered carefully before any final decision on the best course of action is made to make sure people are properly protected from these devastating scams.
A plane that lost communication because of a malfunction was escorted to safety by RAF jets, police have said.

People had reported hearing sonic booms across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire at about midday on Saturday.

The plane had two people on board and was flying from Iceland to Nairobi via Southend when it lost contact and had to be escorted to Stansted Airport.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: A flight has been diverted to Stansted Airport after communications with the pilot had been lost.

The plane, which had been flying from Iceland to Nairobi via Southend was escorted to the airport by RAF jets and landed shortly before 12.50pm today. Two people, a pilot and co-pilot, were on board.

Officers engaged with them and carried out inquiries and are satisfied there was a loss of contact due to an equipment malfunction and nothing of any concern.

The plane and those on board have now been released to continue their journey.

A flight's been diverted to #StanstedAirport after losing communications. The plane, heading from Iceland to Nairobi via Southend, was escorted into the airport around 12.50pm. We're satisfied there was a loss of contact due to an equipment malfunction & nothing of concern. pic.twitter.com/4APQJus9oh  Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) March 4, 2023

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that Typhoon fighter jets were sent from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to help the aircraft.

A spokesman said: Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby offered assistance to a civilian aircraft and were authorised to fly supersonic.

The MoD said it always has jets under a quick reaction alert which respond to any aircraft that cannot be identified or is not communicating with either civilian or military air traffic control.

Typhoon fighter squadrons are positioned at RAF Coningsby, RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and in the Falkland Islands.

Aarondeep Mann, 22, heard the boom in Houghton-on-the-Hill, Leicestershire, and said his first thought was it may have been a gas explosion.

We have received numerous calls in relation to a large explosion sound heard from various parts of the city and county. We like to reassure you that there is no concern however thank you for your immediate response to us.  Leicestershire Police (@leicspolice) March 4, 2023

It was the most random, loud thing weve ever heard as we were clearing the boot of the car out, Mr Mann, a practice manager, told the PA news agency.

First thoughts were that it could be a gas pipe explosion.

All the neighbours came out as the houses were practically shaking.

Plane spotters had earlier suggested that Typhoon jets had been scrambled and were being refuelled in-flight by an Airbus Voyager, the RAFs only in-flight refuelling plane.

At one point it was being tracked by at least 1,440 people on Flightradar24, a site that tracks aircraft in real time.

Leicestershire Police said : We have received numerous calls in relation to a large explosion sound heard from various parts of the city and county.

We like to reassure you that there is no concern however thank you for your immediate response to us.

A sonic boom is caused when planes fly faster than the speed of sound, which at ground level is about 761mph.

When travelling at this speed, also known as Mach 1, the aircraft displaces the air and creates pressure waves that become compressed and are then released in a shock wave.

As long as the aircraft is flying at Mach 1 it will generate continuous sound waves, known as a boom carpet.

An aircraft flying at 20,000 feet would create a sonic boom cone 20 miles wide.
A senior Labour MP has said she contacted the police after receiving a threatening message.

Preet Kaur Gill, the first female Sikh MP and the shadow secretary of state for international development, spoke out after receiving an email telling her: Watch your back.

The Birmingham Edgbaston MP told GB News that she has felt the need to increase security at the constituency surgery meetings, where she also has a bodyguard.

It was very direct. Its a worry because Im with my daughters in the constituency all the time. My family live there. It really puts into context the kind of job that you do.

Its tough enough as it is, but then when youre faced with that, theres very little support.

This latest direct threat has really worried and concerned me. As a woman, when you put yourself forward and you want to address injustices and you care about issues that affect your constituents, youre then faced with people that think its OK to say this sort of stuff to you.

I could not believe that this person used their place of work email to actually make that threat, she told the broadcaster.

Normally most people would probably use an alias, or try different ways of sort of creating a hate campaign. Ive had huge amounts of hate campaigns created against me through WhatsApp groups too.

PA news agency has contacted West Midlands Police about the incident.

She described the impact it has had on her constituency work.

Once youve raised it with the police, theyve got to go away and do an investigation, but theres no real understanding of the impact it has on you, your everyday work, the psychological impact, the kind of always looking behind your shoulder.

Thats why for my surgery I have security. I have security because I know that there are individuals that come to surgery that could possibly pose a threat.

The MP said that she did not want to restrict her local surgeries, as she shared her worries about her staff.

I worry not just about my safety but about theirs. I dont want to restrict my surgeries, I dont want to go to an appointment-based system, I want to be able to be open and be in my community and make sure that people feel that they can have that access to myself.

She also said that female parliamentarians appear to be subject to greater abuse than men, with abuse now part of the job.

I think racism and misogyny almost feels like its part of the job as a Member of Parliament, I have to say. As a woman, I feel Ive seen the comparisons of males doing my role, especially Asian or white males.

And actually, they dont have the same sort of criticism levied at them or the remarks made at them.
Tom Sizemore made a name for himself as a quintessential Hollywood hardman, after starring in multiple high-octane thrillers.

The US actor carved out his niche in the 90s, though he later fell from grace following a string of convictions and substance abuse issues.

Since his first appearance in the 1989 Oliver Stone film Born On The Fourth Of July, Sizemore has played all manner of steely roles, from gangsters, to bodyguards and soldiers.

He was best known for his supporting roles in blockbusters such as Point Break, True Romance and Natural Born Killers.

Sizemore died on March 3 at the age of 61, after suffering a brain aneurysm in February, which placed him in a coma.

Shortly before his death, Sizemores family announced that they were deciding end-of-life matters.

Sizemore (left) appeared in Steven Spielbergs war epic Saving Private Ryan among others (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The actor appeared in multiple action-thriller films during the 1990s, including 1995 heist movie Heat, in which he played professional thief Michael Cheritto.

His performance in the film, written and directed by Michael Mann and starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Val Kilmer, earned him praise and acclaim.

Other titles included Black Hawk Down, Passenger 57, and Saving Private Ryan, alongside Hollywood veteran Tom Hanks.

Sizemore also made a memorable contribution to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City voicing mob boss Sonny Forelli.

But despite his successful acting career, Sizemore had a history of drug addiction, and experienced several run-ins with the law.

In 2003, he was convicted of domestic violence charges against former girlfriend Heidi Fleiss, and was ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation programme before beginning a jail term.

The US actor made a name for himself as a quintessential Hollywood hardman, after starring in multiple high-octane thrillers (Jordan Strauss/AP)

He pleaded no contest to using methamphetamine outside a motel in 2006 and was arrested in Los Angeles in 2009 for suspected battery of a former spouse.

He was arrested again in 2011 for the same offence.

In his autobiography about his heavy use of heroin and crystal meth, and was once checked into rehab by De Niro.

In 2013, Sizemore appeared on an episode of US talk show Dr Phil, titled Explosive Relationships, in which he discussed the fallout from his years of struggling with substance abuse.

In 2018, an actress filed a lawsuit against Sizemore, claiming he allegedly groped her as an 11-year-old during production on the 2005 film Born Killers.

Sizemore strongly denied the allegation and the suit was dismissed.

He was married to actress Maeve Quinlan, known for her role in US soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful, between 1996 and 1999.

Sizemore leaves behind two children, twin boys Jagger and Jayden, who h shared with his former partner Janelle McIntire.

Both of his sons, 17, and his brother Paul, were all reportedly by his side when he died.
Production, social life speed up returning to normal in China: spokesperson

Xinhua) 10:51, March 04, 2023

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China has pulled through the current round of COVID-19 outbreak with production and social life accelerating the pace of returning to normal, a spokesperson said Friday.

The country has achieved a major and decisive victory in COVID-19 prevention and control, said Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), at a press conference.

The country will well implement the decisions and plans made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee on the COVID-19 prevention and control in the new phase, he said.

The 14th CPPCC National Committee will actively put forward proposals on issues such as how to coordinate epidemic response with economic and social development, address weaknesses in medical services, prevent major public health emergencies and promote high-quality development, Guo said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
A San Antonio couple was charged after an elderly man gets mauled to death by two aggressive dogs they owned. The dog owners allegedly fed them meat to make them aggressive intentionally.

San Antonio Couple Owning Aggressive Dogs Gets Charged

Based on sources disclosing that Najera and Jane,74, his wife with a friend they were visiting when the horrific animal attack happened. They were walking along the 2800 block of Depla Street on the west side.

Texas police arrested Christian Alexander Moreno and his wife Abilene Schnieder, whose actions led to the death of Ramon Najeram, 81, on February 24. The victim was an Air Force veteran who was killed by the canines, reported Meaww.

He tried to save his wife from the attacking dogs while the canines bit their friend's hand, noted NY Post.

Elderly Veteran Mauled to Death by Aggressive Dogs

Further investigation done by police revealed that Moreno and his wife intentionally fed meat to them to make them aggressive. Their notoriously violent pets got out of the yard to attack the group. A statement by the Animal Control Services (ACS) remarked that the dogs got neutered. It was allegedly why the dogs got aggressive, said the owners.

Read Also: Well-Trained Pitbull Turned on Toddler, Clamped Jaws on Girl's Head as Mom Cries in Horror

This action by the city agency only worsened when the wife told the cops how the dogs were at each other's throats. But the police said that even with the increased viciousness of the dogs, there was no attempt to secure their pets safely. There was no move to keep the animals restrained by chains or in cages which the owners discounted the threat to others' safety, citing Yahoo.

Allegedly, the dogs got out of the yard, went after Najera, and bit him hard while dragging him in the street. It took firefighters with pick axes to chase them away from the victim. The fire captain also got bitten in the leg during the vicious dog attack.

The aftermath of the fatal dog attack prompted Animal Control Services to euthanize King and Snow with a third dog of the family.

Cops apprehended Moreno initially and charged the dog owner with a felony which is a deadly dog attack that killed an older person with injuries too. Later the police would arrest Schnieder and get the same charges as her husband. Since she, too, owns the dogs that killed Najera. The wife made a public apology to the deceased's family, saying that Moreno was not at fault.

A statement was issued by Chief Charles Hood saying the terrible scene, including the horrific experience for the firefighters. They ended up trying to save themselves from the attacking dogs. It scarred the firemen, who fought the vicious animals instead of rescuing someone.

Details reveal that a San Antonio couple did not secure their already notorious aggressive dogs that mauled an elderly man to death.

Related Article: Enraged Black Bear Attacks, Mauls Dogwalker After Shih Tzu Scared Off Cubs

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A new Paso Robles restaurant strives to bring the most authentic Neapolitan pizza to the Central Coast.

Dr. Pat Haran opened Via Caravaggio 147 at Paso Market Walk in December with his wife and business partner, Dr. Kathryn Haran, after training with a master pizza maker in Italy.

We werent going to do it unless we could do it to where the pizza is ... perfectly correct from a Neapolitan level, Pat Haran said.

In other words, its the same kind of pizza diners would discover if they (got) off a plane in Naples and (went) to one of the best pizzerias in the world, he said. This is pretty much what youre gonna get at Via Caravaggio 147.

SLO County doctor pivots from emergency medicine to pizza

Italian cuisine and culture has been a core component of life for Pat Haran, who grew up in Camarillo.

Haran worked under a chef from Palermo, Italy, from boyhood through completing college at UCLA, Kathryn Haran said.

Her husband then had to make a choice: stay on at Ottavios Italian Restaurant in Camarillo and dive deep into his passion for Italian cuisine and culture, or pursue a career in medicine, Kathryn Haran said.

Pat Haran ended up attending medical school at UC San Diego.

He went off on that path for a while, but always had a passion for cooking at home, Kathryn Haran said.

She and her husband worked as emergency room physicians in a group that works with Tenet Health Central Coast properties including Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo and Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton.

For years, the Harans talked about opening their own Neapolitan restaurant. After their adult children completed school, they decided to take the plunge.

Everything came together at the right time, said Kathryn Haran, who is now chair of emergency medicine at Sierra Vista. If we know one thing from being ER doctors, the one thing is that you may not have another opportunity.

We just decided to go for it, Pat Haran said.

Drs. Kathryn and Pat Haran opened a new Neopolitan pizza establishment named Via Carvaggio 147 in Paso Market Walk in Paso Robles, CA.

Paso Robles restaurant owner trains with pizza expert in Italy

In fall 2021, Pat Haran spent two months learning how to make Neapolitan pizza from the man considered the foremost expert on the cuisine, Enzo Coccia.

Its more rigorous than anything I did in medical school, Pat Haran said, noting that the majority of people just get sent home the first week or two of the program.

For Harans final exam, he had to create about 90 Neapolitan pizzas in an hour, said his wife, who traveled to Naples for two weeks at the end of the program to support her husband.

He relates it to essentially one of our hardest rotations through medical school, which is trauma surgery, Kathryn Haran said of her husband. It was so hardcore and academic and very structured and rigorous.

Some of the people who complete Coccias program go on to work at his pizzerias in Naples while others continue the Neapolitan culinary tradition  recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage in 2017  elsewhere.

The Margherita D.O.P con Bufala is made with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, fresh mozzarella di Bufala, basic, pecorino romano and Ligurian DOP EVOO.

Via Caravaggio 147 menu features Neapolitan favorites

According to Pat Haran, Via Caravaggio 147 puts a focus on culture and tradition and respecting that above everything else.

The name of the Paso Robles restaurant pays tribute to the address of Coccias pizzerias, which are located at 53 and 94, respectively, on Via Caravaggio in Naples.

The menu is almost like two menus, Pat Haran said. One of side of the street is exactly traditional Neapolitan. The other side of the street is an open canvas and you can do what you want.

On the Neapolitan side, the marinara pizza is made with just a light dusting of pecorino romano cheese, Italian oregano, basil, garlic and extra virgin olive oil to spotlight the dough.

The pizza also uses San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the Campania region of Italy near Naples.

Afternoon customers, Cristina Robins, Templeton, from left, Jane Manning and Pam Anderson, from Utah wait for their pizzas. Afterwards, Robins said, The (pizza) was absolutely delicious, the crust was delightful and the sauce was tangy. Two thumbs up, definitely 10 out of 10.

Another Neapolitan-style pizza on the menu is the margherita con bufala, which is made with the same San Marzano tomatoes, as well as fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, basil and pecorino romano cheese.

The menu also features contemporary inventions such as a rosemary pistachio pizza, as pizza topped with lemon and arugula and carne piccante, a meat-heavy pizza.

Theres a rotating list of Italian wines to accompany the pizza as well as a pesto bread appetizer, salad and desserts.

According to Kathryn Haran, Via Caravaggio 147 has found the perfect home at Paso Market Walk, a mixed use development that includes restaurants Finca, Momotaro Ramen and in bloom.

We were really lucky to find this spot ... It really fits our business model and what we want to portray, she said, adding that she and her husband want to make Neapolitan pizza the most available to people in Paso and in the community.

How is Neapolitan pizza different?

According to the Harans, there is a lot that goes into crafting Neapolitan pizza, but the star component is the pizza dough.

Theres always only four things and its flour, salt, water, and yeast, Pat Haran said. If you measured them exactly to the gram every day and you did that for 10 days in a row, the dough would only be correct by chance with those numbers probably about three of those days.

Neapolitan pizza experts learn to go beyond measurements and use their five senses to maintain the integrity of the dough every single day without fail.

You get to a point where ... you end up with the same final product every single day when youre making dough, Haran said.

The dough has a high level of hydration, which interacts with the high temperature of the oven to create a lot of steam, yielding a crust that is soft, chewy and crunchy all at once.

Its a really different type of pizza than what you would get at Dominos or Blaze, Kathryn Haran said.

While anyone can claim to offer Neapolitan-style pizza, a chef must go through training and certification to be considered truly authentic.

The Harans plan to get certified by the True Neapolitan Pizza Association  Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Italian  a nonprofit organization that makes sure restaurants are following its standards for Neapolitan pizza.

It needs to be at that level, Pat Haran said. Otherwise we werent going to do it.

Via Caravaggio 147 is open 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 1803 Spring St. in Paso Robles, or until dough runs out. Call 805-221-5163 or visit viacaravaggio147.com for more information.
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez places the Book of Gospels and a cross on the coffin of Bishop David G. O'Connell, before leading the funeral procession at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

It was standing-room only in the cavernous Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where the funeral Mass for Bishop David G. OConnell was held Friday morning. And it seemed every one of the 3,000 mourners in attendance had a personal relationship with the cleric most knew as their beloved Bishop Dave.

Sister Margarita Rico, a member of the Order of the Servants of Mary in Los Angeles who was dressed in a crisp white habit, first met OConnell when she was caring for the bishop's longtime friend, Father Jarlath "Jay" Cunnane, during a serious illness. She remembers OConnell coming to visit his friend every day.

For him, it was sacred to attend to the sick, she said.

The casket of Bishop David G. O'Connell arrives at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Sitting next to her was Jennifer Ayon, who was wearing black and holding a Louis Vuitton purse. She had met OConnell after her father Juan Ayon became a deacon of the church in June. OConnell hosted a dinner for Juan and his wife Juanita in his home to welcome them. He was such a gracious, authentic person, said Ayon. He would sit down and talk to you like he knew you.

Sister Mariae Herrera and Sister Fatema Vega, members of the Trinitarians of Mary based in West Covina who wear a pale blue habit, said that to them, OConnell was a true father who visited their monastery every other week.

He was part of our family, Herrera said. We called him Papa.

OConnell was shot to death in his Hacienda Heights home Feb. 18. A handyman whose wife worked as the bishops housekeeper has been charged with one count of murder , but the motive for the killing remains unclear.

A woman holds up a button with a picture of Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Originally from Ireland, O'Connell worked as a priest and then a bishop in L.A. County for 43 years, primarily in South Los Angeles. In addition to serving his congregations, the white-haired priest who spoke fluent Spanish with an Irish accent was also a strong social-justice advocate. He supported unaccompanied minors and DACA students through the Southern California Immigration Task Force, which he founded and chaired, organized against gun violence and environmental racism, and helped South L.A. rebuild after the 1992 riots.

Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop in 2015. The funeral was one of four Masses and memorials planned by the archdiocese to honor the beloved bishop, who was 69 when he died.

L.A. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez presided over the two-hour Mass, with Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Cardinal Robert McElroy of the San Diego Archdiocese; and Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The service began with a long, formal processional of full-Catholic pomp and circumstance that included the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Peter Claver, the Order of Malta, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. They were followed by the deacons dressed in white accompanied by their wives, then novice priests and regular priests in their sand-colored robes, and finally the bishops in their bright gleaming hats who each stopped to kiss the altar at the center of the church.

Visitors watch as Archbishop Jose H. Gomez leads the funeral procession ahead of the casket. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez left, leads the recessional at the conclusion of the funeral mass of Bishop David O'Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

A choir sang an entrance hymn called "The Deer's Cry" by Irish composer Shuan Davey.

I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me.



God's eyes to look before me, God's wisdom to pilot me



God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me

To open the Mass, Gomez read from a telegram he had received from the Vatican expressing Pope Francis' sorrow over O'Connell's untimely death.

The pope noted that O'Connell's ministry had been "marked especially by his profound concern for the poor, immigrants and those in need, his efforts to uphold the sanctity and dignity of Gods gift of life and his zeal for fostering solidarity, cooperation and peace within the local community."

The homily was given by Cunnane, who also hails from Ireland. He befriended O'Connell when the two attended seminary together in 1971, and they met for dinner together most Thursday nights. Cunnane said that he and O'Connell had been walking the road together for a long time.

"I can't imagine walking that road without David at my side," he said. "I'm sure I would have lost my way."

Friendship was something O'Connell was especially good at, Cunnane said. "Young and old, far and wide, in Peru, South Africa and up and down the social scale," he said. "He was at ease with the movers and the shakers, and the moved and the shaken."

He described his friend as being "gripped by grace," and as a "practical mystic."

"Some of us have what we call a life of prayer," Cunnane said. "For Dave, life was prayer."

Margarita Rico, a nun with the Servants of Mary, attends the funeral Mass. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

There were several movers and shakers in the pews, including L.A. County Dist. Atty. George Gascon, L.A. Police Chief Michel Moore, and Janice Hahn, chair of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. In an interview after the service, former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was also in attendance, said he first worked with O'Connell on community issues as a City Council member and that O'Connell had joined a diverse group of spiritual leaders who took turns praying for the city at the start of the pandemic.

"He had a light in him that hid how deeply he felt about the injustices around him," Garcetti said. "He would open up your heart with a joke and then burrow into it with an ask that stretched you further than you thought possible. My heart feels ripped apart."

Toward the end of the service, another David O'Connell got up to speak  the bishop's nephew.

"I'm not sure if many of you have heard this before today, but my uncle liked to tell a joke," he said, and the room filled with gentle laughter. "He liked to be the comedian, but thankfully he had a day job that seemed to be going a little bit better for him."

The laughter grew louder.

David O'Connell, nephew of the bishop, speaks during the funeral Mass. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The younger O'Connell, who lives in Ireland, recalled an uncle who served as a rock for his entire Irish family and who never ended a phone call with his nephew without telling him how proud he was of him.

"Uncle Dave was an inspiration to us our whole lives," he said. "He taught us that if you have the capacity to help someone, you should do it. I can hear him so clearly in my mind saying, 'That's not a problem. I can do it.' All he wanted to do was make things easier for everyone else and he never asked for a single thing, ever."

The death of his uncle left his family heartbroken, he said. But for him, his family, and for everyone listening in today, he said, "he now saw an opportunity to pick up where his uncle had left off."

"Help those that you can help. Lend an ear and listen to people. Respect each other. Be considerate and give others the benefit of the doubt," he said. "Have patience, and give everyone a chance. Make sure that those who are close to you know that you love them and that you are proud of them."

His voice cracked at that final statement.

As the two-hour funeral came to an end, Archbishop Gomez echoed those thoughts before sprinkling O'Connell's cloth-covered casket with holy water and encasing it in incense smoke.

"As we honor him, and thank him, and follow his joyful example, his beautiful example of being close to Jesus," Gomez said. "His example should be the way that we live."





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Shari Redstone, now Paramount Global chairman, at the premiere of "Ghost in the Shell" at AMC Loews Lincoln Square in New York. (Evan Agostini / Invision/AP)

Paramount Global has agreed to pay $122.5 million to settle a 3-year-old lawsuit brought by several large investment funds that believed the company pushed through the 2019 merger of Viacom and CBS at the expense of minority shareholders.

The settlement, revealed in a financial filing by Paramount, marks the resolution of the suit filed in Delaware Chancery Court.

The plaintiffs argued the company's controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, now chairman of Paramount Global, breached her fiduciary duties by filling the Viacom board with friends and allies so that she could push through her merger agenda.

The suit contended that the Viacom-CBS merger was enacted to protect the fortunes of the Redstone family and its investment vehicle, National Amusements Inc., rather than rank-and-file CBS shareholders. Under the nearly $12-billion deal, CBS, the top-rated broadcast television network, combined with the smaller Viacom, which owned such brands as MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and Paramount Pictures.

CBS and Viacom were first merged in 2000. But the companies were separated in 2006 when Sumner Redstone, Sharis father, feared that the challenges facing CBS broadcast business would slow the growth of the stock. CBS turned out to be the more prosperous company in the years that followed.

The Redstone family controlled nearly 80% of the voting stock of both Viacom and CBS. The merged company was renamed Paramount Global in 2022.

A judge in Delaware must approve the settlement that was reached earlier this week, according to the filing. Several suits filed by disgruntled groups of Viacom shareholders were consolidated into a single case by the court.

CBS and Viacom were together worth more than $30 billion before the merger was announced in mid-2019. But, like other traditional media companies, Paramount Global has seen its stock hammered by a financial market correction.

After the merger, the company posted weak earnings, compounded by the coronavirus outbreak. On Friday, the price of Class B shares of Paramount Global stock closed at $22.60 and is down 33% over the past year.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, Friday, March 3, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

OXON HILL, Md. (AP)  Two leading Republicans took veiled jabs at former President Donald Trump at an annual gathering of conservatives Friday, knocking celebrity leaders not in tune with reality while noting winnable elections that had been lost as they urged a party course correction ahead of the 2024 presidential contest.

But their refusal to call him out by name underscored the risks faced by potential and declared challengers worried about alienating Trumps loyal base.

In their remarks, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley  both of whom served in the Trump administration  offered a snapshot of how the former president's declared and potential 2024 opponents are trying to delicately navigate his dominant role in the party while looking for ways to differentiate themselves in what could be a nasty and crowded primary contest.

We cant become the left, following celebrity leaders with their own brand of identity politics, those with fragile egos who refuse to acknowledge reality, Pompeo said in an afternoon speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

Haley, who launched her campaign last month, hit on similar themes, noting the party has lost the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections.

Our cause is right but we have failed to win the confidence of a majority of Americans. That ends now. If youre tired of losing, put your trust in a new generation. And if you want to win  not just as a party, but as a country  then stand with me, Haley said.

While she received polite applause throughout her speech, several attendees chanted Trump! Trump! Trump! as she walked through the venue.

It was a sign of the dissonance at the event as potential and declared challengers tried to make inroads at a gathering that has become closely aligned with the former president. While other declared and likely candidates were offered speaking slots, Trump has been given top billing as the Saturday evening headliner, and his son Donald Trump Jr. has been mobbed throughout the conference by excited fans.

Haley and Pompeo were among a handful of announced or potential Republican presidential candidates who attended the CPAC event, which was once a must-stop for GOP hopefuls but has been less of a draw this year.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina skipped the event this year as its been dimmed by controversy and its overt homage to Trump.

Like Haley, Pompeo noted recent Republican losses over the years and blamed the party for its shortcomings.

We lost race after winnable race. Its because voters didnt trust us to do any better than the tax-and-spend liberals, he said, echoing a criticism raised by some attendees. Every recent administration, Republican and Democrat alike, added trillions in dollars to our debt. That is deeply unconservative.

More broadly, he said that voters had lost trust in conservative ideas.

Losing is bad because losing is bad. But the principles that we stand for are whats really at risk. And its not a political problem. The problem is that the losses are a symptom of something much bigger. Its a crisis in conservatism, he said. Weve lost confidence that we are right.

In an interview before his speech, Pompeo told The Associated Press that he had chosen to attend this year's event because it's "a great group of people who represent a broad swath of our party.

He brushed aside the significance of Saturday's straw poll of CPAC attendees on their 2024 presidential preference, an unscientific survey that Trump is expected to win, while noting that the election is more than a year and a half away.

Theres a long way to go. Theres lots of ground to cover and I think everyone who decides to get in the race will have a lot of opportunity in the fall to make their case, Pompeo said. Ive been in straw polls. Ive done great. Ive done less great. I dont think it says a whole lot about how this will end."

Pompeo, one of a long list of potential candidates, said he is still mulling a decision about whether to challenge his former boss for the nomination.

Still working our way through, figuring it out, he said, adding that he and his family were now within a couple months of a decision. In the meantime, were doing all the things one would do to be prepared to make the case to the American people, Pompeo said.

Pompeo also said without hesitation that he will support the eventual Republican nominee, quipping, It seems unlikely that President Biden would be someone I could get behind."

That stands in contrast to Pence, who declined to say Thursday whether he would back his former boss if Trump ends up the party's pick in 2024.

I think well have better choices, Pence told The Associated Press in an interview in South Carolina. Im persuaded that no one could have defeated Hillary Clinton in 2016 except Donald Trump, but I think we live in a different time and it calls for different leadership.

The Republican National Committee is planning to block candidates from its primary debates if they do not sign a pledge to support the GOPs ultimate presidential nominee, setting up a potential clash with candidates including Trump, who has raised the possibility of leaving the Republican Party and launching an independent candidacy if he does not win the GOP nomination outright.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a tech entrepreneur and author of the book Woke, Inc. who is also running for president, addressed the convention Friday and told the AP later in an interview that he saw himself as a successor to Trump.

Im building on the foundation he laid, Ramaswamy said, adding that hed focus more on ending affirmative action and climate change mitigation than the former president. He also said he would support the eventual GOP nominee if everybody else makes that commitment.

While the Trump faithful gathered in Maryland, the influential anti-tax group Club For Growth, which has clashed with Trump, held a competing event in Florida where DeSantis and others were invited but Trump was not  a sharp illustration of some in the partys conservative flank seeking a new direction.

David McIntosh, Club For Growths president, said in an interview Friday that DeSantis, who kicked off the groups donor summit with a Thursday night speech, did not say whether he was going to run for president and instead focused his remarks on policy issues.

He talked a lot about his win in the last election but did not indicate anything one way or another about a presidential run, McIntosh said.

He said DeSantis was enthusiastically received by a crowd of about 150 people and spoke about his record in Florida and his vision of governing in the state.

McIntosh said Pence, also at the event, did not indicate when he might make a decision on whether to seek the presidency. Haley, Scott and Ramaswamy were also slated to speak in Florida.

___

Associated Press writer Nicholas Riccardi contributed to this report.
Class 464 of the sheriff's training academy graduates Friday in a ceremony at East Los Angeles College. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

This was no ordinary graduation speech.

It had to balance celebration  the achievement of 56 recruits graduating from the L.A. County sheriff's academy  with tragedy  the fact that 12 classmates weren't able to share this momentous day.

One remains in critical condition. Two are in rehabilitation. All are grappling with the trauma of a terrible Wednesday four months ago.

That Nov. 16 morning, an SUV veered into the wrong lane during an academy training run and crashed into the formation. Bodies went flying, leaving behind what one witness likened to "a war scene."

They were just eight weeks into the academy, and the recruits  training to become deputies and police officers  found themselves applying tourniquets and packing wounds with their white T-shirts.

The wreckage of the Nov. 16 crash, after a car plowed into members of Class 464 who were on a training run. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Even as the months passed and they returned to the academy, reminders of that day remained: in updates on a recruit fighting for his life in the hospital; in the green water bottles bearing the names of two injured classmates, left on their desks; in the drive to make it to graduation day to honor those who couldn't.

Capt. Pat Macdonald, who leads the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments training bureau, struggled with how to capture hope, resilience and loss in one speech.

On Friday morning, in front of a crowd of hundreds, Macdonald found the words.

"Class 464 is a resilient and remarkable group, and they had to grow up quick," he said. "Unlike most police officers, they did not get six months of academy training before they found themselves in the middle of a high-risk, life-and-death situation."

::

Deputies Christopher Cenderelli and Arin Davidian demonstrate a hold during a defensive tactics class at the STARS academy in Whittier. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Seventy-six recruits started the training program Sept. 22 at STARS, the Sheriffs Training Academy and Regional Services Center, in Whittier. Although the majority hoped to become sheriff's deputies, several were preparing to launch careers at smaller police departments.

Their reasons for getting into law enforcement were as varied as their life stories.

Oscar Mora became a Los Angeles Police Department cadet when he was 14. After he and his family became homeless, officers in the program bought him groceries. They helped him get his first job, at Ross Dress for Less, after he graduated high school.

"If it weren't for them, I probably wouldn't be here," said the 23-year-old, who has applied to become a sheriff's deputy. "I have to follow in their footsteps and inspire other young people."

Sylvia Granados, 28, wants to help change the perception of law enforcement and "humanize the badge." Born in Mexico, she hopes to help Latinos "feel safe to approach someone like me."

Brendan Kilgore is a Marine turned registered nurse who has "always had a desire to be of service." After deciding that law enforcement was his calling, he applied to the Glendale Police Department.

Class 464 after a grueling defensive tactics class, in full uniform at STARS in Whittier. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

The men and women would spend a punishing 22 weeks at the academy. They would endure Black Monday, the boot-camp-style initiation, practice defensive tactics on one another, go through intense physical training.

Their biggest challenge, though, came in their eighth week  on Nov. 16.

That day, Kilgore rose at 3 a.m. and met up with his carpool to head to STARS. Once there, he was briefed on the plan for physical training  a four-mile off-campus run. Class 463 had left for the same run about 20 minutes before.

One of eight road guards, Kilgore had to block traffic and help guide Class 464 through intersections. He ran at the back of the formation and wore a yellow reflective vest.

They were about a mile into the run when it happened. Yadira Fernandez, 29, had just finished tying her shoe and caught up to her spot in the third row when she spotted an SUV coming straight at them.

A resident surveys the scene after a motorist plowed into Los Angeles County sheriff's cadets during a morning run Nov. 16 in Whittier. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

As the car barreled toward her, Fernandez froze. A fellow recruit yanked her out of harm's way. They crashed into a black fence.

"After that, it was just chaos," she said. "I just remember chaos."

The Honda CR-V had crashed into recruits in the middle of the formation who didn't have time to jump out of the way. The vehicle then slammed into a lamppost, which prevented it from striking more recruits. The pole knocked down a wire, which caught fire.

Everyone sprang into action. Two staff instructors rushed to detain the driver, 22-year-old Nicholas Gutierrez.

Fernandez ran to a recruit who was on the ground, hysterical and trying to get up.

"Is my leg still there?" he asked Fernandez. He couldn't feel it.

"Your leg is still there; you just have to relax," she reassured him. She told him he might have a spinal injury, and getting up could make it worse.

Mora tended to another recruit who was bleeding profusely. With bare hands, he fished concrete shards from a gaping wound in her leg. Another recruit, who had experience as an emergency medical technician, came to help.

Kilgore's military and nursing experience kicked in. He told fellow recruits to roll a man who was coughing on his own blood onto his side. Then he ran to Alex Martinez, who had been thrown about 20 feet. Martinez's legs appeared to be broken; one had already swollen to the size of a small trash can. Kilgore put a tourniquet on the left leg.

Soon after, Kilgore heard a familiar voice shout his name. When he turned around, he saw his older brother, an L.A. County firefighter and one of the first responders. His brother asked if he was OK.

Kilgore held up his bloodstained hands and broke down in tears.

::

"464 until the day I die. ... Second to none, that's my battle cry."

Class 464 runs along the strand in Huntington Beach. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Members of Class 464 present a plaque to the father and brother of fallen Monterey Park police officer Gardiel Solorio in Huntington Beach. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The cadence call rang out as Class 464 ran down the Huntington Beach boardwalk Feb. 10. The recruits were on the four-mile Colors Run, which they dedicated to Gardiel Solorio, a Monterey Park police officer who was off duty when he was fatally shot last fall.

Alondra Reyes trailed after the group with her 5- and 10-year-old in tow. Her son held a sign that read "Go Class 464 We Love You!!!" Reyes was supporting her husband, who for decades had wanted to be in law enforcement.

"Being able to see them in their final stages is overwhelmingly joyful," she said.

The group ran past surfers with half-zipped wetsuits, washing off sand. As other runners spotted the recruits, they wondered aloud about Gutierrez, who had mowed down the trainees three months earlier.

"Has he been charged yet?" one woman asked her running partner. He didn't know.

Gutierrez was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of peace officers shortly after the incident but was released the day after the crash. His lawyer said Gutierrez had fallen asleep at the wheel on his way to work.

No case has been presented to the district attorneys office, according to a spokesperson, so Gutierrez has not been charged with a crime. The California Highway Patrol said the investigation remains active.

Class 464 works out in Huntington Beach. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

As the recruits finished their run Feb. 10, Rachel Macdonald was there to cheer them on. If not for the crash, she would have been running with them. She and 11 other recruits had to separate from the class due to injuries. They left the academy and would not be graduating in March.

Macdonald, who broke her ankle in the crash, plans to join another academy class in the summer. The separation was devastating, she said, because she lived through the experience with Class 464.

"They just get it, and you had that community," she said. "To get ripped from that  that was probably the hardest part of getting separated."

But being there for the Colors Run, all she felt was joy for the recruits.

"Theyve created this legacy of overcoming what seemed like insurmountable trauma, and now theyre here on the other side of it," the 31-year-old said. "I can follow in the same footsteps too."

::

The 56 recruits helped one another pin badges to blue or tan uniforms on graduation day Friday. The ceremony would start in less than two hours. They wore white gloves and black shoes so shiny they reflected the fluorescent lights backstage in the auditorium at East Los Angeles College.

In the waiting crowd, family members held cutouts of graduates' faces and carried bouquets. They wiped away tears as video played of the moments before last year's crash, showing the SUV barreling forward in the wrong lane.

"They were tested early on and worked together as a team to make it through that horrifying event," Macdonald told the crowd. "This incident does not define them; however, it will make them stronger as they move forward in their lives and careers."

Soon after, the recruits stood, raised their right hands and repeated after Sheriff Robert Luna as they swore their oath. They stood up as recruits. Then Luna told them, "You may now be seated as peace officers for the state of California."

Class 464 celebrates Friday during graduation at East Los Angeles College. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

The graduates erupted into cheers. They high-fived and held tight to their partners  whom they'd come to see as brothers and sisters.

Although they weren't graduating with Class 464, the recruits who had separated sat behind the formation. They cheered for the recruits turned peace officers and knew their turn would come soon.

For Kilgore and others, the day felt bittersweet.

"For the most part, it feels great. Im very excited to start my career," said Kilgore, who will start with the Glendale Police Department on Monday. "And then theres the other part of me that feels very saddened that those that we lost on Nov. 16 arent here with us. Im sure theres no price that they wouldnt pay to be here with us."

As the ceremony neared its end, Luna invited Martinez's sister and father to the stage. Martinez, who remains in critical condition, had been sworn in as a full deputy soon after the crash. Luna embraced them.

Sheriff Robert Luna presents a service badge for Alex Martinez to sister Dayanna Martinez and father Arturo Martinez during the Class 464 graduation ceremony. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Amid a standing ovation, Luna handed the teary-eyed relatives Alex's graduation certificate.

And his badge: No. 464.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Tom Sizemore attends the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. (Victoria Will / Invision / AP)

Actor Tom Sizemore, known for his work in films such as "Saving Private Ryan," "True Romance" and "Black Hawk Down," has died at 61 after a brain aneurysm.

Sizemore died Friday at a hospital in Burbank, according to his manager, Charles Lago. The actor had been taken to the intensive-care unit of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank on Feb. 18, where he was listed in critical condition and remained in a coma.

Earlier this week, Lago released a statement on behalf of the "Heat" actor's kin: "Doctors informed his family that there is no further hope and have recommended end-of-life decision."

Lago said in a statement that Sizemore "passed away peacefully in his sleep ... at St Josephs Hospital Burbank. His brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger were at his side."

In 1998, Sizemore starred opposite Tom Hanks and Matt Damon in Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning World War II drama "Saving Private Ryan." Sizemore portrayed Capt. Millers (Hanks) right-hand man, Sgt. Mike Horvath, a loyal and courageous soldier who delivers the movie's titular line and keeps souvenirs from each military tour he's completed.

Sizemore accepted the career-altering role of Horvath on a whim. He was just about to start shooting Terrence Malicks "The Thin Red Line" in Australia when Spielberg called and asked him, "Do you want to go to Australia with Terry Malick or do you want to come to Great Britain and Ireland with me and Tom Hanks?"

"I told him I wanted to go to Great Britain and Ireland," he said in 2018.

It was a seminal experience for me because it was like being invited behind the curtain of Oz. Steven and his crew were operating on a total different level than I had ever witnessed," he added, "the scope of his vision, the attention to detail was beyond anything I had ever dreamed of.

Tom Sizemore in 2014. (Jordan Strauss / Associated Press)

Born Nov. 29, 1961, Thomas Edward Sizemore Jr. grew up in Detroit. His father was a lawyer and professor and his mother an ombudsman for the city.

"I was a tough kid," Sizemore recalled in 1995. "I dont punch people anymore.

Eventually, Sizemore's family relocated to the suburbs until his father got a divorce, and the children moved back to Detroit with their mother. By the age of 16, Sizemore "wanted to get on with" his life.

"I knew I wanted to be an actor," he told The Times in 1995. "I wanted to get out of Detroit.

After attending Wayne State University, Sizemore earned a master's degree in theater from Temple University and moved to New York City to pursue acting. His first break came when Oliver Stone cast him for a small role in "Born on the Fourth of July."

Sizemore played tough-guy roles throughout the 1990s in films such as "Natural Born Killers," "Wyatt Earp" and "Heat" and later had a recurring role in the television series "China Beach." In 2000, he received a Golden Globe nomination for his leading performance as a former mobster on the run in the TV movie "Witness Protection." He also had a starring role in the high-profile military drama "Black Hawk Down."

Outside his film and TV work, Sizemore also dabbled in theater. At Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse in 2011, he staged a private reading of his one-man show, "I Am Not Sam," that explored his biracial identity. During the performance, he adopted the voice of his Black grandfather, who warned him to never reveal his biracial heritage if he wanted to make it in Hollywood.

"I hate this stuff," Sizemore said as people gathered to congratulate him after the reading. "Im going to leave in a second."

Sizemore accumulated more than 200 acting credits spanning movies, video games, theater and TV. His final role was as a doctor in the 2022 comedy series "Barbee Rehab."

Throughout his career, Sizemore was often in the headlines for his run-ins with law enforcement. In 2003, he was convicted of abusing his girlfriend, Heidi Fleiss, and served 17 months in jail.

During his trial, Sizemore's attorneys denied Fleiss' allegations and accused her of trying to blackmail him. He was found guilty of domestic violence, criminal threats and harassing phone calls.

He was also arrested once on suspicion of assaulting another girlfriend in downtown L.A. and twice on suspicion of battery of a former spouse. Additionally, he was formerly detained on suspicion of transporting or selling a controlled substance, and he pleaded no contest in 2006 to using methamphetamine outside a Bakersfield motel.

Sizemore was open about his struggles with drug addiction  once even volunteering to detox on national television by participating in a season of the VH1 reality series, "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew."

Appearing on "Larry King Live" in 2010, Sizemore told the late TV host that he became addicted to cocaine after using the drug for the first time with "a famous actor" when his Hollywood dreams were starting to come true. He also struggled with addiction to heroin and crystal meth.

"If I didn't do it, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't get out of bed," Sizemore told King. "But I got no pleasure from it, and it was destroying my career. ... I'm an actor. I've been acting for 30 years, and I wasn't doing it anymore. I didn't have any money. ... I was fairly hopeless."

In 2011, Sizemore announced that he would write a book about his experiences with "substance abuse." He released his memoir, "By Some Miracle I Made It Out of There," in 2013.

The fact that Im now sober over two years  and that Im acting as much as I did before  proves that people can overcome obstacles even when theyre sure they cant, Sizemore said ahead of the book's release.

Sizemore is survived by his 17-year-old twin sons, Jagger and Jayden.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Brady Wade outside his Lake Arrowhead home. (OnScene.TV)

Amid an unwelcome snowstorm, one Southern California family got a welcome bundle.

With a blizzard as a backdrop, a Lake Arrowhead couple reportedly experienced some frightening moments as they fought to get to a hospital for the birth of their second child  a girl whose name is, fittingly, Winter.

When Brady Wade, who lives in the unincorporated community in the San Bernardino Mountains, arrived home from work Feb. 23, driving along roads with 3 to 4 feet of snow, his wife, Crystal, told him she was having contractions. He immediately began to load their truck with supplies to take to the hospital, 50 miles away in Fontana. But because the horrific weather had blocked roads, the truck wasn't parked close to the home. Wade's trips to the car were costing them time.

Wade recounted the ordeal in an interview with OnScene TV.

Upon hearing of Wade's panic, a friend ran through the snow to his home, helping him to finish loading and promising to take care of the couple's 4-year-old son while they began the harrowing trek down the mountains.

"The road conditions were very difficult," Wade recalled, as he tried to maneuver through crosswinds, surrounded by icy powder.

He plowed on, as the contractions came "closer and closer."

The pair finally pulled up to their destination, where the doctor informed Wade that if they'd been just a few minutes later, the baby would have been born along the snowy route.

Wade, a Lake Arrowhead resident for five years, said he had "never seen anything close to this. I have neighbors who've been here for 30 years. They said they haven't seen anything like this since, I think it was the 76, 79 storms. This is biblical. Seriously, it's unmanageable at this point. We're lucky to be safe and secure."

Still, they faced more hurdles before their ordeal was done.

In an interview with NBC, Wade said that when they headed home from the hospital the next day, they found that the storm had forced authorities to shut down major roads. By chance, he got a resident permit to head up the mountain, only to see that the streets had not been cleared for at least six blocks leading to his house.

After retrieving their son from their friends' home, the Wades had to be practical. They wrapped Winter under Crystal's coat and, with Brady holding his son, trekked through snow to return home.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.


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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke on Thursday during the G20 Summit in India. He claimed that the war between Russia and Ukraine was "launched against us," causing the crowd watching him to laugh.

Following his remarks, one event attendee shouted, "Come on!" as the top Russian diplomat was answering a question regarding Moscow's energy strategy. Lavrov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was one of the speakers at the summit and led a session that was part of a "Raisina Dialogue 2023" series.

Lavrov Receives Laughing Reactions

Shortly before the incredibly embarrassing moment, Lavrov was talking with the chair of the Observer Research Foundation in India, Sunjoy Joshi. Then, one audience member asked the Russian diplomat a question about how the conflict has affected Russia's energy strategy.

Speaking in India, whose government has been sympathetic to Putins claims on Ukraine and helped Moscow mitigate the effect of western sanctions, Lavrov says the war we are trying to stop was launched against us.



The audience laughs at him.



pic.twitter.com/7ia9YVZGP6  max seddon (@maxseddon) March 3, 2023

In response, Lavrov claimed that the war was launched against Russia and was something that the Ukrainian people were trying to influence. Before he could finish his answer, the diplomat was cut off twice by loud laughter from the audience members, as per Yahoo News.

He continued to claim that the conflict, which passed its one-year mark late last month, has influenced Russia's energy policy, adding that they would no longer rely on any partners moving forward.

Despite Lavrov's claim, Moscow began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, resulting in the largest military conflict in Europe since the end of World War II. Since then, Russia has given various justifications for the war, including that it was meant to stop Ukraine, which it claimed was being led by neo-Nazis despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky being a Jewish who lost family during the holocaust.

The Russian government also claimed that NATO was to blame for the war because the alliance's expansion provoked the conflict. However, at the time of the invasion's initial stages, Ukraine was not a member of NATO and is still not a member now. Furthermore, Kyiv was not in the process of joining the alliance in February last year.

Read Also: Cindy McCain as New UN World Health Program Head

Who Started the War?

Furthermore, Lavrov accused the United States of being a hypocrite after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Moscow could not wage war in Ukraine with impunity. According to Reuters, the remarks came during a security forum of the G20 Summit in India.

Lavrov said Blinken's remarks showed the double standards that question Russia's action but allowed the U.S. to hide behind the veil of a "threat to its national interest" to intervene with military forces in several parts of the world.

The top Russian diplomat also said that being questioned when Russia will join negotiations to end the conflict with Ukraine should instead be addressed to Zelensky. Blinken said that if Moscow made the first move to engage in peace talks, they would immediately join, but he noted that there had been no evidence to suggest that fact.

Blinken and Lavrov met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit and talked for roughly 20 minutes. They discussed several issues, including the war and American Paul Whelan detained in Russia, said ABC.net.

Related Article: Russia-Ukraine War Update

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
YEREVAN, MARCH 4, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Vice Speaker of Parliament Hakob Arshakyan met with Ghanas Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah within the framework of Raisina Dialogue 2023 in New Delhi, India.

Member of Parliament of Armenia Aren Mkrtchyan also participated in the meeting.

Given that the Republic of Ghana is a non-permanent member of the UNSC, I stated that Azerbaijan grossly violated its obligations under the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement and closed the Lachin Corridor  the only road connecting Nagorno Karabakh with the outside world  which has led to a humanitarian crisis. I also presented the UN International Court of Justice ruling regarding the Lachin Corridor, Vice Speaker Arshakyan said in a statement posted on social media.

Arshakyan said he also briefed the Ghanaian minister on the situation around Armenia and said that since 12 May 2021 Azerbaijan has violated Armenias territorial integrity for three times and illegally invaded Armenian sovereign territory.

Ghanas Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah attached importance to discussing the issue in international platforms and said that Ghana, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, will be consistent in addressing the raised issues. We also discussed the development of bilateral and multilateral relations between Ghana and Armenia. Possible directions for partnership in cybersecurity, digitization and high technologies were discussed. We highlighted promotion and intensification of business ties, Arshakyan added.
It was no coincidence that developments in the Manish Sisodia case picked up pace on the day the Congress plenary session was underway

The arrest of former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia last week did not come as a surprise as the Centre had been building a case against him for the past several months. Though on expected lines, it was no coincidence that developments in the Manish Sisodia case picked up pace on the day the Congress plenary session was underway in Raipur and Rahul Gandhi was slated to address the gathering that afternoon. The Sisodia arrest was obviously the big news story of the day with television channels providing minute-to-minute coverage of the unfolding drama. The result: The Congress session and Rahul Gandhis speech in which he again spoke of the proximity between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani was washed out. The Centre apparently learnt a lesson from the Pawan Khera deplaning episode which dominated the channels through the day, providing a ready forum for the Congress to slam the Modi government.

While the recent Congress plenary session in Raipur was business as usual, the scenes witnessed on the sidelines provided an interesting insight into the partys internal power equations. For instance, the new Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu got a warm hug when he arrived at the airport to receive the Gandhi family. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, in the doghouse ever since his loyalist legislators defied the partys Central leadership, was cold shouldered. Once a favourite of the Gandhi family, a dejected Mr Gehlot soon excused himself, saying he was unwell, and left for his hotel. His bete noire Sachin Pilot, on the other hand, was seen sharing a laugh with Ajay Maken and Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal. It is no secret that Mr Maken has been pushing for Mr Pilots appointment as chief minister. That Mr Pilots stock remains high was evident from the fact that he was allotted a room in the same hotel where all senior leaders, including the Gandhis, were staying.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje is known to go into hibernation whenever the Bharatiya Janata Party is in the Opposition. But she emerges from the shadows at the most opportune moment. With elections due in Rajasthan this year-end, it is not surprising that Ms Rajes hoardings have sprung up outside the BJP office in Jaipur while her supporters planned large-scale celebrations for her birthday on March 4. This show of strength is seen as a message to the BJPs leadership that given Ms Rajes large fan following in the party, the leadership can ill-afford to ignore her. Ms Raje obviously wants the party to declare her as its chief ministerial candidate and as a step in that direction, she is lobbying for the post of leader of Opposition in the assembly after her arch-rival Gulab Chand Kataria was appointed governor of Assam. With Ms Raje upping the ante, the BJP leadership finds itself in a spot as it is keen to shed its dependence on Ms Raje and promote an alternative leader in the desert state.

As in the case of former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the Congress likes to tout the fact that its current president Mallikarjun Kharge is dalit. However, Mr Kharge has refused to be identified by the party as a dalit. Instead, he prefers being known as a grassroots politician who has risen up the ranks from block president to the top most position in the party despite his humble beginnings. Mr Kharge put down his party colleague Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury at the partys recent steering committee meeting in Raipur when the latter said those who opposed the decision to nominate members to the Congress Working Committee must have faith in Mr Kharge, who is over 80 years old, dalit and a senior leader. To this, Mr Kharge told Mr Chowdhury pointedly that his identity is not that of a dalit leader but that of a Congress leader who has worked his way up the ladder over the last 50 years. Subsequently, senior leaders who spoke at the Congress plenary session avoided any reference to Mr Kharge's dalit identity though they privately questioned the point of having a dalit party chief, if they cannot play up this fact for electoral gains.

When the Modi government revoked Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the decision was particularly welcomed in the Jammu region, the Bharatiya Janata Partys stronghold. But three years down the line, disillusionment has set in. There are murmurs in Jammu that the state was better off when Article 370 was in place as it provided several benefits to the residents. The administrations recent decision to levy property tax, previously not applicable due to the shield provided by Article 370, has led to angry protests both in Kashmir and the Jammu region. This is a matter of concern for the BJP as the business community, comprising its core support base, has raised strong objections to the levy and demanded that the decision be reversed. Already angry that the state has failed to deliver on its promise to generate employment and provide jobs, this latest move, people say, has only added to their burden.
by Hal Swindall

Inclusive and sustainable growth; institutional reforms and good governance; fighting inequality through social justice. Total budget is about 82 billion euros. Focus on education and health. People call for fight against corruption, social problems and inequality. Budget in line with the premier's "Madani Way."

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - After three months in office, new Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim presented the budget bill for the current year. It is based on three "pillars": inclusive and sustainable economic growth, institutional reforms and good governance, and addressing inequality through social justice.



The outline revises the one presented last October by his predecessor, Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Each pillar is composed of several "measures": the first includes meeting people's economic needs; the second, reforming the public sector and strengthening public-private partnerships; and the third, ensuring harmony and unity.

The total amount of the financial maneuver is 388.1 billion ringgit (about 82 billion euros), including 99 billion (21 billion euros) for development.

The Education Ministry will receive the highest allocation, with 55.2 billion ringgit (11.7 billion euros); followed by the Health Ministry with 36.3 billion (7.7 billion euros).

Such a large sum for education is proof that Anwar is serious about improving the country's competitiveness and overall development, while the national health system is under severe pressure.

There are also provisions to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises, the development of Sabah and Sarawak provinces, and investment in infrastructure. Also significant are anti-corruption measures, such as the review of salaries to senior executives.

On social justice issues, taxes for those earning more than 100 thousand ringgit a year (21 thousand euros) will be increased from 0.5 percent to 2 percent, while those earning 35 thousand to 99 thousand ringgit will be reduced by 2 percent.

According to Standard Chartered Malaysia bank managing director Mak Join Nie, Anwar's budget is "well taken care of," also stating that it "truly reflects the government's commitment to protect the livelihood and welfare of the people." Mak especially praised the way the government wants to reduce its operational costs.

The new budget is generating much enthusiasm in Malaysia, a country whose people want change after the demoralizing years of economic stagnation following the pandemic. Citizens are also tired of corruption, social problems and inequality.

The budget presented by Anwar is in line with the principles of the "Madani Way," his governing approach for a "civilized Malaysia." It remains to be seen, however, how effective it will prove once put into practice.
by Stefano Caprio

Everyone desires an end to war, but it cannot just be a question of surrender or compromise, identity and dominance on the battlefield. It is an inner war, being fought in churches and consciences, in universities and schools, on the streets and in the homes of every country east and west.

According to Russian customs, spring begins in March, although winter frosts may continue to cover the land until May. The lengthening of the days, however, emboldens people to think about the New Year, which until now has remained hidden in darkness. And in the current circumstances of the Russian war in Ukraine, frozen since November around the banks of the Dnipro river, tempers are heating up to make sense of the immense destruction and the needless loss of hundreds of thousands of lives.

The great of the earth meet and brush against each other in India, where even an exchange of glances between US Secretary Blinken and Russian Minister Lavrov seems to be news. The impotence of weapons, ever more invoked and ever less effective on both sides, is consumed in the ballet of drones that are thrown back and forth between assaults on the defenceless population, and provocations to unleash the belligerent rage of those who would finally like to consume the massacre, and wipe out the enemy. Putin tremblingly observes from the bunker the unstoppable rise of the 'cook' Prigozin, the black soul of mercenary Russia, who fascinates even the teenagers in revolt.

While awaiting the moves of the armies, even the Orthodox begin their Lenten fasts and prayers, reciting in the churches of Russia and Ukraine the Great Penitential Canon of St Andrew of Crete. The very popular patristic text is composed of nine canticles, summarising the biblical accounts beginning with Creation and ending with the Assumption of Our Lord Jesus Christ, thus rewriting the entire history of mankind and first of all the history of salvation.

It is sung in four parts during Vespers on the first days of Lent, expressing the pain caused by the many sins of mankind: "On what act of my life shall I begin to weep? / What notes shall I write as a prelude to this my lament? / I did not imitate the justice of Abel / The riches of my life I have dissipated in the bottomless void / I am the wretch whom thieves assailed / And thieves are my thoughts, who strike and wound me", always concluding with the invocation "Bow down upon me, Christ the Saviour".

The Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, His Beatitude Svjatoslav Sevcuk, expressed the wish that "the whole Christian world should give a fair assessment of the ideology of the Russian World, because if this form of genocide was generated by a Christian Church, then one can doubt the whole ecclesiality, the historical form of Christianity".

The Patriarch of the Uniates, as he is reminded by his faithful in liturgies, compares the warlike-religious propaganda of the Muscovites to the expressions of radical Islamism, where 'even Muslim scholars have found the strength to reject and condemn this ideology'.

Sevcuk's call constitutes, in his words, "a challenge of the present time to the entire Christian world", which cannot be hastily dismissed as a submission of the Russian Church to the dictator's will, but must question everyone on "authentic fidelity to the Gospel of Christ for the man of the third millennium, a task that goes beyond the limits of individual Churches".

We must seek together "the antibodies of the Christian conscience", beginning in the penitential spirit of Lent to scrutinise our own souls. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes: "If therefore you present your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, go first to be reconciled with your brother, and then return to offer your gift" (Mt 5:23-24). Not if you have a grudge against him, but if you are aware that he is offended by you."

Without being lured into the dust of state propaganda, between the "provocations of NATO and the West" and "the domination of the economic potentates in globalisation", or the equally grotesque reflections of patriarchal propaganda against "the yielding to gender ideology" and the "destruction of traditional values", we must respond sincerely to the challenge of the Archbishop of Kiev, in the spirit of the Gospel.

What makes the Russian brother so angry at his Ukrainian brother, or at his Western brother? How can we reconcile with him, without making the conflict even more tragic?

Condemning the 'Russian world' only provokes its further affirmation by insisting on the incompatibility between Christians on both sides. Moscow's 'traditional Christian civilisation' cannot and must not be incompatible with the 'decadence' of Europe and America, prey to secularist liberalism: it is a picture blurred by the violence of power and the delusions of grandeur of untouchable castes, oligarchs and officials of political regimes, or the pretensions to success of the masters of the markets. There is no such thing as a 'sinless Russia' versus an 'immoral West', but we must return to St Andrew of Crete's admission, 'thieves are my thoughts', we are all equally guilty before God.

If there is no doubt about the roles of the aggressed and the aggressor, the invader and the resistant, in addition to these military and geopolitical considerations, the Christian conscience needs above all the demythologising of guilt and innocence, what the English historian and theologian Joshua T. Searle calls a "special theological operation".

The question must be asked whether Christian orthodoxy, and not only that of the Russians, is really so incompatible with Western liberalism.

Everyone desires an end to war, but it cannot be just a matter of surrender or compromise, identity and dominance on the battlefield. It is an inner war, taking place in churches and consciences, in universities and schools, on the streets and in homes in all countries east and west.

Searle launches the provocation that 'the secular humanism of contemporary Europe is in good substance more Christian than the religious nationalism of the Kremlin', and of many other theocratic or 'symphonic' regimes.

The latent atheism of secularism, to which Protestants and Catholics seem to conform, clashes with the sacrilegious atheism of those who bend God to a political and power project, or only to a self-assertion against the whole world.

As the professor of the multi-ethnic Sturgeon College explains, 'Christian nationalism has nothing to do with authentic orthodox Christian doctrine, and owes its appearance to a regurgitation of pagan myths about blood and land, certainly not to the biblical tradition of the dignity and freedom of man and people'.

Many have contributed to feeding the myth of the 'holy Russia' and the 'religious revival' in the West too, perhaps inspired by the prophecies of Our Lady of Fatima. The time has come to also recognise this fault, which unites Russians and Ukrainians, Europeans and Americans: wanting to reintroduce religion into today's world as a factor of conflict with other ideologies and lifestyles, or to homologate it to them, as two sides of the same coin.

Re-interpretations of ancient and medieval history, which form the basis of moral justifications for war actions, are pointless instead when a thourough confrontation on history is always necessary . Rather, what is needed is a real attitude of questioning the present, starting with one's own condition and identity, before pointing the finger at the supposed or inevitable adversary.

Putin's Holy Russia is an ideal that attracts and subjugates, in different versions, many conservative sectors of the Catholic Church and evangelical communities, scattered across the globe. Dialogue with Russia, beyond the outcomes of the war, will only be possible when one is able to confront these dimensions of the soul.

In 2014, the famous American preacher Pat Buchanan, inspirer of so much Western policy, after the annexation of Crimea, called Putin 'a true Christian crusader', who had been able to 'raise the Russian flag on the principles of traditional Christianity', and one cannot underestimate the more or less hidden streams of this mentality typical of the 'militant Church', which united Christians and communists in the last century.

It is no wonder that Putinist propaganda so easily makes inroads into Western societies, starting with the extreme fringes of right and left-wing politics, united in nostalgia for the student barricades, or the street clashes of youthful times.

The religious-ideological substratum is equally evident in what the Russians contemptuously call 'Lgbt propaganda', i.e. in the claims of rights understood as war victories, rather than recognition of personal and community reality. True liberalism does not despise or offend traditions, true traditionalism does not oppress consciences and communities, and therefore does not invade neighbouring countries.

RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY IN YOUR E-MAIL? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Various trials of United States citizens involved on Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Hill riot are at risk of being derailed following House Speaker Kevin McCarthy releasing security footage of the incident to Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

One judge on Friday denied a Jan. 6 defendant's attempt to delay her trial to review the footage, which was thousands of hours long. In a statement, US District Court Judge James Boasberg said that he understood why the defendant, Sara Carpenter, wanted a review of the footage.

Jan. 6 Capitol Hill Riot Trials

However, he argued that Carpenter had failed to explain why any additional footage of her actions within the Capitol building could be exculpatory. This was particularly true as prosecutors in the defendant's case have already provided footage of nearly all of the 34 minutes that Carpenter spent within the building.

The judge said his decision was made as he worried that permitting Jan. 6 defendants would affect other criminal proceedings by slowing them down to review the security footage. Boasberg's ruling comes as he is set to become Washington, DCs, next chief district court judge by the end of the month, as per Politico.

He noted that to support a trial delay, defense attorneys would have to proffer what the additional footage would be able to show that could be helpful to their client's cases. The judge's decision is the latest result of McCarthy's release of the Jan. 6 security footage to Carlson.

It remains unclear whether or not the thousands of hours of footage include any evidence that could influence any of the hundreds of Jan. 6 criminal cases. However, many defendants have argued that they planned to request access to the materials, which House Republicans have agreed to facilitate.

Prosecutors on Friday opposed Carpenter's request, arguing that they had already pieced together an "overwhelming" among the defendant's movements within the Capitol building. Furthermore, they suggested that they must be made aware of what the security footage that McCarthy released was about.

Read Also: Idaho Murders Update

Released Security Footage

Despite criticism from other lawmakers, McCarthy doubled down on the defense of his actions, saying that he planned to share the footage with the public but only gave Carlson an early peek. On Wednesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries noted that the House Speaker's decision was "irresponsible," according to Yahoo News.

Jan. 6 Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson released a public statement saying that the House Speaker owes the American people an explanation for his decision. Rep. Jamie Raskin, a member of the Jan. 6 panel, also posted on Twitter condemning McCarthy's actions.

Another judge that ruled similarly to Boasberg was US District Judge Rudolph Contreras, who received a request from William Pope of Topeka. The defendant wanted the release of video footage that he claimed showed undercover Metropolitan Police officers working to incite protesters on Jan. 6, 2021.

Pope allegedly wanted more details about the security footage that McCarthy gave Carlson. Furthermore, the House Speaker said that he was planning to provide the videos to others as well, said The Kansas City Star.

Released Article: Two Arrested for Exporting Technology to Russia

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Not even a month after taking the veils off a five-door variant at the 2023 Auto Expo, the Japanese automaker published its growth strategy for fiscal year 2030, which includes multiple all-electric vehicles. An electric Jimny is currently in development, although only time will tell when its going to launch. A total of five newmodels will start arriving in the European Union from FY2024 onward.Elsewhere in the world, Suzuki rolled out a special edition of the Jimny so retro that your dad might call it hip. Exclusive to the Australian market, the Heritage edition will number 300 examples of the breed. Pricing starts at 33,490 kangaroo bucks excluding on-road costs, as in 22,680 freedom eagles at current exchange rates.1,500 dollars more expensive than the GLX trim level on which its based, this funky-looking machine stands out with the help of heritage decals on the bodysides and rear door, front and rear mud flaps in red, a heritage cargo tray for the puny cargo area, and a limited build badge. Suzuki also mentions an Exclusive Heritage Pack, although said package contents havent been detailed.Pictured in left-hand drive despite Australia driving on the left and Suzuki being a Japanese company, the Jimny Heritage is available in four exterior colors. The list kicks off with the pictured White finish. The remainder comprises Bluish Black Pearl, Medium Grey, and Jungle Green, although White is the finish to opt for IMHO.The first vehicles are due to arrive at dealers nationwide in April 2023. Its exclusively offered with a manual transmission, a five-speed unit, despite six forward ratios being the industry standard for quite a few years now. The optional four-speed automatic, which is yet another dinosaur of a transmission by current standards, sadly isnt available in Australia at the moment of reporting.The three-door Jimny for the Australian market is manufactured in Japan, where a kei-class variant is available with a 658-cc turbo inline-three powerplant. The global variant, referred to as Jimny Sierra, relies on a naturally-aspirated four with a displacement of 1.5 liters. It produces a paltry 75and 130 Nm in the Oz, meaning 101 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque.Similarly priced to the GLX auto thats not currently available to order, the Heritage is rocking 15-inch alloys, a full-size spare wheel, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, LED projector-style headlights, a rearview camera, satellite navigation, two speakers, automatic climate control, leather on the steering wheel, six airbags, AEB, and fabric upholstery on the seats. As with every other Jimny in production today, the front disc brakes are joined by good ol drum brakes out back.
Michigan-based POSCO International America Corp missed the annealing process for the alternator used in the Polaris Slingshot altogether. The document attached below reveals that Polaris became aware of this problem last year, following two reports of failed alternators.The Minnesota-based manufacturer immediately started investigating. Polaris understandably contacted the supplier to assist with said investigation, with POSCO International America Corp telling Polaris that it had missed the annealing process within a certain lot of alternators. Because of the metals brittleness, the alternator may crack and separate during operation.This condition increases the risk of a vehicle fire, which isnt exactly cool with Polaris or affected owners. The manufacturer issued a stop delivery order in January 2023, then resumed shipments a little over a week later. Be that as it may, a handful of Slingshot vehicles equipped with suspect alternators had been delivered.15 percent of the 163-strong affected population is believed to feature unannealed alternators. Build dates for the recalled vehicles range from June 20th, 2022 through January 10th, 2023. Based on the starting price, affected nameplates include the S, SL, SLR, and R.Polaris will replace the iffy alternators with properly manufactured units, although Polaris didnt mention whether it continues to rely on POSCO International America Corp. Authorized dealers have already been informed of the safety recall, with owner notifications to be sent by first-class mail no later than March 8th.Introduced in 2014, the Slingshot is a three-wheeler with a waterproof interior that includes two side-by-side bucket seats. The most basic of specifications, namely the S, currently retails at $21,499 in the U.S., according to the build & price tool. The rest of the lineup consists of the $27,499 SL, $30,399 SLR, $33,999 R, and $37,349 Roush Edition, which is based on the R.Referred to as ProStar, the four-cylinder turbo engine of the Slingshot produces a healthy 178 horsepower and 120 pound-feet (163 Nm) in the S. The R makes 203 horsepower and 144 pound-feet (195 Nm) on full song. The R variants power-to-weight ratio is understandably superior to the S, with Polaris listing 8.1 pounds per horsepower versus 9.2 pounds per horsepower.The multiport-injected engine takes 91 octane or higher, and transmission choices kick off with a good ol manual. The optional AutoDrive was introduced for the 2020 model year, an automated manual based on the five-speed manual designed and supplied by Aisin.Despite being an integral part of the manufacturers business, the Slingshot and Indian motorcycle division that make up the on-road segment didnt bring in as much profit as Polaris off-road segment in 2022. But still, Polaris reported record Q4 2022 and full-year sales.
Photo: Hazegrayart

Like all other space exploration pieces of hardware ever made, the Starship had a pretty rough time getting to where it is now. More importantly, it should have already gotten a taste of what its like to travel beyond the borders of our planet a long time ago. Keep in mind, though, this is actual rocket science, and delays in this industry are inevitable.Its not yet clear exactly when the first Starship orbital flight will take place, but we do know how its going to unfold. In essence, the contraption, comprising the Booster 7 Super Heavy first-stage prototype and the Ship 24 spaceship, will depart the launch pad at the companys facility in Boca Chica, Texas, and head up into the sky.At the right time, Booster 7 will separate and come back down to land, while Ship 24 will continue its journey into orbit, where it will move around our planet once. It will then come back to Earth for a splashdown off the coast of Hawaii, about one hour and a half after leaving Texas.This first mission will effectively open up the doors for Starship uses for other, much more high-profile and important endeavors. After all, SpaceX has developed this rocket, which in its final form should become the most powerful one ever made, with bigger goals in mind: send people to the Moon and possibly even Mars.For that to happen, a change of venue is required, of course, a move to the center of American space exploration efforts, Cape Canaveral. The move is not in the cards just yet, but that didnt stop animation specialist Hazegrayart from giving us a taste of Starship launching from the Cape.The video, released earlier this week, is almost four minutes long, and its the perfect way for us to get an idea of what such a launch would look like from Florida. We get to see pretty much all the steps of a space mission, from the final countdown and the ignition of the booster to the separation of the two stages and the perfect booster landing.What we dont get to see is where the Starship itself eventually went, but thats for each of us to imagine. If you find that a bit difficult, you could use this other Hazegrayart video to see the spaceship landing on Mars.
Beijing faces criticism and calls for transparency after Chinese astronauts conducted a "secretive" spacewalk around the Tiangong space station.

Chinese authorities revealed preliminary information about the spacewalk this week, the second extravehicular operation in the last three months. The astronauts involved were two members of the Shenzhou 15 crew, dubbed the "Dream Crew."

China's Secretive Spacewalk

They successfully exited the Tiangong space station to complete what China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) officials said were "scheduled tasks" with the help of a third crew member. The latter remained in the cabin along with another one on the ground support.

However, the official announcement was provided after the astronauts completed their operation on the space station. Some reports also raised concern over the CMSA allegedly choosing not to announce the out-of-cabin process.

In a statement, a senior fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center, Rick Fisher, said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), gains more power with less transparency. This power is the ability to deter, disinform, and disarm enemies, which reflects ancient Chinese strategic values, as per Fox News.

He added that the CCP, in all areas and not only in outer space, wanted the status of hegemon, which means that it cannot be held accountable for any non-CCP-created rule or value system. This results in the CCP not batting an eye or warning other nations about its space activities.

Last month, the CMSA provided a vague announcement that the Dream Crew was planning its first extravehicular operation on the Tiangong space station. Mission commander Fei Junlong led it on Feb. 9. The three-person crew has been on the space station for nearly 100 days starting from November 29.

Read Also: New Asteroid Samples Show Evidence of How Life Began

Beijing's Continued Space Missions

The Dream Crew took control of the space station from the Shenzhou 14 crew, marking China's first successful manned crew handover. International space activities have once again become a topic of discussion in geopolitics after Russia last July said that it was planning to leave the International Space Station.

The plan was made over rising tensions with the West and signified a drastic shift in spatial relations. However, according to Yahoo News, both Beijing and Moscow are looking to shore up their orbital ties as even space-based dynamics are changing.

Fisher added that the CCP's contempt for transparency in space has already become an international hazard, noting that the threat would continue to extend toward its lunar ambitions. In November, China and Russia agreed that they would work together to develop a lunar station by 2035, including a station in orbit and on the moon's surface.

On top of the Chinese spacewalk, two-photon microscopes launched to the Tiangong space station on November 22 were continuing their work in orbit. They have captured various images of the Shenzhou 15 crewmembers' skin cells. Officials from the CMSA Engineering Office said that the microscope provided a new tool for authorities to conduct on-orbit health monitoring of the crewmembers aboard the space station, said Space.

Related Article: NASA, SpaceX Initially Called Off Crew-6 Rocket Launch

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Photo: YouTube/Lou Costabile

Photo: YouTube/Lou Costabile

Photo: YouTube/Lou Costabile

Photo: YouTube/Lou Costabile

Photo: YouTube/Lou Costabile

In 1963, Buick hatched the Riviera, a beautiful car in its own right, with a strong GM-unlike styling language that garnered vast appreciation and equal portions of criticism. More importantly for Buick, it attracted buyers  over 112,000 from 1963 to 1965  and stole the show the Blue Oval initially put on.By the late 60s, however, things went south for the Riviera, with sales nosediving in 1970. Despite rolling out more than 37,000 units for that model year, GM's coin counters reported a slash downfall from the nearly-53,000 figure of 1969."A change is needed," murmured the white collars in the upper offices from Michigan. They wanted to see a change but not break the bank over it. Leave it to Bill Mitchell - VP of Design - to make it happen. The head stylist of General Motors drastically reshaped the Riviera, using cues from one of his early-60s sweethearts, the Sting Ray Corvette of 1963. The faux vee-butted rear window on the `73 Riviera is a subtle hint at that classic second-generation sportscar legend.In a money-restricted attempt to revive the Riviera, the stylists gave the refreshed automobile a fast(er)-looking stance. Buick touted the "aerodynamic styling. Longer. Wider. Daring new design. The 1971 Riviera is motion-sculptured, giving an image of movement even when standing still. In a word: excitement."An acquired taste indeed, as the speedboat tail of the Sting Ray  ideally suited on the small sportscar  wasn't to everyone's appeal in 1971, when the new profile emerged under the Riviera emblem. In fact, Bill Mitchell himself had second thoughts about the approach."What hurt the boattail was to widen it. It got so wide, a speedboat became a tugboat," Mitchell acidly remarked when looking back at the third-generation Riviera. Found in `71-`73 models, the boattail and several other visual alterations made the already-long Buick (223.4 in / 5,674 mm) seem even more outstretched.This impression particularly affected the 1973 version, partly due to newly-introduced federal regulations regarding the impact-absorbing bumper. In an attempt to visually counteract the overall increase in size - and to satisfy a broader mass of critics - the controversial boattail feature was edulcorated.The third-gen Buick Riviera divided the gearhead auditorium with its uncompromising profile  some accused it of being "the most controversial piece of styling since the batwing job of 1959." But it wasn't all just about the automobile's garment. As the old saying goes  you don't see the outside of a car when you're driving it.Buick made a "personal luxury" vehicle, first and foremost. It was critical to live up to its corporate name in technical superiority. The Riviera was the first GM-made car to feature the new "AccuDrive" front suspension."The best directional stability ever experienced in an automobile" is how the engineers described their invention. They weren't off at all. The mechanical wizards from Detroit made the camber thrust effect work in their favor rather than try to counteract it. (In elementary-school English, "camber thrust" is the side force generated when a rolling wheel leans - or "cambers" to a side).Buick cleverly used simple physics and lowered the lower control arm's inner pivot while raising the upper control arm's inner pivot. As motoring journalists noted when testing the new feature, "because of this relocation, when the wheel moved over an undulation, it tipped outward at the top, instead of inward, providing an opposing force. The two forces would effectively cancel each other out, keeping the car on a more nearly straight path."The '73 Buick Riviera had the smooth ride of all its predecessors and a massive engine  the monster 455 CID (7.5-liter) torque ogre had first been fitted on the previous generation model in 1970. For the "speedboat tail," it was the only powertrain offered, mated to the three-speed TH-400 automatic  the sole transmission installed.Buick had already introduced the GS 455 to handle the "muscle car" element on GM's behalf. Consequently, the Riviera wasn't a buttoned-up gymnast performance-wise. Even more so in 1973, when a misfortunate series of incidents and coincidences collided to close the curtain on the Golden Era. The emissions regulations power-censoring, the adoption of a new power-reporting system, and the oil embargo.So it's little wonder there aren't many 1973 Buick Riviera roaming about in 2023 . However, when one shows up, the show is on. The owner of this survivor example only certifies what other happy owners say  watch the video, courtesy of Lou Costabile, the classics headhunter.Still, a dismal illusion of thrilling road action was left: the Grand Sport package. Not many Rivieras received this GS handling upgrade  out of a total production of 34,080, only 3,933 came equipped with the GS. For the sake of statistics, we'll mention that a further 1,234 Rivieras had the range-topping "Stage 1" power-lifting add-on.Large personal luxury cars weren't famed for (stellar) track dominance  even if the big engine might imply otherwise. With a gutted compression ratio  to run the less-pollutant low-octane fuel  the power output of the mighty four-barrel-carbureted 7.5-liter V8 was a 250-net hp (254 PS).It would explain (in part) why the sales brochures quietly omitted to put these numbers on paper (take a look at some examples in the gallery). The drop in absolute values was a psychological infringement for any buyer.Torque figures were slightly more encouraging, at 375 lb-ft (509 Nm). An acceleration test from the day returned a 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds. It would have argued in favor of the Riviera, but mileage was one major drawback. Buick's big-blocks were heavy drinkers  between 8 and 11 mpg (20 to 30 liters/100 km). And the sudden oil crisis made it all the worse.The GS in our story is a full-blown banner-bearing GS, meaning it carries the handling package, a recalibrated Turbo 400 transmission, H78 x 15 whitewall radial tires, front fender badges, and rear sway bar. That's on the outside: power steering, power brakes (12-inch / 300 mm discs up front), power windows, power seats, air conditioning, or the computer-controlled stability  Buick-exclusive, it was advertised as MaxTrac.A series of sensors were installed on the driver-side front rotor and another between the transmission case and the speedometer cable. A mini-computer, about the size of a pack of cigarettes, was mounted behind the passenger-side kick panel. It compared the inputs from the two sensors, and when the rear-wheel rotational speed was over 10% higher than at the front wheels, it cut out the ignition.It was a primitive ancestor of nowadays electronically-governed stability aids. It kept the Riviera from fishtailing on slippery surfaces  mostly on snow. It wasn't a trend-setting gadget  about 5% of the cars were installed with the computer-powered option. Buick only offered the MaxTrac for two years due to poor customer recipience.Speaking of innovations, a new solenoid-actuated throttle stop prevented the V8 from dieseling by shutting off the air intake. Another cool feature of the Riviera was the self-leveling rear suspension. An engine-driven compressor would inflate a pair of pneumatic bellows on top of the shock absorbers. This enabled the car to maintain a level stance regardless of its load distribution.
Photo: Boeing

Photo: Boeing

Photo: Boeing

Photo: Boeing

Armed to the teeth, the Apache doesnt understand the notion of outgunned  unless it refers to its adversaries, disrespectful of their numbers, armaments, and size. Do you know why there are no An Apache AH-64 attack helicopter walks into a bar jokes? Because the Apache keeps raising the bar on aerial warfare.With over 2,500 units delivered worldwide since 1984 and nearly 2,000 serving under the star-spangled banner of the U.S. Military , the formidable machine passed another milestone recently. Five million combined flight hours  accounting only for the official records of Uncle Sams enlisted aircraft.For statistics-loving geeks, thats an average of 2,500 hours per aircraft. Over 1.3 million hours in the air were combat missions  more than 650 hours of battle for every Apache in the U.S. armed forces. Thats almost a month of uninterrupted war if we evenly distribute the numbers to each American AH-64.Five million hours above ground is a staggering 570 years and nine months of continuous flight. Consider it from this hypothetical perspective if that doesnt tell you much. If one single Apache AH-64 Attack Helicopter were to fly continuously at its maximum level flight speed of 150 knots (173 mph/278 kph) for all that time, it would cover the distance between the Sun and the Earth nine times over.Thats nearly 35,000 trips around the Equator of our planet. Pretty hardcore. The Apache is one serious warbird whose service record speaks volumes about this fire-breathing dragon. Deployed to active duty with the U.S. forces in 1986, the Apache had several models throughout its four-decade-long history.Each far exceeding the capabilities and technological supremacy of its predecessors, the various iterations of the helicopter have become a strong point in military tactics. The U.S. Army has operated A, D, and E-model Apaches, and the combat-ready list of 2023 includes the D-model aircraft in addition to the spearhead AH-64E.Designed and built by Hughes Helicopters as a replacement for the AH-1 Cobra (the quintessential machine that proved the worthiness of the attack helicopter concept as an effective weapon), the Apache first took to the skies in September 1975.Hard to believe the cutting-edge warship  that can identify, classify, and threat-prioritize 256 targets in less than a minute anywhere within 32 miles (50 km) of its location  is almost 48 years in the making. The age of digital warfare brought about critical changes in the way the Apache is used in the field.Currently built by Boeing in Mesa, Arizona, the AH-64 serves nineteen national armed forces. Conceived as a twin-seat aircraft in authentic fighter aircraft design , the Apache can carry sixteen Hellfire missiles, seventy-six 2.75-inch (70-mm) rockets, and 1,200 rounds for the 30-mm cannon. The rapid-fire chain gun alone could pacify Hell itself with its 650 rounds-per-minute rate of fire.Able to climb to 20,000 feet in around seven minutes from the second it leaves the ground  thanks to its 1,908.5 sqft (177.31 sqm) four-blade main-rotor area  the mighty Apache can stay airborne for over two-and-a-half hours. Armored to sustain direct hits from 23-mm rounds and equipped with self-sealing fuel compartments, the helicopter also boasts an extensive array of intricate target acquisition systems.The AH-64E is the latest version of Apache, and its 2,000-shaft-horsepower General Electric T700-701D turboshaft engine is suitable for a combat range of 260 nm (300 mi / 480 km). Alternatively, when it doesnt rain fire on its targets, the Apache has a ferry range of 1,024 nm (1,178 mi / 1,896 km) with additional fuel tanks installed on its stub wings.With no payload, the standard Ah-64 weighs around five tons, but a mission-ready aircraft gains three extra tons for a gross weight of 17,650 lb (8,006 kg). Fully loaded, the helicopters maximum takeoff weight is a hefty 23,000 lb (10,433 kg).Last October, Boeing announced that the famous rotorcraft would undergo a six-pack modernization program. Briefly, the drivetrain will get an upgrade to increase power, range, efficiency, and speed. The level-up armament systems include equipping the already-overkilling AH-64 with long-range precision munitions or directed energy weapon systems. The latter sounds a million times better  and easier to remember  in Star Wars parlance: laser Apache.As of 2020, out of the 2,500 AH-64 attack helicopters put in service since 1984 (when the aircraft entered series production), 500 units are the latest E-model (itself with numerous variants). Planned to be produced until at least 2028, the Apache is deemed fit for duty for the next four decades  and an indiscriminate number of flight hours. Stick around; well let you know when the ten-million threshold is reached.
Executive Editor Christine L. Peterson answers your questions and takes your complaints about The Californians news coverage in this feedback forum. Questions may be edited for space and clarity. To offer your input by phone, call 661-395-7649 and leave your comments in a voicemail message or email us at soundoff@bakersfield.com. Please include your name and phone number; your phone number wont be published.
A curious kid, Emily Duran discovered early that you learn a lot more by listening than talking. So when the adults in her life got together f
https://www.bassresource.com/fish_biology/fish-size.html

Fish and Lake Management

By Eric West / March 4, 2023

Image Lifespan and growth rates of Largemouth bass are affected by latitude.

An often-discussed topic on the Pond Boss Forum is fish size and growth, including what causes significant differences from place to place. Of course, we all know that having enough food and good water quality are keys. But all too often, even with good food and water, considerable differences are exhibited, and inquiring minds want to know why. This is when someone comments, "It all depends." "Depends on what?" quickly follows.

Fisheries Scientists have been studying that question for decades, and a few factors are discussed below.

For fisheries science, bioenergetics is a critical tool for measuring growth. Bioenergetics models quantify energy flow through an organism by accounting for energy expenditures due to metabolism, waste loss, and somatic and gonadal growth. These models are widely popular with managers and researchers and are frequently used to estimate fish feeding and growth. The concept is that easy food eaten (energy in) equals maintenance (energy used in essential body functions) plus growth (size and weight gain). The problem is finding a formula that accurately reflects all the variables in every location. Then, we can see what affects growth by looking at the variables.

One interesting example is found in a paper titled Influence of Feeding History on Metabolic Rates in Fishes: Evidence for Metabolic Compensation in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) by Steven H. Ranney, Master of Science Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (Fisheries Option) South Dakota State University 2008. One of its findings is that physiological responses to environmental factors such as temperature can vary between stocks of the same species and may be linked to differences in latitude. That is how far north the water is located can affect size, growth, and lifespan.

You must understand fish's energy needs and metabolism to get big, healthy fish. Metabolism is a critical component in fish energy consumption and, thus, in the formula. One way to measure energy use is by measuring the oxygen used. The fish size and water temperature primarily influence metabolism. However, other factors influence the standard metabolic rate of fish. Factors such as salinity, stress, water toxicity, daily light period, and stock differences can positively and negatively affect fish oxygen consumption. Although they can be significant, these effects are generally not incorporated into fish bioenergetics models to estimate metabolism. As a result, the accuracy of bioenergetics models can be hampered because of incomplete measuring of factors incorporated into the model.

Image Growth potential of these sunfish is influenced by a variety of elements, and latitude plays a significant role.

The study points out that environmental factors such as available oxygen, salinity, toxicity, and pH can influence metabolic rates, resulting in a -60% to +120% change in standard metabolic rate. Also, biological factors such as stress, population numbers, seasonal effects, and daily biorhythms can significantly influence the standard metabolic rate in fish.

Because of their potential to influence metabolism across a wide range of species and locations, these biological factors need to be considered in developing fish energy needs.

While not all species are affected similarly based on latitude, many are. Walleye growth and metabolism, for example, are impacted by latitude. An interesting study on this subject is Differences in Growth. Consumption and Metabolism among Walleyes from Different Latitudes by Tracy L. Galarowicz and David H. Wahl in Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, Jan 9, 2011. This study examined whether physiological differences exist among walleye populations as a function of latitude. They compared the metabolic rates, food consumption, relative growth, and conversion efficiency among walleyes from Arkansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Alberta, Canada, over a range of temperatures (5-25C). The authors noted that the annual growth of many fish species, including walleyes, is inversely related to latitude. Adult walleyes from lower latitudes generally exhibit more significant growth, mature earlier, and have shorter life spans. Because environmental conditions greatly influence these life history factors, it isn't easy to attribute differences solely to genetic variation. Variation in growth among populations may be attributable, in part, to adaptation to local temperature regimes. Many studies have examined the physiological differences among stocks, but few have examined the consequences of these adaptations on growth. Bioenergetics models are interesting for examining energy relationships, but these models are compromised when inappropriate parameters are used.

The authors include a wise and apt warning about stocking. Walleye populations to be established or maintained with supplemental stockings should not be transported from different regions. Typically, the potential uniqueness of fish populations is not considered in stocking efforts. Introductions of fish with different physiological characteristics may negatively affect growth and survival and the genetic integrity of natural populations may be compromised by these introductions

Image Bluegills in the northern states respond differently than those in southern waters, and latitude definitely plays a role in their bioenergetics.

You might ask how growth rates give different results in different locations. A study titled Latitudinal Growth Effects on Predator-Prey Interactions between Largemouth Bass and Bluegills in Ponds. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 5:227-232,1985 by Timothy Modde, and Charles G. Scalet is instructive. The study noted. Largemouth bass growth size exhibited a significant inverse relationship to latitude throughout the Great Plains states, while bluegill weights from the same states exhibited no significant difference. Northern Largemouth bass grew slower and failed to reach the maximum sizes attained by southern Largemouth bass. Adult bluegill populations in southern latitudes were nearly twice as vulnerable to Largemouth bass predation as bluegills in northern ponds. Because bluegill growth rates were less affected by latitude than Largemouth bass, bluegill length increases were faster than predator length increases. This leads to an imbalance in the population structure which can result in stunting the prevalence of bluegill stunting up north and largemouth overcrowding in the south.

Latitude affects several factors, including temperature, photoperiod (daily light period), and metabolism, all of which affect growth. In addition, factors such as salinity, stress, water toxicity, and stock differences also can affect growth.

Reprinted with permission from Pond Boss Magazine
The dark web marketplace BidenCash has leaked a database that contains 2,165,700 debit and credit cards for its first anniversary. The millions of information revealed were even advertised to celebrate the marketplace's first anniversary.

The Leak is Free for All

BidenCash's celebratory announcement stated that they were thrilled to have reached their first anniversary as an online store. It thanked its customers for choosing its store and trusting them to provide "quality products and excellent service."

The massive number of payment cards released was comprised of at least 740,858 credit cards, 811,676 debit cards, and 293 charge cards. Although some were duplicates, that still leaves 2,141,564 unique cards, says D3Lab Head of Threat Intelligence, Andrea Draghetti.

Along with the cards within the dataset were names, emails, phone numbers, and addresses. Card information such as CVV codes and the cards' expiration dates which go up to 2052 was also included, as mentioned in Bleeping Computer.

Aside from the risk of having payment card information exposed to the public, there's also the threat of phishing scams given that around 497,000 unique email addresses were leaked, which totals 28,000 unique email domains, Draghetti mentioned.

Although the validity of the leaked cards is yet to be confirmed, there are still a number of scams that cybercriminals can use the information for like identity theft and other scams, even after the credit and debit cards expires.

Around 30% of the randomly picked credit cards were analyzed by D3Lab at the time, and it turned out to be usable, which means cybercriminals or fraudsters are fully capable of using them.

Affected Cards

Cyble analyzed the leaked records and release a breakdown of the number of cards in each country and bank, which is as follows:

Countries:

United States: 965,846

Mexico: 97,665

China: 97,003

United Kingdom: 86,313

Canada: 36,906

India: 36,672

Italy: 23,009

South Africa: 22,798

Australia: 21,361

Brazil: 19,700

Banks:

Chase Bank USA, N.A.:

118,826

Bank of America, N.A.:

98,631

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.:

62,650

Capital One Bank (USA), National Association:

50,832

Citibank, N.A.:

47,851

Bank of America, National Association:

35,249

BBVA Bancomer, S.A.:

28,296

Capital One Bank (USA), N.A.:

27,192

Others:

1,696,173

Read Also: Hacker Accessed Toyota Supplier Portal and Informs Them of the Breach

Carding Market

BidenCash is in the business of carding, which is a term for a type of credit card fraud where the card is used to charge prepaid cards, making them virtually untraceable so cyber criminals can perform fraudulent acts undetected.

As mentioned in the Payments Journal, there are two types of carding in the market. Either the card information such as the cardholder's name, the card number, and the expiration date is given in text format, or card dumps that hold information from the card's magnetic stripes.

BidenCash is able to steal sensitive information through two methods. First is data-stealing malware, which can be found all over the web and can be installed if the user is not careful, and then there's point-of-sale devices.

Related: Hacker May Have Leaked Activision Employee Data and Upcoming Game Details
James Martin and Seamus O'Hara who star in An Irish Goodbye

Film fans in Northern Ireland will be watching the Oscars with crossed fingers to see whether Tom Berkeley and Ross Whites An Irish Goodbye triumphs in the best short film category.

On the back of their Bafta win for Best Short Film, the writers, directors and cast prepare to jet to Hollywood in the hopes of bringing home a prestigious Academy Award.

We are very fortunate to be up for the award, said Tom of the Oscar nomination.

These are the things you dream about.

Set on a rural farm, An Irish Goodbye sees Turlough, played by Game Of Thrones and The Northman star Seamus OHara, make new care arrangements for his brother Lorcan after their mothers untimely death.

Lorcan is played by James Martin, who previously starred in BBC film Ups and Downs and ITV drama Marcella.

Turlough plans to send Lorcan to live with his aunt on the other side of Ireland which he will only do when they complete the 100 items on the list of things their mother  played by Game Of Thrones actress Michelle Fairley  wanted to do before she passed away.

The film, which was filmed on location in Londonderry, Templepatrick and Saintfield, has been praised for its ability to explore complicated subjects in a short space of time  an emotionally packed 23 minutes  while presenting charming and well-developed characters.

Sensitively balanced, the film blends myriad emotions, deftly introducing comedy into what is a deeply affecting film.

At the Baftas, Seamus said of the films attention: Initially, its quite overwhelming.

Its all very new, very big, very pressing, but weve levelled out with it.

I think were at a place now where we get to enjoy the

experience but we also get to promote ourselves nationally as storytellers, and more people are getting to watch the movie and people love the movie, so the whole thing has been absolutely magic.

Speaking in the Bafta winners room, Ross said they were so honoured to be part of the national talent at the ceremony: Its a remarkable year for Irish film and the talent on display across all the awards.

We are a very small part of that but were so honoured to be a part of that.

Were representing Northern Ireland as well, it just means a lot for us.

The 95th Academy Awards will take place on actor James Martins 31st birthday on March 12. Lets hope theres even more reason to celebrate next weekend.
St Lucias newly refurbished Windjammer Landing offers the perfect reprieve from office life, writes Domhnall ODonoghue

Moments after arriving at St Lucias exclusive Windjammer Landing, I emerge onto my balcony and hear giddy children splashing in the Caribbean Sea. But I cant see them; the powerful sun  an unfamiliar sight back in Ireland during the depths of winter  overwhelms me.

It takes a beat to adjust, but when my senses return, a golden, crescent-shaped beach unfolds to my right, where servers offer cocktails to guests hidden under straw umbrellas. To my left, speedboats sashay across the crystalline waters, deftly avoiding hungry pelicans, searching for midday snacks. This vista is exotic but familiar, as the island previously doubled as a location for films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Doctor Dolittle. Any remnants of jetlag evaporate.

Then, a metallic-green hummingbird joins me on the balcony and admires my accommodation  a luxurious two-storey villa with a rooftop pool.

What will I do now? I ask, but before responding, the gregarious bird disappears to a neighbouring balcony to enjoy the company of other guests  Canadian, their accents indicate.

Alone, that question  what will I do now?  looms in my mind. Ive escaped wet and windy Ireland by travelling to this magical resort, the recent recipient of an extensive, multi-million-dollar refurbishment  the results are stunning. Now that Ive arrived in paradise, Im uncertain about what to do next.

The pocket-sized St Lucia, which ping-ponged between the British and French over the centuries, is currently in the Commonwealth, and while exporting bananas was once their primary source of income, today, its tourism  with over a million visitors descending annually to resorts like Windjammer Landing.

However, Im hardly the only guest to resist surrendering to St Lucias dreamy charms, itching to retrieve the laptop and do some work. Or fight the urge to compile a dizzying itinerary that will probably leave me more exhausted than when I arrived.

This conflict leads me to my second question this morning: Why do we find it so difficult to switch off and relax?

Sun, sea and relaxation

Windjammer Landing

Windjammer Landing is like being on a private island, Angela Torille, the resorts delightful director of Sales and Marketing, tells me over seafood risotto in The Perch  one of the many restaurants here that serve local and international cuisine. Were overlooked by hand-painted coastal murals by Caribbean artist Sandy Layne, perfectly mirroring the surrounding vistas.

Angela reveals that for 30 years, the Windjammer Landing has welcomed honeymooners, couples, retired guests, families and solo travellers  and celebrities, notably the late Whitney Houston. Scanning the whitewashed residences colouring the hills, I immediately understand its enduring appeal.

Guests love it here  many return year after year, Angela adds, crediting the welcoming staff, whom she describes as a big family, as a key reason for the resorts success. Guests are also delighted with our extensive refurbishment in our lobby and villas.

I can appreciate why. The new nautical design combines soft neutrals with bursts of St Lucias renowned blue hue  think Caribbean meets Mediterranean. Angela says the words elegant, stylish, and luxurious are often used to describe the results.

What hasnt changed, however, is the sun and sea  and all the relaxation! Angela jokes.

Ah, the dreaded R word. When I share my difficulties in switching off when abroad, she smiles; Im not the first guest to make this disclosure.

Dont worry; weve ways to help you with that!

Sun salutations

Yoga at the Windjammer Landing

Before the sun sets, Im exchanging palm trees for tree poses in a yoga class  one of the resorts many calming and restorative activities.

Yoga is a wonderful way to connect with yourself and release any anxiety or conflict, my instructor, Neima Holder, mentions as we enjoy immune-boosting soursop juice.

Many people look for pleasures in external places. Or need to feel busy. They struggle to look inwardly  thats why yoga is such a powerful experience.

Another is the massage I receive in the resorts spa, where my masseuse immediately identifies stress in my shoulders and lower back.

Do you sit in front of a computer a lot? she correctly deduces while attempting to put me back together, Humpty Dumpty-like. You need to find a better work/play balance. And drink more green tea.

I heed their sagacity. Over the coming days, in addition to drinking green tea, I kayak, paint, snorkel, dance and meditate. And, with the help of Knotty Girl tours, I explore the nearby jagged coastline, including St Lucias famed landmarks  the Piton Volcanoes  where I enjoy an invigorating mud bath in Sulphur Springs. My laptop, meanwhile, gathers dust.

Food, glorious food

Markets at Castries

Seeing as nutrition plays a crucial role in health and well-being, its unsurprising that Windjammer Landing celebrates the wonders of food. I accompany the resorts executive chef, Sebastian Francis, to the weekly markets in Castries, the islands bustling capital city. Here, he sources fresh ingredients, including snapper, turmeric, ginger, ground provision and coconuts, to create a curry from a recipe he inherited from his Rastafarian brother.

Everything in this market is grown by farmers on the island and serves a purpose, says Sebastian, who spent 20 years working in London and Dubai before returning home last year. He points to wax apples, they have many health properties; okra, good for pregnancies; and bois bande, helps mens libidos.

Back in the resort during a rum and chocolate tasting, Yannick Similian, an award-winning mixologist, continues this conversation about ingredients  more specifically, whats used to create the Caribbeans cherished tipple, including that aphrodisiac bois bande. No wonder Im in love with my surroundings!

Sitting on my balcony days later, noticeably more relaxed than when I first arrived, I reflect on Mother Nature, who provides for every occasion, whether its the food and drink we consume, or the landscape around us. She never takes a day off and, like me, should book a stay at Windjammer Landing and chill; she deserves it.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort offers rooms starting at 324 per night, with villas starting at 471. Visit windjammer-landing.com, knottygirlboattours.com and stlucia.org.




North Korea pledged once more Saturday to bolster its nuclear arsenal, claiming this deterrence would ensure a balance of power in the region.







The North's foreign ministry also criticized the United States, stating it was leading to the collapse of international arms control systems.







"Nuclear deterrence ensures a balance of power in the region and a strong physical security to prevent the outbreak of a new war," the North's ministry said in a commentary.







Pyongyang claimed that the unilateral arms buildup of the U.S. and its allies was increasing the risk of armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula.







The North's statement came as South Korea and the U.S. announced they will carry out joint military exercises this month to strengthen their defensive posture.







The joint exercise, Freedom Shield, is scheduled to take place from March 13 to 23 without a break, marking the longest-ever version of their joint computer-simulation command post exercise.







It is to proceed concurrently with a new large-scale field training exercise, Warrior Shield, in line with the allies' push to reinforce training programs and enhance their "realism." (Yonhap)


Gerry Adams and Rita O'Hare meeting then President elect Senator Barack Obama in Washington in 2009

A fugitive republican who went on the run over the attempted murder of a soldier has died.

Rita OHare served as Sinn Fein representative to the United States, where she was photographed meeting Joe Biden and Barack Obama on different occasions with Gerry Adams, and was one of the most high-profile on the run republicans.

From Belfast, Ms OHare skipped bail to the Irish Republic in 1972 after her arrest in connection with the attempted murder of a soldier.

Sinn Fein announced the news on Saturday morning. The party said Ms OHare passed away at her home in Dublin on Friday night.

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Party president Mary Lou McDonald said Ms OHare was a powerhouse within Sinn Fein and the Irish republican struggle.

She added: Rita OHare has been an influential republican activist for decades and an important figure in the Irish peace process.

An integral part of the Sinn Fein leadership at important stages of the partys development and during era-defining stages of the Peace Process, Rita worked with great drive, energy and ability for the unity of Ireland, for a more just society, and for the cause of peace and reconciliation.

She added: Ireland has lost a genuine patriot. Sinn Fein has lost a talented and valued comrade and we have all lost a very special and very dear friend.

Ms OHare served as editor of An Phoblacht and was Sinn Fein director of publicity; general secretary; and party representative to the United States.

Ms McDonald said she was a key figure in building and sustaining US support during the peace process, working with the representatives of various US administrations.

However, she was best known for years spent on the run after being accused of attempting to kill a soldier in October 1971.

Ms OHare was arrested and charged with attempted murder, malicious wounding and possessing a firearm but when she was on bail, she fled to the Republic.

She served three years in Limerick Prison for smuggling explosives to an IRA member, and was released in 1979.

An attempt to have her extradited back to Belfast had failed in 1978 after the High Court in Dublin ruled that the offences were political.

In 2014 Sinn Fein said she was among a string of republicans who had asked the UK Government if they would face arrest if they returned home.

In 2019, Sinn Fein said Ms O'Hare would be returning to her home in Dublin. Ms McDonald told the Ard Fheis that Ms O'Hare will "return home to help us build the new Ireland she has dedicated her life to achieve".

Other members of the republican movement paid tribute on Saturday.

Former Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson said she was heartbroken over the death of my comrade and inspiration Rita OHare.

She said: Speaking to her in her home only a few day ago is an exchange I will cherish forever. Rita was a rebel, a patriot a leader, a true friend.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard said she was a republican stalwart in every sense of the word - a dynamo in arguing the case for Irish freedom wherever she went.

East Londonderry MLA Caoimhe Archibald described her as a powerhouse adding: A genuine republican who has contributed so much and who will be sadly missed.
Farah Naz, the aunt of murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, spoke out during a Million Women Rise march from Oxford Street to Trafalgar Square in London (Helen William/PA)   Helen William

The aunt of murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena has said she is always hopeful that a system, which is broken across the board and does not protect women, can change.

Farah Naz was speaking as she joined hundreds of people who marched to remember and grieve for women and girls killed through male violence and to call for action to tackle it.

Supporters of the Million Women Rise (MWR) collective who walked through central Londons West End shopping district to Trafalgar Square on Saturday claimed that the lack of action against male violence amounted to state inflicted or sanctioned abuse.

They drummed, chanted and carried signs saying together we can end male violence and women are not the problem during the protest ahead of International Womens Day on Wednesday.

Farah Naz, the aunt of murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, holds up a banner (Helen William/PA)   Helen William

Ms Naz told the PA news agency: Zaras loss is societys loss.

She added: Zara has brought me, my sister and my friends here but we are here for all women, all girls, to make a change and to make some meaning out of the tragedy that has happened to us.

We are in trauma but at the same time we are really heartened by the support in society of all sectors and leaders.

We are hopeful that things can change for other women and girls.

Failings in the probation service were among the issues which meant a known perpetrator was free to murder Ms Aleena.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, was handed a life sentence and jailed for at least 38 years after admitting sexually assaulting and murdering the 35-year-old law graduate in Ilford, east London, in June last year.

Zara Aleena was murdered in east London (Family/PA)   Family Handout

With her voice breaking, Ms Naz said: We lost Zara but we dont want her death to be the end.

Zaras loss is societys loss and we have, as victims, to become more than that. There has to be work with communities and leaders.

The protest today is shining a light on the mistakes and on a system that is broken across the board.

We know from Zaras case that probation made a series of mistakes, huge errors, that are so deeply painful for us as a family, and for us as a society to be aware of, because it means that women are not safe.

The number of women who are murdered is a sign that something is wrong, she added.

Ms Naz said: We already know that domestic violence leads to so many deaths and, that as it is not treated as any other form of violence, we have seen a lack of convictions which then releases men to murder women.

We know that probation has collapsed because of the privatisation that has happened and has then led to a system that is broken and has not been attended to.

We know that reviews have been written from when other people have been murdered and the recommendations have not been followed up.

We know that government leaders have failed us.

We know that the systems have failed us but there are also people working to change that.

Danyal Hussein was jailed for a minimum of 35 years after murdering sisters Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, in 2020.

Deniz Jaffer and Jamie Lewis, a pair of Met Police constables who took photos of the murdered sisters and shared the images on WhatsApp groups, were later jailed.

In a video message of support, Mina Smallman, the mother of the sisters, told the marchers: We have so much important work to do.

The slogan I would like us all to adopt is that its time. We have had enough talk. We have had enough rhetoric. Now we are demanding that those in power put girls and womens safety at the forefront.

MWR also noted that serial rapist David Carrick kept his job as a Metropolitan Police officer despite multiple reports against him, allowing him to commit a string of offences over almost 20 years.

The disgraced 48-year-old Pc, who was described as a monster and evil by some of his dozen victims, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 32 years after carrying out a catalogue of violent and brutal sex attacks between 2003 and 2020.

The cost-of-living crisis is also trapping women with perpetrators and decimating vital support services, MWR warned.
A Conservative ex-minister has defended the integrity of Sue Gray following the appointment of the partygate investigator to Labours staff.

It comes as Labour insisted that all civil service rules will be followed amid outcry from Conservative MPs.

The planned move of Ms Gray, who received national prominence for her role investigating lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street, to a top role on Sir Keir Starmers staff surprised many in Westminster.

It has been leapt on by Boris Johnson and allies as part of attempts to discredit the Privileges Committee inquiry into whether he lied to the House of Commons over lockdown breaches.

Ms Gray received backing from a former Conservative Cabinet Office minister on Saturday as Francis Maude said he had never the slightest reason to question either her integrity or her political impartiality.

In a letter to the Times, the Conservative peer said that Ms Gray, who worked as his principal private secretary for a period of time, was not the first civil servant to move to a political role and would not be the last.

We should be as relaxed about this as we should be about people who have had previous political involvement coming into the civil service, Lord Maude said.

Regardless of any political background or leaning, civil servants must of course comply with the civil service obligation of impartiality while they are in post.

Our civil servants should have brains, knowledge, judgment and strength of character to give robust advice to ministers. Gray has all these qualities in abundance; Starmer is fortunate to have secured her services.

Sir Keir has so far dodged questions about when conversations began with Ms Gray, who is expected to await the decision of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) before starting the role.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faced questions about the appointment while on a visit to Northern Ireland on Friday (Brian Lawless/PA)   Brian Lawless

Parliaments anti-corruption watchdog can advise waiting periods before civil servants take on other jobs and the Prime Minister ultimately makes the final decision.

On Saturday, Labour chairwoman Anneliese Dodds rejected the suggestion that the move was a distraction from the Privileges Committee inquiry as she insisted that all necessary procedures would be followed.

Sue Gray is a person of enormous integrity. Someone who served in the civil service under ministers of a number of parties actually, someone whos always served with that integrity, she told Sky News.

Im really delighted shes joining the Labour team at that point where were readying ourselves for government if the British public backs us at the next general election.

Whats important to us as Labour, as ever, is that we see the same rules and approaches being applied to this, as she would see with any other appointment. Thats why the civil service procedures on confidentiality will be followed.

Its why the civil service watchdog Acoba will need to look at this, just as it would with any other appointment, and its quite right those procedures will be followed. They will be for Sue Gray, just as they would be for any other senior civil servant.

But former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith questioned the wisdom of the move.

There needs to be a much clearer sense for civil servants that once you go into politics its a different game altogether, he told Times Radio.

You have to therefore have a big break between taking off from your job and going in, particularly if youre senior.
Tom Sizemore made a name for himself as a quintessential Hollywood hardman, after starring in multiple high-octane thrillers.

The US actor carved out his niche in the 90s, though he later fell from grace following a string of convictions and substance abuse issues.

Since his first appearance in the 1989 Oliver Stone film Born On The Fourth Of July, Sizemore has played all manner of steely roles, from gangsters, to bodyguards and soldiers.

He was best known for his supporting roles in blockbusters such as Point Break, True Romance and Natural Born Killers.

Sizemore died on March 3 at the age of 61, after suffering a brain aneurysm in February, which placed him in a coma.

Shortly before his death, Sizemores family announced that they were deciding end-of-life matters.

Sizemore (left) appeared in Steven Spielbergs war epic Saving Private Ryan among others (Stefan Rousseau/PA)   Stefan Rousseau

The actor appeared in multiple action-thriller films during the 1990s, including 1995 heist movie Heat, in which he played professional thief Michael Cheritto.

His performance in the film, written and directed by Michael Mann and starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Val Kilmer, earned him praise and acclaim.

Other titles included Black Hawk Down, Passenger 57, and Saving Private Ryan, alongside Hollywood veteran Tom Hanks.

Sizemore also made a memorable contribution to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City voicing mob boss Sonny Forelli.

But despite his successful acting career, Sizemore had a history of drug addiction, and experienced several run-ins with the law.

In 2003, he was convicted of domestic violence charges against former girlfriend Heidi Fleiss, and was ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation programme before beginning a jail term.

The US actor made a name for himself as a quintessential Hollywood hardman, after starring in multiple high-octane thrillers (Jordan Strauss/AP)   Jordan Strauss

He pleaded no contest to using methamphetamine outside a motel in 2006 and was arrested in Los Angeles in 2009 for suspected battery of a former spouse.

He was arrested again in 2011 for the same offence.

In his autobiography about his heavy use of heroin and crystal meth, and was once checked into rehab by De Niro.

In 2013, Sizemore appeared on an episode of US talk show Dr Phil, titled Explosive Relationships, in which he discussed the fallout from his years of struggling with substance abuse.

In 2018, an actress filed a lawsuit against Sizemore, claiming he allegedly groped her as an 11-year-old during production on the 2005 film Born Killers.

Sizemore strongly denied the allegation and the suit was dismissed.

He was married to actress Maeve Quinlan, known for her role in US soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful, between 1996 and 1999.

Sizemore leaves behind two children, twin boys Jagger and Jayden, who h shared with his former partner Janelle McIntire.

Both of his sons, 17, and his brother Paul, were all reportedly by his side when he died.
Spokesman Wang Chao speaks during a press conference on the eve of the opening session of the annual meeting of Chinas National Peoples Congress (AP)   Ng Han Guan

Increases in Chinas defence budget have been appropriate and reasonable and are aimed at meeting complex security challenges, a government spokesman said.

Wang Chao gave no indication of whether the rate of increase to be announced on Sunday at the opening of the National Peoples Congresss annual session in Beijing would be above or below last years 7.1%.

But he said the defence budget has remained stable as a share of GDP and that Chinas military modernisation will not be a threat to any country.

Delegates attend the opening session of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (AP)   Andy Wong

On the contrary, it will only be a positive force for safeguarding regional stability and world peace, Mr Wang told reporters at a news conference.

The increase in defence spending is needed for meeting the complex security challenges and for China to fulfil its responsibilities as a major country.

Chinas defence spending  is lower than the world average and the increase is appropriate and reasonable, Mr Wang added.

China spent 1.7% of GDP on its military in 2021, according to the World Bank, while the US, with its massive overseas obligations, spent a relatively high 3.5%.

Chinese paramilitary policemen march across Tiananmen Square (AP)   Ng Han Guan

China budgeted 1.45 trillion yuan (174 billion) for last year. Consistent annual increases for more than two decades have allowed the two million-member Peoples Liberation Army to increase its capabilities across all categories.

Along with the worlds biggest standing army, China has the worlds largest navy and recently launched its third aircraft carrier.

It boasts a massive stockpile of missiles, along with stealth aircraft, bombers capable of delivering nuclear weapons, advanced surface ships and nuclear powered submarines.

China has already established one foreign military base in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti and is refurbishing Cambodias Ream Naval Base, which could give it at least a semi-permanent presence on the Gulf of Thailand facing the disputed South China Sea.

There have been concerns over Chinese support for Russia (AP)   Andy Wong

The modernisation effort has prompted concerns among the US and its allies, particularly over Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy that China claims as its territory.

That has prompted a steady flow of weapons sales to the island, including ground systems, air defence missiles and F-16 fighters.

Taiwan itself recently extended mandatory military service from four months to one year and has been revitalising its own defence industries, including building submarines for the first time.

Although no longer increasing at the double-digit annual percentage rates of past decades, Chinas defence spending has remained relatively high despite skyrocketing levels of government debt and an economy that grew last year at its second-lowest level in at least four decades.

Beijing said its modernisation of the military will not pose a problem to any other country (AP)   Ng Han Guan

The government says most of the spending increases will go toward improving welfare for troops.

Observers say the budget omits much of Chinas spending on weaponry, most of which is developed domestically after years of large-scale imports from Russia.

Chinas huge capacity and Russias massive expenditures of artillery shells and other materiel in its war on Ukraine have raised concerns in the US and elsewhere that Beijing may provide Moscow with military assistance.

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Speaking at the G20 meeting in India on Friday, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said that were China to engage in material, lethal support for Russias aggression or were to engage in the systematic evasion of sanctions to help Russia, that would be a serious problem for our countries.

Weve not seen it do that yet, but weve seen it considering that proposition  and I made clear that there would be consequences for engaging in those actions, Mr Blinken said.

China has been carrying out what it calls normal trade with Russia  including a three-fold increase in coal imports through just one border crossing, according to Chinese media  seen as providing Moscow with a partial economic lifeline alongside other countries such as India.

Beijing last month issued a proposal calling for a cease-fire and peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, but has also said it has a no-limits friendship with Russia and has refused to criticise Moscows invasion, or even to call it an invasion.

It has accused the US and Nato of provoking the conflict and condemned sanctions levelled against Russia and entities seen as aiding its military effort.
Chow Hang-tung, vice chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong in 2021 (Kin Cheung/AP)   Kin Cheung

Three Hong Kong activists from a now-defunct group that organised annual vigils commemorating Chinas 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters were convicted for failing to provide authorities with information on the group in accordance with a national security law.

Chow Hang-tung, Tang Ngok-kwan and Tsui Hon-kwong were arrested in 2021 during a crackdown on the citys pro-democracy movement following massive protests more than three years ago.

They were leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China before it disbanded under the shadow of the Beijing-imposed law.

The alliance was best known for organising candlelight vigils in Hong Kong on the anniversary of the Chinese militarys crushing of the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests.

Critics say its shutdown has shown freedoms that were promised when Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 are eroding.

Before the group voted to disband, police had sought details about its operations and finances in connection with alleged links to democracy groups overseas in August 2021, accusing it of being a foreign agent.

But the group refused to cooperate, arguing police were arbitrarily labelling pro-democracy organisations as foreign agents.

It added the police did not have a right to ask for its information because it was not a foreign agent and the authorities did not provide sufficient justification.

Under the security laws implementation rules, the police chief can request a range of information from a foreign agent.

Failure to comply with the request could result in six months in jail and a fine of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars if convicted.

Hong Kongs skyline and harbour are seen from Victoria Peak (Jae C Hong/AP)   Jae C. Hong

On Saturday, principal magistrate Peter Law ruled the defendants were obliged to answer the notice served to them, which he called sound and legal, and their non-compliance was unjustified.

The alliance had been actively operating with various entities and people abroad, Mr Law said, so it was necessary to explore their dealings and connections to determine their affiliation and ultimate purpose.

Such requirement for information was nothing like a broad-brush fishing exercise but rather was constrained in terms of periods of time and nature, he said.

The police had taken an abstemious and self-restrained approach.

The annual vigil organised by the alliance was the only large-scale public commemoration of the June 4 crackdown on Chinese soil and was attended by massive crowds until authorities banned it in 2020, citing anti-pandemic measures.

Chow, along with two other former alliance leaders, Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, were charged with inciting subversion of state power under the security law in 2021.

The alliance itself was charged with subversion.

The national security law criminalizes secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces to intervene in the citys affairs as well as terrorism.

Apart from the activists, pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai is also facing collusion charges under the law.
Byron Camilleri, minister for home affairs and security of Malta greets Notis Mitarachi, Greeces minister of migration (Rene Rossignaud/AP)   Rene Rossignaud

Less than a week after a deadly migrant shipwreck off Italy, five EU countries that border the Mediterranean criticised their northern neighbours for not accepting asylum-seekers under a voluntary scheme.

The ministers responsible for migration policy in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain met in Maltas capital, Valletta, on Saturday ahead of an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels next week on migration.

The countries started working together as the MED 5 in 2021 to confront the challenges of illegal migration.

Greek minister of migration and asylum Notis Mitarachi told reporters that just 1% of the migrants who arrived in those front-line countries along the EUs southern border last year were taken in by other EU members under a voluntary relocation programme.

Debris from the shipwreck washed ashore at a beach near Cutro, southern Italy (Giovanni Isolino/LaPresse/AP)   Giovanni Isolino

We cannot continue to talk about the need to impose more responsibility on front-line member states if there is not an equally prescriptive and mandatory solidarity mechanism toward the countries of first reception, Mr Mitarachi said.

Spains interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the current process is too slow, too selective, with too few results and too little predictability.

He pledged to come up with a more effective mechanism when Spain holds the EUs rotating presidency in the second half of 2023.

The ministers meeting on Saturday also emphasised the need to work with the countries where many migrants are originally from and travel through. They also argued in favour of stepping up the pace of returning people who do not qualify for asylum.

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For the credibility of the asylum system, it is critical that we distinguish between those that are entitled to international protection according to the law, and those who are not, Mr Mitarachi said.

And those who are not should be returned with safety and dignity to the country of origin.

According to the UN refugee agency, some 160,100 migrants arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean last year, 30% more than in 2021.

Thousands of people are believed to have died trying to cross the sea to Europe in recent years.

At least 70 migrants died after a wooden boat that set out from Turkey crashed on a shoal off the southern Italian coast, in Calabria, early last Sunday.
Belfast-based banker held to account for his bid to fleece three elderly Halifax customers

Six months in jail for part-time male model whose fraud was motivated by jealousy and greed

Ose Evbuomwan

Paul Higgins Sunday Life Sat 4 Mar 2023 at 18:08
A Belfast man has been accused of a punch-up at a childrens play centre.

Shea McGreevy (25), from ONeills Lane in the city, is charged with common assault and disorderly behaviour over an incident at the Happy Town Indoor Soft Play Adventure Centre in Newtownards on January 27.

None of the facts were opened during a hearing at the towns Magistrates Court last Tuesday.

Defence solicitor Mark Austin told the court his client was pleading not guilty to both charges.

District Judge Mark Hamill adjourned the case until March 14 and said he would fix a date for the contest at that stage.
The Executive spent at least 3.5million on events as part of the controversial festival of Brexit, it has been revealed.

Officially known as Unboxed: Creativity in the UK, it consisted of a series of celebrations held across the country between March and November last year.

It was announced by then prime minister Theresa May in 2018 and later dubbed the festival of Brexit after being called that by Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

But it has been described as a fiasco in the making and an excessive waste of money.

One of the events held in Northern Ireland was Our Place in Space, a walk through the solar system along a trail between Divis and Black Mountain outside Belfast. Similar trails were set up along the North Down Coastal Path between Crawfordsburn and Bangor, as well as in Londonderry.

In answer to a House of Commons question by Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart, culture minister Julia Lopez said 3.5m was given to the Executive to fund Unboxed events in Northern Ireland.

She added: While this funding was awarded as a block grant, the National Audit Office reported that the Executive allocated 3.5million to its strategic delivery body, which, in turn, commissioned the project.

Four additional UK-wide Unboxed projects took place in Northern Ireland throughout 2022, although the department does not hold a breakdown of how much it cost to stage those commissions in each location.

The Department of Culture Media and Sport also provided 40,000 to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to support the development of its UK City of Culture bid, alongside seven other places across the UK.

The national budget for the Unboxed festival was 120m, and there have been calls for an investigation by the National Audit Office over the amount of funding it was given.

Julian Knight MP, chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Committee, called it an excessive waste of money during a cost-of-living crisis.

The National Audit Office said it would examine the costs and benefits associated with Unboxed.
"Journey of an Architect," an exhibition showcasing Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura's works, is underway at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture in central Seoul through March 26. Courtesy of Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture



By Kwon Mee-yoo





Portuguese Ambassador to Korea Susana Vaz Patto

Eduardo Souto de Moura is one of the most prominent figures in Portugal's modernist architecture, known for blending modern and traditional elements in his work.



An exhibition at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture sheds light on the works of Souto de Moura, ranging from residential buildings to large-scale projects in cooperation with Casa da Arquitectura, or the Portuguese Centre for Architecture, in Matosinhos, Portugal.



Titled "Journey of an Architect," the exhibition showcases Souto de Moura's vision through original architectural models as well as authenticated reproductions of the architect's drawings, drafts, conceptual studies and technical drawings, alongside pictures of the structures taken by Portuguese architectural photographer Luis Ferreira Alves.



Ambassador of Portugal to Korea Susana Vaz Patto expressed her pride in exhibiting the Portuguese architectural gems in the heart of Seoul.



"I would like to tell you that I am very proud of this exhibition and of the quality of the materials that traveled from Porto to Seoul to be displayed at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture," she told The Korea Times via email.



"Architect Eduardo Souto de Moura is highly revered in Portugal and abroad. He is part of a great movement in the Portuguese modern and contemporary architecture."



Ambassador Vaz Patto listed the numerous awards Souto de Moura received: the Pritzker Prize in 2011, the Wolf Prize in Arts in the sector of Architecture in 2013 and the Golden Lion at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2018.



Twelve of Souto de Moura's architectural works are on display, showcasing the versatility of his oeuvre.



Small private houses such as House in Moledo and House in Alcanena are examples of how Souto de Moura incorporates nature into his designs.





Seen is an architectural model of Casa das Historias Paula Rego designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura, displayed at the "Journey of an Architect" exhibition. Courtesy of Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture
Belfast journalist Henry McDonald once gave a friend a letter to hide containing the name of a loyalist who had threatened to kill him, mourners at his funeral last week heard.

Irish-Canadian author Ed OLoughlin, who trained with Henry on a journalism course in Dublin, said he was unaware of what was in the envelope until he opened it by accident.

He told the service for the News Letters political editor in Belfasts Oh Yeah Music Centre it was many years ago when the journalist, who died at 57 after a long illness, asked him to hide the letter.

He said Henry took a lot of brave stands on a dangerous beat, and the kind of people he usually wrote about and who might not like what he wrote would know how to find him.

After the journalist handed over the envelope for him to hide, Mr OLoughlin put it in the back of a wardrobe and forgot all about it.

He said: Finding that envelope again a long time later with no memory of who had given it to me, I opened it to see what it was.

It was one of those letters people leave in the movies to be unsealed in the event of their untimely death.

It named a loyalist paramilitary who had threatened to kill him.

Mr OLoughlin did not disclose the identity of the loyalist but said: I rang Henry straight away and told him I had read his letter by accident.

He said, Dont worry. Just throw it away. That particular threat has already passed.

An obituary in The Guardian, newspaper for which the late journalist worked, said Henry was threated in 1999 by the Red Hand Defenders, which included members of the UDA and LVF opposed to the Good Friday Agreement.

The report explained how the threat had changed his life, saying: Henry told his then wife and young daughter to leave their Belfast home and stay with his parents.

When he returned, CCTV cameras were installed and steel bolts fitted to his front door. A klaxon alarm was put in.

He said it accidentally sounded once, when a fuse blew, waking the entire street.
British soldiers wearing gas masks similar to those allegedly stolen by Lyndon Mort and his wife Leona

An Army sergeant and his wife have denied conspiring to steal from the Ministry of Defence.

Lyndon Mort and his wife, Leona (46), are charged with 10 counts of theft of equipment and single charges of conspiring to steal and entering an arrangement to acquire criminal property.

They appeared at Craigavon Crown Court on Thursday to deny the allegations.

The couple, whose address is c/o Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, are said to have conspired to steal 6,000 of items on dates between October 30, 2019, and April 29 2020.

The theft charges relate to mudguards, gas masks, gas mask filters, rucksacks, high-security padlocks and boots.

Their 18-year-old daughter, Ellie Jane Clarke, of the same address, had faced the same charges, but following a no-bill application Judge Patrick Lynch KC said he was satisfied the case against her was such that no reasonable jury could convict her, so he dismissed the charges against her.

He also released her parents on bail ahead of a review of the case next Friday.

Freeing the couple on bail, the judge said he would review the case next Friday to identify a potential trial date.
Family members of murder victim Natalie McNally were among hundreds who took to the streets of Belfast on Saturday for the annual International Womens Day march.

Speakers at the rally called for MLAs to get back to work and accused politicians of ignoring the needs of women suffering from domestic abuse, sexual harassment, homelessness and the cost-of-living crisis.

Supporters of womens rights turned up from across Northern Ireland to call for the return of the Executive.

Those attending included the dad, brother and other relatives of 32-year-old Natalie McNally who was stabbed to death in her Lurgan home in December. She was 15 weeks pregnant with a baby boy.

A 32-year-old man has been charged with her murder.

Emma McCann and Caoimhe Kinghan, two of those who staged a 12-week work-in to protest against the closure of Regina Coeli House, said Stormont had utterly failed homeless women.

We ended our occupation after we met with the then Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, they said.

She promised us that a like-for-like facility would open in May of 2022. She told us that we might be able to apply for the jobs in that facility. It is now March 2023 and there is no like-for-like replacement.

So, this International Womens Day, we need to challenge those in power. They will make big shows of their backing for womens equality. But they need to be judged on the basis of what they do.

Disability rights activist Joanne Sansom said people had been let down by the constant threat of or failure to govern and deliver on the issues that matter, namely health, education, housing, employment and climate change.

In the fightback to achieve what we deserve we need a long-term government that is no longer collapsible via a one-party veto. In other words, a stable local government that functions holistically with us, for us to meet the collective needs of our society together, she said.

Helen Crickard of march organisers Reclaim the Agenda said the event was the culmination of a year of campaigning.

We are calling on the politicians to get back to work and deliver on pledges to protect women and children, she added.
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If you told someone that one of your loved ones lived to 120 years old, they probably wouldnt believe you, saying, Wow! They lived a long life here on earth. However, if you asked someone in the Old Testament how long Moses lived, and you answered 120 years, they would say he died too young. According to Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses died with his eyes undimmed and freshness unabated.

Other figures throughout the Bible went blind due to old age, like Issac, but Moses died with his vision unharmed, and he could have lived for several more years or decades. So why would God let Moses die early? Did Moses do something during his life to justify a premature death?

The outline of Moses life.

Moses lived an extraordinary life. Although a Hebrew woman gave birth to him, God supplied a way for Moses to have a safe harbor growing up due to a proclamation from Pharoah for Egyptians to kill every male Hebrew baby. An Egyptian princess found Moses in the Nile, had Moses mother care for him during infancy, and raised him as her own, as detailed in Exodus 2.

For almost 40 years, Moses lived in Egypt as royalty until he killed an Egyptian over the cruel treatment of a Hebrew slave. Moses ran away into the wilderness to Midian, where he met his wife and settled there for another 40 years. When Moses was 80, God appeared to him in the burning bush and commanded him to return to Egypt to tell Pharoah to let his people go. He returned to Egypt, and 10 plagues ravaged Egypt because they refused to release the Hebrews. After the final plague, the Egyptians let them go but changed their minds and chased them to the Red Sea.

Now that theyve escaped Egypt, the Israelites travel to the promised land. During their journey, Moses receives the Ten Commandments from God, a list of rules to follow, on Mount Sinai. However, due to Israels celebration of idols, disobedience, and constant complaining, God prevented many of them from entering the promised land, leaving them to wander the desert for 40 years. Unfortunately, this group included Moses. Moses died at 120 before the Israelites reached the promised land.

The reason why people lived so long in the New Testament.

You might notice that in the Bible, many people lived long lives before the flood. Methuselah lived to be 969 years old before he died right before the flood. Moses made it to 120 and seemed like he couldve lived longer. However, isnt there a Bible verse that says people wouldnt live past 120 after the flood? Genesis 6:3 reminds us that when God sees a mans evil, the Lord declares His spirit wont argue with humans forever because theyre mortal and their days will be 120 years.

However, after the flood, people seem to live past 120 years. For example, Abraham lived to 175, and Isaac lived to 180. Why is that? Some scholars suggest that God gave humans 120 years to repent before the flood when He saw their wickedness. However, this idea doesnt explain how, before and after the flood, people live for a long time. Josephus discussed this idea in the first book of his Antiquities, saying God allowed them to live longer due to their virtue. He also said their food was better for living longer.

In other words, people living back then had healthier DNA, better food supplies, and the sins effects hadnt latched onto them as much as they did in future generations. Moses lived quite some time away from Methuselahs time, which may explain why Moses lived to 120 and not 969.

Why couldnt Moses go to the promised land?

Because of disobedience, much of Israel, including Moses, didnt make it to the promised land. Numbers 20:7-12 tells how God told Moses to take his staff, gather a crowd with his brother Aaron, and tell the rock to share its water, bringing water from the rock for them to give to the congregation and their cattle. Before the Lord, Moses took the staff, as the Lord commanded. Then, Aaron and Moses gathered the crowd, telling them, should we bring water for you from this rock? After that, Moses lifted his hand and hit the rock with his staff twice, and water rushed from the rock. The congregation and their livestock drank. Then God told Aaron and Moses because you didnt believe me, to maintain me as holy in the eyes of Israels people, you shall not bring this group into the land I have given them.

Instead of speaking to the rock as the Lord commanded, Moses hit it. But why does this justify his inability to enter the promised land? Scholars have debated this topic. Some say Moses called the Israelites rebels but acted hypocritically by disobeying Gods command. Others believe that Moses took credit for the water rushing from the rock, which was something God did. Moses and Aaron committed a double whammy: not giving proper credit and disobedience. Moses life was cut short for those reasons.

What can Moses death teach us?

We can learn a lot from Moses life. He showed what it looks like to faithfully follow God during terrifying circumstances and step outside our comfort zones. However, Moses death can teach a few lessons. The first lesson is every gift comes from our Heavenly Father. If we let pride keep us from the talents Hes given us, we miss why He gave us these gifts in the first place.

The second lesson is we should take hypocrisy seriously. Moses was so upset with the Israelites for their rebellion that he didnt see his rebellion. Jesus preached a lot about hypocrites. Before pointing out the sins of others, we should look at our sins. Even though Moses life was shorter than expected, God still brought numerous blessings because of it. Maybe, in the same way, we might not live as long as we hope to, but that doesnt mean God cant use our time on earth to shine a light on others.
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At its root, loneliness is the discrepancy between the level of social interaction and the amount one desires. Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, explained that loneliness often occurs as an adaptive response.

Some situations make men more prone to feeling lonely, and the stigma surrounding male loneliness often increases loneliness in men. While its important to note that a mans gender isnt necessarily the direct or sole cause of male loneliness, it does play a role in many cases.

Being a man doesnt mean youre guaranteed to feel lonely all the time, but the fact is that many men are lonely. A 2019 study discovered that 32 percent of men in the UK didnt have anyone they considered a best friend, compared to 25 percent of women. The same survey found that 17 percent of men find it very difficult to make new friends.

Other studies suggest that men become increasingly lonely as they get older. A 2018 study discovered that 52 percent of men from 60 to 64 years old categorize themselves as lonely. However, its hard to give exact statistics about how frequently men struggle with loneliness because studies show that men are less likely to report loneliness. In reality, loneliness is normal for everyone, including men, but the stigma of admitting it causes many lonely men to remain silent.

Why do men feel lonely?

Even though men might express their feelings of loneliness differently than women or gender non-conforming folks, they experience it for many of the same reasons everyone else does. Of course, there are also a few male-specific causes of loneliness in men. Reasons for male loneliness can include significant life changes, social anxiety, depression, physical or mental health issues, frequent social media use, among other reasons.

Whether youve just landed a new job, found a new hobby, or youre celebrating the holidays, its nice to share parts of your life with people who care about you. However, many men struggle to find a sense of connection with others, and some may avoid marriage, even if its something they want. Some may find it difficult to express their feelings of love to their partners, as well.

Theres more than one reason why men may feel hesitant to open up to others. Unfortunately, this stigma against men expressing their emotions is widespread. One study explored the ways men seek (and find) support, discovering that although some men actively sought emotional support when dealing with feelings of loneliness, many of them did not know how to talk about these feelings or felt embarrassed to do so.

Additionally, limited access to resources can make it difficult for men in marginalized communities to access quality care, and this frustration can lead to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. As a whole, there are countless reasons why men feel lonely, but the fact is that many do, and often.

Signs of male loneliness.

The signs of loneliness in men can vary depending on the person and the situation. However, we know that men often express loneliness differently than women and gender non-conforming folks. There are a few particular signs of male loneliness to look out for, including isolating oneself from friends and family, not feeling connected with the people around you or not enjoying activities you usually enjoy, feeling unmotivated or unproductive, or feeling bored or disengaged frequently.

Most men dont talk to their guy friends about their loneliness, and if they do, they feel like they go unheard. Therapist Billy Roberts confirmed that men generally hesitate to express their feelings, particularly those of sadness, loneliness, or others associated with being vulnerable. He explained, In my opinion, toxic masculinity is a primary reason for men expressing emotions less often than women. For men, vulnerability is often characterized as a weakness, as is asking for what one needs in a clear and emotionally mindful way.

According to data from 2019, men are 3.63 times more likely to die by suicide than women, and white men alone accounted for 69.38 percent of suicides that same year. These statistics are pretty startling, but theyre a powerful reminder of why its so important to be aware of the signs of loneliness in men and why its essential to recognize when it becomes something more serious. Loneliness can be debilitating on its own, but it can also be a sign of depression or anxiety. Additionally, loneliness can contribute to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness that people considering suicide might struggle with.

How can men ease their loneliness?

Admitting loneliness can be challenging, especially for men who still feel that expressing their emotions weakens them. However, you have first to acknowledge that youre lonely before focusing on coping. Finding meaning or purpose in life and having a social network can decrease feelings of loneliness.

After acknowledging your loneliness, the next step is to find meaningful ways to spend your time. Everyone will have definitions of meaningful, but the most important thing is that you do something that matters to you. If youre not sure about what activities youll enjoy or youre still discovering your passions, there are a few ways you can find out what might be meaningful to you. You can start by assessing your values and finding out what matters to you. Begin with asking yourself, What are my top five values, and am I doing something every single day to honor them?

When you discover the things in life that matter most to you, itll likely become easier to connect with others, and yourself, on a deeper level. Another great way to ease feelings of loneliness is to communicate with others. Finding a friend youre comfortable talking to can help you feel less alone.

If youre struggling with grief or adjusting to a significant life change, consider checking out support groups. Depending on how intensely lonely youre feeling, you might also think about finding a therapist or counselor who can help you cope. Remember that asking for help isnt a sign of weakness. Its a sign of strength.

Visiting a doctor for a broken leg isnt a weakness, and you should look at your mental health the same way. As a whole, coping with loneliness takes time and effort, but you can, and should, take the steps needed to feel less alone.
Residents of this community near where mass graves of trafficked migrants were discovered eight years ago say the border area is much quieter now  and theyre hoping it stays that way.

A decade ago, distressed foreigners on foot used to knock on doors asking for food. And city dwellers arrived by car from hundreds of kilometers away to buy Thai goods for cheap at outposts just inside Malaysia.

But all that changed in 2015, after Malaysian authorities discovered more than 100 bodies  thought to be Rohingya and Bangladeshis  in two jungle locations in northern Perlis state, near a camp equipped with cages to lock up migrants.

After that, the authorities launched a crackdown on human smuggling and closed a free-flow zone on the border.

People living in Felcra Lubuk Sireh, a settlement within the boundaries of Wang Kelian that is eight km (five miles) from the Thai border, saw the effects of human smuggling up close and personal.

I heard that these people came out from the woods near our village. They walked into the country through the Thai border via the beaten path in the jungle and someone would pick them up in four-wheel drive vehicles at the exit of the trails on our side, Villager Yan Hashim said, adding that many of those who entered the country illegally brought children with them.

They were unkempt, wearing ragged clothes, some without shoes and the majority appeared to be starving and some almost fainted because of exhaustion, he said.

Few could speak broken Malay while most used sign language to ask for water, food, slippers or clothes. It really broke our hearts to see them in that state and after the discovery, it occurred to us that the ones we encountered might be the same as those enduring the cruelties at the ... camp found on Wang Burma hill.

A vehicle goes through security checks at a police checkpoint, the only gateway that connects Malaysia to Wang Prachan in Thailand, Feb. 25, 2023. Surrounded by forest, it is about four km from the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Wang Kelian, Perlis, Malaysia. [Ili Shazwani/BenarNews]

Yan Hashim said fewer immigrants pass through the village today.

No one knocks on my door asking for food anymore, he told BenarNews. It is better this way and I hope the free-flow zone will remain closed.

The zone allowed Thais to travel to Wang Kelian and Malaysians to travel to Wang Prachan across the border without passports, distances of about 1 kilometer. Many Thais living on the other side of the border took advantage of this access and traveled to a petrol station so they could take fuel back to their homes, locals recalled.

Before the free-flow zone was closed in 2015, this town was bustling with tourists coming from across the country including Kuala Lumpur just to shop for a variety of goods such as mattresses, kitchen utensils and clothes at cheaper prices. Many of them were willing to travel such a distance to set foot into Thailand without a passport, said a 46-year-old trader who asked to be identified only as Kamal because of safety concerns.

Today, residents said they feel safe as the cross-border smuggling activities and an influx of tourists, including those traveling 525 km (326 miles) from Kuala Lumpur, have slowed dramatically.

It was lively then, but it came with a price, Kamal said.

Dont get me wrong, I have nothing against Thais as many of us are like family since we are neighbors, but it was unnerving when smuggling activities were happening at your left and right and even worse when there were tonto (spies for smugglers) all around us.

Kamal said he witnessed a Thai man loading subsidized cooking oil, which he purchased at the free flow zone and hid under his cars seat before crossing the border unchecked where he could sell the packets at a profit.

Kamal said he did not report the incident to authorities over fears for himself and his family, noting that smuggling syndicates could retaliate.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the free-flow zone, introduced in 1993 and disbanded after the mass graves were discovered, was no longer suitable because of potential threats.

For the time being, the ministry is focusing on the development of infrastructure in the border area before moving on to discussing reopening the free-flow zone further, Saifuddin said.

I am not saying that Wang Kelian is under threat, but I am referring to the potential danger to the country in general, he said.

A villager walks in front of a sundry shop in Felcra Lubuk Sireh, Malaysia, March 1, 2023. [Ili Shazwani/BenarNews]

Right under our noses

A government-commissioned panel in 2022 reported that Malaysian officials could have prevented the torture and deaths of the Rohingya and Bangladeshi victims found in the shallow graves seven years earlier.

An English-version of the report by the Royal Commission of Inquiry appeared briefly on its website before being taken down after the commissions chairman told reporters it was completed in 2019 but was confidential and subject to the countrys Official Secrets Act.

A since-retired police official had filed a report in January 2015 that a villager had tipped him off about a trafficking syndicate having approached him and others to help transport people from the region.

On the first day of hearings on the tragedy, RCI members were told that personnel followed human tracks and a soapy stream to find a campsite with wooden fixtures resembling guard towers and a shop. An officer testified about hearing a generator at the camp near where the graves were found.

Previous reporting said the camp contained pens which likely were used as cages to keep the trafficking victims.

Vehicles travel a stretch of road in Felcra Lubuk Sireh, Malaysia, an area bordered by dense forest where traffickers used to transport illegal migrants who had traveled from Thailand, March 1, 2023. [Ili Shazwani/BenarNews]

Since the discovery caught the worlds attention, the government has increased security in the area, including cutting off many trails used by the smugglers.

A police source who asked BenarNews for anonymity because of safety concerns, blamed the 2015 tragedy on integrity issues among border personnel from government agencies, unfenced border areas and a lack of security enforcement.

This cruelty happened right under our noses. How could the personnel manning the area near the campsite in the state forest reserve fail to notice the loud sound generator used at the campsite at nights, he asked.

How did the majority of traffickers know which route to take to illegally enter the country, and 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. was the best time to sneak in unnoticed?

Who alerted the traffickers or smugglers when authorities conducting operations or raids, he asked.

Meanwhile, Mohd Mizan Mohammad Aslam, a professor at the National Defense University of Malaysia, said smuggling and trafficking could return on a smaller scale. He pointed to weaknesses in border fences that could allow smugglers to cut or climb over them.

As long as the system is not revised or enhanced, the potential of border security being manipulated and abused persists especially with the post-pandemic predicament and demand for foreign workers in certain sectors, he told BenarNews

There is lots at stake with the ongoing smuggling activities, not only from security aspects but also economically as billions of ringgit are spent on subsidizing petrol, cooking oil and sugar to ease Malaysians burden. Those items can be smuggled out of the country and sold on the other side of the border.
Police man a checkpoint on the border of Tanjay City and Pamplona town in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental, hours after the provincial governor Roel Degamo and five others were killed by unknown gunmen, March 4, 2023.

Gunmen in the central Philippines shot and killed a governor and five other civilians in an attack at his official home on Saturday, officials said.

Janice Degamo, the mayor of central Pamplona town, said her husband, Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, was having a meeting with local residents at their home around 9:36 a.m., when a group of armed men clad in full battle gear arrived and told their guard they wanted to see the governor.

After they were allowed to enter, the perpetrators opened fire on people inside the compound, leaving the governor and scores of civilians wounded. Degamo was rushed to the hospital but passed away hours later due to wounds he sustained.

The governor does not deserve that kind of death. There were five others who died with him. They were there to ask for help, Janice Degamo said in a Facebook video.

Give the governor the justice he deserves.

In Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the attack and vowed justice for the killing of the governor.

My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice, Marcos said in a statement. I am warning all those involved in this killing: You can run but you cannot hide. We will find you. If you surrender now, it will be your best option.

We have received much information and now have a clear direction on how to proceed to bring to justice those behind this killing, he added.

Hours later, police announced they had arrested three suspects, two of them former army soldiers, in connection with the attack.

Interior and Local Government secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. also condemned the senseless assassination of Degamo, saying he had given a directive to police to conduct hot pursuit operations to immediately apprehend the suspects.

Expect that we will not stop until this case is resolved as well as the other ambush incidents that happened in the past few days, he said in a statement.

Degamos killing was the third incident in a series of high-profile attacks against local government officials in the country since last month.

On Feb.17, four policemen were killed and three other people, including a provincial governor, were wounded in a roadside ambush in the volatile southern Philippines.

Police officers were escorting a convoy transporting Gov. Mamintal Adiong when unidentified gunmen attacked them on a highway near Maguing town in Lanao del Sur province. A police operation resulted in the death of one of the suspects.

Also last month, gunmen disguised as police officers waylaid a van of Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda of Aparri town in Nueva Vizcaya province, in the northern Philippines, killing him and five companions.

In the Philippines, it is not unusual for families to settle differences through clan wars or rido. Hostilities can last for decades until a peace pact is signed by the protagonists, usually through mediation by religious leaders along with a cash payment.

Political rivalries, ancestral land claims, disputes on local fiefdoms, as well as election-related feuds often spur clan wars. Mindanao, the countrys mineral-rich southern third, has been locked in a cycle of such violence for years.
Filipino residents and soldiers conduct a flag-raising ceremony on Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) in the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, Philippines, May 11, 2015.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday spotted more than 40 Chinese vessels near Pag-asa, one of the islands occupied by Manila in the South China Sea.

Coast Guard personnel stationed on the island  also known as Thitu  reported a Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, and 42 suspected maritime militia vessels, anchored within 4.5 to 8 nautical miles of the shore.

The PCG said this was clearly inside the land features 12-nautical mile territorial sea.

The PLA Navy vessel and CCG 5203 had been observed loitering in waters surrounding Pag-asa Island, while the suspected maritime militia vessels were anchored in the vicinity of cays west of the main island, Pag-asa Cay 3 and Pag-asa Cay 4, the PCG said in a statement.

Pag-asa Island, around 300 miles (483 kms) from Puerto Princesa in Palawan province, in the western Philippines, is the largest island in the Philippine-occupied Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the contested Spratly Islands. It serves as a local seat of government, and is home to more than 400 civilians, including 70 children.

The presence of Chinese vessels in the area has become frequent in recent years. In 2020, more than 100 Chinese vessels, which appeared to be fishing boats, were seen near the island. In 2022, a civilian boat manned by Philippine Navy personnel sailed near a sandbar off Pag-Asa Island in a bid to retrieve suspected Chinese rocket debris. A Chinese coast guard ship blocked their path and used a rubber boat to collect the debris.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the Department of Foreign Affairs have yet to comment on Saturdays report. Since Marcos took office on June 30, the Philippine government has filed at least 77 diplomatic protests against Beijing's actions in the South China Sea. Last month, Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian  the first such summoning in recent years  after China deployed a military-grade laser against the PCG near Ayungin Shoal, or Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratlys.

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including two main archipelagos, the Paracels and the Spratlys, that it calls Xisha and Nansha, respectively.

In 2016, an international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and against Beijings sweeping claims in the contested waterway. But China has since refused to acknowledge the ruling.

Based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award, the location of the Chinese vessels on Saturday falls squarely within Pag-asa Islands 12-nautical mile territorial sea.

Their continuing unauthorized presence is clearly inconsistent with the right of innocent passage and a blatant violation of the Philippines territorial integrity, the PCG statement said.
Col. Lee Sung-jun, right, spokesperson of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, and U.S. Forces Korea spokesperson Col. Isaac L. Taylor address a joint press conference on combined military drills at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul, March 3. Yonhap



South Korea's military has increased its readiness level against possible North Korean provocations ahead of the combined springtime military exercise with the United States set to begin later this month, sources said Saturday.



The military is prepared to fire artillery shots into "buffer zones" in the North as a countermeasure if Pyongyang violates the 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement by firing into the South's buffer zones first, a military source told Yonhap News Agency on the condition of anonymity.



The tension reduction pact, also dubbed the Sept. 19 agreement, calls for halting all hostile military activity between the two Koreas. It was signed after a 2018 summit between then President Moon Jae-in and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un.



The remarks came ahead of the Freedom Shield exercise, scheduled to take place from March 13 to 23, amid Pyongyang's continuing military provocations.



The North has violated the Sept. 19 agreement by firing artillery shots into maritime "buffer zones" between the Koreas on 13 occasions last year and firing a missile past the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the East Sea in November.



At that time, Seoul's military stopped at responding to the provocations beyond joint military drills without equivalent countermeasures.



But late last year, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup told the National Assembly the military will take offensive measures if needed, saying South Korea should not be the only one complying with the agreement.



He made these comments after North Korean drones intruded across the inter-Korean border, Dec. 26, prompting Seoul to send its own unmanned vehicles into the North in a corresponding step.



Observers say North Korea is expected to strongly protest to this year's joint military drill as it includes the new large-scale field training exercise in line with the allies' push to reinforce training programs and enhance their "realism."



Pyongyang has warned that Seoul and Washington would face "unprecedentedly" strong counteractions should they press ahead with this year's plans for the combined drill, which it has decried as preparations for a war of aggression. (Yonhap)


Ruling People Power Party leader candidates, from left, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, and Chun Ha-ram, an attorney affiliated with ousted chair Lee Jun-seok, pose for a photo, ahead of a televised debate, March 3. Yonhap



The ruling People Power Party (PPP) began a vote of paying party members Saturday to pick a new leader to head the party through next year's general elections and help move President Yoon Suk Yeol's agenda forward.



Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, widely considered Yoon's favorite, is leading the race with support of more than 40 percent, trailed by Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, lawyer Chun Ha-ram and former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, according to recent opinion polls.



A runoff vote will take place if none of them wins a majority in the first vote.



Some 840,000 party members, the biggest for a conservative party to date, are expected to cast their ballots by phone and mobile devices over the next four days to select one of the four candidates.



On the first day of voting, turnout was at a record high of 34.72 percent, PPP officials said.



The PPP plans to announce the winner in a national convention Wednesday. But in the event of a runoff vote, the party will announce the new leader March 12.



The upcoming race carries added significance, as the new leader will be tasked to lead the party to win a majority in the National Assembly, after years of the main opposition Democratic Party wielding its majority power to railroad whatever bills it wants, including dismissal motions for Cabinet ministers.



The presidential office is also closely watching the race, as it wants a Yoon loyalist to lead the party and help push his agenda in the National Assembly for the remainder of his five-year term until 2027.



Recent surveys have shown Kim is the dominant frontrunner.



In a poll of 485 PPP supporters conducted by Gongjung on Feb. 27 and 28, Kim earned 45.9 percent, trailed by Ahn at 23 percent, Chun at 12.7 percent and Hwang at 10.6 percent.



A separate poll of 458 PPP supporters conducted by Research View in the same period showed Kim leading the race with 47 percent, followed by Ahn with 23 percent, and Chun and Hwang with 12 percent and 11 percent, respectively.



Both polls had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.



Kim has emphasized his ability to smoothly communicate with the presidential office.



"I will make the People Power Party unite firmly and win an overwhelming victory in next year's general election," Kim said during a joint campaign speech Thursday. "The party leader should communicate and empathize well with the president."



"Should someone who damages the party by causing internal discord and division be on the forefront again, we cannot resolve problems with livelihoods and the economy," Kim said in an apparent swipe at his biggest rival, Ahn.



Ahn called on party members to focus on a possible runoff, noting Kim has not earned a majority.



"If you want to make an accurate judgment, please pay attention to the one-on-one debate in the runoff," Ahn said in the joint campaign speech.



"New doubts surrounding Kim surface each morning," he said, referring to allegations that Kim could have exercised influence to get a high-speed rail route to pass through a tract of land he owns in the southeastern city of Ulsan and gained profit after the land's price rose.



Kim has denied the charges and asked the police to launch a probe into the allegations.



Chun, considered an ally of ousted PPP leader Lee Jun-seok, has branded himself as a candidate to renew the party, while Hwang has appealed to traditional conservative supporters.



It is the first time the ruling party will elect its leader only by a vote of party members without including results of public opinion polls. Some observers say the change could make the issue of which candidate Yoon supports a key point.



Others say a change in supporter demographics, such as a rise in younger party members and those based in the greater Seoul area, could affect the final result. The party has traditionally been supported by elderly voters coming from Yeongnam, the country's southeastern region known as a conservative stronghold.



Alongside the election for party leader, the PPP will pick five members to join the party's Supreme Council in the national convention. Twelve candidates have been shortlisted. (Yonhap)


Today

Cloudy with occasional rain during the afternoon. High 69F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph, becoming W and increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%.

Tonight

A few showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 41F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Tomorrow

A few showers in the morning, then clouds lingering in the afternoon. High around 55F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) plays a significant role in guiding international developments in the interests of the business community. They invite the most powerful people in the world to an annual conference in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss their dreams of the future. These are dreams where the powerful stay powerful, and the underclasses continue to toil and suffer.

Even when they invite a dissenting voice such as climate activist Greta Thunberg, or historian Rutger Bregman, their criticisms are heavily publicized without changing the core of WEFs mission  to solidify corporate control over the governments of the world.

Investigative journalist Whitney Webb joins MintPress for this special report explaining the internal workings and goals of the shady corporatist WEF institution.
Thats what you guys always say. You just want us to pay the damages.

And around and around it goes.

Even assuming the Ohio train disaster was a terrorist attack, lurking in the background is the day-in day-out transport of highly dangerous chemicals by rail crisscrossing the country.

Who is responsible for THAT?

Heres an excerpt of a vital article from

For its part, the freight rail companies are forced by the federal government to transport dangerous materials regardless of the peril such cargoes represent. In particular, they [the railroads] lament the substantial risk embodied by having to carry Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH) chemicals on their lines. Included on the TIH list are ammonia and chlorine, both of which are transported by rail in significant quantities. Here is how UP [Union Pacific Railroad] characterizes the situation from their perspective: Under the common carrier obligation, the federal government requires railroads to transport hazmat, whether they want to or not. Trucks and barges do not have this same obligation and may refuse to carry hazmat at their discretion. Union Pacific does not make Toxic Inhalation Hazard materials, own the tank cars that move TIH or decide the origin or destination to which it is shipped. However, the common carrier obligation requires Union Pacific to transport TIH.

But wait. Are we really supposed to believe UP and other railroad giants would refuse to carry these chemical poisons if they could? And thereby sacrifice giant ongoing profits?

I dont think so.

The railroads just want somebody to blame. And so does the federal government. And so do the chemical companies who manufacture the poisons and want them transported.

You could even say these three forces are doing THEATER. You blame me and Ill blame him and hell blame you.

In my recent podcast about the Ohio Train Disaster, I emphasized the fact that most vinyl chloride is made at the same location where it is then turned into PVC pipe. But still, a great deal of the chemical is shipped long distances to the PVC factories.

Which should be forbidden. Which should be considered a crime.

However, the rail companies are pocketing major fees for carrying the chemical. The feds are mandating this transport. And the chemical companies want the vinyl chloride moved by rail. Theyre all in it together.

Follow this bouncing ball: The braking systems for most of these huge freight trains are based on 19th century technology.

This means when the trains are suddenly stopped, the cars tend to bunch up, and you can get a derailment.

The new electronic braking systems avoid this horrendous problem.

The feds want all trains carrying highly hazardous materials to have the new braking system.

But during the Trump administration, federal regulators backed off and basically said: If a train carries both safe and dangerous materials, we wont classify the train as a hazard and we wont demand the train has the new (and expensive) braking system.

That piece of sly bullshit saved railroad companies a huge amount of money.

The chemical companies, as far as I can see, sat there and said nothing. Hey, this isnt our problem.

Well see whether the investigation of the Ohio disaster pins blame on the trains braking system. Im not betting it does. But if it does, Im sure Norfolk Southern Railway will find a way to squirm out of their problem by paying a large fine from the fund theyve set side aside for just such situations.

The overriding principle here is: OUR CLOUD OF BULLSHIT HAS TO BE AS BIG AS THE TOXIC CLOUDS WE CREATED.

-- Jon Rappoport

Episode 38 of Rappoport PodcastsThe Wizards of Is: The titanic operation to bury the creative impulse forever and never let it out into the light of day. The entire history of traditional Western philosophy makes no mention of individual creativitythis is called a CLUEis now posted on my substack. Its a blockbuster. To listen, click here. To learn more about This Episode of Rappoport Podcasts, click here.
Methane gas leaking from the Nord Stream gas pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm, Denmark. Photo credit: Swedish Coast Guard /  Cover Images via ZUMA Press

A small but vocal cohort keeps asking me, Who do you think blew up the Nord Stream, or more often, Why dont you admit the US blew up that pipeline? One fan of hyperbole even wrote to say that certainly the US did it, and called it the worst act of terror in history.

I am well aware of the real possibility that the US was behind the September 26, 2022, explosion. The US has done worse in the past. And certainly, the Biden statement back in February 2022  warning Russia of possible action to shut down the Nord Stream were it to invade Ukraine (see below)  provides powerful grist for the mill.

But what really bothers me are all the unwarranted assumptions in this case on the part of many: First, that the US is definitely responsible. Second, that this act is morally equivalent to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Third, that this is a reason to bar further US military aid to Ukraine.

The attack on the natural gas pipeline  which happened more than half a year after Russia invaded Ukraine  has receded from the news. But with growing GOP pressure to reduce or cut off funding for the defense of Ukraine, the issue will come up again, perhaps as a core piece of the overall debate.

And more people may be receptive to anything that justifies a reduction of funding, and just the general desire to move on. This is exactly what Putin, in my view, fervently hopes will happen, and really the only possible way he wins or even survives politically.

Who Done It?

As a journalist in the agnostic tradition, I believe in being open-minded on the fascinating issue of who done it, and on the equally intriguing question, how do we know?

The US is certainly capable of doing such a thing. However, I dont know that it bombed the Nord Stream, and neither do those who are so certain it did.

Even Seymour Hersh, who reported that the US is responsible for the Nord Stream explosion, cannot know for sure, although he treats it as a certainty. He says the information is from a single source with direct knowledge of the operational planning.

Thats different from knowing. And as Hersh is well aware, news organizations rarely publish stories based on a single source because the risk of error is too high.

Although Hershs status as a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, plus the particulars cited in his article, are proof enough for many, there are legitimate reasons to consider other possibilities.

These range from Hershs source being mistaken, having misinterpreted the data or overstating what they actually know, to being partially right, to being wholly right  to having an agenda and simply lying.

Because of Hershs track record, one wants to give him the benefit of the doubt, to believe that his vetting was impeccable. But a number of things make me uncomfortable, none more so than the unique access required to know this, and the significant risk to the source of exposing it publicly. If indeed the source is correct, then we want to ask:

How did this person get that information?

Why did they tell Hersh instead of a journalist with a major news organization? (I know some may say that no mainstream entity would report this story, even with adequate proof, but I am not so sure that is true.)

The penalties and likelihood of discovery are very high, as weve seen with The Guardian and The Intercept and the sources they used who were eventually discovered. Consider the penalties faced by the likes of Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, Reality Winner, et al., who received long prison sentences or, in the case of Snowden, had to flee and may never be able to come home to the US again.

And assuming Hersh got someone close to the pinnacle of the national security establishment to talk  someone privy to planning meetings and what was said at them  that means this source would have to be someone much, much higher in the establishment than past whistleblowers who were actually at very low levels, contractors for outside firms, etc.

That would make this apparent breach of security protocol a major historic occasion.

Yet Hershs source has not been treated as such a red-letter, outsized figure, something of the magnitude of a Daniel Ellsberg. Not by any major media, and not even by Hersh, who, as shown below, characterizes his sources credibility with boilerplate language and does not address the remarkable fact that such a high-level military insider actually blew the whistle.

I wanted to know more, so I emailed Hersh, whom I know professionally. He typically holds his cards close to his chest even with lesser matters, so I had no real expectation that he would shed light on this.

He did write back, but only to say, russ...i wrote what i wrote...not much i can add...sy.

The risk of being caught cannot be overstated. In todays information age, while whistleblower-masking technologies exist, so do enhanced methods of uncovering cloaked identities.

Getting back to the single source on this with direct knowledge of the operational planning: My first problem is the extraordinary risk an insider would have taken to speak with Hersh, as mentioned above.

I find people currently working for intelligence and military organizations at high levels tremendously tight-lipped  and profoundly anxious about the prospect of going to jail for violating security oaths by exposing ultra-sensitive matters, as well as other high crimes and misdemeanors.

The risk of being caught cannot be overstated. In todays information age, while whistleblower-masking technologies exist, so do enhanced methods of uncovering cloaked identities.

In addition, this person would presumably be charged with an especially serious crime. She or he is not a whistleblower in the mold of, say, Chelsea Manning, who exposed American war crimes in a manner consistent with trying to fix the American system. Instead, Hershs source has allegedly exposed covert military operations against an aggressor state during a time of war, albeit a proxy war.

Exposing US military operational tactics against a major power that had just invaded a sovereign nation could be treated as akin to the action of an enemy agent and, therefore, subject to much harsher consequences.

Further, in my experience of covering CIA and covert operations, this kind of source almost never comes along, period. The best a reporter usually ever gets, beyond an authorized leak, is the speculation of retirees without direct knowledge of current operational planning, and direct knowledge only of past related operations. Even today, when I interview long-retired intelligence figures, they are extremely cagey and limited in what they will reveal.

Another thing: Hersh is usually skeptical of even well-documented conspiracy claims. (Unlike myself, he supports the Warren Commissions conclusion that Oswald did it and acted alone). But the case of the Nord Stream is different. Hersh has some insider who knows all about it, we are told, and we simply have to take him at his word on this. Its a big ask.

Also, much of the insider information is not really that juicy or specific. For example, Hersh writes:

Nevertheless, in early 2022, the CIA working group reported back to [National Security Advisor Jake] Sullivans interagency group: We have a way to blow up the pipelines.

That may sound kind of like inside information, but anyone  you or I  could write up such a sentence without any real knowledge. Much of the rest of the material reads like something anyone could have put together with some generalized knowledge, common sense, and even googling. I really dont see anything that strikes me as highly specific, obviously exclusive inside information, like names of operatives or managers of the project on the ground, or hotels or safehouses, or technical details of how the operation was pulled off. Neither does the material below, which could all be informed speculation presented as witnessed fact:

Bidens decision to sabotage the pipelines came after more than nine months of highly secret back and forth debate inside Washingtons national security community about how to best achieve that goal. For much of that time, the issue was not whether to do the mission, but how to get it done with no overt clue as to who was responsible. There was a vital bureaucratic reason for relying on the graduates of the centers hardcore diving school in Panama City. The divers were Navy only, and not members of Americas Special Operations Command, whose covert operations must be reported to Congress and briefed in advance to the Senate and House leadership  the so-called Gang of Eight. The Biden Administration was doing everything possible to avoid leaks as the planning took place late in 2021 and into the first months of 2022.

Lets examine what it says above. The existence of a Navy diving school in Panama City, Florida, is public information. So is the fact that Special Ops covert operations are supposed to be reported to Congress. And its not surprising  at all  that anyone planning such an operation would want to avoid leaks. So while at first glance that may look to some as corroboration that a source had intimate knowledge of the operation, it actually is nothing of the kind. I could have written all that just on a guess.

Of course, one can retort that the specifics had to be withheld to protect the sources identity, but Hersh could have made that claim about withholding and did not.

Certainly, there are specifics, not always in Hershs favor. For example, the source claims that Norway was the base of the operation, and that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, a Norwegian, had cooperated with the American intelligence community since the Vietnam War.  He is the glove that fits the American hand. Since Vietnam? Stoltenberg? Who was born in 1959!

Thats a pretty big mistake both by the source and by Hersh. If an editor were involved, they would have been asking probing questions and vetting the details and the reliability of that source.

Putting all this aside, we come down to the ultimate question: Who did bomb the Nord Stream pipeline?

Take your pick:

The US did it, and someone inside took an extraordinary personal risk to tell Hersh. Disclosures of this kind result in investigation, prosecution, and prison time, as happened to John Kiriakou.

The US did it, had to publicly deny its involvement, but wanted it known for political and strategic purposes  and decided to make Hersh the messenger. Any journalist would be hard-pressed to turn down a huge scoop like this.

Russia did it, knowing that once it was blamed on the US, it would make Russia look better and provide fodder to its defenders and to critics of the US. And, as if to nail down the impression the US did it, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on the White House to comment on the "facts" Hersh had presented.

Some other party, neither Russia nor the US, did it for some unknown reason

Why Do It? Wade in Deeper

Critics of US policy in the region cite that dramatic, threatening statement by Biden warning Russia as proof that the US is the culprit. Biden said over a year ago:

If Russia invades  that means tanks and troops crossing the border  of Ukraine, again, then there will no longer be a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it. We will shut down the pipeline.

Asked how, exactly, he could do that, since the pipeline is under German control, he replied simply:

I promise you, we will be able to do it.

And he said it while meeting in Washington with the German chancellor, who was clearly taken aback. That was certainly an extraordinary scene.

If you were Putin, you might conceivably see that statement and recognize a great opportunity to attack your own pipeline, blame it on Biden, and watch some segment of the world rally to your defense.

Would Putin have the temerity to do something like that? Would the ex KGB agent fail to calculate the value of this kind of covert operation? A self-inflicted injury to wound the opposition?

We know from his recent history that hes all too willing to take enormous risks without excessive concern for harming Russia, Russians, or the Russian economy. Also, Russia under Putin has a documented history of employing false flag attacks for propaganda and other purposes. (The US does too  see, among other things, Operation Northwoods.)

If Putin did it, this would be a riff on how Hitler kicked off World War II. That began with an invasion of Poland to defend the German homeland in response to what was actually a false-flag attack on a German radio station near the Polish border (the so-called Gleiwitz incident)  by a detachment of SS troops dressed as Polish soldiers.

In the case of the pipeline, of course, the incident in question became in some peoples minds a kind of justification after the fact.

Even more striking is the timing. At the very moment the pipeline blew up, Russia was experiencing its worst military humiliations of the war. Just 20 days earlier, Ukraine had begun a counteroffensive that was rolling back many of Russias territorial gains. It was a clear disaster for Putin. Would a pipeline explosion have been a useful distraction?

And who really needed  or would want such a distraction  right at that moment? Not Biden.

If, in fact, Putin made that bet, he bet correctly. Just look at the response to the US taking out the pipeline  and how that story has helped efforts to defund the defense of Ukraine.

The issue of who stood to gain from the pipeline situation is complicated. This was noted in an article by Sergey Vakulenko (one of the few Gazprom execs who has not enjoyed a planeless flying lesson or a polonium smoothie), who until last year was head of strategy and innovations at Gazprom Neft, one of Russias largest energy companies, whose parent company, Gazprom, is part of the Nord Stream consortium.

The article, which was published shortly after the bombings on the website of the Carnegie Endowment for Peace, compared the affair to an Agatha Christie mystery:

One irony of the attack is that Russias Gazprom potentially stands to benefit: it will no longer need to invent excuses not to supply Europe via Nord Stream 1. Now it can claim a force majeure, which will dramatically reduce the risk of compensation claims for non-delivered volumes. This logic, however, does not explain the damage caused to Nord Stream 2. On the other hand, the Nord Stream consortium companies and eventually Gazprom might even hope to collect some insurance for the damaged pipelines. Given that they already looked set to become a stranded asset, that would be far from the worst outcome for the giant company.

Much more, back and forth, can be said, and indeed, a very fair Vakulenko also points out the advantages to Ukraine of the bombing.

The upshot of all this is how difficult it is, in reality, to assign responsibility  given what is known so far.

As the saying goes: When it comes to absolute certainty, doubts are in order.
Courtesy of cferdophotography



By David A. Tizzard




Commentary: U.S. slander against China's stance on Ukraine crisis absurd

Xinhua) 12:37, March 04, 2023

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Committed to promoting peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China has recently released a paper stating Beijing's position on the crisis. While the fair and constructive document has been widely welcomed across the world, some Western countries led by the United States have smeared the proposal as "unfair."

Labeling China's support for peace talks as "unreasonable," Washington is suggesting that the only right stance on the issue is to stand by the United States to keep fueling the crisis. What an absurdity.

The root cause of Washington' slander against China's position is that the United States does not want an early end to the conflict. "Behind a mind-set that invites the burden of policing a rules-based global order is a conventional assumption: War, though tragic, is a boon for economic vitality and patriotic vigor," said an opinion piece titled "Straight Talk on the Country's War Addiction" published last month by The New York Times.

That is the case. From reaping arms orders to replacing Russia in energy supply to Europe, the United States has indeed energized its economy through the conflict. What's more, by waging "a proxy war" to weaken Russia and forcing Europe to further rely on America in security, the United States has consolidated its hegemony.

Besides, discrediting China is Washington's old trick to contain the country. Since the escalation of the Ukraine crisis, certain U.S. and Western politicians, together with some media outlets, have spread disinformation about China, saying "China may provide weapons to Russia."

In this way, the United States is attempting to shift the blame for fanning the flames in Ukraine. As most countries in the world hope for peace, the United States is eager to shy away from its responsibility and divert the public's attention from the truth that it is Washington that is aggravating tensions.

Meanwhile, using the Ukraine crisis as an excuse, Washington has pointed the finger at China-Russia ties, depicting the relationship as a threat. In fact, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is built on the basis of non-alliance, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third countries, which is within the sovereign right of any two independent states. The relationship tolerates no third party interference or coercion.

The U.S. rhetoric has exposed the mindset of confrontation long held by the United States and its Western allies when dealing with international disputes. From the failure in Iraq to the hasty withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, American politicians should have given up their obsession with military force and power politics.

At the recent Munich Security Conference, the United States and some other countries from the Western world tried to continue fueling the crisis, while some leaders of developing countries believed that the ongoing conflict delayed the resolution of other pressing issues.

"We don't want to go on discussing who will be the winner or the loser of a war," said Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez. "We are all losers and, in the end, it is humankind that loses everything."

Washington must be aware that its stance on the Ukraine crisis goes against the will of the international community. Stop the blame game, and do something that really helps cool the situation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)


By Park Jung-won



"Reunification can happen suddenly, so only when we are prepared can we realize it," South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said while attending a policy briefing from the unification ministry on Jan. 27. His remarks caused a big stir for suggesting the possibility of the imminent collapse of the current North Korean regime. In fact, it is not unusual to hear presidents from a conservative party say that unification can occur like lightning.



Former President Lee Myung-bak said in June 2011, "Unification might come in the dead of night like a thief." Former President Park Geun-hye in January 2014 used the direct expression that "unification is a jackpot." It is highly irresponsible for such political leaders to say that unification can come suddenly, like winning the lottery, because it can mislead the general public. Such a rapid reunion of the two Koreas is not possible, either logistically or legally.



In order to even imagine reunification happening, one must first presuppose that the North's regime, led by Kim Jong-un, will collapse. The possible scenarios in which the regime collapses could be external military aggression, total economic breakdown, the sudden death of Kim or a massive anti-regime uprising by the North Korean people. But all of these are currently unlikely.



In the past, the U.S. has reviewed scenarios for a preemptive attack on North Korea, such as a surgical operation on its nuclear facilities or a "decapitation strike" on its leader. However, it is hard to imagine such a U.S. attack on North Korea now, at a time when President Joe Biden opposes unilateral changes to the status quo and is wary of an increasingly powerful China. North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland also makes such risky operations virtually inconceivable.



It is reported that the current economic situation in North Korea is precarious, but the collapse of the regime due solely to economic problems is not possible. A society as tightly controlled as North Korea's is unlikely to collapse easily. And there is little chance that Kim Jong-un, who is only 39, will die suddenly. Rather, a domino effect involving the confluence of many unpredictable events, like what happened in Europe when the Eastern Bloc imploded in the early 1990s, could create the greatest chance for the downfall of the North's political regime. Internal instability in China, North Korea's blood ally, for instance, would certainly make the regime's hold on power less assured. But economic difficulties alone are unlikely to cause it to collapse.



Even if Kim's regime were to collapse, it would not automatically mean the reunification of the two Koreas. New power groups, such as remnants of the North's armed forces, could emerge, and even if there were a destabilizing internal power struggle, South Korea's ability to intervene militarily would be limited. Could South Korean troops enter North Korea and clean up the anarchy? North Korea is a member of the United Nations and enjoys statehood recognized by the international community.



Aside from the fact that the South Korean Constitution binds it to pursuing reunification peacefully, if it were to occupy North Korea by force, it would be a clear violation of international law. It might be possible to make a claim that North Korean territory belongs to the South with reference to South Korea's constitutional territoriality clause, but it would be difficult to garner international support for this claim. In addition, China, which has a military alliance treaty with North Korea, might actively intervene in such an emergency to protect its interests. South Korea would be unable to counter such a great power on its own.



More fundamentally, the reunification of the Korean Peninsula will be possible only when the will of the North Korean people (through the right to self-determination under international law) establishes its desire for unification with the South. If they do not want to reunify with South Korea, the South's desire to do so will be irrelevant. Furthermore, South Korea's constitution pursues liberal democracy and a market economy. If the North Korean people want unification only under a communist or socialist regime, this is a formula that South Korea cannot accept.



Thus if South Korea truly desires reunification, it must take a long-term approach to win the support of the North Korean people, so that they will genuinely welcome a unification process with the South that entails an eventual alignment of their political and economic systems.



In South Korea's politics of inter-Korean relations, policies have fluctuated according to "camp logic" with each transition of party power. Inter-Korean relations have only served as a political tool for each party's domestic political interests rather than towards any true pursuit of reunification.



The conservative side says that if Kim's regime collapses, South Korea's free, democratic system will quickly absorb and reunify with North Korea, whereas the progressive side says that a permanent peace will be established on the Korean Peninsula if Kim's regime security is guaranteed by the U.S., ignoring the fact that the North's nuclear weapons target South Korea. Neither side's narrative is rooted in reality.



If South Korea is truly a liberal democracy, it is more important to secure consistency in improving human rights in North Korea regardless of conservative and liberal party interests, instead of calling for an impossibly swift unification. Reunification cannot be achieved suddenly, and should not be pursued abruptly.





Park Jung-won (park_jungwon@hotmail.com), Ph.D. in law from the London School of Economics (LSE), is a professor of international law at Dankook University.




Regional Australia is shaping as the next battleground for Australian telcos, with Telstra boss Vicki Brady ready to push her companys networks to their limits to deliver more services to homes and businesses.

With more than 80 per cent of city customers now using 5G services, Telstra, Optus and TPG are all jostling to get services out to the country: a segment of the telco market which, until recently, was in the too-hard basket for the industry players.

Telstra chief executive Vicki Brady faces her first big regulatory test, as the proposed network sharing deal between Telstra and TPG hangs in the balance.

But with the 5G networks now well established in urban areas, Brady said the focus was shifting from rolling out towers to delivering services, and regional businesses were the perfect test ground for new applications.

A big portion of our post-paid customers are on 5G, its been taken up faster than 4G, and our ambition is to get 5G to 95 per cent of the population by 2025, she said.
Read our reviews of the 10 best picture nominees, including Elvis, Top Gun: Maverick and Everything Everywhere All At Once. See all 9 stories .

All Quiet on the Western Front 

(MA) 147 minutes This new adaptation of a classic book about young German soldiers in the First World War does everything well, except keep faith with Erich Maria Remarques novel. The book has been adapted three times. The first version by Lewis Milestone won the Oscar for best picture in 1931 and has earned its place as one of the greatest depictions of war on film. Hitler hated it and sent Goebbels to disrupt its screenings in Berlin with white mice and stink bombs. Its now almost forgotten that the film was banned in Victoria from 1930 to 1941 on the grounds of pacifism. In these same years, Remarque fled the Nazis for the US. Felix Kammerer delivers an uncanny performance as soldier Paul Baumer in All Quiet on the Western Front. Credit: Reiner Bajo/Netflix Pacifism is an interesting accusation. At the start of the novel, Remarque wrote that it was neither accusation nor confession - simply an attempt to give an account of the generation that was destroyed by the war - even those of it who survived the shelling. Both the left and right attacked it for being too anti-war, too pro-war, too disrespectful to the glorious dead. It pleased no one who had a hand in waging war, but the people loved it. The first run sold 2 million copies.
Visitors drawn to Wilsons Promontory by the rugged peninsulas natural beauty find a unique landscape where they can see resident wombats at Tidal River and spot black cockatoos floating over the coastal banksia.

So, how would they feel about coming across a dingo on a remote bushwalk, or hearing the haunting screams of Tassie devils outside their tents at night?

A group of ecologists and conservationists have written to the new Victorian minister for the environment, Ingrid Stitt, urging her to reintroduce predators to the Wilsons Promontory National Park to rebalance the ecosystem once feral species are removed.

Some ecologists would like to see predators like dingoes, Tassie devils and quolls reintroduced to the Prom. Credit: Matt Davidson

The national park in Gippsland, on Boon Wurrung and Gunai Kurnai Country, is slowly being turned into a climate refuge and the states largest conservation sanctuary for endangered wildlife. A 10-kilometre predator-proof fence will be built across the sandy Yanakie Isthmus, which connects the prom to the mainland.
Andrew Steel has attended 20 WorldPride events over the past two weeks.

The 61-year-old, who lives on Oxford Street, recorded each festivity on a dedicated calendar on his phone.

He also made a spreadsheet of all the events he had tickets to  and their unofficial after-parties  and displayed it on his fridge.

Andrew Steel with his daughter, Kathleen Steel (right) and her partner, Matilda Sutherland. Credit: Amber Schultz

Ive tried to go out every day from two or three oclock in the afternoon because the pubs are open and busy, he said.
After two consecutive years of losses, Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa said that it had once again made a profit in 2022, as international air traffic recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Due to "strong increase in demand for air travel over the course of the year", the Lufthansa Group almost doubled its revenues year-on-year to 32.8 billion euros ($34.9 billion), reports Xinhua news agency.

Net income was 791 million euros, after hitting minus 2.2 billion euros in the previous year.

Last year, Lufthansa's passenger numbers more than doubled year-on-year to 102 million, the airline said.

At the beginning of 2022, earnings were still being "heavily impacted" by the spread of the Omicron variant and the associated restrictions.

When the Covid-19 pandemic crippled global air traffic in 2021, Lufthansa was kept afloat by state aid and guarantees of up to 9 billion euros.

Also Read Lufthansa airline takes 'U-turn,' allows Apple AirTags on flights Lufthansa bans Apple AirTags from luggage, says 'danger to flight' Lufthansa revenues in Q3 almost doubles YoY to 10.1 billion euros German government sells its last shares in Lufthansa, say authorities Singapore Airlines to get 25.1% stake in enlarged Air India group Foxconn seeks cooperation with India in new areas like EVs, chips Top headlines: India Inc commits Rs 11.87 trn to AP, RBI fines Amazon Pay HAL showcases products at 'Advantage Andhra Pradesh 2023 Exhibition' IndiGo gets aviation ministry's nod to wet lease planes for US, Canada ops Three workers of Marion Biotech held in Uzbekistan syrup death case

All loans have since been fully repaid, the company said, and the German government has sold its 20 per cent stake in the airline.

Meanwhile, the country's air traffic is set to pick up even further in 2023, according to the German Aviation Association (BDL).

Capacity on intercontinental and European routes to and from Germany will reach 88 percent of 2019 pre-pandemic levels, BDL said.

Air traffic in other European countries should already recover by the summer of this year.

According to BDL, point-to-point airlines had reduced their services at medium-sized airports in Germany because of "comparatively high location costs", including air traffic taxes, fees and security checks.

--IANS

ksk/
Screenshots from Musinsa Store's mobile app / Courtesy of Musinsa





By Lee Hyo-sik







Musinsa has been named as one of the world's most innovative companies for 2023 by Fast Company  the world's leading business media brand based in New York  Korea's largest online fashion platform said Friday.







The world's most innovative companies list is Fast Company's signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides a firsthand look at the inspiring and innovative efforts of companies across all sectors of the economy. This year's list highlights the businesses at the forefront of their respective industries, paving the way for the innovations of tomorrow.







"We are honored to be named in Fast Company's list of the most innovative companies in Asia Pacific," said a representative from Musinsa. "Being selected as the first innovative company among fashion-focused vertical platforms in Korea is a virtuous circle that Musinsa has created with many brands. We will continue discovering and promoting new fashion brands at home and abroad, revitalizing the fashion ecosystem by focusing on nurturing brands with growth potential and strengthening our offline presence."







The company started as an online community for sneaker fanatics in 2001. Today it features clothes from over 7,000 local designer brands and its in-house fashion brand, Musinsa Standard. Over the years, it has developed an extensive fashion ecosystem, including an online fashion community, brand incubator and offline multicultural lounge.







In 2018, Musinsa established "Musinsa Partners," a corporate venture capital endeavor, to financially support emerging designers and brands. The same year, the company opened its first co-working space called "Musinsa Studio" in Dongdaemun, the center of fabric and fashion wholesale shopping in Seoul.







In 2019, it opened the multicultural lounge called "Musinsa Terrace" near Hongik University in Seoul to foster offline interactions with its customers and provide online-based fashion brands with a space for their own pop-up stores.







To help small- and medium-sized brands without local manpower or overseas business experience for expanding their businesses abroad, the firm supported the establishment of local infrastructure and tailored marketing strategies for the Japanese market before opening its global store. Additionally, it has prepared infrastructure such as logistics and customer service for establishing an official online store and operating business.







In 2022, Musinsa launched a global website and app, now available in 13 countries, including Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia, and some Southeast Asian nations. Currently, its global website features 300 local designer brands, including Thug Club, SURGERY, Youth and Mardi Mercredi.


As part of Andhra Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023 being held at Visakhapatnam today and tomorrow, HAL has showcased its products and services at the 'Advantage Andhra Pradesh 2023 Exhibition'. HAL stall was inaugurated by Mr Arun J Sarkate, GM, HAL (Hyderabad).

HAL has showcased wide range of products ranging from Aircraft to miniature sized components. The stall is categorized in two categories 'Success Stories' and 'Business Opportunity' for AP.

In 'Success Stories', HAL is presenting its successful avionic products, which are currently in production. Further HAL has showcased its star aircraft products such as Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas and Advanced Light Helicopter-WSI. The company has also exhibited aircraft products which are being successfully maintained such as Do-228 and Su-30 MKI. HAL is pitching for Hindustan 228, which is civil version of Do-228 for regional connectivity under UDAN Scheme.

HAL has been spearheading with cutting edge technologies and has introduced new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. The Voice Activated Command System (VACS) showcased is developed based on AI technology.

The second category which HAL is pitching for at this exhibition is Business Opportunity for AP through self-reliance or 'atmanirbharta'.
The country's largest airline IndiGo, which is focusing on internationalisation, has received approval from the civil aviation ministry to wet lease up to two planes for operating flights to the United States and Canada, according to a senior official.

For the first time, IndiGo started operating wide-body Boeing 777 on Delhi-Istanbul route in February. The plane has been taken on wet lease from Turkish Airlines.

The airline has received nod from the ministry to wet lease two aircraft that can be utilised on this route.

The official, on the condition of anonymity, said on Friday the ministry has also given approval for IndiGo to wet lease up to two wide-body aircraft which can be used for flying to the US and Canada.

Queries sent to IndiGo on this issue remained unanswered.

It could not be immediately ascertained whether IndiGo has firmed up plans on operating flights to the US and Canada.

Also Read IndiGo seeks final approval from DGCA to wet lease B777 aircraft IndiGo can wet lease Turkish Boeing 777 planes for a yr as govt eases rule IndiGo, SpiceJet to wet lease aircraft in the winter to enhance capacity IndiGo asks MoCA to extend wet lease period for wide body aircraft DGCA allows IndiGo to wet lease wide-body planes for only up to 6 months Three workers of Marion Biotech held in Uzbekistan syrup death case British Scotch companies seek safeguard against excise duty hikes No sanction for attachment of DMRC's operational assets: Centre to Delhi HC Budget airline IndiGo pits Boeing against Airbus in record jet order talks European ESG funds sell more of their Adani Group shares, shows data

Indian carriers require approval from the ministry to wet lease aircraft.

Under the wet lease arrangement, planes are leased along with the operating crew and engineers. Generally, wet leasing of planes is allowed for short periods to tackle supply constraints and ensure that airfares do not surge significantly.

In an interview to PTI last month, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said the airline has always kept the option of wide-body aircraft open but did not divulge specific details.

"IndiGo has never ruled out any option. We do have a significant order book. We have almost 500 aircraft on order... we have a steady stream of deliveries coming. Our focus and emphasis will be on that part. We do have the XLRs order that will further stretch the range of operations for IndiGo," he had said.

Meanwhile, IndiGo in a statement said the airline is constantly in talks with the manufacturers as "we plan our next phase of growth" amid reports that it is looking to place a significant order for planes.

"However, we haven't finalised anything till now. We do not comment on speculations and will share information as and when we have an update," the spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.

Last month, aviation consultancy CAPA said that IndiGo could place orders for 500 aircraft.

IndiGo had been planning to place a significant order of around 300 aircraft prior to COVID-19, but deferred it due to the pandemic. This is now likely to proceed, and could be even larger than previously envisaged, increasing to around 500 aircraft now, it had said.

Currently, IndiGo has more than 300 planes in its fleet.

In a separate statement on Friday, IndiGo said its "application with Turkish Airlines is part of our codeshare expansion to offer access to a wider network".

According to reports, the airline and Turkish Airlines have sought the US authority's approval for codeshare flights to the US.

"We are constantly exploring opportunities to cater to customer demand for air travel to newer geographies," the airline said in the statement.

Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence.
NCLT allows merger of HDFC's two subsidiaries with HDFC Capital Advisors

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Friday gave its approval for the merger of HDFC Property Ventures and HDFC Venture Capital with HDFC Capital Advisors, taking the merger of the parent with HDFC Bank a step closer.



Read more

In its final order, the NCLT sanctioned a composite scheme of amalgamation of HDFC Property Ventures and HDFC Venture Capital into HDFC Capital Advisors, HDFC said in an exchange filing. The tribunal is yet to approve the merger of its two insurance arms and the asset management company as also the patent into the bank as part of the USD 40-billion reverse merger.

India Inc commits Rs 11.87 trn to Andhra on Day-1 of investor summit

The renewable energy sector received the maximum attention on Day-one of the Andhra Pradesh Global Investors Summit (GIS) on Friday. As many as 92 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed for investments worth about Rs 11.87 trillion and an employment generating potential of 392,000 jobs.

Also Read CCI gives conditional nod to Zee-Sony merger, formal order awaited HDFC Bank files petition for NCLT approval to the proposed merger Shriram Group waits for NCLT approval of merger, ready for integration HDFC twins may merge a few months ahead of schedule: HDFC Bank CFO What challenges could emerge from the Air India-Vistara merger? HAL showcases products at 'Advantage Andhra Pradesh 2023 Exhibition' IndiGo gets aviation ministry's nod to wet lease planes for US, Canada ops Three workers of Marion Biotech held in Uzbekistan syrup death case British Scotch companies seek safeguard against excise duty hikes No sanction for attachment of DMRC's operational assets: Centre to Delhi HC



Chatbot firms in India to generate over 20% of digital customers' revenue State-run power major NTPC signed three MoUs for investments amounting to Rs 2.35 trillion, while industry majors Adani Group, Reliance Industries, ABC Ltd, Renew Power and JSW Group announced big-ticket investments in the state. On Saturday, another Rs 1.15 trillion worth of MoUs are set to be signed, taking the total to Rs 13 trillion. Read more



Over the next three years, chatbot companies in India are projected to generate over 20 per cent of business revenues of their customers that run digital commerce platforms, thanks to technologies such as the artificial intelligence (AI)-based ChatGPT. Read more With a rising number of digital commerce firms employing their services, chatbots may generate about $12 billion in business revenue in three years. This is according to Swapan Rajdev, the chief technology officer and co-founder of Jio Haptik, a leading player in the chatbot world. Digital commerce firms range from companies engaged in e-commerce and insurance to financial services, banking, travel, hotels, and gaming.

RBI fines Amazon Pay (India) Rs 3 cr for not complying with PPI & KYC norms

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday imposed a penalty of Rs 3.06 crore on Amazon Pay (India) Pvt Ltd for non-compliance with provisions of the Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) norms and Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.



Big shift from China: Foxconn commits $700 mn for new plant in Karnataka Other entities such as Ola Financial Services, Obopay Mobile Technologies, and Manappuram Finance Ltd have also been fined by the RBI for disregarding the same norms. While Obopay was fined Rs 5.93 crore, Ola Financial Services and Manappuram Finance were fined 1.67 crore and Rs 17.63 lakh, respectively. Read more
Scores of Aam Aadmi Party workers staged a protest in central Delhi on Saturday demanding the release of senior party leader Manish Sisodia, who has been arrested by the CBI in connection with the excise policy case.

The protest erupted before Sisodia's appearance before the Rouse Avenue court, only a few metres from the party office on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.

The workers raised slogans like 'Manish Sisodia ko riha karo' (release Manish Sisodia).

They hit the street hours after the AAP's Delhi convener held a meeting with some of the workers.

The party has alleged that Sisodia has been arrested to obstruct the "good work" being done by the Delhi government in the education sector.
Colombia is planning to fly dozens of its "cocaine hippos" -- the descendents of late drug trafficker Pablo Escobars private menagerie -- to new homes in India and Mexico in a bid to control their booming population, according to the local governor.

There are now between 130 and 160 of the hippos, according to the Colombian government, and they have spread out far beyond Escobar's former ranch of Hacienda Napoles, where they began as a population of just one male and three females, CNN reported.

The original hippos were part of a collection of exotic animals Escobar had amassed in the 1980s at his ranch about 250 km from Medellin.

After his death in 1993, authorities relocated most of the other animals, but not the hippos, because they were too difficult to transport, CNN reported.

But they have since begun to reproduce rapidly, extending their reach along the Magdalena River basin and they now pose an environmental challenge and are concerning nearby residents, authorities say.

A study in the journal Nature warned their numbers could balloon to 1,500 within two decades.

Also Read German police seize 2.3 tonnes of cocaine with help of Peruvian authorities Woman held at Mumbai airport trying to smuggle cocaine worth Rs 4.9 crore Yes, I was addicted to cocaine: Wasim Akram makes shocking revelation Novak Djokovic defeats Span's Pablo Andujar in Tel Aviv Watergen Open Unravelling Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's mysterious death fifty years on Chennai, Kolkata, in India, at particular risk due to sea level rise: Study Is that dishwasher truly green or is it another case of greenwashing? 28% fall in cost of emissions reductions by Indian businesses: WRI study Met predicts above-normal temperature in March-May in upper half of country Fight against climate change would unite world as one: President Murmu

Previously, authorities have tried to control their population using castrations and "shorts of contraceptive darts". But the contraceptive drives have had limited success, CNN reported.

Now there's a plan to transfer 70 of the hippos to natural sanctuaries in India and Mexico, the governor of Antioquia province, where Hacienda Napoles is located, said in a tweet.

A total of 70 hippos, a mix of males and females, are expected to be moved -- with 60 going to India and 10 to Mexico.

The technical term for this operation is "translocating", Governor Anibal Gaviria explained in an interview with the Colombian outlet Blu Radio, as it would involve moving the hippos from one country that was not their native habitat to another that was also not their natural habitat, CNN reported.

The goal was "to take them to countries where these institutions have the capacity to receive them, and to (home) them properly and to control their reproduction," Gaviria said, CNN reported.

Sending the hippos back to their native land of Africa was "not allowed," Gaviria said.

--IANS

san/ksk/
India's active and positive contribution to numerous ASEAN-led mechanisms over the years has been repeatedly acknowledged by the Southeast Asian member nations and other countries, High Commissioner P Kumaran has said.

India has deep cultural ties linkages with ASEAN countries which has been strengthened in recent years with vibrant economic engagement and a growing sense of shared future, he said on Friday at a reception held on board the ICGS Samudra Paheredar, which paid a three-day visit to Singapore's Changi Naval Base.

India's active and positive contribution to numerous ASEAN-led mechanisms over the years has been repeatedly acknowledged by the Southeast Asian member nations and other countries, he said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional grouping that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

During the ICGS Samudra Paheredar's stay here, the 123 crew members of the pollution control vessel have had very constructive engagement with the experts and professionals in the sea who themselves have been at the forefront of spearheading the clean and green initiatives of Singapore, noted Kumaran.

We believe that such professional engagements have exposure and help improve cooperation and understanding for joint missions in coastal patrolling and responses to maritime incidents, he said.

Also Read Binding commitments on new issues in FTAs may hamper India's exports: Rpt India is an invaluable partner: US State Department on Jaishankar-Blinken Vice Prez Dhankhar leaves for Cambodia to attend ASEAN-India summit ASEAN summits concludes; focus on regional cooperation Covid-19 recovery ASEAN parliament chiefs gather to promote sustainable, resilient region Philanthropist Bill Gates praises India's progress in different sectors Manish Sisodia to be produced at Delhi court in excise policy scam case Power Bank App fraud case: ED conducts searches at 14 locations, 3 arrested Special attention to be paid to hilly areas: CM Dhami instructs officials NCPCR writes to Delhi Police on Atishi using images of minors for politics

The High Commissioner also welcomed 10 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets on board who travelled as mascots of Puneet Sagar Abhiyaan aimed at promoting the clean waterway environment and spreading the message to future generations.

Robin Goh, International Cooperation head at Singapore Police Coast Guard (SPCG) led his officers to reception on board Samudra Paheredar.

"In today's ever-changing maritime domain, it is important that enforcement agencies like SPCG and the Indian Coast Guard continue to collaborate closely in ensuring the safety and security of our waters, Goh said.

SPCG looks forward to strengthening this friendship and collaboration with our friends from the Indian coast guard, he added.

We hope the officers have gained a good insight into SPCG operations, training methodology and facilities.

It is a testament to the strong friendship and bilateral relationship between both agencies, said Goh.

Welcoming guests on board his vessel, DIG Pramod Pokhriyal said the Singapore visit was to promote Indian professionalism in terms of shipbuilding and to exhibit how India and the Indian Coast Guard are deeply concerned about the maritime environment.

He underlined the importance of Puneet Sagar Abhiyaan to keep our water bodies and ocean clean.

He further shared that the recently announced Regional Maritime Pollution Centre in Chennai aims to deal with marine pollution in the entire Asian region and train the country's response to marine pollution.

We know that Singapore is a highly committed nation in respect of environmental protection and has various initiatives for safeguarding the marine environment," Pokhriyal said.

We really hope this visit will not only provide us with a memorable and insightful experience but also enhance and deepen our ties in years to come. We look forward to more such interactions with a vision of making this world an even more beautiful, peaceful and lively place to stay.

ICGS Samudra Paheredar arrived here on March 1 from Campbell Bay and sailed on Saturday for Cambodia.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Saturday said the state's BJP government will not protect the accused party MLA and his son, who was caught taking a bribe, and added that there is no question of interfering with the probe conducted by Lokayukta.

Speaking to reporters, Yediyurappa said that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has already issued a statement in this regard.

"No one is trying to interfere with the probe. The Chief Minister has stated that the required action will be initiated under the legal framework. I will not speak about it any further," he added.

Yediyurappa refused to comment on the protest by the Congress leaders demanding Bommai's resignation.

Meanwhile, Lokayukta sources explained that they are preparing to arrest Channagiri constituency MLA Madal Virupakshappa in connection with the case.

His son Prashanth Madal was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 40 lakh cash as bribe towards allotment of a tender.

Also Read Lokayukta police registers case against Yediyurappa, family members CM, Yediyurappa having breakfast at Dalit's house photo-op: Congress Upper Bhadra scheme to be state's first national project: Karnataka CM 2023 polls will be as much of a test for Opposition parties as for BJP Matter of pride govt institute competing with private institutes: K'taka CM Railways to start Vande Bharat train from Mumbai-Goa: Union minister Danve WPL could offer a path to India Team for the youth: Gujarat Giants' captain More than crypto, I am interested in artificial intelligence: Elon Musk Bill Gates meets PM Modi, discusses India's innovation and progress Kejriwal to address public rally in K'taka to kickstart poll campaign

Virupakshappa has been made prime accused in the case.

The development has caused severe embarrassment to the ruling BJP.

Prashanth Madal has been sent to 14-days judicial custody.

Virupakshappa, who was the Chairman of the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), has resigned from the post and denied any involvement in the case.

A total of Rs 2.02 crore was seized from the private office of Prashant Madal on Crescent Road and Rs 6.10 crore was seized from the residence of Virupakshappa.

Meanwhile, the Congress is staging a protest demanding resignation of Bommai in front of his residence.

--IANS

mka/ksk/
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday expressed displeasure about the conditions in which doctors at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Civic Hospital (CSMH) in Kalwa area here work. Speaking after a visit to the hospital, Shinde, who is an MLA from Thane, said the doctors must be provided better working conditions and facilities. He also directed Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar to take strict action against erring officials.

Doctors at the hospital were working hard but they were not getting good facilities, Shinde noted. His government had vowed to make Mumbai pothole-free within two years and Thane, its twin city, can not be left behind, the chief minister said. Shinde on this occasion launched road repair works worth Rs 391 crore in the city and inaugurated an underground parking facility at Gamdevi Maidan among other projects.


According to Gautam Budh Nagar Drug inspector, Uttar Pradesh, "Centre recommends the State Drug Controller Authority to cancel manufacturing licence of Marion biotech after 22 out of 36 samples taken for testing from it were found adulterated with Ethylene glycol." The Central government on Saturday recommended the Uttar Pradesh Drug Controller Authority to cancel the manufacturing licence of Marion biotech after 22 out of 36 samples taken for testing from it were found adulterated with Ethylene glycol, said Gautam Budh Nagar Drug inspector on Saturday.



The Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd had come under the scanner in December last year for its cough syrup Dok-1 which is suspected to have led to the death of 18 children who consumed it in Uzbekistan after which the CDSCO launched a probe into the matter. On March 4, Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority recommended the Centre regarding cancellation of the license after the company has been found using substandard syrups. The company Marion Biotech had supplied the cough syrups that reportedly caused the deaths of Children in Uzbekistan.



The case had been registered at Gautam Buddha Nagar Phase-3 Police Station under various sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. A probe had been launched last year into the Noida-based drug manufacturer after the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan. Earlier on Friday, the Noida Police arrested three people for the manufacture and sale of duplicate medicines who are linked with the pharmaceutical firm that manufactured cough syrup whose use is alleged to have led to the death of some children in Uzbekistan last year. The accused have been identified as Atul Rawat, Tuhin Bhattacharya and Mool Singh and were arrested from Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd.
Delhi airport is now a transshipment hub for export cargo from Bangladesh to other countries and the first batch of transhipment cargo will leave for Spain on Sunday.

The airport's operator DIAL said the cargo transshipment via Delhi will cost manufacturers and suppliers significantly less as compared to other routes.

On February 7, DIAL received the government's approval for the airport to serve as a cargo transshipment hub between Bangladesh and other global destinations for export cargo.

The first batch of cargo, which left Dhaka on February 26 arrived at Delhi airport on Friday and will leave for its destined location in Spain on March 5, DIAL said in a release.

The transshipment cargo will reach from Dhaka to Delhi, via the Bangladesh-India border at Benapole-Petrapol.

"Once the cargo leaves the Petrapol border after all security checks, the manufacturers will be able to track their shipment throughout its journey, including its arrival at the Delhi airport, during security clearances, and final uploading of cargo on the aircraft," the release said.

Also Read Port cargo traffic growth in November slows to 3% amid trade slowdown Bangladesh Minister seeks international recognition of 1971 genocide Fitch affirms Bangladesh's issuer default rating at 'BB-'; outlook stable Metal stocks: Will export duty rollback help? Number of operational airports in country rises to 140 from 74 in 2014 Delhi excise case: Raghav Magunta's judicial custody extended for 14 days AAP workers protest outside party office before Sisodia's court hearing Delhi excise policy scam case: CBI produces Manish Sisodia before court Hetero to invest Rs 1,000 crore in AP in over 2 years to expand pharma biz PM to attend swearing-in ceremony of BJP govt in Tripura on March 8

DIAL, a subsidiary of GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd, has created a special truck docking facility and a dedicated X-ray area for the swift transfer of cargo to their outbound locations.

The government's decision is expected to boost the national economy while reducing the shipment cost significantly for manufacturers and increasing the daily export of international cargo via Delhi airport, including ready-made garments (RMG), handlooms, footwear, leather products, jute products, and pharmaceuticals.

DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said that with this initiative, Delhi Airport is on its way to becoming the international cargo hub of the world, serving as a transshipment centre between East and West.

Delhi airport is the largest cargo hub airport in the South Asia region, with two integrated cargo terminals having an annual cargo handling capacity of 1.8 million metric tonnes which is scalable to 2.3 million metric tonnes.
U.S. and Iranian flags are seen in this Sept. 8 photo. Reuters-Yonhap



The United States imposed sanctions Thursday on firms it said had transported or sold Iranian petroleum or petrochemical products in violation of U.S. restrictions, including two companies based in China.



The sanctions are part of a Washington push to curb Iranian oil smuggling and come as efforts to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal have stalled in part due to increasingly strained ties between the Islamic Republic and the West.



In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the sanctions target 11 firms and 20 affiliated shipping vessels that had facilitated Iran's petroleum and petrochemical trade.



"These designations underscore our continued efforts to enforce our sanctions against Iran," Blinken said.



Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York accused the Biden administration of "basically repeating the failed maximum pressure policy of the former U.S. government," referring to former President Donald Trump's administration.



"Iran has gotten used to these sanctions, but if the U.S. wants to return to JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal) one day, it will be challenging for the U.S. government to lift all of them," Iran's U.N. mission told Reuters.



Two of the sanctioned firms are based in China, with others in Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates, according to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The sanctions freeze the firms' U.S. assets and generally bar Americans from dealing with them.



The U.S. issued the sanctions under a 2018 U.S. executive order that restored sanctions targeting Iran's oil, banking and transportation sectors.



Trump imposed the 2018 order after abandoning the 2015 nuclear deal, which reined in Iran's nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. President Joe Biden's administration has tried, but failed, to revive the pact over the last two years.



On Thursday, the Treasury Department issued a general license authorizing limited transactions with the 20 sanctioned vessels under what it called a "wind-down" period through June 29, a document on its website showed. (Reuters)




Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday extended the judicial custody of Raghav Magunta arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the excise policy case, for 14 days.

The court also asked the ED to file a reply on Magunta's bail plea by March 13 and listed it for next hearing on March 16.

Raghav Magunta, son of MP Magunta Srinivas Reddy, was arrested last month under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Special Judge M.K. Nagpal sent the accused to judicial custody.

The ED has alleged that rfghav Magunta was involved in various activities of possession, use, transfer, etc. of the proceeds of crime worth at least Rs 180 crore.

According to the ED's charge sheet, a part of the alleged Rs 100 crore kickback generated in the crime was used in the Goa Assembly election campaign of the Aam Aadmi Party.

Also Read Delhi excise policy case: HC seeks ED's reply in Benoy Babu's bail plea ED arrests YSR Congress MP's son in Delhi excise policy money laundering AI 'pee-gate': Delhi court extends accused judicial custody by 14 days Delhi Excise Policy case: Court extends Vijay Nair's CBI custody till Oct 6 Story in numbers: 5 people die in judicial custody every day, shows data AAP workers protest outside party office before Sisodia's court hearing Delhi excise policy scam case: CBI produces Manish Sisodia before court Hetero to invest Rs 1,000 crore in AP in over 2 years to expand pharma biz PM to attend swearing-in ceremony of BJP govt in Tripura on March 8 Security forces deployed outside CBI HQ before Sisodia's court appearance

Based on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s FIR, the ED's money laundering case arose.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia with other excise officials of the government were mentioned as accused in the CBI and the ED complaints.

--IANS

spr/ksk/
President Draupadi Murmu said that understanding the cause of suffering of humanity and showing the way to remove that suffering is the specialty of humanism of the past, which has become more important in today's era.

Murmu made this statement while addressing the gathering, including foreign delegates on the inaugural day of the seventh International Dharma-Dhamma Conference organised in Madhya Pradesh's state capital Bhopal on Friday.

She asserted that the concept of 'Dharma-Dhamma' has been the basic voice of Indian consciousness.

"It is said in our tradition that the one who holds everyone, is religion. The entire humanity rests on the foundation stone of religion," Murmu said, adding that development of individual and society with the spirit of friendship, compassion and non-violence etc. has been the main message of humanism of the East.

Murmu also said that personal conduct and social order based on morality is the practical form of earlier humanism. It has been considered the duty of every person to preserve and strengthen this system based on morality.

"Prayer has been a part of our life. This is the essence of humanism of the past and also the biggest need of today's era," she added.

Also Read President Murmu inaugurates 7th International Dharma Dhamma Conference Prez Murmu to inaugurate international 'Dharma-Dhamma' conference on Friday President Murmu to inaugurate 7th Dharma-Dhamma Conference in Bhopal President Droupadi Murmu to embark on a two-day visit to Arunachal today FY22 emerges most profitable for Yash Raj, Dharma despite Covid-19 SC issues notices on pleas against HC order on YES Bank's AT1 bonds SC lowers criterion for appointment as president, member of consumer forums Safety, trust can't be sacrificed at altar of freedom of speech: MoS Mansukh Mandaviya, Ashwini Vaishnaw flag off Jan Aushadhi train AIIMS Delhi to join hands with other govt hospitals for cross referrals

Murmu wished that the entire world community should be benefitted by the humanism of the East.

Meanwhile, she congratulated the Madhya Pradesh government and India Foundation for organising the 'Dharma-Dhamma' conference.

"In India, religion has occupied a central place in the social system and political activities since ancient times. The deep impact of 'Dharma-Dhamma' is clearly visible on the democratic system we adopted after independence. This is clearly reflected in our national symbols. Representatives from various countries are participating in the International Dharma-Dhamma Conference, which symbolises the global appeal of the idea of Dharma-Dhamma," Murmu said while addressing the inaugural session of the event.

The three-day conference under the theme 'Eastern Humanism for the New Era' began on Friday at Bhopal's Kushabhau Thakre auditorium in a bid to bring together religious, political and thought leaders from Dharma-Dhamma traditions to ponder over building a philosophical framework for the emerging new world order.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held wide-ranging talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart M U M Ali Sabry focusing on facilitating Sri Lanka's economic recovery as well boosting bilateral trade.

India extended financial assistance worth around USD 4 billion to Sri Lanka, including lines of credit for purchases of food and fuel, last year when it was reeling under a severe economic crisis.

New Delhi also provided guarantees to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help the country secure a USD 2.9 billion bailout package.

"Nice to catch up FM @alisabrypc of Sri Lanka. Thank him for his #RaisinaDialogue2023 participation," Jaishankar said on Twitter.

"We took stock of our cooperation that is focused on facilitating Sri Lanka's economic recovery. Discussions covered investment, trade and development partnership," he said.

Sabry described the meeting as "constructive".

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"I met with @DrSJaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India at Hyderabad House during my official visit to New Delhi. We had a constructive bilateral meeting and reviewed the current status of Indo-Lanka relations," he said.

Sabry was in New Delhi to attend the Raisina Dialogue.

The external affairs minister also held separate bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Mlanie Joly, Slovak foreign minister Rastislav Kacer and Armenia's Ararat Mirzoyan.

"Wide-ranging conversation with FM @melaniejoly of Canada. Discussed the G20 agenda and global developments. Bilateral issues included trade, connectivity and people to people ties," Jaishankar tweeted.

While Joly was in India to attend the G20 foreign ministers' meeting, the Slovak and Armenian foreign ministers came for the Raisina Dialogue.

On his meeting with Kacer, Jaishankar said the two sides noted steady progress in political and economic ties and that the discussions also figured the Ukraine conflict and other global developments.

"Also pleased to sign Cultural Exchange Programme agreement with Slovak Republic," he tweeted.

In another tweet, Jaishankar said: "Glad to welcome FM @AraratMirzoyan of Armenia.Reviewed our bilateral and multilateral partnership. Discussed broad-basing the agenda of cooperation.
A court here on Saturday extended the CBI custody of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested by the agency in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case, for two days.

Special CBI Judge M.K. Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Court has also listed Sisodia's bail plea for March 10.

The AAP leader while addressing the court said that the CBI were asking the same questions again and again and it is mental harassment.

"They are not using third degree. But sitting for eight to nine hours and answering same questions again and again, that too, is mental harassment," he told the Court.

The court had also directed the CBI to conduct his medical exams at regular intervals.

The central probe agency had arrested Sisodia on February 26 after eight hours of questioning.

Also Read Delhi court to declare order on CBI plea for Sisodia's custody later today Excise case: Delhi court remands Sisodia in five-day of CBI custody CBI to seeks further custody of Manish Sisodia in Delhi excise policy scam Mumbai court remands Chanda, Deepak Kochhar, Venugopal Dhoot in CBI custody AI 'pee-gate': Delhi court extends accused judicial custody by 14 days We want to cooperate, work together in maritime domain: Indian Navy Chief Delhi court reserves order on CBI plea for 3 more days of Sisodia's custody Paper leak is injustice to Rajasthan's youth: BJP leader Arun Singh Delhi excise case: Raghav Magunta's judicial custody extended for 14 days Delhi airport becomes transshipment hub for export cargo from Bangladesh

--IANS

spr/ksk/
The government is not in a "crazy rush" to sell everything and it will continue to have a presence in four strategic sectors, including telecom, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday.

In strategic sectors, a bare minimum presence of the existing public sector commercial enterprises at the holding company level will be retained under government control. The remaining enterprises in a strategic sector will be considered for privatisation or merger with another PSE or for closure.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, the minister said that the country will have government-owned professionally run companies in four broad strategic sectors.

According to the PSE Policy, the four broad strategic sectors are - atomic energy, space and defence; transport and telecommunication; Power, Petroleum, Coal and other minerals; and Banking, Insurance and Financial Services.

The policy, she added, "is not a crazy rushing out to sell everything..nor it is saying that the government will run the business of producing pins to crops to everything. So where the government doesn't have to be, it won't. But where because of strategic interests you have to be, it will be there like telecom for instance.

"There will be a telecom company which will be government owned and it will be run professionally."



Explaining the minimum presence of government in those core sectors, she said, "We mean that institutions which are big enough to run on their own steam will be there but if there are others who are very small or unsustainable or not scalable, if there is a possibility, we will try to blend them so that bigger unit, sustainable unit, a unit which can on its own take care of its needs."



The government will blend them and create a larger entity which can continue to be there, she said.

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Sitharaman in the latest Budget announced that the government will raise Rs 51,000 crore by selling stakes in various state-run companies in FY24. This is marginally higher than the current year ending on March 31, 2023.

In the last budget, the government intended to raise Rs 65,000 crore through divestments, which was later revised to Rs 50,000 crore. At present, the government is trying to work on the privatisation of a number of central public sector enterprises, such as IDBI Bank, Shipping Corporation of India, NMDC Steel, BEML, HLL Lifecare, Container Corporation of India and Vizag Steel.

Process for disinvestment for these companies have already started and are at different levels, and are expected to be completed in the next fiscal if the target of Rs 51,000 crore is to be met.

The government has missed its disinvestment target for the past four years.

On asset monetisation, Sitharaman said it is being encouraged so that assets which are not optimally generating revenues are used to generate earnings for the government or its entities.

Monetisation does not mean selling or giving assets for free but a certain value is assessed and accordingly put to productive use, she said, adding, asset monetization would continue.

Asked what gives her confidence that India's growth would be intact, the Finance Minister said, "we have the right combination of things that matter for a growing economy-- a middle class, captive market with purchasing power, tech-driven public investment and product and digital infrastructure."



Besides, she said, India has a rule of law which ensures justice to its citizens and business despite delays.

Talking about India's attractiveness, she said, there are several ministers who are part of the G20 who have been speaking of friendshoring (sourcing of products from countries with shared values).

India has been talking about how multilateral institutions need reform and at the recent G20 meeting India proposed to set up an expert panel on how multilateral development institutions should respond to the 21st-century challenges, she said.

On climate finance, the finance minister said there is a greater readiness to discuss the global south and their needs.
The airport at Hirasar in Gujarat's Rajkot district will be ready for operations by the end of this month and will have the longest runway in the state, a senior official said on Saturday.

Landing and other calibration tests began at the facility, located on the outskirts of Rajkot city, on Saturday, he said.

Talking to reporters, district collector Arun Mahesh Babu said the airport has a 3.5-km long runway, which is the longest in Gujarat, and it also has a 700-metre water tunnel below the runway, which is the longest in Asia.

"It is a historic day for Rajkot, as this will be the main airport for the entire Saurashtra region. This can also emerge as the largest airport in Gujarat...The instrument landing checking for the airport began today," Babu said.

Landing and systems calibrations through the air traffic control (ATC) will go on for two days, he said.

"Ninety-nine per cent work is complete. Seven windmills (located in the area) are being removed, and the approach road from the main road will be completed this month. We expect the facility to be ready by the end of March. The process for the DGCA approval is also underway. Once it is approved, the Centre will decide the date for its operation," the collector said.

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A temporary terminal with single-luggage transport and checking is ready. It will be used as a cargo terminal in the future. A permanent terminal will be ready by December this year, he said.

The Centre had in 2017 given a green clearance for the airport project at Hirasar, about 28 km from Rajkot, at a cost of more than Rs 1,400 crore.

The new airport was proposed in the district, as the existing one is small and the earlier plan to extend the current runway could not materialise because of high land cost.

The project is built in an area of 1,025.54 hectare, of which 96.48 per cent is government land. It will be a single runway airport for operating 'C' category aircraft, it was stated.
India's goods and services exports are expected to cross USD 750 billion this fiscal despite the global economic uncertainties, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday.

In 2021-22, the country's goods and services exports touched an all-time high of USD 422 billion and USD 254 billion respectively, taking the total shipments to USD 676 billion.

Last year we crossed a record USD 650 billion of goods and services (exports). This year, we are aiming for an even bigger recordWe have crossed last year's figure alreadyWe will hopefully cross USD 750 billion (this year), he said while speaking at the Raisina Dialogue here.

Due to the global demand slowdown, India's exports contracted for the second consecutive month in January, dipping by 6.6 per cent to USD 32.91 billion.

During April-January this fiscal, goods shipments rose by 8.5 per cent to USD 369.25 billion, while services exports were estimated at USD 272 billion in the period.

The minister said that sectors which would help in promoting exports include manufactured goods, agri products, labour intensive items, and high quality products.

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He expressed confidence that by 2030, India's goods and services exports would touch USD 2 trillion.

Replying to a question about widening trade deficit with China, he said the government is taking steps to boost domestic manufacturing of quality goods which would help in containing imports.

He added that until 2000-01, Indo-China total trade was about USD one billion and even till 2004, the trade was probably in the range of USD 4 billion and the trade deficit was about USD 1 billion.

After 2004, almost an outreach was done to engage more with China, to attract Chinese goods into the country in a big way. I do not want to politicise this subjectBut between 2004 and 2014, we saw trade grow very very rapidly and the trade deficit went up by nearly 35 times, Goyal said.

He said that the previous governments should be held accountable for the jump in the trade deficit with China.

But the nation has held them accountable for more than one occasion already and will probably continue to do that, he said, adding the earlier regime in India actually decimated Indian manufacturing capability and it never allowed Indian manufacturing to flourish.

However, now the government is creating that ecosystem to boost domestic manufacturing, he said.

We are working on bringing quality consciousness to the country, the minister said.

During April-December 2022-23, India's exports to China stood at USD 11 billion, while imports were aggregated at USD 75.9 billion. The trade deficit stood at USD 64.9 billion.

On the semiconductor industry, he said a big announcement has already been made to set up a semiconductor facility in Gujarat and many other semiconductor companies around the world are in dialogue with the ministry of electronics and information technology.

On free trade agreements, he said that negotiations are going on very well with countries including the UK, and Canada.

We are on the right path and these agreements have to be equitable and win-win for both, Goyal said.
In a bid to strengthen the surveillance capabilities along the border areas, including borders with China, the Indian Army would be soon equipped with 'jetpack suits'.

The testing and demonstration of the jetpack suits made by British company 'Gravity Industries' were held recently at the Army Airborne Training School (AATS) in Agra.

Richard Browning, the founder of Gravity Industries, gave a demo of the jetpack system to the Indian Army.

The Indian Aerospace Defence News (IADN) shared a video on Twitter showing the Gravity Industries founder flying over a water body, road and fields in Agra.

The jetpack suit has three jet engines - one on the back and the other two on each hand, which helps the person to navigate in the air.

The Army had issued a request for the purchase of 44 jetpack suits through the fast-track procedure.

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According to officials, the AATS imparts training in the aerial distribution of materials in various fields. Research and testing related to para-dropping are also carried out at the AATS.

A jetpack suit is a device that propels the wearer through the air. The device uses gas or liquid as fuel.

The testing of the jetpack suit in the country comes at a time when the Army is focusing on strengthening its overall surveillance mechanism along the nearly 3,500-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Especially after the dispute with Chinese troops on the eastern Ladakh border.

The jetpack suit is worn like a backpack and can carry a person weighing not more than 80 kg. It has a maximum speed of 50 km per hour.

--IANS

gcb/prw/sha
With Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin assuring protection to migrant workers amid rumours of attacks on them, various industry bodies on Saturday here requested him to telecast messages in Hindi to allay fears of the labourers coming from the Hindi-speaking region to the state.

Federation of Coimbatore Industrial Association (FOCIA) said such a step was necessary since the workers have been misled that the state was unsafe for them as fake news about attacks on Hindi-speaking migrant labourers in Tamil Nadu have been unleashed on social media sites, which has triggered panic among the labourers' families back in Bihar.

Stalin warned against those spreading rumours and fake news and termed them as "anti-Indians".

Earlier in the day, the Tamil Nadu CM reassured his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar that all migrant workers are safe in the State and he asserted that swift action would be taken against rumour-mongers spreading panic.

The administration and police in Tirupur and Coimbatore districts, where a high number of migrant workers are employed in the textile industries, issued statements of taking stringent action against those spreading rumours that the place was hostile for the workers.

Tirupur District Collector S Vineeth said there was a large presence of labourers in railway stations as they were heading to native places to celebrate Holi festival.

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BJP All India Mahila Morcha president and Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan expressed serious concern regarding workers reportedly leaving Tirupur over the issue.

The Constitution provides equal rights to all the citizens to work anywhere in the country and during her tour across the country after taking over as president, she found thousands of Tamils in other states and Union Territories including Andaman and Nicobar islands working there, Srinivasan said in a statement here.

Considering the seriousness of the problem, Chief Minister Stalin should take stringent action against persons spreading such rumours, and slap charges under the National Security Act against them if need be, the BJP leader added.

Meanwhile, two textile bodies said there was no discrimination between local workers and migrant workforce in terms of wages and both of them were treated equally by the industry.

In the last few weeks, a section of political outfits are making a hue and cry over the engagement of migrant workforce and demanding that the workers hailing from north India should not be permitted to work in Tamil Nadu, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry chairman and Southern India Mills Association Chairman, T Rajkumar and Ravi Sam, respectively said in a statement.

Such groups are sowing seeds of hatred in the minds of working class in Tamil Nadu, against employing migrant workers and such an attitude would pose a danger to an industrially-developed state like Tamil Nadu and affect the performance of the industry on a whole, the industry bodies pointed out.
Rajya Sabha leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday announced a new platform to fight "injustice" prevailing in the country under the BJP-led government, calling on everyone, including opposition chief ministers and leaders, to support him in his endeavour.

Addressing a press conference here, Sibal said he was launching the platform "Insaaf" and a website "Insaaf ke sipahi" to help people rise in the fight against injustice with lawyers at the forefront of the initiative.

He said on March 11, he will hold a meeting of the initiative at Jantar Mantar where he will put forward a vision for India.

Sibal said it was an open invitation for everyone, including opposition leaders and common people, to join him at the event.

He sought the support of opposition chief ministers and leaders for his initiative.

"This will be a national level platform where lawyers will be at the forefront. RSS shakhas have also been spreading their ideology in every locality which gives rise to injustice. We will fight that injustice also," he said.

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The senior advocate said this was a people's platform and dismissed suggestions that he was launching any political party.
Ales Bialiatski, the head of Belarusian Vyasna rights group, sits in a defendants' cage during a court session in Minsk, Belarus, Jan. 5. AP-Yonhap





Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights activist Ales Bialiatski was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday by a court in his native Belarus which found him guilty of financing protests in a trial condemned by the United States and the European Union as a "sham."







Bialiatski, 60, was awarded the Nobel prize in October for his work promoting human rights and democracy in a country which President Alexander Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Russia, has ruled with an iron hand for nearly 30 years, violently locking up his opponents or forcing them to flee.







Footage from the cramped Minsk court showed Bialiatski, who co-founded the Vyasna (Spring) human rights group, looking somber, his hands cuffed behind his back, as he and his co-defendants watched proceedings from a courtroom cage.







Bialiatski, who was arrested in 2021, and three co-defendants were charged with financing protests and smuggling money. Belarusian state news agency Belta confirmed the court had handed down long jail sentences to all the men, including a decade in prison for Bialiatski. He denied the charges levied against him, saying they were politically motivated.







Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said Bialiatski and the three other activists had been unfairly convicted, describing the court verdict as "appalling."







"We must do everything to fight against this shameful injustice free them," she said on Twitter.







The other three men convicted were Valentin Stefanovich, sentenced to nine years, Vladimir Labkovich to seven years, and Dmitry Solovyov, who received eight years but was not present in court.







Human rights activist Ales Bialiatski, founder of the Vyasna organization, receives the 2020 Right Livelihood Award at the digital award ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden Dec. 3, 2020. Reuters-Yonhap









U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, calling on Twitter for the men's immediate release, described the court ruling as a "sham" and "an attempt to suppress democracy and human rights in Belarus."







Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, described their trials as an attempt to silence them, a tactic he said would fail.







"Lukashenko will not succeed. Their call for freedom is loud, even behind bars," Borrell said in a statement.







German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called the trial "a farce."







"The Minsk regime is fighting civil society with violence and imprisonment," Baerbock wrote on Twitter. She said it "is as much a daily disgrace" as Lukashenko's support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.







Berit Reiss-Andersen, leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, called Bialiatski's conviction a politically-motivated "tragedy".







"The case, the verdict against him, is a tragedy for him personally. But it also shows that the regime in Belarus does not tolerate freedom of expression and opposition," she said in an interview in Oslo.







Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, told a briefing in Geneva that the United Nations body was disturbed by the trial and worried by "the lack of fair trial proceedings and access to an independent judiciary in Belarus".







That, she said, placed human rights defenders at risk of criminal prosecution for their legitimate activities.







At the end of 2022, there were at least 1,446 people  including 10 children  being held, having faced or still facing criminal proceedings, said Shamdasani, without elaborating.







Bialiatski, who was also a Soviet-era dissident, was one of the most prominent of hundreds of Belarusians who were jailed during a crackdown on months of anti-government protests that erupted in the summer of 2020 and continued into 2021.







Vyasna, the organization he co-founded, took a leading role in providing legal and financial assistance to those jailed.







Mass demonstrations took place after Lukashenko was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election, a result which the opposition and Western countries said was fraudulent. (Reuters)


Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday dismissed the Congress demand for his resignation following the recovery of Rs 8.23 crore cash from BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa's son Prashanth Kumar M V, saying that the opposition party is left with no other job.

Hitting out at former chief minister Siddaramaiah, he said there were 59 corruption cases, which could not be investigated because he had weakened the Lokayukta institution by bifurcating it and creating an anti-corruption bureau.

Speaking to reporters here, he said his government has given independence to the Lokayukta which made the impartial probe possible.

"The opposition has no other job other than seeking my resignation. I would like to ask Siddaramaiah whether he had resigned as chief minister when Rs two lakh was found from a minister's house," Bommai said.

He also said that Siddaramaiah would have been arrested had there been a strong Lokayukta in the state.

"Siddaramaiah had weakened the Lokayukta institutions to cover up such cases. Today the impartial probe is taking place due to a strong Lokayukta," Bommai said.

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The Congress which shut 59 cases cannot wash off its sin by making these allegations, the Chief Minister said adding that the Congress resorted to demonstration and was seeking my resignation to cover up its corruption cases.

Stating that his government has waged a fight against corruption he said no one would be spared irrespective of the party affiliation.

"It's our battle against corruption irrespective of party affiliations. If there is anyone who has morality then it is us. We are very clear. Our policies are very clear. Whoever indulges in such an act, we have given independence to the Lokayukta to probe it impartially. The law is doing its duty and the guilty will be punished," Bommai said.

More than Rs eight crore unaccounted cash has been seized in subsequent raids at various locations by Lokayukta two days ago. Prashanth, a Karnataka administrative services officer, is the son of Madal Virupakshappa, the MLA representing Channagiri constituency in Davangere district of the state.

Lokayukta sources said apart from cash, documents for huge investment in land, gold and silver were also found from the MLA's house.

The MLA Virupakshappa, who resigned as the Karnataka Soaps and Detergent Limited chairman, the office where his son was caught red-handed receiving cash, termed the trap a conspiracy against him.
The Kerala health department has ordered for temporary closure of Silver Storm Water Theme Park in Athirappilly near here after symptoms of leptospirosis were detected in several children who visited the theme park.

The directive for the closure came from State Health Minister Veena George after the health department officials conducted an inspection at the theme park.

The theme park has been asked to conduct a total cleaning of the water being used in the park.

The health department meanwhile has decided to check all those who visited the theme park after February 17.

A group of school children who had visited the theme park recently and within few days, they were detected with fever.

--IANS

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sg/sha
LIVE updates: A court on Saturday extended the CBI custody of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested by the agency in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case, for two days. Special CBI Judge M.K. Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Court has also listed Sisodia's bail plea for March 10. ...Read More
The former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam, will be produced before the Rouse Avenue District Court after the expiry of his custodial remand, sources said.

The source said that Sisodia will be produced by 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The sources have also claimed that they would further seek the custodial remand of Sisodia.

The CBI sources have claimed that the former Aam Aadmi Party Minister was still evasive and was not cooperating.

The central probe agency sources said that in January they seized a computer from the office of Sisodia. Later, it was learnt that files and other data were deleted from the computer. The CBI then sent the computer to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to retrieve the deleted files. Now the FSL has given them a report and retrieved the whole file deleted from the computer.

Apart from this, Sisodia was also confronted with the statement of an IAS official, who turned approver against him and got his statement recorded under section 164 of the CrPC.

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A day after his arrest Sisodia resigned from his post. Satyendar Jain, who is currently in jail and was holding the Delhi Health Minister's post also resigned along with him.

The CBI has alleged in the remand paper that Sisodia played a crucial role in the Delhi excise policy scam.

"The report of the expert committee in connection with excise policy was changed by Sisodia only to benefit a few liquor businessmen. This was also done as through accused Vijay Nair, they had collected Rs 100 crore from South Group being controlled by South India-based liquor businessmen and politician. They would be more benefited through the policy. Payment of Rs 100 crore was done through hawala channel, which we have traced. We have learnt that between September and October 2021, Sisodia changed around 14 cellphones and four SIM cards. The purpose of changing the cell phone was nothing but to destroy the evidence. Devender Sharma, the secretary of Sisodia, had provided all these mobile phones, we have his statement in this respect," said the source.

The CBI has already filed a charge-sheet against seven persons and they are all set to file a supplementary charge-sheet in the case.

--IANS

atk/khz/
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to the Delhi Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police to probe and take action against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi for using children and posting their images on Twitter for alleged political agenda.

In its letter, the child rights body said it has received a complaint regarding social media posts of Atishi who have uploaded images on their Twitter handles wherein minor children are seen holding posters for Manish Sisodia in schools.

"The Commission is in receipt of a complaint wherein it has been informed that Atishi Singh has uploaded images on their Twitter handle wherein minor children are seen holding posters for Manish Sisodia in schools," the NCPCR said in a letter.

Former Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of GNCTD.

The commission also observed that the image allegedly uploaded by the leader was in order to divert attention in the ongoing/pending investigation by CBI against Manish Sisodia".

"It is alleged that the said images are uploaded by Atishi Singh in order to divert attention in the ongoing/pending investigation by CBI against Manish Sisodia in Delhi Liquor Policy Case in furtherance of their personal agenda. Further, the Commission also observes that the posts uploaded by Atishi Singh showing images of children clearly indicates misuse of the students studying in Schools in Delhi for personal agenda which may adversely affect the psychosocial behaviour of young children for the glorification of accused person in liquor scam," the Commission said.

Also Read AAP MLAs Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj to be elevated to Delhi cabinet Meta launches new platform to remove minors' intimate images online NCPCR asks states to probe admission of non-Muslim students in madrassas NCPCR summons BYJU's CEO Raveendran over allegation of malpractice Byju's denies buying student databases after NCPCR Chief's allegation Time for bigger ambition post 25 yrs of France-India partnership: French FM 17 pacts signed for investments worth Rs 2,110 crore in Himachal: CM 200,000 mobile banking malware installers discovered in 2022: Report Govt to bring law to curb child abuse material on internet: Minister Rupee records best one-day rise against US dollar in nearly 4 months

The apex body also observed that the Aam Aadmi Party workers have installed stalls in and around the school campus and the children are being used for their political campaigning and personal agenda favouring the accused Manish Sisodia.

"Furthermore, it is also seen that Aam Aadmi Party workers have installed stalls in and around the school campus and the children are being used for their political campaigning and personal agenda favouring the accused Manish Sisodia. The Commission primarily observed that this action seems to be in violation of Section 75 and Section 83 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and other relevant provisions of IPC," it said.

The commission has asked the Delhi Police to take appropriate action under the Juvenile Justice Act and Information Technology Act.

In view of the allegations, made in the complaint, the Commission deems it appropriate to take cognizance U/s_13/ (I) (j) of CPCR Act, 2005 and observes a prima-facie violation of relevant provisions of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children) Act, 2015, IPC and Information Technology Act.

The NCPCR asked the Delhi Police to lodge an FIR against the AAP MLA for "misusing her position and power for her personal agenda by involving children, posting and using images of minors without their consent".

"Therefore, in view of the sensitivity of the matter the Commission requests your good offices to investigate the matter urgently by lodging an FIR against Atishi Singh for misusing her position and power for her personal agenda by involving children, posting and using images of minors without their consent. Further, an Action Taken Report in this regard may be submitted within 3 days of receipt of his letter," the Commission added.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights is a statutory body constituted under Section 3 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 to protect child rights and other related matters in the Country.

The Commission is further mandated to monitor the proper and effective implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,2012; Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

In one of the functions laid down under Section 13 of the CPCR Act, 2005, the Commission has been assigned with the function to examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the time being in force for the protection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation.

The Commission also has the powers of the Civil Court trying a suit under Section 14 of CPCR Act, 2005 and the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches in as many as 14 premises in Surat SEZ, Ahmedabad and Mumbai in connection with an alleged Power Bank App fraud case.

"Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Friday, conducted searches at as many as 14 premises pertaining to M/s. Sagar Diamond Limited, a BSE-listed company, M/s. RHC Global Exports Limited, their director namely Vaibhav Dipak Shah and their associates in Surat SEZ, Ahmedabad and Mumbai in Power Bank App fraud case," the ED stated in a press release on Friday.

The searches were part of an investigation carried out by the central agency under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002, on an FIR filed by Delhi Police in connection with the alleged Power Bank App fraud.

Thousands of common people have been cheated through the application managed by Chinese nationals in connivance with their associates in India, which includes Vaibhav Dipak Shah and M/s. Sagar Diamond Ltd, the ED alleged.

"The searches revealed that proceeds of crime generated from the fraud have been routed and possessed by M/s. Sagar Diamond Ltd. and others. The number of manufacturing units of the entities at Surat SEZ was found involved in an exorbitant overvaluation of Import/Export of Diamonds, Gem Stones and other precious metals and siphoning of funds abroad in the garb of bogus imports. During the search, stock to the tune of Rs. Thousands of Crore shown in the books of account were found to be highly overvalued and having an actual value of Rs. 10 Crore approx. Synthetic ruby of insignificant value was shown as a precious gem," the ED stated in its release.

During the searches, cash worth Rs 25 lakh, gold/diamond and other valuables amounting to Rs 10 crore, digital devices and documents related to bogus impors and exports have also been seized.

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So far, three persons have been arrested in the case and a number of non-bailable warrants have been issued in the matter

Further investigation is underway in the case, the ED stated.
The construction of model pre-fabricated houses being built on the horticulture department land for displaced families in Uttarakhand's subsidence-hit Joshimath is now complete, an official said on Saturday



While three model pre-fabricated houses have been built on the horticulture department's land, two out of the total 15 being built in Dhaak village, around 10 km from the town, are also ready, Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana said after visiting the two sites on Saturday.

Officials have been asked to start allocating the finished houses among the affected families, he said.

The implementing agency in Dhaak village has been told to finish the construction of the remaining houses which are in the last stages of construction, the DM said.

Meanwhile, distribution of compensation among the affected families which began on Friday is also in progress with more than Rs 1.1 crore paid as compensation to the affected house owners so far, he said.
On the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Friday, held meetings with counterparts of Oman, France, Singapore and Bangladesh.

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said that he met Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, France's counterpart Catherine Colonna, Singapore's Vivian Balakrishnan and Bangladesh's Abdul Momen.

"A warm meeting with FM @badralbusaidi of Oman this evening. Value his #G20FMM and #RaisinaDialogue2023 participation Our bilateral cooperation is growing from strength to strength," Jaishankar tweeted.

"Great meeting with FM @MinColonna of France. Appreciated her support for our G20 Presidency. Agreed to coordinate more closely on global and multilateral issues. Also reviewed our bilateral relationship," he said in another tweet.

After meeting Singapore's FM, Jaishankar said that they exchange on the ever-strengthening cooperation and more. Much done and lots of possibilities in a fast-changing world.

"So nice to meet FM Dr Abdul Momen of Bangladesh on #G20FMM and #RaisinaDialogue2023 sidelines. Neighbourhood First, always," EAM said in a tweet.

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Meanwhile, Jaishankar concluded the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Brazil, Mauro Vieira and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Naledi Pando. He passed on IBSA Handover Report 2023 to chair Brazil. Our IBSA partnership will continue to work for the concerns of Global South

"Happy to pass on the IBSA Handover Report 2023 to chair Brazil today afternoon. Best wishes to colleague Mauro Vieira. Our IBSA partnership will continue to work for the concerns of the Global South," he added.

The Raisina Dialogue is the flagship think-tank event organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

During the Raisina Dialogue, the Quad Foreign Ministers took place presided over by Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi and US State Department Secretary Antony Blinken.

The Quad Foreign Ministers reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific and strongly supported the peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to threats or use of force and freedom of navigation and overflight.

"Our meeting today reaffirms the Quad's steadfast commitment to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive and resilient. We strongly support the principles of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to threat or use of force and freedom of navigation and overflight and oppose any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, all of which are essential to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," according to the statement released by Quad.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday flagged off a new UPSRTC bus service -- Rajdhani Express -- which will connect the state capital with all district headquarters.

Speaking on this occasion, Adityanath asked the Transport Department to work towards providing transportation to one lakh revenue villages in the state in the coming days.

As many as 115 new buses, including 76 Rajdhani Express buses and 39 general buses for different routes, were flagged off, according to an official statement.

Apart from this, an online reservation app UP-RAHI' was also launched, it said, adding that a postage stamp was also issued on the occasion of the completion of 50 years of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC).

"UP Transport Corporation is working towards a new, glorious journey while cherishing its golden journey in this first year of 'Amrit Kaal'. Prior to Holi, new accomplishments will be added to the journey that had begun 50 years ago, to facilitate the easy and smooth travel of 25 crore people," the CM said.

Lauding the works of the UPSRTC, Adityanath said that the role of the corporation during the Prayagraj Kumbh and the COVID-19 pandemic was commendable.

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The 45-day Kumbh festival drew 24 crore devotees. For this purpose, the state government provided 5,000 new buses to the UPSRTC fleet, he said.

Stating that 150 new buses have arrived ahead of Holi, Adityanath said, "The good news is that these buses are being made in the Transport Corporation workshop. To purchase 1,000 brand new buses, we gave Rs 400 crore. "



The chief minister also directed the Transport Corporation to provide better service to the one lakh revenue villages in the state.

The Transport Corporation must contact the Tourism and Revenue department. 'Dhabas' (roadside eateries), hotels should be built, so that people can use them, he said while emphasising that having these facilities will provide the young generation living in these villages with employment opportunities.

"Connect every district, more than 350 tehsils, 825 development blocks, and 762 municipal bodies with bus service. You can even have 30-seater buses in small villages," he said.

Adityanath also directed the Transport Department to sign an MoU with the Health Department for regular medical checkups of the bus driver-operator.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and UP's Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh were present on this occasion, the statement said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's India visit from March 8 and 11 is expected to provide further momentum to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

"I look forward to travelling to India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister @narendramodi. We will work to strengthen our security cooperation and deepen our economic, sporting and educational ties," said Anthony Albanese on Twitter on Saturday ahead of his visit.

He will be accompanied by Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, along with senior officials and a high-level business delegation.

This will be Prime Minister Albanese's first visit in his current role. He will arrive in Ahmedabad on March 8. He will also visit Mumbai on March 9 and reach Delhi later in the day.

In Delhi, the visiting dignitary will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on March 10.

Both the prime ministers will hold the Annual Summit to discuss areas of cooperation under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, besides regional and global issues of mutual interest.

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Prime Minister Albanese will also call on President Droupadi Murmu.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Australia share warm and friendly relations based on common values and democratic principles.

The Strategic Partnership between the two countries was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020 which has been strengthened and deepened through frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation across sectors.

Prime Minister Albanese's visit is expected to provide further momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

IANS

KVM

A
President Joe Biden listens as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, March 3. AP-Yonhap



U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met privately in the Oval Office for more than an hour Friday after declaring themselves in "lockstep" on maintaining pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.



Even their top advisers were left out of the conversation. When the meeting ended, Biden and Scholz walked across the hall to the Roosevelt Room, where American and German officials had been mingling. Biden joked that the two leaders had solved all the world's problems by themselves, according to a senior administration official, who requested anonymity to describe the closed-door discussions.



If any agreements were reached or plans made, the White House wasn't saying. The official readout of the meeting provided little additional detail, except to say the two leaders discussed the war and "exchanged perspectives on other global issues."



The conversation came at a delicate moment in the conflict. Ukraine and Russia are preparing for spring offensives, meaning a steady flow of Western weapons will be important for Kyiv's success on the battlefield.



However, there are fresh concerns that public support for ongoing military assistance may be waning. In addition, U.S. officials have warned that China could step off the sidelines and begin providing ammunition to Moscow, a decision that would change the trajectory of the war by allowing Moscow to replenish its depleted stockpiles.



China is Germany's top trading partner, and European nations have generally been more cautious than the United States in taking a hard line with Beijing. However, there are signs that may be shifting as global rivalries grow tenser.



In a speech to the German parliament, Thursday, Scholz called on China to "use your influence in Moscow to press for the withdrawal of Russian troops, and do not supply weapons to the aggressor Russia."



During brief public remarks Friday, Scholz said the Western allies would support Ukraine for "as long as it takes."



"This is a very, very important year because of the dangerous threat to peace that comes from Russia invading Ukraine," he said.



Biden thanked Germany for providing "critical military support."



"And I would argue, beyond the military support, the moral support you've given Ukrainians has been profound," he said.



Biden said, "Together, we worked lockstep to supply critical security assistance to Ukraine," and Scholz also described the U.S.-German effort as "lockstep."





President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, March 3. AP-Yonhap
Highlighting the ever-changing technology in the field of modern warfare, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Saturday underscored the importance of cooperation and working together in the maritime domain.

Speaking at a panel discussion on 'The future of conflict: Lessons from the Third Decade' at Delhi: Raisina Dialogue 2023, the Navy said, "In the maritime domain, challenges are not traditional or non-traditional. It is a problem for all of us. We always look to cooperate and work together in the maritime domain."

Modern warfare has changed from large-scale clashes of armies to suppression of civilian populations via chemical weapons, drones (used extensively in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war), etc.

"Whenever technology is developed, we find that there is always a counter to it. As we are seeing in the ongoing Ukraine war, when technology is brought into the battlefield it is immediately countered," the Navy chief said.

Underlining the importance of small groupings for an agile coalition and partnership, he said, "When we work in smaller groups then it serves the purpose and generates trust in partner countries. India as a country looks at everybody in the region to prosper together."

Apart from Kumar, the other participants at the panel discussion comprised Bec Shrimpton, Director of the Sydney Dialogue, Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and former Defence, DFAT, Austrade and senior adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, General Koji Yamazaki, Chief of Staff of Japan Self-Defense Forces, Admiral John C Aquilino, Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief Of Naval Staff, VADM/VAM Angus Topshee, 38th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy,

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Adm Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, UK supported the 'Make in India' initiative.

"We support 'Make in India'. India is reaching out for partnerships, but it is also making sure that it is resilient to external threats," he said.


Fertilizer Control Order is the mother act that regulates the sale, pricing, distribution and other formalities of fertilizers in India. Nano-DAP is being jointly manufactured by IFFCO in association with a private player Coromandel. The Centre has notified the nano Di-Ammonia Phosphate (DAP) manufactured by cooperative major IFFCO in the Fertilizer Control Order, thus paving the way for its early commercial release for farmers.



DAP is the second most consumed fertilizer in the country after urea and out of the estimated annual consumption of around 10-12.5 million tonnes; local production is around 4-5 million tonnes while the rest has to be imported. According to preliminary estimates, a 500 litres bottle of Nano DAP is expected to be priced at around Rs 600, which is half the present subsidized rate of a 50-kilogram bag of DAP which costs around Rs 1,350-1,400 to the farmer.



Nano DAP is the second product from the nano stable after nano urea that is being promoted in a big way by the government to cut down subsidies and promote efficient use of plant chemicals. Nano DAP is also expected to contribute in bringing down the annual subsidy on non-urea fertilizers.

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Indias domestic urea production is around 26 million tonnes while demand is around 35 million tonnes, the gap is met through imports. In the case of nano urea, the plan is that by FY25 around 440 million bottles of 500 ml each of nano will be produced, which will be equivalent to around 20 million tonnes of urea.



A major chunk of the fertilizer subsidy on non-urea products is absorbed by DAP as it had wide usages and is one of the main plant chemicals consumed during the rabi sowing season in the country. In case of Nano DAP, too, the gains for everyone in the value chain could also be significant.



The benefits In FY23, the Centre had budgeted a total fertilizer subsidy of around Rs 1,05,222 crore of which almost 40 per cent is for non-urea fertilisers.



Official reports show that as per some estimation on an average Rs 4,000 per acre increase is possible in farmer income by using nano urea. Meanwhile, government officials claim that the use of Nano urea will lead to an increase in farmer income. This would be on account of reduction in input cost, higher crop yield and better prices, in view of better quality crops.



Over 11,000 farmer field trials on 94 crops were also conducted in collaboration with Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) using nano urea. The government to assess the effectiveness of nano urea has conducted research trials with 20 ICAR research institutes and State agricultural universities across 43 locations on 13 crops since 2019-20 under different agro climatic regions.



That apart, the government claims nano urea effectively fulfils the nitrogen (N) requirement of the plant. It has a nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of more than 85 per cent. N is absorbed by plants through roots when applied in soil and through foliage when sprayed on crops. The studies as per government reports showed an eight per cent increase in crop yields in foliar application of nano urea.

It said with the application of Nano Urea (liquid) on all crops, the injudicious use of chemical fertilizers like urea can be reduced by 50 per cent.
China's military budget is set to increase again, the spokesperson for its "rubber-stamping" parliament has said, before a week-long political meeting expected to make big changes to China's system of governance and increase measures to combat international sanctions, a media report said.

The spokesperson for the National People's Congress, China's legislative body, addressed the media on the eve of its annial meeting to outline the week's agenda, including changes to the constitution and the legal sector, and endorsing new appointments to senior roles, The Guardian reported.

Wang Chao said that the defence budget rises as a proportion of GDP had been moderate and below global averages. Last year's 1.45 trillion yuan (190 billion pound) budget was a rise of 7.1 per cent and followed a rise of 6.8 per cent in 2021 and 6.6 per cent in 2020, the media outlet reported.

Wang did not say by how much the budget would increase, but said it was "appropriate and reasonable" and was needed for China to meet complex security challenges and to "fulfil its responsibilities as a major country".

"The modernisation of China's military will not pose a threat to any country," Wang said. "On the contrary, it will only be a positive force for safeguarding regional stability and world peace."

Under Xi Jinping's leadership, China has continued to significantly expand and overhaul its military. However, information about actual spending compared with budget announcements remains opaque, with the US defence department estimating it could be 1.1 to 2 times higher.

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--IANS

san/sha
Communist China is the strongest and the most disciplined enemy that the United States has ever faced, Republican presidential aspirant Nikki Haley said on Friday as she slammed the ruling Democratic Party as a "socialist" party.

In an impressive speech addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference -- the top annual event of the Republican Party and its support base -- Indian American Haley continued with her focus on America's foreign policy, wherein she asserted that the US should not give aid to countries that hate it.

"Never in my life did I think Americans would look at the sky and see a Chinese spy balloon looking back at us. It was a national embarrassment," she said referring to a recent spy balloon incident.

"Make no mistake: Communist China is the strongest and most disciplined enemy we have ever faced. We need to hold China accountable. Let us start with Covid. And before we even talk about the cartels, we need to confront the fact that China is the one sending the fentanyl across our border," Haley said.

Haley, 51, announced her presidential run on February 14. Since then she has gained the attention of the party and the national audience as well. During the party primaries, she would be fighting against her former boss and former president Donald Trump. She is the only woman in the 2024 presidential race so far.

"I cannot believe what Joe Biden is letting China get away with. Chinese companies now own more than 380,000 acres of American soil, some of it right next to our military bases. What are we doing? We should never let an enemy buy land in our country. And we need to tell every university -- you can either take Chinese money or American money, but you will no longer get both," Haley said, articulating her policy on China.

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China thinks the American era has passed and so do all the enemies of the US, said the former South Carolina governor. "But they are wrong. America is not past our prime. It is just that our politicians are past theirs," she said.

Haley's speech was welcomed by the audience, who have gathered in the national capital from across the country for the three-day conference, which among others is being addressed by Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy, the other Indian American to have entered the presidential race.

In her speech, Haley was very critical of the ruling Democratic Party, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

"I am running for president to stop America's downward spiral toward socialism and end the self-loathing that has taken over our country. I am running for president to renew an America that is strong and proud, not weak and woke," she said.

"When I look to the future, I see our country rededicated to freedom and opportunity. But when I look at the present, I see the opposite. Joe Biden and the Democrats are giving us oppression, poverty and lawlessness," she said and asserted that she has entered the race to the White House to overturn this.

"The Democratic Party is now a socialist party. Bernie Sanders and AOC (congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) are at least honest about it. Look at how much taxpayer money Biden has wasted since he took office. On Joe Biden's watch, we hit USD 31 trillion in national debt. He has put us on track to add USD 20 trillion more in the next 10 years," she said.

Socialism, Haley said, is weakening the US at the worst possible moment. "We need an economy that can out-compete China. But the only competition Democrats want is who is the most 'triggered'," she added.

Haley, the former US ambassador to the United Nations, urged her fellow Republicans to vote for the younger generation.

"I have a particular message for you, my fellow conservatives. We have lost the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections. Our cause is right, but we have failed to win the confidence of a majority of Americans. That ends now. If you are tired of losing, then put your trust in a new generation. And if you want to win -- not just as a party, but as a country -- then stand with me," she said.

After Haley concluded her speech, some of the attendees chanted "Trump, Trump, Trump".
Turkish health experts urged authorities to take a series of strict measures to eliminate the threats of epidemics against public health in Turkey's earthquake zone.

Bulent Ertugrul, an infectiologist and clinical microbiologist from Istanbul's Reyap Hospital, said the challenging circumstances in the worst-hit zones create favourable conditions for spreading contagious diseases and respiratory tract infections.

"The diseases caused by contaminated food and water, from cholera to other gastroenteritis such as diarrhoea, are our primary concerns," Ertugrul told Xinhua in an interview.

He emphasised the necessity to be "very meticulous" about supplying clean water to the region and providing lavatory facilities with hygienic conditions, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Additionally, we are in the flu season and the Covid-19 pandemic continues," the expert noted, warning of much higher risks for those aged above 65 years and with underlying diseases.

For him, one of the simplest methods to eliminate the risks would be wearing masks.

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Ertugrul also urged vaccinations against diseases such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus for children.

"If we cannot fulfill this, we could soon face powerful epidemics," he said.

The earthquake survivors require psychiatric and psychological support as post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders are widespread among citizens, the health specialist added.

Mehmet Ceyhan, Head of the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases of the Ankara-based Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, warned about the dangers posed by rodents coming out after the damage of sewage systems.

"There is no officially reported plague case in rodent bites in Turkey, but there is a risk of infection from its bite," Ceyhan told Xinhua in an interview.

He also urged the supply of rabies vaccines for the stray dogs in the disaster area, which had been rescued from the ruins and became homeless.

"At the moment, it is impossible to know the dogs' vaccination status there. If you do not feed these dogs, they will bite people after a while," Ceyhan said.

It has been nearly a month since at least 10 southern provinces of Turkey were severely hit by twin earthquakes on February 6.

The quakes not only killed more than 45,000 people and injured tens of thousands but also left millions homeless.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday that 214,000 buildings have been classified as either "collapsed, on the verge of collapse, or with severe structural damage" after the quakes.
Pakistan has the "unique distinction" of hosting the most number of UNSC-designated terrorists and terror organisations, and its policies are directly responsible for thousands of civilian deaths in the world, India has said as it slammed Islamabad for its malicious propaganda against it.

Exercising its right of reply to Pakistan's statement at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Friday, India said when it is not entirely focused on suppressing its own population, Pakistan actively lends its energies to aid, host and abet international terrorists.

"It has the unique distinction of hosting the most number of UNSC designated terrorists and terror organisations. Osama bin Laden lived next to Pakistan's premier military academy. Its security agencies have nurtured and sheltered Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar for decades, First Secretary of India's Permanent Mission to UN Seema Pujani said.

"These are but a few dreaded names from the annals of Pakistan's history of supporting terrorism. Pakistan's policies are directly responsible for the death of thousands of civilians around the world, she said in response to a statement delivered by Pakistan.

Pujani said Pakistan's obsession with India while its population battle for their lives, livelihood and freedom is an indication of the state's misplaced priorities.

She said its leaders and officials should focus their energies on working for the benefit of their own population instead of baseless propaganda against India.

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Pakistan's representative has once again chosen to misuse this august forum for its malicious propaganda against India, she said.

Pujani raised the issue of enforced disappearances, saying students, doctors, engineers, teachers, and community leaders are regularly disappeared by the State never to return.

Pakistan is a State which responds to any calls for reforms with enforced disappearances. In the last decade, Pakistan's own Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has received 8,463 complaints. The Baloch people have borne the brunt of this cruel policy, she said.

In her statement, Pujani also expressed regret over a statement made by Turkiye at the UN session.

"We regret the comments made by Trkiye on a matter that is an internal affair of India and advise it to refrain from making unsolicited comments on our internal matters," she said.

Pujani also spoke about the persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan and asserted that no religious minority can freely live or practice its religion in the Muslim-majority country.

The Ahmadiya community continues to be persecuted by the state for simply practicing their faith. To even obtain a Pakistani passport, the community has to denounce its founder. Equally worse is the treatment of the Christian community. It is frequently targeted through draconian blasphemy laws.

State institutions officially reserve sanitation' jobs for Christians. Underage girls from the community are converted to Islam abetted by a predatory state and an apathetic judiciary. Hindu and Sikh communities face similar issues of frequent attacks on their places of worship and forced conversion of their underage girls, she said.

The Indian diplomat said the state's crackdown on those who wish to raise their voice against any of these heinous policies is also incomparable.

A bill which proposes a five-year jail term for anyone who scandalises or ridicules' the military or the judiciary is currently on the table in Pakistan's Parliament, she said.
Former US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Friday that Indian defence forces need good technology as "more India is strong, the more calm things are going to get in this world."

Mattis said this while speaking at the Panel Discussion On "The Old, the New, and the Unconventional: Assessing Contemporary Conflicts" at the 8th Edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2023 on Friday.

"The human factors remain dominant even as new technology comes in. The Indian Army needs good technology because the more India is strong and speaks for itself, the more calm things are going to get in this world. We want that sort of strength, but we don't need it in the hand of a creature straight out of Dostoyevsky who will act on his impulses of hatred," Mattis said

Regarding the fear of the usage of nuclear power in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said that all NATO could do was remind Putin that NATO is a nuclear-armed alliance. Its message was that Russia should not even think about it.

"I must point out, here in India, Prime Minister Modi's firm statement about no use of nuclear weapons. I think that India has a connection to Russia that may have made that message strong and effective. We are thankful to your Prime Minister for it," he said while hinting at India's growing global influence under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Quoting a saying from history he said, "Nations with allies thrive, nations without allies wither."

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"We are watching Russia wither before our very eyes. The Western nations can continue to provide this aid so long as the will of the people because we are democracies. Our governments follow the will of the people. So long as that holds, we can continue to do this. It was the human factors that threw the Russians under a tenacious leader who is reminding us that leadership matters," he added.

Especially when Prime Minister Modi pointed out, this is not an era of war, but when war intrudes, you've to deal with it.

Recalling his service days in NATO, he pointed out that earlier Russia had never considered NATO a threat.

"Back when I was a NATO Supreme Allied Commander, I had Russian officers on my staff. Russian officers walked freely through the NATO headquarters in the 1990s and 2000s until 2014. They went to the cafeteria. We sat down next to them. They'd wander into our offices. Why did we do that? Because democratic nations are willing to be transparent in an effort to deter hostilities, to create understanding. The Russian army knew that NATO was no threat," he recalled.

"They (Russians) have moved their troops off the NATO lines and they're down attacking in Ukraine. this proved that they know that there was never a threat from NATO," he said.
French Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna said that France will stand side by side with India over the next decades. Speaking at the unveiling of the Villa Swagatam Initiative on March 3, she said that India and France share links in security, defence and various sectors.

"As we celebrate through this year, the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between India and France, now is the time to show even greater ambition. And you will see soon what I mean by that, it will be quite visible," Colonna said.

"Over the past 25 years, we have sided with India for the protection of our respective sovereignty, we are two countries proud to be independent and we share these links in security and defence, and lots of fields of cooperation. And over the next decades, we will continue to stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder with India," she added.

Colonna said that France is keen on engaging with new artists, writers, academics, and scientists which she stressed are the backbone of India-France ties. In her remarks at the launch of the Villa Swagatam Initiative, she said that cultural policy is in the DNA of diplomacy and at the very core of bilateral ties with India.

"As you know, cultural policy is in the DNA of our diplomacy, and at the very core of our bilateral relationship with India. We are keen on engaging with new artists, writers, academics, scientists as you are the true backbone of our partnership," Colonna said.

"Allow me to recall Andre Malraux, our first Minister for Culture. He expressed it very clearly in the early days of the 5th Republic. In a letter to President Charles de Gaulle ahead of a trip to India in November 1958, he wrote that the links he was willing to develop with India were, first of all and I quote - "in the domain of the mind". So, let's keep his words with us in our hearts. He already envisaged a "French season" in India quite a forward-looking vision as part of "an organized, coordinated and continuous cultural action."

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Colonna noted that this vision has been guiding them ever since. In her address, she said, "This vision has been guiding us ever since. And by "us", I mean the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the French Embassy, its French Institute, our network of 15 Alliances Francaises throughout India, and also all of our Indian partners we have the pleasure and honour to host today."

Catherine Colonna said that French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in March 2018 boosted the dynamism of the cultural partnerships. She stressed that the cooperation between India and France in science, arts, student mobility, and humanities is already one of the most important bonds that bridge the two nations.

"The State visit of President Emmanuel Macron in March 2018 boosted the dynamism of our cultural partnerships greatly. The reciprocal invitations to the Paris Book Fair and New Delhi Book Fair were decided on this occasion, and I am delighted that French literature has been celebrated with enthusiasm these past days in New Delhi at the Book Fair. Our cooperation in science, arts, student mobility, or in humanities is already one of the most important bonds that bridge our two nations," Catherine Colonna said.

Catherine Colonna said that France has bought a "French Touch" to Indian audiences in various sectors, including literature, cinema, architecture, heritage preservation, museology, visual arts, performing arts, textile and gastronomy. She emphasised that the two nations defend a shared vision of new technologies.

"France and India are two countries of innovation that defend a shared vision of new technologies centred on the rights of citizens, the reduction of inequalities and sustainable development. So we will continue to work together to promote this vision and jointly develop the research partnerships and technologies that form the bedrock of the strategic independence of our two countries," Colonna said.

Colonna noted that the people-to-people exchanges between two nations are strategic and structural. She noted that France wants to participate in the new National Museum Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to develop in New Delhi.

"Our people-to-people exchanges are strategic as well and deserve structural and ambitious projects. This is why we are more dedicated than ever to reach the target of 20,000 Indian students in France set by President Macron. You know and I know that the pandemic prevented us to be there already, but now that it is hopefully gone, we want to reach that target as soon as possible,"

"So this is why we have just created a Indo-French health campus for the Indo-Pacific, not only for France, for India but for the region. And this is why we are ready to take part in the new National Museum Prime Minister Modi wants to build here in New Delhi. This is also very much the idea behind Villa Swagatam," she added.

She stated that 16 residencies have agreed to take part in this Villa Swagatam project, which was presented just a minute ago, and span across India from North to South, East to West.

She further said, "By taking part in Villa Swagatam, you are joining an international network of residencies supported by France like Villa Albertine in the United States, Villa Kujoyama in Japan, Casa Velasquez in Spain, or Villa Medicis and the Nouveau Grand Tour in Italy. Culture and cooperation thrive when there are opportunities that enable dialogue, exchange, and cross-pollination.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will sound poll bugle for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections on March 14 at a rally in Bhopal to be addressed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, a party functionary said on Saturday.

AAP organisational general secretary Sandeep Pathak told reporters that the Kejriwal-led party will contest all 230 seats in the elections, due later this year.

"Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann are coming to Bhopal on March 14. This is going to be the first election rally in MP. The people of MP want to vote for a change, Pathak said.

Citing the result of last year's civic polls in MP, he said AAP would form the next government in the central state.

In local body elections held in Madhya Pradesh in July-August, 2022, the AAP claimed to have garnered a 6.3 per cent vote share. The party had fielded about 1,500 candidates for councillor posts in urban body polls. Of these, 40 won, while 135-140 finished runner-up.

In panchayat polls, held without party symbols, AAP-supported candidates won 10 posts of district panchayat members, 23 janpad members, 103 sarpanches, and 250 panches, party leaders had said.

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Pathak said the people of Madhya Pradesh felt "cheated" by the BJP and Congress, and are looking for an alternative in AAP, he said.

"People have given enough time to the BJP and Congress but both have done no good to them. So, the people were looking at AAP in MP now," he added.

He alleged the BJP was buying MLAs of the opposition Congress and claimed both parties do not care for the people.

According to Pathak, Congress and BJP indulge in "destructive politics" for the sake of power whereas the AAP has built hospitals and schools.

The Rajya Sabha MP also said the "destructive and dirty politics" was giving way to "constructive politics" in India with the emergence of AAP under Kejriwal.

He said AAP wants to develop Madhya Pradesh like Delhi where hospitals and schools have been constructed. "AAP is providing services for free to the people with zero tolerance towards corruption".

He also said the AAP has quickly emerged as an alternative political force in the country and became a national party in just ten years by forming governments in Delhi and Punjab while putting up an impressive show in Gujarat.

In the 230-member MP Assembly, the BJP has 127 MLAs and the Congress 96.

The BJP had lost the 2018 Assembly polls in MP but managed to come back to power in 2020 following the collapse of the Congress government led by Kamal Nath.

The BJP is keen to win yet another term under Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan who has been at the helm since November 29, 2005, barring the period from December 18, 2018, to March 2020 when Nath headed the Congress government.
Karnataka Congress unit is all set to lay siege to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's residence on Saturday here seeking his resignation after a BJP MLA's son was allegedly caught red-handed while taking Rs 40 lakh bribe.

BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa's son Prashanth Madal, BWSSB Chief Accountant was caught by Lokayukta which has named the Legislator as prime accused in the case.

According to Lokayukta sources, preparations are being made to arrest Madal Virupakshappa.

Congress State President D.K. Shivakumar stated that MLA Virupakshappa's son was arrested after getting caught with bribe cash and documents. The officers have seized Rs 8 crore cash from the residence. It has exposed 40 per cent commission nexus of BJP government in Karnataka.

The party is planning to take out a protest march from Congress Bhavan till CM's residence on the Race Course Road. State in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala will also take part in the protest.

Meanwhile, Prashanth Madal has been sent to 14 days' judicial custody. The MLA, who was the Chairman of the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), resigned from the post and claimed that he has no connection with the development.

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A total of Rs 2.02 crore was seized from the private office of Prashant Madal on Crescent Road and Rs 6.10 crore from the MLA's residence.
SOUTH African based evangelist, Jay Israel, has announced plans to return home after a decade in exile.

The 30 year old Israel arrives in the country Monday for a permanent return to the city that bears his umbilical cord.

In an interview, the youthful Israel said: I am bringing a very serious revolution, not just a revival. Its a revolution to Zimbabwe, especially Bulawayo because it has been left behind for a long time.

There is a lot that I am going to do. There is a lot that Zimbabwe must prepare for. This is going to be like a tsunami.

Many people are going to flock from different places, just coming to Bulawayo. Meaning to say traffic is going to increase. We are going to give business to hotels and the transport industry including airlines.

Israel said one of his main missions upon his return was to revive the Bulawayo music industry.

From the music industry I am coming to lift up many musicians and put them on the spotlight. I am going to set up a Jay Israel Records that is going to cater for all the Bulawayo musicians. I am going to sign them and record them for free.

Born and bred in Bulawayo, Israel dropped out of school owing to financial challenges when he was in Form 2 at Pumula High school.

At 18, he then moved to Harare where he later formed his own church, Palace of Glory, becoming the youngest church leader in the country.

In 2014, he relocated to South Africa where he has been leading the Spirit Life Church. Newsday
Well, it took Geely Philippines long enough. About two years after we said they needed a sub-compact crossover to penetrate the local market...
Photo: Times Colonist Controlled hunting and periodic culls over the years have reduced the number of fallow deer from thousands in the 1980s to around 400 to 500.

Parks Canada is going ahead with a mass roundup and kill of European fallow deer on Sidney Island after property owners on the island narrowly approved it.

Starting in the late fall, a contracted company will use two expert marksmen in a helicopter and another two on the ground to dispatch as many of the fallow deer as possible, Molly Clarkson, superintendent of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, said in an interview Friday.

The 10-day hunt will be followed by a year-long pause to assess if there are any survivors. A mop-up operation will follow using fencing and trained tracker dogs to flush out, contain and shoot any remaining fallow deer.

Controlled hunting and periodic culls over the years have reduced the number of fallow deer on the island from thousands in the 1980s to an estimated 400 to 500.

The cull, which will be undertaken by a company called Coastal Conservation, is part of a $5.9-million contract that will also see native plants species restored on Sidney Island. The goal is to eventually restore the endangered Garry oak and Douglas fir ecosystems that have been ravaged by the fallow deer and overrun by invasive plants like English hawthorn and Scotch broom.

The cull and continued management of the black-tailed deer population represents the majority of the overall contract, about $4.5 million, according to Parks Canada.

The decision to move forward with the cull came Friday following a narrow 52% vote in favour by the Sallas Forest Strata Corp. A total of 99 votes were cast.

The Sidney Island property owners, who own 1,500 hectares in 111 bare-land-strata lots, had the final say on whether the cull would go ahead. It has long been a sensitive subject among owners, who were split between favouring a mass kill and continuing to reduce the numbers of deer though seasonal hunting.

Parks Canada controls about 440 hectares on the north end of the island  including Sidney Spit  as part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Its leading the restoration initiative with the First Nations of the W?SANE? Leadership Council, Pauquachin First Nation, the province, Islands Trust Conservancy and strata residents.

Eric Pelkey, hereditary chief of the Tsawout Nation and representative of the W?SANE? Leadership Council, said Friday that ridding Sidney Island of the destructive fallow deer is a great occasion for our people.

European fallow deer were introduced on neighbouring James Island in 1902 as prey for hunting parties. The spotted deer with large antlers invaded Sidney Island in the early 1960s, when ponds were dug and the first standing fresh water became available to sustain them.

Their numbers grew to the thousands in the 1980s, damaging Garry oak meadows, Douglas firs and dozens of native plant species, including medicine plants beneficial to First Nations, said Pelkey.

We have to correct the ecological imbalances on the island, said Pelkey. Our people have been going out and looking for medicines, but they can no longer be found  the fallow deer take everything.

First Nations want to see Sidney Island return to the natural state when their ancestors had an active village and burial grounds there. Pelkey said edible and medicinal plants such as camas and ferns were plentiful and native black-tailed deer caused far less damage.

Clarkson said Sidney Island is considered one of the least ecologically diverse islands in the Gulf Islands because of the deer and invasive plants.

She said an assessment process outlining all aspects of the restoration and cull will be open for the public to view and comment on prior to the fallow deer hunt, on the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada website at iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Measures to ensure public safety will be in place during the hunt and cull, said Clarkson. The hunters will be using high-powered rifles.

Clarkson said representatives of the B.C. SPCA will be present as observers during the eradication on the ground. We have been working closely with the animal-care community to ensure that plans are focused on causing as little stress as possible [on the fallow deer], she said.

Pelkey said First Nations will take part in harvesting the fallow deer for meat and hides.

Michael Law, spokesman for the strata owners on Sidney Island who ultimately gave the green light on the cull, said killing the fallow deer was a necessary first step to remove an invasive species that is causing significant damage to the ecosystem.

He said while Sidney Island strata owners had different visions on restoring balance, the goal of all involved was to do whats in the best interest of the island.

The close vote indicates how carefully everyone was thinking about it, said Law. I dont see it as dividing the community. Its tight knit.

Coastal Conservation has been involved in deer culls before. In 2017, it was part of a plan on Haida Gwaii to eradicate Sitka black-tailed deer, which were introduced there for hunting in 1898.

The federal government spent $5.7 million on the program, as it fell within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

In 2017, a total of 598 deer were shot from March to October and their meat was distributed for food on Haida Gwaii. Hunters fired rifles from low-flying helicopters and from the ground with tracking dogs. Shooting also took place from boats along the shoreline.
Photo: Canadensys Aerospace Corp. The countrys first-ever moon rover, seen in an undated handout image, is set to put Canada at the forefront of space exploration, helping in the global search for frozen ice on the celestial body.

The Canadian lunar rover could soon help reveal the moon's dark side.

The countrys first moon rover is set to put the Canadian Space Agency at the forefront of space exploration, helping in the global search for frozen water on the celestial body.

Tidally locked to the Earth, the moon doesnt spin on its axis but only orbits the planet, leaving the far side permanently dark, cold and unexplored.

That has always piqued everybodys imagination: What is on the other side of the moon? said Gordon Osinski, the principal investigator for the Canadian Lunar Rover Mission.

Osinskis Canadian team, along with international partners, is preparing to send a 30-kilogram rover to the south polar region of the moonin search of preserved frozen water, possibly a few meters below the surface and mixed into the soil.

The discovery of ice could be a stepping-stone to further explorations of the solar system, including missions staffed by humans, said Chris Herd, a scientific investigator on the mission and University of Alberta planetary geologist.

Herd, who has previously worked on the Mars rover mission, said frozen water can be extracted and used as a resource for the astronauts to survive. He said the ice could also be split into hydrogen and oxygen for fuel, reducing the cost of bringing those supplies from Earth.

It reduces the costs of sending humans to the moon (and) that's the ultimate goal, he said.

Osinski said there's been renewed interest in moon exploration over the last five years, with more emphasis on sending astronauts back there.

The robot rover would play an integral part in realizing that dream, he added.

Christian Sallaberger, CEO of Canadensys Aerospace Corporation, said commercial expansion of the space industry is also playing a big role in reviving interest in revisiting the moon.

In November, Ottawa picked Canadensys to build the lunar rover and help with the scientific instruments meant to be shipped to the moon.

The costs of the missions have come down, relatively speaking, to what they were in the past, Sallaberger said. "In the '60s, everything was government funded.

The Ontario space company has been working in partnership with six Canadian universities and several international partners from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Canadensys would be building a robust rover that could handle extreme temperature swings  shifting from -200 C at night to more than 100 C during the day. It would also be able to tackle high radiation and jagged lunar surfaces while continuing to send data throughout the months it spends on the moon.

Working on solar power, the rover would go to sleep every 14 days and then work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until the next cycle.

Scientists will not only be looking for solid water, but would be investigating the composition of the moons rocky surface, characterizing the radiation environment and taking high-resolution images, Sallaberger said.

(Its) the preparation for future human missions that this rover would be doing, he said.

While Canada wont be the first country to make a landing on the far side of the moon, it could be the first to explore the south pole of Earth's natural satellite, believed to hold ice water in the permanently shadowed craters.

China became the first country to send its rover, Yutu-2, to the far side of the moon in 2019.

Osinski said there could be other countries launching their rovers to the far side of the moon before Canada's goes.

But he said it's still "incredibly exciting."

I almost have to keep pinching myself at times, he said. Its everything I've been working towards for the last couple of decades.

Now, he hopes to see the launch of the rover in three years, mounted on top of a rocket  most likely to take off from NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Then, a few weeks later, it would land on the surface of the moon. I cant think of anything more exciting.
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Commentary: The post-shame era of U.S. foreign policy

Xinhua) 13:05, March 04, 2023

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. House Ethics Committee on Thursday launched an investigation against Congressman George Santos, who has been found to have fabricated major elements of his life story and even lied about his mother's death in the 9/11 attacks.

Not known for aggressively pursuing inquiries, the committee has limited ability to punish lawmakers for wrongdoing. In February, Santos told CNN that he is "not concerned" about a House ethics probe. And despite his scandals, Republicans seem reluctant to push for Santos' immediate removal from office.

The National Public Radio (NPR) recently lamented that surviving scandals has become easier for politicians like Santos, as the United States has entered an era of "post-shame politics." But NPR is a bit slow on the uptake. For people outside the United States, the post-shame era began long ago, particularly in regards to U.S. foreign policy.

In his book The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, Samuel P. Huntington noted that the belief in American principles as universal and the U.S. mission to promote and defend these principles throughout the world has been a persistent and potent theme in American foreign policy. However, this theme has become intermittent and weaker as the United States pursues its interests with no sense of shame and a willingness to flout its own principles and values.

The "America First" policy embodies how times have changed. Championed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, the approach prioritizes U.S. interests over those of other countries. It disregards established international norms, which many have criticized as selfish and isolationist.

Sadly, the lack of shame in American foreign policy has persisted beyond Trump's presidency, as seen in continued U.S. drone strikes, the hasty Afghanistan withdrawal, the theft of Syria oil and its long-arm jurisdiction, to name just a few.

The U.S. military's drone strikes in Somalia and Yemen, among other countries, have been controversial due to their often deadly impact on innocent civilians. Despite the U.S. government's claims to uphold human rights and the rule of law, the drone strikes have resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of non-combatant deaths. Moreover, the legality of these strikes has been widely questioned, particularly as they were often carried out in countries where the United States was not officially at war and was without the consent of those nations.

Since 2001, the U.S. military has conducted several operations in the name of fighting terrorism, resulting in the deaths of over 900,000 individuals, approximately 335,000 of them civilians. These horrific U.S. military campaigns have created 37 million refugees worldwide, with an estimated 48,000 civilians having died due to U.S. airstrikes over the past two decades.

A lack of shame was also evident during the abrupt withdrawal from Afghanistan, ignoring the spirit of international cooperation and solidarity it had championed. Relying heavily on NATO partners during the 20-year war in Afghanistan, the U.S. government suddenly pulled out of the country without sufficient consultation with its allies, leaving them in a complex and precarious position, its allies complained.

The U.S. military's exploitation of Syrian oil resources is another prime example of how America lacks shame. Despite violating international law, the United States and its mercenaries have been accused of extracting an average of 66,000 barrels of oil per day from Syrian oil fields. Such acts of theft have damaged the United States' moral authority and undermined its credibility as a global superpower.

Its long-arm jurisdiction also exemplifies a sense of shamelessness. The United States typically enforces its laws on foreign individuals and entities outside its territory, disregarding the sovereignty of other nations. This behavior has been illustrated in cases involving French company Alstom and Chinese company Huawei. In both cases, the United States used its legal and economic prowess to bully others into submission and maintain dominance in key industries while containing rising competitors.

The implications of a "post-shame era" in U.S. foreign policy extend far beyond the country's borders. People worldwide associate such shame with the entire nation.

To rebuild its reputation, the United States must prioritize collaboration with other countries rather than continue to pursue unilateralism and hegemony. Only then can it play a more constructive and positive role in shaping a safer and more prosperous world.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
A man on Roanoke Avenue told police he was upset because he believes his next-door neighbors threw a bottle and plastic toy in his yard and his dogs chewed them. The man said he has had an ongoing problem with his neighbors and wished to have the occurrence documented.

* * *

A man on Chestnut Street told police someone was using his PayPal account to make purchases ($400). The address where items are being shipped is in Austin, Tex.

* * *

A woman at Ruby Falls at 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. told police she had discovered some damage on her 2021 Volvo XD90, including a dent and a scratch on the driver side of the vehicle behind the rear door. She considers it to be a medium amount of damage. There is no proof of how it was done.

* * *

Police responded to Talley Road where there was a stuck U-haul moving trailer halfway in the roadway and halfway in a driveway. The truck was loaded to capacity and unable to travel up the incline of the driveway with the weight of the property inside. While on scene the vehicle operator placed the truck into reverse, causing the trailer hitch of the truck to damage a small portion of Talley Road and damaging the vehicle's trailer hitch. Public Works was notified while on-scene but the damage is small in comparison to several portions of the road that contain potholes/wash out damage. The truck was able to get free during this action by the driver.

* * *

A man on Shallowford Road told police sometime overnight, his BMW was parked on the street and was damaged on the passenger side of the vehicle.

* * *

While on patrol on E. 3rd Street and N. Holtzclaw Avenue, an officer saw a red Ford Fusion with its hazard lights on. The officer spoke with the driver who said her vehicle broke down and didn't know why. The officer asked the woman if she had a tow truck on the way and she said no. The officer told her they would have to call a tow truck because the vehicle was blocking traffic. Ace Towing hauled away the vehicle.

* * *

While on patrol on Ivy Street, an officer noticed a cream Chrysler 300 with a temporary tag parked in a strange location. The vehicle was parked on a street that didnt have houses nearby. Also, there were multiple almost empty parking lots with entrances on this street and would be closer to the businesses in the area. There was plentiful open parking in front of nearby residences as well. The officer also noticed that the driver and passenger windows on the vehicle were all the way down. The vehicle was registered on Feb. 16 to a man in Georgia and displayed that registered temporary tag.

* * *

A man on Harrison Pike told police he believes a certain man stole his Chime debit card from his mailbox. The man said he has been locked out of his account and received a text message saying his Chime account's phone has been changed to the same number the man believes to be the other mans and has been communicating with him through text messages. The man also said that the Chime account had no funds in it. The man wishes to prosecute for theft of property pending further investigation.

* * *

A man on Harrison Pike told officers he was magnet fishing and found a firearm, a Smith and Wesson 2.0 9mm. Police saw the firearm was loaded and had a partial serial number. Police ran the partial serial number via dispatch but were unable to obtain further information regarding the firearm. The firearm will be turned into property.
Daniele Gates and Yohan Geronimos relationship on 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Season 4 has been fraught with red flags. While their love story may have initially seemed romantic and exciting, it quickly became apparent that some serious issues needed to be addressed. Lets explore the three biggest red flags in Daniele and Yohans relationship.

90 Day Fiance: The Other Way stars Daniele and Yohan | 90 Day Fiance via Youtube https://youtu.be/makHhL8LFUw

Many 90 Day Fiance fans think Daniele is fetishizing her relationship with Yohan

Many 90 Day Fiance cast members have been accused of fetishizing their relationships with foreign partners. Fetishizing refers to making something or someone the object of sexual fantasy or desire. However, its often male cast members tend to receive this feedback.

Some 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way viewers have accused Daniele of fetishizing her relationship with the 67 fitness instructor. One fan responded, She is DEFINITELY fetishizing him. In their original season, she was bragging so much about his d**k and their sex life. She only views him as a piece of meat.

However, some fans think that Daniele and Yohan are using each other. Many people believe that Yohans main reason for marrying Daniele in the first place is for a visa to send money back home.

Daniele and Yohan are at different points in life

On 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Season 4, Daniele kept a major secret from her husband. The 42-year-old history teacher told Yohan she was going on a trip to the Dominican Republic, but her true intention was to stay there for good. Daniele dreams of retiring and spending the rest of her life soaking up the sun in the Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Yohan is ready to start his new life in the United States. Hes under the impression that Daniele is working on getting him a spousal visa so they can move to New York City together and establish their new life. He wants to move there to make more money to send some back home to his family.

I understand that Yohan really wants to come to the United States, so Im a little bit nervous of having this conversation, Daniele said on 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way. Still, Daniele has continued to keep the truth from him.

Daniele and Yohan have financial issues

Another major red flag in Daniele and Yohans relationship is their financial situation. So far this season, the couple has done nothing but argue about finances. Yohan is working hard to open his butcher shop in his hometown, La Romana, Dominican Republic. But Daneile doesnt think Yohan is capable of making the business lucrative.

Daniele wants to move to the Dominican Republic permanently because she believes that the cost of living in New York City is too high. Just a year shy of retiring from her teaching position, Daniele plans to leave her life behind and forfeit nearly $15,000 a year in pension.

When asked what she would do in the Dominican Republic for work, Daniele said she would eat mangos and manifest money. Without a plan, Danieles friends worry that her life choices will land her in financial trouble.

Daniele and Yohans relationship on 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way season 4 is filled with red flags that cannot be ignored. While it is possible for them to overcome these obstacles, it will require a lot of effort and commitment from both of them. Only time will tell if their marriage will stand the test of time or if these red flags will ultimately lead to their downfall.

90 Day Fiance: The Other Way Season 4 airs Sundays at 8 pm ET on TLC.
TL;DR:

Prince Harry gave Meghan Markle a tour of Nottingham Cottage in 2016.

In Spare, Prince Harry admitted hed been embarrassed to show Meghan Markle his home.

Meghan Markle compared it to a frat house.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Bringing Meghan Markle to Nottingham Cottage had Prince Harry feeling excited and embarrassed, according to Spare. In his memoir, the Duke of Sussex revealed how his now-wife reacted to seeing the modest bachelor pad he called home. Plus, what piece of furniture the Duchess of Sussex didnt approve of.

Harry was relieved when Meghan said nothing about Nottingham Cottages exterior

After connecting on Instagram, meeting at a London restaurant, and traveling to Botswana together, Harry brought Meghan to Nottingham Cottage. Also known as Nott Cott, the propertys located on Kensington Palace grounds in London, England, near Prince William and Kate Middletons Apartment 1A.

Harry recalled showing Meghan around his home for the first time in Spare, which hit shelves on Jan. 10, 2023.

I was excited to welcome Meg to my home, but also embarrassed: Nott Cott was no palace, he said (via Spare). Nott Cott was palace adjacentthat was the best you could say for it.

Harry continued, saying Meghan, who visited Nott Cott for the first time in 2016, gave nothing away when she was the house for the first time.

When Meghan arrived I watched her as she walked up the front path, through the white picket fence, Harry recalled. To my relief she made no sign of dismay, gave no indication of disillusionment.

Meghan Markle compared the inside to a frat house which Prince Harry thought wasnt far off

Any disillusionment Meghan mightve held back she revealed after crossing the threshold. The now-41-year-old walked through Nott Cotts door and then she said something about a frat house.

I glanced around. She wasnt far off, Harry said in Spare. Union Jack in the corner. (The one Id waved at the North Pole.) Old rifle on the TV stand. (A gift from Oman, after an official visit.) Xbox console.

Harry replied, telling Meghan Nott Cott was just a place to keep his stuff as he shuffled around some papers and clothes, before adding he didnt spend much time there.

It was also constructed for smaller people, humans of a bygone era, Harry noted in his memoir. Thus the rooms were tiny and the ceilings were dolls house low. I gave her a quick tour, which took 30 seconds. Mind your head!

Id never noticed until then just how shabby the furniture was, Harry revealed. Brown sofa, browner beanbag chair. Meghan, he wrote, paused before the beanbag, with him saying, I know, I know.

Harry and Meghan now live in a 19,000-square-foot home in California

Montecito Village sign | Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

After living at Nott Cott together, then Frogmore Cottage, Harry and Meghan bought a sprawling home in Montecito, California. The now-parents of two purchased the property, complete with a pool, guest house, and wine cellar, in 2020 after falling in love with the grounds.

We did everything we could to get this house, Meghan said in an August 2022 interview with The Cut. You walk in and go  she said as she took a deep breath. Joy. And exhale. And calm. Its healing. You feel free.
Perfect Match: Everything You Need to Know About the Shows Filming Location

Perfect Match is the latest Netflix dating show to thrust attractive singles together into an idyllic filming location in the hopes that they will pair up and find love. The contestants stay at an enormous villa and couple up to go to bed each night. Heres everything you need to know about the shows filming location and the rules of where the contestants stayed.

Perfect Match contestants and host Nick Lachey on the set of Perfect Match | Tarina Rodriguez/Netflix

Contestants share co-ed bedrooms on Perfect Match

Each night at their luxurious filming location, the contestants on Perfect Match had to couple up before going to bed. Those left without a partner were sent home. While appearing on a recent episode of Nick Vialls podcast, The Viall Files, the shows villain, Francesca Farago, stated that the lodging situation was not what she anticipated.

I was told that we would not be sharing rooms with men, Francesca told Viall. I was told it would be girls and boys, separate houses. So, I was like, Perfect, Ill do it. But Im not going to do it if Im having to share a room because I had to do it with my ex on a show, and I regretted it.

Francesca learned that this was not the case while filming Perfect Match. When the rules were dropped that we had to match up and go sleep in the same bed, I bawled my eyes out for a day. All that wasnt shown, she continued.

Perfect Match filming location revealed

Filming for Perfect Match took place in Panama City, Panama. The contestants stayed in a beautiful villa located at the edge of a rainforest in the resort town of Playa Bonita.

According to Latin Exclusive, the 25,000 square foot villa includes 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a library with an oversized opium bed.

The luxurious villa includes other amenities, such as a gym and a large Jacuzzi. Fans may have been a little envious of the Perfect Match contestants as they sipped drinks by the pool or relaxed on the luxurious furniture. The property is actually available to rent for the steep price of around $7,330 per night.

Francesca and Chloe share their favorite parts of the villa

The contestants from Perfect Match definitely enjoyed their luxurious filming location. In a video from Still Watching Netflix, Chloe Veitch, and Francesca Farago gave viewers a tour of the villa. My favorite part of the house is definitely the pool, Chloe stated.

All the fun happens in the pool, Francesca shared. Theres been some skinny dipping. Theres been some crazy nights, done some tequila shots. A lot of kissing, a lot of other things have gone down in this pool.

Chloe added that the best place to hook up in the villa would probably be bedroom 3. The scenery is absolutely insane, and after things get a little bit too hot, you can always take a dip in the pool, Chloe explained. Francesca also described the main suite, which has a beautiful wrap-around infinity pool and a shower like a Roman Cathedral.

All episodes of Perfect Match are currently streaming on Netflix.
Sister Wives star Kody Brown admitted he has his own daddy issues hes been working through and hopes he wouldnt give the same to his 18 children. Kodys younger brothers, Travis Brown and Michael Brown, open up about their father, William Winn Browns abusive behavior toward them on their podcast.

Genielle Brown, Kody Brown, William Winn Brown, Sister Wives | TLC

Kodys brothers detail extreme abuse at the hands of their father, Winn Brown

Reality TV blogger, Without a Crystal Ball, broke the story about Kodys childhood abuse after finding their podcast, The Brothers Random, where Travis and Michael discuss various topics, ranging from theology, masculinity, movies, philosophy, books, pop-culture, among other subjects. Viewers may recognize Michael from Sister Wives, since made an appearance on the show back in the earlier seasons.

In one episode, Kodys brothers dig into their childhood upbringing in a polygamist cult or the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) in Lovell, Wyoming. Kody and his nine siblings were raised on a cattle ranch or a polygamist compound, where they were ostracized from society when their father added more wives.

Travis and Michael are Winn Browns youngest sons and claim their father was extremely abusive. The brothers shared that their father was both physically and verbally abusive.

Travis claimed Winns father was abusive to him, and instead of breaking the cycle of abuse, he continued the brutality and beat his children. Kodys brothers say theyve stopped the cycle of abuse with their children.

Kody Brown talks about his own daddy issues.

In Sister Wives Season 17, Kodys relationship with his sons, Gabriel and Garrison Brown, shattered during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He demanded that everyone, including his adult sons, follow the same rules beyond the CDC guidelines, or he wouldnt see them.

In Sister Wives Season 17, Episode 14, Kody demands respect from his sons. He doesnt want them into his home for Christmas until they apologize to him.

During his interview, Kody stops and thinks about his own relationship with his parents. The relationship between parent and children is really complex, Kody said.

I have my own vast complexities with my parents, he admitted. I have my own daddy issues. So now Ive passed that on to my sons.

Kody recognizes that unresolved issues with his father have now trickled down to the relationships with his own sons. However, he doesnt specify where those daddy issues stem from.

Winns youngest sons, Travis and Michael, dont seem especially fond of their late father, who died in 2013 at 78. According to Kodys son, Paedon brown, When Winns wife, Sheryl Brown, died in 2020, Kody demanded that everyone forgive their late father at her funeral. Paedon said this didnt go over well, and his demands offended his siblings.

Gwendlyns abuse allegations against Kody Brown

The news that Winn was abusive seems to match Gwendlyn Browns claims that her father, Kody, was physically abusive throughout her childhood. The 21-year-old daughter of Kody and Christine Brown claimed that her dad was physically abusive when he would discipline her with spankings.

Kody Brown and Gwendlyn Brown | TLC/YouTube

And I know some of you may disagree that spanking is abuse, and it is. It is an excessive way to discipline your children, and there are better ways to that wont leave them emotionally scarred, Gwendlyn said. I remember personally being bruised a few times when my dad would spank me. However, she seemed to have backtracked as she had completely removed the video with the allegations against her father.

It seems that the cycle of abuse has trickled down despite Kodys efforts to be different than his father. Sister Wives hope more will be revealed in season 18, which is expected to premiere in late 2023.

How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
The Waltons is a classic American drama that ran for nine seasons on television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with a number of television specials in the early 1990s. The show helped make some of the actors household names, including Richard Thomas, who played John-Boy Walton.

Richard Thomas as John Boy | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

However, many of the child actors on the show have spoken out in recent years to let the world know that they were not adequately compensated for their work on the show, leading many of them to have a lower net worth than other child actors of the era and find work outside of Hollywood since the end of the series.

The Waltons is a classic family television show

The Waltons premiered in September 1972 and featured a Great Depression-era family living in the mountains of Virginia. The family consisted of a set of grandparents, parents John and Olivia, and their seven children.

A day at the theater!

Went with dear friends to see our pal Richard Thomas AMAZING performance in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Pantages.

The show will be touring, so I highly recommend seeing it when its near you.  pic.twitter.com/s5YB7UWln3  Erin Murphy (@Erin_Murphy) November 26, 2022

The show revolved around the familys ability to survive the depression as well as thrive in their own personal pursuits, such as John-Boys dream to be a writer, Jasons desire to be a musician, and Mary-Ellens dedication to being a nurse.

After the show ended, many of the actors went on to pursue other careers, while some stayed in Hollywood, including Thomas, who has had a long acting career since the end of The Waltons.

What is Thomass net worth?

The play, based on the 1960 novel, will run at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Feb. 21-26. https://t.co/Tcw4TJKeJ3  The Post-Crescent (@PostCrescent) February 16, 2023

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Thomas has a current net worth of $6 million, much of it being earned through acting, producing, and directing. Thomas has been a working actor since he was a young child, starting off in Broadway productions and soap operas including As The World Turns.

Before earning his role as the oldest child on The Waltons, Thomas had roles in movies such as Winning with Paul Newman, Red Sky at Morning with Richard Crenna, and Last Summer with Barbara Hershey. Although Thomas made the character of John-Boy popular, he left the show in the middle of the series to pursue other endeavors and returned to the franchise to reprise his role for the last three television specials.

Most recently, Thomas has had roles in television series such as Billions, Tell Me Your Secrets, and Ozark, where Thomas plays Nathan Davis, Wendy, and Bens father.

The cast claims their roles on the show were not making them rich

Richard Thomas stars in writer-director James Bridges haunting & sensitive Southern drama about a circle of small-town Arkansas college kids on the day of James Deans death. SEPTEMBER 30, 1955 (1977) screens in 35mm tonight & tomorrow (Tuesday/Wednesday) at 9:50pm. pic.twitter.com/XohMVpoAA4  New Beverly Cinema (@newbeverly) November 16, 2021

Although The Waltons is a beloved family show and was one of the most watched television shows of the 1970s, many of the cast members have spoken out about how much they were paid during the shows run, and it wasnt as much as some may have assumed.

The shows main adult characters were paid what would have been standard at the time, including Ralph Waite, who was earning $10,000 per week by the shows sixth season. However, it was the children on the show who seemed to not be as well compensated for their work.

According to an interview in Closer Weekly, actor Eric Scott who played Ben Walton said that they were not getting rich from their work on the show and that the studio wasnt appreciative of the childrens work, stating It was disappointing that no one even called to say, By the way, thank you. We were loved by the public, but we never felt the studio appreciated us.

Mary McDonough, who played Erin Walton, has also commented on the casts salary in her 2011 memoir Lessons from the Mountain. In it, she says of the production, I found out how generous a production company could be. I had heard Lorimar was frugal, as evidenced in our salaries  cheap, cheap!
Trump dominates CPAC straw poll, DeSantis comes in distant second

Former President Donald Trump is the clear favorite among a slate of declared Republican presidential candidates and potential candidates, according to voters in a straw poll at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

CPAC conducted a straw poll in conjunction with Real Americas Voice and McLaughlin & Associates measuring attendees presidential preference heading into the 2024 Republican presidential primaries. The poll, which surveyed 2,028 people who attended the event and was released Saturday, found former President Donald Trump securing 62% of the vote, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 20%. DeSantis is widely thought to be considering a presidential bid but has not formally declared an interest in running for the top spot.

Perry Johnson, a little-known declared presidential candidate who spoke at the convention, received 5% support as the partys presidential nominee while declared candidate and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley captured 3% of the vote. Vivek Ramaswamy, another declared Republican presidential candidate, secured the support of 1% of respondents, along with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The poll also asked who attendees would like to see as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2024. 2022 Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake won the support of 20% of respondents, followed by DeSantis (14%), Haley (10%), Ramaswamy (6%), Pompeo (6%), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (5%), Paul (4%), Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., (4%) and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (4%).

Unsuccessful 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls Dr. Ben Carson and Cruz each received 3% support as the vice-presidential candidate, while former Vice President Mike Pence, who served alongside Trump for four years, only received 1% support.

The previous CPAC straw poll, conducted at the Dallas conference last summer, found Trump winning 69% of the vote, followed by DeSantis (24%) and Cruz (2%). All other candidates and potential candidates included in the poll received 1% of the vote or less.

When asked if they ever felt personally or professionally threatened because of their political beliefs, 73% answered in the affirmative, while 22% said no. The overwhelming majority of attendees (89%) indicated they had no plans of getting a coronavirus shot in the future while 5% said they already had.

Nearly three-fourths of those surveyed (74%) expressed a desire for laws regulating abortion at the state level following the overturning of the U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion. Thirteen percent thought abortion laws should be made at the federal level, while an additional 13% were not sure.

Seventy-nine percent of participants expressed disapproval of the U.S. government giving billions of dollars in aid and military weapons to help Ukraine fight the war against Russia, with 61% strongly disapproving. Only 16% of those surveyed supported giving money and weapons to Ukraine.

The survey also asked attendees who they thought would be the Democratic nominee for president in 2024. Just 39% predicted that incumbent President Joe Biden would be his partys standard bearer in 2024, while 21% thought that California Gov. Gavin Newsom would capture the nomination. Fourteen percent forecasted former first lady Michelle Obama winning the Democratic nomination, while 6% thought Vice President Kamala Harris would become the nominee.

Additional candidates received a minimal amount of support, including 2016 Democratic nominee and former first lady Hillary Clinton (3%), Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (2%), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., (1%), talk show host Oprah Winfrey (1%) and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W-Va. (1%).
In Haiti, big money for orphanages can endanger children

The Haitian government has fallen, almost completely. There are no more elected officials remaining. School has been interrupted for hundreds of thousands of children. Hospitals are barely open. Gang violence, mass displacement, and trafficking are rampant.

Child welfare programs Ive worked alongside for years are now working hard just to keep their staff alive. Theyre getting calls every day about children starving as a record-breaking 4.7 million Haitians face hunger.

Haiti didnt get here overnight. Its been in crisis for decades, escalating after the 2010 earthquake. Children, in particular, have suffered gravely at every stage, as families struggle to feed, educate, and generally provide for them during these tumultuous years.

Many well-meaning groups from around the world have attempted to help the vulnerable children of Haiti by building and funding orphanages  giving about $100 million a year in donations. This has led to a proliferation and severe overuse of orphanages and childrens homes.

Because of the amount of money pouring into the country to support orphanages, children have been put in increased danger. Some of these orphanages became hubs for traffickers, and some orphanage administrators would pay families to surrender their children in order to obtain generous foreign funding. And even the very best of Haitis orphanages now struggle to manage security threats from every side. Ultimately, these facilities will always come up short in caring for children.

Additionally, we know that 80% of the children in orphanages have at least one parent who's still alive, and almost all of them have other relatives. But after the earthquake, and also in the present day, many of these families need assistance in order to care for their children.

This is why the Haiti Family Care Network, the organization I chair, exists to facilitate collaboration among organizations working with children and families in Haiti, with the shared goal of seeing children thrive in families, not orphanages. These organizations are working to accomplish this by helping families secure access to housing, social services, and education, supporting economic empowerment, and providing foster care when needed, to name a few of their services.

Of course, in light of the current security and economic crisis, the tragic situation in Haiti has only gotten exponentially more complex. Families, caregivers, and children all face the reality of unparalleled violence and suffering. It can be hard to even know how or where to help.

But I personally know child welfare advocates in Haiti who are still working to strengthen families, even now. And theyre doing everything they can to support the men, women, and children they can reach. In spite of the chaos, theyre offering parenting support, spiritual support, medical care, and education when possible, and theyre establishing wrap-around children's programs wherever they can.

And this effort is more than just a crisis response. It offers promise for the future of Haiti, even if that future feels difficult to see right now.

Strengthening families helps build healthy, sustainable, and resilient communities. Many studies demonstrate clear links between familial strength and improved childhood and community outcomes across a wide range of metrics. Strong families raise stronger children and develop stronger communities.

Many are currently doing the work of empowering Haitian families and have been for some time. In a variety of different types of programs and in regions throughout the country, these organizations are working to ensure that families have support when they are struggling and don't need to resort to giving their children over to orphanages in order to access the resources they need.

Amidst the current crisis, our network partners are focusing on ensuring families are able to stay safe and access essentials like food and clean water. Were doing this with the hope of keeping families intact during these troublesome times  and with hope for a better future for Haiti.

We understand that hope isnt enough, though. Prudent, well-informed action is key if Haitian families and children are to know safety and happiness. And we cant sustain this action without your help.



One way you can get involved is by learning about family-based care. The overuse of orphanages and trafficking of children is due in part to a lack of understanding from generous and well-meaning international donors. We dont have to repeat those mistakes. And for the sake of Haitis children, I ask that you join me in making sure we dont by learning about this issue and directing your support during this crisis to organizations that are strengthening families.




Chaplain to appeal tribunal ruling over firing for school sermon countering LGBT ideology

A chaplain who was blacklisted and banned from officiating in the Church of England after he was reported to a government terrorist watchdog for preaching traditional Christian views on sexual ethics during a chapel service, says he will appeal an employment tribunal's ruling issued earlier this week.

The case involves the Rev. Bernard Randall, 50, who was denied permission by the Bishop of Derby, the Rt. Rev. Libby Lane, to work as a minister following his dismissal by Trent College in Nottingham in August 2019, labeling him a moderate risk to children and vulnerable adults because of his Christian sexual ethics.

East Midlands Employment Tribunal was to decide whether the actions of Lane, the Church of England Bishop who blacklisted Randall, fall within the remit of an employment tribunal. The U.K.-based group Christian Concern, whose legal arm the Christian Legal Centre is supporting the chaplain's case, said the tribunal ruled against him earlier this week.

After a legal hearing at East Midlands Employment Tribunal in September 2022, Employment Judge Victoria Butler ruled against Randall, Christian Concern said, explaining that as per a common practice observed in cases concerning Christian freedoms, Butler utilized the Church of Englands Valuing All Gods Children school guidance to counter Randalls position.

In a past sermon at Trent College, after students asked him to address a new LGBT-inclusive policy, Randall questioned the legitimacy of the curriculum and said students should be allowed to counter the curriculum and convey conservative views on sexual ethics.

The diocese did not specify what the allegations against him were, and no evidence has ever been disclosed showing that he has done anything wrong or behaved inappropriately toward anyone, Christian Concern has said.

The teaching material from the Educate and Celebrate curriculum had been adopted by the college after a visit by Elly Barnes, founder of Educate & Celebrate, an LGBT education charity. The material aims to equip ... communities with the knowledge, skills and confidence to embed gender, gender identity and sexual orientation into the fabric of your organization.

During staff training, Barnes encouraged staff to chant smash heteronormativity.

In regard to Randall's sermon, documents have revealed that a senior member of the diocese stated: There are a disproportionate number of people who are drawn to schools via the Church who have this way of thinking.

The Diocesan Safeguarding Team was also concerned that Randall represented a reputational risk to the Church of England because of the denomination's own teaching on marriage and human identity, which were expressed in Randall's sermon. They concluded in a risk assessment that because the Bible supports this position, the Church of England could even be a risk factor to itself.

In an earlier statement, the chaplain said because he preached what the Church of England teaches, they think I am too dangerous to be allowed to preach in any Church.

Randall was seeking damages for financial loss and a recommendation that the Bishop and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team undergo training on Discrimination Law, especially as it pertains to the Christian faith and freedom of speech.

The judge, however, argued that Randall had misunderstood the true nature of E&C and had an extreme reaction to their involvement in the Christian school. According to her, The claimant takes an extreme view of E&C which is not based in reality, as its purpose and implementation are aimed at creating an inclusive environment for all. We did not see or hear any evidence to support the claimant's belief that E&C would indoctrinate pupils in any way.

The judge also accepted the school's argument that Barnes' chant to "smash heteronormativity" was simply an enthusiastic attempt to motivate the teachers at the beginning of the day.

Regarding Randall's sermon, she concluded that "the duty to protect pupils from harm and the requirement to comply with the Independent Schools Standards Regulator outweighed the claimants right to express his beliefs in the manner he did in a school environment.

Randall said he plans to appeal. I am extremely disappointed at this result. It is a personal blow, but more importantly, it is a blow for all those who believe in freedom of speech, in freedom of religion, and in an educational system which opens the minds of young people rather than narrowing them or imposing an ideology that many or most in our society find troubling.

He added, It is a foundational principle of a truly democratic society that the free exchange of ideas is good for everyone.
Hindu nationalists protest distribution of Bibles at World Book Fair

A group of Hindu nationalists shouted slogans, tore posters and took away books, disrupting the free distribution of copies of the Bible by Gideons International at the New Delhi World Book Fair this week. Meanwhile, other stalls have been able to sell Hindu and Sikh scriptures without protest.

According to NDTV, a video of the incident has gone viral on social media, showing men shouting religious slogans and demanding an end to the distribution of free Bibles. It also shows one of the protesters claiming to be the Delhi head of Hindu United Front, with others arguing with him about Indias Constitution and the rights enshrined under it.

Many visitors at the book fair expressed that the chaos due to the protest was not befitting of an event of this stature, the media outlet said, adding that the police said no complaint had been filed by either the organizers of the book fair or Gideons International and that there was no violence.

However, NDTV reported that the protesters tore posters that said people could get a Free Holy Bible and took away books from The Gideons stall at the event, which began on Feb. 25 and will conclude Sunday.

The Hindu nationalist group Vishwa Hindu Parishad accused Christian groups of trapping the Hindus.

The members protesting were not related to us directly. Distributing free books or not isnt the matter ... it is basically a question of mentality. It is the way they were distributing, pursuing or cheating people, denigrating other religions thats what got the people agitated, VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal was quoted as saying.

Volunteers at the Gideon stall were quoted as saying they are not forcing anyone to take the Bible. I have been manning a stall at the book fair for 10 years, but this is the first time something like this happened, a volunteer said.

Close to the Gideons stall, free yoga classes are being offered, and the Hindu holy book Bhagavad Gita was being sold, NDTV noted, adding that several other stores at the literary event featured religious text on Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Christianity.

Gideons International is an Association of Christian business and professional men and their wives dedicated to telling people about Jesus through associating together for service, sharing personal testimony, and by providing Bibles and New Testaments, according to its website.

The group Release International has predicted that persecution is likely to increase in India, where radical Hindus appear increasingly emboldened by the dominance of the nation's right-wing BJP government.

Religious freedom conditions in India have drastically deteriorated in recent years following the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the rise of the BJP in 2014, a report by the group said.

Christians comprise only 2.3% of Indias population, and Hindus account for about 80%.

Open Doors USA, an organization that monitors persecution in over 60 countries, ranks India as the 10th-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution.

The organization reports that Hindu extremists aim to cleanse the country of their presence and influence.

The driving force behind this is Hindutva, an ideology that disregards Indian Christians and other religious minorities as true Indians because they have allegiances that lie outside India, and asserts the country should be purified of their presence," an Open Doors factsheet on India reads.

This is leading to a systemic, and often violent and carefully orchestrated, targeting of Christians and other religious minorities, including use of social media to spread disinformation and stir up hatred.
Students share how Asbury University revival grew their faith

Students gathered at Asbury University in Kentucky for the final day of the on-campus revival shared testimonies about being led by the Holy Spirit and how the consecutive days of worship brought them closer to Jesus.

The Christian university was the epicenter of a revival movement that sparked in early February. Tens of thousands of people flocked to the small town of Wilmore for the revival, which started during a chapel session on Feb. 8 and inspired similar revival events at other campuses across the nation.

Last Thursday, the university observed the national Collegiate Day of Prayer, which coincided with the final day of the impromptu 16-day revival that the school administration pushed off campus to continue elsewhere as students focus on mid-term exams.

A senior sociology major at Asbury University named Nina took to the stage to share what she saw happen throughout the revival. She said she was present when the revival began and saw it grow each day.

"And so, the first hour [of the revival], I was a part of the gospel choir. And we were just feeling led by the Spirit to just continue in song and worship and prayer," Nina shared.

"It kind of felt like 10 minutes. But then three hours later, I just felt the Spirit told me to just 'look around,' and the same 20 students stayed and probably skipped their 11 a.m. [class], including me. And I just decided to ask the Holy Spirit what was happening and what I needed to be interceding for."

Nina recalled hearing the Holy Spirit tell her to pray for her peers "to be obedient, to stay calm and to spread the word to others" about what was starting to take place.

"I prayed for that. And the second wave was just to ask for forgiveness for the things that we've done against each other and also just the grudges we had against each other and towards and the institution.' And then, ... the third wave was just joy and confession and from confession comes joy," she continued.

"I think maybe like the fourth hour, when students started to come in, in waves, I just saw a bunch of people jumping and praising God and just crying just because of the joy and the freedom that the Spirit was just pouring down."

The second day, she said, was attended mostly Asbury students and students from surrounding campuses.

"I just saw a lot of reconciliation," she said.

As she wrapped up her testimony, Nina said she prayed for people to experience the never-ending "move of God."

"The same God that's here is moving in a lot of other places across the world and in other denominations and other homes. So, I just pray that your obedience being here and your obedience to listen to the Spirit doesn't just stop tonight and continues through your whole walk with Christ," she prayed.

"I just pray as you continue to plant seeds in others' lives and also, as the Spirit plant seeds that you continue to water that in reading your Word and praying and intercession, going to your friends and asking questions. There's nothing wrong with asking questions and asking professors questions. Don't keep that to yourself. It's how the body of Christ grows. Use your gifts."

Another student named "A.J." said he attends Indiana Wesleyan University, a private Evangelical Christian university located in Marion, Indiana.

A.J. told the crowd about how he visited Asbury University last May while he was attending a conference in Kentucky. He recalled being in the same worship room where he prayed with some of his friends.

"We prayed the Lord would do this, right here," A.J. said, referring to the revival.

A.J. said he was upset because of what he felt God was asking him to say 'no' to.

"I sat back in that corner, and I laid on my face, and I was begging the Lord to do something, and I wish I could tell you it was this hopeful, expectant prayer. But, quite honestly, it was the worst couple hours of my life because I was so consumed with the costs," A.J. recalled.

"I cried at the loss of everything that I felt He was taking from me. And, in this moment right now, I just want you to know that when you step into the fullness of an answered prayer, the cost is so light. And so, as we leave this place in a little bit, do you feel the costs of what the Lord is asking you to say 'no' to?"

A.J. urged the crowd to consider saying "yes" to Jesus even if what Jesus calls them to do feels like a "no."

"I urge you brothers and sisters to not see it as a 'no,' but see it as a 'yes' that He is asking you to step into. There is a world out there that has no clue of the goodness that you and I have felt in this place," he said.

"And so, I beg you right now, teachers make your classrooms sanctuaries, dads and moms, would you make your households temples? Pastors, would you begin to make your churches nothing but holy ground?"

A.J. called on those gathered who "have experienced this goodness" to "step into our communities" and spread the truth to "our baristas, our cashiers and our waitresses and our neighbors and our friends and our families [who] have not heard it yet."
The Gospel Coalition takes down 'Sex Won't Save You' article; Rick Warren calls for apology TGC editor's note says adapted book excerpt 'lacked sufficient context'

The Gospel Coalition faced calls for an apology Friday over a now-deleted post on its website in which the author discusses salvation and the Church in the context of sexual intercourse that some critics say approaches erotic literature.

Authored by Arizona Pastor Josh Butler, the article published on Wednesday, originally titled "Sex Wont Save You (But It Points to the One Who Will)," is an excerpt from Butlers book, Beautiful Union released last month.

In the excerpt, Butler, who pastors Redemption Church Tempe, starts out by confessing that he used to look to sex for salvation before realizing that idolizing sex results in slavery. As he recounts a series of failed romantic adventures, Butler then quotes Taylor Swift and asserts that sex is an icon of Christ and the church.

He then delves into the Apostle Pauls famous marriage analogy in Ephesians 5, where Paul writes, For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mysterybut I am talking about Christ and the church.

According to Butler, Now, the context here is marriage. Leave and cleave is marriage language and the surrounding verses are all about husbands and wives, not hook-up culture. Yet that second part, about the two becoming one flesh, is consummation language that refers to the union of husband and wife. Paul says both are about Christ and the Church.

This should be shocking! Its not only the giving of your vows at the altar but what happens in the honeymoon suite afterward that speaks to the life you were made for with God.

In what he termed a gospel bombshell, Butler then states sex is an icon of salvation and uses the sexual act to describe our relationship to Christ: Generosity and hospitality are both embodied in the sexual act. Think about it. Generosity involves giving extravagantly to someone. You give the best youve got to give, lavishly pouring out your time, energy, or money.

At a deeper level, generosity is giving not just your resources but your very self. And what deeper form of self-giving is there than sexual union where the husband pours out his very presence not only upon but within his wife? Hospitality, on the other hand, involves receiving the life of the other.

Its at this point in the essay when Butler uses sexually suggestive language to describe how he views hospitality: You prepare a space for the guest to enter your home, welcoming him warmly into your circle of intimacy, to share your dwelling place with you. Here again, what deeper form of hospitality is there than sexual union where the wife welcomes her husband into the sanctuary of her very self? Giving and receiving are at the heart of sex.

Neither Butler nor The Gospel Coalition returned a request Friday for comment from The Christian Post. A spokesman for Redemption Church Tempe told CP Butler was out of town and would respond when he returns.

The article is no longer on The Gospel Coalition website, but the link is still active with a new headline that reads Beautiful Union Book and this brief statement: We recognize that the adapted excerpt from Josh Butlers forthcoming book Beautiful Union lacked sufficient context to be helpful in this format. The statement also included a link to a preview sample of the book.

TGC also removed the link from its social media, where some users werent ready to move on.

I will be proud that I called out your egregious heresy in a sexually fetishized gospel message. What an appalling public stance to take, made worse by your unwillingness to acknowledge that stain and taking redemptive steps. Come on already.  Gigi Marie (@ResearchGigi) March 2, 2023

Well, Paul directed Timothy to command certain teachers to cease teaching false doctrines and spouting meaningless talk. Your recent article was such as this.  Steve Frederick (@steve_freddo) March 2, 2023

The fact that the tomb was empty means that the greatest gift a man can give a woman in bed is for him to have an orgasm.



Did I misinterpret the article?  Douglas Wolf (@Douglas33683734) March 1, 2023

Read the room. Everyone called out that article for idolizing sex.



Your next article should be either about 1. taking responsibility to correct an error, or 2. respecting women. Not necessarily in that order.  Rawls ???????????????? (@RawlsResist) March 2, 2023

Are you going to look back and be proud of the published articles about how God's grace is like ejaculation?  Jim Gass ????????????? (@jimgass) March 2, 2023

Rick Warren, the former pastor of Saddleback Church and author of the bestselling book The Purpose-Driven Life, called for TGC to apologize for the article.

I'm glad TGC removed yesterday's article that was both offensive and erroneous theology. But no apology? he wrote.

I'm glad TGC removed yesterday's article that was both offensive and erroneous theology. But no apology?  Rick Warren (@RickWarren) March 2, 2023

Rich Villodas, pastor of New Life Fellowship in New York, issued a statement retracting his initial endorsement of Beautiful Union and said Butlers exegesis of Ephesians 5 is not just problematic, its dangerous.  I was wrong to write an endorsement for something I didnt fully read."

My statement and retraction of my endorsement for Joshua Butlers forthcoming book. pic.twitter.com/qrQFQI6bkB  Rich Villodas (@richvillodas) March 3, 2023

On the TGC website, Butler was listed as a fellow with The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, which was launched in February to help pastors, young people and other Christian leaders adapt to a "post-Christendom culture."

As of Friday afternoon, however, Butler's bio no longer appeared on the page. He is still listed as a fellow with The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics on his personal website. It's unclear whether any change to his status was made.

Launched in 2004 by New York City's Redeemer Presbyterian Church's then-Pastor Tim Keller and Canadian Reformed theologian D. A. Carson, TGC has undergone several changes in recent years, including several high-profile departures from the Reformed site in 2014.

TGC faced criticism in 2013 when three key members, Don Carson, Kevin DeYoung, and Justin Taylor published a statement on TGC website in defense of C. J. Mahaney, the founder of Sovereign Grace Ministries.

Mahaney and other SGM leaders were sued for an alleged conspiracy to "permit sexual deviants to have unfettered access to children for purposes of predation and to obstruct justice by covering up ongoing past predation."
CPAC: Vivek Ramaswamy warns of 3 secular religions, proposes 'national revival' not separation Presidential candidate calls for 'declaration of independence from China'

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.  A recently declared presidential candidate is warning about the three secular religions that have America in a chokehold as he seeks to gain momentum in the Republican presidential primary.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy announced his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination last week, joining a field of candidates including former President Donald Trump, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and other lesser-known candidates. On Friday, he gave an address at the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual gathering of conservative activists and politicians held at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center.

Weve celebrated our diversity so much that we forgot all the ways were really the same as Americans, bound by ideals that united a divided, headstrong group of people 250 years ago. I believe deep in my bones those ideals still exist. Im running for President to revive them. pic.twitter.com/bz5Qtt4tmm  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 22, 2023

The 37-year-old Ramaswamy touched upon themes he outlined in his campaign announcement as he sought to gain support among conservative activists. Ramaswamy remains largely unknown among Republican voters, as his name is not included in the RealClearPolitics average of polls measuring support for declared and potential GOP candidates.

A poll conducted by Emerson College from Feb. 24-25, after Ramaswamys campaign announcement, shows Ramaswamy receiving 4% support when respondents were asked who they would support if the field only included declared candidates.

Here are five interesting points Ramaswamy made at CPAC.

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Wife of pastor killed in crash caused by intoxicated red light runner breaks down in testimony

The wife of Aaron Strong, a Wisconsin pastor who died in a car crash caused by a 23-year-old man driving through red lights while intoxicated, made an emotional appeal to lawmakers at the state Capitol to pass a pair of bills that would increase the penalty for reckless driving.

As Abbie Strong held up a picture of her family  the last one taken before her husband Aaron was killed in October  she broke down in front of lawmakers this week, NBC Milwaukee affiliate TMJ4 reported.

So reckless that the driver was driving over 70 miles per hour on the wrong side of the road through four red lights before colliding with his Nissan sedan, she said about the crash that killed her 40-year-old husband, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee, on Oct. 12, 2022.

Last week, Jose Silva, who crashed into the pastors car, pleaded guilty. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 20. Silva had previously been charged with second-degree reckless homicide.

The pastor died at a local hospital and an autopsy suggested he died from multiple blunt-force injuries. Authorities estimated Silva was speeding at 74 mph just before the accident, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said at the time. He told police he was running late for jury duty at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

Surveillance from Marquette University showed Silvas car speeding prior to the crash, according to the complaint, which also said he didnt apply the brakes until two seconds before the crash. The video also showed the car running a red light while driving the wrong way.

Prosecutors said he ran four red lights before crashing into the pastors car while intoxicated.

My son is not going to get to go on that camping, backpacking adventure this summer, Abbie was quoted as saying. My daughters not going to have her dad walk her down the aisle. So I need to do my part to prevent other families from having to face that loss.

There are two pending bills related to reckless driving. The first bill would double the maximum fine for reckless driving citations, as well as increase the maximum jail sentence for certain felony-reckless driving offenses. The second bill would permit cities to pass ordinances authorizing police to tow vehicles if a person is caught driving recklessly and has an outstanding unpaid fine for a previous reckless driving offense.

Abbie said she feels responsible for representing her husband and other families who have suffered similar losses. She believes that since they are not the first family to experience such tragedy, it is crucial for her to be the face and voice of their cause.

She added that although the two bills might not eradicate reckless driving, they would still have an impact.

Grace Downtown announced Strongs death on Facebook last October, asking people to keep Abbie Strong and their children, Hannah and Elijah, in your prayers.

Like Job, the question Why? troubles all of us regarding this tragedy. Like Job, we are reminded that our majestic God does not always provide an answer to that question. But what brings us everlasting comfort is that Gods mercy shines as bright as his majesty, stated the church.

The Rev. Brian Hackmann, an outreach pastor at Grace, remembered Pastor Strong as a person that was full of joy.

He was full of life, Hackman was quoted as saying. He had a smile on his face, an infectious laugh. He was a person that was pretty easy to get along with.  He had the love of Jesus in his heart in a big way.
From a progressive Christian antagonist to an orthodox Christian advocate

Last week, a remarkable email was forwarded to me by my staff. It was from Sarahbeth Caplin, someone I had previously interacted with when she was a hostile, progressive Christian writing for an atheist website. Why was she contacting me now?

I share all this with you here with her full permission and blessing.

Sarahbeth wrote in her email, Dear Michael, This article recently came up in a Google search when I was trying to find something else I wrote: [The article was written by me on May 23, 2019, titled, Misrepresent and Demonize: The Weapon of Progressive Christians.]

She continued: Its so funny to read this now, because I no longer recognize the person youre talking about. At the time, I was going through a period of deconstruction. All the downtime in 2020 forced me to reevaluate everything I believe and why, and Im happy to say Ive returned to biblical orthodoxy  including in matters of sexuality. I just thought you would be interested to know that.

What great news! You can be sure I was quite interested to receive this report, especially in light of the article that she linked which I began with these words: Last week, I encouraged Christian parents in California who had children in public schools to defy the law and pull their kids from the states extreme sex-ed curriculum. How did the Friendly Atheists resident Episcopalian blogger respond?

According to Sarahbeth Caplin, I want these parents to teach their kids that transgender people dont exist. (Yes, she actually wrote this.)

She added (back in 2019), This is just faith-based, hate-fueled fear-mongering. Its the only subject in which Michael Brown is an expert.

In response, I wrote, What a sad commentary on the nature of liberal illogic. And what a misrepresentation of the facts.

And I ended the article with this appeal, to which I received no response: If the state wants to force trash like this on their children, then the righteous, moral, and responsible thing to do is pull their kids out of those classes.

The only thing hateful is the response of progressives like Caplin.

That being said, Sarahbeth, if you read this, lets talk. Join me on the air one day, and we can discuss the differences plainly but without vitriol.

Im willing if you are.

That was then, with the old Sarahbeth. What happened to change her views so dramatically? What led to such a wonderful transformation?

When I inquired as to what happened in her life, she shared this with me (which, again, Im sharing with her full permission):

I'm not sure how the transformation started exactly, except that at some point I started praying for God to reveal the truth to me  no matter how uncomfortable it made me. And then I started noticing some inconsistencies within the LGBT movement: like how you're apparently born this way, but at the same time, sexuality is also fluid? And for a same-sex attracted person to reject a trans person for a date is apparently transphobic (because the parts don't match the gender identity), even though, according to a sex-positive philosophy, no one is supposed to be shamed for what they are into? That means the logic of gender ideology is actually homophobic! And it sort of spiraled on from there. I realized much of my objections to Christian theology in this area were reactionary rather than based on Scripture, so I started studying the clobber verses again with a more open mind. And once I finally understood them, I couldn't go back. Progressive Christianity is entirely built on doubts and questions with little to no foundation of certainty and truth. It was a temporary dwelling place for me to figure some things out, but ultimately not a healthy place to stay. And many of the friends I made in that circle dropped me once I started to regain my spiritual footing. They liked me when I questioned things and my faith was struggling, but not when I found it again. At that time, I stopped writing for Patheos [and the Friendly Atheist website] ... I have since joined the Anglican church (affiliated with ACNA, not the Episcopal branch), and have built a healthy spiritual community there. (For more on her story, see here.)

In our subsequent interaction, she also wrote this to me: I reached out to you specifically because I probably sparred with you more than most, and definitely went out of my way to misrepresent your views. I was wrong to do that. I apologize for the version of me you had to deal with!

How many of us have the maturity to realize that we are reacting rather than processing, responding emotionally rather than based on truth? And how many have the humility  and integrity  to change course so dramatically after we have become known for espousing a particular position or being a particular person? God truly does give grace to the humble!

And what a great summary of progressive Christianity. As she wrote, it is entirely built on doubts and questions with little to no foundation of certainty and truth. It was a temporary dwelling place for me to figure some things out, but ultimately not a healthy place to stay.

This is the exact opposite of the real Gospel faith, which is built on eternal foundations, filled with certainty and truth, foundations that have stood the test of time.

My interaction with Sarabeth also reminds us of the importance of being gracious to those we differ with, even if our differences are sharp and require strong and clear articulation. As Paul exhorted, Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6).

We can be unashamed of our faith without being nasty, meanspirited, demeaning, insulting, or self-righteous. And while we may impress our online echo chambers with our so-called boldness (our spiritual justification for acting like jerks), in the end, we will only discredit the Lord and drive away those for whom He died.

In my new book, Why So Many Christians Have Left the Faith: Responding to the Deconstructionist Movement With Unshakable, Timeless Truth, I have a whole chapter devoted to the question, Can Deconstruction Be Healthy?

My answer is that if we have honest questions and the right attitude, our faith will be strengthened rather than weakened in the pursuit of truth. But if our attitudes are not right  meaning, if we are looking for an excuse to ditch the Bible or have already become proud in our thoughts about God  we will likely end up in a spiritual ditch.

Sarahbeth is a great example of a public, progressive Christian having a change of heart because of a change of mind. In the days to come, may she be just one among many!
Spiritual snooze button: 'God can wait!'

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame recently learned that 6 in 10 people habitually hit the snooze button each morning. A majority of people apparently long for just five more minutes! The leader of the study stated, So many people are snoozing because so many people are chronically tired.

But have you ever wondered why some people essentially do the same thing with God? An alarm goes off in their life or in their heart, giving them the distinct sense that God is trying to get their attention. So, what do they do? They hit the snooze button. God can wait, they assume. I have other more pressing issues right now.

If that describes your perspective, may I remind you that God created you and he loves you? And you will most certainly stand before him on Judgment Day to give an account of your life. The day is approaching when you will be forced to get out of bed. There is simply no getting around it. And the sooner you wake up and address your deepest need, the better.

Wait a minute Dan, you say. Who are you to claim that you know my deepest need? It is a fair question. I am just one of the millions of believers who know the truth about Jesus Christ. We are not any better than you, and we did not deserve to receive Gods grace. Nevertheless, you too need to wake up and realize that a relationship with Christ is what you were created to experience. If you were in my shoes, I would hope that you would share the same message for me.

I am not suggesting that if you repent of your sins and trust Christ alone for salvation you will become a perfect person. But you will begin to follow the only One who is always perfect in every way. And you will experience true peace as a result of having a relationship with Christ through faith. You will have peace with God, (Romans 5:1) and a genuine desire to live at peace with others.

For example, the Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Rome: Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19). What transformed a former persecutor of Christians into an ambassador for peace? Only one thing has that kind of power, and it is the grace of God.

When you become a follower of Christ, your life changes in many ways. Your attitudes change. Your behavior changes. And you begin to live with an entirely new outlook.

As former U.S. Army Master Sergeant Russell Gehrlein beautifully explained: My Christian faith has impacted every single area of my life: my family, career, what I do, what I think, what I say, where Ive been, and where I am going. Christianity was not just a religion I had joined. It was a new relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that definitely has gotten richer over time. I began to truly know God. In knowing Him, He continued to transform me into the image of His Son, Jesus. Even after four and a half decades, I am still growing in my faith.

The Holy Spirit was sent into the world to wake us up to the reality of our sins and our need for salvation. Jesus said: When he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment; in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned (John 16:8-11).

If it was not for the Holy Spirit, none of us would ever understand the good news of the Gospel. The message of salvation only benefits those who accept it by faith. The Apostle Paul wrote, We know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16).

What about you? Are you still asleep and oblivious to your sin and your Savior? If so, then allow this declaration in Gods Word to sink deep into your heart: Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you (Ephesians 5:14).

That is to say, turn away from your sins and trust Jesus to wash them away. Repent and get real with God. And believe that the Messiah suffered and died on the cross in order for you to go free and be declared Not Guilty in Gods sight.

Every immortal soul will remain wide awake throughout eternity. Everyone in Heaven and Hell will experience extreme conditions forever and ever. One destination is far more majestic than we can even imagine, while the other destination is far more horrific than we can possibly fathom.

Therefore, you would be wise to immediately wake up and get out of bed. Its your call. Its your life. Its your immortal soul. And its your eternal existence that hangs in the balance.

Do you hear your alarm going off? Or are you determined to keep hitting the snooze button up until the moment you stand before Christ on Judgment Day? On that day, it will be too late to get right with God.

So, what do you say? Will you visit Jesus right now and become one of his followers? Simply confess your sins to the Lord and receive his free gift of everlasting life in Heaven. If you surrender your heart, soul, and mind to the Savior, you will be so glad you did!
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Picking up prescription medications could soon be as easy as buying a candy bar in Colorado  if a new bill from the state House is passed into law.

House Bill 1195 would allow pharmacies to use automated vending machines to dispense prescription medications to patients. The machines could be put in hospitals, health clinics or retail pharmacies, and could operate outside of regular pharmacy hours so patients have more time to pick up their medications.

The House approved the bill in a 58-4 vote on Friday, sending it to the Senate for consideration.

This bill removes unnecessary barriers to improve access to the medication patients need, said bill sponsor Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. Coloradans with long or untraditional working hours often struggle to access the prescription medication they need because their pharmacys hours often don't align with their work schedule.

Under the bill, patients would need to provide their prescription and interact virtually with a pharmacist via a video call on the machine in order to pick up their medication. The medications would be pre-counted and stocked in the machine.

The machines could dispense any medications, including opioids.

The bipartisan-sponsored bill received broad support from both sides of the aisle, though the four representatives who voted against the bill were all Republicans: Scott Bottoms of Colorado Springs, Brandi Bradley of Littleton, Ken deGraaf of Colorado Springs and Stephanie Luck of Penrose. None explained their no votes.

During a committee hearing on the bill, some raised concerns about people breaking into the machines to access opioids, but proponents of the bill said the machines are exceptionally theft proof and would be monitored at all times.

Bill sponsor Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, said in addition to helping working class people who cant visit pharmacies during working hours, these machines could expand access to medication for people in rural or underserved areas without nearby pharmacies.

This is one of those major bills, Soper said. They allow for better access whether in a health care facility or in a rural setting. ... The possibilities are certainly almost endless here.

Automated prescription dispensing systems are already allowed in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas, according to the health care technology company MedifriendRx.

Several groups, including Kaiser Permanente, University of Colorado Health and the Colorado Retail Council, are backing the bill. No organizations registered or testified in opposition to the measure.

The Houses passage of HB 1195 came on the same day that Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1071 into law, expanding the number of potential prescribers in Colorado by making qualifying psychologists eligible to apply to prescribe mental health medications to their patients.

Polis and Democratic state legislators also rolled out a package of health care bills this week, which they say is intended to increase access to and reduce costs for health care in Colorado.
Psychologists working in Colorado will soon be eligible to apply to prescribe mental health medications to their patients, thanks to House Bill 1071 from Colorado Springs' Rep. Mary Bradfield.

Currently, if a psychologist providing therapy or counseling decides their patient needs medication such as antidepressants, they must refer the patient to a psychiatrist or medical doctor to get a prescription. But due to a lack of prescribers in Colorado, this process can take months to complete and forces patients to pay for care twice.

The bill will make the more than 3,000 licensed psychologists operating in Colorado eligible to apply to prescribe themselves. In comparison, there are only around 600 psychiatrists currently operating in Colorado.

"This is the first step for the betterment of mental and behavioral health conditions for people in Colorado," Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, said.

Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill into law on Friday. It will officially take effect in August, 90 days after the general assembly adjourns.

The bipartisan-sponsored bill was unanimously approved by the state Senate and passed the House in a 56-6 vote earlier this month, following weeks of debate among lawmakers and mental health professionals regarding whether letting psychologists prescribe medications would lower the standards of mental health care.

To become a prescriber under the bill, a Ph.D.-holding psychologist would have to get a masters degree in clinical psychopharmacology, pass a national psychopharmacology exam, complete 750 hours of prescribing practice under a supervising physician, be approved by the state boards of psychology and medicine, and complete 40 hours of continuing education in psychopharmacology every two years. In addition, the psychologist would have to maintain their current psychology license, malpractice insurance and psychology-based continuing education.

Despite these requirements, opponents raised concerns about allowing non-medically trained psychologists to prescribe medications, saying they do not understand how medications impact the body or how physical illnesses can manifest as mental health issues.

Psychiatric medications affect all of the bodys systems, said Dr. Nadia Haddad with the Colorado Psychiatric Society while testifying against the bill. "The mind does not exist in a vacuum.  Psychiatric medications can cause fatal heart arrhythmias, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, liver and kidney issues."

Proponents defended the qualifications of prescribing psychologists and emphasized that they would be required to collaborate with a patients primary physician and explicitly agree that the prescription is appropriate before it is administered to the patient.

Some also argued that psychologists know their patients' needs better than psychiatrists, as psychologists often meet with patients on a weekly basis for up to an hour at a time, while psychiatrist appointments can be as short as 15 minutes and occur every few months.

Bill sponsor Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, said she has experienced the ineffectiveness of the current system firsthand. Amabile said her adult son suffers with serious mental illness and was forced to wait eight weeks for his first psychiatric appointment. Feeling unable to wait, he went to a primary care doctor who was unaware of his diagnosis and was prescribed the wrong medication, causing him to end up in the hospital.

"It is about access to care and quality of care," Amabile said. "If you can have the same person who you're meeting with frequently, who really knows you, who has an in-depth understanding of your disease also be the person who manages your medications, then you're going to get better care."

This bill comes as the 2022 State of Mental Health in America report ranked Colorado as the worst state in the country for adult mental health. The year before, Childrens Hospital Colorado declared a state of emergency for youth mental health, as suicide became the leading cause of death for Colorado children ages 14-19.

Psychologists can already prescribe mental health medication in five states  New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa and Idaho  as well as in the U.S. military. In New Mexico and Louisiana, deaths by suicide were reduced by between 5% and 7% since psychologists were granted prescriptive authority, according to Healthier Colorado.

Nationally, there are around 250 prescribing psychologists currently operating. From 2005 to 2021, there were only 14 board complaints against prescribing psychologists  half of which were dismissed and only two of which resulted in payments to the plaintiffs, according to Trust Risk Management Services, which provides liability insurance for psychologists.

"I'm very excited by this bill," Polis said. "It saves money, improves access, improves quality. ... This bill will give us more tools to help people experiencing severe mental health crises."
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POUND STERLING ANALYSIS & TALKING POINTS

Will Chinese positivity follow through next week benefitting risk assets?

UK GDP and Fed speak in focus next week.

GBP/USD hesitance awaiting fundamental catalyst.

Trade Smarter - Sign up for the DailyFX Newsletter Receive timely and compelling market commentary from the DailyFX team Subscribe to Newsletter

GBPUSD FUNDAMENTAL BACKDROP

The British pound found some support on Friday with UK services data PMI as well as renewed risk appetite after better than expected Chinese PMI figures. The China re-open story has started to gain traction again allowing risk assets like the GBP to flourish. The key theme for next week remains in line with data dependency and while the Bank of England (BoE) has been erring on the side of caution in terms of their forward guidance, the US seems to be sticking with the hawkish narrative. That being said, market reactions to central bank speak have been on the decline as there has not been much change in forward guidance from Fed officials. This has given economic data more significance however; Fed Chair Jerome Powell who is scheduled to speak next week should bring about more attention relative to the other Fed officials.

Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) data (see economic calendar below) will take center stage from a US perspective, after persistence robust labor data. This has been supplementing the aggressive approach from the Fed (which is largely priced in). With expectations baked into the upside, any miss on data should result in a positive move for the pound.

Recommended by Warren Venketas How to Trade GBP/USD Get My Guide

From a UK perspective, UK GDP will be in focus and is expected to dip below 0% and should actual data fall in line, recessionary fears will be renewed, likely hampering GBP upside.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR

Source: DailyFX Economic Calendar

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

GBP/USD DAILY CHART

Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, IG

Daily GBP/USD price action although weakening against the greenback, is keeping in touch with the 1.2000 psychological handle, seeking a breakout above the falling wedge chart pattern (black). As mentioned above, data will be the key driver of a breakout which could be confirmed by a candle close above or below the wedge formation.

Key resistance levels:

1.2100

Wedge resistance

1.2000

Key support levels:

200-day SMA

1.1900

Wedge support

BEARISH IG CLIENT SENTIMENT

IG Client Sentiment Data (IGCS) shows retail traders are currently LONG on GBP/USD, with 61% of traders currently holding long positions (as of this writing). At DailyFX we typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment resulting in a short-term downside disposition.

Contact and followWarrenon Twitter:@WVenketas
China's defense ministry voices firm opposition to U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region

Xinhua) 13:07, March 04, 2023

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday voiced firm opposition to the United States' arms sales to China's Taiwan region.

Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China's defense ministry, made the remarks in response to a press inquiry on the U.S. State Department's approval on Wednesday of a new round of arms sales to Taiwan.

Noting that the U.S. move has flagrantly interfered with China's domestic affairs, Tan said China is strongly dissatisfied and has lodged stern representations with the U.S. side.

The move has seriously breached the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique, severely undermined China's sovereignty and security interests, and posed a severe threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Tan said.

"We urge the United States to cease arms sales to and military contacts with Taiwan, and stop meddling in the Taiwan question and raising tensions across the Strait," said Tan.

"The Chinese People's Liberation Army is always well prepared to take countermeasures against all sorts of provocations seeking 'Taiwan independence' and external interference, and to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Tan said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Boris Johnson has decided not to use the Governments new Northern Ireland deal with the European Union as a pretext for mounting a challenge to Rishi Sunak. But that doesnt mean hes given up any hope of returning as Prime Minister. Far from it.

The retreat is purely tactical. He doesnt like the deal, even saying this week it will be very difficult for him to vote for it in the Commons. But hes concluded theres not a big enough head of steam against it on the Tory backbenches for him to lead a broadly-based rebellion. So our modern-day Cincinnatus will bide his time.

Hes already clear in his mind how he will judge the performance of the Government. He claims it has to be a Brexit government  or it is nothing. He insists it is still bound by the mandate he won by a landslide in December 2019 to get Brexit done.

Johnson thinks that can only be achieved if the Government dares to diverge from, dares to be different to the EU. He criticises Sunak for being far too timid on that score. He accepts that so was he when Prime Minister.

He accuses the Treasury of being especially insistent that Britain should stay faithful to EU rules even though we were no longer a member. He blames Sunak, when he was his Chancellor, for being too inclined to go along with this Treasury orthodoxy.

Boris Johnson has decided not to use the Governments new Northern Ireland deal with the European Union as a pretext for mounting a challenge to Rishi Sunak.

Johnson thinks that can only be achieved if the Government dares to diverge from, dares to be different to the EU. He criticises Sunak for being far too timid on that score

Johnson still bears the scars of lost battles with Sunak and the Treasury. There is no point to Brexit if we merely emulate the high-tax, low-growth European economic model, he says.

But he thinks thats what the Sunak government is doing. He claims he tried to stop Sunaks desire to raise corporation tax, which will rise from 19 per cent to 25 per cent next month. And he acknowledges his failure.

In retrospect, he says, Britain should have erected a huge Invest Here sign after the pandemic had receded, outdoing even the Irish in business-friendly tax cuts. But he couldnt get his way.

Clearly its easier to write newspaper columns about such matters than force them through the Whitehall machinery, even when youre Prime Minister.

When taken to task about agreeing to the Northern Ireland protocol in the first place, he says he did so believing it would be sensibly applied. He admits he hadnt taken enough account of the strategic mission of the European Commission which, he says, was to stop Britain from diverging from the rules of the EU single market.

Northern Ireland was the pawn in that game. Johnson says what the EU feared most of all was Singapore-on-Thames, shorthand for a more free-market, less regulated economic model which would prove more successful and dynamic than Europes dirigiste economies.

That prospect terrified them, he says. So right from the start the Commission aimed to bind Northern Ireland completely into the EU single market, using the border with the Irish Republic, as the pretext. By tying one part of the UK into the single market, the Commission thought it would make it harder for the rest of the UK to diverge from EU rules without splitting the Union.

Johnson accepts that Sunaks deal is an improvement. But it amounts to no more than EU easements (his word) on the rules. It still leaves Northern Ireland subject to some EU laws. He recognises people want to move on and make the best of the Windsor Framework, which is why hes given up thoughts of leading a rebellion against it. But he still fears it will act as a drag anchor on divergence.

If that turns out to be the case, he thinks the Government should be prepared to resuscitate his controversial bill to allow Britain to make unilateral changes to the protocol.

So right from the start the Commission aimed to bind Northern Ireland completely into the EU single market, using the border with the Irish Republic, as the pretex

There is clearly much room here for disagreement with the Sunak government in the months ahead, plenty of scope for mischief. Johnson is staking out markers by which he intends to judge Sunaks performance and to create a springboard for a possible leadership challenge.

Time and again, he returns to his theme of daring to diverge, daring to be different from the EU, in everything from the regulation of genome sequencing to financial services. He doesnt think Sunak has the stomach for it. If and when he mounts a rebellion, it will be on this basis.

The clear blue water Johnson sees between himself and the Government is not confined to Brexit. He thinks it has lost interest in his levelling-up agenda and intends to bang on about it until Sunak takes it seriously.

He still speaks passionately about the country being hopelessly tilted in favour of London and the South-East and claims that real levelling up would quickly make us the richest country in Europe.

Then theres Ukraine. He intends to remain in the vanguard of calls for Ukraine to be supplied with the most sophisticated weaponry, including fighter jets.

Well do it in the end, he says, so we might as well do it now.

The obvious criticism of all this is to ask why he didnt do more along these lines when he had the chance as prime minister.

The appointment of this supposedly impartial senior civil servant to be Keir Starmers chief of staff undermines the authority of her damaging report into Johnsons Partygate imbroglio

Of course, the pandemic drained his government of energy and purpose beyond dealing with the immediate health threat. But it is not unreasonable to suppose he could still have done more, given the scale of his majority. Even so, much of what he says will resonate strongly with the Tory faithful.

The Windsor Framework has given the Government a new lease of life, but there are still widespread fears that Sunak is too tame, too technocratic. Johnson plans to be on the sidelines doling out plenty of red meat.

The Sue Gray farrago aids his ambition to be the comeback kid. The appointment of this supposedly impartial senior civil servant to be Keir Starmers chief of staff undermines the authority of her damaging report into Johnsons Partygate imbroglio.

He and his supporters will now simply shrug it off, fairly or unfairly, as the work of a political partisan. It might even help him get through the looming parliamentary inquiry into Partygate.

I do not myself advocate that Johnson should challenge Sunak. His analysis of Brexits failings are compelling and his claim that there is no point to Brexit unless we dare to diverge irrefutable. But however convincing the rhetoric, Johnson is always destined to disappoint those who put most faith in him. That is his track record.

What matters, however, is not what I think but the fact that Johnson wants a second chance at being Prime Minister  and will be pretty ruthless in its pursuit.

The window of opportunity, however, is narrow. He has to make his move between now and sometime before the next election. Johnson has neither the stomach nor the aptitude to be leader of the opposition for a full parliamentary term.

He knows that if Sunak leads the Tories into the next election and Keir Starmer wins a comfortable working majority (it doesnt have to be a landslide) for five years then his comeback opportunity will be over, probably for ever.

So he must strike in good time before the election. Im still not convinced that circumstances will conspire to make a challenge credible, never mind successful. But I am certain he is positioning himself for such a challenge should the right moment arise.

He feels he was cheated out of the premiership by lesser politicians for no good reason and deserves the top job back. Grays new appointment has reinforced that view.

Expect a mounting chorus of criticism of the Government to come from him in the weeks ahead. The groundwork is being laid, the search for a casus belli under way. Im told Rishi Sunak is a light sleeper. With Johnson on manoeuvres Id advise him, from now on, to sleep with one eye open.
There can now be no doubt that the strangling of our society in 2020 was just as mad and stupid as I said it was. It failed to stop the spread of Covid. Our economy was wrecked, the national work ethic was destroyed, our liberties were shredded and the NHS crippled, probably permanently.

Even now jobs are vanishing and businesses closing as a result. The education of the young was trashed and the lives of the old made so miserable many gave up and died.

I have never seen any policy so obviously wrong from the start. So you'll have to wonder why the only thing I have to show for standing up to it, quite alone at the beginning, is a censure from the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

I intend to have a bronze medal struck, which I can wear on ceremonial occasions, recording this censure, intended as a rebuke and taken as an insult but which I will in future regard as an honour.

In the same way I treasure the attacks made on me by people who should now be utterly ashamed, for 'misinformation' and 'Covid denial' and on more than one occasion for supposedly causing needless deaths. The authors of this bilge know who they are.

The publication of the Matt Hancock files has exposed beyond doubt that the Government did not know what it was doing and eventually became so swollen with undeserved, improper power that it ought to have been sectioned.

The publication of the Matt Hancock files has exposed beyond doubt that the Government did not know what it was doing

Customers practice social distancing outside a B&Q store in Chiswick seven weeks after the country was placed into lockdown

As for the 'Opposition'  everyone in it failed to do his or her job, one for which they were handsomely paid. None of them, on either side, deserves to stay in Parliament, let alone to become the government.

Could we perhaps start again, with a simple shame test for every parliamentary candidate at the next Election? Anyone who backed the hysteria should be disqualified.

One of the most fascinating things about this event is that it was predicted in astonishing detail in an episode of the US cartoon satire The Simpsons, in November 2010. One new development makes the resemblance almost total. It is the admission by the former Minister Lord Bethell that the Government considered ordering the deaths of all the cats in the country.

As he told Channel 4 News: 'There was an idea at one moment that we might have to ask the public to exterminate all the cats in Britain.' If you think this absurd, or imagine people would have resisted such a decree, it is worth recalling that hundreds of thousands of pets were willingly destroyed by their owners in the early months of the Second World War thanks to a badly-worded government warning.

The Simpsons episode, The Fool Monty, shows a TV bulletin in which viewers are warned (in a brilliant satire of the way authority presents airy speculation as hard fact) 'House Cat Flu is coming people! The Centre for Disease Disinformation predicts with some degree of probability that House Cat Flu might spread in the following hypothetical outbreak pattern'.

The TV presenter then dons a special anti-flu suit, while the terror-stricken population rushes to get rid of its cats. Homer Simpson makes a bonfire of all his 'cat stuff', while wearing a facemask. It all ends when a vaccine is introduced.

Of course, it is a joke but when I tweeted the episode in the early weeks of the panic, nobody laughed. For a mild fear had been fanned by an incompetent, weak Government  unopposed by a worthless Opposition and feeble courts  into a medieval frenzy of superstition and terror. And we shall not recover from it for many long, hard years.

A little girl communicates with her grandparents through a window during the Covid pandemic (stock image)

One of the most fascinating things about this event is that it was predicted in astonishing detail in an episode of the US cartoon satire The Simpsons, in November 2010

New or Old, we still bow to the IRA

If there is 'peace' in Northern Ireland, why is Det Ch Insp John Caldwell gravely ill in hospital, having been shot in Omagh by persons unknown, in front of his young son, on February 22?

We are told that some fictional body called The New IRA is responsible for this crime. How simple-minded can you be? Since 'peace' was agreed in 1998, there have (beginning with the worst massacre of all, also in Omagh) been ceaseless outrages, murders, shootings, robberies, supposedly committed by IRA 'dissidents' under various fanciful titles.

If there is 'peace' in Northern Ireland, why is Det Ch Insp John Caldwell gravely ill in hospital, having been shot in Omagh by persons unknown, in front of his young son, on February 22?

But has the actual 'old' IRA, famous throughout the 20th Century for vengeance on those who defy it, ever once taken serious action against the culprits? Does it never occur to anyone that these are simple deniable operations, usually connected with some problem over how far and how fast the UK state gives in to the demands of the Provisionals?

Killers are amnestied. Soldiers and policemen are pursued by prosecutors. Sinn Fein grows daily in power throughout Ireland. But we shut our eyes and ears.

Partly it is because we on the mainland hope to get rid of the problem. But it is also because we are ashamed and embarrassed that a supposedly mighty military power gave in to an unrepentant bunch of kidnappers and gangsters.

And there is a certain shiftiness over the fact we did so under ferocious pressure from our supposed 'shoulder to shoulder' ally, the USA, which 30 years ago decided they would rather have a special relationship with Gerry Adams than with London. There were more votes in it, that was all.

And still we suck up to them. France's General de Gaulle would never have stood for it.

I could be classed a criminal for telling the truth

A few years ago I was approached by some of the bravest people I have ever had dealings with. These were deeply-experienced chemical warfare inspectors working for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a UN agency which tracks the use of poison gas in warfare, by going to the scene.

What Ministers say in Parliament has no effect on the way such laws are used. This is a nasty catch-all Bill, and if Parliament had any guts, it would be thrown out

They were quietly furious their painstaking work was being misrepresented and twisted by their superiors. I wrote this story. It was highly inconvenient to the British, French and US governments, who would all have liked the inspectors to have produced a different result. I felt their wrath, being falsely attacked by a choir of government toadies as a 'war crimes denier' and other things. But that was it, then.

Now, I strongly suspect that under the new National Security Bill I could have been prosecuted for this, as it could have been claimed my reports might (as the Bill says) 'materially assist a foreign intelligence service'. Yes, it is that vague. Lord Sharpe of Epsom says it is 'almost inconceivable that genuine journalism would be caught within the threshold for criminal activity'. I don't believe him. Nor should you.

What Ministers say in Parliament has no effect on the way such laws are used. This is a nasty catch-all Bill, and if Parliament had any guts, it would be thrown out.
Advertisement

With 310 known deaths on Mount Everest and that number growing every year, the highest point on Earth is steeped in tragedy.

Spencer Matthews' brother is among that grim number. The Made in Chelsea star recently made an epic journey to retrace his sibling's steps in a brave bid to recover the body.

Like hundreds before him, and the countless more to follow, Michael Matthews' journey ended in 1999. Here is his story, and the stories of some of the other adventurers forever lost to the mountain.

Spencer Matthews at Everest Base Camp, May 2022. He said retracing his late brother's steps for a new Disney+ documentary is the 'closest he's felt' to his sibling since his death in 1999

Michael Matthews became the youngest Briton to reach the summit of Everest at the age of 22, but disappeared on the mountain just three hours later

Spencer retraced the 'exact steps' his sibling took when he died descending the world's highest peak in 1999

An emotional Spencer Matthews fought back tears on The One Show on Thursday as he discussed his attempts to recover his late brother's body on Mount Everest.

The former Made in Chelsea star, 34, discussed his search for his dead brother's body, after he tragically died on the perilous mountain aged 22 in 1999. In the hours immediately after his summit he disappeared during his descent.

The 34-year-old filmed new Disney+ documentary Finding Michael - released on Friday - with the help of survivalist Bear Grylls and record-breaking mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja.

Spencer, who was just 10 when the tragic incident occurred, retold hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp this week about Michael's last journey and how he retraced his steps in an attempt to bring him home.

He told the pair: 'Retracing his steps and understanding his final days a bit better was quite cathartic for me...'

The former TV star said: 'When we took the difficult decision to undertake the mission I knew I wanted to be there myself. We scrapped together any information we had. Some of the footage of Michael on the mountain I'd never seen before.

'It was the first time I'd seen him on camera, because as a kid we didn't do home movies or anything. Retracing his steps and understanding his final days a bit better was quite cathartic for me...'

Michael made history as the youngest ever Brit to reach the summit aged 22 but said to have got in trouble after beginning to make his way down the south descent through the 'death zone' on May 13, 1999.

The experienced mountaineer, who had previously conquered Aconcagua, the Pyrenees and the Swiss Alps, was the 162nd person to die on Everest.

Michael's body has never been recovered and his family have never been able to fully understand what happened to him.

Ahead of the new Disney+ documentary, Spencer told The Sunday Times: ''I'm not the most emotional person but the nearer we got to the mountain, the more potent my feelings became. It's the closest I've felt to Mike since his death.'

'He's frozen in time. I'm his big brother now. I was unable to stop thinking about it. I wanted to bring him home for my mum.'

Spencer added: 'I found the idea unbearable of him being out there on the mountain, alone, with people walking past him en route to the summit.'

Spencer was said to have the backing of his parents and his brother James to create the 'emotional' project.

Spencer trekked to South Base Camp base camp via Namche Bazaar, a town in north-eastern Nepal, often the staging point for expeditions to and other Himalayan peaks.

He made the journey just five days after the birth of his son Otto after a 'weather window' made scaling the mountain feasible.

Speaking about why he embarked on the journey, Spencer said: 'He's frozen in time. I'm his big brother now. I was unable to stop thinking about it. I wanted to bring him home for my mum.'

TV personality Spencer was 10 years old when Michael (left next to sibling James) tragically died. With 310 known deaths on Mount Everest and that number growing every year, it's no wonder the highest point on Earth has also earned the macabre nickname 'the world's largest open air graveyard'

The trailer for Finding Michael begins with Spencer looking at a picture of his brother wearing a red ski jacket, saying: 'I hate the picture. All I see is a young man in the process of losing his life.'

He continues: 'Michael was my big brother. 20 odd years later we are sent this photograph of a body, it looks like it could be Michael.

'My heart says we should go and find him. And if we can, bring him home.

'We need the best people possible. We have one of the greatest, Nims Purja. We have to look all over the mountain.'

And ahead of the release of the powerful documentary, Spencer was supported by his wife Vogue Williams at the premiere in February.

With 310 known deaths on Mount Everest and that number growing every year, it's no wonder the highest point on Earth has also earned the macabre nickname 'the world's largest open air graveyard'.

Many of the bodies disappear into the ether - buried in the Himalayan ice or swept off the face of the mountain by ferocious winds.

But of the sun-bleached bodies that remain frozen to this day, some have served as useful guides for future climbers for decades since.

Some make their wishes clear: if they die on the mountain, they want to stay on the mountain. For others, grieving families are left trying to raise upwards of 61,000 to bring them home. In some cases, failing to ever achieve it.

Six to eight Sherpas are required for recovery missions, and a dead body which would otherwise weigh 80kgs may be up to 150kgs when frozen.

More commonly, bodies in the death zone - above 8,000m (26,247ft) - are pushed off the edge of the ridge, a time honoured mountaineer's death. In the last decade there's been a more concerted effort to remove some of the bodies from the well-trodden path.

One guide said about 10 bodies were visible to anyone completing the final summit push before 2014 from the North East Ridge, but in the years since he'd only counted two or three.

Sherpas who are paid to escort customers up the mountain - and bring them back safely - have no qualms about telling someone if they're at risk of death, and most fatalities occur among clients who do not heed these warnings.

'Your Sherpa will tell you, ''You're too slow, you have to turn around or you'll die'',' Mark Jenkins, a journalist and author who tackled Everest in 2012 said. 'And some people don't.'

Here, MailOnline looks back on some of the bodies which have been found - and identified - on the mountain.

The route up the mountain includes deadly obstacles and moving glaciers (like the Khumbu icefall near to base camp as shown in the map)

George Mallory - the adventurer who decided to climb Everest 'because it's there'

When asked why he'd ever want to climb Everest, George Mallory famously said: 'because it's there.'

The sentiment has lived on through countless others in the 98 years since Mallory, then 38, vanished on the mountain alongside his climbing partner Andrew Irvine.

He was among the first mountaineers to develop an obsession with summiting the mountain and is revered in the industry for helping to pioneer the sport. Then, there is the added layer of mystery as to whether he was in fact the first person to reach the top, some 30 years before the official record books.

Mallory's body lay hidden under thick sheets of snow for 75 years until it was eventually discovered in 1999 by the Mallory and Irvine Research Expedition.

The haunting image of his sun-bleached torso is very familiar for anyone with even a mild interest in the mountain; arguably the most enduring warning of the risks that lie ahead.

Mallory's body (pictured right) was found with a rope around its waist and injuries consistent with the possibility that he and Irvine might have fallen while being roped together

This is the famous last image taken of George Mallory (left) and Sandy Irvine before the pair were to disappear into the mists and never be seen again alive again

Tsewang 'Green Boots' Paljor - the climber from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police

Paljor (pictured) perished alongside two other members of his party, Tsewang Smanla and Dorje Morup, in a now infamous May 1996 snow storm. He was just 28

Tsewang Paljor's body remained on Everest for 18 years, and became somewhat of a macabre marker for mountaineers climbing on the north side.

For many years, he was another nameless, faceless victim of the mountain, famous for the neon green hiking boots he had on at the time of his death.

He perished alongside two other members of his party, Tsewang Smanla and Dorje Morup, in a now infamous May 1996 snow storm which took eight lives. He was just 28.

According to mountaineers who have made it to the summit, up to 80 per cent of people will seek shelter in the very same cave where Green Boots was. He was hard to miss.

Green Boots' cave is at 27,890 feet (8,500m) and is littered with abandoned oxygen bottles.

In 2014, a Chinese expedition were able to move Paljor's body to a less exposed location on the mountain, where he remains, now out of sight.

David Sharp - the mountaineer who attempted to summit alone

In 2006, English mountaineer David Sharp, 34, climbed into Green Boots' cave for a rest stop. He never came back out.

He'd been attempting a daring summit without a group, Sherpa or radio, after two previous failed attempts to conquer the mountain.

It is thought 40 climbers saw him in the cave as he froze to death, too far gone to speak or move. Some ignored him, others begged him to keep on moving. One sat with him and prayed. They all knew he wouldn't survive.

Others claimed that in the mist and haze of the mountain, they didn't realise there were two bodies in Green Boots' cave.

Those who do remember Mr Sharp recalled he had icycles frozen to his lashes, huddled with his arms wrapped around his legs and was unresponsive.

His body remains on Everest. He was moved out of sight in 2007 amid outrage over his treatment on the mountain.

English mountaineer David Sharp, 34, had been attempting a daring summit without a group, Sherpa or radio, after two previous failed attempts to conquer the mountain

Hannelore Schmatz - the first woman to die on Everest

Hannelore Schmatz was the fourth woman to ever summit Mount Everest. She was also the first woman to die there.

Pictures of her frozen body serve as perhaps one of the most haunting images of the dangers of the mountain.

Leaning against the backpack used to identify her and propped up on her elbow, Hannelore's frozen body appeared almost in a state of relaxation.

Her eyes were pinned open by the conditions, and, for a long time, her hair moved with the wind.

Norwegian mountaineer and expedition leader Arne Nss, Jr., detailed his encounter with her body in 1985, saying: 'she sits leaning against her pack, as if taking a short break.

'It feels as if she follows me with her eyes as I pass by. Her presence reminds me that we are here on the conditions of the mountain.'

A Sherpa and Nepalese police inspector attempted to recover her body in 1984, but they both fell to their deaths. Eventually, a gust of wind pushed her over the side of the Kangshung Face.

Hannelore Schmatz was the fourth woman to ever summit Mount Everest. She was also the first woman to die there

Rob Hall - the guide who had successfully summited Everest five times

The same fateful weekend that Green Boots died on the mountain, New Zealander Rob Hall was completing his fifth ascent to the Summit.

His guiding business Adventure Consultants was taking eight clients up the mountain, including Doug Hansen, who had paid about 45,000 years earlier to make the trip but was ordered to turn around at the last hurdle. When a Sherpa again instructed him to turn back in 1996, he refused.

Hall told the Sherpas to continue making their way down and help his other clients, risking his life to stay with Hansen, who by this point had run out of supplementary oxygen.

Two hours later, he radioed for help. The blizzard had struck and Hansen was unconscious. One of Hall's fellow guides, Andy Harris, began making his way back up the mountain with more oxygen and water. About 4.43am on May 11, Hall radioed camp again to confirm that Harris had found them but since disappeared. Hansen hadn't survived the night.

By 9am, Hall radioed again to say his hands and feet were frostbitten, making it hard to carry on. Hours later, he called a final time, asking staff below to connect him to his pregnant wife via satellite phone. He died shortly after that phone call.

Hall's body was first found on the mountain 12 days later, and he remains just below the South Summit. His wife said it's 'where he'd like to have stayed' and told others not to risk their lives attempting to retrieve him.

New Zealander Rob Hall was completing his fifth ascent to the Summit with his guiding business Adventure Consultants

Scott Fischer - the mountain's very own 'Mr Rescue'

Scott Fischer was also on the mountain in the May of 1996. Like Hall, he died helping others.

The father-of-two was a keen mountaineer and dedicated to protecting the environment on his hikes. He'd led an expedition in 1994 to clean up Everest, successfully removing about 5,000 pounds of trash and 150 oxygen bottles on the way.

Fischer unnecessarily travelled back down the mountain during his final expedition to help a friend in need, and then exerted more energy than he usually would in rushing back up to rejoin his team at Camp 2.

As a result, he was slower than usual in his final push to summit. He finally arrived at the peak beyond the usual time he'd turn around and, as had become typical for the man fondly referred to as 'Mr Rescue' on the mountain, Fischer volunteered himself to head back down at the back of his pack to ensure everyone's safety.

Potentially suffering from high altitude sickness, Fischer began to struggle. Later that night, he was found still attached to Makalu Gao, leader of a Taiwanese group that had also pushed to summit that same day.

Rescue teams were only able to assist one of the men back down the mountain. Faced with such an awful decision, they rescued Gao. Fischer was unresponsive and the Sherpas determined Gao had a greater chance of survival.

Anatoli Boukreev, Fischer's friend and fellow guide, found him on the mountain the next day, only partially dressed. Often when a climber is experiencing severe hypothermia, they believe they're overheating and begin to strip off their clothes.

Boukreev famously said: 'his oxygen mask is around face, but bottle is empty. He is not wearing mittens; hands completely bare. Down suit is unzipped, pulled off his shoulder, one arm is outside clothing. There is nothing I can do. Scott is dead.'

He attempted to shield part of Fischer's body, but he remains on the mountain to this day.

Scott Fischer was also on the mountain in the May of 1996. Like Hall, he died helping others. The father-of-two was a keen mountaineer and dedicated to giving back to the environment on his hikes. He'd led an expedition in 1994 to clean up Everest, successfully removing about 5,000 pounds of trash and 150 oxygen bottles on the way

Francys Arsentiev - the adventurer now known as 'Sleeping Beauty'

Francys Arsentiev set out to achieve her goal of becoming the first woman to summit Everest without supplementary oxygen in 1998.

She achieved the feat on May 22, but things went wrong on the descent. She and her husband, a well-known and respected climber named Sergei, spent the night in the dreaded death zone until low visibility separated them.

Sergei made it back to a camp but turned around when he realised his wife was not already there, determined to rescue her. He was never seen alive again.

Francys, meanwhile, had developed frostbite, which turned her skin wax-like. One climber who tried to help her remarked she looked like Sleeping Beauty.

Distressing images show Francys laying in the snow in her purple puffer jacket. She was often passed by future climbers, until an expedition in 2007 draped her body in an American flag and moved her out of the path.

Her body was visible for a total of nine years.

Francys Arsentiev set out to achieve her goal of becoming the first woman to summit Everest without supplementary oxygen in 1998 alongside her husband, a well-known and respected climber named Sergei (pictured together)

The future of Everest

Melting glaciers on Mount Everest are exposing the bodies of climbers who died while trying to scale the peak.

Many are still buried under the Himalayan ice but mountaineering experts believe global warming is starting to reveal them.

A study in 2015 warned that up to 99 per cent of glaciers in the Everest region could have disappeared by the turn of the 22nd century.

Ang Tshering Sherpa, ex-head of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, said 'because of global warming, the ice sheet and glaciers are fast melting and the dead bodies that remained buried all these years are now becoming exposed.

'We have brought down dead bodies of some mountaineers who died in recent years, but the old ones that remained buried are now coming out.'

Removing a dead body can cost up to 61,000 and experts argue some climbers would want to be buried on the mountain if they died there.

There's constantly debates surrounding the ethics of climbing the mountain, from the religious impact for the people of Nepal to the increased commercialisation making it more unsafe and the environmental factors.

Beck Weathers, who survived the 1996 storm which claimed the lives of Mr Taljor, Mr Hall and Mr Fischer, among others, said his view 'changed quite dramatically' after that fateful tragedy.

'If you don't have anyone who cares about you or is dependent on you, if you have no friends or colleagues, and if you're willing to put a single round in the chamber of a revolver and put it in your mouth and pull the trigger, then yeah, it's a pretty good idea to climb Everest,' he said.

But with Nepal relying so heavily on the tourism and climbing industry, it's unlikely any significant changes will be made in the near future. Instead, people who love the mountain are dedicating themselves to make it as safe as possible.

A photo taken on Everest sparked outrage when it showed heavy traffic of climbers lining up in the death zone to stand at the summit
Even now, 69 years after her death, Frida Kahlo continues to captivate. The striking figure cut by the Mexican painter, in flamboyant traditional dress with flowers piled high in her hair and that famous monobrow dominating her face, made her stand out from the crowd, and her rollercoaster life, characterised by passionate affairs, personal tragedy and dangerous political intrigue, had all the qualities of a soap opera.

The heady drama surrounding Kahlos life has turned her into an international celebrity and feminist icon, but art historians argue that this has overshadowed the importance of her work.

Her paintings, which included many self-portraits and works inspired by Mexicos nature, artefacts and popular culture, pushed boundaries with their visceral depictions of passion and suffering.

Now a new three-part BBC2 documentary, Becoming Frida, aims to prove how significant an artist she was, as well as suggesting the surprising theory that her husband, the muralist Diego Rivera, may have helped her commit suicide.

As an art historian, Ive seen that the attraction to Kahlos persona has been larger than the attraction to her art, says series consultant Professor Luis-Martin Lozano, director of the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City.

A new three-part BBC2 documentary, Becoming Frida, aims to prove how significant an artist she was, as well as suggesting the surprising theory that her husband, the muralist Diego Rivera, may have helped her commit suicide

I think her paintings are still the most amazing way to arrive at Frida Kahlo, but then you want to know more about her and thats where it becomes tricky, because she lived such a vivid life. She lived in these incredible historical contexts.

Born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon in 1907, she contracted polio as a child, which left her with a limp. At the age of 18 she was impaled by an iron railing in a horrific bus accident that fractured her pelvic bone, broke her spine in three places and her right leg in 11, and damaged her internal organs. She was in pain for the rest of her life.

Forced to abandon plans to go to medical school, she joined the Mexican Communist Party, through which she met fellow Mexican artist Diego Rivera, who was 21 years her senior. They married in 1929, but the love of her life brought her as much sorrow as he did joy.

During the 30s Kahlo and Rivera were the darlings of the New York and San Francisco elite, until Riveras controversial communist views lost him favour. Rivera was serially unfaithful  even with Kahlos sister Cristina  and the pair divorced in 1939, only to remarry in 1940.

Kahlo also had affairs, including with the Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky. Trotsky was assassinated in Mexico in 1940 and she was briefly arrested as an accessory to the crime.

Kahlos depictions of her personal pain marked her out as an artist ahead of her time. One of her most famous works is of herself bleeding after a miscarriage, while another shows her with her heart ripped out after her divorce from Rivera.

You didnt have women artists putting their own traumas in their work, says art historian Celia Stahr. Its very personal, but also political, because of how women are marginalised.

Professor Lozano adds, Art questions society and who we are. Kahlos art was a place for her to talk about what she felt. Shes very frank, very open. This is my blood. This is my body. This is my foetus. Its not that she wanted everybody to say, Poor Frida. It was, This is whats happening to me. I dont know if other people think this is art or not. Its a lesson that our society is only starting to understand recently, respecting and understanding a womans body.

Pictured: Fridas portrait of herself and Diego Rivera, who was 21 years her senior. They married in 1929, but the love of her life brought her as much sorrow as he did joy

Despite enduring 32 operations, Kahlos physical suffering overwhelmed her. From her mid-40s she was largely confined to her home, but although her diary entries contemplated suicide, she was still painting. When she was at the climax of her intellectual capacities as an artist, her body turned off and the pain took over, says Lozano.

She was found dead in bed in 1954, aged just 47, officially from a pulmonary embolism. But there was no autopsy and its thought she took an overdose. Riveras grandson Juan Rafael Coronel Rivera believes his grandfather may have been involved in her death as a last act of love.

The future was really terrifying for her and she decided not to go through that future, he says. There are some versions that say Diego helped her, but in the family its taboo. So did he do it? Probably, but I dont feel like its something wrong.

Lozano wants to steer audiences back to Kahlos work. We have forgotten about Kahlo the artist, he says. We talk about her letters, her wardrobe, her jewellery, her make-up, her shoes, but she wanted to speak through her art. We need to go back to the basics.

Becoming Frida Kahlo airs on Friday at 9pm on BBC2.
Crows may have a bad reputation, but these intelligent birds can solve complex problems. As Saturn enters sensitive and imaginative Pisces, with the Crow Moon lighting its way, its encouraging us to see that we can turn dreams into reality

ARIES MAR 21  APR 20

Youre right to be wary of the unknowns and ambiguities of your current situation. And youre right to think that if you just carry on doing what youre doing there will be consequences. But you cant do nothing. Be guided by your intuition this Full Moon week. So much is uncertain, but that doesnt mean you cant make an informed choice about the best way to proceed. You can go with your instincts or let someone talk you into going with theirs so trust your own ideas. Theyre more than good enough. How can you benefit from this weeks powerful astrological outlook? For good news, call 0906 751 5601.

TAURUS APR 21  MAY 21

The problem with other people is that theyre not the same as us. For all their good intentions, they cant help seeing their own point of view instead of ours. Its so infuriating! We end up investing our precious time trying to negotiate mutually satisfactory plans. And, of course, those people face the exact same challenge with us! If a relationship with a certain other person has been feeling strained recently, its about to improve. The Full Moon enables you to see things from their point of view and vice versa. What does your heart desire and how can you achieve it? Call 0906 751 5602.

Oscar Cainer has revealed what this week will have in store for those with different horoscopes in the zodiac

GEMINI MAY 22  JUN 22

Yes, your life is hectic and demanding. But thats what you get when Mars, the power planet, is in your sign. Its been there so long youd think youd be used to it! Yet even though youre spinning so many plates you could join the circus, youre managing  and managing better than you think. This weeks Full Moon brings a boost of intuitive oomph that enables you to deal, once and for all, with a situation thats been zapping your energy  and its replaced by the enthusiasm youve been lacking. Curious to know more? Theres valuable news in your latest four-minute forecast. Call 0906 751 5603.

CANCER JUN 23  JUL 23

There are clubs for all sorts of people with all sorts of interests and habits. So surely there must be a club for martyrs? If so, you have all the experience you need to join. Not only would you feel at home; theres a good chance youd find yourself in better company than the company youre keeping some of those other self-sacrificers would make sacrifices for you! Dont allow anyone to take advantage of your generous nature this week. Use the Full Moon energy to create clear boundaries and give yourself some self-care time. Success is about timing and attitude. Your four-minute forecast shows the way to positive change. Call 0906 751 5604.

LEO JUL 24  AUG 23

You dont need to be a neurophysicist or a member of Mensa to make the right decision this week. You just need some input from the intuitive voice of your heart. Listen to it, trust it, follow it and see where it leads. Its unlikely it will take you on a path that doesnt feel right. But if it does, you can override it with your mental faculties. The Full Moon energy indicates that the way to make pleasing progress involves less thought and more instinct. How will you know if your thinking is too wishful? You wont need to answer that question! You have lots to look forward to. The inspiration you need is in your four-minute forecast. Call 0906 751 5605.

VIRGO AUG 24  SEP 23

With the Full Moon in your sign, this week focuses on love and relationships. Youre naturally good at dealing with the nuts and bolts of everyday life, and with this lunar energy focusing on your spiritual side, youll find creative ways to deal with pragmatic issues in ways that open your world to other peoples input. Although you cant expect everything to go with the flow, at least one source of stress will dissipate. Prepare to feel more loved, more secure, more supported and much more comfortable about the near future. Knowledge is power. Find out how to take full advantage of your astrological assets. Call 0906 751 5606.

LIBRA SEP 24  OCT 23

Some sofas are badly designed. No matter what position you try, its impossible to get comfy. The more you wriggle, the lumpier it gets. In a similar way, some situations are uncomfortable. Youve been making a concerted effort to adapt and adjust. This Full Moon week brings a radical way of assessing a tricky situation and changing it. As long as you listen to your strongest feelings, and wait for the right moment, youll have an opportunity to make a decision that will alter your position in a way that makes you feel at ease. Whats in the sky for you? Helpful planetary alignments! For good news, call your in-depth forecast on 0906 751 5607.

SCORPIO OCT 24  NOV 22

Were social creatures. We want to be wanted. We love to be loved. And theres nothing wrong with that. Its just that sometimes we try too hard. We give way in areas where we need to stand firm. And sometimes, for some bizarre reason, we do the exact opposite; sensing that we feel vulnerable, and conscious that we could be taken advantage of, we put up huge inner barriers that effectively keep out people who love us and want to help. Relax and trust this Full Moon week. Be open-hearted, and good things will come to you. Make the most of your opportunities. Your latest in-depth forecast has inspiring news. Call 0906 751 5608.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23  DEC 21

Its impossible to really hate someone unless youve loved them. We need to share quite a lot in common before we really start to feel irritated. If were too different, were not likely to annoy one another. Which makes you wonder why dating websites make such fuss about shared interests! Real understanding is beyond understanding. It can exist between people who dont speak the same language. Yet it can fail to occur where you might most expect it. You cant manufacture it this week, but you can strengthen a connection. Transform your life! To move forwards in a positive direction, theres good news when you call 0906 751 5609.

CAPRICORN DEC 22  JAN 20

We all know theres no use crying over spilt milk. Yet surely it depends where the milk has been spilt? If someone dropped some behind your sofa a few weeks ago and forgot to tell you, the smell might well make you feel like crying! Youve been dealing with an unpleasant situation from your past. Its taken ingenuity and hard work to clear up someone elses mess. This Full Moon week, your ruler, Saturn, moves into a new celestial home, and youll be able to complete it and relax. Life is about to smell sweeter. For advice to guide you through the twists and turns ahead, call your four-minute forecast on 0906 751 5610.

As Saturn enters sensitive and imaginative Pisces, with the Crow Moon lighting its way, its encouraging us to see that we can turn dreams into reality (stock image of a full moon)

AQUARIUS JAN 21  FEB 19

We think there are more questions than answers. But suppose its the opposite? Maybe we have to keep asking questions until we find one that fits the answer weve been given? We can apply the same logic to the decisions we face. Often, when we make a choice, we then have to make ten more. But most of the time were too busy dealing with issues we have little (or no) influence over to ponder these complicated ideas. But this Full Moon week brings an excellent option. Dont think about it. Take it. How can you stay focused and happy? Your weekly forecast has the advice you need. Call 0906 751 5611.

PISCES FEB 20  MAR 20

Youre an empathic Piscean. Which can make it hard to work out whether you want what you want because you want it or because someone else wants it. Or because you want what someone else wants. Or because you want what they think you want. Yikes! Confusing! Fortunately, with Saturn, the Cosmic Teacher, about to enter your sign, this week brings clarity of vision and depth of understanding. Not only will you have a clearer sense of your own needs, youll be able to take practical steps towards making your dreams come true. Whats the best way to ensure success? Call your four-minute weekly forecast on 0906 751 5612.

Calls cost 80p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. To report a phone line problem, call 0800 138 9789. Go to cainer.com and join the 5 Star Service for personalised messages, audio, video, discounts on full readings, and more!
On a beach in Mauritius, Steph and Dom Parker are typically well lubricated for their interview with Weekend magazine  each swigging an iced cocktail. Stephs is a lurid pink, Doms is blue. And their language is as colourful as their drinks. Were the ones everyone was meant to hate, Steph announces, looking back on the tenth anniversary of Gogglebox, the show that turned them into household names before they left in 2016. We were the posh twits from the south. We gave posh people a chance!

Dom looks dubious. We still know lots of posh people who are complete s**ts, he points out.

The duo may be slightly sloosh-ious, as they call it, but they are gamely trying to analyse the appeal of the show, in which families and friends are filmed as they watch and discuss the weeks TV highlights. It began as an experiment on Channel 4 but became a phenomenon, with its 21st series now airing and a documentary later this month to celebrate its decade on screen.

Goggleboxer Gyles Brandreth (from the celebrity spin-off) calls it an insight into the soul of Britain, but for the US diplomats at Londons American embassy Gogglebox is even better than that. The US State Departments spokesman Aaron Snipe believes it provides an ideal introduction to UK culture and humour and is so instructive its required viewing for embassy personnel.

Mr Snipe believes its broad range of families is a perfect microcosm of British society  geographically, ethnically, religiously, he told a reporter in New York last year. Where else can a Yank learn the everyday unscripted idioms used by average Brits? One recent example that flummoxed embassy staff is a proper hoo-hah. They wont hear that on The World At One.

Hoteliers Steph and Dom were invited onto the first series of Gogglebox after appearing on Ch4s B&B competition Four In A Bed. Both of them have been bamboozled at being turned into stars

And without Gogglebox, the rest of us would never have met a crowd of delightful and opinionated individuals, many of them natural celebrities waiting to be discovered. They include Scarlett Moffatt, the Geordie lass who has gone on to be a TV presenter, effervescent vicar the Rev Kate Bottley, as well as Brighton hairdressers Stephen and his husband Daniel and Caerphilly grandparents Dave and Shirley.

Like the US State Department, Dom and Steph believe the secret of the shows success lies in the way it seems to include every flavour of Britishness. It doesnt matter if you live in a council house, a country house or a caravan, says Dom, 58.

Its completely inclusive  and it began at a time when people were feeling disconnected. All kinds of opinions about TV get voiced on Gogglebox, from the profound to the banal. Whatever your job or wealth, your colour or creed, it makes people feel better about having their own opinions  even if they are wildly rude.

Steph and Dom arent merely holidaying in Mauritius, theyre stranded there. Were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and planned to go to India next, Steph says, but Dom slipped two discs putting a beach towel on a sunbed. Typical Dom! So until hes fit to fly, were stuck here.

There are worse places, murmurs her husband.

Both of them have been bamboozled at being turned into stars. Theres so much goodwill out there, says Steph. Whenever we bump into people, the response is so warm. We loved every moment of doing the show. We find each other very funny, so it became a competition to make each other laugh so hard that we wet the sofa.

We went through four sofas, Dom chips in. The producers were brave enough not to censor most of the more outrageous jokes, and rightly  99 per cent of the British public has a terrific sense of humour.

Thats the secret too of hairdresser Stephen Webbs appeal. Hes been a regular since the first series, first with his ex-boyfriend Chris and then with mum Pat, before husband and business partner Daniel Lustig joined him on his sofa in Brighton three years ago. Im the Ken Barlow of Gogglebox, he declares. Ive been there since the beginning and Ive been part of more line-ups than the Sugababes.

Without Gogglebox, the world would never have met a crowd of delightful and opinionated individuals, many of them natural celebrities waiting to be discovered - including Scarlett Moffatt

As a result, says Daniel, fans who recognise them in the street might not know their names but they always know the show. They shout out of car windows  Gogglebox!

Both Daniel and Stephen agree they love being recognised. Its always really nice and positive. The couple even offer Gogglebox haircuts at their salon  thats an ordinary haircut, but you talk about telly with the boys while youre getting it. We do watch TV a lot, admits Stephen. For the recording, its two nights a week, about six hours in all, with lots of chocolate and sweets. Our favourites are things like Antiques Roadshow. And the biggest giggle is Naked Attraction.

Gyles Brandreth, on Celebrity Gogglebox, was aghast to find himself watching nude dating show Naked Attraction too, with co-stars Maureen Lipman and Sheila Hancock. Dame Maureen refused to look and shut herself in the kitchen. Dame Sheila was less shocked. In fact, says Gyles, she explained some of the fruitier terminology to me.

The backbone of the show has always been the down-to-earth families  people like the Siddiquis from Derby and the McGarrys, Linda and Pete, in Clacton with son George... nicknamed Squeaky George because of his high-pitched voice

Goggleboxer Gyles Brandreth (from the celebrity spin-off) calls it an insight into the soul of Britain (pictured with Sheila Hancock)

But no one typifies the ordinary Goggleboxers better than Shirley and Dave Griffiths in Caerphilly, who have been married for 45 years. Their unexpected break came in 2015 when a TV producer came into the charity shop in South Wales where Shirley was working and asked her, out of the blue, if shed like to be on telly. Dave didnt believe her when she told him. He was going to walk the dogs, she says, and he just walked off!

I thought it was a wind-up, Dave admits. He puts their success on the show down to their chatty personalities. We like singing and talking and drinking  were Welsh, that explains everything. Viewers also love their willingness to talk about anything, despite the occasional misunderstanding, such as Shirleys confusion when she heard the word heterosexual, thinking it meant something naughty. People these days, theyre all sorts, she said, horrified.

But were heterosexual, Dave pointed out. Shirley was aghast. No I am not! she insisted. Well, the word does sound rather suggestive...

His favourite shows, Dave says, are current affairs programmes and nature documentaries. But Shirleys in charge of the remote... and she likes home makeovers. Ive seen Escape To The Chateau so often, Dave sighs, I feel I know Dick Strawbridge personally. And Ive never met him!

Gogglebox Ten Year Anniversary Special, 11 March, 9pm, Channel 4. Gogglebox, Friday, 9pm, Channel 4.
It was reported this week that Broadchurch actor Andrew Buchan has left his wife of 11 years, Amy Nuttall, after falling for Leila Farzad on the set of BBC cop drama Better.

The actor, 44, has reportedly moved in with Farzad, 40, after the pair grew close while filming the first series of the drama, leaving Nuttall 'crushed' by the end of her marriage, The Sun has reported.

As details emerge of Buchan and Farzad's alleged affair, they are just one story in a series of couples who got together after becoming entangled in clandestine relationships on set after the chemistry became too strong to deny.

Many of the trysts left a string of broken hearts along the way as actors who were already in relationships left their partners of several years to follow their hearts.

But the affairs didn't always have happy endings, with few couples standing the test of time, and some dalliances being over before they had even got off the ground.

After Laila Farzad and Andrew Buchan are reported to have fallen for each other and moved in together when sparks flew on the set of BBC drama Better (pictured) FEMAIL looks back at other love stories which began between co-stars on set and left broken hearts in their wake

Buchan was married to Downton Abbey star Amy Nuttall for 11 years (couple pictured at the BAFTAs in 2017) but he is now said to have moved out of the family home

Here, FEMAIL lists the stars who left their partners for co-stars...

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (pictured at the premiere of Changeling) met on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith in 2004 and sparks flew

Before meeting and falling for Jolie, Brad Pitt had been married to Jennifer Aniston for five years (pictured at the 2000 Oscars)

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were arguably Hollywood's hottest power couple. After meeting in 1994 and going on to date four years later.

The pair had each called it quits with famous partners before their first date in 1998, with Pitt recently calling off his engagement with Gwyneth Paltrow and Aniston splitting with Friends co-star Tate Donovan.

After marrying in 2000, the couple were in high demand, and Friends fans were delighted to see Pitt appear in a Thanksgiving episode of the sitcom in 2001 in which he played Will, Rachel's nemesis from high school.

However, in a twist no one saw coming, the marriage came to an abrupt end in 2005 after Pitt was cast alongside Angelina Jolie in Mr & Mrs Smith.

The pair played a couple of undercover assassins in a seemingly mundane relationship, with each character having no idea the other is a spy. As the plot unfolds, they realise they have each been assigned to kill the other.

As rumours started to swirl around the actors and chemistry began to build, Pitt and Aniston announced their separation on 7 January 2005, stressing they had every intention of remaining friends.

By April of that year, Pitt and Jolie were spotted holidaying together in Kenya, before they went public with their relationship in a magazine spread in July.

Before long there was a new power couple in town, with the pair announcing they were expecting their first child together just three months after Pitt and Aniston's divorce was finalised.

The couple, who were soon dubbed 'Brangelina', eventually became parents of six, a mix of biological and adopted children.

In 2012, Jolie was spotted wearing an engagement ring reported to be worth around $1 million, with her agent confirming the couple were due to tie the knot but had not yet set a date. In August 2014, they wed in a ceremony featuring their six children.

However, after more than a decade together, the couple split up in August 2016, two years after their wedding. Jolie filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.

A bitter custody battle ensued as the couple, said to have different parenting styles, fought it out in the courts over their divorce settlement.

In October last year, amid an ongoing battle over a winery in France Brangelina owned together, court papers filed by Jolie alleged Pitt had been violent towards her and the children during a flight on a private jet in 2016, with the actress filing for divorce days later.

Pitt has repeatedly denied this allegation.

Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham-Carter

Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter (pictured at the premiere for Love Labours Lost) met and got together on set of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh had been married for six years before Branagh's infidelity, which Thompson has later said left her 'half alive'

Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson first met in 1987 when they met on the set of series Fortunes of War. Two years later, they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at Cliveden House.

Both considered stalwarts of British film and theatre, the couple seemed like the perfect match. So it came as a huge shock to the public in 1995 when they announced they were getting divorced.

They cited conflicting work schedules as their reason for the split, however behind closed doors, something else had been brewing.

Weeks after they announced their split to the public, it emerged the marriage had been rocked by a cheating scandal as Branagh had had an affair with Helena Bonham-Carter on the set of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Following the break-up of his marriage, Branagh pursued his relationship with Bonham-Carter and the pair continued to date until 1999 before calling it a day.

Thompson, who went on to star in the Harry Potter films alongside her ex-husband's clandestine lover, has revealed in recent years how she had been affected by news of the affair while she was filming Sense and Sensibility - the screenplay of which earnt her an Oscar.

She told The New Yorker last year: 'I was utterly, utterly blind to the fact that he had relationships with other women on set.'

The actress added: 'I was half alive. Any sense of being a lovable or worthy person had gone completely.'

She revealed her own co-star on the film, Greg Wise, helped her pick up the pieces of her life after being devastated by her then-husband's affair. In 2003, she married Wise.

Despite being broken by Branagh's betrayal, Thompson has never made a disparaging comment about her love rival Bonham-Carter. Speaking to the Sunday Times in 2013, she even likened herself to the eccentric actress.

'Oh we are [similar]. Being slightly mad and a bit fashion-challenged. Perhaps that's why Ken loved us both. She's a wonderful woman, Helena,' Thompson told the newspaper.

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfied (pictured on set of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 2013) did not confirm their relationship for several months

Before meeting Garfield, Stone had been in a relationship with Succession star Kieran Culkin for two years

Garfield was also in a relationship when he first met Stone, and had been dating Shannon Marie Woodward for several years

When Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield first began dating, they were a picture perfect couple as they stole the show in various red carpet appearances.

For comic book fans, it was the perfect pairing as the actors, who played Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spiderman.

However, their perfect love story got off to a somewhat bumpy start as both actors were in relationships when they first met in 2011.

While Stone had been dating Succession star Kieran Culkin for two years, Garfield was in a relationship with Westworld actress Shannon Woodward.

However, both Stone and Garfield broke up with their partners in April 2011, leaving each of them single. By the summer of that year, rumours began to swirl that the pair were dating.

The couple made a joint appearance at fan convention Comic Con in July 2011 to promote the film, but they remained tight-lipped about their relationship status as rumours got louder.

In November of that year, Garfield joined Stone onstage as she hosted Saturday Night Live, sending fans wild as they joked with each other.

It was several more months before the pair confirmed their relationship, even keeping quiet when photos emerged of them holding hands and passionately smooching while out and about in New York.

However in April 2012 the couple finally put fans out of their misery and confirmed their romance by making their first joint red carpet appearance at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

Stone and Garfield continued to date for around three to four years before going their separate ways. It is not confirmed exactly when the pair split as they were as private about their separation as they were about their initial union, but by 2016, the couple had each moved on.

Dominic West and Lily James

Dominic West and Lily James were spotted canoodling on a weekend away in Rome in 2020, despite West being married

West remains married to Catherine Fitzgerald after the pair put on a bizarre show of solidarity outside their home in The Cotswolds following the release of the photos of The Affair actor with James

When photos emerged of married actor Dominic West, 53, and co-star Lily James, 33, canoodling in Rome in 2020, fans were left reeling.

The pair had been filming for TV drama The Pursuit of Love in which they played father and daughter, but it seems that off-camera, sparks had flown between them.

It was not the first time the actors had met - and had previously appeared together onstage at the

The attraction between the actors appeared so strong that photos showed them jetting off to Rome during the Covid pandemic, where they were spotted riding an electric scooter together and smooching while dining al fresco.

After the photos emerged, sources claimed West's wife Catherine Fitzgerald, to whom he has been married since 2010, had made up her mind and was ready to leave her husband as a result of his betrayal.

Friends told The Sun she was 'ready to pull the plug' on the marriage, adding: 'She has since told the people closest to her their marriage is as good as over now and she doesn't think there is a way past this.'

However, a story which had already left fans shocked still had a few more surprises in store as even more bizarre twists and turns followed.

As the media waited outside their home in The Cotswolds, the couple walked outside to reporters whole holding hands. Then Fitzgerald handed reporters a note which read: 'Our marriage is strong and we're very much still together. Thank you' before kissing West. The couple then headed back inside the house.

Since the scandal, West and Fitzgerald remain married, with The Crown and The Affair actor reported to have planned a lavish 50th birthday party for Fitzgerald the following year to 'make her feel special again'.

A source told MailOnline: 'Dominic has been doing everything he can to make things up to Catherine, she stuck by him throughout the toughest time in their marriage.'

Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher

Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher were involved in an 'intense' three-month affair while working on the Star Wars films and playing on-screen lovers Princess Leia and Han Solo, she revealed in her memoir in 2016

At the time of the affair Ford, then 33, was married to Mary Marquardt and the pair shared two children

They were two of the biggest movie stars ever when they worked together on the Star Wars films in the 1980s, but somehow Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher managed to keep their on-set affair secret for forty years.

Shortly before Fished died suddenly at the age of 60 in 2016, she released her memoir The Princess Diarist, in which she finally revealed the tryst with her co-star, who played Han Solo in the franchise.

Speaking to People magazine a month before she passed away, Fisher described the relationship as 'intense' and recalled: 'It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend.'

She revealed the couple spent their first night together after a birthday party for George Lucas, creator of the films.

Looking back, she said: 'I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him. He was kind.'

Although for many Star Wars fans, the couple's love story would have been a perfect example of life imitating art as their characters of Han Solo and Princess Leia were also in love, there was one spanner in the works - at the time, Ford was married to Mary Marquardt and the couple shared two children.

Fisher's memoir confirmed that the affair between her 19-year-old self and then 33-year-old Ford lasted for just three months. However, Ford's marriage to Marquardt eventually broke down in 1979.

Speaking in 2017, six months after Fisher's death, Ford finally confirmed the affair she had written about in her memoir.

When asked in an interview with People magazine about Fisher's revelation in the book, he said: 'It was strange. For me.'

He added Fisher had given him warning 'to an extent' that he was going to be featured in the book.
Prince Harry's decision to talk with a trauma expert could see him revisit a variety of his own troubles in public.

Gabor Mate, 79, will take part in the livestream discussion with the prince about 'living with loss and the importance of personal healing'.

Difficulties Harry has faced in his life had until very recently remained largely private and personal to the father-of-two.

But his tell-all autobiography - combined with a series of televised sit-down interviews - have brought them all into the public arena in full.

More than anything, the death of his mother Princess Diana has shaped his life and his views on certain topics.

Here MailOnline examines potential traumas and their effects Harry may be detailing with Dr Mate:

More than anything else the death of Princess Diana when Harry was just 12 has shaped his life

Walking beside his mother's coffin

This is a particularly traumatic memory for Harry who has spoken about it movingly on a number of occasions.

The image of the young prince walking behind his mother's coffin has been showed in documentaries he has made as well as contemporaneous reports at the time.

In his production of Apple TV's The Me You Can't See he recalls the feeling of suppressing his grief and sounds he still clearly remembers.

He told show host Oprah Winfrey: 'For me the thing I remember the most was the sound of the horses' hooves going along the Mall.

'It was like I was outside of my body and just walking along doing what was expected of me.

'I was showing one tenth of the emotion that everybody else was showing: This was my mum  you never even met her.'

Harry says every single time he sees a camera it takes him back to the day his mother died

Camera flashes

Harry was only 12 years old when his mother Diana was killed in a Paris car crash in August 1997.

He believes the paparazzi following the Princess were responsible for the crash.

Harry says this has led to a reaction every time he ever has his picture taken in public.

In 2017 he disclosed: 'I think being part of this family, in this role and this job, every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash, it takes me straight back.

'So in that respect, it's the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best.'

Harry, William and Kate together at Stage 1 of the Tour De France on July 5, 2014 in Harrogate

Carrying out royal duties

Harry has said in the past that the death of his mother manifested in a number of problems for him during a specific spell of his life.

The Duke of Sussex says he was left shattered from the ages of 28 to 32 at the prospect of fulfilling his royal duties.

Harry says he would binge drink on Friday or Saturday in an effort to mask the problem.

He said it was so serious it would physically impact him in the form of uncontrollable sweating.

The prince disclosed: 'I was just all over the place mentally. Every time I put a suit on and tie on  having to do the role, and go, 'right, game face', look in the mirror and say, 'let's go'. Before I even left the house I was pouring with sweat. I was in fight or flight mode.

'I was willing to drink, I was willing to take drugs, I was willing to try and do the things that made me feel less like I was feeling.'

Much of Prince Harry's autobiography surrounds his feelings about being 'William's spare'

Being The Spare

The Duke's book is not titled by accident, it is how he says he feels after being born into a family where he says he considered simply a substitute for heir William.

During the autobiography, he suggests this feeling has dominated much of his life.

One of the stranger segments of the books sees him admit being upset that his brother got a bigger room than him at Balmoral when they were children.

He seemed irked William had a better room with terrific views, while he had a smaller and less luxurious bedroom in the castle.

Elsewhere he writes he grew up knowing that he was there to give his older brother, Wills an organ donation if he needed it.

'I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy,' he said, claiming that his parents and grandparents even referred to him and his brother as the heir and the spare as a form of 'shorthand'.

Prince Harry publicised the fact he had killed 25 Taliban while he was serving in Afghanistan

Afghanistan

Harry has proudly spoken of his time serving in the army in Afghanistan and has said it gave him freedom to be himself.

But he has publicised the fact he had killed 25 Taliban while he was out in the theatre of war.

And his actions in damaging relations with his family through a series of damaging disclosures have been questioned.

Retired Colonel Philip Ingram believes he may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

He told Sky News: 'A lot of the behaviours I'm seeing in Prince Harry are almost triggers for me.

'They remind me of some of my behaviours whenever I suffered quite severe PTSD.

'I'm seeing a troubled individual and an individual that needs help, not someone who should be continuously criticised in the way he is being.'

Prince Harry has spoken about seeing therapists because he feared he would lose Meghan

Fear of losing Meghan

Prince Harry has told how an argument with his wife set him on a path of different therapists in an effort to 'fix himself'.

The Duke said one had told him that he sometimes reverted to the age when his mother died.

Harry explains how his desire to seek counselling was because he feared losing Meghan.

He said: 'When she said, "I think you need to see someone" it was in reaction to an argument that we had.

'And in that argument not knowing about it, I reverted back to 12-year-old Harry.

'I saw GPs. I saw doctors. I saw therapists. I saw alternative therapists. I saw all sorts of people, but it was meeting and being with Meghan. I knew that if I didn't do the therapy and fix myself that I was going to lose this woman who I could see spending the rest of my life with.'
She explained that it's very unlikely she'd be found out for exaggerating truth

Everyone has been tempted to boost their CV up with small exaggerations.

Perhaps you're not quite as fluent in French as you claim to be, or don't 'love teamwork' to the extent you say you do - but when does a white lie become too much?

One British mother left social media torn when she asked for advice on stretching the truth for her 'perfect job'.

'It's asking for experience at a certain type of company,' she revealed on Mumsnet. 'I do have that experience but only was there for 6 months and left because my boss was hell on earth.'

She then questioned if it would be unreasonable to 'stretch out' her time there to a year or 18 months.

One British mother left social media torn when she asked for advice on stretching the truth for her 'perfect job'. Stock image used

The user, MumOfTwee, added there would be 'no real way to check unless someone on the hiring panel knows someone who used to work at the other place, but even then it's three jobs ago so can't imagine they would check'.

She stressed that her job isn't one where she's responsible for the care or livelihood of others, writing: 'I work in a creative industry so I'm not saving lives or doing anything specialist that would mean exaggerating experience might have any risks.

'Do people do this all the time?'

Most commenters urged the mother to be honest on her CV, advising that it's not worth the risk.

'You'll get found out, so no, don't it,' one warned. 'Most people don't lie on their CV.'

Another said it's 'much better to be honest'.

'You might think it's watertight now but these things have a habit of getting out,' they continued. 'Is it worth possibly losing a job you want, and a good reference, for the sake of this lie?

'If they want this amount of experience to do the job well, then you might be aiming too high based on your current experience, and not be able to fulfil the requirements.

The user, MumOfTwee, also added there would be 'no real way to check' the allegation on her CV

Most commenters had urged the mother to be honest on her CV, advising that it's not worth the risk

'Again, this will result in a less than satisfactory experience on both sides.'

A third questioned whether the bluff would even prove advantageous.

'If you have the experience, why do you need to lie about the amount of time,' they asked. 'You meet the requirements. I'd not risk getting found out.'

One user appeared more flexible, but recommended not extending the reality too far.

They penned: 'Stretch it out if it will make the difference in getting your dream job. Keep it realistic though. I'd say almost a year.

'And what does it really matter in the long run?

One user appeared more flexible, but recommended not extending the reality too far. Others slammed her as 'morally bankrupt'

'It's not like you're saying you can perform a certain kind of surgery. You're in the creative sector : get creative xx...

'Everyone is holier than thou on MN,' they quipped. 'If you know you can do the job - go for it.

'Men would NOT be having this conversation. I can promise you that. I work in a 70/30 ratio of men to women.'

MumOfTwee later added: 'How would anyone know how long I've worked at some random company from 8 years ago?

'I won't stand a chance if I say I was only there six months. Do you say don't do it because its too risky or morally it's bad? Or both?'

Another Mumsnetter replied that if that's the case, it may not even be worth listing a job from that far back.

'I don't think it would be seen as relevant,' they explained. 'Can't you just list the skills needed? If you've done it you've done it!'
Prince Harrys tell-all book Spare raised eyebrows round the world with colourful disclosure about his frost-nipped penis and an allusion to having sex with Meghan at Soho House, the London hotel and private members club.

But aside from headline-grabbing titbits about his todger, the book contained a wealth of intriguing and highly personal revelations you might have missed.

Here are Mailonlines top nine eye-opening takeaways from Spare:

1. Harry 'peed his pants' before first date with Meghan

Harry needed a wee during a five-hour boat race with no toilet and tried to relieve himself over the side. But 'stage fright' intervened and he 'peed himself' before meeting Meghan for the first time at Soho House

Harry had taken part in a five hour sailing race before his very first date with Meghan, to whom he'd been introduced through Instagram.

But when nature called, he was appalled to discover there were no facilities aboard. He attempted to relieve himself into the sea, but got 'stage fright' and couldn't do it.' Finally I went back to my post, sheepishly hung from the ropes, and peed my pants,' he wrote: 'Wow, I thought, if Ms. Markle could see me now.'

The Duke washed his soiled trousers in the water before rushing back rush back to London to meet Meghan. The rest, as they say, is history.

2. William planned to shave Harry on his stag do

Harry claimed his older brother was jealous and 'livid' because the Queen had allowed him to keep his bushy red beard for his wedding, while Harry was ordered to shave his off before his wedding to Kate Middleton in accordance with royal protocol.

The Duke of Sussex then discovered that William planned to take revenge by forcibly shaving off his beard so both brothers were bare-cheeked on their wedding day.

Harry said wanted to enjoy the traditional pre-nuptual party and use it an an opportunity to de-stress. But instead he had to he didnt get too drunk while keeping a wary eye on his big brother.

Reminiscing about his stag do, Harry writes that his brother William had planned to shave off his beard on his stag do

The Queen allowed Harry to keep his beard for his 2018 wedding. He suggests his brother William was 'livid' about the decision

Queen comes back as a hummingbird

Harry wrote that he wished he could say 'one more goodbye' to his grandmother after arriving at Balmoral too late to see her before she died.

Back at home in California after the funeral, a hummingbird got into his Montecito home,. Harry didnt think anything of it until a friend told him it could be a sign, and that Spanish explorers called them 'resurrection birds'.

He then questioned whether he had just had a visit from the late Queen, writing: 'I thought hopefully, greedily, foolishly: Is our house a detouror a destination?'

He then thought about letting the bird stay before deciding against it and setting it free instead.

Harry wrote of the Queen's feelings on his children: 'She'd expected them to be a bit moreAmerican, I think? Meaning, in her mind, more rambunctious'

What The Queen thought of Archie and Lilibet

In Spare, Harry recalled a bittersweet memory - the last time his son Archie and his daughter Lilibet (named after his grandmother) saw the Queen before her passing.

He said that Archie was bowing to the late monarch while Lilibet attached herself to the Queen's shins.

His grandmother was delighted and described them as the 'sweetest children'.

Harry wrote: 'She'd expected them to be a bit moreAmerican, I think? Meaning, in her mind, more rambunctious.

Holding Meghan's hair back while she was sick

Prince Harry wrote about introducing Meghan to his cousin Princess Eugenie and her now-husband Jack Brooksbank.

Meghan had cooked them salmon and they chatted about her TV show Suits and travel destinations.

After they began drinking tequila, Meghan said she was not feeling well and went to bed early.

Harrys first reaction was that Meghan was a 'lightweight', but he woke up to hear his future wife throwing up in the bathroom.

The Duchess had suffered a reaction to the squid she had eaten for lunch at a restaurant. Meanwhile Harry did the gentlemanly thing and held back her hair while she was vomiting.

He wrote: 'I rubbed her back and eventually put her to bed. Weak, near tears, she said she'd imagined a very different end to Date Four.

Charles listens to 'storybooks' in the bath

The future King's bath-time habits also got a mention when harry revealed that Charles likes to take a portable CD player to the bathroom with him.

He recalled an incident from childhood, saying: 'Pa was carrying his wireless, which is what he called his portable CD player, on which he liked to listen to his storybooks while soaking.

The Queen wore ear plugs to block out music at her Diamond Jubilee concert

As the concert to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee wore on, Harry was suffering with a headache, presumably not helped by Paul McCartney singing 'Her Majesty' and Queens guitarist Brian May blasting out 'God Save the Queen' .

Then he looked over to the late monarch, who was dancing away and not apparently growing tired.

On closer inspection, Harry said he noticed that the Queen could not hear anything, because she wore yellow coloured earplugs to block out the 'loud' music.

He wrote: 'More than ever before, I wanted to give my Granny a hug.'

Harry said he noticed that the Queen could not hear anything at her Diamond Jubilee concert as she wore yellow coloured earplugs to block out the 'loud' music

Harry got stoned after his first date with Meghan

Harry divulged that he met up with a friend after his date with Meghan to discuss the nights events - and 'out came the tequila. Out came the weed.'

They sat and watched the cartoon film Inside Out and Harry described himself as feeling numb ,before writing: 'good weed dude'.

He then panicked when his phone rang. It was an impromptu video call from Meghan, which he answered.

Harry said that he 'loved' Meghan's freckles before she went on to claim that they would be edited out 'every time' she got snapped.

The King's favourite aftershave

Prince Harry revealed his father's favourite aftershave is the classic 1960 Dior fragrance Eau Sauvage, which he would 'slather' on.

Harry said the aftershave was 'flowery, with a hint of something harsh, like pepper or gunpowder.'

He added that the bottle said that the product was made in Paris which made him 'think of mummy'.
One shopper has caused quite the stir online after revealing she spent $50 on a reusable grocery bag from celebrity-loved store Erewhon.

TikTok user FuhLex, who does not disclose her full name, left the video sharing platform in uproar when she exposed the hefty price tag for the carrier.

The social media user, from Los Angeles, said she was also shocked but was 'too embarrassed to put it back.'

But dozens of people begged her to return it to the store as others said it was 'hideous' and likened it to a 'potato sack.'

TikTok user FuhLex, who does not disclose her full name, left the video sharing platform in uproar when she exposed the hefty price tag for the carrier

The social media user, from Los Angeles, said she was also shocked but was 'too embarrassed to put it back'

Erewhon, which is an anagram for 'nowhere,' currently has eight locations across Los Angeles County (Santa Monica store pictured)

In the video, which has so far been viewed more than 270,000 times, she speaks to camera and says: 'I knew Erewhon was boujee but I definitely underestimated the boujeeness because I bought two drinks. Ten dollars.

'And they were like, "Do you need a bag?" And I said, "Yeah, can I have the reusable shopping bag?"'

But the price of the carrier left her stunned.

FuhLex continued: 'She scanned it and it was $50. And of course I'm too embarrassed to put it back and not buy it so I bought it.'

'I bought it and it cost more than anything else I bought.'

She winced as she spoke before holding the terracotta-colored tote, which had Erewhon emblazoned on the side, up to the camera.

FuhLex uploaded the clip alongside a light-hearted caption that read: 'Put the LV away ladies, Erewhon totes only.'

But other social media users were left in uproar as they urged the shopper to go and get her money back.

FuhLex uploaded the clip alongside a light-hearted caption that read: 'Put the LV away ladies, Erewhon totes only'

The chain is known to be one of the most luxurious grocery stores and attracts the most elite celebrities including Justin Bieber and Lucy Hale

And other social media users were left speechless as they urged the shopper to go and get her money back

One wrote: '$50?! For that HELL NO take that felt bag back lol.'

Another said: 'I would have personally [gone] behind the counter and put the bag back myself.'

And a third joked: 'That bag better magically refill itself with groceries at that price.'

Erewhon, which is an anagram for 'nowhere,' currently has eight locations across Los Angeles County.

The chain is known to be one of the most luxurious grocery stores and attracts elite celebrities including Justin Bieber, Lucy Hale, Kourtney Kardashian and Miley Cyrus.

The prestigious shop prides itself on stocking high-priced, locally produced and organic items - but the goods come at a cost.

Erewhon famously sold Kourtney Kardashian's Poosh Potion Detox Smoothie for $18 each.

And, among the more obscure items to stock its shelves, it sells bone broth for $12, cacao nibs for $23 per 16 ounce bag, lacuma powder for $12 for an eight ounce bag, and sea moss gel at $36 for a 16 ounce jar.
A pair of conjoined twins who defied medical expectations by surviving after being separated in 1955, have revealed how they are happy and healthy almost 70 years on.

Lillian and Linda Matthews, 68, from Indianola, Mississippi, were connected from the sternum to the naval when they were born and they also shared a liver.

In a bid to allow them to live independent lives, a surgeon called Dr. Harwell Wilson performed a pioneering separation surgery when they were five-and-a-half weeks old and another successful surgery was performed a year later.

According to a paper in the Global Journal of Medical and Clinical Case Reports, the Matthews conjoined twins were the first in history to be separated and both survive.

Conjoined twins Lillian and Linda Matthews, who defied medical expectations by surviving after being separated in 1955, have revealed how they are happy and healthy almost 70 years on

The Matthews from Indianola, Mississippi, were connected from the sternum to the naval when they were born and they also shared a liver

In a bid to allow them to live independent lives, a surgeon called Dr. Harwell Wilson performed a pioneering separation surgery when they were five-and-a-half weeks old

According to a paper in the Global Journal of Medical and Clinical Case Reports, the Matthews conjoined twins were the first in history to be separated and both survive

Photos shared with NBC show how the twins steadily grew and hit various goals, from graduating college to having children of their own

Telling their story on the Today show, the Matthews twins said most people thought they had 'zero' chance of surviving long-term when they were born.

They said their birth proved traumatic for their mother - who had had six children previously - and when she was in labor medics 'couldn't figure out what was going on.'

A medical case report explains that Dr. Clinton Battle realized that there was a 'dire problem' and the delivery was not a single birth, but one of conjoined twins.

The review continues: 'Unassisted and without the use of anesthesia, Dr. Battle successfully delivered the conjoined twins vaginally at their home. However, the delivery was not without complications.

'One of the twins was unconscious and not breathing.

'Detecting a heartbeat, Dr. Battles prompt response would result in a medical miracle.'

The babies - collectively weighing 11 pounds and six-and-a-half ounces - were rushed to Indianolas South Sunflower County Hospital, where doctors gave the unconscious twin oxygen.

Three days later, they were transported to to John Gaston Hospital in Memphis, where they were assessed for a possible surgical separation.

While they were separated surgically, the Matthews' went on to be inseparable

A medical case report explains that Dr. Clinton Battle realized that there was a 'dire problem' and the delivery was not a single birth, but one of conjoined twins

The babies collectively weighed 11 pounds and six-and-a-half ounces when they were born

Conjoined twins occur when siblings have their skin or internal organs fused together. It affects around one in 200,000 live births

Between them the women - who both went into the teaching profession - have seven children and 16 grandchildren

The separation of conjoined twins is a high-risk operation with a low success rate The surgical separation of conjoined twins is a delicate and risky procedure, requiring extreme precision and care. Therefore, the decision to separate twins is a serious one. Mortality rates for twins who undergo separation vary, depending on their type of connection, and the organs they share. In cases of twins where the pumping chambers of their hearts are conjoined, there are no known survivors. Although success rates have improved over the years, surgical separation is still rare. Since 1950, at least one twin has survived separation about 75 percent of the time. It is only after twins are born that doctors can use magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and angiography to find out what organs the twins share. In order to determine the feasibility of separation, doctors must carefully assess how the twins' shared organs function. After separation, most twins need intensive rehabilitation because of the malformation and position of their spines. The muscles in their backs are constantly being flexed and they often have a difficult time bending their backs forward and backwards and sitting up straight. Source: University of Maryland Medical Center Advertisement

No abnormalities were found during physical examinations and Dr. Wilson went ahead with the separation surgery.

Following their second surgery when they were aged one, the case report states that Lillian and Linda were 'entirely normal in every way.'

Photos shared with NBC show how the twins steadily grew and hit various goals, from graduating college to having children of their own, despite being told they would never be able to conceive.

Between them the women - who both went into the teaching profession - have seven children and 16 grandchildren.

While they were separated surgically, the Matthews went on to be inseparable.

They say being hand in hand is 'just natural' and they 'we can be going through something and sometimes we just laughin' and talkin'.'

Linda also revealed that their connection is more than skin deep.

Recalling one of the toughest things they have gone through together, she said: '[Lillian] was pregnant and I just remember I felt really in pain and I started feeling just weird, just strange.

'I told my husband, I said [Lillian's] having a miscarriage and within 10 minutes her husband called [and said] she just had a miscarriage and that was probably one of the toughest times I think... to feel her pain.'

Asked what their story symbolizes, the duo replied: 'Hope.'

Conjoined twins occur when siblings have their skin or internal organs fused together.

It affects around one in 200,000 live births and it is caused when a fertilized egg doesn't successfully split into two embryos after conception.

The most common type are twins joined at the chest or abdomen and separation surgery success depends on where the join occurs.

Doctors can only tell which organs the siblings share after birth, so the type of surgery cannot be planned beforehand.

Omphalopagus twins, like the Matthews, are joined near the belly button and often share a liver but generally do not share a heart.
Prince Harry revealed this evening that until he started therapy, he felt like he was living in a bubble, drawing a comparison with the film The Boy in the Bubble during an interview with trauma expert Gabor Mate.

The Duke of Sussex, 38, fielded questions from Dr Mate during the 'intimate conversation' about 'living with loss and personal healing', with the 17-a-head tickets including a copy of his memoir, Spare.

During the conversation, which opened with the royal insisting that he does not see himself as a victim, Dr Mate talked about ahead of the interview, the prince had described how therapy finally helped him to 'burst the bubble'.

Harry replied: 'I think...I'm still to this day unclear as whether it was one bubble or whether it was multiple bubbles.

'It's interesting, the film The Boy in the Bubble, it kind of felt like that to some extent.'

Prince Harry revealed during his interview tonight that before having therapy, he felt as though he lived in a bubble, referencing the documentary The Boy in the Bubble

He added that '[his] own self was distorted perhaps because of [the] environment that [he] was confined in'.

The documentary the royal referred to, The Boy in the Bubble, tells the story of Texan David Vetter, who spent his entire life sealed in a sterilised plastic bubble, reportedly without having any direct human contact until shortly before he died aged 12 in 1984.

This was because he suffered from severe combined immune deficiency. When David was born in September 1971, his parents David and Carol-Anne knew that he had a one in two chance of having the condition.

Sadly, his older brother, also called David, died after eight months. So when David was born by emergency caesarean section at St Luke's Hospital in Houston, Texas, he was instantly removed to a sterile bubble until tests were performed to see if he had inherited the congenital disease.

Medics had told the Vetter family there was a good chance his sister Katherine would provide a perfect bone marrow match which could be used for a transplant to rebuild his immune system.

Dr Raphael Wilson believed the bubble would protect David until the transplant worked. He had pioneered the technique on mice and the infant was to be his first human patient.

The bubble was only supposed to be a temporary measure, however after his sister's blood was tested, medics discovered that the match was not close enough to risk a transplant.

It was supplied by NASA, who even manufactured a special space suit for him to use to allow David to walk outside, although he only wore it six times.

Medics, such as Dr William Shearer (pictured, left) used David's (pictured, right) case to learn about SCID. The young boy lived in the bubble for the entirety of his 12 years

Doctors hoped the bubble would only be a temporary arrangement until he could get a bone marrow transplant

According to a documentary on PBS, everything David used inside his bubble had to be specially sterilized - even the holy water used to baptize him.

As he grew up, David was taught school lessons inside his bubble and even had a TV set.

The youngster even had a special transport bubble so he could spend some time at home with his family.

But his life was one of constant noise, due to the compressor which kept his bubble inflated and the filters used to scrub the air to prevent any bacteria entering his cocoon.

Speaking to the documentary made by Barak Goodman, his mother said: 'David never questioned in the early years why he was in a bubble. It was routine for him to have his mother hold him with black gloves on. In the beginning, Davids needs were very simple.

'But as he grew up things became more difficult. I think for us the summers were especially hard. I would notice David would spend a lot of time gazing outside.

WHAT IS SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME? SCID is a genetic disorder which results in a poor antibody response to germs. It is the most severe form of primary immunodeficiency and can be caused by any one of nine different gene mutations. It is also known as the bubble boy disease because David Vetter became famous for spending 12 years living in a sterile bubble. Patients are usually affected by severe infections early in their life - these can include pneumonia, meningitis and ear infections. If left untreated, the babies usually die within one year. The most common treatment is a bone marrow transplant. Advertisement

'And he would see young boys on bicycles or hed see kids tumbling in the grass. I sensed a sadness to him.'

As he grew older, David's plight created serious ethical problems. If he left his bubble, he would die, but was the quality of his life worth all the sacrifices.

Then, the youngster himself began questioning his own future. At the age of nine, he wanted to know if he would ever be able to live a normal life.

Eventually, a team of scientists in Boston said they had developed a method of bone marrow transplants which would allow them to use non-perfect matches.

In October 1984, shortly after his 12th birthday, medics performed the transplant using Katherine's bone marrow.

Initially, medics believed the transplant had been a success. However, within days, his temperature started to increase and he started to vomit up blood.

He was still inside his bubble and doctors were having difficulty in treating him in such a confined space.

By February 1984, David's condition was still critical, so the decision was made to remove him from his bubble for the first time in his life so they could get un-restricted access to him.

Yet, on February 22, he lapsed into a coma and doctors allowed David's family to touch him for the very first time. Hours later, he was dead.

A post-mortem discovered he had died of an incredibly rare form of cancer, which had come from a virus that had been laying dormant in his sister's bone marrow.

David's experience proved the link between a virus and cancer. His life also was incredibly valuable for medical science.
The room used for Prince Harry's 'intimate conversation' with trauma expert Gabor Mate boasts a cosy and informal feel, according to an interior design expert.

During the 'intimate conversation' about 'living with loss and personal healing, the Duke of Sussex, 38, fielded questions from Dr Mate.

The pair spoke about a range of topics during their chat, from Harry's experience with therapy, to his relationship with his children, and a possible ADHD diagnosis.

Speaking to FEMAIL, British interior designer Benji Lewis, founder of online advisory service Zoom That Room, said the space in which the interview took place (in an as-yet undisclosed location) is 'classically strong' thanks to its proportions.

He added that the room is 'clearly not an English interior', citing features that suggest the room is a North American country location.

Prince Harry's (pictured, left) interview with trauma expert Gabor Mate (pictured, right) took place in a cosy, informal room, according to an interior design expert

1. Classically strong proportions

According to Benji, the room combines a classic, strong look, with as a reassuring feel.

He told FEMAIL: 'The proportions of the room and what it suggests are classically strong; the centrally positioned chimney breast flanked by equally sized Georgian style windows - bringing plenty of natural light into the space - make for instant reassuring harmony

2. Mismatched accessories

Placed around the room are various design pieces - not all of which are perfectly match. According to Benji, this could be a conscious choice, which brings an added informality to the space.

He told FEMAIL: 'Working pairs of objects into any design is always a safe bet, a quick win if you like, but in this instance once we look left and right of the fireplace, the mismatched lamp and furniture bring a degree of informality to things.'

3 & 4. North American chic

While the location of the interview has not been disclosed, Benji says the room gives the impression that it is in North America.

He said: 'Clearly not an English interior, the rough hewn stone mantel and timber detail on the chimney breast identify this likely as comfortable country North American chic.'

5 & 6. Comfy chairs

Harry's intimate chat takes place in a 'cosy and welcoming' atmosphere, according to the interior design expert, who explained why.

'The pair of wide fully upholstered armchairs look deep and comfortable, absolutely items for downtime relaxation rather than anything hefty or confrontational, and positioned either side of the expansive open lit fire makes the atmosphere feel balanced, cosy and welcoming,' said Benji.

The blue armchairs look 'deep and comfortable, absolutely items for downtime relaxation', according to an interior designer (pictured: Prince Harry)

7. The colour of calm

This is further consolidated by the room's colour scheme.

'Blue is the colour of calm, ' Benji told FEMAIL, 'and here the mid-denim shades on the upholstery absolutely play to that theme without looking chilly.'

8. Lamps

The lighting also appeared to be carefully considered, with the room boasting a soft glow, rather than harsh, bright lights.

According to Benji: 'If you wish to avoid lighting thats scary or intimidating then include lamp light to provide a soft side-on glow rather than anything beaming down from overhead that just looks cold.'

9. Patterned rug

Another feature bringing an interesting touch to the room is the rug, placed between the two armchairs.

'Blending the traditional Turkey rug into the interior mix is good, adding as it does pattern and a little colour,' said Benji.

10. Hints of an established travelled academic

Various designs features of the room offered hints as to the type of person may live there, according to Benji.

He said: 'If I were to guess who lived in the room Id suggest an established travelled academic; the desk, the wall hung Ikat patterned textile that matches the fabric dressing the windows and the celadon green Chinese ginger jar type lamp  this is a space belonging to someone with intellectual gravitas.'

Touches like the wall hanging and the desk suggest the room could be lived in by an 'established travelled academic', according to interior designer Benji Lewis (pictured: Gabor Mate)

11. Carefully chosen drinking glasses

And other details appear just as considered, said Benji, who noted that the men were drinking from specific glasses.

'I love a good glass to drink from  its so important as a means of providing overall pleasure to proceedings  and the heavy cut glass crystal tumblers look absolutely right in this context,' he said.

12. Curtains

And a final cosy touch Benji noted was the room's curtains (not pictured), which framed the matching Georgian style windows.

He explained: 'Full-length interlined curtains hanging in a straight uncomplicated manner are a great way to dress windows, providing a warm cosying in type feel.'

The smaller windows (pictured) boast coordinating blue drapes.
What followed was a grueling road to learn how to walk again

A young woman has told of the terrifying moment she broke her spine while lifting weights at the gym and had no idea until she woke up the following morning unable to move a muscle.

Josie Kuntze, from Sydney, was preparing for a World Beauty Fitness and Fashion (WBFF) competition in early 2018 and worked at the gym at the time.

During a leg training session she was deadlifting and squatting 120kg. Everything seemed fine until the following morning.

'I went home to bed, woke up and couldn't move. The pain was unbearable,' Josie, now 27, told FEMAIL.

'My boyfriend at the time had to carry me into the car and take me straight to the hospital.'

Josie spent four months in hospital followed by two months of recovery at home. To this day her back still isn't the same - and physios say it likely never will be.

Josie Kuntze was preparing for a World Beauty Fitness and Fashion (WBFF) competition in 2018 and also worked at the gym prior to breaking her back in a freak accident (pictured in 2018)

Now 27, the YouTuber recalled being in agonising pain the morning after training legs and couldn't work. Her boyfriend at the time had to carry her to the car and into hospital

She visited the emergency room twice, waited a gruelling seven hours each time, only to be sent home with Panadol.

'I was crying, screaming and couldn't walk on my own. I have no idea why doctors didn't do any scans,' Josie said.

Her mum finally said 'enough is enough' and took her to another hospital where physicians conducted MRI and CT scans.

It was finally determined Josie's back was broken in several different spots - she had bulging and herniated disks as well as a fractured spine.

'I was in that hospital for months. Couldn't shower on my own, couldn't brush my own hair.. it was truly a difficult time for me,' she said.

'Doctors basically said it's a matter of the bone healing over time - because obviously my whole back couldn't be put in a cast.'

She visited the emergency room twice only to be sent home with Panadol each time and claims doctors didn't conduct any scans. Her mum finally said 'enough is enough' and took her to another hospital where physicians determined her back was broken

She couldn't walk, couldn't go to the bathroom or sit up without assistance, which impacted both her physical and mental health.

'I was young, in my 20s, and loved exercising, so it was really difficult being still and laying in a hospital bed for so long,' Josie said.

From a young age she had always wanted to travel, but the injury put her plans on hold.

Through rehabilitation and working with chiropractors and physios for six months, she slowly learnt how to walk again.

There was even one point where Josie wasn't sure if she would ever walk again.

'I had to learn how to take my first steps again, I felt like I was 60,' Josie said.

'When I eventually got back on my feet, my physio told me "This isn't something that can be fixed, it can only be managed".

'To be honest hearing those words honestly made me feel better, because I had worried for so long what the outcome would be.'

It was finally determined Josie's back was broken in several different spots - she had bulging and herniated disks as well as a fractured spine. 'I was in that hospital for months,' she said

Can lifting heavy weights ruin your back? Back injuries that occur with exercise include lumbar (lower back) strain, pulled muscles, neck sprains and rarely, stress fractures. The most common culprits are lifting weights that are too heavy and losing form. Despite the potential shot to pride or ego, when it comes to lifting weights in the gym, its imperative that you start with lighter weight and gradually move up as you gain muscle strength. It is also imperative that you not sacrifice form in order to push a larger load. While some exercise-induced injuries occur with a sudden wrong or awkward move, many are caused by repetitive motion over time, like tennis elbow. Performing the same motion repeatedly affects one muscle group, leading to wear and tear and gradual inflammation. Repetitive motion can also cause fractures or bruising of the tissue that supports the spine. This kind of injury typically occurs in wrestling, tennis, rowing, diving, dancing, volleyball, and gymnastics. Deadlifting is one of the most common culprits of lifting-induced low back injuries Source: njbrainspine.com & Men's Health Advertisement

While recovering as much as possible, Josie experienced feelings of anger, sadness and regret.

'For a long time I asked myself what made me go to the gym that day and lift such a heavy weight, or why I was prescribed the gym plan,' she said.

'Maybe I should've taken the day off or not pushed myself so hard... then while in hospital I was constantly thinking 'why me?'.. it was a really hard, dark time.'

Today it's the small things she struggles to do - from touching her toes to making the bed and walking up stairs.

'I can't do what I was once capable of; I can only walk around 8,000 steps a day before my back starts to hurt, I can't vacuum or mop floors, or even bend down to play with the dog,' she said.

'I can't sit for long periods without pain, which makes flights over four hours really challenging.'

Throughout her life Josie was not only a gym junkie but also into taekwondo - but can no longer lift heavy weights or train martial arts.

'I spent around two years paying out of pocket since I didnt have private health almost 50 per cent of my pay check to physios, chiros, and acupunctures,' she said.

Through rehabilitation and by working with chiropractors and physios for six months, she slowly learnt how to walk again

She's now able to travel and create videos for social media. Last year she won YouTube Australia and New Zealand Creator On The Rise twice, which was a huge milestone

Despite the life-changing ordeal, Josie's relationship with fitness has 'completely changed'.

'I was so full on with it before, but now going to the gym can be painful,' she said.

'I had to learn to train completely differently and focus on other things besides just heavy weight and it makes it much harder to keep in shape since my injury, but Im happy to be able to walk.'

She's also ticked more destinations off her list including south east Asia, Thailand and the US.

During her travels she started making videos for both YouTube and TikTok and is now a full time content creator with a combined following of more than half a million people.

Last year she won YouTube Australia and New Zealand Creator On The Rise twice, which was a huge milestone.
Doctors are warning about the risk of cannabis to diabetics after a woman was struck down with a debilitating two-year illness.

The 23-year-old, who had type 1 diabetes, was in and out of the hospital with severe vomiting and nausea that perplexed doctors who struggled to pinpoint the cause.

She was misdiagnosed with a diabetes-related stomach problem that prevents food from being cleared from the body.

But the doctors were missing a key detail  that the young woman was an avid marijuana user for eight years. She did not disclose that until a later visit, at which point she was diagnosed with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).

At first, doctors in Athens, Georgia thought the woman, who has uncontrolled type 1 diabetes and stage 3 kidney failure, had a condition marked by the stomach's inability to empty itself. It was only until she shared with doctors that she was a habitual marijuana user that they began connecting the dots to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (file image)

CHS is caused by long-term frequent cannabis use that drives repeated episodes of vomiting, severe nausea, stomach pain, and dehydration.

Marijuana can be especially dangerous in diabetics who use it regularly over a long stretch of time.

Cannabis users with type 1 diabetes are twice as likely than non-users to develop diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition characterized by a buildup of acids in your blood due to extended periods of high blood sugar.

A team of gastroenterologists at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, Georgia, revealed the case in a report published in the American Journal of Case Reports.

Doctors wrote in the case study: 'With the legalization of cannabis in the United States, clinicians can anticipate to encounter more and more patients presenting with complications of cannabis use.

'This report has shown the importance of taking a comprehensive social history in all patients, including in patients with type 1 diabetes, and is a reminder that cannabinoid use can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in this patient group.'

The female patient - who was not named - had a seven-year history of type 1 diabetes that doctors described as 'uncontrolled', which here means that her blood sugar levels were too high despite treating her condition. This put her at risk of life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis.

The team of doctors at first believed it to be a case of diabetic gastroparesis (DGp), a condition in which your stomach has trouble clearing out its contents because of damaged stomach muscles, allowing food to stay in your body longer than it should. Though a visit six months prior to the admission that doctors wrote about in the case study found that she had normal gastric emptying.

But the doctors did not know about her history of regular marijuana use until later.

When she did tell doctors, they considered the possibility that they were in fact dealing with a case of little-understood CHS, which is estimated to affect roughly 2.75 million Americans, though the true burden is hard to guage because CHS is a newly discovered condition and people may not want to divulge the amount of marijuana they consume.

Some heavy marijuana users may get CHS while others do not. Experts are still unclear as to how cannabis causes CHS symptoms, but some believe genetics plays a role.

CHS takes a long time to develop, so the occasional smoker is very unlikely to develop symptoms. But for a daily user, it's a different story.

Many people who experience CHS symptoms will complain of 'scromiting,' or episodes of intense simultaneous vomiting and screaming. Symptoms also include stomach pain and cramping, as well as severe dehydration which depletes the body's electrolytes, increasing the risk of kidney disease.

While there is no specific dosage of THC that will definitely cause someone to develop CHS, some patients with the condition have admitted to smoking 2000 mg of THC per day, 50 times the recommended max dosage.

Upon her most recent hospital admission, doctors eyed a diagnosis of CHS. She received IV hydration, anti-nausea medicine, and an intravenous infusion of the antipsychotic medication Haldol typically used to treat schizophrenia, tics in Tourette syndrome, mania in bipolar disorder, delirium, agitation, acute psychosis, and hallucinations from alcohol withdrawal.

The patient kept experiencing severe upper abdominal pain though CT and other imaging scans were both normal.

The doctors wrote: At this point, considering her history of chronic cannabis use and unrevealing prior investigations, there was a greater concern for CHS. On taking further history, she reported marked improvement in symptoms after hot baths.

Most people with CHS-induced intestinal issues will find relief in a hot shower or bath. The pain can be so acute for some that hot showers turn into hour-long activities.

On taking further history, she reported marked improvement in symptoms after hot baths. She was smoking cannabis at least 5 times a week and her last use was 2 days prior to presentation.

Following discharge, she abstained from cannabis for 2 months during which she remained symptom-free until she restarted the use of cannabis and symptoms reoccurred.

The case study is just one example of doctors struggling to diagnose the relatively new condition.

The first case of CHS was described in 2004 by Australian physicians who followed a series of patients who developed nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after using marijuana regularly. Their symptoms ceased when they stopped using the drug and symptoms re-started when they did.
It started with the cha cha cha.

Blitzing the floor every morning helps rejuvenate the digestive system, spleen and stomach, Jimmy Yen suggests.

According to the TikTok 'biohacking' influencer, who has amassed a gargantuan 1.1million following, it also 'sees the organs restore their function'.

But the claims have no scientific backing, top experts told MailOnline.

Mr Yen is not alone, though. Others say cabbage juice can help cure gastritis and a colon cleanse will speed up weight loss.

Blitzing the floor every morning helps rejuvenate the digestive system, spleen and stomach, Dr Jimmy Yen suggests. According to the TikTok 'biohacking' influencer, who has amassed a gargantuan 1.1million following, it also 'sees the organs restore their function'

Experts have long warned about misinformation being peddled on social media, not just TikTok. Yet a third of generation Z and a quarter of millennials  around 6million people in the UK  now say they rely on such sites for healthcare information

Experts have long warned about misinformation being peddled on social media, not just TikTok.

Yet a third of generation Z and a quarter of millennials  around 6million people in the UK  now say they rely on such sites for healthcare information.

Millions of young people who feel let down by the NHS are turning to social media for medical advice, a study found last week.

Influencers on TikTok and Instagram are increasingly standing in for doctors as patients complain they struggle to be taken seriously.

But experts warn there is a dark side to medical influencers, for anyone can type 'Dr' in their TikTok profile and give 'medical' advice or information.

Lurking alongside qualified advisors stand naturopaths, chiropractors and aestheticians. They are typically not medical doctors, but some may present themselves on social media as such.

THE TIKTOK INFLUENCERS THE KIDS ARE LISTENING TO... AND THEIR ROGUE CLAIMS

Jimmy Yen

Pumping the palm of your hand with your fist will also help solve heart problems, Mr Yen claimed in one clip seen by tens of thousands of TikTok users.

By 'stimulating the nerves' in your hand which are 'connected to the heart', you tackle high blood pressure and chest pain, he suggests, urging you to 'beat it until you defeat it'.

Mr Yen is a licensed acupuncturist and CEO of Achieve Integrative Health in Austin, Texas. He also serves on the medical advisory committee for the Neuropathy Alliance of Texas.

Professor James Ware, a cardiovascular expert from Imperial College London, told MailOnline: 'Based on our understanding of the physiology of the heart, I do not believe that his claims have any basis in science.'

He added: 'He suggests that stimulating the skin 'stimulates the nerves supplying the heart', which is inaccurate.'

Pumping the palm of your hand with your fist will also help solve heart problems, Jimmy Yen claimed. In a clip seen by over 89,000, by 'stimulating the nerves' in your hand which are 'connected to the heart' muscle, you tackle high blood pressure and chest pain, he said, urging you to 'beat it until you defeat it'.

The nerves supplying the hand region  C8 cervical root and T1 thoracic root  'do not innervate the heart', he said.

'Even if this did trigger some heart reflex, there is no reason to believe that briefly stimulating a reflex would have a sustained beneficial effect on the heart.'

Professor John Chambers, a professor of clinical cardiology and a consultant cardiologist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, added: 'It makes no scientific sense to expect that knocking one hand against the palm of the other might be effective for a wide range of different heart diseases.

'The possible danger is that a patient might delay seeking help from a qualified medical practitioner for a potentially life-threatening condition like unstable coronary disease.'

Read more: Millions of young people who feel let down by the NHS turn to TikTok as one in three youngsters seek medical advice on social media Advertisement

Patients must have 'guidance from their healthcare worker to accurate and balanced sites' instead, he said. This could include the NHS, the British Heart Foundation and British Heart Valve Society websites.

Dr Simon Teo

Among Dr Simon Teo's videos include the ten signs that apparently show you need to detox your body, watched by upwards of 92,000 worldwide, or the essential home remedies required to cure gastritis, seen by a mere 10,000.

Dr Teo is a certified functional medicine practitioner in San Jose, California and owner of Simon Teo Total Wellness.

Apple cider vinegar, yoghurt, coconut oil and cabbage juice are just four of the remedies that make the cut.

By contrast, the NHS recommends medicines to control stomach acid, such as antacids, or proton pump inhibitors to tackle gastritis - when the lining of your stomach becomes irritated.

Professor Kim Barrett, physiologist and membrane biologist at UC Davis School of Medicine in California, warned that the video may deter patients from seeking medical advice by trying the 'so-called remedies'.

She told MailOnline: 'The video providing ten top treatments for gastritis is not evidence-based and might incline patients against seeking help from a physician by trying these so-called remedies, even assuming that someone could self-diagnose gastritis in the first place.'

While it's useful for patients to have some idea of what they think is causing concern, it can become challenging when professional medical diagnosis differs from a patient's internet-sourced findings, Professor Ware said.

He told MailOnline: 'Patients are rightly interested in their own health, and motivated to find information online, and I support this.

'There is lots reputable health information online  I would direct patients to resources from the NHS or the British Heart Foundation as a first point-of-call.

'Unfortunately there is also lots of information that is incomplete, misleading, or in some cases completely false on the internet, which can create unnecessary distress, or lead patients to waste time or money on ineffective 'therapies'.'

Among Dr Simon Teo's videos include the ten signs that show you need to detox your body, watched by upwards of 92,000 worldwide or the essential home remedies required to cure gastritis, seen by a mere 10,000. Apple cider vinegar, yoghurt, coconut oil and cabbage juice are just four of the remedies that make the cut

Bayside Colonic clinic in Brisbane, Australia promotes detoxing your colon of up to seven kilograms of 'waste'. With up to 21.8 million views per video, the colon hydrotherapists claim a colon cleanse will help cure IBS, bloating, constipation and brain fog, while also helping to clear the body of parasites and speed up weight loss.

Bayside Colonic clinic in Brisbane

Bayside Colonic clinic in Brisbane, Australia, promotes detoxing your colon of up to seven kilograms of 'waste'.

With up to 21.8million views per video, in another TikTok, the colon hydrotherapists claim a colon cleanse will help cure IBS, bloating, constipation and brain fog, while also helping to clear the body of parasites and speed up weight loss.

But there is little medical evidence of actual benefits to the procedure, and no evidence that it can alleviate the symptoms that are attributed to the theories of colon cleansing.

As the colon itself typically expels waste, colon cleansing is generally unneeded.

Colonic irrigation can instead disrupt the bowel's normal activity, leading to severe dehydration.

Dr Arianna Basile, research associate in the MRC Toxicology Unit at the University of Cambridge, told MailOnline: 'Both videos from @bayside_colonics are just disgusting.'

She added: 'I am very surprised that such an intimate exposition of the human body, showing quite explicitly a colonic hydrotherapy is not against the guidelines, but again it's made more for self-advertising than for giving real suggestions.'

However, Dr Basile acknowledges that a large portion of TikTok videos made by qualified medical professionals are accurate and professional, and that the viral videos lurking on teens feeds do not represent the norm.

'TikTok is attempting to replace Google as a primary search engine, particularly for the younger generation, Gen Z,' she added.

'For experts of any field becoming creators of videos is a way to stand out from the competition and gain more credibility.'

There are equally a growing number of health professionals who are taking it upon themselves to tackle misinformation spread by unqualified influencers.

A spokesperson for TikTok told MailOnline: 'We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our community.

'Our Community Guidelines make clear that we do not allow health misinformation that could cause harm, and we have removed the videos that violated these policies.'

They added: 'We're proud that TikTok has become a place where people come to learn and for support, and we take very seriously our responsibility to keep our platform safe.'
Map reveals locations of dozens of biosecurity incidents at labs around the world

Covid leaking from a laboratory in China and then going on to devastate the world has moved from a fringe theory to the US's official narrative of the pandemic.

Just this week, Beijing fired back at claims from the FBI that the virus did emerge from the now famous Wuhan Institute of Virology.

While the jury remains out on if Covid did indeed come from a Chinese lab, the last 100 years have seen dozens of similar incidents spark outbreaks, or narrowly avoid them.

From the world's last recorded smallpox death in Birmingham in the 70s, a Soviet cover up of 'Biological Chernobyl', to extinct polio being found in a Dutch sewer in November last year, lab leaks of pathogens are not as rare as you might think.

Here, MailOnline has created a map laying bare the biosecurity blunders and near misses across the world and highlighted just 10 of the most shocking incidents and near misses in lab leak history.

MailOnline app users can view the map by clicking here

Extinct polio virus found in the Dutch sewage system traced back to lab worker

In November last year, an urgent alert was issued in the Netherlands after routine wastewater testing found traces of an extinct polio virus.

Polio, a devastating disease that can cause paralysis, has largely been banished to history after one of the most widespread and successful vaccination programmes the world has ever seen.

Only one wild form of the virus is still active globally, type 1, and is only in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Type 2 and type 3 polio are officially extinct, although samples are kept in, supposedly, secure labs.

So you can imagine the alarm when traces of type 3 polio were found in routine testing of sewage water by Dutch health authorities.

Worryingly, analysis of the sample found it had slightly mutated from its original form, a critical sign that this incident wasn't caused by an improperly disposed, and pure, lab sample, but by an infected person.

Officials rapidly tested every single individual in the country with potential access and, therefore, exposure to type 3 polio.

Of these 51 people, only one tested positive, an employee at an unnamed facility.

For the next 33 days, the employee had to stay in specifically designed accommodation, where all of their waste was specially collected and burned.

This is because polio can spreads through consuming an infected person's faecal matter  which can happen as a result of poor hand hygiene.

The employee, who was not named, was allowed to return home in January, after three consecutive negative stool samples.

This incident was reported in January in the journal Eurosurveillance and was used to highlight the importance of routine wastewater sampling for infectious diseases.

The case report did not explain exactly how the worker had contracted polio.

Similar sampling of wastewater in London led to the detection of the first polio outbreak in the UK in 40 years.

Covid returns to Taiwan, but not from an overseas visitor. Testing shows person caught an old Delta strain only kept in a lab

In late 2021, the world was in a frenzy about if the then newly emerged Omicron variant would send us back into lockdown.

But in Taiwan, a coronavirus outbreak of a different kind was making headlines.

According to a report by health officials in the country, a fully vaccinated lab worker began to exhibit Covid symptoms on November 26 that year.

This raised alarm as, at the time, Taiwan had no confirmed Covid cases.

A subsequent investigation traced the outbreak to Academia Sinica, a laboratory working on Covid vaccines and drug development.

Academia Sinica (its genomics centre pictured) was eventually fined the equivalent of about 4,500 for poor biosecurity practices that led to the leak

Analysis of virus swabs taken from her found she had been infected with exactly the same Delta strain of Covid that had been supplied to the lab.

This proved to be the smoking gun for a lab leak, as this strain was slightly different from the most recent Delta version to hit Taiwan.

The woman, who was not named, made a full recovery and testing of 110 close contacts and 373 other potential contacts all came back negative.

Academia Sinica was eventually fined the equivalent of about 4,500 for poor biosecurity practices that led to the leak.

Bacteria with 'bioweapon potential' leaked from US primate research centre

It sounds like the premise of a Hollywood script.

A series of human errors at a primate research facility led to the potential release of a potentially deadly bacteria on US soil.

Back in 2014, research on a bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei at the Tulane National Primate Research Center near New Orleans saw it manage to escape from the secure research lab.

Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacteria found in the tropics, is classified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as a potential candidate for use in bioterrorism.

Infection leads to a disease called melioidosis, which can cause a vast range of symptoms, including fever, respiratory problems and seizures.

Worryingly, the bacteria is resistant to many forms of antibiotics which medics typically use as the first line of defence against these types of infections.

The 2014 Tulane outbreak thankfully only killed two macaques, a species of monkey, which were being kept in outdoor enclosures at the center.

A rhesus macaque monkey climbs on the fence around its enclosure at the Tulane National Primate Research Center in 2021. Seven years prior an outbreak of Burkholderia pseudomallei from a secure lab at the centre killed two monkeys on the outside

An investigation by US health authorities linked the lab leak to workers who were conducting tests on the bacteria in one of the center's labs not following correct personal protective equipment (PPE) procedures.

This allowed the bacteria to hitch a ride on the workers, and could in theory have gone much further than it did.

A Burkholderia pseudomallei outbreak is considered serious because of how the bacteria infects soil and water supplies, with animals which then catch it going on to spread it further.

Thankfully, while the bacteria did breach the lab, there has been no evidence it ever reached outside of the wider Tulane center itself.

However, extensive monitoring was put in place to ensure this.

UK foot and mouth disease outbreak caused by a faulty pipe at a vaccine laboratory

On the evening of August 2, 2007, a vet was called to a cattle farm in Surrey to investigate some sick animals.

What she found was later confirmed to be an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

This was just six years after an massive outbreak of the disease swept across Britain, devastating the country's agricultural sector with millions of animals culled.

FMD causes painful blisters to erupt in the mouth and hooves of animals like, cattle, pigs, and sheep.

It can spread from animal to animal but also through infected soil and clothing that travels from location to the next, such as animal faeces stuck on vehicle tires.

While the virus is considered a low risk for people, it can devastate a country's agricultural industry as occurred in the UK in 2001.

A 2007 foot and mouth disease outbreak was traced back to a faulty pipe at the Pirbright facility (pictured the Institute for Animal Health at Pirbright in 2007)

The 58-day FMD outbreak ended with 2,160 animals being culled and their bodies incinerated, at a cost of 47million (pictured slaughtered cattle in Egham, England 2007)

The initial samples from the 2007 outbreak were sent to the nearby Pirbright facility, a research lab dedicated to the study of infectious diseases in farm animals and production of vaccines.

Through careful analysis they found the specific FMD strain responsible for the outbreak, called O1 BFS 1860.

This is where the story took a turn, as the only known source of this FMD strain in the UK at that time was held at Pirbright itself for vaccine manufacturing.

A subsequent investigation into the outbreak found a faulty pipe and an overflowing drainage system at Pirbright had allowed the virus to leak into the soil, which had then been carried by vehicles to the surrounding farms.

The 58-day FMD outbreak ended with 2,160 animals being culled and their bodies incinerated, at a cost of 47million.

In contrast, the 2001 outbreak cost the country 8billion and resulted in the culling of more than four million animals.

SARS escapes from a Chinese virus lab and goes on to infect the public

An outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), a cousin of the Covid-19 coronavirus, swept across five continents between 2002 and 2004.

People infected with SARS develop a fever, headaches and body aches, as well as a dry cough, with most patients going on to develop pneumonia.

About 8,000 cases were confirmed during the 2003 outbreak, with nearly 800 were fatal.

Over the course of the pandemic, there were multiple lab leaks of the virus in Asia, one each in Singapore, Taiwan, and China.

While the Singaporean and Taiwanese outbreaks only managed to infect one person, the lab employee in each case, the Chinese one went much further.

A passerby in mask walks by an anti-SARS campaign billboard in Beijing during the 2003-2004 pandemic

Two researchers working at the the Virus Disease Control and Prevention Institute at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing became infected with SARS in March/April 2004.

One of these cases, a 26-year-old woman named in Chinese Government documents as Song, managed to cause a chain of cases that led to about seven other people getting infected.

One of these was Song's mother, a woman named Wei, who was infected by her daughter. Wei died from SARS 19 days later.

A nurse who treated Song before SARS was suspected also caught the virus but recovered.

While no other casualties were reported, over 300 close contacts of the lab workers had to go into quarantine to stop the spread of the virus further.

The largest confirmed disease leak in history: The 2019 Lanzhou incident

The biggest confirmed infectious disease leak in the world occurred in China in 2019, and it has nothing to do with Covid.

In July 2019, a biopharmaceutical plant near the city of Lanzhou was developing a brucella vaccine for animals.

Brucella is bacterial infection that is mainly spread through eating contaminated animal products like unpasteurised dairy and raw meat.

It causes high temperature, loss of appetite, sweating, headaches, tiredness, and joint pain.

Over 10,000 people surrounding the Chinese city of Lanzhou are believed to have been infected with brucella after an accidental leak at a biopharmaceutical plant

While rarely fatal, an infection can cause pregnant women to suffer a miscarriage.

The bacteria behind the infection is so potent it is classified as a potential bioterrorism agent by US authorities.

But a combination of using an expired disinfectant and an accidental leak at the Chinese biopharmaceutical plant led to the bacteria becoming aerosolised and spreading in the wind, infecting at first 65 people.

From this initial outbreak the bacteria then spread further, with Chinese authorities saying over 10,000 people tested positive for the bacteria as of November 2020, as a result of cases linked to that outbreak.

Further outbreaks were also reported in neighbouring areas of China and Mongolia as infected animals spread the bacteria.

'Biological Chernobyl': Leak from a Soviet bioweapons lab kills at least 66 people

Officially denied by Soviet authorities for years, an accident at a secret bioweapons lab led to deadly anthrax being unleashed on an unsuspecting Russian city.

It occurred in 1979, four years after the USSR had signed an international agreement to pause the development of bioweapons.

But work continued in the USSR Ministry of Defence's Scientific-Research Institute of Hygiene, a lab in the city of Sverdlovsk, called Yekaterinburg today, in the Ural mountains.

Scientist there were working with a bacteria called Bacillus anthracis, which causes the disease anthrax.

Though the disease can occur in a various forms, the deadliest is inhalation when the bacteria's spores enter the lungs.

Even with modern medical treatment only 55 per cent of patients survive.

It was this version of anthrax that infected the citizens of Yekaterinburg, with a plume of spores leaked from the lab carried by wind to create what investigators later determined to be a 30-mile infection zone.

A Russian woman passes underneath a statue of Lenin in Yekaterinburg, formerly known as Sverdlovsk

In the days after, citizens in this zone became mysteriously ill with a fever, coughing and vomiting, with at least 66 dying. Although other estimates put the death toll at around 100.

The official Soviet explanation was that the infected had caught anthrax through infected meat.

However, US scientists who plotted the deaths found they occurred in a straight line from the USSR Ministry of Defence's Scientific-Research Institute of Hygiene.

And records released following the collapse of the Soviet Union confirmed the leak at the lab was caused by a technician who forgot to replace a critical safety valve during maintenance work.

In 1992, then Russian president Boris Yeltsin admitted the anthrax had come from the lab.

The incident, and its subsequent coverup, have led it to be described by some as the 'biological Chernobyl' due to the similarities to the Soviet nuclear disaster in that city.

Lab leak in Birmingham results in the last recorded death of deadly smallpox

The elimination of smallpox, a disease which killed a third of those it infected, is one of the greatest public health successes in modern history.

Declared officially extinct globally in 1979, the last natural case in the world was recorded in Somalia in 1977.

But Janet Parker, a 40-year-old medical photographer from Birmingham, is the last person in the world known to have died of the disease.

Janet Parker died from smallpox in Birmingham on September 11th 1978. She worked on the floor above the smallpox research laboratory.

She did not catch it naturally, but from a lab at University of Birmingham Medical School in 1978.

Exactly how she caught the infection is still unknown, but her office was located just above a research laboratory growing the smallpox virus.

Ms Parker became ill in August that year, dying from the disease a few weeks later.

Once her smallpox diagnosis was confirmed, health authorities went on a spree of quarantining and vaccinating her close contacts in a bid to prevent the disease, which was on the verge of extinction at that time, from returning.

Ms Parker's mother, Hilda Witcomb, was the only other person to become infected. However, she caught a minor version of the disease but managed to recover.

But her father, Frederick, died shortly before his daughter from what is thought to be a cardiac arrest during his quarantine. No autopsy was ever carried out given concerns over smallpox at the time.

The final casualty in the whole incident was Professor Henry Bedson, who headed the smallpox lab at Birmingham Medical School.

He died by suicide, five days before Ms Parker own death.

Professor Bedson left a note, which read: 'I am sorry to have misplaced the trust which so many of my friends and colleagues have placed in me and my work.'

As the cause of Ms Parker's infection was never determined, where the exact responsibility for her death lay is unknown.

Smallpox lab leak in London leads to foundation of modern biosafety rules

In March 1972, a 23-year-old laboratory assistant at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine watched the harvesting of live smallpox virus from eggs.

Biosafety regulations at the time did not require this process to take place in an isolated environment and the young woman subsequently became ill about two weeks later.

Her exposure to smallpox at the time was unknown and she was admitted to a general ward with other patients.

While the woman herself survived, her admission to general hospital led to the deaths of two people, a husband and wife, who visited a relative in the adjacent bed.

A nurse, who initially treated the couple when they subsequently fell ill, also became infected but survived.

This incident, and the official investigations sparked in its aftermath, led to a number of key changes in laboratory policy in the UK.

These included the introduction of isolated environments for handling pathogens like smallpox, with only specially trained staff in protective gear meant to have access.

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The regulations are considered the precursors to Biosafety Laboratory Level protocols that are in place today in the UK and many other parts of the world.

Dozens of lab workers in Germany get new virus from infected monkeys

The 1967 Marburg virus outbreak is one of the oldest and most serious lab leaks ever recorded.

It began with multiple patients with unusual symptoms suddenly coming into hospital in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt in August.

This first wave of patients didn't cause too much alarm, with symptoms like a fever, headache, and fatigue, and most were treated at home.

But after four days, the infected became sicker and some even started bleeding from all their orifices.

In total 32 people would catch the, at the time, unknown disease with seven deaths, all among patients who exhibited the bleeding symptoms.

Investigators found the initial group of patients were all employees at a lab which made vaccines.

Further work found all the infected employees had come into contact with monkeys or monkey tissues used in vaccine manufacturing and testing.

These primates, African Green Monkeys, were believed to be infected with a virus from Uganda their country of origin.

A subsequent infection in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia) was also traced to this shipment of monkeys.

Testing of the patients' blood eventually revealed a new virus which was dubbed Marburg virus in November that year.

A Marburg virus outbreak typically begins after people com into contact with caves or mine inhabited by fruit bats

This graphic shows how the Marburg virus devastates the body, with an average death rate of 50 per cent

Since then, there have been eight subsequent outbreaks involving multiple infections, including a recent outbreak in Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.

Subsequent outbreaks of Marburg virus have mainly been concentrated in Africa in areas where people have prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by infected fruit bat colonies, which have been found to naturally harbour the virus.
Sitting at my kitchen table on a Friday morning, my arm propped up on a cushion, I'm having blood taken. It's all over in a few minutes  as quick as it is painless  and the phlebotomist packs his bags to leave, two filled vials in hand.

This is the unlikely forefront of what has been described as the Holy Grail: a blood test that can tell me whether I have one of 70 types of cancer before symptoms even begin.

Cancer scientists have long said this could transform survival rates by allowing patients to start treatment early, when the disease is easier to cure.

When it comes to survival rates, the UK lags behind most of the rest of Europe for nine out of ten cancers. And since the pandemic, record numbers of people are waiting longer for a diagnosis and to start treatment. Nearly half of lung and pancreatic cancers  two of the most deadly forms of the disease  are not picked up until they have already spread.

Tests such as the one I had, called TruCheck, are seen by many as part of the solution. It's being offered now in the UK to those able to pay the price of 1,199. A different test, Galleri, is being trialled by the NHS. Importantly, the aim of both is to detect cancer in outwardly healthy people.

RED FLAGS: The phlebotomist taking blood from Jo Macfarlane before it was tested for 70 types of cancer

It sounds like a no-brainer. Who wouldn't want to know if they had a silent cluster of malignant cells developing under the radar? Yet a growing band of experts are questioning whether such tests, known as liquid biopsies, can live up to the promise, pointing to the challenges already associated with early detection.

The UK's three cancer-screening programmes  for breast, bowel and cervical cancer  save countless lives, but they also pick up cases that may never have caused any health problems in someone's lifetime. However, as doctors can't tell which will cause harm and which will not, they must all be treated.

But this means that if tests such as TruCheck and Galleri were made available to all, it could dramatically increase the number of people receiving treatment unnecessarily, claims cancer epidemiologist Professor Paul Pharoah, a research scientist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

'These tests come with a lot of hype,' he says. 'They're described with words like 'breakthrough', 'revolutionary' and 'great hope', but we should be far more cautious about their potential.

'The simple idea that we should diagnose cancer earlier makes sense  it might improve cancer survival.

'But screening in general tends to diagnose slower- growing, less aggressive tumours. Some of these might never end up harming the patient, and some might disappear on their own. Once you find it, you have to treat it, and cancer treatment often comes with side effects that can have a huge and long-lasting impact on health.'

IT'S A FACT Experts in California have developed a blood test specifically to pick up childhood cancers, it was announced last week. Advertisement

Radiotherapy for breast cancer, for example, increases the risk of heart attacks. Some chemotherapy drugs are linked with an increased risk of secondary cancers.

And surviving cancer can leave patients with ongoing stress about the disease returning.

Susan Bewley, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Women's Health at King's College London, warns that such tests can also fuel unfounded worries about health.

'It prioritises the not-yet-ill over the actually sick,' she says. 'These companies are dumping anxiety on people and the costs of further investigating their findings back on the NHS. Being so paranoid about your health can spoil living.'

I think Prof Bewley has a point. As a healthy and fit 43-year-old, with no known health problems, I can confirm that taking the test did cause anxiety.

But one Swedish study found as many as 54 per cent of breast cancers detected early could disappear without treatment.

Sometimes, it seems, we might be better off not knowing.

On the other hand, I'll be forever grateful that my dad had his bowel cancer picked up at the earliest stage in 2018, after it was detected as part of the NHS's screening programme in Scotland.

Now 73, he is cancer-free following surgery to remove the growth, with no need for chemotherapy.

The UK's three cancer-screening programmes  for breast, bowel and cervical cancer  save countless lives, but they also pick up cases that may never have caused any health problems in someone's lifetime

In contrast, the TruCheck test is available only privately.

To qualify, patients have to be over 40  so at a greater risk of cancer due to age  and have no cancer symptoms.

It was offered to me, at no charge, by Goodbody Clinic, which has 90 locations across the country. I had a call first with a GP, Dr John Pettit, who explained the process. Two 10ml vials of my blood would be taken and the results available within about 12 working days.

The laboratory analysis is in two stages. Scientists look for cells that break off from tumours and circulate in the blood, known as circulating tumour cells, or CTCs. If found, the second stage is to compare them against standard 'biomarkers'  a biological signature  for each of 70 different cancer types.

IT'S A FACT Some bowel-cancer patients in Swansea are being offered a unique blood test to make sure the disease has not returned. Advertisement

Studies show that in a person with cancer, each millilitre of blood contains about 400 CTCs, so it would be 'pretty obvious' if there were any in my blood sample, Dr Pettit explained.

That said, the test isn't perfect. The company's own data, based on 40,000 cases, suggests that as many as one in eight people with cancer will be wrongly told their test is negative, and wrongly reassured. On the plus side, the company claims 99.97 per cent of positive cases in asymptomatic people  those with no symptoms  did turn out to be a tumour. That means just three in 10,000 positive results will be a false positive.

That's better than conventional screening  the latest Government data shows 2.6 per cent of women (56,888 last year) who get an abnormal result from a mammogram do not have breast cancer but are subject to further stress and investigation.

Dr Vineet Datta, executive director at Datar Cancer Genetics, which makes TruCheck, said they had prioritised keeping the risk of a false positive low to avoid worry and unnecessary treatment.

Acknowledging that some would be given a false negative, Dr Datta said: 'That's the limitation of the test. There may be ten to 12 people in every 100 with cancer who have extremely low levels of CTCs and would return a negative result. But the false positive rate is very low. And that's what you want to achieve in mass screening  you don't want to open a can of worms looking for a cancer that doesn't exist.'

And this is undoubtedly true. But what of the idea that some cancers don't need to be detected?

A case in point can be found in the debate around breast screening, introduced in the UK in 1988 after trials suggested women who had regular mammograms were far less likely to die of breast cancer.

Mammograms  a type of breast X-ray that can spot tiny tumours that can't be felt  are offered to all women in the UK aged between 50 and 70 every three years.

In 2012, a Government-commissioned report suggested the programme was responsible for a 20 per drop in breast-cancer deaths. But critics claim many of the studies have been poorly conducted, and ignore the down sides of screening, including over-diagnosis and over-treatment.

Another report, published in 2013 by medical research body Cochrane, concluded that screening 2,000 women led to just one fewer death, resulted in ten healthy women with 'harmless' cancers being treated unnecessarily, and led to 200 women experiencing 'distress and anxiety' due to false positive findings.

Patient leaflets were subsequently rewritten to fully explain that the tests had both benefits and potential harms.

About one in five cancer cases picked up during routine mammograms are a type known as ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS  abnormal cells found in the milk duct. Oncologists often refer to it as 'pre-cancer', and studies show only half of DCIS cases left untreated will go on to invade the breast tissue and cause serious disease.

Prof Pharoah explains: 'Trials of breast-cancer screening show that the reduction in mortality is not as big as you think it should be.

'We treat DCIS with surgery and sometimes radiotherapy, but this can leave scars, at best, or increase a woman's chances of dying from a heart attack.

'These things are very complicated to work out. So with any screening test, the big question is whether it makes a difference not just to survival from cancer, but from deaths from any cause.'

With lung cancer, for example, 57 per cent of people survive for five years or more if it is diagnosed at stage one, compared with three per cent of those diagnosed at stage four.

For breast cancer, it's 97.9 per cent at stage one, and 26.2 per cent at stage four.

But how much of these survival gains are thanks to early detection from screening is complex to unpick. Improvements were made to breast-cancer services when screening was first introduced, and new drugs came on to the market at the same time.

'It's a delusion that if you can pick things up earlier it'll make things better,' says Prof Bewley.

'And it has yet to be proven  lots of people live longer after their treatment and say it was because they were screened, or it was found early, but often it's because they had good, modern treatment. The outcome may have been the same if the cancer was picked up later.'

IT'S A FACT The blood-testing market is predicted to rise by 60 per cent in the next five years, according to market research firm Zion. Advertisement

Prof Pharoah adds: 'If I get diagnosed with cancer at stage four, after it has spread, I might survive six months. If you diagnose it earlier, you may well just be starting the clock earlier  I could die at the same point.

'It's not a real gain  I'm just surviving with cancer for longer.'

As TruCheck has only been available via Goodbody Clinic since January, the company was not able to put me in touch with a patient who'd been diagnosed with cancer following the test. However, one 60-year-old man is convinced about the benefits of similar checks  after two types of cancer he had no idea about were picked up.

Tim, who asked us not to use his real name, took three Check4Cancer tests 'on a whim' in 2021  one for bowel cancer, one for prostate cancer and a mole examination for skin cancer.

He was shocked when, despite feeling perfectly well, two came back with concerning results.

His PSA levels  a protein released by prostate cancer  were abnormally high, and the mole check had flagged a lesion on his right shoulder blade, which was referred for urgent testing. In January last year, biopsy results revealed that it was an early- stage melanoma.

'It was in a part of my body that I rarely look at, so although I was vaguely aware of it I never worried,' says Tim. 'I certainly wouldn't have thought to get it checked.'

Tim successfully had the mole and surrounding cancerous tissue removed. But six months later, a follow-up MRI scan of his prostate uncovered a suspected tumour, and a biopsy confirmed it was cancer.

'My uncle had the disease, so there is a family history,' he says. 'But I didn't worry much because I assumed my symptoms  going to the toilet a lot  were just part and parcel of getting older.'

Tim had radiotherapy and is now awaiting a follow-up scan. 'I spend a lot of time thinking about what would have happened if I hadn't had those tests,' he says.

My own results, emailed to me last week, were negative. I was relieved. And the email was honest about the test's limitations.

'No screening test is perfect,' it said, 'but this test's sensitivity of 88 per cent means the chance of this being a false negative is low.'

It also recommended I repeat it every year. I'm not against the idea. But on balance, like many people I imagine, I'd sooner spend that sort of money on a family holiday.

For more information, visit health.goodbodyclinic.com.

DR DEAN EGGITT: If checks give patients peace of mind, then I'm all for them

By DR DEAN EGGITT

'A universal cancer blood test is a remarkable innovation, and if people want to pay, then I'm all for it,' says Dr Dean Eggitt (pictured)

Doctors often debate about the ethics and usefulness of cancer screening, which picks up the disease before it causes any symptoms.

There are questions about over-diagnosis and over-treatment. There is also evidence that indicates at least some tiny tumours might disappear, so in some cases patients might unnecessarily be put through the trauma of surgery, chemo and radiotherapy.

And no doctor wants that. But I think most people would rather know if they had cancer. The reason we usually treat even the smallest cancers when we find them is because it's impossible to predict which will turn nasty.

One of the main concerns in these conversations is the cost to the NHS of screening, which is fair. If a programme doesn't mean a significant number of us live longer, healthier lives overall  and often results in expensive further tests, taking up valuable hospital time, to no avail  then it's important to think of it in terms of financial value.

But if the NHS doesn't have to pay for it, it becomes a simpler discussion. A universal cancer blood test is a remarkable innovation, and if people want to pay, then I'm all for it. Some suggest that private companies offering checks are cashing in on the 'worried well', but if people have a right to spend their hard-earned cash however they like, and if this gives them peace of mind, then it'll no doubt feel worth it.

And the less testing that NHS GPs like me have to do, the more it'll free us up to spend time with other patients.

It's true that these tests don't provide a definitive diagnosis. And I know there's also the issue of the NHS having to pick up the tab  and send patients for expensive scans  if an early-warning blood check comes back positive.

But I would say that that's my job, and I'm happy to help anyone who might be unwell and in need of medical aid.

I'm not here to judge, I'm here to help solve the problem, however it's discovered.
Health watchdogs are investigating a popular hair loss drug after a three-fold rise since 2020 in men reporting serious side effects including depression, insomnia, low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Government figures also show that the drug, finasteride, has been linked with at least 70 reports of patients suffering suicidal thoughts as a suspected side effect.

The daily pill is proven to regrow hair and is taken by millions of men worldwide  although the exact number of users in the UK is unclear as the drug is not prescribed for hair loss on the NHS.

Previous studies have suggested finasteride is safe and effective. But some users have reported slurred speech, gynaecomastia  painful growth of breast tissue  and penis shrinkage.

Some say symptoms continue long after stopping treatment, a condition which patients have coined Post-Finasteride Syndrome.

Health watchdogs are investigating a popular hair loss drug after a threefold rise since 2020 in men reporting serious side effects including depression, insomnia, low libido and erectile dysfunction (stock photo)

ENTICING: Adverts for finasteride brand Hims, available online but not issued by the NHS to boost hair growth

Merck & Co, which created finasteride, has long denied any link with serious long-term side effects, but has paid out millions of dollars to settle lawsuits with US patients.

Now The Mail on Sunday has learned the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a safety review of the drug.

Finasteride is prescribed on the NHS to men with an enlarged prostate, but the review will focus only on its use in treating hair loss.

Experts say the spike in claims of side effects is due largely to the emergence of online companies selling finasteride to treat hair loss via private prescription.

Patients order the drug over the internet after they have filled out an online questionnaire which is signed off by an in-house clinician.

Simon Breidert, chairman of the Post-Finasteride Syndrome Research Association, says: 'Online pharmacies are able to freely market this drug as a quick and easy fix to hair loss.

'Men ashamed of losing their hair have been preyed on. We need stronger regulations that mean only doctors can prescribe finasteride, not websites.'

IT'S A FACT About 6.5 million men in the UK are affected by some form of hair loss  roughly a fifth of the entire male population. Advertisement

The MHRA has begun interviewing people who argue they are suffering post-finasteride syndrome.

Patient advocate Ryan Clark, 56, who spoke to MHRA officials last week, says: 'I've been suffering this horrible condition since the late 1990s, trying to get the MHRA to take action since 2017. People need to be properly informed about risks attached to finasteride before taking it. These side effects have been devastating and made me progressively worse over the years.'

More than a million men are on the drug in the US, including former president Donald Trump.

It works by blocking the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. High levels of DHT are believed to lead to hair loss by shrinking follicles on the scalp.

Finasteride was originally developed, and taken at higher doses, to treat having an enlarged prostate. But users soon began to see unexpected hair growth.

When given in lower doses in studies, more than 80 per cent of men stopped losing their hair and 65 per cent saw hair begin to grow back, often within months.

Initial studies showed that, in about four per cent of cases, taking finasteride can trigger temporary mental health problems and erectile dysfunction. Websites which sell the treatment warn that these symptoms can occur.

But Post-Finasteride Syndrome, where symptoms continue for months and years after stopping the drug, is hotly contested.

US-based male health firm Hims, which also sells finasteride in the UK, said recently: 'There isn't much high-quality scientific evidence to support its existence.' The NHS says serious side effects are 'rare', occurring in below one in 1,000 people, and doesn't recognise the syndrome.

However, in 2021, Reuters news agency reported it had obtained US court documents which showed that US health watchdogs had received more than 700 reports of suicide and suicidal thoughts linked to the drug since 2011. These included at least 100 reported suicides. The documents also revealed Merck & Co had paid about 3.5 million to settle lawsuits brought by people claiming to suffer persistent side effects.

In court, Merck denied that the drug caused problems with sexual function after men stopped taking it, and links to mental illness. The claims were settled without admission of liability.

In its statement to Reuters, Merck said: 'While consumers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report adverse events, the reaction may have been related to the underlying disease being treated, or caused by some other drug being taken concurrently, or occurred for other reasons.'

A paper published in 2020 by Baylor University in Texas examined the effect of finasteride on a group of 25 young men and found that nearly 70 per cent of study participants experienced abnormal penis shrinkage.

Doctors prescribing the drug say a risk of severe side effects is rare but add that letting online pharmacies dispense it is irresponsible, given its potency.

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a safety review of the drug finasteride (pictured). It is prescribed on the NHS to men with an enlarged prostate, but the review will focus only on its use in treating hair loss

Dr David Fenton, a Harley Street consultant dermatologist, regularly monitors his finasteride patients' hormone levels. He says: 'The drug lowers your DHT levels but this is a hormone the body needs. So if someone has low levels to begin with and they start taking finasteride, it's possible you might suppress their DHT intake completely, which might explain many of the rare but horrible side effects.

'It's not possible for online pharmacies to monitor patients, so it's concerning how widespread the practice of companies posting these pills out to patients has become.'

Manchester bank worker Tom Brown, 28, says he has suffered Post-Finasteride Syndrome after starting the drug in 2012 because he was losing hair around his temples. He ordered it from abroad after filling out a questionnaire.

He took finasteride every day until 2019. During that time he noticed no change to his hair, so decided to stop taking it. But soon afterwards, Tom says he noticed symptoms he believed to be side effects. 'I felt so depressed. Then I got a whole bunch of other extreme symptoms including penis shrinkage, difficulty peeing, insomnia and slurring my words. This continued for years and life became a day-by-day struggle. My erectile dysfunction was so bad not even Viagra made any difference.'

'I started taking this drug because everything I read said there were no risks,' he says. 'It ended up turning my life upside down.'

An MHRA spokesman said: 'We are undertaking a review of the available evidence on benefits and risks of finasteride. This is part of our ongoing responsibility to monitor whether the benefits of all available medicines in the UK outweigh their risks.'
A new cholesterol-lowering pill that drives down the risk of heart attacks and strokes is set to transform the treatment of patients who can't take statins due to debilitating side effects.

The 600-a-year drug, bempedoic acid, was approved for NHS use last year after promising early data showed it cut cholesterol by up to 25 per cent.

Now doctors have proof that this leads to a 13 per cent-lower rate of major cardiovascular events, including fatal and non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.

Trial results unveiled yesterday also showed that when heart attacks were looked at alone, there was a 23 per cent risk reduction, and patients on the daily tablet were a fifth less likely to need a stent or heart bypass operation.

The landmark study involved 14,000 patients with heart disease in 32 countries  including the UK  who were followed for about four years.

NO SIDE EFFECTS: Peter Eggle, 73, who has been on bempedoic acid for 18 months and feels 'fantastic', with his wife Rosemary

Bempedoic acid, was approved for NHS use last year after promising early data showed it cut cholesterol by up to 25 per cent

There were roughly equal numbers of men and women, and two-thirds had suffered a previous cardiac event, such as a heart attack. All were considered high-risk patients, selected because they were intolerant to statins  suffering muscle pain and weakness which affects a significant minority of those who take the tablets.

Half of the trial group were given bempedoic acid, which is also known by the brand name Nilemdo.

It works by stopping cholesterol production in the liver, much like statins. However, the active compounds in statins are also absorbed into muscle tissue  which may be why they sometimes cause aches and pains. Instead, bempedoic acid stays in the liver and so doesn't seem to cause the same problems.

Importantly, patients did not suffer muscle pain during the trial, and reported few side effects overall.

The findings were announced to a packed audience of international heart experts at the American College of Cardiology conference in New Orleans.

Cardiologist Professor Kausik Ray, who led the UK arm of the international trial at the Imperial Clinical Trials Unit in London, said: 'This is big news  we knew bempedoic acid was safe and reduced cholesterol. Now we know that it prevents heart attacks and strokes.'

Cardiologist Dr Steven Nissen, of the Cleveland Clinic and chairman of the study, added: 'Statin intolerance is a vexing problem that prevents many patients achieving [cholesterol] levels associated with cardiovascular benefits.

'People who couldn't tolerate a statin [due to side effects] did tolerate bempedoic acid and had a very good outcome.'

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, killing 180 people a day in the UK. High cholesterol is a key factor in developing the problem and affects up to 60 per cent of adults.

Experts say that statins remain the gold standard for lowering cholesterol  reducing levels by up to 50 per cent, cutting heart risk in half and costing as little as 20 per patient, per year. Despite these positives, a quarter of people taking statins report side effects such as muscle pain and weakness.

For some, problems can be severe  women are more likely to be affected than men, and many stop taking their medication as a result. Whether these symptoms are actually due to the drug is not so clear. A recent study that examined 23 large statin trials found that just one in 100 cases of muscle pain were genuinely caused by medication.

In the trials, the number of patients unknowingly taking placebo pills and patients on statins saying they'd been affected by muscle pain were roughly the same  proof that problems have causes other than the drugs.

Experts call this phenomenon the 'nocebo effect'. Scare stories about the side effects of statins that have proliferated in the media have led people to think back ache or muscle and joint discomfort are due to their tablets, when in fact there could be other triggers. The analysis, which confirmed just how low-risk statins are, led to the announcement in January of a change in prescribing guidance. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) now says the drugs could be offered to patients who have only a minor increased heart attack risk, rather than ten per cent or higher chance over ten years, as previous rules stated.

For those at high risk of heart attacks, who can't or are unwilling to keep taking statins, there are other cholesterol-lowering drugs. These include ezetimibe tablets. However, the benefits are modest when compared with statins, and some patients are unable to take these due to side effects, too.

In 2021 The Mail on Sunday was the first to report on another cholesterol-lowering treatment  the twice-yearly jab inclisiran. This has since become available to NHS patients. But the drug was shown to work best alongside statins in trials. Another option are injections known as PCSK9 inhibitors, but these are expensive, costing roughly 4,400 a year. For this reason, they are reserved for the highest-risk patients.

IT'S A FACT The statin Lipitor (atorvastatin) is the biggest-selling drug of all time and makes drug firm Pfizer about 1.6 billion a year. Advertisement

People who can't take statins but don't meet the thresholds set by NICE for PCSK9 inhibitors have previously been left 'in no man's land' with higher-than-desired cholesterol levels.

Bempedoic acid will be primarily offered to this group  an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.

The drug is likely to work best in combination with other cholesterol-lowering treatments.

Dr Nissen said: 'When we add bempedoic acid to ezetimibe, we can get about a 40 per cent reduction [in harmful cholesterol], and that's where I see the potential ultimately for this therapy.'

Lucy Barton, a specialist nurse at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust lipid clinic, where patients have been prescribed bempedoic acid for the past few years, added: 'Now, if a patient can't take one drug, we have a number of other options to try together.'

Prof Ray adds: 'It's a frustrating situation when a patient can't tolerate statins, meaning we may not be able to get their cholesterol levels down enough. Adding bempedoic acid into the mix, we've halved some patients' readings without causing side effects.'

Bempedoic acid can be prescribed by GPs, so people who need it don't have to wait for a heart specialist appointment to start.

Bempedoic acid drives down the risk of heart attacks and strokes is set to transform the treatment of patients who can't take statins (pictured) due to debilitating side effects

Trial results unveiled yesterday also showed that when heart attacks were looked at alone, there was a 23 per cent risk reduction, and patients on the daily tablet were a fifth less likely to need a stent or heart bypass operation (stock photo)

However, Ms Barton said some local doctors have 'been nervous' about offering it to patients due to the lack of solid evidence about the benefits. She hoped the new study result would reassure them.

'Even in the past few years we've had huge advances in terms of what we can give patients who are at risk of heart attacks and strokes,' she added. 'The easier it is for people to get medication, the better.'

One person already benefiting, grandmother-of-two Mary Bishop, has seen her cholesterol levels fall dramatically since starting the medication 18 months ago.

The former logistics expert from London says she tried 'every statin going' after being diagnosed with heart disease in her early 70s, but the drugs caused a bad reaction. 'The side effects were awful,' says Mary. 'I could hardly walk because of the pains in my legs. I was getting rashes and found myself unable to sleep.'

Her doctor tried switching brands of statins, but the problems remained. 'Eventually, we gave up,' she adds. 'I was told I was statin-intolerant, which was worrying because my cholesterol was high and I knew this meant I was at risk.'

In 2017 she was referred to the Imperial lipid clinic and put on fortnightly injections PCSK9 inhibitors.

'This reduced my cholesterol level,' says Mary  who is slim, doesn't smoke and drinks only occasionally  'but it was still higher than it should have been.'

Cardiologists say 'the lower, the better' when it comes to a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. There are a number of types of cholesterol in the body, and this is a harmful type linked to poor cardiovascular health.

With statins, studies suggest for every one point reduction in LDL, patients can expect to see a 25 per cent reduction in their own heart attack risk.

IT'S A FACT In the UK, there are 100,000 hospital admissions each year for heart attacks  one every five minutes  and seven in ten victims survive. Advertisement

In October 2021, Mary was offered the chance to try bempedoic acid. Within three months her cholesterol had dropped to within the healthy range. Her LDL had fallen very low, too.

'Obviously, this is good news, and I've had no side effects at all,' she adds. 'I feel great; how one should feel. I'm fit enough to look after my two gorgeous grandchildren, who are seven and nine.

'I've just come back from a holiday in Marrakech, and I'm off to Dubrovnik soon. Hopefully this treatment has extended my life.'

While muscle pain wasn't seen, the study did show that patients with painful arthritic condition gout might find their symptoms worsen while taking bempedoic acid. There was also an increased risk of gallstones.

London-based consultant cardiologist Dr Laura Corr said: 'Statins are very well tolerated and have been around for long enough that we know about their long-term safety.

'Bempedoic acid on its own is weaker at lowering cholesterol and gives less powerful protection, but it's good to have options for patients who cannot take statins.

'In cases where we can't control risks with statins alone, I suspect we won't find a single magic bullet  it'll be a combination of drugs at different doses that will help us chip away at the problem.'

The news about bempedoic acid is another nail in the coffin of theories held by some fringe medics that high cholesterol isn't harmful and that lowering it doesn't protect health.

Critics have also suggested the benefits of statins  which are fairly undeniable  are not due to cholesterol-reduction but because of their anti-inflammatory effect.

But Prof Ray says: 'Bempedoic acid is the fifth medication we now have that targets cholesterol. There's no magic to any of them  lowering LDL, by whatever route, prevents heart attacks, strokes and other disabling cardiac events.

'What matters is how early we catch patients, how low we can get their levels and for how long. The earlier, lower and longer, the better.'
Amid the blame game going on over SoftBank's decision to float Arm in New York rather than London lies one irreducible fact which is not receiving enough attention: over the last 20 years or so British investors have fallen out of love with British equities.

The numbers from the New Financial think-tank speak for themselves.

UK pension funds used to own 39 per cent of all London Stock Exchange-listed companies and today own just 6 per cent.

Sinking feeling: Over the last 20 years or so British investors have fallen out of love with British equities

UK insurance funds once invested 27 per cent of their portfolios, today it is 5 per cent, while UK asset managers now only invest 10 per cent of their allocation, rather than 26 per cent two decades ago.

This huge shift from equities to bonds  actively encouraged by the authorities and which indirectly led to the explosion over Liability-Driven Investments (LDIs)  has had several devastating impacts on the growth of British companies, the way that capital is allocated to them and the depth of London's capital markets.

More critically, it has also shifted the mood and culture within the investing environment, making all UK investors risk-averse.

This, in turn, has led to much lower valuations being put on companies compared to their US, and even European, peers.

So you can't blame those high-growth or more mature companies, particularly those in the tech sector, which are looking longingly across the Atlantic to see the multiples being achieved by their peers.

Indeed, the climate here has dried up so badly that several chief executives in some of the most exciting, cutting-edge UK life science and biotech tell me they go straight to the US funds to raise money because venture funds here don't want to know.

If great British companies can't get domestic investors from their own pension funds to back them, then why would overseas investors want to follow?

Everything else being flagged by the Arm debate as an explanation for why the City is losing out to New York  the UK's tough listing requirements, criticism of high pay or even ESG concerns  is a distraction.

While attempts to improve and reform London's capital markets, such as the Chancellor's Edinburgh Reforms and the Hill review, are worthy, they do miss the bigger picture.

One City figure put it more baldly: there are no domestic equity investors here, everything else is a symptom. He said global investors look to domestic investors for the signal for validation, 'and that local signal has simply flickered out'. Some might say the power supply has been switched off too.

So it's important that London Stock Exchange chief executive David Schwimmer raised the collapse in domestic funds investing in British companies when asked his reaction to Arm's move to New York, saying the switch out of equities raised some 'really interesting questions'.

It certainly does, and it would be interesting to learn more from the American Schwimmer on how this can be changed.

It's not for the lack of capital: the UK has the second biggest pool of long-term capital in the world after the US.

It's only by tempting those pension funds into backing British companies again that the City has any hope of creating a healthier climate for growth and innovation, and show companies such as Arm why they should choose London  as well as New York. (Authorities on both sides of the Atlantic should also look at changing the rules to make dual listings easier and cheaper).

Persuading pension funds to fall in love again with equities will be harder than the falling out: it always is. It will require serious thought  and big structural change  by the industry, working together with the authorities. But admitting there is a problem is a good starting point.

There is another issue: the ease with which successive governments have given the thumbs-up to overseas bidders taking out British companies on the cheap.

SoftBank's original takeover of Arm in 2016, and the more recent bid by Schneider Electric for electronics firm, Aveva, come to mind. Which is why it is so ironic to hear former chancellor, Philip Hammond, lament that London has become a less attractive venue because of listing criteria and lack of deep pools of capital.

It was under Theresa May and Hammond that the Arm bid was waved through despite a huge outcry, intense lobbying by the founder and fears over security.

How short-sighted and what hypocrisy!
Darktrace boss Poppy Gustafsson will be in the spotlight next week as it publishes its first set of results since it was attacked by a short-seller and forced to launch a probe into 'key financial processes and controls'.

The 40-year-old will face questions about the company's financial health when she announces half-year figures on Wednesday.

The cyber security firm has revised down its revenue guidance, recently forecasting year-over-year growth of 29.5 per cent to 31 per cent against its previous outlook of 30 per cent to 33 per cent.

Since then, the firm has hired Ernst & Young (EY) to review its finances after New York hedge fund Quintessential Capital Management said it was 'deeply sceptical' about financial statements and warned the group may have 'overstated' sales and profits.

Quintessential, run by former Israeli paratrooper Gabriel Grego, even accused it of doing business with 'shell companies in offshore jurisdictions manned by individuals with ties to organised crime, money laundering and fraud'.

Darktrace shares hit a record low of 210p, well below the 250p mark they listed at last year.

Gustafsson said the allegations were 'unfounded inferences' and launched a 75million share buyback.

Darktrace called in EY to conduct a review. Chairman Gordon Hurst said the board 'believes fully in the robustness of Darktrace's financial processes and controls.'

But David Vignon, vice-president equity research at Stifel, said the review was not enough to reassure investors.
Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio were quizzed by the FBI over links to a fugitive billionaire playboy.

Kardashian flew home with $350,000 (292,000) given to her by Jho Low after gambling in Las Vegas.

And DiCaprio said he and Low were so close they partied together and called each other 'my man' and 'Ldogg'.

Party-goers: Leonardo DiCapro and Jho Low were so close they partied together and called each other 'my man' and 'Ldogg

The details are in newly released FBI documents about Low, who is accused by the US of embezzling billions of dollars from Malaysian sovereign-wealth fund 1MDB.

He was charged by the Department of Justice in 2018 with money laundering, bribery and other crimes, and is a fugitive, thought to be in China.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Kardashian, a reality TV star, told the FBI that Low gave her $100,000 (83,000) for fireworks for her wedding in 2011.

One night in Las Vegas she was playing baccarat in a private room and ready to leave but was persuaded to stay by a pal who said they had 'heard stories of Low giving people chips at the end of the night', the documents state.

Kardashian won a hand. As she tried to turn her winnings over to Low he told her to keep it. She said she went to the casino counter and was given $250,000 (208,000).

Questions: Kim Kardashian

FBI agents wrote: '[She] put the trash bag full of cash in her carry-on bag and boarded a flight'. She collected the rest in a bin bag on a later trip to Vegas

DiCaprio's ties to Low, who briefly dated supermodel Miranda Kerr, were deeper. Low helped finance his movie The Wolf of Wall Street. The star met Low in 2010, and said he was told Low was a 'Mozart of the business world'.

They introduced their mothers to each other and talked about starting a $1bn (830m) fund to pay for DiCaprio's films and a theme park in Asia based on his movies. DiCaprio received freebies from him, including an Oscar won by Marlon Brando. Low has denied wrongdoing. The US has returned more than 1bn of allegedly misappropriated funds to investors.
A former chancellor said London has become a 'less attractive place to list' as ministers were urged to speed up market reforms following Arm's decision to float in the US.

The Cambridge chip designer's decision to pick Wall Street over the City for its 50billion public offering prompted soul searching in the City and Westminster.

It was described as a 'kick in the teeth' by one analyst while Philip Hammond  Chancellor when Arm was sold to Japan's SoftBank in 2016  said: 'London has become a less attractive place to list and that's largely because of listing criteria and the lack of deep pools of capital in London.'

Julia Hoggett, chief executive of London Stock Exchange, urged ministers to pick up the pace of reform. 'The announcement demonstrates the need for the UK to make rapid progress in its regulatory and market reform agenda, including addressing the amount of risk capital available to drive growth,' she said.

'We are working with regulators, government and wider market participants to ensure UK capital markets provide the best possible funding environment for UK and global companies.'

Cloudy: Arm's decision to pick Wall Street over the City for its 50billion public offering prompted soul searching in the City and Westminster

Anthony Browne, the South Cambridgeshire MP whose constituency includes Arm's HQ, said the decision was a 'big blow' and voiced fears over jobs and research  though Arm said it was expanding its UK presence and would open a site in Bristol.

The decision to list in New York came as London-listed building materials giant CRH also decided to seek a New York listing.

Rishi Sunak met Arm boss Rene Haas last month to woo the company back to London, where it was listed for 18 years before being snapped up by SoftBank.

Britain's Financial Conduct Authority was said to be ready to bend rules to persuade Arm, whose technology underpins the global smartphone industry, to return to the UK. But Arm said: 'Softbank and Arm have determined that pursuing a US-only listing of Arm in 2023 is the best path forward.'

It said it would continue to add jobs in the UK, insisting it was 'proud of its British heritage'. It also 'intends to consider a subsequent UK listing in due course'.

The Government said: 'We continue to attract some of the most innovative and largest companies in the world and note Arm's commitment to expanding its presence in the UK, providing a boost to growth, jobs and investment.'

But Tory MP Browne said: 'It is a big blow. The problem with listing overseas is that where the investors are, jobs and research often follows. The Government has tried its best to get Arm listed in the UK but money talks: even the UK government cannot resist the powerful gravitational pull of the US stock markets.'

Victoria Scholar, at Interactive Investor, said: 'Arm's abandonment of London is another kick in the teeth for the Square Mile's attractiveness among international investors.'

Bankers set to miss fees bonanza Arm's decision deprives City investment bankers of tens of millions of pounds. After a threadbare 2022 in the Square Mile and Wall Street a London float would have delivered a fees fillip at a time when global investors remain wary of Britain. Mark Freebairn, partner at recruitment firm Odgers Berndtson, said companies were being put off floats in London by 'beyond aggressive' scrutiny and regulation.

Pearson eyes Wall Street switch

Educational publisher Pearson said it could not rule out a move to Wall Street, raising alarm bells that London could lose another firm.

The FTSE 100 company makes more than 60 per cent of its revenue in the US and has been expanding its courses in North America. Sally Johnson, chief financial officer, said: 'We don't have any plans at the moment but where anything makes sense for our stakeholder groups, of course we consider it.'

It came after British chip designer Arm said it will list in New York, and not London. Plumber Ferguson moved its primary listing to New York last year, saying North America was now its natural home.

Pearson said: 'We're proud of our FTSE heritage and we've got a very supportive and long-standing shareholder base via our listing here in London.' It said sales climbed 5 per cent to 3.8billion last year, while profits jumped 11pc to 456m, smashing analysts' expectations.

Leah Montebello

...but Melrose backs City

Melrose laid out official plans for the bumper 3.9billion float of GKN's automotive arm in London.

The FTSE 100 turnaround specialist said Dowlais will join the stock market as 'the UK's premier listed automotive business' next month. Melrose, which buys struggling industrial companies, improves them and sells them on, bought GKN for 8.1billion in 2018.

It is splitting off its automotive business, to be called Dowlais, a nod to the Welsh village that was home to one of GKN's founders.

Dowlais, which has more than 24,000 staff, makes parts for electric and petrol and diesel cars. One in five cars in the UK has parts it makes. RBC Capital markets analysts valued the spin-off at 3.9billion.

Boss Liam Butterworth is in line to make up to 5.3million a year running the business. Melrose will hold on to a 3 per cent stake.
Logan Summers, 20, committed some of 177 paedophilia crimes while on bail

A paedophile branded a 'danger to the public' was one of thousands of sex pests who offended while on bail, MailOnline can reveal.

More than 7,200 sexual offences were committed by people on bail since 2010 and there were a shocking 652 sexual assaults, 247 rapes and 177 paedophilia crimes in the last six years alone, a MailOnline Freedom of Information request found.

Earlier this month, 20-year-old paedophile Logan Summers, from Dundee, was convicted of luring a 14-year-old girl away from home only to have unprotected sex with her in a tent.

At the time, Summers was on bail for sending sick messages to a slew of young girls.

He later admitted to breaking the law again while on bail by spreading child porn and contacting his victims.

Paedophile Logan Summers, 20, (pictured) was one of more than 7,000 sex pests who offended while on bail, MailOnline can reveal

The 20-year-old from Dundee, Scotland, sent sick messages to young girls and is a convicted paedophile

Summers told his victims, some of whom were as young as nine, that he would 'take the risk' of prison as he exploited them for explicit photos and underage sex, the court heard.

He admitted to 19 charges of having sex with a girl between the ages of 13 and 16, possessing indecent images and threatening to post photos of young girls online.

He also repeatedly groped a 15-year-old girl in a park and then took her back to his home, where he pulled her trousers down and exposed his penis.

All those offences happened in the space of a year, from March 2021 to March 2022.

Sheriff Brown said: 'I should remit to the High Court of Justiciary for sentence where I hold that any sentence I impose is inadequate. The risk criteria has been met.

'The pattern of behaviour is such as to demonstrate that there is a likelihood, if he is at liberty, that he may endanger the lives or wellbeing of the public at large.'

At the time of these later offences, Summers was already on bail after he sent paedophilic messages.

The 20-year-old would scour Facebook to target children who lived near him in Dundee.

On Valentine's Day, 2019, he messaged one girl: 'Wanna see child porn? I'll rape your ass. I'm gonna get you pregnant and rape the baby.'

He then sent her a photo of a child being abused.

He added: 'Meet up with me. I'll just rape you then. I'll rape you like I raped a child I was babysitting.'

He blackmailed a 13-year-old girl into sending him explicit photos.

When she asked him to delete them he said: 'I'm keeping everything. You just need to be good and I will never post them.

'If I ask you to do something I expect you to do it. I'm willing to risk it. You belong to me now.'

Meanwhile, Summers sent a vile paedophilic message to a woman after she posted a video of her nephew on social media.

He told her: 'Get him to lick your p*****. I'll lick his c***.'

He then messaged her a photo of a young girl during a sex act with an adult man.

Yet Summers is only one of more than 7,000 sex offenders to reoffend while on bail for other crimes.

MailOnline found there were a shocking 652 sexual assaults, 247 rapes and 177 paedophilia crimes in the last six years alone by people already on bail for crimes they were later convicted of

Last week it was revealed that hundreds of sex offenders in the UK went missing from 2019 to 2021.

Figures from police forces around the country found that 729 sex offenders went missing during the three-year period.

Jayne Butler, the boss of Rape Crisis England and Wales, said MailOnline's findings showed there was 'something going very wrong in the criminal justice system'.

She said: 'The criminal justice system is not only failing to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of women and girls, but also betraying the victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse who so bravely report what happened to them.

'Victims and survivors are repeatedly urged to report what happened to them by the police, politicians and government agencies.

'But where is the incentive to do so when time and again they find their reports being belittled, dismissed and ignored?

'Anyone who takes the brave step of sharing their stories with the police deserves to know that... individuals and agencies within the criminal justice system will be doing all they can to make sure that no one else is violated or abused by the same person again.'

The CPS told MailOnline that although it would 'oppose bail where it is appropriate to do so... ultimately bail is the court's decision'.

The comments prompted a leading sexual abuse compensation lawyer to defend Britain's judges.

Alan Collins, a partner at Hugh James Solicitors, said the courts were simply following strict guidelines based on believing that someone is innocent until proven guilty, regardless of what they are accused of.

Paedophile Logan Summers sent a message (left) to one woman asking her to engage in child sex with her nephew. He told (right) another girl he would rape her 'like I raped a child I was babysitting'

Mr Collins told MailOnline: 'It's an issue. It's a problem. But the courts and the police are only too aware of it. If you refuse bail to everybody, where would you put them all?

'Prisons are chock-a-block.

'The question is why are there so many offences being committed.'

A spokesperson for the judiciary said: 'Decisions as to granting/refusing bail are made by the court on a case-by-case basis.

'When determining whether to grant a person bail, magistrates and judges are guided by the relevant statutory provisions and case law.'
Everything changed for Neal Alexander when he agreed to look after his friend's dog at her home in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The business owner, 46, said he would mind Wendy Ho's Akita, called Hachi, under the condition the dog - which had attacked two strangers years earlier - wore a muzzle.

But a few hours into the pet-sitting shift, Mr Alexander noticed Hachi was growing agitated and contacted Ms Ho, asking her to come and pick her pet up.

Ms Ho, a 55-year-old optometrist, bundled her dog into the back of her car and removed the muzzle, but as they were driving off, Hachi jumped out of the Land Rover's back window and savaged Mr Alexander.

The attack, which occurred in April 2020, left him in hospital for a week with serious wounds to his arm and back.

Ms Ho had Hachi put down and was fined $1,320 for owning a dangerous dog.

Neal Alexander (pictured) suffered horrific injuries to his wrist and torso after being mauled by his friend's dog in April 2020

Mr Alexander had agreed to mind the Akita, Hachi, for his friend Wendy Ho. Ms Ho is pictured outside court in 2021

Seven-year-old Hachi (pictured) savaged Neal Alexander at Bondi Junction after he jumping out of Ms Ho's Land Rover. Akitas are a powerfully-built breed of dog originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan trained to hunt elks, wild boar and brown bear

Almost three years later, the bitter feud between the former friends was back before the courts after Ms Ho pressed charges of stalking and wilful damage against Mr Alexander over a clash at her Bondi Junction clinic on 30 March, 2022.

Magistrate Ross Hudson said the case had a 'bit of an unusual history', telling the court the current matter needed to be considered within the context of the pair's history.

'Upon Ms Ho getting into the car [with Hachi], Mr Alexander has put up his hand to wave goodbye and the dog has latched his wrist,' Magistrate Hudson said on Friday, February 24.

'The dog mauled his kidney and stomach area and he required a number of stitches for his wrist and stomach. Approximately eight to ten.

'It is then said a number of things happened in his life there after.'

Magistrate Hudson said Mr Alexander had difficulties coping with his injuries, which continue to cause him issues.

In the backdrop of his recovery, the Covid pandemic hit and his housemates moved out, leaving him to pay the rent on his own.

Mr Alexander previously told Daily Mail Australia Ms Ho attempted to pull Hachi off him but was at first unable to do so because of her small stature and the dog's large size. Witnesses called Triple Zero. Mr Alexander's gruesome wrist injury is pictured

Mr Alexander's injuries (pictured) were so severe he spent a week in hospital followed by six more as an outpatient. He still struggles with pain and suffers from PTSD

Charges against Mr Alexander over a confrontation at Wendy Ho Optique in Bondi Junction last year were dismissed. Pictured are the motorised doors at the front of the store that were damaged

Unable to work due to his injuries and Covid, Mr Alexander moved into his parents house for financial and recovery support and began seeking medical help for PTSD and depression.

Meanwhile, charges were brought against Ms Ho for possessing a dangerous animal and Mr Alexander was required to go to court on 30 March in 2022 to give evidence.

Anticipating the stress of the hearing, Magistrate Hudson said Mr Alexander had called to try and schedule an appointment with his GP for that morning, but could only get in at about 2pm.

After being cross-examined at Sydney Downing Centre, Mr Hudson said that Mr Alexander was 'really upset and confused' and decided to stop by Ms Ho's clinic - Wendy Ho Optique - on the way to his doctor's appointment nearby.

'He's just been in giving evidence, relaying the injuries, his recovery... he says the cross examination is over the top,' Magistrate Hudson said.

'About 1.23pm, he goes into the optometrist's. It has a glass motorised sliding door. He aggressively pushed it against the frame, and it has dislodged and was ajar.

'He has approached her at the service desk, she has raised her arms in fear to do with his action.

Hachi was put down following the attack. The dog is pictured in Mr Alexander's home

'He has said something in an aggressive tone - but she is unable to recall what he said. He says that it was an attempt to say hi. She has called security and he has left.'

Magistrate Hudson noted the ordeal had started with Mr Alexander doing a favour for a friend and, along with Covid and financial troubles, has resulted in the deterioration of his mental health.

Taking into consideration that the incident was at the 'lower end' of offending, Magistrate Hudson said he believed a long-term treatment plan would be the most appropriate solution and dismissed the charges.

Under the conditions, Mr Alexander must not consume alcohol for three months and must continue to access his health care providers for psychological and medical treatment.

Magistrate Hudson praised Mr Alexander for realising the 2022 court hearing would be stressful and for seeking help, but urged him to exercise more control in the future.

'You have a journey to overcome what happened to you that day and continue your treatment,' he said.

'Unusually, what you did on this morning was the right thing. You contacted your treater, but unfortunately they were not available until 2pm.

'But in the future, you can control what you do and say.'
Real estate experts call it the 'canceled man discount'.

It's when luxury properties owned by disgraced moguls such as Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein and Bernie Madoff sell for millions of dollars below their listing prices.

Whether it's the knowledge that heinous crimes that were committed inside the properties, or simply the reputation of their owners, many buyers are reluctant to snap them up.

But realtors say this unease creates a situation where 'savvy' house-hunters can take advantage and snap up a bargain.

Case in point: The luxury penthouse at 133 East 64th Street in Manhattan, which belonged to Madoff, who scored a net worth of nearly $70 billion by operating the largest Ponzi scheme in history.

Bernie Madoff's luxury penthouse in the Upper East Side sold for for $8 million - a near-20 percent mark down on the original list price - after it was seized by US authorities when Madoff was arrested over the largest Ponzi scheme in history

Realtors call it the 'canceled man discount', when a property owned by a criminal sells for significantly less than the ask price

Madoff's New York City apartment was bought by toy tycoon Al Kahn for $8 million - 20 percent below the original list price

The apartment hit the market in September 2009, several months after it was seized by US authorities following Madoff's guilty plea. The three-bedroom, 4,000-sq-ft duplex boasts grand interiors and roof terrace with panoramic views

The apartment hit the market in September 2009, several months after it was seized by US authorities following Madoff's guilty plea. The three-bedroom, 4,000-sq-ft duplex boasts grand interiors and roof terrace with panoramic views.

Few could afford the $9.9 million list price - and many who could were spooked by the link to its previous owner.

But not the eventual buyer, toy tycoon Al Kahn. As the price tumbled amid lukewarm interest, he saw an opportunity. Khan bought the property for $8 million - a near-20 percent mark down on the original list price.

'I thought the place was undervalued,' he told Air Mail. 'I checked out other apartments in the building and the area, and they were going for significantly more than this one was going for. I thought it was a good opportunity to make a profit.'

His ex-wife, Patsy, said in 2010 that Kahn was 'worried about the karma, but I just loved the terrace'.

Khan renovated the apartment with Patsy before the couple divorced and she sold it for $14.5 million in 2014.

Jeffrey Epstein's townhouse in Manhattan's Upper East Side sold for $51 million, a massive $35 million reduction on the asking price, to Goldman Sachs executive Michael Daffey and his wife, Blake

A photo shows Epstein hung a bizarre portrait of former President Bill Clinton in drag at the New York City townhouse

Other properties once owned by Epstein also sold for way below their list price. The 14,000-square-foot Palm Beach mansion where he trafficked underage girls sold for $18.5 million - $3.5 million below the asking price - before buyer Todd Michael Glaser demolished the house and sold the lot for $26 million

Pedophile financier Epstein abused many of his victims at his Palm Beach property. Pictured: a still from footage released by federal prosecutors shows a portrait of Epstein's accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, inside the property

A similar sale took place nearby in 2021. Jeffrey Epstein's townhouse in Manhattan's Upper East Side sold for $51 million, a massive $35 million reduction on the asking price, to Goldman Sachs executive Michael Daffey and his wife, Blake.

Epstein, the pedophile financier who took his own life in prison in 2019, carried out some of his crimes inside the the seven-story, 40-room property.

Following the sale, a spokesman for the couple said the 'first order of business is a complete makeover  physically and spiritually'.

The spokesman added: 'Mr Daffey had never previously been in the home nor ever met its owner, but he is a big believer in New York's future and will take the other side of all the people who say the city's best days may be in the past.'

Other properties once owned by Epstein also sold for way below their list price. The 14,000-square-foot Palm Beach mansion where he trafficked underage girls sold for $18.5 million - $3.5 million below the asking price - before buyer Todd Michael Glaser demolished the house and sold the lot for $26 million.

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose latest 16-year sentence for sex crimes was handed down last week, took a roughly $1.5 loss on his Hamptons home when it was sold after his offending came to light.

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose latest 16-year sentence for sex crimes was handed down last week, took a roughly $1.5 loss on his Hamptons home when it was sold after his offending came to light

Harvey Weinstein's Hamptons home sold for $10 million - around 20 percent lower than its $12.4 million asking price

The disgraced producer listed the property, which features a home cinema, before his crimes came to light. After he was accused of sexual abuse, he asked a broker to get more for the home

The $10 million sale price for Weinstein's Hamptons home was around 20 percent lower than its $12.4 million asking price

The producer listed the two-acre estate a few months before the accusations against him emerged.

Sotheby's broker Beate V. Moore, who listed the estate, told Air Mail: 'When the scandal broke, we did have a buyer.' Weinstein, whose downfall was well underway, later asked if he could get more from the sale.

But any hope of renegotiating was lost with his reputation. The $10 million sale price was around 20 percent lower than its $12.4 million asking price.

John Gomes, a real-estate agent at Douglas Elliman, said buyers willing to go in for such properties are 'savvy people'. 'They know how long to wait. They know how low to bid, and they know when to pounce,' he said.

The 'canceled man discount' also extends to women: Actress Lori Loughlan, who was jailed for her role in the college admissions bribery scandal in 2019, sold her Bel-Air mansion for a staggering $17 million less than its original asking price

Lori Loughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli (right), who were involved in the college admissions scandal, bought the property in 2015 for $13.9 million

The property was bought by Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen

The 12,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom estate boasted features including a paneled library, five-car garage and swimming pool

The canceled man discount also extends to women.

Actress Lori Loughlan, who was jailed for her role in the college admissions bribery scandal in 2019, sold her Bel-Air mansion for a staggering $17 million less than its asking price.

Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannuli, had originally bought the property in 2015 for $13.9 million before embarking on a renovation which reportedly cost 'a fortune'.

The 12,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom estate boasted features including a paneled library, five-car garage and swimming pool.

It was first listed for $35 million, which was considered 'profoundly unrealistic', with the asking price later dropped to $28.7 million.

The property was eventually bought by Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen for around $18 million.
El Salvador's new mega prison is already packed with bitter rivals from two of North and Central America's most feared gangs - MS-13 and Calle 18 - with history showing their foot soldiers will take any opportunity to kill their enemies.

Life in the vast CECOT 'Terrorism Confinement Centre' complex - which opened only in January - is dire, with rights groups already comparing it to a concentration camp.

More than 100 inmates share a cell, each of which has just two toilets. All are given a little under one-metre squared to live and sleep. They have no mattresses, no outdoor spaces, and they are regularly beaten, abused and exploited.

The prison's opening comes as part of a brutal crackdown on the two gangs, the pride of president Nayib Bukele's campaign to clean up national violence.

The number of homicides in El Salvador - considered by many to be the murder capital of the world - tumbled 56.8 percent in 2022 (according to official figures), but the result will be an overcrowded 40,000-capacity prison full of the country's most dangerous criminals, many of whom are on opposite sides of a decades-long feud.

The first group of 2,000 inmates arrived at the new CECOT mega-prison on 24 February 2023. It comes after El Salvador rounded up more than 64,000 alleged gang members in the country's crackdown on violent crime in the murder capital of the world

Lines and lines of prisoners sit with their heads down in formation as guards in riot gear look on

As of February 2023, more than 64,000 alleged gang members had been rounded, many of whom are destined for the new CECOT 'Terrorism Confinement Centre' (pictured)

El Salvador's historic crime problem goes back to a civil war in the 1980s.

As Latin American Refugees fled to America, the MS-13 and Calle 18 gangs formed on the streets of Los Angeles. When the war ended, those from El Salvador returned. With them, they brought their gang affiliations, rivalries and violence.

Now, Calle 18 is thought to have around 65,000 global members, while MS-13 has between 50,000 to 70,000. As their numbers grew, their influence spread.

For many years now, thousands of members from both have fought and died for the crown of Central America's most powerful gang, profiting off crimes such as sex and drug trafficking, racketeering, money laundering, extortion and kidnapping.

In one instance of extortion in 2015, a man who owned a bus refused to pay his $1 fee to the MS-13 gang. Three weeks later, two young gang members cornered him, threw him to the ground and shot him four times - twice in the head.

His son said his father was killed because of $21.

Another transport company chief told the New York Times in 2016 that since 2004, 26 of his employees had been killed by the gangs because they refused to pay.

Each gang has powerful alliances, with MS-13 in league with the Mexican Mafia and the Sinaloa Cartel. Calle 18, meanwhile, counts the Triads among its allies.

Both gangs are known for their brutality, as well as their strict defined 'moral' codes. Prospective members must endure cruel initiations, while breaching the codes can result in long beatings, and even executions.

Their members dole out merciless retribution, often killing not only enemy gangsters, but their entire families as well - and anyone who may be in the immediate vicinity. Buses full of passengers have been slaughtered in such attacks, just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This can create a spiral of revenge killings, as more members seek retribution.

Calle 18 has earned itself the name 'the Children's Army' for its recruitment of elementary and middle school children. Senior members often get minors to carry out deeds - including killings - to keep their own hands clean.

In response, MS-13 members have shown no reluctance when it comes to the killing children they suspect are working for their bitter rivals.

Until now, successive governments have struggled to deal with violence spilling across El Salvador. In 2015, it had a daily homicide rate of 18.2, and it regularly appears at the top of charts ranking nations by their homicides-per-100,000 people.

President Nayib Bukele claims the mega prison is the solution. Last year, he declared a state of emergency that suspended the rights to legal council and increased the time an arrested person can be held without charge - among other powers.

As of February 2023, more than 64,000 alleged gang members had been rounded up, many of whom are destined for the new mega prison.

But the two gangs still exist in the new prison. Pictures from inside of the prison's first 2,000 inmates show many with bold tattoos displaying Roman numerals of the numbers 18 or 13, their gang affiliation etched onto their skin with ink.

With so many rival gangsters under the same roof, it begs the question how the authorities in El Salvador hope to prevent the same horrific violence seen on the streets from being recreated in the confines of the prison.

While the names of the inmates have not been made public for legal reasons, authorities have said they have imprisoned some important gang figures.

And with so many hardened criminals packed together, the likelihood of killings and riots inside the complex is high. This is why the prison employs over 800 guards.

Early photographs from the prison show the inmates with their hands tied behind their backs, forced to stand or sit with their heads on the prisoner in front of them - leaving little room for movement - treated more like cattle than people.

Armed guards paraded them through the vast new facility, with the inmates made to run - leaning forward - into the prison.

The prison will be filled with El Salvador's most dangerous criminals, many on opposite sides of a decades-long feud between two of the most feared gangs in Central America. Pictured: Some of the inmates are seen being transported on a bus to the prison last week

A first group of 2,000 detainees are moved to the mega- prison Terrorist Confinement Centre (CECOT) on February 24, 2023 in Tecoluca, El Salvador

Pictured: Hundreds of prisoners are seen sitting on the floor of the prison last week

The prisoners were made to run while leaning forwards with their hands cuffed behind their backs as they moved into the prison

Videos from the prison showed the inmates running through a gauntlet of police officers, with their hands tied behind their backs

Until now, successive governments have struggled to deal with violence spilling across El Salvador. In 2015, it had a daily homicide rate of 18.2, and it regularly appears at the top of charts ranking nations by their homicides-per-100,000 people. The country's president Nayib Bukele claims the mega prison is the solution

The huge prison allows El Salvador to hide the ugly side of its criminal underworld, a sort of Picture of Dorian Gray to hide the country's dark underbelly.

Inside 36-feet walls, guarded by 15,000-volt fences, the first cohort of prisoners now find themselves subject to a miserable life, overcrowded conditions, human rights 'abuses on a large scale' and deaths in custody.

All contact with the outside world is cut off. Jammers block all phone signals in and out. Prisoners leave their cell only for legal hearings, which are conducted by video conference, and to be punished.

Punishment involves being locked in a dark, windowless cell in total isolation - something UN human rights experts say amounts to torture.

In other prisons, the President readily admits, inmates can access 'prostitutes, TV screens and PlayStations'. In CECOT, there are no such luxuries.

'Luxury' becomes necessity. The state expects relatives to pay the price.

In a country with a GDP per capita of about $4,500, relatives are reportedly expected pay $170 a month ($2,040 per year) for food, hygiene products, clothing and other essential items for prisoners.

Reports suggest anything sold within the prison is sold at a premium, a bottle of Coca Cola costing as much as $10.

To make matters worse, thousands of innocent people are thought to have been rounded up in Bukele's crackdown on gangs, simply for 'resembling' criminals. Some reports say minors are also among those arrested.

Bukele also targets reporters who detail the excesses of his government.

And more than 100 people have since died behind bars after the crackdown.

This continues because it can. The extent of El Salvador's crime problem - which over decades has been responsible for the deaths of many thousands of innocents - means the project still has widespread public support.

Last month, Bukele celebrated the country's safest month in 201 years after launching his 'war on gangs' in 2022.

Civilians have spoken of how gang violence seemingly cleared up almost overnight in some parts of the country. The sounds of gunshots stopped, and gang signs sprayed on walls were painted over.

Incentivised to detain and deprive criminals, human rights experts warn the national prison system is filling up with 'thousands of people, including hundreds of minors, [who] have been arrested and prosecuted for broadly defined crimes that violate basic guarantees of due process and undermine the prospects for justice for victims of gang violence.'

This was known days before the new prison opened, thanks to the leak of a prison database picked up by Human Rights Watch.

Life inside CECOT is still otherwise largely unknown, as Bukele has declared all information about prisons and their security policies confidential.

Irene Cuellar, Central America researcher at Amnesty International, told MailOnline: 'Amnesty International has found that the current government's approach to security privileges militarization, tolerates - and even encourages - excessive use of force by security forces, and ignores due process guarantees.'

She added: 'The construction of a prison of colossal dimensions, such as the one inaugurated in mid-February and presented as a key piece of security strategy, suggests that the Salvadoran government is refusing to review its current security policy and consider a human rights-based approach.

A prison guard stands behind a huddle of alledged gang members as they are processed on their arrival, after 2000 gang members were transferred to the Terrorism Confinement Centre

Human Rights organisations have denounced abuses and due process violations in the country's crackdown, but El Salvador has one of highest crime rates in Latin America

The prison, which covers 410 acres, will house some of the 64,000 suspected gang members who have been arrested under a 10-month state of emergency

'On the contrary, it seems that it will choose to continue favouring practices such as arbitrary detentions and mass incarceration.'

Amnesty reported that over the last year, reports from prisons in El Salvador have identified cases of 'cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees and deaths in state custody of several prisons.'

The organisation said that so far, 'the Salvadoran government has done very little or nothing to investigate these human rights violations' which they say has 'fostered an environment of impunity among the authorities involved'.

'The new prison,' Ms Cuellar said, 'could constitute a new threat to the already deteriorated human rights situation in El Salvador'.
Harry says they are necessary to pay for security as King Charles 'cut them off'

Meghan Markle was allegedly 'surprised and disappointed' by how 'little money' Harry had when she met him - but the prince was still worth nearly 35million when he began courting the Suits star, MailOnline can reveal today.

Royal author Tom Bower wrote that before meeting her future husband, Ms Markle thought he was 'worth hundreds of millions, if not billions.'

Speaking to GB News, Mr Bower claimed that a bewildered Meghan has had to adapt to 'scrounging rides in big Cadillac's and private jets' due to the very real limits of her husband's pockets.

Since Megxit in 2020, the couple have been making themselves busy with a host of lucrative deals - earning an estimated 100million in the process - after Harry claimed Charles had 'cut him off financially' following Megxit.

These claims were later refuted by the Royal Family in the first of a series of never-ending public spats between the palace and the prince now in exile.

Harry has seen his net worth skyrocket since he made the big move across the pond

Harry and Meghan have raked it in since moving to the US. Following their Oprah interview, which they were not paid for, a string of lucrative deals and jobs followed.

First came the Spotify deal for Archewell Audio, then a Netflix deal for their fly-on-the wall series and then a four-book deal starting with Spare, now an international bestseller. There have also reportedly been big money appearance fees for speeches and appearances at various events in the US, including a JP Morgan summit.

But despite the wealth all these projects have brought the Sussexes, relations with Harry's family appears to have never been worse.

MailOnline has taken an in depth look at Harry's finances before and after he met Meghan to chart the fiscal highs and lows of the Sussexes.

Before Meghan - 34.6million (plus perks)

Princess Dianna left Harry 20million in inheritance when she died

Frogmore Cottage was painstakingly renovated with 2.4million on taxpayer money

Prior to stepping back from the Royal Family in 2020, Prince Harry received money from his father's estate - the Duchy of Cornwall estate.

This colossal pot of money, estimated at 1billion, it is considered a public asset because it has been gifted to the heir to the throne by every British monarch since 1337.

Its special royal status also gave Charles, and now Prince William, an exemption from corporation tax and capital gains tax.

It paid Prince Harry 2.3million-a-year - a figure he and Meghan would later claim contributed to 95% of their office expenditure.

Harry also received an estimated 2million-a-year from the Sovereign Grant.

The Sovereign Grant is the money taxpayers allocated by the King to fund the royal family and is set at 86.3 million-a-year.

Harry's personal wealth before meeting Meghan was derived from the estimated 20million inheritance from his mother Princess Diana.

He also banked around 7million from his great-grandmother the Queen Mother, who paid it into a trust fund in 1994.

Prince Harry was also thought to have various sums tied up in trust funds until he is 40 and other investments giving him around 30million in total inheritance.

From 2005 to 2014, Prince Harry served in the British Army, for three years as an officer and then for seven years as a Lieutenant with The Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) - netting him a total wage of 375.398.

Prince Harry earnt an estimated 375,000 in his ten years in the army as a captain and lieutenant

Prince Harry used to enjoy constant 24hour security paid for by the state (Pictured leaving a nightclub in 2012)

Perks - 3.4million

Prince Harry and Meghan enjoyed many freebies whilst they were fully paid up members of the firm including accommodation and security.

Whilst they were working and living in the UK, Harry, Meghan and baby Archie had protection in the form of armed police provided by Scotland Yard - which was estimated to cost 600,000 in annual salaries and up to 400,000 in flights, accommodation, expenses and overtime.

Harry, Meghan and Archie were each understood to have one officer and are understood to have had a team of six protecting them in any 24-hour period.

They also had their UK home - Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle - renovated to the tune of renovated at a cost of 2.4million, with the fee being paid from the Sovereign Grant which Harry has since repaid.

But they have been evicted by Charles III, who started the process just 24 hours after the release of Spare.

Total 38million

But despite his funds, the Prince would go on to claim that him and Meghan had been left to start their life with nothing in the US.

When they announced they were stepping down as working royals, the couple pledged in a statement that they wanted to become 'financially independent while continuing to support Her Majesty The Queen'.

The Duke of Sussex has described himself, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge as being 'trapped' within the system

In his bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Harry sensationally announced his family had cut him off.

He said: 'The Netflix and the Spotify of it all, that was never part of the plan.

'We didn't have a plan. That was suggested at the point at where my family literally cut me off financially and I had to afford security for us.'

The claims were later refuted by the palace whose accounts showed they had continued to fund the couple until summer 2020.

Harry also claimed he was 'trapped' before he met Meghan as he revealed his father Charles 'stopped taking my calls' during the build-up to the announcement that he and Meghan were leaving the royal family.

The Duchess of Sussex also described her 'pain' that officials had denied her first born son the title of prince and accused Buckingham Palace of failing to protect Archie by denying him 24/7 security.

After meeting Meghan - 133.8million

Harry and Meghan have managed to make an estimated 100million since moving to the US

The couple's 11million mansion in Montecito, California was a tidy investment

Experts say Harry could net 800,000 for speaking engagements

So despite 'not having a plan', it was clear to the couple that they'd need to start finding ways to put bread on the table.

It's lucky then that they're two of the most famous and marketable people in the world then, isn't it?

Since quitting the firm and heading over the pond to the US, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's joint bank account has been boosted to the tune of 100million - despite their increasingly diminished popularity.

Like settlers of old, the couple have diversified their potential in the global and American market and made moves in several industries, including films, movies, podcasts and books.

The pair are said to have signed a four-book deal worth upwards of 16million with the publishing giant Penguin Random House.

Just one of the projects released from this stable - Prince Harry's memoir Spare - sold 3.2million copies in its first week, which is a tidy earner anyway you slice it.

Netflix promised the six-part documentary series would tell the story of the Duke and Duchess's relationship as it's never been told before

In September 2020, the couple announced a mammoth deal 81million deal with Netflix claiming they wanted to provide 'hope and inspiration' with a series of programs.

Their first effort, the self titled Harry and Meghan docuseries provided viewers with an inside look at the early days of their romance and was packed with attacks on the Royal Family.

It proved to be a hit for the streaming service with nearly 2.5 million people watching the first episode on the day of its launch in the UK.

Meghan and Harry also netted a 25million deal with the streaming giant Spotify to create the podcast: Archetypes.

Meghan spoke with friends, celebrities, historians and experts about the history of stereotypes that women face, with a few appearances from her husband.

Spotify had reportedly become impatient with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle about the pace of recordings - 12 episodes in two years - until it was eventually released at a rate of one episode per week last year.

It is not clear is Archetypes will return for a second series.

Every Prince needs a castle and it seems the pair bought well, snapping up a 7.5million mortgage on their nine-bed, 13 bathroom, 11million mansion in Montecito, California.

With the cash rolling in, it is possible that the couple have paid off some or all the loan, but it's not clear based on US records.

Harry and Meghan are also able to make money through the lucrative after dinner speaking circuit.

GDA Speakers, whose clients include Nicole Kidman and Diane Keaton, said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would attract much higher fees than regular celebrities, even without their HRH titles.

Last November wealthy Americans spent up to $1million (800,000) per ticket to rub shoulders with Prince Harry and Markle at a glittering New York gala.

Experts have said that both could ask that for a speech.

Expenses - 2.5million

The couple now have to pay for their own constant 24hour security detail

Since the couple moved stateside they have to forgo the state funded security they previously enjoyed in the UK.

And when you're two of the most high profile celebrities in the world, round the clock security detail doesn't come cheap.

In 2021, Forbes estimated that the couple spent around $2-3million on their personal security detail which extends inside and out of their California home.

Total 131.3million
A combination of rising sea levels and extreme weather events means for many, it's only a matter of time before their homes are swallowed by the sea

There are 300,000 homes up and down America's coastlines, worth a combined $117.5 billion, that are at risk

Oceanfront homes built on clifftops and beside beaches offer picturesque living in coastal states from California to Florida - but they carry a risk

At first glance, the elegant family homes on a stretch of seafront in Oregon are the idyllic coastal retreats.

But there's a catch: the half-a-million dollar properties in Lincoln Beach don't just boast endless ocean views, the cliffs they're built on carry a real risk of crumbling into the sea.

It could be in a dozen years, it could be a few decades or longer, but eventually coastal erosion exacerbated by rising sea levels will render some of them uninhabitable. And without a major intervention, they'll be lost to the ocean entirely.

Residents of Lincoln Beach got a terrifying reminder of the risk in March 2021, when a seawall collapsed and left at least three homes teetering perilously close to the cliff edge. Miraculously, the properties were undamaged and new defenses were installed.

These homes are among thousands up and down America's coastlines that are literally a few feet from disaster, either because they're built on cliffsides or precariously close to the ocean. The danger has been compounded by extreme weather events, such as the storms that have battered states like California and Florida in recent months.

A seawall collapsed in Lincoln Beach, Oregon, in March 2021 and almost caused several clifftop homes to plunge into the ocean. These properties are among more than 300,000 coastal homes in America that are at risk of 'chronic inundation' by water within 27 years

A row of multi-million dollar homes in Malibu, California, are separated from the Pacific Ocean by a thin strip of beach. Officials there have accepted some coastal properties can't be saved and they're working to ensure owners don't lose out when houses are swallowed by the sea

Homes along Esplanade Avenue in Pacifica, south of San Francisco, were abandoned and later torn down as the threat of a cliff collapse grew. The town became 'ground zero for the issue of coastal erosion' in America

An entire neighborhood in Pacifica was demolished because of the threat of a cliff collapse

The walkway to an apartment building that fell off a cliff on Esplanade Ave in Pacifica, California

A 2018 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists said more than 300,000 coastal homes around the country, with a collective value of nearly $120 billion, are at risk of 'chronic inundation' by water within 27 years.

Several hundred miles from Lincoln Beach, Oregon meets California, where a report by state officials in 2020 predicted 'between $8 billion and $10 billion of existing property is likely to be underwater by 2050'. By then, a further $6 billion to $10 billion of property will also be at risk during high tides.

On a strip of beautiful coastline in Malibu, the millionaire's enclave west of Los Angeles, a row of exclusive, multi-million dollar homes face onto the Pacific, protected from the ocean by a narrow stretch beach.

They're built on stilts to protect them from the tides - but city officials accept that with time, those defenses will be futile.

In California, state officials in 2020 predicted 'between $8 billion and $10 billion of existing property is likely to be underwater by 2050'. Pictured: A staircase that once led to an oceanside home near Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay has several cliffside homes that have either fallen off cliffs or been condemned because of the risk

Bodega Bay in California. While many homes are not currently in danger, some are perilously close to the ocean

State officials are considering plans to buy back at-risk coastal properties like these from their owners, then rent them out until they're too dangerous to live in. Under this 'revolving loan' program, they hope to alleviate the financial suffering of both the homeowners and the state when the properties are swallowed up by the sea.

Further up the coast in Pacifica, a few miles south of San Francisco, an entire neighborhood was torn down in 2017 as the coastline around it slowly receded until the threat became unmanageable.

Some families there had moved into their homes just eight years earlier, spending thousands of dollars on renovations - an indicator of how small the threat of a cliff collapse seemed only recently.

The main reason for the dilemma is rising sea levels. An alarming report published last year by the National Ocean Service said sea levels around the country will rise by 10 to 12 inches on average by 2050, primarily due to climate change.

The numbers might seem small, but every inch raises the risk of devastating flooding in coastal areas. Cliffs also face a greater risk of collapse.

It's not just an issue on the West Coast, either. Thousands more homes which line America's Atlantic coastline are also under threat from rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

At least seven homes in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida, collapsed into the ocean when Hurricane Nicole battered the state in November

After the storm, several residents in the tiny community expressed concerns about the damage future extreme weather events could cause

More than two dozen more homes were declared structurally unsafe in the storm's aftermath

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood likened the devastation in Wilbur-by-the-Sea to being 'hit by a bomb'

The storm was a grim reminder of the risks that come with oceanfront living

The issue was highlighted when Hurricane Nicole tore through parts of Florida in November, causing property damage totaling at least half a billion dollars.

In the tiny, unincorporated community of Wilbur-by-the-Sea, in Volusia County, at least seven homes collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean during the storm and dozens more were declared structurally unsafe.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood likened the devastation to being 'hit by a bomb'.

'Swimming pools, washers, driers, hot tubs, dining room tables, it's all in the ocean,' he said.

Many families in the community have lived in their homes for decades. The storm was a grim reminder of the risks that come with oceanfront living.

Diane Hambric, whose back porch and deck area were wiped out, said without proper defenses, she was 'very concerned' by the prospect of another serious storm.

She also summed up the desire to live in these coastal beauty spots, despite the threat a family home could collapse into the ocean.

'My children adore it, my granddaughters love it,' Hambric said. 'It's something that is worth this amount of pain to get to where we're whole again.'
DailyMail.com visited the town of Lynchburg, Tennessee, and saw the havoc it has wreaked

Many locals are questioning whether the fungus is affecting their health

The area around the Jack Daniel's barrelhouses is covered in 'whiskey fungus'

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Furious Tennessee residents have been blanketed by black 'whiskey fungus' after Jack Daniel's failed to stop emissions leaking from its barrel houses.

The mold is fueled by ethanol vapor releasing into the air, leading nearby properties, road signs and vehicles to be routinely covered in the sooty smog.

DailyMail.com visited the scene to find the fungus has wreaked havoc on the small town of Lynchburg, which is under the shadow of the booze giant's iconic distillery.

Many are also questioning whether the fungus is impacting their health and destroying the surrounding air quality, leading one defiant local to wage a legal war to bring the growing mold to a halt.

Dubbed 'whiskey fungus', the mold has coated the small Tennessee community since the emissions first began leaking from the Jack Daniel's plants in 2018, before ramping up in recent years as the company expands its barrel house operation.

Whiskey fungus has blanketed a small Tennessee community, causing huge damage while raising fears over its potential health risks

One resident said he has had to pay roughly $10,000 to power wash the fungus off his home

The sooty smog has enraged Tennessee residents after their outdoor spaces became covered

A nearby woodland has been coated in the growth for years, and residents have expressed concern over the damage it may have caused to local wildlife

The smog has caught the ire of Lynchburg residents since it emerged five years ago

The fungus has spread over a mile from each of the barrel houses across Lincoln and Moore Counties, as it is able to latch onto outdoor surfaces after being exposed to ethanol vapor.

And infuriated locals are now demanding the company is held responsible for the damage to their town, which has grown so prevalent that officials no longer clean street signs and simply replace them after they become illegible.

Patrick Long, who lived across the street from the barrel houses with his wife, won a lawsuit Wednesday forcing Jack Daniel's to cease and desist construction of new barrel houses in Lincoln County.

But while he said it was a victory, he told DailyMail.com the ruling was 'really more of a delay tactic' of between 60 to 90 days as the community battles to stop the rot.

He added that the Lynchburg community is dominated by the Jack Daniel's distillery, feeling that its presence throughout the area and history as an employer in the town could influence support for holding the company responsible.

As the fungus continues to ravage the town, home values have plummeted while the community fears for their health.

'It's in the air. And you really, probably don't want to be breathing that in. But nobody has done a test to determine if it's actually poisonous,' Long told Insider.

'I'm extremely concerned. My wife has breathing problems. One of the neighbors got cancer.'

Local resident Becky Carroll is among those who have tried to bring the issue to the attention of authorities, as she told a 2018 public hearing that she believed the mold had caused severe health issues for herself and her family, including giving her cancer.

'I think there is a concern for the quality of our lives,' she said, according to Moore County News.

'Im a strong, healthy person and this should not have happened. I cant prove it was from this ethanol, but somebody needs to prove that it is not.'

The community is demanding air filtration systems, which cost around $300,000, be installed in the barrel houses to stop the ethanol emissions from escaping, an issue that has plagued the immediate area for years.

An environmental impact study is also being sought, as residents continue to be left in the dark over the health risks posed by the fungus.

Christi Long, left, and her husband Patrick, right, have launched a legal challenge against the booze giant after the fungus invaded their Lynchburg, Tennessee, community

The mold has been blamed upon the barrel houses on the Jack Daniel's Tennessee distillery, which has over 100,000 barrels

Residents are fighting back to stop the spread of the mold, which has blanketed outdoor surfaces for miles

The black mold has spiraled out on control in recent times, an issue some are blaming on the Jack Daniel's company's expansion of its barrel facilities

Dead animals were spotted in the area that has been overrun by the fungus. It is not known if the mold is the reason

Latching onto any outdoor surface, the fungus has devastated local wildlife and covered homes and street signs

Locals have raised concerns about unknown health risks and poor air quality as a result of the fungus

Buildings and outdoor spaces in the area are now covered in a dingy black soot

Homeowners have been forced to pay to have their properties frequently jet washed due to the fungus

Outdoor surfaces are blanketed by the smog, which clings to vehicles throughout the Lynchburg area

The mold thrives on ethanol vapors that are released from whiskey barrels

While the issue has been plaguing the surrounding area for years, a recent expansion of barrel houses has led locals to claim it has worsened

The whisky barrel houses have been pointed out as the reason for the fungus. Pictured is the original barrel houses on the Jack Daniels property in Lynchburg, Tennessee

Long added that he has had to fork out roughly $10,000 to continually power wash his house, as only a powerful cocktail of water and Clorox is able to scrub off the mold.

'If you have any decent nails on you and you rode it down the side of a tree or a property within a quarter of a mile to a half-mile of these barrel houses, your entire finger will be covered in black fungus,' he said.

'You can't see the tree limbs anymore. Our house, we have to have it pressure-washed four times a year now.'

While the issue reportedly sprang up in 2018, Long said that the fungus was not as prevalent when he bought his Lynchburg home in 2020, as the whiskey company was only using two barrel houses.

But the mold has spiraled out of control since the number of facilities was upped to six, with the company planning on expanding its barrel house operation to 20 in the coming years.

His wife Christi added that she and her husband filed their lawsuit because they believed Jack Daniel's expanded their number of barrel houses 'illegally', saying they intended to bring a permanent halt to the planned constructions.

'Here we are as District 6 spending our own personal dollars to stop a big corporation holding Lincoln County accountable,' she told WHNT.

Claims that the units were constructed illegally, as alleged in Long's lawsuit, have been denied by Jack Daniels, who said their facilities are all up to code.

'All of our warehouses are permitted appropriately,' said Jack Daniel's Distillery vice-president Melvin Keebler, during the contentious 2018 public hearing.

He told Caroll that she had their 'sympathy and empathy', but defended the industry giant's operations and insisted the company was compliant with all appropriate regulations.

Named Baudoinia Compniacensis, the fungus was first discovered in 2007, and is able to grow after alcohol evaporates through the pores of whiskey barrels.

The ethanol leakage is a process known as the 'angels share' in whiskey production.

In response to the claims, Jack Daniels told DailyMail.com: 'During the siting and building process, we worked closely with Lincoln County and provided all information asked of us by local officials, as well as adhered to regulatory requirements, strict industry guidelines, and rigorous internal standards that we follow in building warehouses.

'Anyone who has visited the Jack Daniel Distillery or any other distillery with maturing spirits has likely noticed the presence of microflora.

'Microflora grows on trees, buildings, and other structures around distilleries and warehouses. Ethanol released from barrels during maturation, also called the angels share, is just one of microfloras many food sources.

'More common in warm and humid environments, it is also found in and around areas unrelated to distilling, such as food processing companies and bakeries, and dams adjacent to bodies of water.

'While we are accustomed to microflora, we appreciate that some may not like how it looks and the inconvenience it may present. Based on the information available, we believe it is not harmful to individuals or their property.

'As for air filtration technology that has been offered up by some as a solution, it is easy to say but not possible to do. Barrelhouses require ventilation  and are designed to do so naturally  to allow for the movement of whiskey in and out of new charred oak barrels during the aging process.

'Existing independent and government research shows that there is no reasonably available control technology to prevent ethanol emissions without significantly adversely affecting the taste and quality of Jack Daniels or any other aged whiskey.'

Named Baudoinia Compniacensis, the fungus was first discovered in 2007

The issue has become such a burden on local authorities that they have stopped cleaning street signs, and instead replace them when they are no longer readable

Forests in the area are filled with blackened trees due to the untamed growth

The community is demanding air filtration systems, which cost around $300,000, be installed in the barrel houses to stop the ethanol emissions from escaping

Locals have pointed the finger at booze giant Jack Daniel's as the reason for the black mold
Thousands have turned out in national protests across Greece as anger builds over a train collision this week that killed at least 57, among them many university students.

As Greek railway workers prepare to extend their strike for a second day, 2,000 people in Athens - mostly university students - gathered today to demonstrate, where frustration was met with resistance from riot police using tear gas.

Many more took the the streets in Thessaloniki, and several thousand school children gathered in Larissa to chant: 'You never arrived, we will avenge you!'

Protestors blame Tuesday's crash on government underinvestment in the railways, a consequence of austerity between 2010 and 2017, and the train operator.

The violent collision saw carriages thrown off the tracks, crushed and engulfed in flames when a high-speed passenger train with more than 350 people on board hit a freight train head on at speeds thought to be up to 100 miles per hour.

A protester hurls objects towards riot police during a protest over Greece's deadliest train crash, in front of Parliament in Athens on 3 March 2023

Citizens on Friday protest against Hellenic Train company for the deaths of at least 57 people when a passenger train and a cargo train collided near Larissa, in Athens, on Tuesday

Flares pictured on Friday amid national protests against government neglect and the Hellenic Train Company following the collision of two trains near Larissa on Tuesday

Protestors set fire during clashes with riot policemen outside the railway station, after a protest march in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, 3 March 2023

Angelos Tsiamouras, 18, was on board the passenger train when it crashed into the freight train on Tuesday.

According to The Telegraph, he was in the sixth carriage back from the impact point.

He said he ran forward to help other passengers in carriages further up away from the blaze.

'Together with my friend Giorgos we ran to carriages three and four to save as many people as possible.

'Together with the rescuers, we managed to get 16 people out.

'All I could think about was that I had to save one more person. Nothing else. [My] adrenaline had hit red.'

Amid shock and sorrow, families and friends said they wanted answers over how such a crash could have happened.

On Thursday, outside the hospital in Larissa, where many of the victims were brought, a woman called Katerina, whose brother was missing, screamed: 'Murderers! Murderers! I will leave tomorrow with a coffin!'

Katerina, whose anger was directed at the government and the rail company, had, like other relatives looking for loved ones, given a DNA sample to try and identify her brother.

A woman whose husband and five-year-old son were on the train told Greek TV: 'All those people who are there, they're useless, useless.

'Some MPs are coming out and offering condolences, so what? Will it bring our children back?'

Asked if she gave DNA for identification, she said, on footage broadcast by Mega TV: 'to identify what, ashes?'

Fire Service spokesperson Vassilis Varthakoyiannis told media previously that the collision caused fires with temperatures so high, reaching 2,372F (1300C), it was 'difficult to identify the people who were in it.'

Across the country, flags were flown at half-mast through a three day official period of national mourning.

At universities, demonstrators also draped the entrances of several universities in black sheets.

White roses were thrown on the tracks of the train station in Larissa, Al Jazeera reported.

Image shows a large demonstration in Thessaloniki in the north of Greece on Friday evening

Police throw tear gas at protestors in Athens during a demonstration over Tuesday's collision

epa10501508 Protestors try to avoid tear gas thrown by riot policemen outside the railway station, during a protest march in Thessaloniki, northern Greece on Friday

Riot policemen guard the railway station, during a protest march in Thessaloniki on Friday

People hold candles and black balloons in honor of the 57 victims of Greece's deadliest train crash, during a protest in front of Parliament in Athens, Greece, 3 March 2023

Yesterday it was reported that the railway workers' associations called strikes, halting national services and the subway in Athens, to protest against working conditions and what they described as a lack of modernisation of the Greek rail system.

The main railworkers' union said in a statement: 'The federation has been sounding alarm bells for so many years, but it has never been taken seriously.'

They demanded a meeting with the new transport minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, who was appointed to ensure such a tragedy could never happen again.

The union also said it wanted a clear timetable for the implementation of new safety protocols.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis admitted: 'Everything shows that the drama was, sadly, mainly due to a tragic human error.'

Debris of trains lie on the rail lines after a collision in Tempe, about 376 kilometres (235 miles) north of Athens, near Larissa city, Greece, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Firefighters and rescuers operate after a collision in Tempe near Larissa city, Greece, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Greek transport minister Kostas Karamanlis reacts with horror at the scene of the train crash. He resigned on Wednesday afternoon

Work today resumed at the crash site, where rescue staff used cranes to lift some of the carriages that were thrown off the track.

'The operation is under way, it was planned to end today, we hope it will end today but there's always the unknown factor,' a fire brigade official said.

A station master has been charged with the deaths as a result of the collision, through negligence and causing grievous bodily harm through negligence.

He blamed the crash on a technical fault when arrested before admitting to 'making a mistake'.
READ MORE: The best beaches in the world for 2023 ranked by Tripadvisor

Visitors have praised the new beach saying they would 'recommend it to anyone'

A little known seaside town is bracing itself for an influx of visitors after Tripadvisor named its beach as being the best in the UK and the 12th best in Europe.

Local residents insisted today that they were not at all surprised by the accolade for the huge expanse of sand in Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk.

Mother-of-two Emma Flaxman-Taylor, a Conservative borough councillor in the town, said: The beach is like our hidden gem. It is just fantastic.

More people have become aware of it in the last couple of years, in part due to the rise in staycations caused by Covid.

A lot of visitors have clearly been impressed and left favourable reviews on Tripadvisor because it is such a gorgeous beach.

Tripadvisor named Norfolk beach Gorleston-on-Sea, as being the best in the UK and the 12th best in Europe

The Pier Hotel at Gorleston-on-Sea. A councilor has said that people have been referring to Gorleston as the new Southwold

Denis Great and son Dylan on the beach at Gorleston-on-Sea. They say they were 'not all surprised that the beach won the Tripadvisor title'

Dan Hall, partner Louise Barker and her father Ron Francis. They had travelled from their home in Norwich with her father Ron Francis as a treat on his 86th birthday

Now that it has come out in the press, I am sure we are going to get more visitors. It is great for business, and great for the town.

I call it a pure beach because it is just sand with no stones. We have got a cliff and a lovely promenade beneath it, and then this huge expanse of sand.

It is not over-commercialised although there are lovely pubs, restaurants, shops and places to get ice cream.

There are also lovely community spaces including a kids fun park, and lots of boutique style shops and facilities just five minutes walk away from the beach.

Fellow councillor Paul Wells, 36, added: Its an absolutely fantastic beach. We have got the same gorgeous sand as Great Yarmouth, but it is a lot quieter.

Gorleston is a very nice and tasteful town. It is fair to say that it up and coming. We have our share of problems like anywhere else, but there is a great sense of community and the town is very welcoming.

People either dont know about Gorleston, or if they do know about it, then they love it. Loads more people have been cottoning on to the beach in recent years, especially since Covid.

I live behind Marine Parade, and I judge how busy the town is by how easy it is to park in my road. Five-years-ago it would be blocked a couple of times a year, but now it is up to 15 days every summer.

Now we are going to get even more visitors, but the beach is so large that it can absorb huge numbers.

Liz and Bill Carass and their granddaughter. They say that their local beach is 'gaining sand'

Local councillors Emma Flaxman-Taylor and Paul Wells. Mother-of-two Emma Flaxman-Taylor, a Conservative borough councillor in the town, said: The beach is like our hidden gem'

The bandstand next to the beach. The number of visitors to the town also increased after it featured widely in Dany Boyles 2019 film Yesterday

Catering outlets next to the beach. Shania Howard, 23, the manager of The Fig bar and grill on the beachfront said they walk by the sea everyday

Mr Wells said that some people had even been referring to Gorleston as the new Southwold in reference to the prosperous Georgian seaside town in nearby Suffolk which has long been a celebrity haunt and popular with well-heeled Londoners.

The towns beach has soared in popularity in recent years after apparently increasing in size due to its proximity to the new outer harbour in neighbouring Great Yarmouth.

While millions of tons of sand have been stripped from the nearby beach at Hopton-on-Sea as a result of coastal erosion, the opposite has happened in Gorleston.

Locals believe that the outer harbour has acted as a barrier, effectively trapping millions of tonnes of extra sand in the towns sweeping bay.

The number of visitors to the town also increased after it featured widely in Dany Boyles 2019 film Yesterday, starring Ed Sheeran who lives across the border in Suffolk.

Liz Carass, 65, who was on the beach today with husband Bill and two-year-old granddaughter Margo Clark, said: There used to be rock sea defences all along the wall of the promenade.

But they have now been covered up by all the sand. We are gaining sand while Hopton is losing theirs.

Denis Gray, 49, who was with son Dylan, 13, and their husky Nanook, said: I was not all surprised that the beach won the Tripadvisor title.

Shania Howard, 23, with golden retriever Harper. The manager of The Fig bar and grill on the beachfront, said: This is just a lovely town and the people are so nice'

The model boat pond. Locals say that there is 'a real kind of vibe' at the town and the beachfront

It is a lovely, quiet place and I recommend it to anyone. It is always clean and I come down her most days. It is rammed with people and families in the summer.

Other dog walkers stopping for 3 coffees at Jay Jays cafe on the promenade, also praised the beach.

Dan Hall, 56, and his partner Louise Barker had travelled from their home in Norwich with her father Ron Francis as a treat on his 86th birthday while he was visiting with his seven-year-old Salouki dog Lidi.

Recruitment manager Louise, 56, said: Look at the beach. Its just gorgeous, lovely sand. It is well deserved for it to be named the best in the UK.

The sand is incredibly fine and the dog loves running around on it. The sand near my Dads place in Devon is almost red in colour and makes the dog filthy.

She jokingly added: We dont want to promote it too much, otherwise we wont be able to park so easily next time we come.

Asset manager Dan added: There are plenty of other beaches we could go to, but Gorleston is the best. The town has a lovely oldy, world feel to it.

Shania Howard, 23, the manager of The Fig bar and grill on the beachfront, said: This is just a lovely town and the people are so nice.

I walk on the beach every single day. It is the best part of the town. It is so busy in the summer, and quieter in the winter which makes a nice atmosphere.

Charlotte Youngson, 43, said: I am only surprised that the beach was not voted to be the best in the country before now.

I came down here at 5am one day in the summer to see the sunrise and there was a whole family with kids having a swim.

A Grand Designs house being built overlooking the seafront. Ella Look, 65, from Blofield near Norwich says she moved to the town from Surrey

Mother-of-three Siobhan Humphries and mother-in-law Joy Blinkhorn. The 32-year-old that she feels 'safe' every time she comes down to the beach

Metal detecting fan Geoff Lewis. He said that he can 'understand why it is one of the top beaches in Europe'

Her friend Gabby Williams, 43, added: Gorleston has such a friendly, family atmosphere. It feels like a quaint seaside town.

People are respectful and the beach is always clean. There is a real kind of vibe.

Ella Look, 65, from Blofield near Norwich, who was enjoying a coffee with daughter Robyn, 35, said: I moved up here from Surrey in 1994 and this was the first beach we came to.

I have been coming back ever since. My kids loved it when they were growing up. You have the arcades, and places to buy ice cream and chips in the summer. Now my grandchildren love it as well. It is easy to get here and the parking is always free.

Retired painter and decorator Geoff Lewis, 66, of Hopton who was metal detecting on the beach said: I normally get on the bus to Great Yarmouth, but I decided to stop off here for the first time.

The sand is just beautiful. You can understand why it is one of the top beaches in Europe. I found two pennies and a pound coin today, so thats a bonus.

Siobhan Humphries, 32, of Downham Market, Norfolk, who was visiting with her three children, and mother-in-law Joy Blinkhorn, 67, said: We love walking up and down here.

My boys can ride their bikes on the promenade and the sand is brilliant. It is a friendly town and I feel safe.

Retired restaurant boss Graham Plant, 66, who is the current mayor for Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, said: Gorleston has a fantastic beach and always has done.

There are lots of beach activities and wonderful places to eat. It is great that the rest of the world is now being told about it.
The father of a drag baby performer, who starred at a highly-criticised sensory show, defended his child as he claimed he is a professional and did nothing wrong.

Ben Loader dressed in bondage gear while he performed acrobatic sequences from straps dangling from the ceiling as babies and their parents watched at the Caba Baba Rave event.

Ben, who studied at the National Centre for Circus Arts, specialising in aerial rope, dressed in black thigh-high spiked boots and black skin-tight shorts for the event.

His father, Steve Loader from Cornwall, explained that his son is a 'circus artist' and he is 'really proud of him'.

He said: 'He's a circus artist - some of his act is risque and some is totally normal.

Ben Loader dressed in bondage gear as he swung from the ceiling during his Caba Baba Rave performance

The father of a drag baby performer, Steve Loader, defended his child as he claimed he is a professional and did nothing wrong

'I don't think the criticism he's received is fair, he's an artist.

'I'd imagine these people in the pictures took their babies there. Surely it's up to the parents what they do, isn't it?

'Ben is the most beautiful person in the world, he's talented and just a fantastic guy.

'I don't think this controversy will stop him. He went to the London School of Circus Arts.

'I'm really proud of him, we've always supported everything he does.'

Caba Baba Rave, which has cancelled their Waterloo, London show scheduled on March, 11, also featured half-naked drag, burlesque and 'BDSM' acts with 'filthy' names.

Caba Baba Rave's next stop was in Waterloo on March 11 - but this has now been cancelled

Women and babies interact with a drag performer at an event that promises 'captivating baby sensory moments'

The Flair Ground show received backlash from parents and celebrities who were angry at the 'highly sexualised' event.

Critics including Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington were accused of transphobia when they called it morally wrong and 'not for babies'.

Clips and promo shots for Caba Baba Rave showed one cross-dressing performer, who has a drag name that is a pun on anal sex, doing a handstand on a chair in a leopard-print thong and gloves.

Another performer, who has a similarly rude name, is seen in a bondage-style outfit performing acrobatics from a swing suspended from the ceiling. One picture showed a topless woman with rainbow hearts on her nipples and wearing only a red thong holding a toddler in the air.

The show was organised by two mothers Gemma Daubney, 38, and Liz West, 37 who described themselves as ex-performers.

The show, which charged parents 23.50 a ticket, branded itself as a 'little slice of afternoon delight' which intersperses cabaret with 'captivating baby sensory moments' before 'ending in a rave'.

The latest controversy comes after months of protests over events such as Drag Queen Story Time, which sees drag queens sit and read stories to children.
As the Murdaugh family dynasty continues its fall from grace amid Alex Murdaugh's guilty conviction for the murders of his wife and son, and alleged connections to suspicious deaths over the years, another mysterious Murdaugh family tragedy has come to light.

Alex Murdaugh's great-grandfather Randolph Murdaugh Sr., an elected solicitor and patriarch of the family, died when his car mysteriously stopped on railroad tracks in 1940 and a train slammed into it. The death led to a payout benefiting his son, who was nicknamed Buster.

In the Netflix documentary 'Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal,' journalist Michael M. DeWitt Jr. revealed that according to the train conductor's comments to the local paper at the time, Murdaugh Sr. was near the tracks and waved at the train as it was speeding toward him, then sped his car so that it was on the tracks at the time of impact. His body was found 150 feet away from the crossing.

Four generations later, untimely deaths still surround the Murdaugh family, including that of Mallory Beach who was killed in a boat crash in 2019 with Paul Murdaugh at the wheel, Stephen Smith, a peer of the Murdaugh sons who was found dead on the side of the road in 2015, and the family housekeeper Gloria Satterfield.

And in 2021, Alex Murdaugh's wife Maggie and his son Paul were gunned down on their Moselle property. Murdaugh was convicted of their murders on Friday.

Alex Murdaugh's great-grandfather Randolph Murdaugh Sr., 59, was killed in 1940 when his car mysteriously stopped on the railroad tracks and a train slammed into him

Railroad tracks are seen in Hampton County. Murdaugh Sr died on July 19, 1940 when his car mysteriously stopped on a railroad crossing as a train bore down in the middle of the night

Four generations later, untimely deaths still surround the Murdaugh family. Pictured: Alex Murdaugh with wife Maggie and their sons Buster (left) and Paul (right)

Details of Randolph Murdaugh Sr.'s suspicious death were uncovered by DeWitt Jr., in the archives of the local Hampton County Guardian newspaper, and highlighted in a report by The Washington Post.

The son of a wealthy businessman and the grandson of Confederate president Jefferson Davis's first cousin, he attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis and the University of South Carolina law school before returning home to the Murdaugh's first family firm.

He was elected solicitor in 1920 for the 14th Judicial Circuit, a large swath of South Carolina covering five counties. For most of the next 86 years, a Murdaugh would hold that position.

Murdaugh Sr. had been battling an illness before he was killed but felt well enough to visit a friend on the evening of July 18, 1940. When he was driving home around 1 a.m., his car mysteriously stopped at a railroad crossing, according to DeWitt Jr. who cited Greenville News newspaper clippings from that time.

A freight train slammed into Murdaugh's car, killing him instantly, it was reported. Another report by the Hampton County Guardian had that the train conductor stated Murdaugh Sr.'s car was near the crossing and that he waved at the train as it was speeding toward him. As the train got closer, the car sped up and ended up on the tracks as the train hit.

The Hampton County Guardian reported at the time that Murdaugh Sr.'s body was found 150 feet away from the crossing.

His death was ruled an accident despite speculation that it was alcohol-related or possibly a suicide.

Left to right: Randolph Murdaugh Sr., Randolph 'Buster' Murdaugh Jr. and Randolph Murdaugh III served as elected solicitors for the 14th Circuit from 1920 to 2006

Murdaugh Sr.'s son - who is also Alex Murdaugh's grandfather, Randolph 'Buster' Murdaugh Jr. - then became the new solicitor.

He along with the Murdaugh family sued the railroad company, Charleston & Western Carolina Railway Co., over the accident, it was reported.

The company was sued for $100,000, the Greenville News had reported. It was settled privately for undisclosed amount of money.

His son, Randolph Murdaugh III  Alex Murdaugh's father  succeeded him as solicitor from 1987 to 2005.

In 2018, he joked during a public speech: 'A train killed my grandfather in 1940, and they have been killing our people [clients] ever since.'

This portrait of late 14th Circuit Solicitor Randolph 'Buster' Murdaugh Jr. was removed from court as his grandson Alex Murdaugh stood trial for the murders of his wife and son

Portraits of former solicitors Randolph Murdaugh Sr., Randolph Murdaugh aka Buster Murdaugh, and Randolph Murdaugh III hang on the wall inside a courtroom at the Hampton County courthouse

Just before Alex Murdaugh stood trial for the murders of his wife, Maggie, 52, and son Paul, 22, Judge Clifton Newman ordered the removal of the portrait of late 14th Circuit Solicitor Randolph 'Buster' Murdaugh Jr.

For more than a century, the Murdaugh family wielded immense power in the Lowcountry, with three generations of the family serving as elected solicitors, as district attorneys are there known, in the 14th Circuit from 1920 to 2006.

Alex Murdaugh himself worked as a part-time prosecutor in the same office, until he was charged in a stunning web of alleged crimes, including embezzling millions from clients and partners, murdering his wife and son, and attempting to commit suicide by hitman for an insurance payout.

Murdaugh III died of cancer just days after Alex Murdaugh's wife and son were shot dead in June 2021.

Alex Murdaugh's alibi following the murders was that he was visiting his father in the hospital, but cell phone data and a video taken by his son Paul placed him at the scene of the crime just minutes before the murders.

At least three deaths have now taken place on the Moselle estate, including the murders of Maggie and Paul.

And in 2021, Alex Murdaugh's wife Maggie and his son Paul were gunned down on their Moselle property. Murdaugh was convicted of their murders on Friday

Murdaugh claimed he had been visiting his elderly mother who suffers from Alzheimer's and arrived home to find Maggie and Paul dead near the estate's dog kennels

Three years prior, in 2018, the Murdaughs' housekeeper Gloria Satterfield, who had worked for them for 20 years, died in a mysterious trip and fall at the family home.

She was found at the bottom of the steps leading into the family's home and was believed to have tripped over the pet dogs. She died from her injuries three weeks later.

There have been other deaths linked to the Murdaugh family.

In 2019, Paul Murdaugh was arrested and charged in connection to an alleged drunk boating accident that took the life of 19-year-old Mallory Beach.

He was indicted on charges of one count of boating under the influence causing death and two counts of causing significant bodily injury.

But Paul and his mother Maggie were murdered before he could stand trial.

Beach, 19, was thrown from the boat when it crashed into Archers Creek Bridge, in Beaufort South Carolina, in 2019. Her body was found five days later.

Paul was indicted on three counts of boating under the influence in April 2019. But while awaiting trial, the 22-year-old was gunned down in 2021

Three month after the murders, on September 4, 2021, Alex Murdaugh had been shot on the side of the road in Hampton County, S.C.

While some worried that the gunman who killed Maggie and Paul was targeting Alex, just a few weeks later, authorities revealed that Murdaugh had allegedly hired Curtis Edward Smith to shoot him in a suicide-for-hire plot so that Buster could receive a $10 million life insurance payout.

On March 2, 2023, after six weeks of harrowing testimony, Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his wife and son and sentenced to two life sentences.
When Donald Trump takes the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday he can be sure that his hold on the Republican base is as secure as ever, at least as far as the merchandise stands are concerned.

Row after row after row of hats proclaim, 'Women for Trump', 'Trump 2024' and 'God, Guns and Trump.'

In the 26th row is the Ron DeSantis selection. Two visors and four hats with 'DeSantisland: Make America Florida' logos.

'Everyone is entitled to their view,' says Caroline Hesse, who is running the stall, 'but I think DeSantis is more on the RINO side of things,' using a favorite Trump expression for Republicans in Name Only.

DeSantis is not even running yet but is frequently cited as the candidate most likely to give Trump a fight for the Republican nomination.

Donald Trump dominated the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Maryland, even before he was due to speak on Saturday

Trump had fallen behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in some recent polls, but reopened a lead this week according to a Yahoo News/YouGov survey published on Tuesday

When CPAC convened in Orlando last year because of stricter COVID restrictions in its usual Maryland home, the home turf meant supporters of the Florida governor were plentiful.

He even took 28 percent of the vote in the conference presidential nomination straw

And when the organization met in Dallas last summer, there were signs that MAGA world might be ready for a younger generation of leader in the form of DeSantis.

With CPAC back at its usual home just outside Washington D.C., the Trump grip was back.

Allies such as his former strategist Steve Bannon and the 'Godzilla of Truth' John Fredericks broadcast from the corridors of the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

MyPillow founder turned election denier and conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell posed for photographs with young men dressed in the Trump uniform or navy suit, white shirt and red tie.

'You see it's 100 percent behind Trump,' he told DailyMail.com. 'Ron DeSantis is the Trojan horse of the Republican Party. He's horrible.'

For Lindell, the Florida governor's crime was meeting with a lawyer from Dominion Voting Systems, the company currently suing for libel after he pushed bogus claims its technology was to blame for fixing election results.

Seats are left empty during the speech by former South Carolina Governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley

Trump is still the most lucrative figure for vendors. Only a handful of DeSantis hats were on display among the dozens and dozens of Trump-branded headgear

Supporters can buy a 'Ginger Donald' cookie. But there was no DeSantis equivalient

Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon was among the former Trump administration personnel attracting crowds at CPAC this week

Donald Trump Jr. was another crowd favorite delivering a speech to attendees

Trump still retains a strong grip on the Republican base, at least among CPAC attendees

He may have his own axe to grind. But Trump has enjoyed a bump in recent polls after DeSantis looked to be eating into his frontrunner status, without even running yet.

A Yahoo News/YouGov poll published on Tuesday gave Trump an eight-point lead over the Florida governor. DeSantis had been leading Trump in that poll for the past three months.

Melissa Cornwell, resplendent in a red-sequined jackey and yellow T-shirt bearing the letter U (spelling out TRUMP when she stands with her fellow Trump Tribe members), was never in doubt.

'He fulfilled most everything he intended to do, and we need him to finish the job,' she said. 'Yeah, he's not a politician but that means he's not afraid to say the truth.'

But unlike some other attendees, she sees a future star in DeSantis.

Without Trump, there were plenty of empty seats at CPAC on Friday afternoon

Trump loyalist Rep. Matt Gaetz was among the speakers on Friday morning (seen here with Don Jr), a day before Trump is due to close the conference with a speech on Saturday evening

Trump's former Press Secretary Sean Spicer was another speaker on Friday at CPAC

Trump's image is used to sell everything from T-shirts to cigars in this case

'We'd love to see him as the vice president for Donald Trump and then to be the president for the next eight years after that,' she said.

'We think he has a lot of growth ahead of him. And when he comes into his own, he's got to be unstoppable.'

DeSantis is not speaking at CPAC. Nor are other potential rivals for the nomination, such as Mike Pence. Trump allies say that means they are no fools.

'I'm not at CPAC I'm at TPAC,' said Fredericks, the Trump-allied radio host. 'The Trump movement has taken CPAC over.

'The Neo cons, the war mongers, the establishment Republicans and the other RINOS that have destroyed the country and are bringing us towards war ... they're not going to show up here.'

They may not be here. But members of the Trump administration are out in force.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer, spokesman Hogan Gidley, adviser Sebastian Gorka, trade representative Robert Lighthizer, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson are treated like rock stars, posing for selfies and triggering squeals as they go.

So too Trump family members, including son Don Jr. and daughter-in-law Lara.

Back in the exhibitors hall there is not much love for DeSantis.

'He can wait his turn,' said Sany, who runs USATrumpStore.com with its bejewelled handgun-shaped purses and Trump shopping bags.

She described herself as a MAGA Republican and said she would sit out the next election if DeSantis won the nomination.

'If it's anyone but Trump then I won't vote,' she said. 'That's how much I hate the Republican Party.'
Self-help author and spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson launched her primary challenge to President Joe Biden in Washington on Saturday with a call for using love to 'override the forces of hatred and injustice and fear.'

Williamson delivered a fiery speech before hundreds of supporters, where she attacked poverty and what she called a 'system of legalized bribery'  but avoided direct shots at Biden, who she ran against but ultimately endorsed in 2020. Her campaign literature calls to 'disrupt the system.'

Williamson alluded to a plan to get herself back on the presidential debate stage, where four years ago she called for battling Donald Trump with 'love.'

Sporting a pink suit in an ornate ballroom inside Washington, D.C.'s Union Station, Williamson referenced the Civil Rights movement, the Civil War, and the founding of the republic  even while railing against powerful economic forces she said overlooked poverty.

She did inveigh against an establishment she described as determined to keep her out of the national debate, in a race where many prominent figures are clearing the field for Biden despite his relatively low popularity and advanced age.

Self-help author and 2020 presidential candidate Marianne Williamson launched a primary challenge to President Joe Biden in Washington, DC on Saturday

'I am not naive about the forces which have no intention to let anyone into this conversation who does not align with their predetermined agenda,' Williamson said, in a speech where she did not directly attack Biden, whom she ultimately endorsed in 2020.

She took on the so-called 'adults in the room' in the national system whom she said wanted others to 'sit down and let them run things'  a reference to her own non-traditional resume for high political office.

Then she delivered one of her many applause lines that got her crowd of supporters going. 'A real grownup does not knowingly allow a child to grow hungry,' she intoned.

'This country is drowning in information and starving for understanding,' she said at the top of her remarks.

She raced through many of her economic and societal critiques, but paused when she announced her intentions, which were followed by a fundraising pitch.

'I, as of today, am a candidate for the office of president of the United States,' Williamson said. She has a plan to visit early voting states including New Hampshire.

One friend and supporter in the crowd was Nip/Tuck actress MaryLynne McCord.

'I think love is always the answer,' she told DailyMail.com. 'But I think that we have a bastardized understanding of the word love ... Love, at the baseline for me now, having studied a lot of what she's taught, and many other great teachers, it's a place of powerful acceptance. And it's really hard to do because we attach to outcomes.'

McCord continued: 'Why would love work on someone like Donald Trump, for example? I would like to know if Donald Trump felt loved by his father, felt loved by his mother. Where is the wound? We all have them. And I would like to see that wound healed for him.'

'I am not naive about the forces which have no intention to let anyone into this conversation who does not align with their predetermined agenda,' Williamson said, in a speech where she did not directly attack President Joe Biden, whom she ultimately endorsed in 2020

Williamson got a ballroom filled with her supporters on their feet at her announcement

'I think love is always the answer,' Williamson supporter MaryLynne McCord told DailyMail.com

Williamson packed several hundred into a ballroom at D.C.'s Union Station, where Biden used to commute home to Wilmington each day

Williamson ultimately endorsed Biden in 2020

Ben Decker, an author and meditation teacher who says he is a friend of Williamson's, said the candidate is 'extremely unlikely' to go after Biden on matters like his age, as Republican Nikki Haley did in her own campaign launch.

'She has the right, she is constitutionally eligible to run for president, she has a base thats interested in what she has to say. She can and should [run],' Decker said. 'At one point those conversations about Biden are going to come up. I dont think shes going to shy away from them, but I dont think shes campaigning on any kind of attack topics.'

But some of Williamson's supporters view Biden as part of the system Williamson is seeking to disrupt. 'Were looking at someone who is fully bought in and has benefited from the political establishment as is, vs. someone who is really motivated by higher values to literally disrupt the system,' said Decker.

On the policy front, he predicted 'were going to see a more sophisticated reparations plan'  after Williamson called for reparations for slavery during a televised debate.

Williamson, 70, became a breakout figure and internet search topic with her unconventional performances during the 2020 presidential debates, before she got bumped off based on polling criteria.

She is the first Democrat to announce she will challenge Biden in the primaries, where her political message laced with her New Age spiritual message could pose a headache for the 80-year-old incumbent with low approval ratings.

'This is a campaign to win,' her advisor Mark Van Landuyt told DailyMail.com before the event.

'The fact that she is going to be alone on that stage with the incumbent president will assure that her voice and her vision will be heard more prominently,' he said.

But there will be opportunities for friction with party leaders who want President Biden to make it through the process unscathed.

'We're going to try very hard. We hope that the Democratic Party believes in adding more voices, not taking voices away,' said Van Landuyt. He said Williamson was 'very hopeful that the DNC will have robust dialogues and there won't be any coronations.'

Williamson has penned best-selling self-help books. Her first one, 'A Return to Love,' landed her on Oprah Winfrey's show and launched her to fame.

In a January statement about her decision, she called for tackling 'the economic injustices endured by millions of Americans due to the influence of corporate money on our political system.'

Her new campaign literature calls for a 'new beginning' and carries the slogan 'disrupt the system.'

Its bullet points include issues where Biden has tangled with Republicans and members of his own party: universal healthcare, free college and technical schools, canceling student loan debt, free child care, paid family and sick leave, a wealth tax, creating a 'green economy,' and 'getting money out of politics.'

It was not yet clear to what extent she plans in her campaign to go after Biden, whose approval numbers are stuck in the low 40s. After competing against him last time, she endorsed Andrew Yang, then Bernie Sanders  before backing Biden in his run against President Donald Trump.

The Democratic National Committee announced its 'full and complete support' for Biden this month.

Biden challengers will have the opportunity to exploit dissension over the new primary calendar, where DNC backed by Biden moved South Carolina to jump ahead of traditionally first-in-the-nation New Hampshire. If Biden opts to skip the state, it could leave open a window for challengers, party figures have warned.

In 2020, Williamson provided much-discussed performances on the presidential debate stage.

She gushed about 'forgiveness' and 'love' as antidotes to President Donald Trump, at a time when Democrats were desperate to displace him.
A woman jailed for causing the death of an elderly cyclist after gesturing and swearing at her led a sad and lonely existence beset by chronic health problems and was estranged from her family, MailOnline can reveal.

Auriol Grey, 49, is described as having only one friend and being childlike and vulnerable as she single-handedly battled through her challenging life.

Struggling to make ends meet, she also suffers from cerebral palsy, is partially blind and has cognitive issues, which restricts her mobility.

Earlier this week Grey was convicted to three years imprisonment for manslaughter after she gestured in a hostile and aggressive way to Celia Ward, 77, whom she told to get off the f***ing pavement as she cycled towards her in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire in October 2020.

The incident led Ms Ward to veer into the road before falling over the front of her bicycle and being struck by a car that was unable to stop. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Grey's KC has now warned her disabled client is now at risk of losing her home.

Miranda Moore KC said Grey 'has nobody to support her apart from a friend and no family support at all. She has no financial support at all other than state benefits.

'If she goes to prison today she would lose her home and has no one to store her possessions. She doesn't know what would happen to them.'

Auriol Grey, 49, who is described as having only one friend and being childlike, was given a three-year imprisonment sentence after after she told Celia Ward, 77, to get off the f***ing pavement

In October, 2020, Ms Ward veered into the road and was hit by a car. She was pronounced dead at the scene

Following her conviction at Peterborough Crown Court, the full details of Greys challenging existence are beginning to emerge.

She never married and had no partner, living alone for the past 17 years in an adapted home in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire where she relied on state benefits for her financial survival.

Her basic ground-floor flat is run by a charitable trust that provides homes for disabled people who want to live independently. Grey is one of around 20 residents living in the specially-designed block.

Neighbours revealed how she was known for having a bad temper, was seen as a 'loner' and was often heard shouting and swearing inside her flat.

A neighbour, who lives opposite Grey told MailOnline: We have paper thin walls and sometimes I heard her having heated phone conversation with people, telling then to F*** off!

I never knew who she was taking to but it was on the phone because she never had any visitors.

Earlier this week Grey, pictured, was convicted for manslaughter after she gestured in a hostile and aggressive to Celia to move off the pavement

Footage captured the moment Ms Ward fell over the front of her bicycle and being struck by a car that was unable to stop

The neighbour, who is confined to a wheelchair added: She was a bit of a loner and only had one friend.

She had a daily routine and would always leave home to go for a walk around 8am. She walked with a split on one of her legs for support and although she had mobility issues she enjoyed walking.

She lived here for at least 17 years and cooked and cared for herself but had support workers in to help.

Shes always keep her front door half ajar.

Another neighbour added: Life was hard for her but then so it is for all of us here, as weve all got some kind of disability. But that doesnt mean you cant have a laugh and be pleasant.

I always saw her, but we never spoke because it was obvious that she wasnt interested. She was sad and lonely, had little help and didnt want to do anything about it. Nobody ever visited her and I never saw her with any friends.

Grey, a former Norfolk convent schoolgirl is almost totally estranged from her family, barely speaking to her mother who according to sources has no interest in her daughter.

A source said: 'They never see each other but occasionally speak on the phone.'

Her sister Genny, older by seven years, died two years ago but even before that the two rarely had any contact.

Scene of the fatal accident - a one way street in Nursery Road, a seven-minute walk from Auriol's home. She had been walking up along the pavement to the nearby shops when she confronted the pensioner cyclist

Genny lived in a lavish 2 million house in Chiswick, West London with her partner and three children and had little to do with her younger sibling.

A family source said: They didnt have a lot in common and led very different lives. Auriol lived a very solitary life which made her very grumpy and made things difficult for her.

Everything was a huge challenge because she was coping on her own and had no support network.

During her trial, Grey was accompanied to court by her one friend who drove her to Peterborough each day.

Ahead of sentencing, her lawyer Miranda Moore KC told Judge Sean Enright: 'She has nobody to support her apart from a friend and no family support at all. She has no financial support at all other than state benefits.

'If she goes to prison today she would lose her home and has no one to store her possessions. She doesn't know what would happen to them.'

But the judge said her actions were 'not explained by disability as he handed her a three-year prison term.

He added that Grey, of Huntingdon, had no mental disorder or learning difficulties and the pavement was 2.4 metres wide at the relevant point, describing it as a 'shared path on the ring road'.

Judge Enright acknowledged the partial blindness, cognitive and mobility issues and cerebral palsy that Grey suffered from. But he added: 'It does not reduce your understanding of right or wrong.

Auriol Grey arriving at Peterborough Crown Court, Cambridgeshire, earlier this week for sentencing for the manslaughter of Ms Ward

During her trial, Grey was accompanied to court by her one friend who drove her to Peterborough each day

'You have not expressed a word about remorse until today in the pre-sentencing notes. I accept the explanation from the counsel and that the difficulty you would face in custody and afterwards are considerable.'

A probation officers report produced in court also underlined Ms Greys vulnerability and stressed that she had trouble expressing her emotions because of her mental state.

Grey was described as 'childlike, and it was the probation officer's opinion that she 'does not pose an ongoing risk to the community'.

The report said that while she was unable to articulate emotions, she was able to write them down.

Ms Moore said: 'That is her way of communicating the distress, remorse and empathy she feels for all the people involved and she showed these notes to the officer.

'She does not express emotions as you or I might, but the probation officer was able to be aware of them and the acknowledgement of the devastating impact her actions have had on all.'

Based on her difficult life circumstances and health, Ms Greys lawyers are planning to appeal the three-year prison term, which has been branded unfairly harsh by disability campaigners.

Fazilet Hadi, Head of Policy at Disability Rights UK, told MailOnline: 'This was a really tragic incident, where Celia lost her life, and I feel sadness and sympathy for all involved. The sentence given to Auriol does seem extremely harsh.

'With the number of cyclists increasing, we need proper separation of pedestrians, cyclists and cars, so that we can all keep each other safe. Government and councils need to review guidance, to ensure safe streets.'
It was the sort of occasion to strike fear and loathing into the hearts of any liberals who had wandered into the Washington D.C. restaurant.

Seated around the table on Thursday evening for Kimberly Guilfoyle's birthday dinner was what Don Jr. described as a 'MAGA wrecking crew' made up of Kari Lake, the movement's rising star, Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Republican firebrand, and Nigel Farage from Britain, whose 2016 Brexit victory presaged the arrival of Donald Trump on the world stage.

Video obtained by DailyMail.com shows how the group was in a boisterous mood after the first day of the annual gathering of Trump-aligned Republicans at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference held just outside the city.

And Don Jr and his fiancee were also both celebrating the launch of recent shows on the streaming service Rumble.

When dessert arrived for Guilfoyle with a candle they broke into 'Happy Birthday.'

A 'MAGA wrecking crew' sang Happy Birthday to Kimberly Guilfoyle on Thursday night. Don Jr's fiancee launched a new Rumble show this week and turns 54 next week

'This is a problem for the left. They do not like this CPAC crowd,' said Donald Trump's son Don Jr, after the chorus of Happy Birthday on Thursday night

'Thank you baby,' said Guilfoyle, whose birthday is next week, after a round of applause.

'We got a pretty good MAGA wrecking crew right here,' said Don Jr, as his phone camera pans around the table filled with figures who are among the most popular figures in the MAGA universe - and some of the most hated in the liberal universe.

'This is a problem for the left. They do not like this CPAC crowd.'

Partners, producers and publicists made up the table of about 20 at the Monocle steak and seafood restaurant in Washington D.C.

In his CPAC speech a day later, Don Jr way coy about revealing the location. And described how he had used the Public Square app to find a restaurant where MAGA world luminaries would be welcome.

'I won't mention the restaurant because they'll probably get cancelled if I do but it was sort of nice for me,' he said.

'We walk in we're with Kari Lake and we're with Matt Gaetz and Nigel Farage like it was a pretty conservative crew that would have had a hard time probably eating in DC without getting yelled at.'

'Now I do well with that. it's fine.

'But sometimes you want to just avoid it.

'And so we were able to find that we have an obligation to get out there and support those kinds of businesses.'

Around the table were Kari Lake, who continues to fight her election defeat in Arizona, and Nigel Farage, whose success in the 2016 Brexit referendum heralded a new populist era

Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida has been one of Trump's staunchest defenders in Congress

Donald Trump dominated the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Maryland, even before he was due to speak on Saturday

Trump is still the most lucrative figure for vendors. Only a handful of DeSantis hats were on display among the dozens and dozens of Trump-branded headgear

Public Square markets itself as a way to avoid 'supporting companies with a woke agenda.'

'Join thousands of freedom-loving Americans in shopping quality products, services, and exclusive discounts from values-aligned businesses,' says its website.

Farage was among the speakers on Friday. He said Thursday's dinner was less about world domination than about a birthday party.

'I would say last night was more about fun,' he told DailyMail.com the next day. By that time of the day, it was about doing things the Farage way ... particularly after the the day I'd had.'

His flight from London to Washington was canceled. So he had flown into New York where he hurriedly presented his daily show for the GB News TV channel, before completing his journey to Washington.

He said he attended his first CPAC event in 2012, when he was the only non-American speaker, and had watched it grow into an international populist giant.

Donald Trump Jr. was another crowd favorite delivering a speech to attendees

Trump loyalist Rep. Matt Gaetz was among the speakers on Friday morning (seen here with Don Jr), a day before Trump is due to close the conference with a speech on Saturday evening

'CPAC has become the epicentre for the Western world's conservative movement,' he said.

'I feel very at home here. I am a foreigner but they treat me as one of their own.'

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former president, is among the speakers on Saturday.

And the event closes with a speech by Trump himself.

He has enjoyed a bump in recent polls after DeSantis looked to be eating into his frontrunner status, without even running yet.

A Yahoo News/YouGov poll published on Tuesday gave Trump an eight-point lead over the Florida governor. DeSantis had been leading Trump in that poll for the past three months.
A former US Army soldier from Kentucky has been sentenced to the maximum 45 years in prison Friday for plotting a murderous terrorist attack on his paratrooper unit.

Ethan Melzer, 24 was devoted to a violent extremist group seeking to erode or destroy Western civilization.

His hands trembled as the judge said he deserved the maximum because of the lasting harm he caused by sharing US military secrets with other followers of a radical violent group known as the Order of Nine Angles, or 09A, and other terrorist groups.

U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods rejected Melzers claim to be a remorseful, reformed man, saying it was more likely he was 'playing another role' in pursuit of leniency just as he had 'played soldier' so he could conspire to try to murder fellow paratroopers.

Melzers lawyers had asked that he get no more than 15 years behind bars. He pleaded guilty last June to trying to murder service members, supporting terrorists and illegally transmitting defense information.

Ethan Melzer, 24 was devoted to a violent extremist group seeking to erode or destroy Western civilization

'I still regret everything I did,' Melzer told the judge before his sentence was announced. He said he wished 'I could say I'm sorry to my platoon' and wanted to show he could still be a productive member of society.

Melzer is alleged to have used a username, 'Etil Reggad,' in his communications with the 'anarchist, neo-fascist, neo-Nazi, and anti-Semitic' O9A.

According to the federal government, O9A has expressed extremist views including one which claims Adolf Hitler 'was sent by our gods to guide us to greatness' and that the 'story of the Jewish 'holocaust' is a lie to keep our race in chains and express our desire to see the truth revealed.'

The government also says O9A has also expressed support for the views of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden as well as backing for his organization's terrorist attacks including the bombing of American embassies in Africa, the attack on the USS Cole, and the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Shackled at the ankles, Melzer, of Louisville, Kentucky, was later escorted from the courtroom by deputy U.S. marshals.

Without a plea deal, Melzer could have faced a life prison term.

Calling Melzer a traitor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hellman said his actions constituted 'one of the most stunning betrayals from within the ranks of the armed forces ... ever to be prosecuted in a federal court.'

Capt. Joshua Kraus, a military intelligence officer, told the judge Melzer created a 'psychological cancer' within his unit as the trust soldiers must put in their commanders and fellow service members was thrown into question with his May 30, 2020, arrest as his platoon was about to board buses to Italy.

The unit was heading to a military base where they were to guard an isolated and sensitive military installation.

O9A captured media attention this past summer when a US Army private, Ethan Melzer, was accused of plotting an attack on his own unit and sharing details about the unit's movements with the group. A book with the O9A logo was found among Melzer's belongings (pictured)

Melzer is alleged to have used a username, 'Etil Reggad,' in his communications with the 'anarchist, neo-fascist, neo-Nazi, and anti-Semitic' O9A

Melzer was a private assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade stationed in Vicenza, Italy. The garrison is pictured here

Kraus said information Melzer shared online 'with our sworn enemies' will never be able to be recovered and has caused allies to doubt whether they can share sensitive information with the United States.

'Our allies and enemies are very aware of this case,' Kraus said.

Capt. Jacob Ferris, the former head of Melzer's unit, said the platoon known as 'The Cowboys' was riding high when they were chosen from among 20 platoons for their sensitive mission, only to find that one of their own had 'deceived and betrayed' them and left them 'labeled as a platoon that had a terrorist.'

He said Melzer's fellow paratroopers in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team were left feeling angry as they contemplated 'that one of their own had planned to kill them.'

He said the other soldiers faced questioning by investigators who wanted to know if they had seen signs that Melzer was betraying his oath to the United States, and it left them confronting what they might have missed.

Kraus said information Melzer shared online 'with our sworn enemies' will never be able to be recovered and has caused allies to doubt whether they can share sensitive information with the United States

Capt. Jacob Ferris, the former head of Melzer's unit, said the platoon known as 'The Cowboys' was riding high when they were chosen from among 20 platoons for their sensitive mission, only to find that one of their own had 'deceived and betrayed' them and left them 'labeled as a platoon that had a terrorist'

One, Ferris said, told him: 'I feel like out of 35 people, one of us should have seen the signs.'

Attorney Jonathan Marvinny, representing Melzer, requested leniency, saying his client had fallen beneath the spell of 'a ridiculous cult,' and he urged the judge not to heed prosecutors who 'paint him as if he's a monster.'

Authorities said Melzer joined the military to infiltrate its ranks on behalf of a group espousing neo-Nazi, antisemitic and Satanic beliefs. They said the group tells members to subvert the military from within by infiltrating it to gain training, commit acts of violence and identify like-minded individuals.

Prosecutors said in court papers that Melzer planned to join co-conspirators he met online to carry out a 'jihadi attack' that would cause a 'mass casualty' event that would provoke the United States into engaging in a foreign war, 'causing mass bloodshed and terrible harm to the very country he had sworn to protect.'
Tanya Plibersek's daughter has revealed how her mother turned down an opportunity to become Labor leader to help convict her abusive boyfriend.

The then-deputy Labor leader had been considering running for the top job in May, 2019.

It came after the Labor Party lost the federal election to Scott Morrison and the party desperately looked to replace its leader Bill Shorten.

Ms Plibersek pulled out of the race before Anthony Albanese was voted into the leadership role and eventually became Prime Minister in May, 2022.

Ms Plibersek said she felt confident she would've won the leadership challenge but had no regrets over her decision to bow out.

Tanya Plibersek has revealed how she turned down the opportunity to become Labor leader so she could support her daughter who was being abused by her boyfriend

Ms Plibersek's daughter Anna revealed her mother had made the choice with her in mind.

Anna had been abused over several years by her then-boyfriend and was preparing to take him to court.

Ms Plibersek said she wanted to support her daughter knowing she would be called in as a witness in court, it was reported in Nine Newspapers' Good Weekend supplement.

'And the thought of not being able to be there for her through that was just too much,' Ms Plibersek said.

Anna had been abused by her then-boyfriend since the start of their relationship as teenagers.

She was around 18-years-old at the time her mother was working as the deputy Labor leader and in the running for the top job in 2019.

Anna was subjected to violent and controlling behaviour, serious sexual assault and financial abuse.

She kept the abuse a secret from her family during the early days while she was still in her mid-teens.

Anna lost weight, withdrew from her family and friends, became emotionally distant, slept throughout the day and wandered the house at night.

'I experienced pretty much every kind of abuse you can think of,' she said.

Anna eventually came forward and broke her silence to her family before her abusive then-boyfriend was taken to court.

He was convicted of assault and it was revealed he had been convicted for serious crimes against other girls but he has never gone to jail.

Anna revealed the court process had been a traumatic experience for her as she spent four days in the witness box.

Ms Plibersek revealed she had been dealing with a traumatic family incident during the leadership ballot and had chosen to stick by her daughter Anna (pictured with Anna, left, Louis, husband Michael Coutts-Trotter and Joseph, right)

Ms Plibersek said she was left devastated after hearing about the things that had been done to her daughter

Her friends and parents were also called in to give evidence.

Anna revealed one of the toughest moments throughout the ordeal was seeing her father Michael Coutts-Trotter cry.

She said her mother cried all the time, when she was sad or happy, but her father had never cried in front of her.

Anna said she believed her mother would have made a great Labor leader if she had not pulled out of the contest for the top job in 2019.

Ms Plibersek said she was left devastated after hearing about the things that had been done to her daughter.

'You ask yourself whether you could have or should have done more to protect your child,' she said.

Anna joined a group of friends to create not-for-profit group The Survivor Hub in 2021.

The organisation offers support to survivors through social media, online and face-to-face meetings.

Ms Plibersek took to Twitter to throw her support behind her daughter after she shared her story of survival with the Channel Nine-owned newspaper.

'Like any parents, her father and I were devastated when we found out,' she said.

'We know this is a story that is so common in Australia. We know the statistics about one in five Australian women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

'Those statistics are just devastating'.

Ms Plibersek shared her story on her leadership ballot and life in politics in the upcoming book 'Tanya Plibersek: On Her Own Terms'.

The book was written by Margaret Simons and will be released on March 7.
Black Californians could be in line for $360,000 each as part of the state's plan to dish out 'reparations' to descendants of slaves.

Secretary of State Shirley Weber told a meeting today that California must 'admit its sins and change the narrative,' to pave the way for initiatives similar to ones already being considered in other states.

But there has been no detail about how the $650 billion project will be funded amid concerns over California's growing deficit which is expected to worsen due to a jobs blood bath in its tax-generating Silicon Valley.

And members of the black community were divided over the plan, with one woman saying racial injustice would not be solved 'if we just throw money at it.'

Others accused the scheme of being nothing more than 'political theatre' and 'marketing' rather than offering genuine support to black Americans.

Members of the public welcomed plans to pay reparations, with one man saying, pictured, said money is the only to stop 'our childen busting into liqour stores'

A nine-member 'reparations taskforce' was set up in 2020 by California Governor Gavin Newsom following nationwide protests for racial justice in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.

Previous estimates suggested the payments could be as much as $220,000 each for the state's 1.8 million black citizens.

But in a meeting on Friday, the taskforce indicated the cheques could actually be as high as $350,000 as they seek to compensate Black citizens for generations of discriminatory practices.

There have been difficulties from the start around how the state could accurately measure the harms suffered by its black citizens.

And local residents voiced concerns about how the money would be paid in practice.

One man wearing a top hat told the meeting that the money must be made in cash payments direct to black citizens.

'There is only one thing that would stimulate this economy - and I need you to spread the word what you heard - and that one thing is capital, money, reparations,' he told the meeting.

'That will stimulate the economy for the millions of blacks in California.

The reparations taskforce has divided California's black residents. One woman, pictured, pointed out it was created by Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon - none of whom are black

Another member of the public, pictured, accused the taskforce of being more concerned with creating 'political theatre' and 'marketing' than genuinely helping black Americans

Gloria Pierrot-Dyer, 71, said racial injustice could not be solved 'if we just throw money at it'

'There is only one thing that would stop our children busting into these liquor stores and grocery stores, stealing junk food and different things and that's reparations.'

However Gloria Pierrot-Dyer, 71, disagreed.

'If you want to do something its not going to solve the problem if we just throw money at it,' she said.

We need programs and resources to undo the psychological harm that has been done by being surrounded by hatred for centuries.'

The taskforce in California is made up of: Chair Kamilah Moore, Vice Chair Dr. Amos C. Brown, San Diego Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe, California State Senator Steven Bradford, Dr. Cheryl Grills, Lisa Holder, Donald K. Tamaki, Jovan Scott Lewis, and Reginald Jones Sawyer.

Moore has previously stated she plans to be as 'radical as possible' when it comes to deciding who will receive reparations and how much.

But local residents took aim at the taskforce during Friday's heated meeting, with one man demanding Moore 'step down and step aside' as she was not fit for the job.

'This is all political theatre and it needs to end,' he added.

A nine-member 'Reparations Task Force' was first set up in 2020 by California Governor Gavin Newsom, pictured, following nationwide protests for racial justice in the wake of the killing of George Floyd

Meanwhile one woman pointed out the taskforce had been put together by Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon - none of whom are black.

'We dont expect non-blacks to tell us how we going to get reparations - were going to mobilize it by ourselves. Its power to the people.'

In California, white families are roughly six times wealthier than their black counterparts.

The taskforce is considering a model which would use the state's racial wealth gap to measure how much descendants of slaves had lost.

A conservative estimate would mean the state owed $636.7 billion to its black citizens.

Other strategies discussed were calculating damages related to specific injustices such as housing discrimination, mass incarceration and health harms.

The taskforce has until July 1 to publish its recommendations and outline exactly how the reparations will be made.

It will then be up to lawmakers to decide whether to adopt them.

The idea of giving reparations to black citizens has become popular across America, with cities including Boston, Massachusetts, St Paul, Minnesota, and St Louis, Missouri, as well as the California cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles, among those to have set up similar task forces.

Evanston, Illinois, in 2021 became the first US city to provide reparations to its Black residents, including giving housing grants.

Task force Chair Kamilah Moore has stated she plans to be as 'radical as possible' when it comes to deciding who will receive reparations and how much

California State Senator Steven Bradford (left) and Dr. Cheryl Grills (right) also appear on the taskforce

Task force members Lisa Holder (left) and Donald K. Tamaki (right)

Task force members Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe (left) and Jovan Scott Lewis (right)

Reginald Jones Sawyer (left) and Reparations Task Force Vice Chair Dr. Amos C. Brown

More recently politicians in Shelby County, Memphis, voted to allocate $5 million funding to a feasibility study which will 'establish, develop and implement reparations.'

Cities including Boston, Massachusetts, St Paul, Minnesota, and St Louis, Missouri, as well as the California cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles, have also set up task forces and panels to hatch their own reparations plans.
Matt Hancock embarked on a 41-hour scramble to save his career after pictures emerged of 'a snog and heavy petting' with Gina Coladangelo in the Department of Health, leaked messages reveal.

CCTV images of the former Health Secretary and his now-girlfriend in an intimate embrace were published in June 2021, prompting a panicked response - from shock at the leak, to brainstorming how to ride out the storm, to informing the Prime Minister and, afterwards, his wife.

A flurry of frantic WhatsApp messages sent over just two days show Mr Hancock and his team's changing stance on what to tell the public, from saying that no Covid rules were broken to apologising for breaking guidance and then resigning.

It comes after the ghostwriter of Mr Hancock's diaries leaked more than 100,000 WhatsApp messages after she had finished working on the book, breaking an NDA in the process.

As the news of his affair broke, Mr Hancock asked the Department of Health's media advisor Damon Poole 'how bad' the pictures were, to which Mr Poole said: 'It's a snog and heavy petting.'

Matt Hancock and Gina Coladangelo's affair was revealed in The Sun in June 2021 after pictures of the couple kissing were handed to journalists

Mr Hancock sent a series of messages to his top team and girlfriend in an effort to save his career - in which his media advisor described the photos as 'a snog and heavy petting'

The then Health Secretary replied: 'How the f*** did anyone photograph that?'

The messages, which were revealed last night by The Telegraph, showed Mr Hancock's affair started on May 4, and the CCTV images were from two days later.

At the time, indoor gatherings of two or more people were banned and guidance instructed people to remain at least one metre apart from one another.

After the Health Secretary was informed of the imminent publication on June 24, Mr Poole asked Mr Hancock: 'Did you snog her in the department', before the then-health secretary replied: 'Office and balcony.'

He later added: 'BTW (By the way) this is a first offence and genuine.'

The pair began their affair while both working in the Department of Health, where Ms Coladangelo was employed as a Non-Executive Director.

Mr Hancock reportedly phoned Boris Johnson and informed him of the affair before he went home to tell his wife and children.

Other messages were then sent in a group chat called 'Crisis Management' with him, Ms Coladangelo and media advisor Damon Poole.

After the Sun had published the story, Mr Poole described whoever provided the paper with the images as a 'c***'.

Five hours later, at 6.15am, the pair were discussing then-Transport Secretary Grant Shapps' imminent media round.

Matt Hancock speaks at a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street on April 28, 2021 - just six days before he would begin his affair

Gina Coladangelo was a Non-Executive Director at the Department of Health and Social Care at the time the affair began

'What do you want Shapps to say?', Mr Poole asked Mr Hancock.

Discussions continued throughout the day as to the line they would take on the affair.

In one WhatsApp message, Mr Hancock tells his media advisor: 'I could apologise for the whole thing - I have after all cheated on my wife.'

In a later exchange, he says: 'I don't think I can acknowledge that I broke the rules. I think I just went against the clinical advice not the rules.'

At one point he responded: 'WE DIDN'T BREAK THE F***ING LAW OK'.

By 6pm that night, June 25, media specialist Mr Poole messaged the couple with a new allegation - that they had been spotted kissing in the office as recently as one week previously - six weeks after the original photographs were taken.

Mr Poole said: 'Ignoring this... but is this true?'

Ms Coladangelo replied: 'FFS. Yes.'

When asked for the day and time, Mr Hancock said: 'It wasn't exactly a one off.'

Several messages later, he said: 'SOMEONE INSTALLED A CAMERA IN MY OFFICE WITHOUT TELLING ME!'

An hour later Ms Coladangelo had decided to resign from her position, the Telegraph reports, and asked her partner and Mr Poole whether she should go that evening.

Mr Hancock replied: 'No. Definitely not.

'It adds pressure on me to go.'

By 10pm, it was revealed that video of the two kissing in the office had been obtained by The Sun.

'OMFG', Ms Coladangelo said, when she saw the footage.

Mr Hancock said: 'Crikey. Not sure there's much news value in that and I can't say it's very enjoyable viewing.'

The former Health Secretary split from his wife as the news of the affair broke, leaving his family home and his children to stay elsewhere.

He has since been pictured on many occasions with his girlfriend, most prominently on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here when Ms Coladangelo flew to Australia to meet him as he came out of the jungle.

Matt Hancock finished the series in third place and was greeted by girlfriend Gina Coladangelo as he exited the jungle

The couple have since been pictured publicly on many occasions, including at the Jingle Bell Ball in December last year

The former health secretary told his boss Boris Johnson about the affair before his wife, The Telegraph reports

The messages are some of the latest to be published by the Telegraph after journalist Isabel Oakeshott (pictured) leaked more than 100,000 WhatsApps to the paper

Texts with his special advisor Allan Nixon also show the pair desperately trying to draw up a list of MPs who have given 'warm words' and who might be prepared to Tweet in Mr Hancock's defence.

The names mentioned by Mr Hancock include Priti Patel, Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove.

The messages also revealed that he asked his former mentor and ex-chancellor George Osborne for advice, as he prepared to resign.

This is the latest revelation from the set of 100,000 text and WhatsApp messages leaked to the Daily Telegraph by former journalist Isabel Oakeshott who was the ghostwriter of Mr Hancock's book.

In Pandemic Diaires, published last year, Mr Hancock said that he resigned as health secretary after colleagues failed to defend him publicly.

By his own account, he said that Boris Johnson had assured him he could carry on even though he and Ms Coladangelo had been pictured kissing in his office in breach of his own social-distancing guidelines.

But after the story broke, Mr Hancock said he found himself 'increasingly isolated' politically and was left with no choice but to quit.

It comes after it was also revealed on Friday Mr Hancock mocked then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak's 'Eat Out To Help Out Scheme' and allegedly made sure the fact the scheme was leading to rising Covid-19 cases was kept out of the media.

Mr Hancock dubbed the scheme, which was designed to help small businesses and keep the UK economy moving, the 'eat out to help the virus get about'.

In separate messages to Simon Case, who was Permanent Secretary at Downing Street at the time, the Health Secretary said the scheme was 'causing problems in our intervention areas'.

He added: 'I've kept it out of the news but it's serious. So please please let's not allow the economic success of the scheme to lead to its extension.'

Since the first messages were made public, Mr Hancock has maintained a low profile, although he did meet with fellow MP Lucy Frazer on Friday about heavy traffic on Junction 37 of the A14.

Representatives for Mr Hancock have been contacted for comment.

Police hit back at Matt Hancock: Ex-health secretary caused 'huge resentment' among officers, says ex-chief constable

By David Churchill, Bill Bowkett and Rory Tingle

Police won't be surprised at the tone of Matt Hancock's leaked messages, in which he discussed the need to 'get heavy' with officers over enforcing lockdown rules, a former chief constable said today.

WhatsApp messages revealed yesterday also disclose how the ex-health secretary gave officers 'their marching orders' to enforce the Covid restrictions.

Sir Peter Fahy, former chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said the approach taken by Mr Hancock and other ministers during the pandemic caused 'huge resentment' within the ranks.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think lots of people in the police service won't be surprised at the tone of these remarks. There was this constant confusion between what was legislation and what was guidance. Often it seemed ministers themselves didn't understand the impact of the legislation.'

It caused 'huge resentment within policing' when cases of officers 'trying to do their best' were highlighted and misunderstood, he said.

The Government must get heavy with the police to make them crack down on lockdown rule-breakers, Matt Hancock said during the pandemic

Leaked private WhatsApp messages show Matt Hancock telling Simon Case, the then permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, about the need to 'get heavy' with the police

Mr Hancock made the comment about giving officers 'their marching orders' days before No 10 staff held an illicit party at Downing Street.

The texts given to The Daily Telegraph also reveal that senior officers were hauled into No 10 to be told they should be stricter with the public.

This is despite ministers claiming at the time that the police were operationally independent of the Government.

On August 28, 2020, Simon Case, then permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, asked Mr Hancock: 'Who is actually delivering enforcement?'

Mr Hancock replied: 'I think we are going to have to get heavy with the police.'

After a meeting on January 10, 2021, one week after England entered its third national lockdown, Mr Hancock texted about how 'the plod got their marching orders'.

The meeting was attended by then prime minister Boris Johnson, then home secretary Priti Patel and Mr Case, who is now the Cabinet Secretary.

On January 14, a gathering was held in No 10 to mark the departure of two private secretaries. The Metropolitan Police later said this event breached the rules in place at the time.

It also emerged that Mr Johnson feared he had 'blinked too soon' by plunging Britain into a second lockdown during the pandemic.

He made the observation in private messages after being told that modelling he had been shown predicting death numbers was 'very wrong'.

Derbyshire Police were among the forces who raised eyebrows for their zealous enforcement of lockdown rules, including sharing drone footage of people walking their dogs in the Peak District in 2020

Sir Peter Fahy, the former chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said the approach taken by Mr Hancock and other ministers during the pandemic caused 'huge resentment'

The messages, leaked by Isabel Oakeshott, who was a ghost-writer on Mr Hancock's Pandemic Diaries, show he expressed the fear on November 1, 2020, a day after he announced another national lockdown would come into force a few days later.

Despite his fears, the lockdown went ahead and lasted for a month.

The messages raise fresh questions about whether ministers were making decisions about curbing people's freedoms based on the science, as they always insisted.

It also raises the prospect that people were forced to abide by draconian restrictions for more time than was necessary.

On November 1, Mr Johnson said he had held an online conference call with scientists Dr Raghib Ali and Dr Carl Heneghan.

Jessica Allen and her friend Eliza Moore were given 200 fines by police in January 2021 after strolling with coffees by Foremark Reservoir in Derbyshire. The fines were later dropped

He told those in the messaging group that Dr Heneghan had said 'the death modelling you have been shown is already very wrong' because it was out of date due to having been drawn up three weeks before.

The previous day, Mr Johnson had announced an impending national lockdown, justifying the decision using public modelling that 4,000 people could die daily without action.

But this data projected what could happen in the event of no restrictions being ordered.

The then PM shared a link in the exchanges suggesting the modelling was out by a factor of four, with a more recent Cambridge study suggesting 1,000 deaths a day would occur.

Referring to the idea that ministers could be criticised for announcing a lockdown too early, Mr Johnson wrote: 'The attack is going to be that we blinked too soon.'

Police speak to drivers at Tynemouth beach after it was closed during lockdown in March 2020

Previous messages reveal how Mr Johnson was told that lifting curbs earlier than planned was not in line with what the public wanted.

A message he sent to Mr Hancock on June 6, 2020, said he was 'thinking hard about the 15th June'.

On June 15, ministers were planning on opening non-essential retail premises.

But Mr Johnson's message suggested he wanted to go further and remove more restrictions.

But he was warned by senior media advisers Lee Cain and James Slack not to do so.

Mr Johnson said they 'still think the whole package will be too far ahead of public opinion'.

A spokesperson for Matt Hancock said: 'Theres nothing new in these messages, and absolutely no public interest in publishing them given the independent inquiry has them all. Its highly intrusive, completely inappropriate and has all been discussed endlessly before.'
Channel migrants will be barred from using human rights laws to avoid removal from Britain under measures to be unveiled by Suella Braverman.

Tough powers will be contained in the Home Secretarys landmark immigration Bill due to be published early next week.

It will severely restrict the way claims under the Human Rights Act can be used by asylum seekers arriving by irregular routes such as across the Channel, the Daily Mail understands.

In some cases, they will be allowed to lodge appeals only once they have been removed from this country.

The Bill is also expected to strengthen measures that allow asylum applications to be declared inadmissible.

Tough powers will be contained in the Home Secretarys landmark immigration Bill due to be published early next week. File image of migrants crossing the Channel

Rishi Sunak has made stopping the boats one of his five key pledges to voters. In December he vowed that the Government would make unambiguously clear that if you enter the UK illegally you should not be able to remain here.

The legislation, provisionally titled the Illegal Migration Bill, will make it easier for the Home Office to reject claims by small boat migrants.

Current Home Office rules say an asylum claim can be declared inadmissible if the claimant was previously present in or had another connection to a safe third country... provided there is a reasonable prospect of removing them in a reasonable time to a safe third country.

The guidance also sets out a number of complex stages that Home Office caseworkers must go through to declare a case inadmissible and gives a six-month timescale.

Claims are reviewed by two separate units within the Home Office  the National Asylum Allocation Unit and the Third Country Unit.

It is this system that is likely to be streamlined under the new legislation.

It was unclear last night whether the Bill will include measures to make it easier to remove migrants to Rwanda. Ministers want to avoid a repeat of the fiasco last year when an 11th-hour injunction by the European Court of Human Rights blocked the first charter flight to Rwanda from taking off.

The Bill of Rights, published last June, said no account is to be taken of any interim measure issued by the European Court of Human Rights.

However, the Bill of Rights was temporarily sent back to the drawing board under Liz Trusss administration  and has still not been taken forward by Mr Sunak.

The Governments Rwanda scheme, under which asylum seekers will be given a one-way ticket to the east African country, was declared lawful by judges in December but a series of legal appeals is likely.

Channel migrants will be barred from using human rights laws to avoid removal from Britain under measures to be unveiled by Suella Braverman (pictured last week)

The Bill will be published ahead of a key summit between the Prime Minister and French president Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

It comes after nearly 46,000 migrants crossed the Channel by small boat last year, compared with 28,500 in 2021. The package of legislation will strengthen existing laws setting out that anyone entering the UK illegally is committing a crime. It is thought this will help meet Mr Sunaks pledge to detain and swiftly remove anyone who arrives in Britain by irregular routes.

Ministers are expected to face a battle over the new laws. Human rights campaigners will almost certainly claim the inadmissibility measures and other aspects of the new Bill are a breach of international refugee conventions.

The legislation is also expected to tighten modern slavery laws that are being exploited by migrants to avoid removal and by criminal gangs to delay police investigations.
Parents are outraged after a leading secondary school sent out gender-neutral school reports for all children without consultation.

Mothers and fathers were baffled when their childrens grades arrived from co-educational school Priory School with all personal pronouns changed.

The reports on the 11- to 16-year-olds also contained grammatical howlers while any mention of he or she was dropped.

Shocking sentences included a religious studies class report where a boys parents were told of their son: They needs to be able to explain different religious views on life after death.

In another line, a pupil was told: It would be even better if they took more care with Spelling Punctuation and Grammar.

Jon Curtis-Brignell headteacher of the school in Lewes, East Sussex, has insisted staff do not have a gender-neutral communication policy'

One Year 9 boys father, who did not wish to be named, told the Mail: This was totally unheralded as far as we can see.

Theres been no announcements, and suddenly they have adopted this policy, which presumably they were going to use in all of their communications.

But Jon Curtis-Brignell headteacher of the school in Lewes, East Sussex, has insisted staff do not have a gender-neutral communication policy.

He claimed the poorly written reports were down to a computer glitch from software that automates parts of the reports.

But it is not the first time apparent wokery has upset pupils and parents at the school, which boasts high-profile alumni including broadcaster Piers Morgan.

There were protests at the gates in 2019 when then headteacher Tony Smith banned girls from wearing skirts as part of a gender-neutral uniform rule.

Both male and female pupils wore skirts to ridicule the move, with Morgan even threatening to wear a blouse and join them. Meanwhile, the latest move has left parents venting their frustration in parent WhatsApp groups. One mother with a 13-year-old son at the school believes Mr Curtis-Brignell still has a woke agenda despite his denials.

The Priory School in Lewes has caused indignation to parents with its 'gender neutral' reports

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: Bringing in a blanket policy as a knee-jerk reaction to the gender issue is to completely miss the point.

Personal pronouns are a matter of choice for every individual and assigning the they pronoun to every pupil takes away their choice. The policy has been brought in to virtue signal the schools pro-trans position but it actually disenfranchises all the pupils.

Another mother with a 14-year-old daughter at the school insisted that she had received further correspondence with gender-neutral language, adding: They should concentrate on educating our children properly and not get mixed up in gender politics.

Mr Curtis-Brignell said last night: We have now completed an evaluation of our written reports, including the use of generic personal pronouns, and changes will be implemented when the next reports are issued later in the year.

Any concerns raised with the school by parents and carers will always be responded to with openness, transparency, and honesty.

Cressida Murray, whose daughter Libby protested against the introduction of the gender-neutral school uniform, said: It doesnt surprise me at all. The school are so wrong-headed on the gender issue. Its ridiculous.

Her daughter left last year but she said the school needed to take stock of its position and leave pronouns to the personal choice of each individual pupil.
A celebrity chauffeur gunned down in a hail of bullets in front of his young son outside a gym has been farewelled in an emotional funeral.

Mourners paid their respects to slain father Taha Sabbagh, 40, at a service at Lakemba Mosque, in south-west Sydney, at 1pm on Saturday.

Sabbagh was shot dead outside the Elite Force gym on Carlingford Street in Sefton at about 6.30am on Thursday.

Family and friends comforted each other as the coffin carrying the slain father was carried up the stairs and into the mosque two days later.

A celebrity chauffeur gunned down in a hail of bullets in front of his young son has been farewelled in an emotional funeral

Mourners paid their respects to slain father Taha Sabbagh, 40, at a service at Lakemba Mosque, in south-west Sydney, at 1pm on Saturday

Family and friends comforted each other as the coffin carrying the slain father was carried up the stairs and into the mosque two days later

Sabbagh was shot dead outside the Elite Force gym on Carlingford Street in Sefton at about 6.30am on Thursday

'Nobody saw this coming,' a preacher from inside the mosque said.

The coffin was then carried back down the front steps following the service while the mourners solemnly chanted around it.

The coffin was then loaded into the back of a hearse waiting on the street before it was taken to Rookwood Cemetery.

Several mourners were seen wiping away tears and embracing each other.

A single police car was parked on the opposite side of the road while patrol cars swept up and down the road every few minutes.

The celebrity chauffeur was drinking coffee while dropping off his 12-year-old at the gym when at least two gunmen opened fire at the black Mercedes SUV.

Sabbagh wrapped his arms around his son sitting next to him in the front passenger seat to protect him from the bullets.

The boy then ran from the scene to get help for his dad who died at the scene from a gunshot wound.

Police said the shooting had the hallmarks of a 'targeted organised crime murder' and that while Sabbagh wasn't well known to police, he mixed in underworld circles.

They're still investigating whether the fatal shooting was linked to Sabbagh's associations and haven't ruled out it may have been a case of mistaken identity.

The gym counts among its patrons members from the notorious Haouchar and Mariam families, while gym co-owner 'Bones' Adam Omar, also known as Boxa Yass, is an associate of the Comancheros bikie gang, 7News reports.

The Mariams and Haouchars are in alliance with the infamous Alameddine crime network, which has been linked to drug syndicates across Sydney and bloody conflicts against rival clan, the Hamzys.

The coffin was then carried back down the front steps following the service a short time later while the mourners joined in on a solemn chant

A single police car was parked on the opposite side of the road while patrol cars swept up and down the road every few minutes (pictured, mourners outside the mosque)

Several mourners were seen wiping away tears and embracing each other on Saturday

Police said the shooting had the hallmarks of a 'targeted organised crime murder' and that while Sabbagh wasn't well known to police, he mixed in underworld circles

According to 7News, gym co-owner and professional fighter Hany Sbat and his brother Omar drive similar cars to Sabbagh, and underworld sources believe they could have been the intended targets.

Sabbagh's friends are convinced he was gunned down in a case of mistaken identity.

'We believe whilst he (Sabbagh) was relatively not well known to police, he was associated with people who are well known to police,' NSW Police Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said

'We believe this is a targeted attack, it's not random - the execution style - it bears the hallmarks of an organised crime murder.

'It was callous and brazen and (the shooter) had little regard for human life.'

'Associates of the victim have connections to that gym as well, and that's why circumstances lend themselves to a targeted attack.'

The boy wasn't physically injured but has been left very traumatised.

'It is horrendous a 12-year-old had to witness his father being shot dead in this manner,' Det Supt Doherty said.

Detectives believe they are hunting two gunmen who used a Mazda 3 as their getaway car, before it was later found burnt out in the nearby suburb of Birrong.

Police spent most of Thursday at the crime scene and attended Sabbagh's home later in the afternoon as part of their investigation.

The shooting ends a six month ceasefire since the last gangland murder when Lametta Fadlallah and Amneh al-Hazouri were killed in a drive-by shooting at Revesby.

Forensic investigators set up a crime scene following the shooting at Sefton on Thursday

Elite Fight Force is owned by Adam Omar (left), also known as Boxa Yass, and professional fighter Hany Sbat (right). Omar is reportedly an associate of the Comancheros while Sbat owns a car that looks the same as Sabbagh's black Mercedes

Members of the Haouchar family are patrons of Elite Fight Force. Osman Haouchar (left) who lost his right eye during a drive-by outside his family's Merrylands home in 2008, is pictured with his cousin Mohamad 'Butch' Haouchar (right)

Members of the Mariam crime family also workout at the gym. Pictured are brothers Moustafa Mariam (left) and Mahmoud Mariam (right)

Facebook page Request Dua  designed to request prayers from Sydney's Islamic community remembered Sabbagh as a 'loving son, brother, father, husband'.

'With great sadness and shock we announce our beloved brother Taha Sabbagh has returned to his Creator,' a post read.

'He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Please remember our beloved and family and loved ones in your Dua. We ask Allah to give his family, wife and children comfort during this test.'

Mr Sabbagh's uncle Nasser Sabbagh told Daily Mail Australia the luxury car driver wrapped his arms around his son to protect him as he was shot.

'Why do people kill other people?' he asked. 'He's a good man. Quiet man. No criminal record. He goes to work. Spends time with his kids.'

Another relative said he wanted Mr Sabbagh to be remembered as a 'father, brother, uncle, and cousin'.

The proud dad's last social media post on Wednesday night showed his 12-year-old boy practicing punching, blocking and dodging with a trainer.

A witness heard at least six shots fired and the sound of a car screeching away. The Mazda 3 was later found burnt out at nearby Birrong train station.

Paramedics desperately tried to revive Mr Sabbagh, who was a regular at the MMA gym.

Later in the afternoon family and friends flocked to Mr Sabbagh's home as they came to terms with his death.

The tiny residential street was teeming with cars as loved ones arrived to pay their respects before consoling each other and departing.

Two white marquees were set up on the driveway as men and women sat beneath on the many plastic chairs scattered across the front yard.

Distraught loved ones hugged and consoled each other as they congregated in separate groups, spilling out onto the street.

One man dabbed his face with a tissue, while a woman wrapped her arm around another woman's shoulder as they walked towards the house.
Alex Murdaugh is tonight facing the stark reality of spending the rest of his life behind bars in a state prison surrounded by the country's most violent offenders.

The disgraced legal scion appeared with a shaved head in a yellow jumpsuit after being booked into South Carolina's Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center on Friday.

Murdaugh was earlier sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of his wife Maggie, 52, and son Paul, 22, at their sprawling hunting estate in Moselle on the night of June 7, 2021.

He will spend the next few weeks at the R&E facility where he faces rigorous testing before he will be assigned to a permanent state prison. As he is a double murderer, he will be housed with the state's most brutal and violent inmates.

The life he faces is a far cry from the privileged world of multi-million dollar homes from the coast to the hunting lands of the Lowcountry to which he has grown accustomed in his 54 years.

Alex Murdaugh has been pictured in a new mugshot with his head shaved and wearing a yellow jumpsuit after being booked into South Carolina's Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center on Friday evening

Kirkland Correctional Center will be Murdaugh's grim new home for the next few weeks as he undergoes evaluation for where to be sent permanently

This undated file photo provided on July 11, 2019, by the South Carolina Department of Corrections shows the new death row at Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, SC

Alex Murdaugh with wife Maggie and their sons Buster (left) and Paul (right)

'As part of the intake process, like all inmates, (Murdaugh) will undergo medical tests, mental health and education assessments, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections will gather other additional background information,' the South Carolina Department of Corrections said in a statement.

After the evaluation, Murdaugh will be sent to one of the state's maximum-security prisons to serve out the rest of his life behind bars.

Kirkland is home to more than 1,700 of the most violent criminals in the state and churns through more than 8,000 prisoners each year for evaluation.

As well as serving as the processing site for all of the state's convicts, it is also home to a specialized maximum-security jail for the most dangerous and violent offenders.

Adjacent to the prison is the Broad River Correctional Institution which houses both high and medium security inmates.

More than 700 prisoners died in South Carolina's prisons and jails between 2015 and 2021. The majority of those deaths occurred at Kirkland (160) and Broad River (101).

'Kirkland is also responsible for the maximum-security unit which houses some of the most violent and dangerous inmates in the state,' the site's website says.

'Furthermore, Kirkland Correctional Center houses inmates who are in the statewide protective custody program.'

Trial attorney Robert Rikard tweeted last night ahead of Murdaugh's sentencing: 'Tomorrow will be a much different day for Murdaugh. After sentencing instead of going to the county jail he will go to Reception and Evaluation on Broad River Rd.

'They'll shave his head and put him through a battery of tests that vet weeks.

'Then he will be assigned to a SC Department of Corrections facility. Because he's convicted of a violent crime, he will go to a facility that only houses the violent criminals. The worst of the worst.

'It will be a much different scene than the county jail. These are brutal environments and it will be quite a shock after the privileged life he has lived.'

Adjacent to the prison is the Broad River Correctional Institution which houses both high and medium security inmates

A cell at the Broad facility. More than 700 prisoners died in South Carolina's prisons and jails between 2015 and 2021

The majority of prisoner deaths in the state occurred at Kirkland (160) and Broad River (101)

Murdaguh will eventually end up at a maximum security prison. ' He will go to a facility that only houses the violent criminals. The worst of the worst.

More than 700 prisoners died in South Carolina's prions and jails between 2015 and 2021. The majority of those deaths occurred at Kirkland (160) and Broad River (101)

Broad River Correctional Facility / Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center

Judge Clifton Newman issued a searing sentencing earlier, describing Murdaugh as a 'monster' who continued to lie even when the evidence was damning.

'This case qualifies under our death penalty statue based on the statutory aggravating circumstances of two or more people being murdered by the defendant by one act or pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct. I don't question at all the decision of the state not to pursue the death penalty.

'But as I sit here in this courtroom and look around at the many portraits of judges and other court officials and reflect on the fact that over the past century, your family, including you, have been prosecuting people here in this courtroom and many have received the death penalty, probably for lesser conduct.

'Remind me of the expression you gave on the witness stand. Oh, what tangled web we weave. What did you mean by that?'

'I meant when I lied, I continued to lie,' Murdaugh replied.

'And the question is when will it end? When will it end? And it has ended already for the jury, because they've concluded that you continue to lie and lied throughout your testimony. And perhaps with all the throng of people here, they for the most part all believe or 80, 90& or 99% believe that you continue to lie now when your statement of denial to the court.'

Prosecutor Creighton Waters said none of the victims of the crime  members of Murdaugh's family and the parents and relatives of his wife  wished to speak on behalf of the prosecution before sentencing.

'The depravity, the callousness, the selfishness of these crimes are stunning. The lack of remorse and the effortless way in which he is, including here, sitting right over there in this witness stand  your honor, a man like that, a man like this man, should never be allowed to be among free, law-abiding citizens,' Waters said.

He learned his fate in the same courtroom on the circuit that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather tried cases as the elected prosecutor for more than 80 years.

Alex Murdaugh is led out of the courthouse to a waiting prison van to begin his life sentence

Murdaugh leaves the courthouse in a Colleton County Jail jumpsuit on Friday

His grandfather's portrait hung in the back of the room until the judge ordered it taken down for the trial.

Instead of the smart clothes he wore through the six-week trial, the attorney who made millions suing big companies on behalf of people injured in car crashes arrived at court in a jail jumpsuit the day after he was convicted of two counts of murder.

Through more than 75 witnesses and nearly 800 pieces of evidence, jurors heard about betrayed friends and clients, Murdaugh's failed attempt to stage his own death in an insurance fraud scheme, a fatal boat crash in which his son was implicated, the housekeeper who died in a fall in the Murdaugh home and the grisly scene of the killings.

The lawyer admitted stealing millions of dollars from the family firm and clients, saying he needed the money to fund his drug habit.

Before he was charged with murder, Murdaugh was in jail awaiting trial on about 100 other charges ranging from insurance fraud to tax evasion.

The Murdaughs dominated the legal scene in neighboring Hampton County for a century. Another brother remains in the large law firm the family founded a century ago.

Murdaugh's surviving son Buster testified for the defense and was behind him in the courtroom for every day of the trial.

Juror Craig Moyer told ABC News that when deliberations began, the jury immediately took a poll that came back with nine guilty votes. It did not take long to convince the other three.

The juror agreed with prosecutors that the key piece of evidence was a video locked on his son's mobile phone for a year  video shot minutes before the killings at the same kennels near where the bodies would be found.

Murdaugh spoke briefly, telling the judge: 'I am innocent. I would never hurt my wife Maggie and I would never hurt my son Paul Paul.' He was sentenced to life in prison

Judge Clifton Newman gave a searing assessment of Murdaugh's 'duplicitous'; character

The voices of all three Murdaughs can be heard on the video, though Alex Murdaugh had insisted for 20 months that he had not been at the kennels that night.

When he gave evidence in his own defense, the first thing he did was admit he had lied to investigators about being at the kennels, saying he was paranoid of law enforcement because he was addicted to opioids and had pills in his pocket the night of the killings.

'A good liar. But not good enough,' Moyer said.

Prosecutors did not have the weapons used to kill the Murdaughs or other direct evidence like confessions or blood spatter.

But they had a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including the video putting Murdaugh at the scene of the killings five minutes before his wife and son stopped using their mobile phones forever.

When he gave evidence last week, Murdaugh appeared to cry as he denied again and again that he killed his wife. But Mr Moyer said he saw through yet another lie.

'He never cried. All he did was blow snot,' Moyer said. 'No tears. I saw his eyes. I was this close to him.'
Introducing uncapped safe and legal routes for asylum seekers would result in millions of migrants coming to Britain, officials have warned.

Home Office experts were asked to calculate the impact of opening up the UKs asylum system to overseas applications  as proposed by Labour and refugee groups.

Official modelling concluded that millions and millions of migrants from across the world would be drawn here by such a policy, the Daily Mail has learned.

There would be massive demand from a pool of 100million people who have been displaced by conflict and disasters across the globe.

Introducing uncapped safe and legal routes for asylum seekers would result in millions of migrants coming to Britain, officials have warned

A Home Office source said: We obviously couldnt sustain these numbers of people coming in. It would be totally crackers and I cant imagine the British people want to see millions of extra people coming to the UK.

The Home Office is already struggling to cope with a backlog of 166,000 cases after new applications hit nearly 75,000 last year.

A surge in arrivals would also place enormous pressure on housing and public services. It comes as new laws to tackle the small boats crisis are due to be unveiled next week.

The Mail reported yesterday how Rishi Sunak is aiming to capitalise on momentum secured by the Brexit breakthrough.

The measures, provisionally titled the Illegal Migration Bill, will set out a range of measures to combat Channel arrivals.
A French family has been left heartbroken after their 19-month-old daughter died during their Miami vacation from an accidental fentanyl overdose.

Lydie and Boris Lavenir, of Guadeloupe - a French island - never imagined they would lay their 19-month-old daughter Enora down for a nap and not have her wake up.

Prior to her nap, the little girl was playing in the kitchen with the pots and pans before her parents laid her down for a two-hour nap.

Unfortunately for the family, when Lydie went to wake up Enora, she found her daughter foaming at the mouth and blue in the face inside their rented Wellington, Florida, lake house in August 2021.

'Enoras dead,' the frantic mother screamed, according to the Washington Post.

The family of seven rushed to call 911, but it was too late for little Enora, whose death has since been ruled an accidental overdose of fentanyl.

Lydie and Boris Lavenir, of Guadeloupe - a French island - never imagined they would lay their 19-month-old daughter Enora down for a nap and not have her wake up

Unfortunately for the family, when Lydie went to wake up Enora, she found her daughter foaming at the mouth and blue in the face inside their rented Wellington, Florida, lake house in August 2021

Even worse for the family - who had no idea what the highly dangerous drug was - authorities originally made them suspects. However, that quickly changed after both Lydie and Boris tested negative for the drug and investigators couldn't find a trace of fentanyl in the home.

Investigators and the family were left wondering: Where did the fentanyl come from?

The family is keen to believe the previous renters, who admitted to throwing a cocaine-infused party weeks before they arrived, had something to do with it. The previous renters, however, booked through Vrbo and not Airbnb.

However, investigators aren't certain and tested several theories. After contacting the former renters, who denied being in possession of any fentanyl, investigators also looked into Enora's sleeping position and medical history to see if they could find any connection.

The family of seven rushed to call 911, but it was too late for little Enora, whose death has since been ruled an accidental overdose of fentanyl. Even worse for the family - who had no idea what the highly dangerous drug was - authorities originally made them suspects

However, that quickly changed after both Lydie and Boris tested negative for the drug and investigators couldn't find a trace of fentanyl in the home. The family is keen to believe the previous renters, who admitted to throwing a cocaine-infused party weeks before they arrived, had something to do with it

A culprit was never determined, leading an investigator to rule her heart-wrenching death accidental.

'I am currently unable to determine how the child Enora Lavenir ingested the fentanyl,' a final report read. 'Therefore I am unable to develop probable cause for abuse or neglect leading to the death of Enora. Currently, the manner of death is listed as accidental.'

A Palm Beach Sheriffs Office representative told the Washington Post the case is currently closed as deputies wait for leads.

The only thing investigators and the family were mostly sure of: The drug came from inside the Airbnb.

Prior to her nap, the little girl was playing in the kitchen with the pots and pans before her parents laid her down for a two-hour nap

The family is keen to believe the previous renters, who admitted to throwing a cocaine-infused party weeks before they arrived, had something to do with it. The family has sued Airbnb, the property owner, the rental manager, and the former tenants

So far, no charges have been pressed against anyone, but the family is now suing Airbnb, the property owner, the rental manager, and the former tenants, according to the Washington Post.

A legal expert, who spoke with the Washington Post, believes the family will have a hard time pursuing the lawsuit, as it will be difficult to prove the partiers were the source of the drug.

'They can prove that the child died from fentanyl exposure, but where that fentanyl comes from, linking it to this particular group, that just sounds monstrously difficult under these circumstances,' University of Florida Law Professor Lars Noah said.

However, the family's attorney, Thomas Scolaro, isn't intent on finding the source of the drug, but rather that the Airbnb was negligent and did not properly clean the space between tenants.

'The only thing we have here is our common sense,' the lawyer told the Post. 'It was definitely in that unit, that Airbnb. Which particular person left the drugs is frankly not anything Im trying to prove. What I want to show is Airbnb provided no cleanup, no warning, no measure of safety for the family.'

The popular short-term rental company has not legally responded to the lawsuit but told the Post: 'Our hearts go out to the Lavenir family and their loved ones for their devastating loss.'
The dog that was with a young woman when she was allegedly murdered more than four years ago has died in the same week the woman's alleged killer has returned to Australia.

The life of Toyah Cordingley's beloved dog Indie ended after it had been suffering from cancer.

'Her dog Indie had to be put down,' Mr Cordingley, Toyah's father, said.

The pup had been found tied to a tree at Wangetti Beach near where his 24-year-old daughter's body was found, he told the Cairns Post.

Indie, Ms Cordingley's beloved dog had to be put down this week after suffering from cancer (pictured, Ms Cordingley with 'Indie' in 2017)

In October, 2018, Mr Cordingley found his daughter's body half-buried in the sand in the state's north a day after police allege she was murdered.

He says he hoped he would find the strength to attend her court case, and all he could do now is hope.

'I feel I owe this to Toyah,' he said.

'But this won't bring her back.'

He hoped no-one would ever have to go through the pain his family suffered, the father said.

Rajwinder Singh (pictured centre, wearing a black long sleeve shirt and grey trackpants) was extradited to Cairns on Thursday before being charged with Ms Cordingley's murder on Friday morning

News of her dog's demise came as Ms Cordingley's accused killer, Rajwinder Singh, 38, was extradited to Cairns on Thursday.

The 38-year-old was arrested in India in November, 2022 on suspicion of the young woman's murder.

Mr Cordingley expressed his wishes for the community to allow the case to run smoothly.

'I ask the Cairns community to please respect the judicial process and not speculate or do anything which could impact the court case.'

Mr Singh will face the courts again in April.
Energy bills will not go up next month  with the Chancellor set to extend the Governments energy price guarantee.

Households would have seen the cap on bills rise from 2,500 to 3,000 a year from April.

But Jeremy Hunt is planning to keep the guarantee for three more months until wholesale prices have fallen so far that it becomes unnecessary.

A Whitehall source said ministers are expected to keep the guarantee at 2,500 and have asked energy suppliers to prepare for a decision.

It followed the revelation that energy firms were preparing Aprils bills on the basis that government support would be maintained close to the current level.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is planning to keep the government's energy price guarantee

The Resolution Foundation think-tank and consumer champion Martin Lewis both said Mr Hunt was likely to prevent bills increasing, with the latter telling the BBC it was almost certain.

Mr Lewis, the founder of Money Saving Expert, said: We are not at the smoking gun stage that this is definitely happening, but I would say that were at an 85 per cent likelihood that the price wont be going up.

And energy firms have missed a deadline to tell prepayment meter providers that there will be a new rate in April, suggesting there will not be a change, Mr Lewis added.

The increase in the energy price cap was set to coincide with the end of the energy bill support scheme which paid each household 400.

Dame Clare Moriarty, of Citizens Advice, warned this week that millions of middle-class families would face a catastrophic hit to their finances if the support is scaled back. If the cap increased by 500, the number of people unable to pay their energy bills would have doubled.

Mr Hunt faced calls to use an 11 billion budget windfall to scrap the 500 rise. The unexpected savings on energy prices came from warmer European weather and a slowdown in China.

Extending the price guarantee until June 30 would cost the Government nearly 2.7 billion.

And Paul Johnson, of the IFS think-tank, said: The Chancellor could very easily... extend the energy price guarantee for another three months to cushion people over the first part of the next fiscal year.

Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said the Chancellor was very sympathetic to calls to protect households from the increase.

But a source close to Mr Hunt cautioned yesterday that no decision has been made and reports the cap will remain are speculation.

The Government asked energy companies to prepare for a decision either way, the source added.

If the cap increased 500, the number of people unable to pay their bills would have doubled

The energy price cap is currently 4,279 a year, meaning households would pay this amount without the Governments support.

Regulator Ofgem said this week that will fall to 3,280 from April.

And the Government is confident this will fall to below 2,500 from July, meaning the support would no longer be necessary.
French authorities fear 'narco-tourists' could travel to the beaches of Normandy after more than two tonnes of cocaine reportedly washed ashore.

Locals in the coastal town in northern France have reported an influx of strangers in luxury cars visiting the area since the class-A drugs were found on the beach earlier this week.

Phillipe Astruc, the local prosecutor, issued a public health warning yesterday amid rising concern of 'narco-tourism', The Guardian reports.

The cocaine is said to be of around 80 per cent to 90 per cent purity and poses a health risk to members of the public, with Mr Astruc warning it could be 'fatal' if consumed.

He said: 'The act of taking possession of one of these bundles and transporting it is a crime that carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.'

Packages discovered on the beach at Normandy, northern France, earlier this week. It remains unknown how they arrived there

The cocaine is said to be of around 80 per cent to 90 per cent purity and poses a health risk to members of the public

He added: 'At the present time, we dont know the purity of this substance.'

A number of packages have been discovered along the coast at Neville-sur-mer, Omonville-la-Rogue and Reville so far - totalling a street value of around 133million.

Mr Astruc recalled the death of a man who consumed cocaine that washed ashore on the western coast of the country in 2019.

Meanwhile, Mayor or Reville Yves Asseline said: 'The sea brings us many things, but this is obviously very unusual. Weve seen people arriving in 4x4s, brand new cars or with quad bikes on the beach, sometimes at dawn with head torches.'

Armed officers have been patrolling the area for any further packages, while it remains unclear where the drugs came from.

It is thought the cocaine may have been thrown overboard by traffickers or became loose from a boat in poor weather conditions.

Dranguet Beach, Reville, where drugs with a street value of around 133million were discovered

It comes after drugs worth 53million - including 'very pure' cocaine - mysteriously washed up in packages along the French coast sparking warnings of an 'immediate health risk' in November 2019.

More than 1,657lb (760kg) of drug parcels were discovered on beaches including in Le Porge and Capbreton along the Atlantic coast in southwestern France.
The Home Secretary has waded into the blasphemy controversy surrounding a West Yorkshire school, saying: 'Nobody can demand respect for their belief system, even if it is a religion.'

Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield found itself in the spotlight after a 14-year-old boy with autism accidentally dropped a copy of the Quran, causing scuffmarks.

The incident was investigated by West Yorkshire Police as a potential hate crime, while four boys involved in the incident were suspended.

Suella Braverman KC has stated that the UK does not have blasphemy laws and everyone should respect its 'absolute' freedom of speech and pluralism, The Times reports.

She wrote: 'The education sector and police have a duty to prioritise the physical safety of children over the hurt feelings of adults. Schools answer to pupils and parents. They do no have to answer to self-appointed community activists.'

Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield found itself in the spotlight after a 14-year-old boy with autism accidentally dropped a copy of the Quran, causing scuffmarks

Suella Braverman KC has stated that the UK does not have blasphemy laws and everyone should respect the UK's 'absolute' freedom of speech and pluralism

Ms Braverman described a community meeting filmed in the aftermath of the incident as looking 'more like a sharia law trial'.

She added: 'There is no apostasy law in this country, The act of accusing someone of apostasy or blasphemy is effectively inciting violence upon that person.

'Everyone who lives here has to accept this country's pluralism and freedom of speech and belief... This freedom is absolute.'

False rumours the book had been burnt prompted concern among parents and local leaders, who discussed the incident with police during a meeting at the local mosque.

Officers found there had been only 'minor damage' to the Quran during the prank and that no crime had been committed.

However, it was recorded as a 'non-crime hate incident', a designation the police use to record those not meeting the criminal threshold.

Headmaster Tudor Griffiths said there had been 'no malicious intent' but the pupils' actions were 'unacceptable' because they 'did not treat the Quran with the respect it should have'.

A source close to Ms Braverman told The Times: 'These are very concerning reports.

'The home secretary is clear that the police response should always be proportionate and consider the welfare of young children as a priority over any perceived insults.'

Humanists UK called the decision to suspend the boys 'horrendous' and said the school had allowed itself to be 'pressured into excessive disciplinary action by a religious group'.

West Yorkshire Police said: 'We are aware of local and national concerns following an incident at Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield last week.

'Police were made aware on the evening of Thursday, 23 February, of an incident that had occurred at the school earlier that day.

'Initial enquiries confirmed that minor damage was caused to a religious text.

'We have recorded a hate incident, but from our enquiries are satisfied that no criminal offences were committed.

'A report was also made of a malicious communications offence in relation to threats being made to a child in connection with this incident.

'A suspect was identified, who was also a child, and they were given words of advice by an officer.

'We are continuing to liaise with the school and our neighbourhood officers are conducting additional reassurance patrols in the area.'

The school is ten miles from Batley Grammar School, which was the focus of parent protests in 2021 after a teacher was suspended for showing his pupils an image of the prophet Muhammad.
Kellyanne Conway and her husband George have filed for divorced after 22 years of marriage after admitting her husband's criticism of Donald Trump was a betrayal.

The couple known for being political opposites has gone their separate ways after years of speculation if the pair even liked each other, according to Page Six. George has been one of Donald Trump's biggest critics, and publicly mocked the president on Twitter while he employed his wife.

Kellyanne and George wed in 2001 and had four children - Claudia, Vanessa, Charlotte, and George - together.

The pair have both hired divorce lawyers and they are working to divide their assets, Page Six reported.

Her former boss celebrated her divorce on Truth Social, writing: 'Congratulations to Kellyanne Conway on her DIVORCE from her wacko husband, Mr. Kellyanne Conway.

'Free at last, she has finally gotten rid of the disgusting albatross around her neck. She is a great person, and will now be free to lead the kind of life that she deservesand it will be a great life without the extremely unattractive loser by her side!'

Kellyanne Conway and her husband George have filed for divorce after 22 years. The pair have both hired divorce lawyers and they are working to divide their assets

Kellyanne and George wed in 2001 and had four children - Claudia, Vanessa, Charlotte, and George (pictured at an unknown time)

Kellyanne, 56, became a Trump advisor in 2016, serving as his campaign manager. While she endlessly worked for the president, her husband - who co-founded the Lincoln Project, which worked to prevent Trump's reelection - blasted the president on social media.

It seems the divorce hasn't slowed his criticism down any, as he was active on Twitter lambasting the former leader on Friday, including retweeting a post where the president's sanity was questioned.

Their political rift was brought up in Kellyanne's 2022 memoir Here's The Deal, where she revealed she thought of his criticism as a betrayal to their marriage. She considered his tweets 'cheating' and it was revealed Trump's daughter Ivanka had suggested the pair seek therapy.

Trump himself had even called George a 'stone cold LOSER & husband from hell' at one point.

Another blip in the family image came in 2020 after their teenage daughter Claudia criticized her mother and Trump.

Kellyanne announced in August 2020 that she would leave the White House the day after the 15-year-old said she was 'officially pushing for emancipation' from her parents in a series of tweets.

Kellyanne admitted in her 2022 memoir that her husband's criticism of her former boss was a betrayal to their marriage

Kellyanne said she was leaving for the sake of her family, to be 'less drama, more mama.'

Yet shortly after the announcement, Claudia Conway took to TikTok, stating that her parents were going to get divorced but have now called it off 'to keep her from getting emancipated.'

She accused her father George of not caring about her and not knowing her middle name and said her mother has been physically abusive her whole life.

George also stepped back from his role on the Lincoln Project and took a brief hiatus from Twitter to focus on family.

In a statement at the time, Kellyanne called her time in the Trump administration 'heady' and 'humbling,' and said she and George were making the decision based on what they think is best for their four children.

'We disagree about plenty,' she wrote of her and her husband, 'but we are united on what matters most: the kids.

Another blip in the family image came in 2020 after Claudia (pictured) criticized her mother and Trump, forcing her parents to step down from their jobs to focus on family

'Our four children are teens and 'tweens starting a new academic year in the middle school and high school that will be conducted remotely from home for a least a few months. As millions of parents nationwide know, kids 'doing school from home' requires a level of attention and vigilance that is as unusual as these times.'

Conway continued: 'This is completely my choice and my voice. In time, I will announce future plans. For now, and for my beloved children, it will be less drama, more mama.'

Months later, more drama spilled between Kellyanne and Claudia after the latter posted a TikTok publicly accusing her mother was hiding her positive COVID-19 diagnosis and saying Trump is worse than he claims.

Claudia posted on the site to 'clarify' her claim that the Donald Trump aide had 'lied' about her test result on Friday - but the pair argued in the video as Kellyanne accused her daughter of 'lying about your f**king mother.'
Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt has married her partner Tim Pearson in an intimate celebration.

The body image campaigner married the 'love of her life' on Thursday night in a ceremony along with close family members in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia.

Ms Brumfitt took to social media posting an image of herself with her new husband walking in between rows of guests who were holding sparklers.

It is understood the 45-year-old met Mr Pearson on a dating app not long after her marriage to her previous husband Matthew ended in 2020, the Adelaide Advertiser said.

'Last night I married the love of my life,' the 2023 Australian of the Year said on social media.

Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt has married her partner Tim Pearson in an intimate celebration

It is understood the 45-year-old met Mr Pearson on a dating app not long after her marriage to her previous husband Matthew ended in 2020

The body image campaigner married the 'love of her life' on Thursday night in a ceremony along with close family members in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia

The happy couple marked the occasion with 'just our kids, parents, siblings and close family'.

'It was the best night of my life. Tim and all the kids had prepared a speech, expressing the kind of words that make your eyes well up and your heart grow a little,' she said.

'Isn't love the best!'

Ms Brumfitt said it was a 'miracle' event adding the 'exquisite' wedding dress was ordered three weeks before the nuptials.

'I rang my friend [artist and designer Tiff Manuell] three weeks ago and said, "I'm getting married in a few weeks and I don't have a dress!''' she said.

'But Tiff didn't just rustle up any old thing, she made and hand painted this stunning silk gown. I've never seen a more exquisite dress in my life.

'Thank you to my friends for helping me pull together this wedding in record time because, let's be frank, I was way too much of a relaxed 'she'll be right' bride.'

She also gave kudos to the Bridgewater Mill for providing food for the special event as well as the celebrant for her 'warm energy'.

Ms Brumfitt was named the Australian of the Year at a ceremony in Canberra last January for her work in body image activism.

Ms Brumfitt (pictured, with Mr Pearson) has written books and released documentaries over the past decade in a campaign to spread self-acceptance and self-love which has reached more than 200 million people.

Ms Brumfitt was named the Australian of the Year at a ceremony in Canberra last January (Ms Brumfitt at the event) for her work in body image activism

The South Australian has written books and released documentaries over the past decade in a campaign to spread self-acceptance and self-love which has reached more than 200 million people.

Once a bodybuilder, Ms Burfitt was launched into the spotlight after sharing a picture of herself on social media that showed her carrying more weight in her 'after' photo.

The twist on the 'before and after photos' went viral, sparking a wave of support and launching a crusade that would lead her to preaching a message of positivity to children and adults around the world.

She's also turning her attention to men's body image, with plans to release a third documentary in her 'Embrace' series after having focused on children and women in the earlier films.
Researchers at two universities have said there's an 'elevated level' of what they're terming a 'chemical of concern' near the Norfolk Southern disaster in East Palestine, Ohio.

A mobile lab of scientists at Texas A&M University and Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a chemical known as acrolein in the air in the wake of the catastrophic train derailment.

The analysis comes from February 20 and 21, less than three weeks after the crash and was taken from the air, ground water and local residents homes. After they were cleared to return, some residents told DailyMail.com that they are still feeling the effects of the toxic runoff, including rashes, shortness of breath, headaches and more.

The EPA told locals it was okay to return home shortly after derailment and controlled burn.

The derailment of the Norfolk Southern train one month ago in the town of East Palestine caused a massive fire and prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents as hazardous materials were released into the air, soil and nearby surface waters.

Researchers at two universities have said there's an 'elevated level' of what they're terming a 'chemical of concern' near the Norfolk Southern disaster in East Palestine, Ohio

Acrolein was calculated to be the biggest concern for residents, the Texas A&M and Carnegie Mellon University researchers found, according to CNN.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, acrolein is either a clear, colorless gas or a pale yellow, strong-smelling liquid.

It evaporates easily at normal temperatures, producing toxic concentrations.

It is poisonous no matter what the exposure route is. It causes inflammation and irritation of the skin, respiratory tract and mucus membranes.

After it is inhaled, it can cause delayed pulmonary edema  excess fluid in the lungs.

This can lead to coughs, chest pain and fatigue.

It is formed when fossil fuels are burnt and is also a by-product of fires.

The other eight chemicals found to be at higher than normal average concentrations are: benzene, vinyl chloride, butadiene, naphthalene, o-Xylene, trichloroethylene, trichloroethane and butadiene.

A mobile lab of scientists at Texas A&M University and Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a chemical known as acrolein in the air in the wake of the catastrophic train derailment

'We didn't see any hotspots, which I think is probably a positive takeaway,' said Albert Presto, an associate research professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon's Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation who is working on the university's chemical monitoring effort in East Palestine. 'I would say there's a need for further investigation and for continued sampling' because of potential risk, particularly from the chemical acrolein.

Vinyl chloride is a colorless manmade gas which burns easily.

It is mainly used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a hard plastic resin used to make plastic products including pipes and wire and cable exteriors.

PVC is not known or suspected to cause cancer, but vinyl chloride is associated with a higher risk of a rare form of liver cancer (hepatic angiosarcoma), as well as primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), brain and lung cancers, lymphoma and leukemia.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists vinyl chloride as carcinogenic to humans, which means it has sufficient scientific proof that it causes cancer in people.

People who are exposed to vinyl chloride over many years are likely to get liver damage and cancer.

It will most likely enter someone's body by breathing it in, but it can also be ingested via contaminated drinking water.

The chemical travels through the body in the blood and the liver, breaking it down into other chemicals, some of which can cause more damage than the vinyl chloride itself.

According to the CDC, the gas has a faint sweet odor, but the threshold at which it will smell is 'too high to provide an adequate warning of hazardous concentrations'.

This means people can be overexposed to it without being aware it is even in the air.

A five-minute exposure to over twice the level it can be smelt at can cause dizziness.

At levels five times that high, exposure can cause drowsiness, a loss of coordination, issues with sight and hearing, disorientation, nausea, headache, and burning or tingling in the arms and legs.

Sustained exposure can lead to death due to the central nervous system shutting down. The gas is also found in tobacco smoke.

When burned or heated to a high enough temperature, the gas turns into hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and traces of phosgene.

Other symptoms and still surfacing repercussions being reported by residents include citizens saying they have been coughing up blood, with fish and livestock seen dying as far as 20 miles away.

To address the concerns, the US Environmental Protection Agency will require Norfolk Southern to test for dioxin levels, even though the agency says its analysis indicates the likelihood of the pollutants being present following the accident is low.

Aside from the unconfirmed reports of sickness, the derailment promptly put the topic of rail safety to the top of public discourse, as well as federal questions about the regulations surrounding the transport of hazardous materials.

On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a new national bill to more strictly regulate rail safety.

The proposed guidance, dubbed The Railway Safety Act of 2023, includes a number of provisions to boost safety procedures to prevent future incidents, including 'new safety requirements and procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials like vinyl chloride,' a requirement for advance notice from railways to state emergency response officials about what their trains are carrying.

The Biden administration has been accused of being apathetic to the plight of the small Ohio community, where residents are reporting worrying symptoms

It further addresses the risk of wheel bearing failures by ramping up detection and inspection and requires 'well-trained, two person crews aboard every train.'

In total, roughly half of East Palestine's more than 4,700 residents were evacuated, as hazardous chemicals rapidly overtook the air, ground, and water near the small town.

Workers aiding in the cleanup of toxic materials at a train derailment site in Ohio are falling ill with migraines and nausea, leaders of the nation's largest rail unions have revealed.

The revelation came in the form of a letter from labor leaders to the White House and Ohio's governor on Wednesday that claimed workers may have been willingly exposed to harmful chemicals at the direction of Norfolk Southern, the company that owns the derailed freighter.

Within hours, the letter led to a meeting between the union heads and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in Washington Wednesday to discuss the February 3 derailment - and its potential repercussions.

Officials confirmed Thursday that the meeting centered around potential improvements to rail safety, as well as the 40 workers ordered to the clean-up site in East Palestine, Ohio, last month, and their aforementioned symptoms.

Meanwhile, Norfolk Southern continues to face scrutiny over the incident. The company's CEO, Alan Shaw, is poised to testify before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee next week, amid calls for renewed rail safety regulations.

The Biden administration has been criticized, particularly by Republican opposition, for its handling of the derailment.

Meanwhile, several residents in East Palestine have reported going to the hospital over rashes following the spill.

Addison Paparella, 15, was hospitalized two weeks ago after finding herself with a tight chest and irritated lungs 'due to chemical exposure.'

Her mother is now one of several citizens of the small village pleading for President Joe Biden to send medical help to the community.

A once-healthy teenager, Addison now has to used an inhaler after never before requiting one a day in her life.

'We took her to the hospital, they gave her a breathing treatment,' her mother Heidi Paparella detailed to DailyMail.com

'They said she had tight, constricted, and irritated lungs due to chemical exposure,' the concerned mother of five detailed. 'So, they gave her a steroid and she's now on an inhaler.'

'This kid has been doing competitive cheer and dance since she was six and she wrestles here and she has never needed an inhaler ever a day in her life. And now she's reliant on an inhaler and it's not helping her,' Paparella added, holding back tears.

The rash and shortness of breath started in both Heidi and Addison when they returned to East Palestine the day after the evacuation was lifted and an all-clear was given that it was safe to go back to their home.

A giant plume of smoke from the aftermath of the incident could be seen from miles away on February 6, days after the crash

'I think that they should provide us with some doctors and scientists for the environment that are not paid or with the Railroad,' Paparella said. 'Someone that can come and, first off, help us medically.'

While there is a free clinic set up, Paparella says that they aren't helping residents and don't have the ability to prescribe them medications or treatments.

'The people they have here now  there's a free clinic  they are not treating anybody,' she said. 'I think they're here for research purposes in all honesty.'

'They're basically just, like, assessing people,' Paparella detailed. 'They can't prescribe meds, they can't do things like a hospital. I feel like we need specialists People from the big hospitals can maybe come in and help us.'

As of last week, the EPA had screened the air in 578 homes, and declared that the chemical pollution levels are not above residential air quality standards.
Twelve people have been arrested after an international operation prevented $1 billion worth of cocaine from entering the country as part of a Mexican drug cartel.

Operation Beech, a joint effort between WA Police Transnational Serious and Organised Crime Squad, the Sydney Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration and other policing jurisdictions, commenced in November after the discovery of 2.4 tonnes of cocaine destined for Australia.

The shipment was located off the South American coastline, but intelligence suggested drug traffickers were unaware of the seizure, believing the drugs were on track to their destination.

Knowing the Australian end of the syndicate would be preparing to receive the drugs on December 28, WA Police substituted the cargo using an inert substance and identical packaging to that used by the cartel.

Twelve people have been arrested after an international operation prevented $1 billion worth of cocaine from entering the country as part of a Mexican drug cartel

Police swapped the cocaine for an inert substance after it was originally located off the South American coastline. Picture: WA Police

The covert operation saw police drop the fake shipment about 40 nautical miles west of Perth, where a shore party allegedly made multiple efforts to locate and retrieve it.

Police will allege that the syndicate's Australian shore counterparts made three trips out to sea in uncomfortable conditions unable to find the cargo between December 28 -30.

On December 30, officers from the Tactical Response Group arrested three members who were in possession of 1.2 tonnes of the inert substance after their boat had steering issues and washed up on the beach.

The 'inert' Cocaine found on-board Cool Runnings, the boat that washed up on the beach. Picture: WA Police

WA Commissioner of Police Col Blanch said it was a complex operation involving dozens of specialist officers and detectives. Picture: WA Police

Police will further allege that other members of the syndicate retrieved the boat from its location and transferred the inert substances to their own vessel.

On December 31, nine men were charged with attempting to possess 1.2 tonne of cocaine after search warrants were executed across the metropolitan area.

Following New Year's Eve, another man was arrested and charged with attempting to possess 200kg of cocaine.

Further intelligence led officers to a vehicle travelling on the Great Eastern Highway, where they discovered more than $2m cash and charged another man and a woman.

Around $2m in cash was seized from a vehicle in Coolgardie. Picture: WA Police

WA Commissioner of Police Col Blanch said it was a complex operation involving dozens of specialist officers and detectives.

'This operation has enabled us to draw out those members of the syndicate who were equipped and prepared to receive and distribute a significant amount of illicit drugs within the community, who may have otherwise gone undetected and waited for the next consignment,' Mr Blanch said.

'Our objective is to identify and apprehend those responsible for sending the drugs, but also those onshore criminal syndicates set to receive and profit through distribution in our community.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 12 people. Picture: WA Police

'The operation sends a message to international drug traffickers - your deadly drugs are not welcome here, and we will work closely and innovatively with our onshore and offshore law enforcement partners to dismantle your operations.

'The WA Police Force TSOC squad are continuing this investigation with offshore partners to identify and prosecute those responsible for organising this shipment.

'We want drug traffickers to actively avoid trying to use our coastline as an entry point.'

WA Police acknowledge the assistance provided by other state jurisdictions during this operation.

The twelve people accused are from America, NSW and the Northern Territory, will be processed through the court system in WA.
Former Arizona governor nominee Kari Lake has cruelly compared Hillary Clinton to 92-year-old business George Soros.

At the Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC), the former nominee, 53, 'brought down the evening' after comparing Clinton, 75, to her much older counterpart George Soros on Friday night.

'I'm not trying to be mean here,' she began. 'Has anybody noticed that she's looking more and more like George Soros?'

The politics newbie garnered a large laugh from the crowd with her joke, before she continued to attack the two liberals.

'I know they think alike, but they're starting to look alike - it's like an old married couple, they're starting to look alike.'

Kari Lake, 53, compared Hillary Clinton, 75, to George Soros, 92, at the CPAC event on Friday night 'I'm not trying to be mean here,' she began. 'Has anybody noticed that she's looking more and more like George Soros?'

Lake, who lost her bid for the 2022 Arizona governor spot, went on call Soros a 'globalist freak show' and demanded the room not let him take the 'greatest country on earth' from children.

Over the years Soros has thrown millions behind liberal DAs - either with outright donations or funneled through political action committees - effectively buying elections and leading to the installment of at least 75 prosecutors who support his leftist agenda.

Soros has spent at least $40million on the project, wrote Matt Palumbo, author of The Man Behind the Curtain: Inside the Secret Network of George Soros, in the New York Post - a minuscule sum for a man worth at least $32billion.

The billionaire's DAs have stripped away bail laws and opted to forgo prosecuting crimes like theft and reckless driving, effectively giving criminals a free pass and leading to the breakdown of law and order across the United States.

The politics newbie garnered a large laugh from the crowd with her joke, before she continued to attack the two liberals. 'I know they think alike, but they're starting to look alike - it's like an old married couple, they're starting to look alike'

As a direct result, crime has skyrocketed in major cities overseen by Soros's DAs. In 2021 under Kim Foxx's reign, Chicago had the most murders it's seen since 1994. And in Philadelphia, drug use and violent crime has seen a surge since Larry Krasner took office.

Soros, a Hungarian-born businessman, has long backed liberal politics. In the 2000s he was an outspoken opponent of President George W. Bush and donated millions to hinder his reelection, and later donated heavily to the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton.

During Lake's speech, she also made it very clear who she supports in the political arena, which includes Trump.

While at the conference, the former Arizona governor nominee also made it clear she aligns with Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race as she kissed his portrait at CPAC

'We stand with our patriots, past and present, with George Washington, we stand with JFK, Ronald Reagan, Steve Bannon, [and] we stand with Donald J. Trump.'

She's also made it know in January that she fully backs Trump in the 2024 presidential race.

Lake has stayed close to Trumpworld and remained a fixture in the ex-president's orbit.

Lake put that loyalty on full display Saturday night with a cryptic post on Trump's Truth Social platform.

'I pity the fool who runs against President Trump,' Lake wrote.

'He is EXACTLY what America needs right now.'
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WorldPride has taken over Sydney's favourite beach with 12,000 people flocking to Bondi for a night of wild celebrations.

Sydney WorldPride hosted a massive beach party at the city's famous Bondi Beach from 3pm to late on Saturday.

Thousands of revellers donned their most colourful and eye-catching clothes as they celebrated the special event with the queer community.

The party featured US pop star Nicole Scherzinger and an all-Australian DJ line-up including Dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy.

Saturday's concert was one of the last events for Sydney's WorldPride which will end with a 50,000-strong march and Closing Concert on Sunday

Mesh, neon and glitter were all the rage with revellers spotted wearing their brightest clothes to the event

Revellers slapped on the sunscreen and brought their hats and paper fans to beat the 22C heat on Saturday

More than 12,000 people headed down to Bondi Beach on Saturday for WorldPride's Beach Party

Thousands of revellers flocked to Sydney's favourite beach for the WorldPride event

Sydney WorldPride's Bondi Beach Party saw 12,000 revellers head to the beach for a seven-hour concert

Glitter, neon and mesh were all the rage with revellers. Even NSW Police dressed for the event, wearing pride-themed sunscreen and using pride-flag paper fans.

'As you dance from day through to dusk and night, feel the sea breeze on your face as the beach stage transforms from camp pop fun, to fire and house through to heaving electro unity,' organisers said of the event.

'As the beat travels out into the South Pacific, keep your eyes peeled as special pop-up performances surround you.

'Bring your whole self to the sea  all colours of the rainbow are welcome at the beach.'

Sydney's WorldPride event will finish on Sunday with a 50,000-strong march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Several angels were spotted in the crowd at the Bondi Beach Party on Saturday for the WorldPride event

Thousands of revellers descended on Bondi Beach on Saturday for the WorldPride Beach Party

Some 12,000 people piled into a moshpit on Bondi Beach for the WorldPride Bondi Beach Party on Saturday

Bright colours were a favourite among partygoers for the seven-hour music event on Saturday

NSW Police stayed on-theme, wearing pride-themed sunscreen and using pride flag fans

People were all smiles as they headed through the event's flamingo gates and beelined for the beach's main stage

Thousands of revellers opted for breezy, risque outfits to help beat the heat at Bondi on Saturday

WorldPride Bondi Beach Party had an all-Australian DJ line-up including Dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy

Nautical-themed outfits were seen all over Saturday's WorldPride party at Bondi Beach

One reveller is seen in a black mesh top as he geared up for the WorldPride event

Determined to go out with a bang, Sydneysiders showed up in full force for Saturday's party - which ran from 3pm to 10pm.

Party-goers were all smiles as they headed through the event's flamingo gates and beelined for the beach's main stage.

Lifeguard-themed outfits and swimmers were also a popular choice with one person donning a floatie-vest made out of rubber ducks.

A large section of the beach was cordoned off earlier in the day in preparation for the event.

The massive stage that hosted the event was covered in rainbow lights and had floral art installations on either side.

Thousands of revellers brought sun-safe accessories and bottles of water to the Bondi Beach Party on Saturday with temperatures expected to reach 22C

Water booths were stationed throughout the beach party moshpit and at the back of the event with temperatures expected to reach 22C

People were all smiles as they joined 12,000 revellers at Bondi Beach for a seven-hour concert

Thousands of Sydneysiders donned their most colourful clothes for Saturday's special event

Some 12,000 revellers headed to Bondi Beach on Saturday for a seven-hour WorldPride concert

Bondi's party featured US pop star Nicole Scherzinger and an all-Australian DJ line-up including Dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy

Lifeguard-themed outfits and swimmers were a popular choice with one person donning a floatie-vest out of rubber ducks

A Closing Concert will be held at The Domain on Sunday to mark the end of Sydney WorldPride following Saturday's Bondi Beach Party

Aussie DJs Dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy performed at Bondi on Saturday

Some revellers chose to go all out with the flamingo theme and opted to wear flamingo hats or dye their hair pink for the event

Water booths were stationed throughout the moshpit and at the back of the event with temperatures expected to reach 22C.

Fans and hats were popular accessories with many revellers determined to beat the heat.

NSW Police were seen in large force at the event alongside paramedics and event security.

Police warned residents to avoid driving in the area ahead of the concert.

'There'll be heavy traffic and limited parking as 15,000 people head to Bondi Beach for a Sydney WorldPride party later today,' it said.

'Event tickets include travel on public transport so that's the best way to get there. Avoid driving in the area.'

Thousands of partygoers visited Bondi Beach on Saturday for a seven-hour WorldPride concert

Sydney WorldPride hosted its Bondi Beach Party on Sunday

Determined to go out with a bang, Sydneysiders showed up in full force for Saturday's party - which ran from 3pm to 10pm

Thousands of revellers put on their most colourful clothes to celebrate the WorldPride Bondi Beach Party on Saturday

A seven-hour concert saw 12,000 people flock to Bondi Beach on Saturday

Saturday's Bondi Beach Party was one of Sydney WorldPride's last events before the festivities wrap up on Sunday

Thousands of revellers donned their brightest clothes for Saturday's WorldPride Bondi Beach Party

More than 12,000 people headed to Bondi Beach on Saturday for a seven-hour WorldPride concert

Thousands of revellers kept opted for breezy outfits with temperatures at Bondi expected to reach 22C

Another concert will be held at The Domain on Sunday to mark the end of Sydney WorldPride.

The event will feature Ava Max, Kim Petras, MUNA, Keiynan Lonsdale, G Flip, Peach PRC, Alter Boy, BVT and Vetta Borne

'Made for the young (and young at heart), Rainbow Republic is the music event for you and your 19,999 new mates!' organisers said.
A man who posed on Instagram with two Rolex watches was killed after two women used the date rape drug GHB in an attempt to rob him.

Saul Murray, 33, had been set up in a honeytrap by Surpreet Dhillon and Temidayo Awe, who seduced and stripped him.

In February last year, he was found naked in a pool of blood in the communal entrance to his flat in New Town Street, Luton, after their male accomplices, Ikram Affia and Cleon Brown, had been summoned because the drug had not knocked him out.

The police were later able to identify Affia by a distinctive and rare designer Moncler coat he was wearing. It matched the one worn in the CCTV on the night of the offence.

Affia, 31, from Hackney in London, was found guilty of murder and was sentenced on Friday to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years.

CCTV footage was played to the jury at Luton crown court. Surpreet Dhillon and Temidayo Awe are seen inside the building

Awe left to meet the two men at around 2.30am to lead them back to the flat

Saul Murray is pictured in a swimming pool while sporting a Rolex

Dhillon, 36, Brown, 29, and Awe, 21, were convicted of manslaughter.

Dhillon and Awe entered the flat at around 11.30pm on February 26 last year.

CCTV played to the jury at Luton crown court showed the women leaving the flat, followed 19 seconds later by the two men. Affia was carrying a large knife in his right hand.

The Rolex watches were fake and Murray, a father of six, had no expensive items in the flat, which he had only just occupied.

All four defendants were convicted of conspiring to rob Murray between February 8 and February 28. Affia was also found guilty of having a blade.

Brown was jailed for 11 years, Dhillon was sentenced to 10 years and Awe was sentenced to seven years.

At the trial, prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC said: 'Mr Murray can be seen just a few seconds after the men. He is hobbling and completely naked. He opens the communal door and falls over and dies.'

She said a night shift worker dialled 999 after returning home an hour and a half later and saw Murray in a pool of blood.

CCTV played to the jury at Luton crown court showed the women, who admitted targeting other men in a similar way, leaving the flat, followed 19 seconds later by the two men

Ikram Affia (pictured) was carrying a large knife in his right hand

Surpreet Dhillon, 36, was one of the two girls who seduced and stripped Saul Murray. She was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter

Temidayo Awe, 21, was also convicted of manslaughter. She was sentenced to seven years

A post mortem found he died from a deep wound to his thigh. It penetrated his femoral artery and he bled out.

The murder took place in the very early hours of Sunday February 27 last year after Surpreet Dhillon made contact with Murray via Instagram and WhatsApp.

The four defendants travelled to Luton from London late on Saturday February 26 in a Mercedes A-class car that Brown had hired.

Murray met the two women outside his flat while the two men went off in the car and used a Drive-thru McDonalds.

The prosecutor said the two women had shared brandy with Murray and 'they gave him GHB to knock him out'.

She added: 'Ms Dhillon and Ms Awe admit entering the flat with GHB and giving it to him. They admit they have done this before - setting up men and stealing items from them, including watches, while those men are asleep. The men set up were also given GHB.'

A jury found Ikem Affia, 31, guilty of murder. He was sentenced on Friday to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years

Cleon Brown, 29, was convicted of manslaughter. He was jailed for 11 years

Murray was found naked in a pool of blood in the communal entrance to the flats in New Town Street, after the two men working with the women - Ikram Affia, 31, and Cleon Brown, 29 - entered his home to snatch his valuable items (Pictured: The targeted Rolexes)

CCTV of Affia and Brown in a KFC on February 22 has been released

The police were able to later identify the murderer Affia by a distinctive and rare designer Moncler coat he was wearing

She said at some point there was plainly some degree of sexual activity between the two women and Murray. Swabs from both sides of his face and neck contained DNA from both women. The GHB dose had not been strong enough to knock out Murray and the two men were contacted.

The police linked Dhillon through the Instagram contact with the victim. Awe was picked up through her social media contact with Dhillon.

Affia was wearing the 1,350 coat at the scene. Detectives discovered only 69 of these coats had been sold in the UK. Telematics in the car linked it to a KFC in London.

When she gave evidence, Dhillon admitted targeting six men in similar honeytraps between October 2021 and February 2022. One victim lost 32,000. She said Awe had been involved on four occasions.

In a victim personal statement, the victim's father Colin Murray described Saul as a wonderful son. He said he had watched him die on CCTV.

He said: 'It is the last thing I think about before going to sleep and first thing I think about when I wake up.'

Saul Murray (pictured), 33, had been targeted by Surpreet Dhillon, 35, and Temidayo Awe, 21, who seduced and stripped him after meeting up at his Luton home

Pictured: One of the watches Murray had boasted about owning

Pictured: A police cordon outside Murray's property in New Town Street, Luton

Pictured: Tributes left outside Murray's home

Judge Michael Simon said Murray's life had been 'cut brutally short'.

He said: 'Nothing this court says or does can possibly repair the cavernous void in the hearts and lives of those to whom Saul Murray meant so much.

'Something went wrong with the primary plan. Exactly what went wrong is beyond the court's capacity to be sure of within the available evidence.'

The judge also said Dhillon had lived a 'predatory lifestyle' by targeting men on social media.

He said: 'Something that seemed like an easy money game had the potential to go wrong.'

After the sentence, Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: 'This was clearly a planned attack facilitated by Dhillon and Awe and carried out by Affia and Brown.

'It's obvious from the way the two women used a sedative substance on Murray and the fact Affia was armed with a knife that they were prepared to get what they wanted at any cost - which sadly was Murray's life.'

He added: 'This was a very lengthy and complex investigation, which involved scrutinising hours of CCTV, phone data, vehicle telematics and other evidence to place each of them at Murray's flat at the time of the offence.

'I hope that the knowledge that all four people involved in this horrific incident will be locked up for a very long time can bring some justice to Saul's loved ones.'

The case is set to be featured in the documentary 24 Hours in Police Custody later this month.
Prince Harry and Meghan are 'ok' about leaving Frogmore Cottage following Buckingham Palace's eviction notice, it has been reported.

The Duke and Duchess are not as 'stunned' about leaving as previous reports have suggested, believing that 'if we need to move out, we will get ourselves out', according to The Times.

The couple were allegedly given 'weeks' to pack up their British home after Harry's memoir Spare hit the shelves in January.

Earlier this week, journalist Omid Scobie claimed that some members of the Royal Family were 'appalled' by the decision to evict Harry and Meghan, with the couple also said to have felt 'stunned'.

An insider allegedly told him: 'It all feels very final and like a cruel punishment. It's like [the family] want to cut them out of the picture for good.

The Sussexes are allegedly 'ok' that the Windsor home is 'not going to work' out for them

Meghan and Harry acknowledged 'they were very privileged' to have both a home in the UK and another in the US, it was said. Pictured: Frogmore Cottage, Windsor

'Harry and Meghan have until early summer to vacate. Initially they were given just weeks, but now they have at least until after the coronation.'

Yet, another source told The Times that the couple were actually 'ok' with the decision and had an approach of 'it is what it is'.

The couple were allegedly given 'weeks' to pack up their British home after Harry released his memoir Spare in January

Meghan and Harry were said to have acknowledged 'they were very privileged' to have a home in the UK and in the US, but accepted it was 'not going to work for them'.

'The most alarming thing was that it was a gift from Her Majesty the Queen, and now it is no longer that. But its OK,' the source told them.

Just this week, The Sun also reported that the five-bedroom property has been offered to Prince Andrew who, as of now, lives at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

But he is allegedly 'resisting' the offer - wanting to stay in his larger Windsor Royal Lodge where he pays a reported 250-a-week for a state-subsidised 30-room mansion complete with 98 acres of land and a swimming pool.

The revelation comes as preparations are taking place for King Charles' Coronation in May amid speculation that Prince Harry may not receive an invitation.

While the Sussexes stayed at Frogmore Cottage following the Queen's death, they have only been there a few times since leaving the UK three years ago.

MailOnline has approached representatives of Meghan and Harry for comment.
Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov - a close ally of Vladimir Putin - is reported to be seriously ill with kidney problems amid fears of 'poisoning'.

The fanatical pro-war zealot who has advocated using nuclear weapons against Ukraine is rumoured to have summoned a leading doctor from the United Arab Emirates because he 'does not trust' Moscow doctors.

The kidney illness accounted for Kadyrov's surprising absence from Putin's state of the nation speech last month, several opposition sources claimed. It was also said it has led to his recent 'bloated' appearance, as seen at a recent meeting in his palace in Chechen capital Grozny with Denis Pushilin, head of the invaded Donetsk People's Republic.

While Kadyrov, 46, is one of Putin's closest allies, the Chechen strongman - reportedly a father of 14 with three current wives - has strongly attacked the running of the war, especially by the Russian defence ministry and certain generals.

The claims suggest Kadyrov may have been poisoned, a fate which reportedly befell his close ally Major-General Apti Alaudinov, 50, last month in an 'attempted assassination'.

Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov (right) has been a close ally of Vladimir Putin

Fanatical pro-war zealot Ramzan Kadyrov (centre) has advocated using nuclear weapons against Ukraine

The kidney illness is said to have accounted for Kadyrov's surprising absence from Putin's state of the nation speech last month

The Chechen's leader's luxury private jet was known to have made several trips recently to the UAE, and he has been less visible than usual in recent weeks.

Kazakh journalist Azamat Maytanov citing his own sources claimed Kadyrov may be terminally ill, with poisoning the possible cause.

'There is information that the chief nephrologist of the UAE, Dr. Yasin Ibrahim El-Shahat, a well-known doctor with 30 years experience, has arrived in Grozny [the capital of Chechnya],' Maytanov wrote on his Telegram channel.

'His area of expertise lies in nephrology, dialysis, transplantation, glomerulonephritis, and acute renal failure.

'Kadyrov is allegedly very bad and has serious kidney problems.'

Exiled Kremlin foe Leonid Nevzlin echoed the claims, which were also reported by Bild in Germany.

'My sources confirm this,' he said. 'Kadyrov is treated in the UAE, and when he is in Grozny for a short time, a nephrologist from Abu Dhabi specially comes to him.

'Kadyrov clearly does not trust Russian doctors. There are reasons.

'My sources say that [problems with] kidneys are a symptom of poisoning and that's what Kadyrov is afraid of.'

Ramzan Kadyrov has strongly attacked the running of the war, especially by the Russian defence ministry and certain generals. He is pictured (right) with Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu

Kadyrov had 'made too many enemies among the generals who have access to the GRU's developments' Picured: Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

Putin's warlord Ramzan Kadyrov (left) wearing a police uniform with some of his awards pinned on the chest

Kadyrov had 'made too many enemies among the generals who have access to the GRU's developments.'

The GRU is Russian military intelligence, held responsible for poisoning double agent Sergei Skripal in Britain in 2018.

Putin's FSB has also carried out poisoning attacks, for example on opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2020, in Siberia, and foe Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006.

Ukrainian Telegram channel Trukha claimed that 'over the past few months, [Kadyrov] has gained a lot of weight and looks very swollen'.

When Alaudinov was poisoned last month, Kadyrov said: 'There is an investigation of the assassination attempt, identifying those involved.'

There were 'already results' from this probe, he said.

Putin promoted Kadyrov to Colonel-General in the National Guard of Russia last October.

A month earlier he urged Putin to contemplate 'declaring martial law in the border territories and using low-yield nuclear weapons' to overcome his latest military humiliations in Ukraine.

Despite rumours about his health, Kadyrov urged Putin to crackdown on 'saboteurs' who crossed from Ukraine into Russia's Bryansk region this week.

Ramzan Kadyrov is head of the Chechen Republic

It was also said the poisoning has led to his Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov's recent 'bloated' appearance

'Shoot to kill. To deal not only with them, but also to bring to justice their families, who may live in Russia,' he urged on his Telegram channel.

'Check them thoroughly and carefully. Experience shows that without their assistance, indulgence and approval, such terrorist acts do not occur.'

Again demanding martial law, he alleged Ukraine had unleashed a 'war without rules'.

'It is necessary to deal with all the participants in the sortie to the Bryansk region in the most severe way, as harshly and even cruelly as possible,' he said.

'Deal not only with them, but also bring to justice their families who may live on the territory of Russia.'
A nightclub worker died when she crashed her car into a bridge while over the drink-drive limit on the way home from work, an inquest heard.

'Bubbly' 31-year-old Kelsey Stuttard, from Cheadle, Greater Manchester, was more than twice over the drink-riving limit when she hit a bridge at 68mph in her white Audi A3 on the A523 Macclesfield Road, near Rudyard in Staffordshire, at 3.10am on May 7, 2022.

Her family said they were surprised she was over the alcohol limit and said she was known to friends as a 'granny driver'.

In the inquest at Stoke Town Hall, a relative said: 'She wouldn't drive at that speed on the motorway.

'She would be joked at by her friends who often called her "granny driver".

'Bubbly' 31-year-old Kelsey Stuttard (pictured), from Cheadle, Greater Manchester, was more than twice over the drink-riving limit when she hit a bridge on the A523 Macclesfield Road, near Rudyard in Staffordshire, at 68mph in May 2022

Her family said they were surprised she was over the alcohol limit and said she was known to friends as a 'granny driver'

'For the drinks, I know that she would not intentionally have driven knowing she had drunk.

'She wouldn't have driven, she used to plan ahead if she knew she would have a drink, either staying at a BnB or at a friend's house.

'She would have known what she was drinking. When she had a drink she planned.'

Kelsey had been working at 3D nightclub for just nine months when she was killed.

She was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency services arrived.

Her autopsy found she died of multiple injuries.

North Staffordshire area coroner Emma Serrano said alcohol and a lack of sleep likely caused the crash.

The 3D nightclub worker was pronounced dead at the scene on the A523 Macclesfield Road (pictured) when emergency services arrived

Her family said she was a caring person who would be missed.

They told the inquest: 'She would care for everybody.

'She had helped underprivileged people in Tanzania.

'There was this one night where she called into Tesco on her way back and saw a homeless person.

'She went in and bought them a pillow and a duvet.

'That's the sort of person she was.'

They added: 'She was working seven days a week to save up for her first house. She was loved by all her friends.

'She will be missed.'
A terrified single mother was handed a 170 fine after overstaying in a McDonald's car park for just 14 minutes, it has been claimed.

Catherine Bowden, treated her two young children to a McDonalds in Walsgrave, Coventry, last November following negative Covid tests.

But the 40-year-old is now 'worried sick' having been left with a parking fine that she will struggle to pay off, according to the Metro.

She told the publication: 'Im a single parent who doesnt have a lot of money to be honest, so Id treated my kids to McDonalds as I knew they had a play area.

'Im worried sick, Ive never been in debt in my life and dont know what to do.'

Catherine Bowden (pictured) was fined after taking her child to McDonald's in Coventry

A McDonald's spokesman reportedly said that signposts were 'clearly displayed' at the branch

Catherine claimed that she had misread the signposts that laid out parking time limits, causing her to accidentally overstay.

Although the fine was initially said to be 50, it bumped up to 170 in the time that Catherine was desperately trying to contact McDonald's for help.

The mother slammed this as 'unfair' and claimed she would not have chosen to go to McDonald's if aware of the cameras or 90-minute limit.

Despite this, a McDonald's spokesman told MailOnline that signposts were 'clearly displayed' at the Coventry branch.

Details were said to have been readable from a number of lampposts and near to the entrance of the car park.

The spokesman added: 'We have parking restrictions in place at a number of our restaurants, with a time limit to ensure there is adequate parking for all of our customers.

'Ample signage regarding these restrictions is clearly displayed both as you drive into the car park, on various lampposts within it and inside of the restaurant.

'We work with industry-approved contractors to ensure customers do not exceed the 90 minute limit.'

A Stoke-on-Trent taxi driver was also handed a 60 parking fine after stopping outside a McDonald's branch for just 47 seconds in a similar incident.

Kam Parvez, 33, had gone to pick up a customer when parking operator iPark Services said he parked on yellow 'keep clear' markings near the entrance to the McDonald's car park.

He has successfully overturned the penalty after winning a second appeal.

McDonald's previously declined to comment regarding the Mr Parvez incident as it did not take place on its premises.
Anthony Albanese has carefully dodged questions about Tanya Plibersek's claims she would have been voted in as the Labor leader had she thrown her hat in the ring.

The then-deputy Labor leader had been considering running for the top job in May, 2019.

It came after the Labor Party lost the federal election to Scott Morrison and the party desperately looked to replace its leader Bill Shorten.

Ms Plibersek pulled out of the race before Anthony Albanese was voted into the leadership role and eventually became Prime Minister in May, 2022.

Ms Plibersek said she felt confident she would've won the leadership challenge and revealed on Saturday the decision was made so she could support her daughter who had been abused by her ex-boyfriend.

The PM was grilled over Ms Plibersek's leadership claims later on Saturday but Mr Albanese refused to be drawn on the matter.

'Tanya Plibersek's doing a great job as environment minister. She's been a friend of mine for a very long period of time,' Mr Albanese told reporters while campaigning in the Melbourne electorate of Aston.

'I was elected unopposed after the 2019 election and I won in 2022 and I'm very proud of the amazing team that I have.'

Tanya Plibersek has revealed how she turned down the opportunity to become Labor leader so she could support her daughter who was being abused by her boyfriend

Anthony Albanese carefully dodged questions about Tanya Plibersek's claims she would have been voted in as the Labor leader had she thrown her hat in the ring

Ms Plibersek's daughter Anna revealed her mother had made the choice at the time with her in mind.

Anna had been abused over several years by her then-boyfriend and was preparing to take him to court.

Ms Plibersek said she wanted to support her daughter knowing she would be called in as a witness in the legal proceedings, it was reported in Nine Newspapers' Good Weekend supplement.

'And the thought of not being able to be there for her through that was just too much,' Ms Plibersek said.

Anna had been abused by her then-boyfriend since the start of their relationship as teenagers.

She was around 18-years-old at the time her mother was working as the deputy Labor leader and in the running for the top job in 2019.

Anna was subjected to violent and controlling behaviour, serious sexual assault and financial abuse.

She kept the abuse a secret from her family during the early days while she was still in her mid-teens.

Anna lost weight, withdrew from her family and friends, became emotionally distant, slept throughout the day and wandered the house at night.

'I experienced pretty much every kind of abuse you can think of,' she said.

Anna eventually came forward and broke her silence to her family before her abusive then-boyfriend was taken to court.

He was convicted of assault and it was revealed he had been convicted for serious crimes against other girls but he has never gone to jail.

Anna revealed the court process had been a traumatic experience for her as she spent four days in the witness box.

Ms Plibersek revealed she had been dealing with a traumatic family incident during the leadership ballot and had chosen to stick by her daughter Anna (pictured with Anna, left, Louis, husband Michael Coutts-Trotter and Joseph, right)

Ms Plibersek said she was left devastated after hearing about the things that had been done to her daughter

Her friends and parents were also called in to give evidence.

Anna revealed one of the toughest moments throughout the ordeal was seeing her father Michael Coutts-Trotter cry.

She said her mother cried all the time, when she was sad or happy, but her father had never cried in front of her.

Anna said she believed her mother would have made a great Labor leader if she had not pulled out of the contest for the top job in 2019.

Ms Plibersek told the publication 'I am pretty confident that if I had run, I would have won'.

She added she was left devastated after hearing about the things that had been done to her daughter.

'You ask yourself whether you could have or should have done more to protect your child,' she said.

Anna joined a group of friends to create not-for-profit group The Survivor Hub in 2021.

The organisation offers support to survivors through social media, online and face-to-face meetings.

Ms Plibersek took to Twitter to throw her support behind her daughter after she shared her story of survival with the Channel Nine-owned newspaper.

'Like any parents, her father and I were devastated when we found out,' she said.

'We know this is a story that is so common in Australia. We know the statistics about one in five Australian women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

'Those statistics are just devastating'.

Ms Plibersek shared her story on her leadership ballot and life in politics in the upcoming book 'Tanya Plibersek: On Her Own Terms'.

The book was written by Margaret Simons and will be released on March 7.
Shocking footage has captured the moment an out-of-control truck ploughed through street lights, a bus stop and several front yards after the driver fainted behind the wheel.

The B-double truck had been travelling along Hamstead Road in Manningham, central Adelaide, just after 10am on Tuesday when it suddenly started to veer off the road.

Dashcam footage shows the truck heading onto the nearby footpath and demolishing everything in its way including a bus shelter and several trees.

It eventually came to a stop in a row of hedges just metres away from a home.

Miraculously, nobody was injured during the terrifying incident but a huge path of destruction was left behind.

The B-double truck had been travelling along Hamstead Road in Manningham, central Adelaide, just after 10am on Tuesday when it suddenly started to veer off the road

Motorist Paul Brackley managed to capture the truck on his car's dashcam and said he was nearly hit by the out-of-control vehicle.

'He completely lost control, and he was coming into me so I put my foot on the accelerator to get away,' he told Nine News.

It's understood the 31-year-old truck driver had fainted behind the wheel, and was slumped over the console when Mr Brackley rushed over to help.

The truck had not only smashed straight through fences and hedges but had also gone through a busy intersection.

'(The driver) had blood on his face but he looked ok, apart from that,' Mr Brackley said.

It's understood the 31-year-old driver of the truck fainted at the wheel before crashing into a street light (above) and bus stop

'The truck was making a hell of a noise when I got there and I was thinking, could it blow up? Or what could happen?'

Mr Brackley said it was a 'miracle' nobody was killed, with not a single pedestrian on the sidewalk or in their front yards during the crash.

The truck driver was taken to hospital with photos from the scene showing the vehicle's windscreen completely shattered while nearby trees were scattered across the ground.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted South Australia Police for comment.
The London Euston to Glasgow train was forced to come to an emergency stop

The man ignored the crossing's red warning light signaling it was unsafe to cross

Heart-stopping footage shows the moment a pedestrian was just inches away from being hit by a 70mph train as he carelessly walked across the tracks.

The alarming video was captured by the train's on board cameras and shows the man casually walking across the crossing in Runcorn, Cheshire.

The train, which was the London Euston to Glasgow service, was forced to come to an emergency stop so it did not hit the pedestrian.

According to Network Rail, the maximum speed for trains on this section of line is 125mph.

The crossing displays a red warning light when it is unsafe to cross, which the man ignored.

The alarming video was captured by the train's on board cameras and shows the man casually walking across the crossing in Runcorn

A mere matter of seconds could have led to tragedy for the careless pedestrian who missed the train by inches

Lucy Jordan, Network Rail's North West head of safety, said the incident on January 18, could have 'led to tragedy'.

She said: 'When I see footage like this it always make my heart stop.

'The difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy for this man and I can't downplay the danger he was in.

'It's important for Network Rail to share this video as a strong warning to others and to remind them of our level crossing rules.

'No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the signage in place and if there are warning lights, always stop when they display red, it just isn't worth the risk.'

Dave Whitehouse, Avanti West Coast safety and security director, said the footage is a 'stark reminder' to be 'aware of your surroundings near the railways.'

He said: 'This footage serves as a stark reminder to be aware of your surroundings near the railways whether it's at a level crossing or at a station.

'Although the man involved escaped serious injury, this shows it's only takes a split second to make the wrong decision for it to end in tragedy.'

The crossing displays a red warning light when it is unsafe to cross, which the man ignored
A teenager has vanished while swimming at a popular beach in Sydney's north.

The 18-year-old was in the water at Freshwater Beach, in the city's Northern Beaches, with two mates on Saturday evening but never made it back to shore.

Police launched an urgent search for the man just after 8pm on Saturday with a helicopter and police boat scouring the area.

Crews from Surf Life Saving NSW and the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter have also been deployed.

Police are seen at Freshwater Beach on Saturday evening after an 18-year-old man went missing

The 18-year-old was in the water at Freshwater Beach, in the city's Northern Beaches, with two mates on Saturday evening but never made it back to shore

Emergency services are seen at on the shore of Freshwater Beach as crews desperately search for the teenager

Emergency services were seen on the shore of the beach late on Saturday night.

Lifesavers were seen carrying torches as onlookers also gathered on the sand.

There is yet to be any sign of the man.

More to come
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Thousands of revellers have spilled out of a massive party at Sydney's most famous beach celebrating the second last day of WorldPride.

The Bondi Beach Party played host to a 12,000 revellers from 3pm to 10pm on Saturday - with tickets up for grabs from $179.

The crowd donned a series of bright, colourful and risque outfits to celebrate with the queer community and dance the night away to an all-Australian DJ lineup.

The party featured US pop star Nicole Scherzinger and Aussie DJs Dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy.

The Block fan favourites Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie who appeared on the show in both 2019 and 2021 were seen among the crowd leaving the event late on Saturday night.

Thousands of revellers have spilled out of a massive party at Bondi Beach celebrating the second last day of Sydney WorldPride (pictured are The Block fan favourites Mitch and Mark)

More than 12,000 revellers were seen leaving Bondi Beach on Saturday after a seven-hour WorldPride concert

Revellers had worn their most risque outfits as they danced the night away at the WorldPride event in Bondi

Two revellers are seen heading home after the event in Bondi on Saturday night

Tickets for Bondi's pride event started at $179

One party-goer dressed up in a colourful coat made out of streamers

Mitch and Mark from The Block's 2021 competition were seen in the crowd heading home from the Sydney WorldPride Bondi Beach Party

Brightly-dressed party-goers were spotted leaving Bondi Beach on Saturday night following a seven-hour concert featuring and all-Australian DJ lineup

Thousands of revellers will be preparing for Sunday's Closing Concert after Saturday's Bondi Beach Party for Sydney WorldPride

The party on Bondi Beach was one of Sydney WorldPride's last events before the festival finishes with a Closing Concert at the Domain on Sunday

However, the party is only just starting for some revellers with more pride events planned for Sunday - the last day of Sydney WorldPride 2023.

The festival will end on a high with more than 50,000 people set to join the Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge before 20,000 party-goers head to the Closing Concert at the Domain.

That event will feature Ava Max, Kim Petras, MUNA, Keiynan Lonsdale, G Flip, Peach PRC, Alter Boy, BVT and Vetta Borne.

For revellers attending the Bondi Beach Party, glitter, neon and mesh were all the rage with many choosing to wear their most daring outfits.

Many chose to wear as little as possible while others took the chance to make an outfit from scratch.

The massive beach party at Bondi went from 3pm to 10pm and celebrated Sydney's WorldPride event

Thousands of party-goers waited until the very end of the long concert before heading home to prepare for tomorrow's Pride March across Sydney Harbour Bridge

Risque outfits leaving little to the imagination were common among the revellers in Bondi

Glitter and diamantes were a hit among party-goers at Saturday's WorldPride Bondi Beach Party

Even NSW Police officers dressed to the theme, wearing pride-branded sunscreen and using paper fans with pride colours on them.

Saturday's highly anticipated event described itself at the 'ultimate Sydney experience'.

'As you dance from day through to dusk and night, feel the sea breeze on your face as the beach stage transforms from camp pop fun, to fire and house through to heaving electro unity,' organisers said of the party.

'As the beat travels out into the South Pacific, keep your eyes peeled as special pop-up performances surround you.

'Bring your whole self to the sea  all colours of the rainbow are welcome at the beach.'

Party-goers were all smiles as they were seen heading through the event's flamingo gates earlier on Saturday afternoon - before beelining to the beach's main stage.

One group of women are seen in matching rainbow sequined skirts

Revellers chose to glam up for the occasion with party-goers strutting their stuff in Bondi

Thousands of revellers put on their most colourful clothes to celebrate the WorldPride Bondi Beach Party on Saturday

People wore their brightest and shiniest outfits to the Bondi Beach Party - even NSW Police stayed on-theme, wearing pride-themed sunscreen and using pride flag fans

The party featured US pop star Nicole Scherzinger and Aussie DJs Dameeeela, Jarred Baker, Jacqui Cunningham, DJ Charlie Villas and DJ Dan Murphy performed at Bondi on Saturday

Some revellers chose to go all out with the flamingo theme and opted to wear flamingo hats or dye their hair pink for the event while others stuck to stand-out outfits

Lifeguard-themed outfits and swimmers were also a popular choice with one person donning a floatie-vest made out of rubber ducks.

A large section of the beach was cordoned off earlier in the day in preparation for the event.

The massive stage that hosted the event was covered in rainbow lights and had floral art installations on either side.

Water booths were stationed throughout the moshpit and at the back of the event with temperatures expected to reach 22C.

Fans and hats were popular accessories with many revellers determined to beat the heat.

Saturday's concert was one of the last events for Sydney's WorldPride which will end with a 50,000-strong march and Closing Concert on Sunday

Mesh, neon and glitter were all the rage with revellers spotted wearing their brightest clothes to the event

Bright colours were a favourite among party-goers for the seven-hour music event on Saturday

Thousands of revellers opted for breezy, risque outfits to help beat the heat at Bondi on Saturday

Several angels were spotted in the crowd at the Bondi Beach Party on Saturday for the WorldPride event

Lifeguard-themed outfits and swimmers were also a popular choice with one person donning a floatie-vest made out of rubber ducks

One woman strutted her stuff in a leopard print bikini and pink high heels

NSW Police were seen in large force at the event alongside paramedics and event security with alcohol banned from being brought in.

Police warned residents to avoid driving in the area ahead of the concert.

'There'll be heavy traffic and limited parking as 15,000 people head to Bondi Beach for a Sydney WorldPride party later today,' it said.

'Event tickets include travel on public transport so that's the best way to get there. Avoid driving in the area.'
Two RAF Typhoon jets caused a massive sonic boom that swept across central England when they scrambled to intercept a small plane after the pilot's radio went down.

Hundreds of people heard the sonic boom that shook the ground and rocked homes at around 12.10pm today in counties including Oxfordshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

The plane was a small Dash 8 airliner and was flying from Reykjavik in Iceland, to Nairobi, via Southend. Only two people were on board - a pilot and co-pilot - when it when experienced radio failure while flying above St Albans, Hertfordshire.

The plane was escorted to London Stansted by jets from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and landed at 12.45pm.

Essex police said: 'Officers engaged with them and carried out enquiries and are satisfied there was a loss of contact due to an equipment malfunction and nothing of any concern.

The ground was reportedly shaking and houses were rocked as far south as Oxford as well as 70 miles north in Leicester at around 12.10pm today

Two RAF Typhoon jets caused a massive sonic boom that swept across central England when they scrambled to intercept a small plane after the pilot's radio went down

The plane, reportedly a small Dash 8 airliner (pictured), only had a pilot and co-pilot on board and was flying from Iceland to Nairobi via Southend (File image)

An RAF Voyager tanker aircraft was also reportedly scrambled, which allows Typhoons to refuel in mid-air

People living in Leicester (pictured) said they heard aloud bang at around 12.15pm today

'The plane and those on board have now been released to continue their journey.'

Social media users were quick to report the loud noise.

One wrote: 'What was that? Sonic Boom? Earthquake? The birds freaked out!'

RAF Eurofighter Typhoon stats Crew: 1 or 2 Length: 52 ft, Wingspan: 35 ft Empty weight: 24,251 lb Gross weight: 35,274 lb Max takeoff weight: 51,809 lb Powerplant: 2 x Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines Max speed: 1,320 mph Range: 1,800 miles Combat range: 863 miles Service ceiling: 65,000 ft Guns: 1 x 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 150 rounds Hardpoints: Total of 13, 8 x under-wing; and 5 x under-fuselage pylon stations; holding in excess of 19,800 lb of payload. Advertisement

Another added: 'Seems like a lot of people heard that loud bang across Leicestershire and beyond.'

John Nolan, from Oxfordshire, said: 'Heard it loud in Deddington. We thought sonic boom too.'

Aarondeep Mann, 22, heard the bang in Houghton-on-the-Hill, Leicestershire, and said his first thought was it may have been a gas explosion.

He said: 'It was the most random, loud thing we've ever heard as we were clearing the boot of the car out.

'First thoughts were that it could be a gas pipe explosion.

'All the neighbours came out as the houses were practically shaking.'

Built by BAE Systems, the Eurofighter Typhoon is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.

It is capable of reaching speeds of up to 1,320 mph, fast enough to break the sound barrier and cause sonic booms that can shake windows from miles away.

A sonic boom is a shockwave is produced by an aircraft flying faster than the speed of sound.

It usually sounds like a thunderclap.

After reports of the sonic boom, Aviation Highlights tweeted: 'An RAF Voyager tanker aircraft has also been scrambled.

'This is to allow the Typhoons to refuel whilst staying airborne.

'Flying supersonic isn't the most fuel-efficient way to fly a fighter jet.'

The RAF Airbus Voyager is the air force's only in-flight refuelling plane and was being tracked by at least 1,440 people on Flightradar24  a site that tracks aircraft in real time.

Both Leicestershire and Northamptonshire police thanked the public for 'numerous calls in relation to a large explosion' but were quick to confirm there was 'no concern'.

There were reports that a loud 'sonic boom' heard across England may have been RAF Typhoon fighter jets scrambling to help a Dash 8 aircraft that had radio failure and was heading to London

Leicestershire Police said: 'We have received numerous calls in relation to a large explosion sound heard from various parts of the city and county'

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: 'Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby offered assistance to a civilian aircraft and were authorised to fly supersonic.'

The MoD said it always has jets under a 'quick reaction alert' which respond to any aircraft that cannot be identified or is not communicating with either civilian or military air traffic control.

Typhoon fighter squadrons are positioned at RAF Coningsby, RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and in the Falkland Islands.

It's not the first time a Typhoon from RAF Coningsby has reportedly caused a sonic boom.

Last year one of the jets was responsible for a sonic boom that ripped across the North West of England.

The jet created the huge bang as it jumped to supersonic off the coast of Southport, Merseyside, at around 11am on February 15, 2022.

BAE Systems said the aircraft, which took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, was part of flight testing alongside the RAF and apologised for any alarm caused.

The firm said the Typhoon - registered as Apollo 11 - had been operating in an offshore range area but the sound may have travelled due to 'climatic conditions'.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
The 'trauma expert' who Prince Harry is joining for an intimate livestream chat to promote his memoir is a Hungarian-Canadian doctor who was once threatened with arrest for using a 'spiritual' psychedelic drug to treat patients.

Gabor Mate has 20 years' experience working with people suffering from addiction and mental illness, with other specialisms such as stress and child development.

The 79-year-old will join Harry on Saturday to discuss 'living with loss and the importance of personal healing', followed by a live question and answer session.

Dr Mate has a harrowing personal story that has shaped his career. Born in Budapest in 1944, his maternal grandparents were killed in Auschwitz when he was five months old.

He was separated from his mother as a baby to save his life, while his father was subjected to forced labour by the Nazis.

Trauma expert Gabor Mate with his wife, Rae, who he married in 1969

The 79-year-old will join Harry on Saturday to discuss 'living with loss and the importance of personal healing', followed by a live Q and A

The academic has described how he was unable to look at his mother when they were finally reunited due to feelings of 'abandonment, rage and despair'.

He says the trauma he suffered continues to affect his adult life, leading to an intense emotional reaction when he perceives a threat of abandonment, especially from his wife.

He also believes it may have shaped his 'addiction' to shopping for classical music.

'As I was writing about my hardcore, drug-addicted clients I was certainly able to recognize similar areas in myself and in their behaviors,' he told Classical Voice in 2013.

'Working through the emotional dynamics and being with the emptiness that addictions attempt to fill, it just helped me understand myself better.'

The author is an outspoken supporter of decriminalising drugs, and has used the Amazonian plant ayahuasca to treat patients suffering from mental illness.

The psychedelic plant, which is taken as a brewed drink, causes people to experience hallucinations and other side effects, including vomiting.

Ayahuasca has traditionally been used by shamans and traditional healers but is now popular among Western tourists.

It remains illegal in the US, UK and Canada, and in 2011 Canadian officials threatened to arrest Dr Mate if he didn't stop using the drug to treat his patients.

Dr Mate regularly airs his opinions on a range of topics, and in 2021 appeared on a podcast series by the comedian Russell Brand where he discussed the Israel-Palestine conflict.

'There's no way you could have ever created a Jewish state without oppressing and expelling the local population,' he said.

The livestream costs 17 and comes with a free hardback copy of the Duke's memoir

Dr Mate is a Hungarian-Canadian best-selling author and physician who specialises in addiction and childhood development

Dr Mate called Gaza the 'world's largest outdoor prison,' and said that 'given those conditions, of course people will go for extremist leadership' - a reference to the 2006 election victory of Hamas.

'The disproportion of power and responsibility and oppression is so markedly on one side, that you take the worst thing you can say about Hamas, multiply it by a thousand times - and it still will not meet the Israeli repression, and killing, and dispossession of Palestinians,' he said.

He has published a series of books including In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Close Encounters With Addiction, When the Body Says No, The Cost of Hidden Stress and Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder.

He has received the Civic Merit Award of the City of Vancouver and the Order of Canada for his work on addiction and other mental health-related contributions.

Prince Harry's decision to select Dr Mate to help promote his memoir is another sign of his interest in therapeutic healing, having previously discussed his experience of going through therapy.

The event, organised in collaboration with Harry's publishers Penguin Random House, will take place at 5pm UK time on Saturday March 4.

It comes at a fragile time for the Sussexes, who have seen their popularity ratings in the US drop significantly since the release of Spare last month - and now face a decision over whether to attend Charles' coronation.

Since December last year, Harry's popularity has sunk by 48 points and Meghan's by 40, giving them net approval ratings of -10 and -17 respectively, according to a survey by Redfield & Wilton for Newsweek.

While Andrew is still viewed negatively following his New York civil trial against his sex accuser Virginia Roberts - which he settled out of court - his net approval rating sits at -2, with 26 per cent of Americans saying they like him compared to 28 per cent who do not.

The livestream comes at a tricky time for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have seen their approval ratings plummet since December

The Sussexes' nosediving popularity across the pond comes just days after they were mocked by South Park  a satirical cartoon famed for having its finger on the pulse of American culture.

Respondents were asked if they felt positively or negatively towards Harry, Meghan and Andrew, with the results likely making sober reading for the couple.

Some 32 per cent felt positively about Harry, compared to 27 per cent about Meghan and 26 per cent about Andrew.

However, 44 per cent felt negatively towards Meghan, compared with 42 per cent for Harry and just 28 per cent for Andrew.

Harry's chat with Dr Mate will be the first major appearance for the prince since his publicity blitz in January to promote Spare before its publication.

It comes as he and Meghan face a major decision over whether to attend King Charles' coronation this May amid the ongoing split between them and the rest of the family.

Harry previously demanded an apology from his brother Prince William and father to him and wife Meghan over allegations he set out in Spare.

New data from the US shows the drop in the couple's approval ratings over the last three months

These include the claim that William insulted the Duchess, before hitting Prince Harry so hard he ended up on the floor.

The Palace declined to comment at the time.

Sources suggest neither William nor King Charles are prepared to offer any apology prior to the coronation.

'There is still a huge amount of ill-will boiling over in the family,' one said.

Save the date cards are set to be sent in two weeks to the 2,000 guests who have been chosen to attend the pared-down spring ceremony.

Numbers have been reduced from the 8,251 who attended Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 to make the event more streamlined amid the cost of living crisis.

Formal invitations to those who have indicated they will accept will not be posted until three weeks before the event itself.

One well-placed source says Harry has made it clear that he wants a private apology of some sort from both Charles and William if he is to attend.

It is unclear whether Meghan will attend the ceremony if Harry chooses to do so, but as the date chosen for the coronation also falls on their son Archie's fourth birthday, there are doubts she will be present regardless of the ongoing family feud.
One of Vladimir Putin's top propagandists has claimed that the UK is 'now the main evil', as Russia continues to spin its barbaric war in Ukraine.

This was the latest tirade against the UK on the nightly show on channel Russia 1, hosted by chief Putin apostles Andrey Gurulev and Olga Skabeyeva.

Retired Colonel Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of Russias National Defence magazine, told the Russia 1 channel that the UK was now 'the main evil' within the West as he called for the severance of diplomatic relations.

In the spiraling monologue, Korotchenko said the UK was supporting the training of 'Ukrainian sabotage-terrorism groups' and that the 'Anglo-Saxon brain is in London'.

Following the cascading spout of Russian propaganda, the retired colonel said it was necessary to publicly throw the British Ambassador, Dame Deborah Bronnert, out of the country on camera, and recall the Russian ambassador in return.

Retired Colonel Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of Russias National Defence magazine, told the Russia 1 channel that the UK was now 'the main evil'

The British are 'literally egging on the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's main intelligence directorate', he said

Speaking to the camera, Korotchenko, said: 'Russian's intelligence agencies are absolutely sure and have operationally confirmed information showing that the most direct support in training Ukrainian sabotage-terrorism groups is being provided by the UK.

'They are now the main evil!,' he claimed.

'We should understand entirely clearly that, yes, there's the USA, but the Anglo-Saxon brain is in London.

'The UK might not have the same capabilities, either financial or operational, which the USA has but nonetheless the ideological component in the unleashing of new terrorist activity in Russia comes from London.'

The Kremlin mouthpiece continued his rant of propaganda, claiming: 'British military intelligence and MI6 are also working actively in this same area, as well as the SAS of course.'

He then claimed that the UK 'has been quite effective in developing their component of carrying out acts of sabotage' ever since the Second World War. 'Now they are actively sharing such experience,' the Russian claimed.

The British are 'literally egging on the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's main intelligence directorate and the security service of Ukraine to commit such acts of sabotage.

To add to his claims, Korotchenko said it was necessary to 'downgrade diplomatic relations with the UK' and that they should 'publicly throw the British ambassador out of Moscow on camera' and recall the Russian ambassador in return.

The retired colonel said it was necessary to publicly throw the British Ambassador out of the country on camera

To add to his claims, Korotchenko said it was necessary to 'downgrade diplomatic relations with the UK'

He then claimed that the UK 'has been quite effective in developing their component of carrying out acts of sabotage' ever since the Second World War.

He then said Moscow should 'weaken MI6's intelligence capabilities as much as possible by 'crushing and expelling in full MI6's undercover diplomatic presence, including the deep-cover positions' - which he claimed Russia already knew identities of.

He said he wanted to reduce the diplomatic presence to '10 or 12' in total.

At the conclusion of the bizarre rant, the propagandist said: 'We must act absolutely uncompromisingly, and not pay attention to the possible howls and reaction from our adversary.'

'Analysts' on the show have previously said that London should be 'turned to dust' after reports said Ukraine was 'prepared' to use British missiles to strike Crimea.

Staring wide-eyed directly down the camera while bizarrely raising his arm and open hand out in front of him like an evil sorcerer, Vladimir Solovyov said in February: 'London will turn to dust! To dust!'

'Or should I say it in English,' he hen asks his guests. 'Burn in hell,' he says in English. 'That's better, yeah? Good,' he asks in Russian, before saying 'Flames!' in English.
These arose when Cummings said thousands needlessly died in the pandemic

Matt Hancock and Rishi Sunak slammed the ex-advisor in more leaked messages

Dominic Cummings' time in Downing Street appeared to be branded a 'nightmare' by Rishi Sunak, while Matt Hancock's aide called him a 'f***ing piece of sh***' in the latest leaked WhatsApp messages.

The No 10 aide was slammed in a further release of lockdown files, as the former Health Secretary and then-Chancellor joked of 'Dom's circus'.

The remarks were made on the day that Mr Cummings said that thousands of people died needlessly during the pandemic to an audience of MPs.

In the exchange published by The Telegraph, Mr Hancock wrote: 'Of all the bonkersness about Dom's circus, the one I enjoy most is that he's doing this to secure his place at the heart of the future Sunak administration.'

Mr Sunak replied: 'Ha! Ironic given I haven't spoken to him since he left!'

The remarks were made on the day that Mr Cummings said that thousands of people died needlessly during the pandemic to an audience of MPs

These messages show Mr Hancock's aide, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, lashing out at Mr Cummings, on the same day he described the Department of Health and Social Care as a 'smoking ruin'

Matt Hancock and Rishi Sunak slammed the former Chief Advisor Dominic Cummings

'It's just awful & a stark reminder of how hard governing was,' Mr Hancock says back.

Mr Sunak agrees: 'It was such a difficult time for all of us. A nightmare I hope we never ever have to repeat.'

'His insight is no better than his eyesight,' Mr Hancock replies - following Mr Cummings' claim that he broke lockdown rules to test his vision.

The messages also show Mr Hancock's aide, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, lashing out at Mr Cummings, on the same day he described the Department of Health and Social Care as a 'smoking ruin'.

This took place four months prior to Mr Cummings exit from Downing Street at a parliamentary meeting in 2021.

Mr Hancock messaged: 'How would you deal with this Cummings c***?'

His adviser responded: 'I was about to message. What a f***ing piece of s***. You went out and backed him over Barnard castle, and he responds by briefing against you relentlessly, in private and now in public. He's a psychotherapist.'

He quickly corrects himself: 'Psychopath.'

Dominic Cummings claimed Boris Johnson's 'disastrous' handling of the pandemic had caused tens of thousands to die needlessly

Mr Njoku-Goodwin has been approached for a response.

In other exchanges, Mr Hancock expressed concern that the signature Eat Out to Help Out initiative was worsening the spread of Covid, dubbing it 'eat out to help the virus get about'.

The state-backed scheme offered customers a 50 per cent discount, up to 10, on meals and soft drinks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays as businesses sought to recover from the pandemic.

He wrote: 'Just want to let you know directly that we have had lots of feedback that Eat our to help out is causing problems in our jntervention [sic] areas. I've kept it out of the news but it's serious.

'So please please lets not allow the economic success of the scheme to lead to its extension.'

Mr Hancock also accused Mr Sunak of trying to 'show ankle' to the 'hard right' over his Covid-19 stance in another message.

In October 2020, he wrote: 'What's Rishi's dilemma? Whether to stop the virus, or tilt at the party & show ankle to the hard right?'

Matt Hancock said the leaked WhatsApp messages are 'highly intrusive' and 'completely inappropriate'

The exchanges were among more than 100,000 messages passed to the Telegraph by the journalist Isabel Oakeshott.

She was originally given the material by Mr Hancock while they were collaborating on his memoir of his time in government during the pandemic.

Mr Hancock has condemned the leak as a 'massive betrayal' designed to support an 'anti-lockdown agenda'.

In a statement this week, Mr Hancock said that all the materials for his book have been made available to the official Covid-19 inquiry.

Ms Oakeshott has said the disclosures are in the public interest.

The paper also published messages showing Mr Hancock and his officials scrambling to save the health secretary's career after footage emerged of his embrace with aide Gina Coladangelo.

A spokesman for Mr Hancock said: 'There's nothing new in these messages, and absolutely no public interest in publishing them given the independent inquiry has them all. It's highly intrusive, completely inappropriate and has all been discussed endlessly before.'
The former hedge funder is suing the therapist and her mentor for unspecified damages

He claims in a lawsuit that shrink Heidi Kling swindled him during their fling

Michael Pollack alleges that an affair with his therapist cost him $250,000

A hedge fund manager is suing his therapist-turned-lover after she 'seduced' him into steamy office romps while taking in over $250k in 'mistress money.'

Married father-of-two Michael Pollack, 46, claims he was duped into believing he was 'trapped' in his marriage by New York City therapist Heidi Kling, 58, according to a lawsuit.

The duo were involved in a secret relationship for 10 years, after he began seeing the therapist during the 2008 financial crisis, reports the New York Post.

Throughout their affair, Pollack frequently gave Kling large sums of money at the end of his raunchy therapy sessions, which he claims amounted to over $250,000 by the time they parted ways.

In the court filings, submitted to the Manhattan Supreme Court Tuesday, the Wall Streeter says the shrink 'fostered' an emotional dependence, which led him to fork over his fortune.

Michael Pollack (pictured) claimed in a lawsuit that he was swindled out of more than $250,000 by his therapist-turned-lover

Dr Heidi Kling, 58, (pictured) is being sued by Pollack following the end of their affair, which he claims has now led him to struggle 'with how much time he lost with his family' alongside losing his fortune

Pollack is the co-founder and CEO of the SCA Charitable Foundation, and previously worked for Wall Street hedge fund Glenhill Capital, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He founded his charity after surviving the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai while visiting his wife's family, with the trauma of the ordeal one of the reasons he sought help from Kling.

But while undergoing 'treatment' from the therapist, the lawsuit claims she enchanted Pollack, including sending him constant flirtatious emails.

He admitted he had an 'erotic interest' in Kling after just six months, but now claims she inspired an 'idolization' of her to swindle him out of his fortune.

While the two embarked on a sordid love affair, the shrink convinced Pollack that his spouse was 'difficult to love,' 'extremely rigid', and 'highly controlling', according to the court documents.

Their relationship turned physical in 2011 during an intimate therapy session, where the lawsuit claims that Kling 'took (his) hand in hers, and initiated sexual contact. The sexual contact escalated, and continued in every, single session thereafter.'

He alleges that their liaison often became extremely costly, as he paid the therapist 'thousands per week when (Kling's) husband, Marty, was out of work'.

The dad, whose wife is from India, also frequently exchanged flirty messages with Kling, including sharing intimate verses in Hindi about desire.

A lawsuit alleges that Kling's Manhattan therapy office, pictured, became the base for her costly love affair with Pollack

During their affair, the duo would bizarrely reverse roles, with Pollack serving as Kling's therapist before they ended their sessions with a sex romp

Court filings allege that Kling's mentor Joseph Newirth, 79, pictured, encouraged their fling

He estimates that his therapy costs with Kling ran up to $50,000 before their relationship became intimate. Following the start of their affair, he claims his 'mistress money' payments ran upwards of a quarter of a million dollars.

Pollack says he would empty a bank account his wife didn't have access to, using an ATM near Kling's office in Manhattan's Union Square.

But while the hedge funder would pay for 'therapy', he says the roles would often be bizarrely reversed, where he would spend his appointments 'soothing and comforting' Kling.

He would often arrive at his sessions to find her 'arguing with her husband, her children, or a third-party,' before they would end their sessions with sex-romps, he claims.

Despite relationships between therapists and patients being strictly forbidden, Pollack claims Kling's mentor, Joseph Newirth, 79 - who he also had appointments with - encouraged their fling.

He reportedly told the dad their romance would help him 'grow emotionally'.

Their years-long entanglement came to a halt in August 2021 after Pollack began 'to feel enormous internal pressure to make a choice between Dr Kling or his wife'.

But after ending things with the therapist, her mentor Newirth allegedly berated Pollack, shouting: 'You were a f***ing robot before you met her. She opened you up, gave you life.'

'I had PTSD. It was erotic transference,' Pollack fired back, according to the lawsuit.

Following the ordeal, Pollack is suing the therapists for unspecified damages, claiming he now 'struggles with how much time he lost with his family while he was consumed by devotion'.

According to Psychology Today, Kling specializes in treating anxiety, eating disorders, and relationship issues.

Writing in the outlet, she says she uses a 'direct and interactive approach to help clients clarify problems, apply strategies to minimize negative behavior patterns, and cope more effectively with painful emotions.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Kling and Newirth for comment.
Three years ago, I declared that COVID-19 almost certainly came from the Chinese Wuhan lab. Now, the world is finally admitting the truth.

The cover-up of COVID-19's origins is one of the greatest scandals in the history of the world. Millions of people all over the planet have died from the China Virus.

The cost of the outbreak and the lying about its origins is incalculable, some say in excess of $50 trillion.

Now it's time to hold Chinaand the corrupt forces who have facilitated this colossal suppression of factsaccountable for the damage they have inflicted upon all of humanity.

According to recent reports, the U.S. Department of Energy has concluded a Wuhan lab leak is the likely cause of the pandemic. The FBI reached the same conclusion. The facts are now plain for all to see.

Donald Trump: There must now be a reckoning. The sinister censorship regimes in the United States and throughout the West must be dismantled and destroyed

A medical worker collects a sample from a reporter who covered the press conference and the opening of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in March 2023

When I first suggested in early 2020 that the virus may have come from a lab, it was called 'racist,' a 'conspiracy theory,' and a claim for which 'there is no evidence'.

The entire globalist establishmentfrom the World Health Organization, to the media, to Anthony Fauci and the public health authorities, to the corrupt Silicon Valley tech giants, to Joe Bidenworked relentlessly to silence, censor, and shut down any suggestion that the so-called 'lab leak theory' could be true.

Scientists who called for transparency and investigation were attacked.

Facebook and Twitter labeled posts related to the theory as 'disinformation.'

The media mercilessly ridiculed the idea.

When Joe Biden came into office, he shut down the investigation my administration had launched into the true origins of the China Virus.

We all know the real reason for these censorship campaigns. The 'lab leak' did not serve their political agendas. So they did the Chinese Communist Party's dirty work, and effectively imposed China's propaganda on the Western world.

There must now be a reckoning. The sinister censorship regimes in the United States and throughout the West must be dismantled and destroyed.

This scandal is the best possible reminder of why we must have free speech.

The World Health Organization must also be held to account. The WHO, which effectively did China's bidding, fully endorsed the 'natural origin' theory, failed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the possibility that the virus came from a lab, and covered up for China at every turn.

The WHO strongly recommended against my early China travel banwhich was proven to be 100 percent correct. Because of it, we saved hundreds of thousands of lives in the U.S.

For this reason, as President, after my detailed requests for specific reforms were ignored, I terminated America's relationship with the World Health Organization.

The United States was paying the WHO $450million dollars a year when I dropped out, for 300 million people.

China was paying $40million dollars for 1.4 billion people. They wanted me to come back in very badly. They offered me to come back in for what China pays. I said, 'Some day I might take it, but you have to be admonished.'

FBI Director Christopher Wray said his agency believes the Covid-19 pandemic was 'most likely' caused by an incident in a laboratory in Wuhan, China

Donald Trump: When Joe Biden came into office, he shut down the investigation my administration had launched into the true origins of the China Virus (Joe Biden arrives in Delaware on March 3)

Not only did Joe Biden re-enter the WHO without getting any meaningful reforms, but he did so at full price, restoring the hundreds of millions of dollars American taxpayers send each year to an organization that badly misled the world in the service of Communist China.

Now, Joe Biden is negotiating to sign a treaty giving the WHO sweeping powers any time foreign bureaucrats decide to declare a pandemic.

In the event of a real emergency, the treaty would have us ship up to 20% of our medical supplies and medications to the WHO for distribution to other countries.

This outrageous globalist scheme would put America and other signatories on the path to surrendering our sovereignty to the whims of foreign public health bureaucratsthe same people who got COVID-19 completely and totally wrong.

The draft treaty also pushes censorship of disapproved speech about matters of public healthjust like they censored the facts about the Wuhan Lab.

This is insanity. America and other free nations should have no part in it.

When I take the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States, I will once again withdraw the United States from the WHO, to protect our health, and to defend our freedom and independence.

Trump: This outrageous globalist scheme would put America and other signatories on the path to surrendering our sovereignty to the whims of foreign public health bureaucrats

Finally, now that the evidence of Chinese culpability is clear to all, we must hold China financially responsible for unleashing this plague upon the world.

Joe Biden will not do this. Biden is unbelievably weak on Chinaperhaps because his family has received millions of dollars from entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party.

Yet the need for accountability remains. China's deceptions and lies in the critical early phrase of the outbreak are well documented.

For example, they long insisted to the world that the virus could not spread from human to human.

They bought up vast quantities of PPE from all over the planet, while lying to other countries about the characteristics of the virus and the severity of the outbreak.

Their lies and deception killed any opportunity to stop this deadly global catastrophe at the start.

Add to that the probability that the virus emerged from a Chinese government lab, and may even have been engineered by Chinese government scientists, and it is clear that the nations of the world are not just owed a massive apology; they are owed massive damages.

To collect this compensation, nothing should be off the tabletariffs, taxes, and a global summit on reparations.

The World must ensure that such a tragedy never happens again!
Incredible footage showed a Ukrainian soldier blast their Russian enemies, who were just a few feet away, with a rocket-propelled grenade and a machine gun.

The shocking clip, which was shot in Bakhmut, captured the moment a Ukrainian troop launched an open-fire attack on Russian soldiers just after finding his own 'Russian trophy'.

The five-minute video started with a single serviceman marching through a deserted field as the burning sun dried out the surrounding land while he headed towards an outhouse.

The video jumped to the inside of the abandoned building, which was filled with fellow Ukrainian fighters, where soldiers spotted a Russian trooper and launched a grenade in their direction.

The footage captured the harrowing sounds of gunshots and explosives as the Ukrainian fighter made his deadly shot and was instructed to 'load another'- he then went on to confirm that his comrade 'definitely killed or wounded someone'.

The shocking clip showed the moment a Ukrainian soldier opened fire on his Russian enemy in Bakhmut

After the team split to avoid being targeted by shelling, the clip jumped to a soldier holding up a machine gun while claiming it was his 'trophy Russian rifle' which was allegedly marked with the flag.

The footage goes on to show a first-person point of view of the fighter as he hid behind a wall and opened fire on his enemy with a machine gun.

The soldier pleaded to himself for his enemy to come out from hiding as he aimed his weapon in their direction.

After a large explosion just a few feet in front of him, the serviceman opened fire and continuously fired his gun until he ran out of bullets.

This footage was released after the pressure mounted Saturday on Ukrainian troops and civilians hunkering down in Bakhmut, as Kyiv's forces tried to help residents flee amid what Western analysts say may be preparations for a Ukrainian withdrawal from the eastern city that Russian forces have spent months trying to capture.

A woman was killed and two men were badly wounded by shelling while trying to cross a makeshift bridge out of Bakhmut on Saturday, according to Ukrainian troops who were assisting them.

A Ukrainian army representative who asked not to be named for operational reasons said it was now too dangerous for civilians to leave the city in Donetsk province by vehicle and that people had to flee on foot instead.

Comrades were able to confirm the solider killed or at least wounded a Russian fighter by the response they received following a launch of a grenade

The clip showed the moment the Ukrainian soldier spotted the Russian trooper just feet away before he threw a grenade in their direction

Bakhmut has for months been a key target of Moscow's grinding eastern offensive, with Russian troops, including large forces from the private Wagner Group, inching ever closer to Kyiv's key eastern stronghold.

A pontoon bridge was set up by Ukrainian soldiers to help the city's few remaining residents reach the nearby village of Khromove. Later, they saw at least five houses on fire as a result of attacks in Khromove.

Ukrainian units over the past 36 hours destroyed two key bridges just outside Bakhmut, including one linking it to the nearby town of Chasiv Yar along the last remaining Ukrainian resupply route, according to U.K. military intelligence officials and other Western analysts.

The U.K. defence ministry said in the latest of its regular Twitter updates that the destruction of the bridges came as Russian fighters made further inroads into Bakhmut's northern suburbs, ratcheting up the pressure on its Ukrainian defenders.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, assessed late on Friday that Kyiv's actions may point to a looming Ukrainian pullout from parts of the city.

It said Ukrainian troops may 'conduct a limited and controlled withdrawal from particularly difficult sections of eastern Bakhmut,' while seeking to inhibit Russian movement there and limit exit routes to the west.

Capturing Bakhmut would not only give Russian fighters a rare battlefield gain after months of setbacks, but it might rupture Ukraine's supply lines and allow the Kremlin's forces to press toward other Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Donetsk region.

As the fighting raged on, civilians remaining in the area spoke about their daily struggles amid the near-constant enemy fire.

Bakhmut resident Hennadiy Mazepa and his wife Natalia Ishkova both chose to remain in Bakhmut, even as fierce battles reduced much of the city to rubble. Ishkova said that they suffered from a lack of food and basic utilities.

'Humanitarian (aid) is given to us only once a month. There is no electricity, no water, no gas,' she said.

'I pray to God that all who remain here will survive,' Ishkova added.

At the United Nations on Friday, deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said U.N. humanitarian staff reported 'intensive hostilities' near Bakhmut and say the organization's few humanitarian partners on the ground are focusing on evacuating the most vulnerable people from the conflict area.'

On Saturday, Russia's defence chief travelled to Ukraine's embattled east to inspect troops and to award them with state decorations, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The footage also showed the moment a fighter hid behind a brick wall while waiting to shoot a Russian serviceman once he came out from hiding

After the grenade and machine gun attack were launched Ukrainian troops were told to reload

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited a command post of Russia's Eastern forces, where he was briefed by regional commander Rustam Muradov, according to a video published by the ministry. The video did not disclose the command post's location.

Elsewhere, Ukraine's emergency services reported Saturday morning that the death toll from a Russian missile strike Thursday that hit a five-story apartment building in southern Ukraine has risen to 11.

The Main Directorate of Ukraine's State Emergency Service said in an online statement that rescuers overnight had pulled three more bodies from the wreckage, some 36 hours after a Russian missile tore through four floors of the building in the riverside city of Zaporizhzhia. It said that a child was among those killed, and that the rescue effort was ongoing.

Russian shelling on Saturday also killed two residents of front-line communities in the surrounding Zaporizhzhia region, the local military administration reported in a Telegram post.

A 57-year-old woman and 68-year-old man also died in Nikopol, a town further west that neighbours the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, as Russian forces stationed there fired artillery shells and rockets at Ukrainian-held territory across the Dnieper river, regional Gov. Serhiy Lysak reported Saturday.

In the western city of Lviv, hundreds of kilometres from the war's front lines, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Saturday with the head of the European Union parliament.

The incredible footage captured the harrowing reality left of people's homes

Fields were scorched by the sun and buildings were left in rubble from the shooting and shelling

Bakhmut has for months been a key target of Moscow's grinding eastern offensive

Hours earlier, Zelenskyy held talks with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and top European legal officials on how to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.

In a joint press briefing with Zelenskyy, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that 'all those responsible' for suspected Russian war crimes in Ukraine, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, must be brought to justice before a durable peace is achieved.

Metsola voiced support for the EU's announcement Thursday that an international centre for the prosecution of the crime of aggression - the act of invading another country - would be set up in The Hague to investigate Russia's invasion.

She also called for Ukraine to start negotiations on joining the 27-nation-bloc as early as this year, and urged Western nations to keep arming the country's military as it strives to keep Russian forces at bay in the east and south.

'Ukraine's future is in the European Union. We will walk all the way with you,' Metsola said on Twitter on Friday.

The EU agreed in June to put Ukraine on a path toward membership, setting in motion a process that could take years or even decades.

However, Moscow's invasion and Ukraine's request for fast-track consideration have lent urgency to the negotiations.
The crash occurred on Saturday near the town of Corps in the French Alps

A bus carrying 40 primary school students, who were returning from a trip to the French Alps, has plunged down a wooded slope into a creek on Saturday, leaving the driver and his partner hospitalised with serious injuries, authorities reported.

Eighteen children and one other adult were treated for minor injuries, according to Fabien Mulyk, mayor of the town of Corps, where the incident happened.

'They are all doing well,' he told The Associated Press.

The regional prosecutor has opened an investigation.

The mayor said the 'most probable scenario' is that the driver had some kind of medical problem while behind the wheel.

A bus carrying 40 primary school students, who were returning from a trip to the French Alps, has plunged down a wooded slope into a creek on Saturday, near the town of Corps

Eighteen children and one other adult were treated for minor injuries following the crash

Local officials told French media that weather conditions were clear when the bus left the road, and there was no ice or snow on the section where the bus vehicle crashed.

They said all the children were wearing seat belts.

A photograph from the town published online showed the bus leaning off the slope of a ravine in a tangle of dried branches with its windshield shattered.

French media said the children were returning from a summer camp in the Hautes-Alpes, The Mirror reports.

They were heading towards Grenoble station, in order to then return to their home town of Sceaux, in Hauts-de-Seine.
Former President Donald Trump Saturday insisted his former secretary of state was not taking a dig at him when Mike Pompeo warned conservatives against following 'celebrity leaders.'

Trump told DailyMail.com that he was a president who got things done in his four-year term.

'I don't consider myself a celebrity leader of the country ... I don't consider myself a celebrity,' he said before delivering the keynote speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference.

This is Trump territory, a gathering of the MAGA faithful. But he faced criticism from two of his likely rivals for the Republican nomination.

Pompeo, one of his secretaries of state, called on the Republican Party not to follow 'celebrity leaders' with 'fragile egos who refuse to acknowledge reality' in a Friday speech.

Former President Donald Trump Saturday insisted his former secretary of state was not taking a dig at him when Mike Pompeo warned conservatives against following 'celebrity leaders'

A day earlier Mike Pompeo called on the Republican Party not to follow 'celebrity leaders' with 'fragile egos who refuse to acknowledge reality' in a Friday speech

Trump avoided criticizing his choice of words and generally avoiding punching back at rivals.

He admitted that his celebrity status may have helped him get elected in 2016 but that he his record showed he was more than that.

'I consider myself a person that was president for four years and we had record business, record employment,' he said.

'We had the strongest economy in history, and I really did it twice because we then got hit by the China virus and I had to rebuild it again. And I gave over a stock market that was higher than just before the virus came in.

'So no ... I can't imagine he was talking about me.'

Trump spoke to reporters just before taking the stage at CPAC. And he decided not to rise to the bait when asked what he thought of rivals such as Ron DeSantis, or Pompeo and Nikki Haley who served in his administration.

'Really I say the more the merrier. I mean, they think they did a good job,' he said.

The Conservative Political Action Conference held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is Trump territory, a gathering of the MAGA faithful

Trump dominated the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Maryland, even before he was due to speak on Saturday

Trump had fallen behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in some recent polls, but reopened a lead this week according to a Yahoo News/YouGov survey published on Tuesday

He repeated his claim that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours and promised immediate action to stem the threat from China if he took office.

But he also said the Iran was possibly the biggest security threat facing the U.S.

'I just read in the media that Iran is going to have a nuclear weapon within 10 days,' he said. 'That would have never happened with me. They were ready to make a deal.

'They were going to make a deal ... would have never happened with me. I consider that to be a very great threat.

'You know, China is a country that doesn't want to get blown up.

'Some people don't care if they're blown up. They're fanatics.'

A senior Pentagon official told lawmakers this week that Iran could produce enough material to develop a nuclear bomb within 12 days - although that does not necessarily mean they have engineering technology to build one.

But it did not go all his own way at CPAC. He also faced stick from Nikki Haley, who unlike Pompeo has already declared her run, repeated her call for candidates over the age of 75 to take a mental competency test.

While CPAC has been characterized as lower energy this year, with rows of seats left empty during several sessions on Friday, Trump will at least know that his grip is tighter than ever on a key part of his base.

Seats are left empty during the speech by former South Carolina Governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley

Trump is still the most lucrative figure for vendors. Only a handful of DeSantis hats were on display among the dozens and dozens of Trump-branded headgear

Supporters can buy a 'Ginger Donald' cookie. But there was no DeSantis equivalient

The merchandise stalls tell the story. Row after row after row of hats proclaim, 'Women for Trump', 'Trump 2024' and 'God, Guns and Trump.'

In the 26th row is the Ron DeSantis selection. Two visors and four hats with 'DeSantisland: Make America Florida' logos.

'Everyone is entitled to their view,' says Caroline Hesse, who is running the stall, 'but I think DeSantis is more on the RINO side of things,' using a favorite Trump expression for Republicans in Name Only.

DeSantis is not even running yet but is frequently cited as the candidate most likely to give Trump a fight for the Republican nomination.

When CPAC convened in Orlando last year because of stricter COVID restrictions in its usual Maryland home, the home turf meant supporters of the Florida governor were plentiful.

He even took 28 percent of the vote in the conference presidential nomination straw poll.

And when the organization met in Dallas last summer, there were signs that MAGA world might be ready for a younger generation of leader in the form of DeSantis.

With CPAC back at its usual home just outside Washington D.C., the Trump grip was back.

Allies such as his former strategist Steve Bannon and the 'Godzilla of Truth' John Fredericks broadcast from the corridors of the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

MyPillow founder turned election denier and conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell posed for photographs with young men dressed in the Trump uniform or navy suit, white shirt and red tie.

'You see it's 100 percent behind Trump,' he told DailyMail.com. 'Ron DeSantis is the Trojan horse of the Republican Party. He's horrible.'

Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon was among the former Trump administration personnel attracting crowds at CPAC this week

Donald Trump Jr. was another crowd favorite delivering a speech to attendees

Trump still retains a strong grip on the Republican base, at least among CPAC attendees

For Lindell, the Florida governor's crime was meeting with a lawyer from Dominion Voting Systems, the company currently suing for libel after he pushed bogus claims its technology was to blame for fixing election results.

He may have his own axe to grind. But Trump has enjoyed a bump in recent polls after DeSantis looked to be eating into his frontrunner status, without even running yet.

A Yahoo News/YouGov poll published on Tuesday gave Trump an eight-point lead over the Florida governor. DeSantis had been leading Trump in that poll for the past three months.

Melissa Cornwell, resplendent in a red-sequined jackey and yellow T-shirt bearing the letter U (spelling out TRUMP when she stands with her fellow Trump Tribe members), was never in doubt.

'He fulfilled most everything he intended to do, and we need him to finish the job,' she said. 'Yeah, he's not a politician but that means he's not afraid to say the truth.'

But unlike some other attendees, she sees a future star in DeSantis.

'We'd love to see him as the vice president for Donald Trump and then to be the president for the next eight years after that,' she said.

'We think he has a lot of growth ahead of him. And when he comes into his own, he's got to be unstoppable.'

Without Trump, there were plenty of empty seats at CPAC on Friday afternoon

Trump loyalist Rep. Matt Gaetz was among the speakers on Friday morning (seen here with Don Jr), a day before Trump is due to close the conference with a speech on Saturday evening

Trump's former Press Secretary Sean Spicer was another speaker on Friday at CPAC

Trump's image is used to sell everything from T-shirts to cigars in this case

DeSantis is not speaking at CPAC. Nor are other potential rivals for the nomination, such as Mike Pence. Trump allies say that means they are no fools.

'I'm not at CPAC I'm at TPAC,' said Fredericks, the Trump-allied radio host. 'The Trump movement has taken CPAC over.

'The Neo cons, the war mongers, the establishment Republicans and the other RINOS that have destroyed the country and are bringing us towards war ... they're not going to show up here.'

They may not be here. But members of the Trump administration are out in force.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer, spokesman Hogan Gidley, adviser Sebastian Gorka, trade representative Robert Lighthizer, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson are treated like rock stars, posing for selfies and triggering squeals as they go.

So too Trump family members, including son Don Jr. and daughter-in-law Lara.

Back in the exhibitors hall there is not much love for DeSantis.

'He can wait his turn,' said Sany, who runs USATrumpStore.com with its bejewelled handgun-shaped purses and Trump shopping bags.

She described herself as a MAGA Republican and said she would sit out the next election if DeSantis won the nomination.

'If it's anyone but Trump then I won't vote,' she said. 'That's how much I hate the Republican Party.'
The horror unfolded when a CPS worker made a surprise visit to the children's home

The two surviving children were airlifted to hospital, and their condition is currently unknown

A mother has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her five young children, killing three, when a child protective services worker made a surprise visit to their home.

The children, who were all elementary school age, were tragically found with knife wounds inside their home in Italy, Texas, prompting the arrest of Shamaiya Hall, 25.

The two surviving kids were rushed to hospital by helicopter, and their condition is currently unknown.

Sources within the CPS say that Hall stabbed her children when the officer arrived at the property unannounced on Friday after suspecting she was having unsupervised visitations with them, reports WFAA.

They were under the guardianship of another relative, who has not been named, after being removed from Hall's care by the CPS.

Shamaiya Hall, 25, (pictured) is in custody after allegedly stabbing her five children, killing three of them

Two of the children were airlifted to hospital with stab wounds following the horror, and their condition remains unknown

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office said the child protective services officer frantically called 911 for help after making the tragic discovery during their unexpected visit.

Hall was subsequently arrested about 11pm Friday night. The 25-year-old is now facing three counts of capital murder, and is in custody in the Ellis County Jail.

She reportedly did not live at the home in Italy, Texas, which is about 40 miles south of Dallas.

Following the horror, the CPS said in a statement: 'We are shocked by this incomprehensible tragedy, and already working with law enforcement to investigate how this happened, and why.'

A relative who babysat the kids paid a heartbreaking tribute to the youngsters at the scene, saying she remembers holding them when they were babies.

'I just want everyone to know they were beautiful angels,' she said.

'I loved them... they gained their wings. This is something, it hurts so bad.'

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and citizens of Italy,' added Ellis County Judge Todd Little.

A relative who babysat the kids paid a heartbreaking tribute at the scene, describing them as 'beautiful angels'

The horror unfolded at the children's home in Italy, Texas, around 40 miles south of Dallas

Investigations into the incident are still ongoing following the Thursday night arrest of Hall

The Italy school district superintendent Rachel Kistner said: 'Words cannot express the overwhelming grief felt by the district and the community hearing of such a tragedy.

'We are a tight-knit, small community and as such many students will be impacted by this incident.'

She added that the district would be providing counselors at the children's school Stafford Elementary.

Investigations into the incident are still ongoing, as law enforcement work to piece together how the tragedy was able to unfold.
The owner of an off-license which became an online sensation for its Prime drink TikTok videos claimed the store has been raided as part of a search for Class A drugs.

Mohammad Azir Nazir said West Yorkshire Police had a search warrant for his shop Wakey Wines in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and brought a sniffer dog onto the premises in a drug search.

However, officers left without finding anything.

The store shot to online notoriety for selling a drink made by top YouTubers Olajide Olatunji, better known as KSI, and Logan Paul for 'outrageous' prices, with people travelling from all over the country to get their hands on the energy drink.

In a video posted to the TikTok account, Mr Nazir showed a document which said nothing illegal had been found in his shop during the search.

Mohammad Azir Nazir said West Yorkshire Police had a search warrant for his shop Wakey Wines in Wakefield

Police brought a sniffer dog onto the premises in a drug search. However, officers left without finding anything.

READ MORE: Prime has sparked muggings, near-riots in shops - and sells for up to 100 a bottle. So what on earth is all the fuss about? Created by 20-something YouTube stars Logan Paul (from Ohio) and KSI (aka Olajide Olatunji from Hertfordshire), have a combined social media following of 140 million, Prime has fuelled a sales rampage Advertisement

He went on to attack his 'haters' saying he had 'nothing to hide'. He added: 'I'm still here, you won't get rid of me, mate.'

Mr Nazir previously spent eight years behind bars, having been jailed in 2015 for dealing heroin and crack cocaine.

In a previous video posted to his account, he addressed his criminal past and apologised after admitting it had been the 'biggest mistake' he ever made.

In January 2022, he told his social media following: 'In 2015, I was selling drugs, I was doing wrong... I made the biggest mistake of my life.

'I came out of prison in 2019, I have changed my life around. I don't have [sic] nothing to do with Class A drugs, I work hard for my money now.

'I was that [a drug dealer] in the past. I was the biggest numpty you could ever meet... I made the biggest mistake selling drugs and I regret that to this day.'

The newsagents went viral on TikTok with a video showing a woman pay 145 for six bottles of Prime. Other videos showed a group of girls who had travelled 133 miles from Carlisle, Cumbria, to Wakefield.

The online account was temporarily banned after it emerged he was flogging the 1.99 energy drink Prime for upwards of 100 per bottle.

In the viral videos, customers are seen posing with bottles of Prime which is sold for just 2 at major retailers - that they have reportedly bought for hugely inflated prices.

In one clip, a female customer boasts how she paid more than 1,200 for cans of the energy drink as the shop's proprietor prompts her to describe his business as the best in all of Wakefield.

Mr Nazir previously spent eight years behind bars, having been jailed in 2015 for dealing heroin and crack cocaine

British YouTuber KSI and American YouTuber Logan Paul launched their Prime drink in June of last year

In the viral videos, customers are seen posing with bottles of Prime which is sold for just 2 at major retailers - that they have reportedly bought for hugely inflated prices

Influencer and rapper KSI himself intervened in the row after footage emerged of people paying over the odds for his drink.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Wakey Wines is charging people 20 per Prime. 145. Fam you're getting ripped off.

'Why is she doing this? No do not pay that much for Prime.

'2 is way better than 25 bro. Come on this is outrageous. You should not be paying 25 for one bottle of prime.'
Prince Harry has said he is not a 'victim' and isn't looking for sympathy but is sharing his experiences as an 'act of service'.

The younger son of King Charles is talking to toxic trauma expert Dr Gabor Mate this evening in what's been billed as an 'intimate conversation' about 'living with loss and personal healing'.

Prince Harry told the trauma expert that he was hoping that sharing his experiences of mental health struggles would help others, including encouraging them to reach out for therapy.

The 19-a-head tickets for the livestream also included a hardback copy of the Duke's memoir, Spare, which was first published in January.

The timing of the discussion is particularly awkward for the palace, coming just days after it emerged King Charles is evicting Harry and his wife Meghan Markle from Frogmore Cottage, their grace-and-favour mansion on the Windsor estate.

Asked by Dr Mate if he saw himself as a victim, Prince Harry said: 'I certainly don't.' The Duke added that he was speaking out to encourage others to seek help

The livestream costs 17 and comes with a hardback copy of the duke's memoir, Spare. Viewers can also purchase Dr Mate's latest book

Dr Mate began the conversation by saying there were 'two divergent stream of responses' to the event - those who had and hadn't read Harry's book Spare.

He said that those who hadn't read the book were 'resentful' towards Harry and those who had were 'grateful' to him for sharing his story.

The Prince responded by saying 'I definitely don't see myself as a victim', adding that his experiences and his work with mental health 'sharing my story will help some people out there'.

Harry added that 'it feels like an act of service' sharing his experiences through his book.

Dr Mate has said Harry starting therapy 'was like bursting a bubble'.

Prince Harry is sitting down with Dr Gabor Mate for a livestream event about 'trauma and healing'

Prince Harry joins male family members walking behind the coffin of his mother at her funeral. The Duke said unpacking her death had lifted a 'huge weight' from his chest

Harry described how finding a therapist and 'unpacking' the death of his mother, Princess Diana, was a 'huge weight' off his chest.

'My awareness of myself was distorted by my environment but also society,' he said.

'When I found my therapist and started to unpack 12-year-old Harry at the point my mother died was scary.

'One of the things I was most scared about was losing the memory of my mum. I thought therapy would cure me but I'd lose what I had managed to hold on to of my mother.

'It was the opposite. I turned the sadness into realising she just wanted me to be happy. That was a huge weight off my chest.'

Harry's decision to share a platform with Dr Mate has provoked fury due to his history of controversial comments, including comparing Hamas to the Jewish heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising against the Nazis.

The 79-year-old Hungarian-Canadian Holocaust survivor has also defended Palestinian rocket fire at Israeli civilians and once branded the Israeli government 'terrorists'.

Today's discussion is taking place just days after it emerged Harry and Meghan had been told to leave Frogmore Cottage, their grace-and-favour residence.

The couple were allegedly given 'weeks' to pack up their British home after Harry's memoir Spare hit the shelves in January.

Earlier this week, journalist Omid Scobie claimed that some members of the Royal Family were 'appalled' by the decision to evict Harry and Meghan, with the couple also said to have felt 'stunned'.

An insider allegedly told him: 'It all feels very final and like a cruel punishment. It's like [the family] want to cut them out of the picture for good.'

But the couple are not as 'stunned' about leaving as previous reports have suggested, believing that 'if we need to move out, we will get ourselves out', a source told The Times.

The revelation comes as preparations are taking place for King Charles' Coronation in May amid speculation that Harry may not receive an invitation.
Pro and anti-migrant campaigners faced each other in Dover today as almost 3,000 people have crossed the English Channel so far in 2023.

Kent Police formed a line between the groups who were congregating in the centre of the port town.

According to Home Office data, a record 44,666 migrants arrived on board small boats during 2022. More than 60 per cent of those who lodge claims for asylum are successful.

Since January 1, 2,953 migrants have arrived in the UK - an average of 48 per day. On January 25, some 321 people arrived in the UK claiming asylum.

One of the groups in Dover today welcomed the new arrivals who risked their lives crossing one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world in flimsy boats.

Members of the neo-Nazi Patriotic Alternative were among far right activists who marched through Dover today to protest against people fleeing war and conflict seeking asylum in the UK

The demonstrators carried banners during the protest in the port town

The other group wanted the migrants deported.

Supporters of Neo Nazi group Patriotic Alternative did attend although the group deny attending the demonstration.

Patriotic Alternative was founded in 2019 by Mark Collett, a Neo-Nazi who calls for a 'racially pure white society' and led the BNP's youth wing before the party expelled him. It now claims to have more than 15,000 members.

Last week Patriotic Alternative organised a demonstration in Skegness, where people marched alongside a 'Hitler look-a-like'.

Kent Police said this afternoon's demonstration and counter demonstration passed off peacefully.

A spokesperson said: 'We would like to thank residents in Dover for their patience and understanding during todays protests, which have now concluded and largely passed without incident. Most of those involved have now left the area, without any reported incidents of disorder or arrests.'

Many of the anti-refugee demonstrators filmed the police as they were prevented from continuing further into town

Police grabbed one man who was wearing a gas mask and military-style fatigues at the march

They removed his mask and helmet. Kent police later confirmed no arrests had been made

Commenting on the ongoing small boat situation, a Home Office spokesperson said: 'The unacceptable number of people risking their lives by making these dangerous crossings is placing an unprecedented strain on our asylum system.

'Our priority is to stop this illegal trade, and our new Small Boats Operational Command  bolstered by hundreds of extra staff  is working alongside our French partners and other agencies to disrupt the people smugglers.

'The government is also going further by introducing legislation which will ensure that those people arriving in the UK illegally are detained and promptly removed to their country of origin or a safe third country.'

The Home Office said they have employed 730 extra staff to deal with Channel Crossings and has taken back operational command of the situation from the military.

Laura Towler, deputy leader of Patriotic Alternative said: 'Patriotic Alternative did not attend any protests today, including Dover.'

A few dozen protesters marched, one who was using crutches. Another had the flag of St George painted on his face

The far right demonstrators were greeted by a group of people calling for safety and dignity for all

Various left wing groups and their supporters held posters welcoming refugees to Kent

Not all of the people on the far right march were men, as there were a couple of women in attendance

Several men wore dark glasses and masks to obscure their appearances

One woman held up a poster as the far-right protesters approached with the message: 'My Jewish grandparents fled pogroms and found safety here. Today's refugees deserve the same right!'
Prince Harry was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) during his tell-all interview with a trauma expert.

The younger son of King Charles spoke to toxic trauma expert Dr Gabor Mate this evening in what's been billed as an 'intimate conversation' about 'living with loss and personal healing'.

In a striking revelation, the doctor told the Duke of Sussex that he believes he has ADD and could be cured, although his opinions on the disorder are not widely shared by the medical community.

The 19-a-head tickets for the livestream also included a hardback copy of the Duke's memoir, Spare, which was first published in January.

The timing of the discussion is particularly awkward for the palace, coming just days after it emerged King Charles is evicting Harry and his wife Meghan Markle from Frogmore Cottage, their grace-and-favour mansion on the Windsor estate.

In a striking revelation, Dr Gabor Mate told the Duke of Sussex that he believes he has ADD, which makes it difficult for a person to concentrate

The livestream costs 17 and comes with a hardback copy of the duke's memoir, Spare. Viewers can also purchase Dr Mate's latest book

Dr Mate began the conversation by saying there were 'two divergent stream of responses' to the event - those who had and hadn't read Harry's book Spare.

He said that those who hadn't read the book were 'resentful' towards Harry and those who had were 'grateful' to him for sharing his story.

The Prince responded by saying 'I definitely don't see myself as a victim', adding that his experiences and his work with mental health 'sharing my story will help some people out there'.

Harry added that 'it feels like an act of service' sharing his experiences through his book.

Dr Mate has said Harry starting therapy 'was like bursting a bubble'.

Read more: How Prince Harry's chat with guru who compared Hamas terrorists to Jews who battled the Nazis has appalled Rabbis Advertisement

Later in the discussion, Dr Mate told Harry he believes he has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which can affect people's concentration and often means they are easily distracted.

His diagnosis prompted the prince to joke, 'thanks for the free session'.

It was noted at the beginning of the interview that this was only the second time the pair had spoken.

Dr Mate wrote the 2019 book Scattered Minds: The Origin And Healing Of Attention Deficit Disorder, which is 'written from the inside by a doctor who himself has ADD'.

He believes that ADD is not an inherited illness and is reversible, although these views are contentious within the medical community.

NHS guidance states that there is no cure for ADHD (an updated term for ADD) and it is widely believed to be the result of a genetic mutation, meaning it may be inherited.

In the US, any doctor can diagnose a patient with ADHD, whereas in the UK it must be a psychologist or psychiatrist, or a specialist ADHD nurse who makes the diagnosis.

ADHD campaigner and CEO of ADHD UK Henry Shelford said Prince Harry wouldn't have been diagnosed with the condition at school because it wasn't recognised.

'Prince Harry left school before the year 2000 when ADHD was formally recognised for children in the UK meaning he, and many others, had an almost no chance of being identified in school.

'ADHD was only recognised for adults in the UK in 2008. The conversation about ADHD and adults has been building since then but we still have a long way to go in terms of awareness and understanding of the condition.'

The condition would have affected every aspect of the prince's life, the expert said, including his mental health.

'ADHD impacts every aspect of your life. From the moment you wake up, through your day, and when you go to sleep.

Prince Harry has faced criticism for sharing a platform with Dr Gabor Mate, who has come under fire for controversial comments made previously

Dr Mate told Prince Harry he believes he has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which can affect people's concentration and means they are easily distracted

What is Attention Deficit Disorder? What is it? The term is used for people who have difficulties with concentration without the presence of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as impulsiveness or hyperactivity. How is it diagnosed? A clinician must be satisfied there is excessive difficulty with the majority of the inattentive ADD criteria. These criteria need to be problematic at both home and school or work on an ongoing basis, to be significant and causing impairment. What are the symptoms associated with it? Not paying close attention to details, having trouble keeping attention on tasks, not listening properly and difficulty organising things can all be symptoms. Also, not wanting to do things which take a long time, failure to follow instructions and being easily distracted. What is the treatment? For a child, educational strategies to refocus and engage the mind can be key. This could include keeping lessons bright and interesting and sitting them at the front of the class. Medication can also be taken. Advertisement

'It is a very difficult condition to live with as most significantly indicated in the suicide figures, which show that adults with ADHD are five times more likely to try to take their own life than those without ADHD.'

Mr Shelford added that diagnosis times in the UK for the disorder can be up to five years in some areas.

Dr Mate has also faced criticism for remarks made in the past and Harry has come under fire for sharing a platform with him.

The doctor has provoked fury due to his history of controversial comments, including comparing Hamas to the Jewish heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising against the Nazis.

The 79-year-old Hungarian-Canadian Holocaust survivor has also defended Palestinian rocket fire at Israeli civilians and once branded the Israeli government 'terrorists'.

The 'intimate conversation' comes amid concern from the Sussex camp over the recent revelation that they will be asked to move out of their Windsor home - which may be handed over to Prince Andrew.

The couple were allegedly given 'weeks' to pack up their British home at Frogmore Cottage after Harry's memoir Spare hit the shelves in January.

Earlier this week, journalist Omid Scobie claimed that some members of the Royal Family were 'appalled' by the decision to evict Harry and Meghan, with the couple also said to have felt 'stunned'.

An insider allegedly told him: 'It all feels very final and like a cruel punishment. It's like [the family] want to cut them out of the picture for good.'

But the couple are not as 'stunned' about leaving as previous reports have suggested, believing that 'if we need to move out, we will get ourselves out', a source told The Times.

The revelation comes as preparations are taking place for King Charles' Coronation in May amid speculation that Harry may not receive an invitation.

Prince Harry has spoken out about his mental health in a number of interviews since the publication of his memoir in January

Prince Harry has admitted using psychedelics - magic mushrooms, psilocybin (the active component of magic mushrooms) and ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic from the leaves of a shrub - in an attempt to help him heal from 'grief'
Supermarkets have stripped a vape device from their stores after it was found to be at least 50 per cent over the legal nicotine limit.

Vape supplier Elf Bar is already pulling its 600 line, which is the best-seller in the UK, from the shelves after a Mail investigation found that it was more than 50 per cent over the legal nicotine limit.

The 2ml limit on two per cent nicotine liquid in vapes, which was introduced to 'create an environment that protects children from starting to use these products', has been exceeded by another of Elf Bar's products, the Lost Mary vape, which accounts for one in four vapes sold in the UK.

Tests revealed the device was up to 80 per cent over the nicotine maximum, which Andrew Bush, professor of paediatrics at Imperial College London, described as 'appalling' and said it was 'deeply disturbing' that users didn't know what they were taking as the product is stripped from shelves in the supermarkets.

England's chief medical officer, Sir Chris Whitty, recently called for a clampdown on the 'appalling' marketing of vapes to children and specifically called out Elf Bar, whose 600 and Lost Mary vapes account for eight in ten disposable vapes sold in the UK.

Vape supplier Elf Bar is already pulling its 600 line, which is the best-seller in the UK, from the shelves after a Mail investigation found that it was more than 50 per cent over the legal nicotine limit and now its Lost Mary line (pictured) has been found to exceed to nicotine maximum by up to 80 per cent

Anti-smoking group Ash found last year that more than half of the 11 to 17-year-olds who admitted trying vaping said they used an Elf Bar, which are around 100,000 young people, despite the sale of vapes being illegal to under 18-year-olds.

Elf Bar's 600 range was pulled from supermarket shelves last month after the Mail investigation revealed that the device had up to 3.2ml of nicotine liquid.

After an intervention by the UK's medical watchdog, Elf Bar admitted it had 'fallen short in some areas' and agreed to withdraw all 600 vapes that weren't complying with the nicotine limit.

Now further tests on five samples of a Double Apple flavour Lost Mary bought from a Sainsbury's found them to have an average of 3.6ml of nicotine liquid, while five Watermelon Ice flavoured Lost Marys vapes bought in Asda were found to have an average of 3.2ml.

Sainsbury's and Asda have confirmed that they were stripping the Lost Mary vapes after the Mail alerted them to the results.

While vape manufacturers must registers details of their products like the nicotine liquid level to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before they can be sold in the UK, the MHRA doesn't carry out any tests of the vapes during this product registration.

The MHRA only act if they are alerted that a product is breaking the law, for example by including nicotine liquid that exceeds the regulatory limit.

Professor Bush told Mail+: 'This is absolutely shocking. What does it say about our system of regulation when it takes a newspaper to expose major breaches of the law like this?

'We urgently need to introduce compliance checks when manufacturers register vapes and further spot checks once they go on sale to ensure companies follow the law.

'It's deeply worrying that people are buying these vapes without knowing what is in them. These laws are there to protect users, especially children.'

Chris Allen, the chief executive of the Broughton lab which conducted the tests, said that the regulators would need to get on top of this quickly and that he would like to see strong actionby the regulators, like removal of the limit-exceeding products, complete testing of products and destruction of non-compliant products.

Elf Bar was approached by Mail+ for comment about the Lost Mary tests, but did not respond.

The company previously said that its products are safe and that it would investigate all vape product exports to the UK.
King Charles is set to offer Harry and Meghan an olive branch by allowing them to stay at Buckingham Palace when they visit Britain in the future, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are due to give up the keys to their previous British home, Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, later this year. But they may be offered Prince Andrew's old suite in the Palace  where he once entertained the model Caprice and disgraced socialite Ghisaline Maxwell  whenever they need it.

It is the latest move in the complex merry-go-round of royal properties set in motion by the King's plans to streamline the monarchy and remove perks from non-working Royals.

It is understood Charles has offered Frogmore to Prince Andrew, who is reluctantly set to leave the 30-room Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor where he has lived for more than 20 years.

Discussions are under way as to whether Prince William and his family might move into Royal Lodge  which is understood to require extensive renovations  once Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York leave.

After being asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage by the autumn, King Charles is said to be considering offering the couple access to Buckingham Palace whenever they visit the UK

King Charles may offer the couple Prince Andrew's own rooms in the palace, which are being vacated

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children are currently living in the much smaller Adelaide Cottage in Windsor which is deemed 'unsuitable' long term despite the family being 'very happy' there.

A source said Adelaide Cottage may be offered to Andrew's youngest daughter, Eugenie, who is pregnant with her second child, who was previously renting Frogmore from her cousin Harry.

For years Andrew enjoyed the use of a suite at Buckingham Palace known as the Chamber Floor.

But he lost his London bolthole after he was stripped of his military roles and royal patronages over his links to the disgraced child sex trafficker and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew agreed a huge payout to settle a US lawsuit brought against him by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, but he continues to vehemently denies any crime or misconduct.

The Duke of York's belongings have been moved out of Buckingham Palace, including his collection of teddy bears and soft toys, which Palace staff had to arrange precisely on his bed each day.

Removal vans have also been spotted on the Windsor Estate.

Harry and Meghan  who now live in a nine-bedroom 12 million house in Montecito, California, after quitting the Royal Family three years ago  have been told they have until the autumn to move any belongings out of Frogmore Cottage.

Last night, Palace sources said that the couple will still be invited to the King's Coronation in May despite Harry's outspoken criticism of his family in his memoir Spare.

Sources close to the King and the Queen Consort say the couple were 'furious' and 'wearied' by bombshell revelations in Prince Harry's book, in which he described his stepmother as 'dangerous' and claimed his brother William once pushed him to the ground in a furious rage.

Harry has demanded an apology from his family in TV interviews but is not thought to have spoken to his father or brother since the book was published in January.

Sources close to the King and the Queen Consort say the couple were 'furious' and 'wearied' by bombshell revelations in Prince Harry's book

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could stay at an apartment in Buckingham Palace if they come to the UK for the King's coronation

Sources close to the royal family said the King does not want to 'deprive the Sussexes of a base in the UK'

A source said: 'His Majesty is furious, as is William. But the King is not a bad man. He has no wish to see his brother Andrew homeless or penniless. Nor does he wish to deprive the Sussexes of a base in the UK.

'London is a better fit. The Sussexes have always wanted rooms at Buckingham Palace. They could have Andrew's old rooms there, which are currently being vacated.'

Other options under consideration are that the couple could stay at St James's Palace when required, or even Princess Diana's former home  the grand Apartment 1 at Kensington Palace  which lies empty and is currently being renovated.

Frogmore Cottage could go to Prince Andrew, but would be quite the downsize from his 30-room lodgings at the Royal Lodge

The Royal Lodge could become the new home of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children

Andrew is said to have resigned himself to the fact that he will not be able to keep the Royal Lodge

According to sources in Windsor, Andrew has accepted he will not get to keep Royal Lodge  where he has lived for 20 years.

He is said to have had plenty of time to prepare for news having first been made aware of plan when his mother the Queen was alive.

A source said: 'Royal Lodge is far too grand and much too big for Prince Andrew's current status. Plus it is geared towards children, with its Wendy house and pool, so of course it has long been the natural choice for Prince William.

'Adelaide Cottage is too small for a future King and Queen in the long term. There isn't enough room for all the security they and their children will need in the years ahead, which is why Royal Lodge was being openly discussed as far back as January. It has been an idea on the agenda for much longer than that, since the Queen was alive.'

Another source said that Frogmore Cottage has been offered to Andrew on a 'take-it-or-leave-it' basis, adding: 'Andrew can have Frogmore Cottage or nothing. But at least Adelaide could eventually end up in the hands of one of his daughters.'

Princess Beatrice bought a 3.5 million Cotswolds farmhouse near Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in 2021, which has undergone extensive renovations overseen by her property developer husband Edo Mapelli-Mozzi.

However Eugenie is yet to own a property, and until a recent move to Portugal was renting Frogmore Cottage from Harry. Expectant Eugenie, her husband Jack and their two-year-old son August, are eventually expected to return from Portugal to live in the UK.

Another source added: 'If Adelaide Cottage goes to one of the girls, it will more likely be Eugenie, not Beatrice, who ends up there.'
A juror in Alex Murdaugh's double homicide trial said he believed the legal scion's slain son Paul helped solve his own murder after police found cell phone video placing Murdaugh at the crime scene minutes before the killings.

James, who is 22 years old, the same age Paul was when he was gunned down, along with his mother Maggie, told Fox News Digital that the jury prayed together before delivering the guilty verdict in the rural South Carolina courtroom on Thursday.

'We prayed before we went in, we prayed before we came out to give the verdict,' James said. 'That was a huge factor in us being able to sit comfortably with our decision.'

After six weeks of dramatic testimony, the jury took just less than three hours to deliver a guilty verdict. James revealed that initially, nine out of the 12 jurors voted guilty and three voted not guilty.

They continued to deliberate, discussing the evidence including the dog kennel video which James called a 'crucial piece of evidence,' before voting again.

This time, the vote was unanimous. Murdaugh was found guilty and sentenced the following day to two life sentences, which he will serve consecutively.

James, who is 22, the same age Paul Murdaugh was when he was killed, served on the jury that convicted Alex Murdaugh in the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul

The jury deliberated for less than three hours Thursday before finding Alex Murdaugh guilty

Buster Murdaugh, Paul Murdaugh, Maggie Murdaugh and Alex Murdaugh are pictured a month before Maggie and Paul were gunned down at their Moselle estate in South Carolina in 2021

After a long six-week trial of hours-long testimony, many were shocked by the fast verdict. It was noted several reporters in the courtroom that the jurors were not taking notes.

But James revealed to Law & Crime that the jurors were not allowed to take notes but they wrote down questions they had on paper in the jury room during 15-minute breaks. While some questions were answered later in testimony, other questions were discussed during the vote.

He said that about 30 minutes before they took the second vote, they were asked about ordering dinner. But they were still sorting through their questions and by the second vote, they had an unanimous guilty verdict.

'We were all pretty sure we knew what had happened, and we knew who had pulled the trigger,' James added.

James, who did not want to give his name, is a graduate of Clemson University who works in construction, spoke to the news outlet following the sentencing, wearing a suit and a U.S. Constitution tie, that he often wore throughout the trial.

The juror went on to say that in a way, Paul solved his own murder with the video he recorded placed Alex Murdaugh at the dog kennels minutes before the mother and son were slaughtered.

'It says a lot that somebody that couldn't speak, somebody that couldn't be a witness was able to be a witness even after they passed away,' he said.

Maggie's body was found a few yards to the right of the doghouse while Paul's was in the doorway of the feed room at the kennels (far right)

A stuffed chicken is seen in a dog cage at the kennels where Maggie and Paul were killed

Murdaugh had repeatedly denied being at the kennels on the night of the murders. But police recovered video recorded on Paul's phone at 8:45 p.m., four minutes before prosecutors say he and his mom were killed.

The video was played in court and several people close to the family testified that they clearly heard three voices on the video - Paul, Maggie, and Alex. They had been talking about their dog Bubba catching a chicken.

'I think it's incredible timing on Paul's part,' James said. 'I don't think that anyone would have ever known that he was down there if it wasn't for that video. I think that there's a lot of evidence that points towards Alex, but I feel like that does solidify it.'

When Alex took the stand toward the end of his trial, he admitted that he lied about not being at the kennels during that time frame.

However, throughout the trial and even after the guilty verdict and sentencing, the disgraced legal scion continued to claim that he would never hurt his wife and son.

James noted that there was 'enough evidence there gathered by SLED (South Carolina Attorney General's Office) and produced by Paul,' and that Murdaugh's testimony did not decide his fate.

However, it did show the jury how easily Murdaugh was able to deceive people with his lies.

'I think that he's good at being able to talk to people, and I think part of the way that he's able to be so good at talking to people is that he's convincing,' James told Law&Crime in another interview.

'And I think whenever he's convincing, he's convincing himself as well. And I think he's able to do that because he often meshes the truth with a lie.'

Murdaugh spoke briefly, telling the judge: 'I am innocent. I would never hurt my wife Maggie and I would never hurt my son Paul Paul.' He was sentenced to life in prison

He added that the prosecution's argument that Murdaugh was on the edge of financial ruin was a good theme, but not a persuasive motive.

'I don't think I'd ever be able to answer why somebody would do something like that,' he said.

'But I know that there are people in the world that don't make sense, and they do things without making it make sense. So I don't know that there is an answer other than that it happened and that it shouldn't have.'

James said that there was one thing he did believe from Murdaugh. That he loved Maggie and Paul.

'It's something that's important to be seen for Paul and Maggie,' James said. 'I also think that regardless, this is an incredibly difficult time for the family. And I hate it for all of them.'

Many of the jurors returned to court on Friday to hear Judge Clifton Newman sentence Alex Murdaugh to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Maggie and Paul. His defense team plans to appeal.
Prince Harry has said 'a lot of' British soldiers 'didn't necessarily agree or disagree' with the invasion of Afghanistan by western countries, but they 'did what they were told'.

The Duke of Sussex said some British soldiers were not 'necessarily' supportive of military efforts in Afghanistan.

During a 90-minute livestreamed Q&A conversation, author Dr Gabor Mate said he did not align with the West during the conflict.

In a wide-ranging discussion that touched on his drug use, his wife Meghan Markle 'saving' him and the justification for the war in Afghanistan, Harry told the academic he did not see himself as a 'victim' or want sympathy.

It comes after he was criticised for revealing his kill count during the conflict in his memoir Spare, released earlier this year.

Prince Harry said a 'lot' of soldiers did not necessarily support British intervention in Afghanistan

The Duke of Sussex sat down with controversial author Gabor Mate for a livestreamed conversation and Q&A on Saturday

Prince Harry sat down with the controversial trauma guru, who is in favour of drug legalisation and previously backed Jeremy Corbyn amid allegations of anti-Semitism, to discuss his time in therapy and impact of trauma upon his life.

The conversation with Mate, a 79-year-old Hungarian Canadian and survivor of the Holocaust, was billed as covering 'the importance of personal healing'.

Discussing the Afghanistan conflict, Harry said: 'One of the reasons why so many people in the United Kingdom were not supportive of our troops was because they assumed that everybody that was serving was for the war.

'But no, once you sign up, you do what you're told to do.

'So there was a lot of us that didn't necessarily agree or disagree, but you were doing what you were trained to do, you were doing what you were sent to do.'

The Duke of Sussex claimed in Spare to have killed 25 enemy fighters during two tours of Afghanistan - calling his victims 'chess pieces' rather than people as a means of bearing the emotional strain of taking dozens of lives.

The prince was first deployed to Helmand province as a forward air controller in 2007, but his first tour of duty was cut short when an Australian magazine broke a media embargo by mistake.

He returned in 2012 with the Ministry of Defence publicising his second deployment on the understanding that the media would allow him to get on with the job at hand.

Prince Harry (centre) wrote in his memoir Spare that he killed 25 Taliban fighters during his tours of Afghanistan

Princess Anne, Princess Royal presents Afghanistan war campaign medals to officers and soldiers of the Household Cavalry Regiment, including Prince Harry, in 2008

After he learnt to fly Apache helicopters, Harry was deployed to Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan in 2012 where he stayed for 20 weeks.

During his 2012 tour, Harry helped provide helicopter support to the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan forces operating throughout Helmand province.

Based out of Camp Bastion, 662 Squadron Army Air Corps, to which he belonged, flew more than a hundred deliberate missions over 2,500 flying hours, providing surveillance, deterrence and, when required, close combat attack capabilities as well as escort duties for other aircraft.

Captain Wales qualified as a co-pilot gunner in February 2012.

He was posted to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, to gain further flying experience and to operate the Apache on a number of exercises before deploying to Afghanistan in September 2012.

Harry trained to fly in the front seat as the mission or aircraft commander but the majority of the time operated the Apache's sights, sensors and weapons systems.

Upon his return to the UK, he was hailed by his colleagues and superiors as being 'on top of his game' during the tour.

In a wide-ranging discussion that touched on his drug use, his wife Meghan Markle 'saving' him and his upbringing, Harry today said he did not see himself as a 'victim' or want sympathy.

Prince Harry holds an SLR rifle on patrol through the deserted town of Garmisir, Afghanistan

Captain Wales qualified as a co-pilot gunner in February 2012, as well as having trained to be in the front seat

He revealed he has been diagnosed with PTSD, saying he has been living in 'fight or flight mode' since he was 12.

The Duke of Sussex told the author he wished he had had the resource of therapy far sooner in his life.

Mental health and therapy is a topic the prince has often spoken about in recent years, including in his and Meghan Markle's Netflix documentary, Harry and Meghan.

In the series, he demonstrated a technique used by his therapist called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), which has shown to be effective in treating patients with PTSD.

The technique sees an individual work through and reprocess their trauma in a safe space by giving them a stimulating activity to do at the same time, such as eye movements or tapping on alternate sides of the body.

During today's interview, the prince compared himself to Diana in feeling 'different' from the rest of his family and described how he constantly hugs Archie and Lilibet to ensure they feel affection - something he doesn't believe he received from his own father, King Charles.

The royal said that sharing his personal troubles in public was an 'act of service' for others and spoke how having therapy had helped 'burst a bubble' he felt he was living in.

He discussed the reaction to his memoir, saying: 'Sometimes I'm surprised and sometimes I'm not.

'It is the same group of people who react the same way when someone in a position like myself discusses trauma.

'As we've already discussed, I'm not a victim in this. The more they criticise, the more I feel the need to share.

'I found a way to be able to look around the criticisms and the abuse. What worries me is there are other people out there who see the reaction that I get that then encourages them or discourages them.'
She chimed in as Amazon paused construction of the new HQ in Virginia

Her intervention is estimated to have cost 25,000 jobs for the Big Apple

AOC touted her 2018 efforts to prevent Amazon building its new HQ in New York

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been mocked after attempting to take a victory lap for preventing Amazon from building a new HQ in New York.

The Democrat chimed in after it was announced the retail behemoth is halting construction of its HQ2 facility in its new location in Arlington, Virginia.

Despite the move coming as the company faces its largest ever job cuts, AOC patted herself on the back for previously preventing the project in her home state.

'When I opposed this Amazon project coming to New York bc it was a scam of public funds, the whole power establishment came after us,' she said on Twitter.

'Billboards went up in Times Sq denouncing me. Powerful pols promised revenge. Op-Eds & CEOs insulted my intelligence. In the end, we were right.'

Her celebration was cut short, however, as people slammed her for her job-killing incentive, with one demanding the lawmaker 'resign in disgrace'.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (pictured) was mocked for telling her followers it was 'worth it' to block Amazon's attempt to move its headquarters to New York, where she is a congresswoman

The Democrat chimed in as Amazon paused construction of its HQ2 complex in Virginia, pictured

Amazon's headquarters expansion will see several massive buildings erected. The Helix (above) is one of the planned buildings, which is now on hold

The congresswoman made the remarks as she recalled her opposition to Amazon's headquarters expansion in 2018, when New York was in prime position to land the new complex.

Faced with backlash to her initial tweet, AOC then doubled down on her stance, telling her 13 million followers it was 'worth it' to block the construction.

'I know Ill never get an apology for that time, but it was worth it,' she said.

'We protected NYers from a scam deal to drain public dollars from schools & infrastructure in exchange for empty promises of Amazon jobs w/ 0 guarantees or guardrails. Sadly, cities who took it are suffering.'

Her twitter rant was met with staunch criticism from those who believe New York would have benefitted from the economy-boosting development, which was estimated to bring 25,000 jobs to the Big Apple.

'You don't deserve an apology, you should resign in disgrace,' said one critic.

Another joked: 'Lucky they have you, to save them from all those jobs!'

'Wait, you prevented jobs from coming to NY. Then when the government causes a recession because of uncontrolled printing and spending and companies do layoffs, you take an "I told you so" victory lap?' said a third.

'This type of grift is exactly what's wrong with Washington.'

Another commenter also noted that Amazon's cost-cutting delay is only a 'temporary pause' on the second phase of its headquarters' lengthy expansion project.

AOC's celebration came amid Amazon's announcement that it is shuttering the second phase of the construction.

The first phase of the complex, two office towers known as Metropolitan Park, is due for completion in June, and will be able to house some 14,000 workers.

The delay impacts a larger development planned across the street, called PenPlace, consisting of three 22-story office towers and a 350-foot architectural showpiece known as the Helix.

Amazon's primary headquarters is located in Seattle. It announced plans for the HQ2 campus, near Washington DC, in 2019 after abandoning plans to move to the Big Apple.

Speaking about the delay, Amazon's real estate chief John Schoettler said they made the decision to ultimately bring a 'great experience for employees.'

'Since Met Park will have space to accommodate more than 14,000 employees, we've decided to shift the groundbreaking of PenPlace (the second phase of HQ2) out a bit.'

He said the company has already hired more than 8,000 employees and will welcome them to the nearly-completed Met Park campus when it opens in June.

Amazon has pledged to spend $2.5 billion and hire some 25,000 workers at the Arlington site by 2030.

The delay in construction would not mean any elimination in jobs, Amazon told Bloomberg, which first reported the construction pause.

Amazon's main HQ, pictured, is in Seattle, but it has announced plans to construct a second base on the east coast

Amazon says the Forest Plaza will provide a densely planted landscape with accessible pathways, seating nooks, and long views to the south. Its construction is currently paused

The HQ2 campus, seen in renderings, will also include a separate park, as well as a community high school, and retail space - if it's ever completed

Amazon has pledged to spend $2.5 billion and hire some 25,000 workers at the Arlington site by 2030. Pictured: CEO Andy Jassy

At the time of her opposition, AOC voiced her stance on Twitter, where she said: 'Now what I DONT want is for our public funds to be funding freebie helipads for Amazon + robber baron billionaires, all while NYCHA and public schools go underfunded & mom+pops get nowhere near that kind of a break.'

Alongside several of her Democrat colleagues, Ocasio-Cortez pressurized the company to abandon its New York project, in part by targeting the $2.5 billion economic incentives it would have received.

The New York HQ complex was officially scrapped in early 2019, with AOC's intervention estimated to have cost her city roughly 25,000 jobs.
Prince Harry spoke candidly about his recreational use of illegal drugs during a intimate chat with a toxic trauma expert.

The discussion came in a 'intimate conversation' about 'living with loss and personal healing' between the Duke and Dr Gabor Mate on Saturday evening.

Tickets to the livestream, which cost 19, included a hardback copy of the Prince's recent memoir, Spare.

The second son of King Charles said marijuana had 'really helped' him but that cocaine and alcohol were more 'social'.

The timing of the discussion is particularly awkward for the palace, coming just days after it emerged King Charles is evicting Harry and his wife Meghan Markle from Frogmore Cottage, their grace-and-favour mansion on the Windsor estate.

Asked by Dr Mate if he saw himself as a victim, Harry said: 'I certainly don't'

The livestream costs 17 and comes with a hardback copy of the duke's memoir

Trauma expert Dr Gabor Mate spoke of the way people used drugs to deal with problems in their lives before asking Harry's about his reasons for using drugs including cocaine and cannabis.

'The first one you mentioned, that didn't do anything for me, it was more a social thing. It gave me a sense of belonging and probably also made me feel different to the way I was feeling,' Harry said.

'Marijuana is different, that actually did really help me.'

The prince said alcohol was also 'more of a social thing' and complained about peer pressure around drinking.

Dr Mate, who has faced numerous controversies in the past, denied accusations he had been threatened with arrest by the Canadian government for using Ayahuasca with his patients.

In 2011, Health Canada threatened to prosecute the trauma expert if he did not stop using the Amazonian plant to treat addiction.

In the two years before receiving the warning, Dr Mate administered the medicine to between 150 and 200 patients.

The addiction doctor said during the interview: 'I was never threatened with arrest.'

He also spoke about the side effect of the drugs, denying that they can include vomiting and hallucinations.

He said: 'You purge with it sometimes, it's a good thing.

'It doesn't give you hallucination - it gives you visions... You think it's really happening.'

Dr Mate added: 'I don't think it's a panacea for dealing with trauma.'

Harry agreed, describing his own experiences using psychedelics.

He said: 'It was the cleaning of the windshield, removal of life's filters.

'It removed it all for me and brought me a sense of relaxation, release, comfort, a lightness that I managed to hold onto for a period of time

'For me I started doing it recreationally and then started to realise how good it was for me. I would say it is one of the fundamental parts of my life that changed me and helped me deal with the traumas and the pains of the past.'

Prince Harry admitted taking cocaine as a teenager, smoking weed and trying magic mushrooms in the home of Courtney Cox in his explosive memoir Spare.

Courtney Cox responded to the claims last week ahead of her induction to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

She told Variety that the Prince had stayed with her for a 'couple of days' and was 'a really nice person'.

'I havent read the book. I do want to hear it, because Ive heard its really entertaining. But yes, its gotten back to me about it.

Prince Harry sat down with trauma expert Dr Gabor Mate for a livestream event about 'trauma and healing'

Dr Mate told Prince Harry he believes he has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which can affect people's concentration and means they are easily distracted

Prince Harry has admitted using psychedelics - magic mushrooms, psilocybin (the active component of magic mushrooms) and ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic from the leaves of a shrub - in an attempt to help him heal from 'grief'

'Im not saying there were mushrooms! I definitely wasnt passing them out,' the actress said.

Dr Mate has also faced criticism for remarks made in the past and Harry has come under fire for sharing a platform with him.

The doctor has provoked fury due to his history of controversial comments, including comparing Hamas to the Jewish heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising against the Nazis.

Read more: How Prince Harry's chat with guru who compared Hamas terrorists to Jews who battled the Nazis has appalled Rabbis Advertisement

The 79-year-old Hungarian-Canadian Holocaust survivor has also defended Palestinian rocket fire at Israeli civilians and once branded the Israeli government 'terrorists'.

The 'intimate conversation' comes amid concern from the Sussex camp over the recent revelation that they will be asked to move out of their Windsor home - which may be handed over to Prince Andrew.

The couple were allegedly given 'weeks' to pack up their British home at Frogmore Cottage after Harry's memoir Spare hit the shelves in January.

Earlier this week, journalist Omid Scobie claimed that some members of the Royal Family were 'appalled' by the decision to evict Harry and Meghan, with the couple also said to have felt 'stunned'.

An insider allegedly told him: 'It all feels very final and like a cruel punishment. It's like [the family] want to cut them out of the picture for good.'

But the couple are not as 'stunned' about leaving as previous reports have suggested, believing that 'if we need to move out, we will get ourselves out', a source told The Times.

The revelation comes as preparations are taking place for King Charles' Coronation in May amid speculation that Harry may not receive an invitation.
An apocalyptic scene has unfolded in Frederick, Maryland where an overturned gas tanker exploded into a massive fireball killing the driver and setting nearby homes and cars alight.

Hazmat teams have responded to the incident along with emergency crews with reports of a 'burning smell' filling the area.

Footage filmed by residents, some of whom were seen gawking nearby the huge blaze, shows large plumes of black smoke, ash and embers billowing from the crash site.

Maryland State Police said the crash took place on Route 15 in Maryland and the driver of the tanker died in the incident. There were no other fatalities or injuries immediately reported.

An apocalyptic scene has unfolded in Frederick, Maryland where an overturned gas tanker exploded into a massive fireball killing the driver and setting nearby homes and cars alight

Footage filmed by residents, some of whom were seen gawking nearby the huge blaze, shows large plumes of black smoke, ash and embers billowing from the crash site

The highway was closed between Route 50 and 7th Street, according to a tweet from MDSP.

Frederick's Division of Fire & Rescue Services (DFRS) personnel were also at the scene 'of what appears to be a tanker explosion,' Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor said in a Facebook post.

The mayor is asking residents to avoid the area but footage circulating social media shows residents being drawn into the tragic incident like moths to a flame, some seen standing mere inches from the blaze.

MDSP said in a tweet: 'Multiple vehicles and homes suffered damage from flames from the fire caused by the overturned tanker.'

The environment department has also been notified of the incident.

Emergency services are on scene and it is not clear what caused the inferno

The highway was closed between Route 50 and 7th Street, according to a tweet from MDSP

Maryland State Police said the crash took place on Route 15 in Maryland and the driver of the tanker died in the incident. There were no other fatalities or injuries immediately reported

Firefighters were seen extinguishing vehicles gutted by the blaze

Emergency crews seem to be making progress on controlling the fuel fire, but a hazmat cordon is being established to deal with the fuel spill

At least one other vehicle has been destroyed on I-15 and massive traffic delays are being recorded after both sides of the interstate were closed

The truck reportedly crashed near Apple Road causing at least 'some of the fuel load to leave the road and spill into storm drains' Atlas news reported.

Emergency crews seem to be making progress on controlling the fuel fire, but a hazmat cordon is being established to deal with the fuel spill.

Emergency services are on scene and it is not clear what caused the inferno.

At least one other vehicle has been destroyed on I-15 and massive traffic delays are being recorded after both sides of the interstate were closed.
The aunt of murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena said she is 'always hopeful' for change in a system 'broken across the board' and which does not protect women, as she joined hundreds of protestors against male violence on Saturday.

Farah Naz spoke out as she joined the protest organised to remember female victims of male violence and a call for action to tackle it.

Supporters of the Million Women Rise (MWR) collective who walked through central London's West End shopping district to Trafalgar Square claimed that the lack of action against male violence amounted to state inflicted or sanctioned abuse.

They drummed, chanted and carried signs saying 'together we can end male violence' and 'women are not the problem' during the protest ahead of International Women's Day on Wednesday.

Ms Naz told the PA news agency: 'Zara's loss is society's loss.'

Farah Naz, the aunt of murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, joined the Million Women Rise protest march through London on Saturday

Aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, 35, was sexually assaulted and murdered by Jordan McSweeney, 29, in Ilford, east London, last June

Supporters of the Million Women Rise (MWR) collective claim that the lack of action against male violence amounted to state inflicted or sanctioned abuse

Protestors carried signs saying 'together we can end male violence' and 'women are not the problem' during the protest ahead of International Women's Day on Wednesday

Those who took part in the march listened as Farah Naz, aunt of murdered aspiring lawyer Zara Aleena, told the crowd: 'Zara has brought me, my sister and my friends here but we are here for all women, all girls, to make a change and to make some meaning out of the tragedy.'

She added: 'Zara has brought me, my sister and my friends here but we are here for all women, all girls, to make a change and to make some meaning out of the tragedy that has happened to us.

'We are in trauma but at the same time we are really heartened by the support in society of all sectors and leaders.

'We are hopeful that things can change for other women and girls.'

Failings in the probation service were among the issues which meant a known perpetrator was free to murder Ms Aleena.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, was handed a life sentence and jailed for at least 38 years after admitting sexually assaulting and murdering the 35-year-old law graduate in Ilford, east London, in June last year.

With her voice breaking, Ms Naz said: 'We lost Zara, but we don't want her death to be the end.

'Zara's loss is society's loss and we have, as victims, to become more than that. There has to be work with communities and leaders.

'The protest today is shining a light on the mistakes and on a system that is broken across the board.

'We know from Zara's case that probation made a series of mistakes, huge errors, that are so deeply painful for us as a family, and for us as a society to be aware of, because it means that women are not safe.'

The number of women who are murdered is a sign that something is wrong, she added.

Ms Naz said: 'We already know that domestic violence leads to so many deaths and, that as it is not treated as any other form of violence, we have seen a lack of convictions which then releases men to murder women.

'We know that probation has collapsed because of the privatisation that has happened and has then led to a system that is broken and has not been attended to.

'We know that reviews have been written from when other people have been murdered and the recommendations have not been followed up.

'We know that government leaders have failed us.

Jordan McSweeney, 29, was handed a life sentence for Zara Aleena's murder

'We know that the systems have failed us, but there are also people working to change that.'

Danyal Hussein was jailed for a minimum of 35 years after murdering sisters Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, in 2020.

Deniz Jaffer and Jamie Lewis, a pair of Met Police constables who took photos of the murdered sisters and shared the images on WhatsApp groups, were later jailed.

In a video message of support, Mina Smallman, the mother of the sisters, told the marchers: 'We have so much important work to do.

'The slogan I would like us all to adopt is that 'it's time'. We have had enough talk. We have had enough rhetoric. Now we are demanding that those in power put girls and women's safety at the forefront.'

MWR also noted that serial rapist David Carrick kept his job as a Metropolitan Police officer despite multiple reports against him, allowing him to commit a string of offences over almost 20 years.

The disgraced 48-year-old PC, who was described as a 'monster' and 'evil' by some of his dozen victims, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 32 years after carrying out a 'catalogue of violent and brutal' sex attacks between 2003 and 2020.

The cost-of-living crisis is also trapping women with perpetrators and decimating vital support services, MWR warned.
Some regulars say the CPAC gathering has lacked the energy of previous years

'Congratulations to Nikki Haley on drawing such a large crowd,' he posted

Former President Donald Trump ridiculed Republican rival Nikki Haley on Saturday, pointing out that her speech to the MAGA faithful was delivered before a half empty hall at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

'Congratulations to Nikki Haley on drawing such a large crowd at CPAC,' he posted on TruthSocial with a photo of empty rows. 'As I told her, "Nikki, follow your heart!"'

CPAC regulars say the event has lacked energy this year, with some key figures staying away in an election cycle 'off year.'

Haley was one of a number of contenders who risked appearing before a hostile audience, and even used the occasion to repeat her call for candidate over the age of 75 to face a mental ability test.

Trump is 76.

In contrast, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stayed away from an audience of Trump loyalists.

Former President Donald Trump ridiculed Republican rival Nikki Haley on Saturday, pointing out that her speech to the MAGA faithful was delivered before a half empty hall at the Conservative Political Action Conference

There were lots of empty seats at CPAC's second full day on Friday

Nikki Haley said the Democratic Party is now 'socialist' and said 'wokeness' is more dangerous than any public health crisis in a speech Friday

That brought Haley kudos from some Trump lieutenants.

'Yes, @CPAC, like the GOP at-large, is dominated by Donald Trump,' said Taylor Budowich, who runs the MAGA Inc super PAC. 'Its not easy to show up and stand in that shadow, but you cant compete if you dont show up.

'Props to those like Nikki, Pompeo, Vivek etc who had the courage to show up and compete.'

He tweeted it with a video of Haley leaving her speech as Trump supporters chanted.

In her speech Haley said the Democratic Party was now 'socialist' and said 'wokeness' is more dangerous than any public health crisis in a speech Friday.

'The Democratic Party is now a socialist party. Bernie Sanders and AOC are at least honest about it,' the told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). 'Socialism is weakening our country at the worst possible moment.'

And after a coronavirus pandemic that has killed 1.13 million Americans, Haley said, 'wokeness is a virus more dangerous than any pandemic  hands down.'

The former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor called China the 'strongest and most disciplined enemy we have ever faced.'

'I cant believe what Joe Biden is letting China get away with,' she said. 'Never in my life did I think Americans would look at the sky and a see a Chinese spy balloon looking back at us.'

'Chinese companies now own more than 380,000 acres of American soil, some of it right next to our military bases,' Haley went on. 'What are we doing? We should never let an enemy buy land in our country.'

The Republican presidential candidate claimed President Biden is having U.S. troops take 'gender pronoun classes' rather than combat training.

'A strong military doesnt start wars. A strong military prevents wars,' she said. 'Ill bring the same strength to the White House that I did to the United Nations.'

Haley touted her work at the UN compiling a list of nations and cross-checking how often they voted with the U.S. and how much aid the U.S. was giving them.

'They stab us in the back then turn around, with their hands out, wanting our money,' she said. 'To this day, were giving foreign aid to Pakistan, Iraq, the Palestinians, and even Communist Cuba and China.'

'We need to stop trying to buy friends. All were doing is paying off enemies. When Im president, we will stop giving money to countries that hate America!'

'Never in my life did I think Americans would look at the sky and a see a Chinese spy balloon looking back at us,' Haley said

After calling for mental competency tests and term limits, Haley knocked both Biden and congressional Republicans for adding to the national debt after Republicans brought back earmarks last year.

'[Biden] has put us on track to add $20 trillion more in the next 10 years. And by the way  some Republicans have helped with that,' she said. 'We need to stop with the earmarks and pet projects  once and for all!'

Haley entered the race for the presidency in mid-February but is currently polling well behind former President Trump - who has already launched a bid - and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has not yet done so.

According to an Emerson College poll released this week, Trump is leading the pack in a hypothetical matchup at 55 percent of GOP primary/caucus voters and DeSantis trails him at 25 percent.

Vice President Mike Pence is behind at 8 percent and Haley behind him at 5 percent.
Pippa Middletons father- in-law is facing continuing police investigations  five years after being charged with raping a minor.

David Matthews, 79, was first arrested by French police in 2018 and remains under investigation over claims he raped a 16-year-old girl on two occasions between 1998 and 1999  firstly in Paris and then again on the Caribbean island of St Barts where he owns the 5,000-a-night Eden Rock hotel.

But The Mail on Sunday can reveal detectives have begun another inquiry which is now running in tandem with the current one.

Prosecutors will confirm only that it is being handled by the same specialist Paris unit  the Brigade for the Protection of Minors  which deals with crimes against under-18s. Further allegations are understood to have emerged during the protracted original inquiry.

Mr Matthews, a former racing driver whose son James married the Princess of Waless sister in 2017, vehemently denies any wrongdoing and sources close to him said his legal team has not been told of any new allegations. Last month he was pictured greeting Pippa and her family arriving for a holiday in St Barts.

David Matthews (right), 79, was first arrested by French police in 2018 and remains under investigation over claims he raped a 16-year-old girl on two occasions between 1998 and 1999

A spokesman for the Paris prosecutors said: The judicial investigation in which David Matthews has been indicted and placed under judicial control is in progress. I can also confirm a preliminary investigation entrusted to the Brigade for the Protection of Minors is also under way, implicating David Matthews.

He said he was unable to provide further details.

Mr Matthews was twice interviewed by Judge Jean Rea in Paris in 2021. Police first questioned him in April 2018 after arresting him as he flew in to Paris from the Caribbean. He has previously claimed to friends that he is being set up by the original complainant to cause his family embarrassment. She angrily denies this.

In a 2018 interview with the MoS, her father said: The idea she is doing this for compensation or any reason other than a desire for justice is completely wrong.

His daughter, who is British but cannot be identified for legal reasons, told French police last year she initially blamed herself for the alleged attacks, which she said left her feeling shocked and disgusted.

It is understood she told police she was groomed and assaulted when she had just turned 15 but that the first alleged rape took place when she was 16.

She confided in her parents eight years ago, and her account left them incredibly shocked.

Her father said: She told me, You dont know what Ive been going through all these years. Then it all came pouring out. She said it had been a burden because she had kept it bottled up for so long. Its caused her an immense emotional strain.

The statute of limitations for prosecuting rape in France was two decades at the time of Mr Matthewss arrest, meaning the charges could have been time-barred. A new law in 2018 extended this to 30 years for complainants under 18.

Mr Matthews attended his sons wedding with senior members of the Royal Family, including Prince William and Prince Harry.

The son of a Rotherham coal miner, he amassed a 40million fortune by selling a secondhand car business and moving into property development and hotel ownership.

Mr Matthews pictured with son James Matthews and daughter-in-law Pippa Middleton at their wedding

After leaving school, he became an apprentice garage mechanic. At 19 he sold cars door-to-door and, in his spare time, pursued his love of motor racing. His first marriage was to Anita Taylor, one of Britains first women racing drivers. They had a daughter, Nina, but divorced three years later in 1969.

He married for a second time to artist Jane Parker, now 75, and after moving out of their bungalow in Rotherham the couple lived on a 30-acre, 18th Century estate in rural Lincolnshire. As their fortunes rose, there were spells living in Paris, then Monaco.

They had three sons, James, Spencer and Michael  the latter died when he was 22 during an expedition on Mount Everest.

Mr Matthews ventured into hotels, buying up Eden Rock in St Barts in 1995. He and his wife now live on the island. He remains on bail, with no travel restrictions, but he has been regularly summoned to Paris for interview.

St Barts is a French island, so part of the European Union. Mr Matthews is not considered a flight risk, or likely to interfere with witnesses, and has co-operated fully with the Paris authorities.
Songs sung by generations of Girl Guides are being dropped or having their lyrics altered in the latest example of wokery.

The changes are detailed in a blog on the movements official website, saying that while songs were a big part of its tradition some could have references that have been hurtful to people.

In these cases, the blog suggested, there might need to be adaptations so everyone can join in and it gave examples of making them inclusive for everyone.

In one instance, a Brownie group has updated the lyrics to the end-of-meeting and camp song Brownie Bells to remove all references to religion.

This has upset some Christian groups, who argue that the original ethos of the Guiding organisation  of which Brownies is a part  was to encourage a belief in God.

The original version of Brownie Bells stated: Oh Lord our God, Thy children call, Grant us thy peace, And bless us all. Good Night G.O.O.D.N.I.G.H.T.

Songs sung by generations of Girl Guides are being dropped or having their lyrics altered in the latest example of wokery (Stock Image)

But in the updated version, they say: Time for the end, our meetings past, Brownies is great, time flies so fast, goodnight. Im a Brownie, youre a Brownie, Brownies all around the world. Goodnight Brownies everywhere.

The Girlguiding movement defended the update, saying it made the traditional song inclusive of all religions.

But Ciaran Kelly of The Christian Institute, said: The Girl Guides and Scouts should remember that their founders, Robert Baden-Powell and his sister Agnes, were motivated by their faith.

Erasing their past and our traditions do not promote greater inclusion, or diversity, quite the opposite. The many Christian members of the Girl Guides will certainly question how welcome they really are. I hope they reconsider this decision.

One leader, named on the now-removed blog as Emma, revealed she had stopped singing some songs with her unit because of their colonial and racist histories.

Among the jettisoned songs is a Canadian folk song, Land Of The Silver Birch, and the popular nursery rhyme Five Little Monkeys.

Emma said in the online article: Weve stopped singing any songs that have a questionable history. Songs like Land Of The Silver Birch, written to imitate Native American culture but not respectful of their song culture, and Five Little Monkeys, which has a history in minstrel songs [and] which were sung wearing blackface.

In one instance, a Brownie group has updated the lyrics to the end-of-meeting and camp song Brownie Bells to remove all references to religion (Stock Image)

The latter was banned last month from childrens events in Scotland over fears that because it probably originated in the late 19th Century US, it may have originally included the n-word instead of monkeys.

But there are other reports that it is actually based on a plantation folk song called Shortenin Bread.

In the past few years, there have been debates in Canada over Land Of The Silver Birch, with some saying the lyrics of the campfire song is offensive to Native American heritage. But other indigenous experts point out its writer had dual heritage and say suggestions of racist overtones are overblown.

Last night, Toby Young, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said: No British institution, however revered, is safe from the woke thought police. It was only a matter of time before they came for the Girl Guides.

Funnily enough, this may turn out to be quite helpful to those of us trying to defend free speech. Censoring the lyrics of the Girl Guides songs is a step too far, like sanitising the works of Roald Dahl.

A Girlguiding spokeswoman said: We are proud to be an inclusive organisation. Our ambition for diversity and inclusion is for Girlguiding to be a place where everyone is welcome and is free to be themselves  whoever they are and wherever theyre from.

Its important we consider elements of our heritage that may not illustrate our values and ethos of today, and how they may be excluding girls or volunteers from taking part fully or feeling truly welcome.
Disney have removed the phrase 'zip-a-dee-doo-dah' from the music of its in-park parades over links to 1946 film 'Song of the South' which pushed racial stereotypes amid an ultra-woke makeover to the amusement park.

The catchy phrase has been a staple in pop culture since its release but has long been criticized for its idealistic portrayal of the post-war South.

It was featured in the music of Disney 'Magic Happens' parades before the COVID-19 pandemic but has been quietly removed by the billion-dollar company which has been trying to distance itself from the film.

Multiple park attractions and events referencing it have been closed or altered by Disney in recent years as seen with the closure of fan favorite Splash Mountain which shut down in January because it featured characters and music from the movie.

Disney has removed the phrase 'zip-a-dee-doo-dah' from the music of its in-park parades over links to 1946 film 'Song of the South' which pushed racial stereotypes amid an ultra-woke makeover to the amusement park

The phrase has been a staple in pop culture since its release but has long been criticized for its idealistic portrayal of the post-war South and racial stereotypes

Multiple park attractions and events referencing it have been closed or altered by Disney in recent years as seen with the closure of fan favorite Splash Mountain

The move comes amid a number of progressive changes at the theme park.

The steps include changing park policy to stop staff from using gendered greetings, implementing an anti-racism training course for employees, giving old characters progressive makeovers, and removing offensive imagery from rides and movies.

The brand has made numerous steps towards becoming more woke - including a gay kiss between two female characters in the movie Lightyear, and black actress Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel in its upcoming, live-action re-make of The Little Mermaid.

While many have praised the company - which was previously known for including numerous racist undertones and offensive stereotypes in its old movies some wonder if they've taken it too far.

In May 2021, reports emerged that Walt Disney World was implementing a new anti-racism training course for its park employees - which asked them to complete a 'privilege checklist' - but was canceled days later.

City-Journal's Christopher F Rufo shared leaked documents about the 'diversity and inclusion' program, called Reimagine Tomorrow, to Twitter, explaining that it was set to teach staffers about 'systematic racism,' 'white fragility,' and 'microaggressions.'

It encouraged its staff to 'take ownership of educating themselves about structural anti-Black racism' and asked white employees to 'work through feelings of guilt, shame, and defensiveness to understand what is beneath them and what needs to be healed.'

Staff were also told to reject 'equality,' and instead strive for 'equity,' while 'reflecting' on America's 'racist infrastructure.'

After the documents were made public, the company was branded as the 'wokest Place on Earth' rather than the 'happiest place on Earth' by Twitter users.

The leaked training documents also included a how-to guide called 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice.

In May 2021, reports emerged that Walt Disney World was implementing a new anti-racism training course for its park employees - which asked them to complete a 'privilege checklist'

City-Journal 's Christopher F Rufo shared leaked documents about the 'diversity and inclusion' program, called Reimagine Tomorrow, to Twitter

In March 2022, it was announced that staff members, as well as recordings throughout the parks, would no longer include 'gendered greetings' like 'boys and girls' or 'ladies and gentleman.'

Instead, they opted for gender neutral terms like, 'Hello, everyone,' or, 'Hello, friends.'

'We don't want to just assume because someone might be, in our interpretation, presenting as female, that they may not want to be called 'princess,'' Vivian Ware, Disney's diversity and inclusion manager, said in a leaked conference call with employees.

'So let's think differently about how do we really engage with our guests in a meaningful and inclusive way that makes it magical and memorable for everyone.'

One year earlier, in April 2021, the brand announced on its blog that it was changing its rules to allow cast members to wear 'gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices,' while noting that 'the magic they make must include everyone.'

In January 2022, Disney revealed that its upcoming live-action remake of Snow White will not feature the classic depiction of the central character's seven companions as dwarves.

In October 2020, Disney also made a big move when it announced that it would be slapping racism warnings on a number of its decades-old movies as they were released on its streaming service, Disney+.

Movies that now come with an anti-racism warning include 1970 musical comedy The Aristocats, 1955 canine love story Lady and the Tramp, and 1960 adventure Swiss Family Robinson.

Meanwhile, earlier this year Walt Disney World broke attraction numbers on the final day of operation of - fan favorite - Splash Mountain.

Thousands flocked to the attraction and were seen bottling the ride's water as a keepsake, while others were seen selling it online for hundreds of dollars.

The original ride's ties to 'Song of the South' came under scrutiny from woke bosses at Disney amid ongoing efforts to become more progressive.

'Song of the South' stars James Baskett as Uncle Remus (pictured) and won an Oscar for best original song in 1948

A model of the revamped ride, which is based on the movie The Princess and The Frog

In 2020, the company announced that the ride would be getting a refresh based on the 2009 Disney animated which features the company's first Black princess, Tiana, at both Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida.

It all comes as Disney continues to suffer at boardroom level and faces a populist revolt led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

CEO Bob Iger announced last month that he will lay off 7,000 employees in a 'significant transformation' to cut costs.

The job losses represent a little over three percent of Disney's global workforce, and are likely to predominantly affect the entertainment and ESPN divisions, despite the company beating analysts' expectations for the fourth quarter of 2022.

He also revealed plans to restructure the company, effectively eliminating the Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution group set up under his predecessor Bob Chapek.

The new structure will have only three divisions: Disney Entertainment  which will include film and TV assets as well as Disney+; ESPN  which will include ESPN and ESPN+; and Parks, Experiences and Products  which will include theme parks and the consumer products team.

Iger, 71, also issued a statement that he will step down in two years.

In response to the moves, activist investor billionaire Nelson Peltz, who had thrown his considerable wealth behind a campaign over the company's wasted funds following a woke agenda, declared his proxy fight with Disney over.

Thursday morning, Peltz, 80, told CNBC's 'Squawk on the Street' that 'Disney plans to do everything we wanted them to do,' calling the ending of his activist battle a 'great win.

'We wish the very best to Bob [Iger], this management team and the board. We will be watching. We will be rooting,' said Peltz, who runs Trian Fund Management.

Iger's news was also delivered via CNBC. He told the outlet his plan is 'to stay here for two years, that's what my contract says, that was my agreement with the board, and that is my preference.'

It all comes as Disney continues to suffer at boardroom level and faces a populist revolt led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

A listing posted on Tuesday with the title 'Disney SPLASH MOUNTAIN water LAST DAY OF RIDE' has been put on auction it's current bid at $202.50 with four bids placed so far

In January, Trian launched a proxy fight with Disney, pushing for Peltz to gain a seat on the company's board of directors.

At the time, the firm said it owned about 9.4million shares valued at about $900million, which it accumulated several months before.

Peltz had previously taken a critical stance against Disney's $71billion acquisition of Fox in 2019, as well as its failed succession planning that resulted in the ousting of Bob Chapek and second reign of Iger.

During the remainder of Iger's tenure, he will be responsible for crafting a more solid succession plan than the one which left Chapek in place, only to oversee a period of turbulence for the company.
The BBC was last night accused of a 'cover-up' after it refused to release 3,200 emails linked to Martin Bashir's notorious interview with Princess Diana.

The internal emails could reveal damning details about how the BBC reacted when Bashir's deceit in obtaining the interview came to light, it is claimed.

A judge will decide this year whether the emails should be made public.

In 2020, the Daily Mail revealed how Bashir had duped Diana into giving the Panorama interview, in which she revealed 'there were three of us in this marriage'  referring to Charles's mistress Camilla.

Bank statements had been falsified to suggest an ex-security chief had been paid by a tabloid newspaper to spy on Diana and her brother Earl Spencer, fuelling her paranoia.

Diana with Martin Bashir during the sensational 1995 Panorama interview

The Mail expose came weeks after the BBC released a series of memos and minutes from 1995 and 1996 under Freedom of Information laws, indicating how bosses had hushed up the scandal.

But journalist Andy Webb, who helped expose the cover-up, suspects the BBC has only selectively released emails.

In 2021, he requested all emails between BBC managers and its information office sent from September to November 2020 that related to the Bashir scandal.

For months the BBC insisted its archive contained no further documents, but in a U-turn last year it revealed 3,288 emails had been discovered and apologised to Mr Webb for 'inadvertent errors'.

Despite this, the BBC then sent Mr Webb only 71 redacted emails.

It insists the remaining 3,217 are either irrelevant or contain 'legally privileged' information.

Based on the 207 pages he has received, Mr Webb estimates the BBC could have been sitting on up to 10,000 pages of material.

He is now taking his case to an information rights tribunal to try to force the BBC to hand over all the files.

He said: 'I believe the BBC is engaged in a new and quite desperate cover-up and the 10,000 pages of emails which have now miraculously turned up will prove that.

'In court the BBC will need to explain the extraordinary appearance of 10,000 pages of potentially incriminating documents, which only a fortnight earlier the Corporation claimed did not exist at all.'

The row comes as a senior BBC boss faced questions over whether he misled the BBC board.

In an email to the board in 2020, Philip Harrold, director general Tim Davie's chief of staff, said the BBC could not discuss the allegations with Bashir because the reporter was unwell.

They are potentially incriminating documents

But other emails obtained by Mr Webb show that Richard Burgess, Bashir's news editor, had been in email contact with the reporter a week earlier.

Mr Webb claims the emails show that the BBC was in 'detailed discussion' with Bashir over the scandal.

Last night a BBC spokesman said that its contact with Bashir 'was focused mainly on his health and welfare', adding: 'The fact that there was contact between the BBC and Martin Bashir does not mean that he was, at that time, fit to participate in any detailed discussion of the events of 1995  he wasn't.

'This was ultimately undertaken independently by Lord Dyson in his investigation, once Martins health had improved.'
Chinese medical team provides medical services in Djibouti

Xinhua) 13:24, March 04, 2023

Members of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti pose for a group photo in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 1, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Lian Xingang, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides medical treatments for a patient at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Feb. 28, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Hou Wei, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides medical treatments for a patient at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 1, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Wang Xufeng, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides medical treatments for a patient at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 1, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Han Junying, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, tests blood samples at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Feb. 28, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Zhou Naizhong, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides medical treatments for a child at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Feb. 28, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Zhou Naizhong, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides acupuncture treatments for patients at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Feb. 28, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Zhao Peng (2nd R) and Zhang Shu(2nd L), members of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, perform a surgery at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 1, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Ukraine is set to receive 'double' the number of Challenger 2 tanks than Britain originally promised to send, according to the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK.

Vadym Prystaiko claimed the UK will double the original 14 tanks pledged to aid Ukraine's fight against Russia following Presidnt Zelensky's visit in February.

The ambassador's comments were made during an interview with the European broadcaster Radio Liberty.

Prystaiko said: '14 tanks were promised to us and as a result of President Zelensky's visit, it was agreed that this number will double'.

Describing the moment Britain originally promised to send the tanks, he called it a 'breakthrough' as it was 'necessary to move the reluctance of all other allies'.

A Challenger II tank is seen at a military facility in the UK

Ukranian ambassador Vadym Prystaiko has said the UK will 'double' the number of Challenger 2 tanks that they were originally going to send

Defence secretary Ben Wallace has previously said Britain was open to extending the number of tanks being sent to Ukraine

'At this time, the British were trying to convince all the other allies that there were two options: either the UK proceeds with this announcement alone and makes this breach that everyone else has to go into, or let's do this very important step all together as one front, as NATO,' the ambassador said.

'The UK was successful this time. I think the same process is happening now with fighter jets.'

READ MORE: Britain could replace tanks sent to Ukraine if they are destroyed by Russians, says Defence Secretary Advertisement

Prystaiko also explained that the UK has offered to more than double military training efforts throughout 2023 as the war in Ukraine continues.

He alleged as well that Britain will offer 30 heavy guns to the frontline.

The Ministry of Defence said that there are currently no plans to increase the number of tanks over the agreed number of 14 although the defence secretary previously said that Britain was open to extending it.

Last month, President Zelensky visited the UK and thanked Rishi Sunak and the people of Britain for their 'steadfast support' in Ukraine's fight against Russian forces.

Zelensky said Britain's support during tough times was 'invaluable' as he marked one year since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine.

As well as supplying Ukraine with tanks, Britain also announced a new package of sanctions that included imposing an export ban on every piece of equipment Russia has been found using on the battlefield.

Despite being initially hesitant, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed in January to send their country's Leopard-2 tanks and 'Marder' Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine.

That decision came after the United States also agreed to send 31 Abrams M1A2 tanks to Ukraine.

This will be the first time since World War II that Germany has sent weapons to a war zone.

Earlier this month it was revealed the number of Russian losses passed 150,000 according to the latest figures released by Kyiv.
A desperate search for a missing 18-year-old swimmer after he disappeared from a popular Sydney beach has entered its second day.

The young man had been swimming with friends off Freshwater Beach, in Sydney's north, but failed to return to shore on Saturday evening.

Emergency services immediately launched a search and rescue mission working through the night to try and find him with their efforts continuing on Sunday.

Police were told he had been swimming with a group of friends when they lost sight of him.

The search for an 18-year-old swimmer who disappeared off Freshwater Beach in Sydney's north on Saturday evening has entered a second day

The young man had been swimming with friends but failed to return to shore, with an emergency rescue mission launched about 8.15pm on Saturday

The group of boys continued their search on shore and called emergency services when he could not be located.

An extensive search involving local police, the Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue, Polair and the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter scoured the area from North Curl Curl headland along the coastline to Bluefish Point and further out to sea.

Marine officers continued to patrol the water overnight, while police scoured the beach.

A number of bystanders gathered on dunes around the beach to watch on as the search unfolded.

The rescue mission resumed full-scale operation on Sunday morning.

Anyone who may have information regarding the missing swimmer that could assist is urged to contact Manly Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Marine officers continued to patrol the water overnight on Saturday, while police scoured the beach
Last week, a 14-year-old British boy was forced to flee his home and go into hiding, fearing for his life. Not because he swindled a county lines drugs crook, say, or was the sole witness of a heinous murder. Nothing so dramatic. Rather, his is a story of our times  the latest example, some would argue, of what happens when zealotry trumps common sense.

It all started when, as a forfeit for losing a video game, the boy was asked by his friends to buy a copy of the Koran and bring it to school, Kettlethorpe High in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. To what end, remains unclear. There was no malicious intent involved, but even for an impulsive adolescent it was obviously foolhardy, particularly given that the holy book, once inside school, became accidentally damaged, though only slightly and not by the boys hands.

In his defence, he is autistic and, says his mother, doesnt always realise what is appropriate and what is not appropriate.

Nobody, certainly not the boy, could have foreseen what would happen next. He was suspended along with three other pupils; police began investigating and recorded a hate incident; a Labour councillor stoked tensions by falsely claiming on social media that the book was desecrated; and his mother found herself pleading for forgiveness at the local mosque after his life was threatened.

The matter reached the desk of Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who yesterday declared herself deeply concerned by the case and the way it has been handled. The education sector and police have a duty to prioritise the physical safety of children over the hurt feelings of adults, she said.

Last week, a 14-year-old British boy was forced to flee his home and go into hiding, fearing for his life/ Pictured is his mother speaking about the incident

The police began investigating and recorded a hate incident. Pictured: Chief Inspector Thornton

The Mail on Sunday has learned that at the height of the intimidation the family received an arson threat to their home and the boy described as absolutely petrified  was forced to move to a secret location. After initially contacting West Yorkshire Constabulary, his mother later urged officers not to prosecute to avoid further inflaming the situation. Instead the police said they would work with the school moving forward.

One parent, herself a teacher, said it feels like a medieval witch-hunt. The charity Humanists UK called the situation horrendous and claimed the school acted in rash haste, adding that it should not have allowed itself to be pressured  whether directly or indirectly  into excessive disciplinary action in deference to religious groups.

Yasmine Mohammed, the author of Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam, said: This is more than what would happen in Pakistan or Iran. This is an insane level of capitulation to irrational bullies.

The school stands at the bottom of a hill in a quiet residential area, less than ten miles from Batley Grammar School where parents protested in 2021 after a teacher, later suspended, showed pupils an image of the prophet Mohammed.

In Batley, Muslims make up more than 33 per cent of the population. In Wakefield, a cathedral city famous for its coal-mining heritage, they account for only three per cent. Religious tensions that occasionally surface in Batley and elsewhere in West Yorkshire are far less noticeable here.

Ten days ago the 14-year-old bought a copy of the Bible and was teased after mentioning his purchase to his friends. They were playing the Call Of Duty video game and when the boy lost, it was agreed he should buy a copy of the Koran and bring it to school as a dare.

He bought it on Amazon and handed it over to one of his friends the next day. There his involvement ended. His friends, though, began reading aloud from the book in the playground. Later it was knocked out of somebodys hands and fell to the ground where it sustained slight damage.

When the incident came to light, the school examined CCTV footage and conducted more than 30 one-on-one interviews before deciding to suspend the 14-year-old and three others for a week. Yet the head teacher, Tudor Griffiths, said there was no ill intent on the part of the pupils. By all accounts it was just an extremely silly prank.

Even so, within hours rumours had spread with lightning speed on social media that the book was variously spat on, torn apart, burned. None of this was true as everyone, including the local imam, who has urged calm, now accepts.

But at the time when cool reason and hard evidence were in short supply, a local Labour councillor, Usman Ali, intervened and wrongly claimed on Twitter that the Koran was desecrated, saying this serious provocative action needed to be dealt with urgently by the police, the school and the local authority.

Ending his now-deleted tweet, he demanded people work together to make sure that this terrible provocation does not set back community relations for years to come.

The next day the pupils were suspended and, for reasons that are still unclear, the school decided to call the police, an action met with widespread disbelief from parents.

The copy of the Koran dropped by the boy, showing a page that has been smudged slightly

A slight tear can also be seen on the cover of the book after it was taken into the school

Later that week the imam of Wakefields Jamia Masjid Swafia mosque, Hafiz Muhammad Mateen Anwar  along with a mediator, independent councillor Akef Akbar  attended a meeting at the school. They were invited to inspect the Koran to see that it had not been desecrated. Also at the meeting was Chief Inspector Andy Thornton. To his credit, the imam appealed for calm, urging Muslims, for instance, not to protest outside the school.

Another meeting was arranged, at the mosque on a Friday, when the boys mother  sitting before an all-male crowd  pleaded for forgiveness. Mr Griffiths, the schools head, also told the audience  repeatedly  of his sorrow. Rest assured this is a very serious matter if more consequences have to follow that will be the case, he added. Chief Inspector Thornton, meanwhile, criticised the boys for the lack of understanding of their actions before turning to the imam and saying: Really, really deep-hearted thanks from me in regards to the tolerance and understanding shown.

No one mentioned the death threats, however. Thornton said: There is an element of awareness and education that needs to be embedded within the school and the wider community of Wakefield.

He continued: We recorded a hate incident. That means we will look to support the school at this moment in time. It is recorded on our system.

It was left, then, to the mother, sitting with her hands grasped together, to talk about the threats.

She did so almost by way of an apology. In fact what followed  filmed and put on social media  turned into an exercise in public humiliation resembling something from Maoist China.

The mother began by saying: Thank you so much for letting me come here today to speak to you. I know that what my son has done is disrespectful. He didnt have any malicious intent but he is a very, very silly 14-year-old boy

He hasnt eaten since Wednesday afternoon when this occurred because with his autism it put his anxiety to a level where he is beside himself. He is very, very sorry.

She went on: We have had to call the police. He has received death threats, he has received threats that he will be beaten up if he goes back to school. He is absolutely petrified. But I dont want anyone to be prosecuted because of the stupidity of my son and his friends so it was more about making sure he is safe.

However, the boy himself and the other three suspended pupils, face a potential black mark against them for life. The Free Speech Union said that unless deleted by police, the records of all four pupils could show up on criminal history checks later in their lives.

It also questioned why West Yorkshire police had recorded the episode as a non-crime hate incident. It said the move contradicted national guidance because it appeared to be a trivial matter.

It all started when, as a forfeit for losing a video game, the boy was asked by his friends to buy a copy of the Koran and bring it to school, Kettlethorpe High in Wakefield, West Yorkshire (pictured)

Councillor Akbar, who visited the boy at his home, told the meeting: His mother faces a huge predicament... and theres a huge uproar amongst the Muslim community. When I attended her child he said how sorry he was and sent a message to all the [Muslim] students he knows apologising.

He wrote a letter to the school explaining his actions and he has in my opinion gone above and beyond. He has carried out research on the internet on the Koran and now has a decent level of knowledge of our holy book. To the mothers credit, she understands the situation and has advised the police and she doesnt want any of these children prosecuted. She only asks that her son is not harmed.

None of the many parents The Mail on Sunday spoke to last week believed the police or the school acted fairly, and there were reports that some had kept their children at home in protest.

The school declined to answer questions from the MoS about the case, which the Home Secretary is determined should never be repeated.

Schools answer to pupils and parents, she said. They do not have to answer to self-appointed community activists.
The brother of troubled Mr Universe bodybuilder Calum von Moger has mysteriously vanished - just months after going viral over a bizarre clash with an elderly couple.

Edward von Moger, 28, was allegedly filmed in August yelling about Covid vaccines at a couple through their car window by the side of a Victorian road.

The confronting video allegedly showed a shirtless von Moger beating on the couple's driver's side window and wing mirror with a boomerang before launching into an expletive-filled rant about Covid-19 vaccines.

Seven months later, a desperate search is underway to find von Moger after he disappeared from his home in Geelong, 75km southwest of Melbourne.

The 28-year-old was last seen on Laura Avenue, in Belmont, about 8am on Thursday.

A day later, his vehicle was found abandoned 36km away on Ellimatta Road in Anglesea, a small seaside town on Victoria's Great Ocean Road.

His brother Calum made a desperate plea for help to find his brother in an Instagram post on Saturday.

Edward von Moger (left) is pictured with his brother, celebrity bodybuilder Calum Von Moger. A desperate search is underway to find Edward after he vanished from Geelong, Victoria, on Thursday

An enraged von Moger allegedly beat in the window of a couple's car with a boomerang while screaming about Covid vaccines in a viral video in August

'My little brother Eddie is missing,' he wrote.

'He was last seen three days ago on Thursday, March 2 around 8am.

'Please if anyone has seen or heard ANYTHING from him or has any information on his whereabouts please let me know and contact Geelong Police Station.'

Police and von Moger's family are concerned for his welfare due to his medical condition and his disappearance is described as 'being out of character'.

Officers are searching the area with help from the police Air Wing, Search and Rescue Squad and Life Saving Victoria.

'Edward is described as being about 180cm tall, of solid build with short brown wavy hair,' a police statement said.

'He was last seen wearing an orange top, dark cargo pants and work boots.'

In the viral video, von Moger can allegedly be seen storming up to the couple and screaming through their car window as they were parked by the side of a Victorian road.

He then allegedly began beating on the driver's side window and wing mirror, pausing to bizarrely look at his reflection in the mirror.

'You broke my f***ing boomerang,' he yelled as it split in half from the force of bashing on the window.

In the viral video allegedly featuring Edward, breaking his weapon led him to produce another boomerang and grow more enraged.

Seconds later he allegedly shattered the wing mirror, ripped the glass out of its mounting and smashed it against the window, shouting 'you c***s, you f***ing piece of s***'.

Australian bodybuilder Calum von Moger (left) is pictured with Arnold Schwarzenegger

With two more punches from his fist and open hand he shattered the window, to the shock of the couple inside, and began his anti-vaccine rant.

'F***ing idiots, you got the vaccine and it didn't bother ya. You both got the f***ing vaccine and it's lost a life,' he appeared to yell.

'Leave me alone,' the man in the driver's seat told him, as the attacker grabbed his shirt.

He then stormed off in a huff, disappearing behind nearby stationary cars.

No charges were laid over the incident.

von Moger's brother Calum, 31, is a three-time Mr Universe winner who played Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2018 film Bigger.

Months earlier in May, Calum made headlines when he he was seriously injured after 'jumping' from the second storey of his home in Geelong, Victoria.

Police were called to the incident to reports a man was experiencing a mental health episode, with Calum needing surgery on his spine and spending 11 days in Melbourne's Alfred Hospital.

The incident made international news due to his fame as a bodybuilder and his film career - as well as playing Schwarzenegger, he also starred in Calum von Moger: Unbroken on Netflix and the bodybuilding documentary Generation Iron 2.

Calum von Moger (left) is pictured with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who he played in the 2018 film Bigger

The spinal injury was just the latest in a string of misfortunes to arise in Calum von Moger's life.

Over the past five years, the gym junkie - once dubbed Arnold Schwarzenegger 2.0 - suffered a knee and bicep injury that left him incapacitated for a year, found out he was the father of a little boy named Kairos, and his house in California burnt down.

Shortly after he was released from hospital, he pleaded guilty to possessing a variety of drugs, including testosterone, cannabis and about two grams of methamphetamine- the deadly drug ice.

Those who follow Calum closely online say he hasn't been the same since his bull terrier, Rex, choked to death on a chip in 2021.

Calum moved back to Australia from Los Angeles in October 2021.

Anyone with information about von Moger's whereabouts is urged to contact Geelong Police Station on (03) 5264 3400.
The BBC has been criticised for screening a 'sick' EastEnders plot about a girl who becomes pregnant at just 12.

Teenagers have been gripped by the storyline in which Lily Slater discovers she is expecting and decides to have the baby  with millions watching clips on the social media app TikTok.

In the soap, Lily's mother Stacey, played by Lacey Turner, encourages the schoolgirl to keep her baby, while the parents of the father  who is also 12  try to get her to have an abortion.

Lily, portrayed by Lillia Turner, agrees to a termination, but changes her mind just before she is admitted to hospital.

Sources close to EastEnders say the dramatic scenes will continue with the youngster having the baby.

EastEnders schoolgirl Lily Slater, 12, with her mum Stacey

Lily with Ricky Mitchell, the 12-year-old father of her baby

However, one TikTok user said: 'Twelve is just too young, it's sick. While teen pregnancy is well known the amount of pre-teen pregnancies in the UK a year could probably be counted on one hand.'

Another critic posted, 'Kids having kids', while a third added: 'Lily Slater is 12  why is EastEnders not making her have an abortion?'

READ MORE: EastEnders Lily Slater holds back tears as school kids make fun of her pregnancy while Ricky Jr decides to step up leaving Jack Branning furious Advertisement

More than 1.4 million watched a scene on TikTok of Lily's baby scan, with some viewers watching from as far away as New Zealand.

Young fans were also fascinated to find out who the father was, with more than a million watching footage of Lily revealing it was Ricky Mitchell, who is played by teen actor Frankie Day.

The BBC has been putting the episodes on its iPlayer service at 9am on the day they are screened instead of waiting for their terrestrial TV slots in the evening.

One parent told The Mail on Sunday how her son and a group of his friends skipped lessons to watch episodes of the drama in the school toilets.

However, while many viewers have criticised the idea of Lily keeping her baby, Andrea Williams, chief executive of the campaign group Christian Concern, backed the BBC's anti-termination stance.

She said: 'EastEnders is doing real-life drama.

Lily's choice is not just about her body but about the body of the baby she is carrying  and it's getting the nation to think about that. Brilliant, profound, culture-shaking stuff.'

In 2000, the soap's ITV rival Coronation Street came under scrutiny for scenes in which Sarah-Louise Platt, played by Tina O'Brien, became a mother at 13.

The show's bosses were forced to defend the plot and deny accusations that it was exploitative.

They said: 'It is a fact that Britain has Europe's highest teenage pregnancy figures, and Coronation Street is reflecting that and telling the story of one young girl.'

In 2021, it was reported that an 11-year-old girl gave birth in Britain after becoming pregnant when she was ten. Britain's youngest mother was previously Tressa Middleton, from Scotland, who had her baby at 12 in 2006. But it was taken into care after she admitted it was conceived when she was raped by her brother, who was then jailed.
For a man who demands his privacy, it was an extraordinary soul-bearing 90-minute public therapy session.

Prince Harry sat down with controversial trauma therapist Gabor Mate for a 17 livestreamed chat last night and poured his heart out about topics ranging from his positive experience of psychedelic drugs to how wife Meghan Markle saved him.

Sitting in front of a roaring fire at his 12 million home in Montecito, California, Harry at one point joked about how great the free therapy session was as he yet again complained about how he felt different from the rest of his family and now bombards his own children with the love he feels he never received from his own father King Charles.

His choice of inquisitor was controversial as Dr Mate has been roundly criticised for advocating the use of psychedelic drugs including the South American drug ayahuasca, which makes users vomit.

The Duke of Sussex cheerfully described taking the hallucinogen, saying it changed me and describing it as cleaning the windscreen of his troubled mind. Harry, 38, also appeared to advocate for illegal drugs, at one point saying: Marijuana really did help me.

Prince Harry sat down with controversial trauma therapist Gabor Mate for a 17 livestreamed chat last night and poured his heart out

His choice of inquisitor was controversial as Dr Mate (pictured) has been roundly criticised for advocating the use of psychedelic drugs including the South American drug ayahuasca, which makes users vomit

Sitting in front of a roaring fire at his 12 million home in Montecito, California, Harry at one point joked about how great the free therapy session was

While the old Harry has long been fading from sight, yesterdays event, entitled Living With Loss And Personal Healing, blasted that person into oblivion. Often sliding into Californian therapy speak the Prince opened up about his broken home upbringing and talked about his ongoing quest to find his authentic true self.

In one of the more jaw-dropping moments he talked about his military service saying he was a good candidate for the Army because they recruit from broken homes.

When Dr Mate said he disagreed with the war in Afghanistan, the Duke veered into politics saying many British soldiers were not necessarily supportive of the military effort, saying: Once you sign up, you do what youre told to do.

So there was a lot of us that didnt necessarily agree or disagree, but you were doing what you were trained to do, you were doing what you were sent to do.

When asked if he wallowed in victimhood, Harry smiled and said: I definitely dont see myself as a victim.

Many of the themes were familiar topics from the endless interviews he has given to promote his memoir, a copy of which was included in last nights price for the event. Recalling his childhood, Harry called himself a boy in a bubble saying: I am still unclear to this day whether it was one bubble or multiple bubbles... My own self was distorted and perhaps because of my environment I was confined in but also because of society. What it does to you, is almost like box[ing] you in. The topic then turned to his love of therapy with the Duke saying: When I found my therapist and started to unpack 12-year-old Harry at the point my mother died, it was scary. I thought that when I went to therapy, it would cure me, and that I would lose whatever I had left of my mother [but] it was the opposite.

I turned what I thought was supposed to be sadness to try to prove to her that I missed her into realising she just really wanted me to be happy, and that was a huge weight off my chest. However he said that as he learned a new language of therapy, he found that my family didnt speak that language. Elaborating on his use of ayahuasca he said it brought me a sense of relaxation, release, comfort, a lightness that I managed to hold on to for a period of time.

But he said: The moment Im back in the chaos it kind of dissipates. I started doing it recreationally and then started to realise how good it was for me. I would say it was one of the fundamental parts of my life that changed me and helped me deal with the traumas and the pains of the past. He added that marijuana really did help me but cocaine did nothing except make him feel part of a group.

The Duke of Sussex cheerfully described taking the hallucinogen, saying it changed me and describing it as cleaning the windscreen of his troubled mind

When asked if he wallowed in victimhood, Harry smiled and said: I definitely dont see myself as a victim.

Speaking about fatherhood he said he wanted to avoid the emotional distance that defined his relationship with his own father  recalling how Charles broke the news of Dianas death to his son without hugging him.

He said that with his own children, Archie, three, and Lilibet, one, he was trying to smother them with love, adding: I feel a huge responsibility not to pass on any trauma or negative experiences that Ive had as a kid or as a man growing up.

He added that he and Meghan are trying to break the pattern of divorce and childhood trauma, saying: We do the best we can as parents, learning from our own past and overlapping those mistakes, perhaps, and growing... to break that cycle. When asked what the most important thing in raising children he said: It has to be love. There have to be rules, but one thing my wife and I talk about is if they have a moment of frustration, to allow them to have that and then talk about it.

Of his relationship with Meghan he said: People have said my wife saved me. I was stuck in this world and she was from a different world and helped draw me out of that.

But none of the elements of my life would have been possible without me seeing it for myself.

My partner is an exceptional human being and I am grateful for the space that shes given to me.

Turning to his decision to step away from Royal duties, he said: Fear is a very controlling force... I wasnt aware that there was a choice and then I became aware of my situation, my environment and I was like now there is a choice.

I realised if I take this change... I am inevitably going to get hugely criticised but I cannot let the fear of that keep me stuck in this environment because it is not right for me, its not right for my wife or my children.
The Duke of York could get a 1.5 million windfall if he leaves Royal Lodge this year.

A Government document seen by The Mail on Sunday reveals that Prince Andrew would be entitled to a rebate from the money he spent refurbishing the 30-room Windsor property when he first moved in two decades ago.

The Duke of York  who was pictured on the Windsor estate yesterday, smiling broadly at a jogger from behind the wheel of his Range Rover acquired the lease in August 2003, a year after the death of the Queen Mother who had lived there

He then spent more than 7.5 million on renovations. Under the terms of the lease, he is entitled to a rebate if he moves out within 25 years. It is calculated on a sliding scale, so if he leaves this year  20 years into the agreement  he could get back 1.5 million.

The document states: Should the Duke wish to terminate the lease, the property would then revert to the Crown Estate.

Prince Andrew may be forced out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor and into Frogmore Cottage

Prince Andrew, pictured driving his hybrid Range Rover on The Long Walk in the Windsor estate yesterday, could receive a 1.5m rebate in cash he spent renovating his home

The Estate may then be required to pay him compensation in respect of the refurbishment costs incurred. The maximum compensation of just under 7 million is subject to annual reductions over the first 25 years. At the end of that period, there is nil compensation payable.

The details of the lease were published in a parliamentary document in 2005 after Labour MP Ian Davidson requested the information.

The document explains how Andrew approached the Crown Estate about acquiring the leasehold to the sprawling estate  which includes a swimming pool and several cottages in the grounds for staff  after the Queen Mothers death. The Royal Family instead suggested the commercial leasing agreement.

The Duke of York was photograph out riding a horse. Details of his lease at the Royal Lodge were made public in 2005 after Labour MP Ian Davison requested the information

However the property is said to be too expensive to protect now, since the Duke lost his state-funded police detail on being forced to step back from Royal duties in 2019. He now relies on bodyguards paid for by the King.

King Charles, however, is said to be exasperated that Andrew insists on wanting to stay at Royal Lodge, which costs an estimated 3 million a year to guard.

Plans are now under way for Andrew to be offered Frogmore Cottage when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex move out.

A source said: Royal Lodge is just not suitable for the Duke any more. Hes a single man living with his ex-wife who has a property of her own in London.

The scale of Royal Lodge means it requires two teams [of bodyguards]  a mobile team and a static team  and that is a considerable expense. The King is happy to provide security for his brother but a better use of resources would be to house him at Frogmore Cottage.
The station master involved in Greece's deadliest train crash will appear in court on Sunday accused of placing two trains running in opposite directions on the same track, after his appearance was delayed from Saturday.

At least 57 people died when a passenger train slammed into a freight carrier late Tuesday at Tempe, 235 miles north of Athens.

The government has blamed human error, and the station master, 59, faces charges of negligent homicide and bodily harm, as well as disrupting transportation.

Days of protests against the perceived lack of safety measures in Greece's rail network have taken place in the wake of the disaster.

Stephanos Pantzartzidis, the station master's lawyer, told reporters waiting outside the court on Saturday in the central Greek city of Larissa that 'very important new evidence emerged that force us to request a postponement' in his client's deposition, or giving of sworn evidence.

Tuesday's rail crash was the deadliest on record in Greece, killing at least 57 people of whom 54 have been identified

Workers supported by a crane try to remove debris from the rail lines after the collision in Tempe, north of Athens

Authorities have not released the accused station master's name.

Funerals for some of the people killed in the crash, many of them in their teens and 20s, took place in northern Greece.

The force of the crash and a resulting fire complicated the task of identifying the victims, which is being done through next-of-kin DNA testing.

READ MORE: People gather in towns and cities across Greece to protest as anger continues to build over train crash which left 57 people dead Advertisement

Some families have yet to receive the remains of their loved ones. Police said 54 people have been positively identified.

Rallies protesting against the conditions that led to the tragedy continued on Saturday.

A peaceful rally in central Athens organized by the Communist Party's youth wing drew more than a thousand people.

In Athens, many also gathered to mourn the lives lost in the tragedy. They were pictured lighting candles and releasing black balloons.

Also on Saturday, one of the three members of an expert panel named by the government to investigate and issue a report on the collision resigned after opposition parties and some media outlets criticised his appointment.

Thanasis Ziliaskopoulos served as chairman and chief executive of the country's train operator from 2010 to 2015 and is currently the chairman of the Greek agency in charge of privatising state-owned assets.

A rally organised by a rail workers' union is scheduled for Sunday, also in Athens.

The union, which is organising rolling labour strikes, has asked members of the public to take part.

People stage a demonstration outside of the Greek Parliament in Athens, Greece on Friday after the crash

Citizens marched in Athens to protest for the deaths of at least 57 people when a passenger train and a cargo train collided

Firefighters and rescuers operate after a collision in Tempe near Larissa city, Greece, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Debris of trains lie on the rail lines after a collision in Tempe, about 376 kilometres (235 miles) north of Athens, near Larissa city, Greece, Wednesday, March 1, 2023

People hold candles and black balloons in honor of the 57 victims of Greece's deadliest train crash, during a protest in front of Parliament in Athens, Greece, 3 March 2023

People come together in Greece to mourn the loss of 57 people and demand change in the rail industry

Greek media have published damning accounts of mismanagement and infrastructure neglect in Greece's railways.

Protestors blame Tuesday's crash on government underinvestment in the railways, a consequence of austerity between 2010 and 2017, and the train operator.

The violent collision saw carriages thrown off the tracks, crushed and engulfed in flames when a high-speed passenger train with more than 350 people on board hit a freight train head on at speeds thought to be up to 100 miles per hour.

A former head of the railway employees' union, Panayotis Paraskevopoulos, told Greek newspaper Kathimerini that the signalling system in the area where the accident occurred malfunctioned six years ago and was never repaired.

Station masters and train drivers communicate via two-way radio and track switches are operated manually over parts of the main rail line from the capital Athens to the northern city of Thessaloniki.

The station master, who formerly worked as a porter at the state-owned Hellenic Railways, was transferred to a desk job at the ministry of education in 2011, when Greece's creditors demanded personnel cuts in railways.

He transferred back to the company in June 2022 and was appointed station master in Larissa, an important railway hub, in January, after five months training.

Fire Service spokesperson Vassilis Varthakoyiannis told media previously that the collision caused fires with temperatures so high, reaching 2,372F (1300C), it was 'difficult to identify the people who were in it.'

Across the country, flags were flown at half-mast on Friday through a three day official period of national mourning.

At universities, demonstrators also draped the entrances of several universities in black sheets.

White roses were thrown on the tracks of the train station in Larissa, Al Jazeera reported.

Police on Friday searched a rail coordination office in Larissa, removing evidence as part of an ongoing investigation.

The since privatised train and freight operator, renamed Hellenic Train, is now owned by Italy's Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane.
The families of the Manchester Arena bombing victims intend to sue MI5 over a catalogue of failures, including a missed significant opportunity to stop the attacker days before the deadly atrocity.

Last week, an official inquiry told how MI5 had Arena bomber Salman Abedi on its radar from 2010, but regarded him as low priority.

However, in the months before the attack  which killed 22 victims, mainly children  MI5 received two vital pieces of intelligence on Abedi, which it failed to act upon quickly.

Had it done so, its spies may have stopped the attack by watching him more closely.

Andrew Roussos, whose daughter Saffie-Rose, eight, was the youngest victim, said it could not be business as usual for MI5 after the inquirys final report came out last week.

Saffie-Rose Roussos was the youngest person to die in the Manchester Arena bombing

Her father Andrew said it could not be business as usual for MI5 after the inquirys final report came out last week

After it was highly critical of MI5, its Director-General, Ken McCallum, apologised to the victims families.

Mr Roussos said: I would like to sue MI5 and I know other families feel the same way. I cant see why not. If they get sued it will make sure it is not business as usual.

I have said from day one that I blame MI5  the countrys Security Service. But now there is clear evidence that they messed up, and there has to be a price to pay. They need to feel responsible.

He said four law firms were considering how best to sue MI5, adding: Taking civil action is the only way to make sure they have a real incentive to learn lessons.

Caroline Curry, whose son Liam, 19, died at the concert with his girlfriend Chloe Rutherford, 17, also wants to sue MI5 for negligence.

She said: It sometimes feels MI5 are untouchable, and I feel it would make sure they do the right thing in future. Others feel the same.

Speaking after the final report of the inquiry was published on Thursday, an angry Ms Curry said: From top to bottom, MI5 to the associates of the attacker, we will always believe you all played a part in the murder of our children.

Forgiveness will never be an option for such evil intentions, and those that played any part in the murder of our children will never, ever get forgiveness. Shame on you all. Thursdays report looked specifically at Abedis radicalisation, what MI5 and counter-terror police knew about him and whether they could have prevented the bombing by acting on intelligence they had.

After it was highly critical of MI5, its Director-General, Ken McCallum, apologised to the victims families

Abedi, 22, blew himself up at the Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017. Mr Roussos said investigations into the 7/7 attack on the London Underground in July 2005, which killed 52 people, also revealed failures by MI5, which had its ringleader, Mohammed Siddique Khan, under surveillance 17 months beforehand. He believes similar mistakes were made in Manchester.

Inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders revealed last week that MI5 received information about Abedi on 20 occasions between 2010 and the days leading up to the attack in May 2017. It came from Abedis contacts with known extremists.

But MI5 did not investigate him closely. Crucially, Sir John said MI5 received two significant pieces of information of national security concern about Abedi in the months before his attack when he was amassing bomb material.

But the two pieces of intelligence  which Sir John could not reveal  were not acted upon by MI5 quickly enough.

Abedi, 22, blew himself up at the Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017 - killing 22 people

Abedi was in Libya for a month and returned to Britain four days before the attack. Sir John believes it was in Libya that he was trained how to make a bomb and even brought back a detonator switch.

Had MI5 acted on the two pieces of intelligence, he would have been searched on re-entering the UK, and officers would have tailed him, which would have led them to a car full of bomb-making materials.

Sir John said there was a realistic possibility that actionable intelligence could have been obtained that might have prevented the attack, adding: The reasons for this significant missed opportunity included a failure by a Security Service officer to act swiftly.

The Home Office declined to comment on the proposed lawsuit.
A convicted terrorist suspected of grooming the Manchester Arena attacker into becoming a suicide bomber is set to be freed from jail, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The Parole Board has confirmed it is reviewing the case of Islamic State recruiter Abdalraouf Abdallah as he approaches the end of his nine-and-a-half-year sentence.

Abdallah, 29, was a significant influence on Manchester bomber Salman Abedi, 22, the official investigation into the 2017 attack concluded last week.

The Manchester Arena Inquiry said more than 1,000 text messages were exchanged between Abedi and Abdallah in 2014.

Chairman Sir John Saunders also revealed that Abedi visited Abdallah in prison, including the day in January 2017 when he began amassing chemicals for his bomb.

The Parole Board has confirmed it is reviewing the case of Islamic State recruiter Abdalraouf Abdallah (pictured) as he approaches the end of his nine-and-a-half-year sentence

Six days later, Abdallah spoke to Abedi using a contraband mobile phone the convict had acquired at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool. On that day, Abedi had bomb chemicals delivered.

Sir John said Abdallah, a childhood friend of Abedis in Manchester, provided the ideological motivation for him to carry out the attack, even if he was not operationally involved. He added: It is likely that their continued relationship made a significant contribution to consolidating Salman Abedis ideology as he was contemplating the attack, and stiffened his resolve to carry out the atrocity.

Abedi killed 22 people  many of them children  at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017.

Abdallah was jailed in 2016 for sending jihadis to Syria to join IS. He was released on licence in November 2020 but recalled to jail for breaching his conditions.

Last night, the Parole Board said: The parole review of Abdalraouf Abdallah has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.

Abdallah, 29, was a significant influence on Manchester bomber Salman Abedi (pictured), 22, the official investigation into the 2017 attack concluded last week

However, Caroline Curry, whose son Liam, 19, died at the concert with his girlfriend Chloe Rutherford, 17, said: The Parole Board should think again. Releasing him early would be absolute lunacy.

He has to stay inside as long as possible because every day that he is out he is a threat.

Warning of future attacks, she added: People like him will be the cause of the next one, and anything that can be done to keep him in prison longer should be done.

Last week, Sir John Saunders recommended that the Home Office consider visitor restrictions for prisoners suspected of attempting to radicalise others.
Rishi Sunak is set to introduce hard-hitting new laws this week to finally put a brake on the human rights farce which allows migrants to resist deportation from the UK.

The Prime Minister  who has made ending the tide of people crossing the Channel on small boats and then claiming asylum one of his top five policy priorities  tells The Mail on Sunday today: Make no mistake, if you come here illegally, you will not to be able to stay.

His clampdown follows months of wrangling within Whitehall over whether the UK was legally able to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which provides the ultimate legal authority for most deportation challenges. It is understood that Mr Sunak has concluded that the most contentious aspects of the convention can instead be circumvented.

A clause in the Illegal Migration Bill, which will be introduced by Home Secretary Suella Braverman on Tuesday, is expected to apply a rights brake, which No 10 hopes will finally signal an end to controversial legal challenges.

Murderers, terrorists, paedophiles and hate preachers have used human rights laws to stay in the UK, and in one notorious case a migrants deportation was blocked because he had a pet cat in the UK.

The Prime Minister  who has made ending the tide of people crossing the Channel on small boats and then claiming asylum one of his top five policy priorities  tells The Mail on Sunday today: Make no mistake, if you come here illegally, you will not to be able to stay

Migrants are also using laws designed to tackle modern slavery to escape deportation

Migrants are also using laws designed to tackle modern slavery to escape deportation.

Failure to tackle the issue would severely damage Tory hopes in the next General Election, particularly in the Red Wall seats of the North and Midlands.

The apparent breakthrough came after Mr Sunak struck a deal last week with the European Union on post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland, which sources said helped to unblock the issue.

The Prime Minister is expected to talk to French President Emmanuel Macron by phone tomorrow, ahead of a planned visit to Paris for a UK-France summit on Friday where the small boats crisis will be high up the agenda.

Mr Sunak said: Since becoming Prime Minister, I have made the issue of illegal migration one of my top five priorities  pledging to stop the boats once and for all.

Illegal migration is not fair on British taxpayers, it is not fair on those who come here legally and it is not right that criminal gangs should be allowed to continue their immoral trade. I am determined to deliver on my promise to stop the boats. So make no mistake, if you come here illegally, you will not to be able to stay.

The Prime Minister and a select band of officials in No 10 have been working closely with Ms Braverman and her Home Office team for several months to bring forward the most legally watertight version of the bill possible. The work has been carried out in relative secrecy among a close-knit group of advisers in the Home Office and Downing Street.

Last year, more than 45,000 people arrived in the UK by small boat, of whom more than 90 per cent claimed asylum. Without drastic action, advisers expect the figure to rise to as high as 80,000 this year.The aim of Tuesdays legislation is to hand the Government fresh powers to allow the detention of thousands of asylum seekers before they are sent on to Rwanda.

Mr Sunak said: Since becoming Prime Minister, I have made the issue of illegal migration one of my top five priorities  pledging to stop the boats once and for all'

The Bill is expected to make all asylum claims from those who come to the UK on small boats inadmissible, placing a duty on Ministers to remove as soon as reasonably practicable anyone who has come to the UK through that route. Asylum seekers currently have the right to remain in the country to have their case heard, but under the new legislation they would be removed and permanently banned from returning.

More than 160,000 migrants in the UK are waiting for decisions on their applications for asylum, with a fifth of all applicants coming from Albania.

Fridays meeting with Mr Macron will be the first UK-France summit since 2018, despite the joint interest of the two countries in tackling the small boats crisis.

A Government source said: The number of people illegally crossing the channel in small boats has risen to an unacceptable level and the situation demands a radical solution. The only way to stop the boats is to send a clear signal that if you come here illegally, you are not going to be able to stay here.

They said efforts to tackle the issue by Ms Bravermans predecessors, including Priti Patel, while well-intentioned did not go far enough in arming Government with the legal powers to detain and remove those who come here illegally.

Too often in the past there has been reticence around legal risk, bending to liberal tendencies, and that has resulted in previous legislation pulling its punches. The result has been a five-fold rise in small boat arrivals in the last two years.

The Bill is expected to make all asylum claims from those who come to the UK on small boats inadmissible, placing a duty on Ministers to remove as soon as reasonably practicable anyone who has come to the UK through that route. Asylum seekers currently have the right to remain in the country to have their case heard, but under the new legislation they would be removed and permanently banned from returning

The Prime Minister has worked tirelessly with the Home Secretary to ensure this legislation achieves its objectives. They have taken decisions no other government was willing to take... pushing the boundaries of what is possible within our international obligations and ensuring our laws are as tough as possible in order to end the scourge of small boats crossings once and for all.

A source close to Ms Patel described the new plan as window dressing, which would become mired in the courts. They said: Its incredible that, having hyped up what they will do, theyve not come up with anything remotely new, nor a game-changer.

Rapist, drug dealer, killer... migrants who abused the rights act

BY CHRIS POLLARD

Migrants have routinely abused human rights law to challenge deportation or seek asylum. Here are some examples of when the Human Rights Act has been cited in controversial asylum cases.

Hate preacher

Islamic cleric Abu Qatada was shielded from deportation by the Human Rights Act for nearly 12 years. Despite being wanted for terror offences in his home country of Jordan, the Court of Appeal ruled that removing him from the UK would breach his rights.

This decision was upheld by the European Court of Human Rights, which blocked the UK from deporting him because there was a risk that evidence obtained through torture may be used against him. He was finally kicked out after Jordan signed a treaty insisting that no such evidence would be presented.

Islamic cleric Abu Qatada was shielded from deportation by the Human Rights Act for nearly 12 years

Catgate thief

Camilo Soria dodged deportation in 2008 after arguing it would breach his human right to family life  as he had a pet cat in the UK.

Soria came to the UK to study in 2002 but his visa expired. He was arrested on suspicion of stealing underwear from a store in London and attracted the interest of the immigration service. The extraordinary case, dubbed Catgate, was highlighted by then-Home Secretary Theresa May in 2011. An immigration judge rejected a Home Office appeal to remove him, saying in her judgment that the cat need no longer fear having to adapt to Bolivian mice.

Camilo Soriadodged deportation in 2008 after arguing it would breach his human right to family life  as he had a pet cat in the UK

Brutal knifeman

A Jamaican criminal backed by celebrities and Labour MPs used his right to family life to stay in the UK  and went on to commit murder. Ernesto Elliott, 45, had 17 crimes on his rap sheet, including possession of an imitation firearm, but his fight for asylum was supported by supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Thandiwe Newton and broadcaster Professor David Olusoga.

In December 2020, Elliott murdered 35-year-old Nathaniel Eyewu-Ago in a brutal knife attack in South East London.

Ernesto Elliott, 45, had 17 crimes on his rap sheet, including possession of an imitation firearm, but his fight for asylum was supported by supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Thandiwe Newton and broadcaster Professor David Olusoga

Cocaine Courier

An Albanian drug dealer jailed for his courier role in a Deliveroo-style cocaine service is using human rights law to fight deportation. Eldjort Ajazi is currently arguing that deportation would breach his right to family life under the Human Rights Act because he has a son who was born while he was in jail. He also claims he could be at risk in Albania due to a 26,000 drug debt.

Eldjort Ajazi is currently arguing that deportation would breach his right to family life under the Human Rights Act because he has a son who was born while he was in jail. He also claims he could be at risk in Albania due to a 26,000 drug debt

School head killer

Learco Chindamo, the convicted killer of headteacher Philip Lawrence, escaped deportation to his native Italy because it would breach his right to family life under the Human Rights Act.

Chindamo stabbed Mr Lawrence to death outside his North West London school in 1995.

Learco Chindamo, the convicted killer of headteacher Philip Lawrence, escaped deportation to his native Italy because it would breach his right to family life under the Human Rights Act

Bomb plotter

Wahbi Mohammed, jailed for plotting to replicate the 7/7 bomb attacks that killed 52 London commuters in 2005, has avoided deportation by claiming he could be tortured in Somalia. He planned the so-called 21/7 attacks that only failed because the homemade explosives the four bombers carried in their rucksacks misfired. As well as blocking his deportation, his lawyers have managed to stop police and MI5 from monitoring him on human rights grounds.

Mohammed is the younger brother of Ramzi Mohammed, who tried to blow himself up on a train at Oval station during 21/7.

Wahbi Mohammed, jailed for plotting to replicate the 7/7 bomb attacks that killed 52 London commuters in 2005, has avoided deportation by claiming he could be tortured in Somalia

Gang rapist

Jason Efred Raje Francis, from Jamaica, was jailed for taking part in the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl in 2010. The Home Office tried to deport him in 2014, but failed because he had fathered two children and claimed it would violate his right to family life.

Blade maniac

Khairi Saadallah could not be sent home to Libya after his lawyers claimed it would breach his human rights. He went on to stab three to death in Reading in 2020 and is serving a whole-life term.

Khairi Saadallah could not be sent home to Libya after his lawyers claimed it would breach his human rights. He went on to stab three to death in Reading in 2020 and is serving a whole-life term

Sex predator

Jumaa Kater Saleh and four other men lured two girls aged 13 and 14 to a house in Kent to perform sex acts on them. He avoided deportation after claiming he could face torture in his home country of Sudan.
MailOnline spoke to scientists to find out whether this activity is unusual

From Cornwall and Wales to Essex, Blackpool and the Norfolk coast, Britain has experienced a flurry of earthquakes in the past month.

The biggest  a 3.8 magnitude tremor that struck Wales on February 24  sparked panic as locals reported their beds started to move and walls shook.

One resident in the small Welsh town of Abertillery not far from the epicentre said the quake was so noticeable 'it felt like the roof was falling off'.

The Welsh quake was preceded by several more including a 1.5 magnitude quake in Cornwall and a 3.8 magnitude event off the coast of Great Yarmouth.

Here's all you need to know about the British tremors  including whether recent tectonic activity suggests a 'big one' is soon to hit parts of the country.

In the past month alone, there have been recorded tremors in Wales, Essex, Cornwall and off the Norfolk coast

The earthquake hit Wales at 06:30 GMT on February 24, with an epicentre in the town of Brynmawr

WHY DO EARTHQUAKES OCCUR IN THE UK?

Earthquake magnitude scale Great: 8.0 or larger Significant damage expected Major: 7.0 to 7.9 Damage expected Strong: 6.0 to 6.9 Damage may occur Moderate: 5.0 to 5.9 Minor damage may occur Light: 4.0 to 4.9 Likely felt Minor: 3.0 to 3.9 May be felt Advertisement

It's well-known that earthquakes occur when two tectonic plates that are sliding in opposite directions stick and then slip suddenly.

'The Earth's crust is made up tectonic plates that move relative to each other,' Dr Jessica Johnson, a geophysicist at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline.

'At the boundaries of these plates, rock moving past each other can build up stress due to friction and suddenly slide, resulting in an earthquake.'

Severe earthquakes  such as last month's tragic event in Turkey and Syria  occur over fault lines where tectonic plates meet, but minor tremors can happen in the middle of these plates.

The UK is situated on a tectonic plate called the Eurasian Plate  but the nearest plate boundary to the UK, the Mid Atlantic Ridge, is around 1,000 miles away.

In fact, the distance between Britain and America is widening by one and a half inches a year, due to upwelling in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that's pushing the Eurasian Plate and North American Plate apart.

HOW OFTEN TO EARTHQUAKES OCCUR IN THE UK?

Between 200 and 300 small earthquakes occur in the UK per year, according to the British Geological Society, despite being distant from the nearest plate boundary.

Earth's lithosphere - its rocky, outermost shell - is formed of around 15 tectonic plates, each of different shapes and sizes. Map shows the tectonic plates of the lithosphere on Earth. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is highlighted in yellow

One resident near the epicentre said the quake was so noticeable 'it felt like the roof was falling off' (file photo of Brynmawr)

Only somewhere between 20 to 30 earthquakes are actually felt per year and a few hundred smaller ones are only recorded by sensitive instruments.

Interactive maps show most powerful UK quakes over the past 640 years - READ MORE Map shows all earthquakes with epicentres in the vicinity of the UK that occurred from 1956 to the present day, that were recorded instrumentally Advertisement

Most of these are very small and cause little to no damage, much less severe than in other parts of the world.

According to the BGS, there have been about 40 separate tremors in the UK over the past 30 days  some too small to be noticed.

Public perception of how often quakes occur therefore may be influenced by social media and news reports.

ARE THE RECENT UK EARTHQUAKES LINKED?

Dr Richard Luckett, a seismologist at the British Geological Survey (BGS), says there's no evidence the earthquakes across different parts of the UK are linked.

'Sometimes the UK does get regional swarms of tiny earthquakes which are linked, [but] these are very close together in time and space,' he told MailOnline.

Earthquakes are often followed by additional earthquakes, called aftershocks, which can be either more or less powerful than the mainshock.

According to the BGS's online database, there were multiple tremors of different magnitudes centred on the Cornish village of Constantine on February 24, including the 1.5 magnitude that was felt in Helston at around 6:30 in the morning.

One Cornish resident tweeted: 'The stone cottage I live in just shook!! Woke all the birds up too.'

But the other recent ones in other parts of the country are too far away to be directly linked, according to experts.

One Cornish resident tweeted: 'The stone cottage I live in just shook!! Woke all the birds up too'

One social media user in Helston, Cornwall (pictured) tweeted that the stone cottage she lived in 'shook'

'The flurry might seem unusual,' Dr Maximilian Werner, Associate Professor of Geophysics and Natural Hazards at the University of Bristol, told MailOnline.

Can earthquakes be predicted? Although it is known that most global earthquakes will concentrate at the plate boundaries, there is no reliable method of accurately predicting the time, place and magnitude of an earthquake. Most current research is concerned with minimising the risk associated with earthquakes, by assessing the combination of seismic hazard and the vulnerability of a given area. Many seismic countries, however, have research programs based on identifying possible precursors to major earthquakes. Source: BGS Advertisement

'But is almost certainly the result of a coincidence of seismic activity in different regions of the UK that just happened to occur within a relatively short time window.'

WHERE WILL THE NEXT UK QUAKES OCCUR?

A temporary increase or decrease in seismic events globally is part of the normal fluctuation of quake rates, so the recent quakes offer no clue as to where the next one will happen.

Dr Werner explained that 'earthquakes cannot be predicted'.

'We cannot say with certainty where the next UK quake will be,' he told MailOnline.

Globally it is known that most of the damaging earthquakes will concentrate at the plate boundaries  but there is no reliable method of accurately predicting their time, location and magnitude.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques like machine learning isn't much use because such technology looks for patterns to make conclusions.

One can estimate the chances statistically, based on past occurrences, but these aren't always accurate.

WHEN WILL THE UK EXPERIENCE 'THE BIG ONE'?

'The big one' is a term often used to describe an earthquake that could cause significant damage or fatalities in a given area.

But compared with the UK, places such as New Zealand, California, Italy, Turkey, China and Japan are at much greater risk.

Severe earthquakes - such as last month's tragic event in Turkey and Syria - normally occur over fault lines where tectonic plates meet. Pictured, damaged streets from the Turkey-Syria earthquake. Photo taken on March 3, 2023 in Jindires, Syria

Dr Werner said the chances of a 'big one' happening in the UK are 'very small' although not zero so 'we should always be prepared'.

Where are the world's earthquake hotspots? READ MORE Places most prone to earthquakes include New Zealand, Indonesia, Turkey, China, Philippines, Peru and the west US coast Advertisement

Dr Luckett added: 'On average, we expect one earthquake of magnitude 5 or over around every eight years.

'This is not big by global standards.'

On its website, BGS provides estimates of the chances of experiencing ground shaking levels over 50 years  the typical service life of a building.

WHERE HAVE THE BIGGEST UK EARTHQUAKES BEEN?

None of the recent UK quakes have come close to the magnitude of Britain's record-holding tremors.

The last significant British quake was 5.2 magnitude, and hit around 2.5 miles (4 km) north of Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, 15 years ago.

People all over the country, including the south of England, felt the 10-second tremor shortly before 1am on February 27, 2008.

Those old enough may also remember the 1984 earthquake in Llyn Peninsula, Wales, the largest onshore UK earthquake since instrumental measurements began.

The most destructive earthquake in the UK for several centuries was in Colchester in 1884, with a magnitude of 4.6 which caused considerable damage to churches.

But the largest known earthquake in the UK happened offshore in the North Sea on 7 June 1931, with a magnitude of 6.1.

Its epicentre was in the Dogger Bank area about 75 miles North East of of Great Yarmouth.

The British Geological Survey has collated all the earthquakes felt in Britain since the year 1382. Pictured: Top ten largest UK earthquakes

A woman in Hull died of a heart attack, apparently as a result of the earthquake, while a non-destructive tsunami wave was reported to have hit the east coast.

If a quake of magnitude 6 or above were to occur in the UK again, would we be prepared?

'A magnitude 6 would be likely to cause significant damage to older buildings and infrastructure, and substantial disruption, especially in urban areas,' Dr Werner told MailOnline.

'Better preparedness is possible, of course, but would require significant investments in improving older buildings.

'Whether the relatively small chance of such an event would warrant such levels of investments depends on many factors, including the relative risks compared to other natural hazards  such as floods, droughts and storms.'
Plain sailing isn't a phrase that springs to mind when looking at these snapshots from cruise vacations.

TikTok is awash with videos showcasing a spread of disastrous events on the high seas, with bad weather being the running theme. Unavoidable collisions have also been captured, along with searches for passengers who have fallen into the water.

Lyndsee Johnson from Ohio uploaded a video detailing how her husband took her on a cruise for their 10 year wedding anniversary but they ended up being hit by Hurricane Nicole in 2022.

Far from being the romantic break they imagined, the ship kept going around in circles to avoid the storm and the sea was so rough that their cabin doors were swinging open and shut.

Lyndsee Johnson from Ohio uploaded a video detailing how her husband took her on a cruise for their 10 year wedding anniversary but they ended up being hit by Hurricane Nicole in 2022

At one point in her TikTok, Lyndsee is seen looking slightly green by the bathroom sink and she weakly gives a thumb up in a bid to keep things positive

Taking the distress levels up a notch, creator @samsepicadventure filmed the moment a ferocious tornado spun close to the ship he was sailing on off the coast of Florida

The influencer looks a little concerned as the swirling vortex nears

At one point in her TikTok, Lyndsee is seen looking slightly green by the bathroom sink and she weakly gives a thumb up in a bid to keep things positive.

She gave the trip '0/5 stars' and informed viewers: 'Do not recommend sailing through a hurricane.'

In the comment section, she revealed that she 'kissed the land when we got back to it' and it 'was still the worst thing I've ever personally experienced.'

Taking the distress levels up a notch, creator @samsepicadventure filmed the moment a ferocious tornado spun close to the ship he was sailing on off the coast of Florida.

Bystanders can be heard screaming out as the vortex swirls around.

One woman shouts 'I've never seen one of them', while a man nearby muses 'that's incredible', and another adds ' It's like Twister!'

TikToker @cruiseradio had an equally hairy experience, as 94 mph winds battered his ship in the North Atlantic off the coast of Spain.

Footage from the incident shows waves pummeling the vessel and lightening appears to flash at one point.

TikToker @cruiseradio had an equally hairy experience, as 94 mph waves battered his ship in the North Atlantic off the coast of Spain

In a clip uploaded by @garciafamilyvlog, the waves look rather punishing as they come right up over the ship's windows so you can see what's lurking under the surface

A clip posted by @whoaamazing1 shows the ferry disaster that took place in Hamburg in February 2022, when a massive wave crashed through the front of the boat

In the video, a deluge of water can be seen pouring into the passenger area with furniture sliding everywhere

While many viewers expressed their horror at the scene, @cruiseradio described it as 'amazing' and he added that 'the ship did great'.

In another clip, uploaded by @garciafamilyvlog, the waves look even more punishing as they come right up over the ship's windows so you can see what's lurking under the surface.

The overlaid caption reads: 'What you don't want to see on a cruise ship!'

Despite the nerve-wracking scene, the Garcia family say that they still 'love' cruises.

On the subject of crazy waves, another clip posted by @whoaamazing1 shows the ferry disaster that took place in Hamburg in February 2022, when a massive wave crashed through the front of the boat.

The bad weather was the result of Storm Dudley. In the video, a deluge of water can be seen pouring into the passenger area with furniture sliding everywhere.

Eventually the vessel arrived safely at its destination and no one was seriously injured in the incident.

Another video which went viral online and reposted by @news.com.au shows the inner pool area of Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas turning into a giant waterfall after the ship had to do an emergency maneuver.

Another video which went viral online and reposted by @news.com.au shows the inner pool area of Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas turning into a giant waterfall

Collisions appear to be a big concern for many cruisegoers, and one TikTok posted by @sfduder, shows the moment a Norwegian liner hit an iceberg in Alaska last year

Creator @maddieostlerr remembered another cruise ship fail. She reposted a clip that her sister took while cruising, with it showing ships bashing into each other during strong winds

One of the liners appears to have sustained considerable damage, with pieces of its bodywork falling apart

The ship and its captain had taken emergency action to avoid a suspected refugee raft in the ocean after visiting CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private Caribbean island.

The turn caused the water from the pool's Deck 15 to overflow and spill over. The water trickled down to Deck 8 where another pool was located.

Royal Caribbean officials confirmed in a statement to DailyMail.com no damage was reported and no individuals were hurt as a result of the January incident.

Collisions appear to be a big concern for many cruisegoers, and one TikTok posted by @sfduder, shows the moment a Norwegian liner hit an iceberg in Alaska last year.

The clip starts with the cameraman exclaiming 'Titanic 2.0' before he repeatedly yells 'Oh my God!'

As the ship collides with the giant chunk of ice, it can be seen flipping over with bystanders heard crying out in disbelief.

The cameraman explains after the scene plays out: 'I was just surprised by the size of it.

'Like it started really small and I was like its just a little one and it just got bigger and bigger and bigger and it went past and it just started to roll and... it was huge!

Norwegian Cruise Line ship had to cancel the rest of its voyage after the mishap near Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, and the ship was cleared to return to Seattle for repairs.

Other passengers said the impact 'shook the entire vessel' and it 'sounded like a door slamming shut.'

Creator @maddieostlerr remembered another cruise ship fail. She reposted a clip that her sister took while cruising, with it showing two ships bashing into each other during strong winds.

One of the liners appears to have sustained considerable damage, with pieces of its bodywork falling apart.

A technical mishap occurred on the Viking Sky ship in March 2019, when an engine failure caused it to almost run aground

TikToker @mattkohrs uploaded a video showing a passenger who was docked next to Carnival cruise ship that caught fire in Grand Turk last year

@armandjohnson1 said he was on a cruise vacation when a woman jumped over the side

The woman filming the clip can be heard saying 'holy shiz... stop, stop, stop... oh my gosh this is bad' as she watches the scene unfold from the sidelines.

But while the weather can cause big damage to ships, human errors and mechanical glitches can also turn things south.

Indeed, TikToker @mattkohrs uploaded a video showing a passenger who was docked next to Carnival cruise ship that caught fire in Grand Turk last year.

Plumes of smoke and violent flames can be seen coming out of the ship's funnel.

The cause of the fire aboard Carnival Freedom wasn't determined and it went on to sail after repairs which caused the cancellation of three voyages.

Another technical mishap occurred on the Viking Sky ship in March 2019, when an engine failure caused it to almost run aground.

A clip reposted by @emersonmayers_ shows the chaotic scene when the incident occurred with the furniture - including the grand piano - sliding around the main lounge area as vessel yawned from side to side.

More than 400 people had to be airlifted to safety as the ship was seen leaning at nearly 45 degrees.

The ship had almost 1,400 passengers and crew on board when it came within 100 metres of running aground, before engineers were able to restart one of the engines.

The Norwegian Maritime Authority later announced the ship's motors stalled because of relatively low levels of lubricating oil in the engines.

Another terrifying prospect for seafarers is people falling over overboard. Ehline Law Frim reports that from 2000 to 2016, there were 270 fall-overboard cases reported by the cruise companies.

Unfortunately for @armandjohnson1, he was on a cruise vacation when a 32-year-old woman jumped over the side some 150 miles off the coast of Louisiana.

He filmed the moment security came to take away a distraught passenger. However she later managed to escape and jump overboard from the 10th floor. His footage shows dozens of people gathered by the balconies to see what was happening.

@armandjohnson1 explains: 'They ran to the side to throw rafts for her. They turned the ship around for her... I hope that they find this lady.'

After an unsuccessful day's search, the TikToker revealed that the crew on Carnival's Valor had to abandon efforts. He offered prayers to the family.
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I'm in the 'Club Car' for breakfast and I've brought a spy thriller book to read, but there's no chance of me reading a single sentence.

Not with scenery as spectacular as this.

I'm at a particularly nailbiting moment in the tome, too, but the breathtaking Scottish wilderness rolling past the north-bound Caledonian Sleeper I'm on keeps my eyes glued to the window.

The notion of 'world's greatest train journey' comes to mind as cloud-crowned mountains loom all around. Cliched. Yes. But this part of the journey along the West Highland Line, north of Glasgow  which includes Britain's highest and remotest railway station  Corrour - is most certainly a contender. This is, mark my very words, a far cry from my commuter service from Denmark Hill to London Victoria.

The Scottish odyssey begins on a dank February Friday night at London Euston. I'm giddy with excitement - I'm a huge fan of train travel and the Caledonian Sleeper is, by reputation, one of the best railway journeys Britain has to offer.

Ted Thornhill takes the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William. Pictured above is one of the highlights of the trip - the scenery where the train crosses the Allt Kinglass Viaduct (in the distance) on the West Highland Line in Scotland

The Caledonian Sleeper is an absolute whopper  16 carriages in total, the same as a Eurostar

My travel companions - my five-year-old daughter and partner, plus friends Tony and Caroline and their six and seven-year-old daughters  are similarly excited (despite not having my history of train anorakism).

The train departs at 9.15pm - but we make our way to the departure platform at the boarding time of 8.30pm to allow for the obligatory group selfies and to get settled in.

The Caledonian Sleeper is an absolute whopper  16 carriages in total, the same as a Eurostar. And there are two services, the Lowland, which serves Glasgow and Edinburgh and departs at 11.50pm, and ours, the Highland, which splits at Edinburgh Waverley station (an unadvertised stop), with one portion travelling north to Aberdeen, the other to Inverness, and ours via Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William, the 'outdoor capital of the UK'.

Train nerd? Note that from Euston the locomotive is an electric Class 92 with a top speed of 140kph (87mph). North of Edinburgh the formation is hauled by a refurbished Class 73 diesel loco with similar performance.

We're greeted on the platform by a cheery host and then we clamber on with far more luggage than we'd ever take on a plane journey.

The downside is that it's a slight struggle to marshall it all in our compartment.

My partner, daughter and I have two 'Classic' rooms, with a bunk bed in each and an interconnecting door that opens to form a dinky suite.

Yes, it requires a certain amount of co-ordination that submariners will be all too familiar with to move around in, but I think it's terrific. And my daughter is ecstatic.

Ted and his family occupy two 'Classic' rooms (above) with a bunk bed in each and an interconnecting door that opens to form a dinky suite

Ted says of his room (above): 'Yes, it requires a certain amount of co-ordination that submariners will be all too familiar with to move around in, but I think it's terrific'

The beds, with their Glencraft mattresses, we later discover are incredibly comfortable and there are some handy extras and features - we each have a little sleep pack containing an eye mask, ear plugs and soap; at the foot end of the bed are plug points and USB ports, plus a switch for a light by the window and a nifty little holder to put your phone in while it's charging; at the pillow end are two bottles of water in a cubby hole, along with a panel containing a USB point, a dimmer switch for the main light, a reading light and a knob for temperature control.

There's also a thick pad that runs the length of the lower bunks you can comfortably lean against in a sitting position  clever  and a sink and mirror.

Pay more for a Double or Club room and you have the added luxury of a toilet and shower.

Once our cases and bags have been stowed under the beds, with the train edging out of Euston, we make our way  my little one clutching her welcome bag containing a magazine and puzzles - to the 'Club Car' lounge car for drinks and food.

Pictured above is a double room, which features a toilet and shower. Caledonian doubles cost from 345 for solo and 410 for shared occupancy

This image shows a Classic room that has wheelchair access. The Caledonian Sleeper runs every night, apart from Saturday

The Club Car, above, has a thoughtful layout, writes Ted, that caters for multiple passenger formations, with a window view for all

This carriage is superb, with restful Scandi-chic decor in a mushroom-y palette punctuated by bold blues and a thoughtful layout that caters for multiple passenger formations, with a window view for all. There are tables for two, for four, banquette arrangements for even larger groups and stools at a counter angled towards the windows for solo travellers.

The menu, meanwhile, is comprehensive. The standard? Pretty good  a match for the Business Premier catering by Raymond Blanc on the Eurostar. The value? Very good.

Menu items include pizza (12.50); haggis, neeps and tatties (13.75); cauliflower and red lentil dahl (13.75); a cheeseboard (14.50); a 'traditional Scottish clootie dumpling' (10.75); various sandwiches (5.25) and snacks; red and white wine, and a spirit selection that features a 12-year-old Auchentoshan whisky (11) and an award-winning gin made in Perth (the Scottish Perth, 9.50).

I opt for a macaroni cheese (12.50) that is creamy and comforting and we enjoy white wines that are nicely structured and refreshing  Lolo Albarino from Spain (6 a glass) and Footsteps Sauvignon Blanc from Chile (6 a glass).

The Bridge of Orchy is a stop on the West Highland Line that comes after the Allt Kinglass Viaduct

Remote: Corrour, on the edge of vast Rannoch Moor, has no public road access

Corrour, above, claims the record for highest UK railway station thanks to being 1,338ft (408m) above sea level

At Corrour one of the coffee-wielding hosts points out to Ted a small bridge near the station (right) where Ewan McGregor's character in Trainspotting screams 'it's s***e being Scottish'

The line south of Fort William runs along the eastern flank of the immense Loch Treig (above). 'We stare in awe at waterfalls gushing down from the vertiginous peaks lining the opposite shore, struggling to comprehend the sheer scale of the geology,' writes Ted

MailOnline Travel's Ted, beaming in his sleeper room

The service isn't Pullman-polished, but efficient and friendly enough  and there's a wonderful atmosphere, with banter being exchanged between tables as the train leaves the capital behind.

Everyone is clearly thrilled.

We head to bed just south of the first stop  Crewe  and sleep for me is a start-stop affair.

I'm finding the compartment cosy and snug, but the excitement levels are too high for drifting off quickly.

Plus, I discover that lying down seems to mean feeling every bump and jolt all the more  and the quietness of the room amplifies the clickety-clack of the wheels.

But this also adds to the thrill, reinforcing the sense of adventure.

I wake up just after the train has been divided in the Scottish capital, with the Class 73's engine booming around tunnels and city lights creating a disco effect in the compartment. I've left the blind open, keen to see where we are when I sit up and not to miss out on any epic landscapes.

I drift off and wake up in the wilds, the weather moody.

After Glasgow the train skirts the shores of Loch Lomond, passes through Crianlarich, where the Oban line branches off, then trundles through Upper Tyndrum before crossing the Allt Kinglass Viaduct.

I arrive in the lounge for breakfast with my unopened thriller shortly before this landmark, staring at the approach over my porridge and coffee in disbelief.

There are two Caledonian Sleeper services from Euston, the Lowland, which serves Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the Highland, which splits at Edinburgh Waverley station (an unadvertised stop), with one portion travelling north to Aberdeen, the other to Inverness, and another via Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William (above)

Ted's daughter is pictured here snug and sound asleep on the southbound service from Fort William to Euston

LEFT: Ted's southbound chicken dinner. RIGHT: The breakfast set up as the southbound service whizzes towards London

Train nerd? To and from Euston the Caledonian Sleeper is hauled by an electric Class 92 with a top speed of 140kph (87mph)

The line here forms a horseshoe curve around a glen at the foot of a trio of momentous peaks - 3,524ft- (1,074m) tall Beinn Dorain, Beinn a'Chaisteil (2,897ft/883m) and Beinn Odhar (2,948ft/898m).

The nine-span, 576ft-long structure can be seen on the far side of the curve from some distance, and at first it seems improbable that the train is going to meander all the way around to it, the bridge looking as if it's on another line altogether.

After this comes the Bridge of Orchy station and Rannoch Moor, where the line is laid across a vast peat bog.

Rannoch station itself is remote - but is connected to the Highlands by a B road.

Corrour, however, to the north, has no public road access and claims the record for highest UK railway station thanks to being 1,338ft (408m) above sea level.

One of the coffee-wielding hosts points out a small bridge near the station where Ewan McGregor's character in Trainspotting screams 'it's s***e being Scottish'.

Next, the line runs along the eastern flank of the immense Loch Treig. We stare in awe at waterfalls gushing down from the vertiginous peaks lining the opposite shore, struggling to comprehend the sheer scale of the geology.

Then it's an encore of awe shortly before arriving at Fort William just before 10am, with the train skirting the River Spean as it dramatically gushes through Monessie Gorge.

The epic scenery is sadly enveloped in darkness on the 550-odd-mile return journey, prefaced by a coffee in the pleasant Fort William Caledonian Sleeper lounge, with the daylight portion arriving south of Milton Keynes.

But as we tuck into porridge, I muse that day or night, this sleeper service is a dream trip.
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With 333,000 subscribers on YouTube and 323,000 followers on Instagram, Michelle Gooris, aka DutchPilotGirl, is definitely a social media star on paper.

But she says she doesn't feel like one, that she feels 'like a pilot telling/sharing my story to the world and trying to inspire other people'.

And by all accounts, she's doing a great job.

Michelle, 31, is a Boeing 737 pilot for a Dutch airline who posts fascinating, slickly produced cockpit-view videos of some of her flights, complete with on-screen explainers of what the pilots are doing and observing. Plus, interesting geography below is signposted.

Her followers clearly appreciate the effort that she goes to, describing her footage as 'informative', 'appealing' and 'beautifully done'.

Michelle Gooris, 31, is a Boeing 737 pilot for a Dutch airline who posts fascinating, slickly produced cockpit-view videos

Michelle has 333,000 subscribers on YouTube and 323,000 followers on Instagram

Michelle, a stunning blonde, is also turning the 'dumb blonde' stereotype on its head.

She tells MailOnline Travel: 'Sometimes people do not expect [women] to be a pilot, but that is only the case for people outside of the aviation industry. In my company, I feel like I am being treated as one of the guys. I have never experienced not being taken seriously or open sexism. I have heard other stories from other women, though, so I won't say that it doesn't happen at all.'

Women are a distinct minority in the piloting community, but does she feel the glass ceiling has weakened for them?

The picture on the left of Michelle, taken during a Christmas break in Mexico, garnered over 20,000 views on Instagram. Michelle says that she 'doesn't feel like a social media star, but like a pilot telling/sharing my story'

MailOnline first spoke to Michelle six years ago when her social media videos began going viral. And they're still attracting a huge number of clicks. Michelle recently posted an amazing video of a landing at Keflavik Airport in Iceland, with the footage attracting 515,000 views to date

These stills are taken from Michelle's cockpit-view video of a landing at stunning Santorini. Michelle's videos come complete with on-screen explainers of what the pilots are doing and observing. Plus, interesting geography below is signposted

Michelle, who lives in Amsterdam, says: 'We are in the minority indeed, but I do see improvement. Nowadays there are more female pilots than ever, so I think we are headed in the right direction. I do not feel that making progress in the aviation industry is harder, since all exams and tests are the same. It all comes down to seniority and it won't go any faster or slower because of gender.'

MailOnline first spoke to Michelle six years ago when her social media videos began going viral. And they're still attracting a huge number of clicks.

Michelle says that landing is her favourite part of the flight as a pilot  and she recently posted an amazing video of one at Keflavik Airport in Iceland, with the footage attracting 515,000 views to date.

Michelle's followers clearly appreciate the effort that she goes to with her videos, describing her footage as 'informative', 'appealing' and 'beautifully done'

Michelle, a stunning blonde, has turned the 'dumb blonde' stereotype on its head

Michelle tells MailOnline Travel: 'Sometimes people do not expect [a woman] to be a pilot, but that is only the case for people outside of the aviation industry.' She adds: 'In my company, I feel like I am being treated as one of the guys'

Michelle, who lives in Amsterdam, says: '[Women] are in the minority... but I do see improvement. Nowadays there are more female pilots than ever, so I think we are headed in the right direction'

In 2018, Michelle published an eBook called Become An Airline Pilot

And a companion take-off video from the same airport has so far garnered 214,000 views.

Michelle, who has been a pilot for 10 years, describes Iceland as 'an epic place for the most stunning road trips, Northern Lights spotting, hiking to a glacier or volcano, blue lagoons and so much more'.

Another popular video on her YouTube channel shows a landing at the otherworldly Greek island of Santorini.

To the untrained eye, it looks like a tricky landing, with the runway perched right next to the sea.

But touching down there is all in a day's work for Michelle.

She says: 'The runway is shorter than usual and there is terrain nearby, but it is not considered difficult to land there.'

While there, she loves 'renting a quad bike to explore' and 'grabbing a frappe while visiting places such as Fira and Imerovigli'.

'You can find me in Oia to watch the amazing sunsets!' she adds.

She has definitely earned the downtime.

You can find Michelle on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@DutchPilotGirl and on Instagram at dutchpilotgirl. In 2018, Michelle published an eBook called Become An Airline Pilot. For more visit michellegooris.com.
At the age of 15, Valentina Paloma Pinault lives a life that most could only dream of.

As the only daughter of Hollywood actress Salma Hayek and billionaire businessman Francois-Henri Pinault, Valentina has become a regular face on the front row at luxury fashion week shows, enjoys lavish vacations with her glamorous family and rubs shoulders with some of the world's biggest stars on a regular basis.

Indeed, even her own relatives are an impressive group thanks to her dad's previous relationship with supermodel Linda Evangelista - with whom he shares 16-year-old son Augustin - and French interior designer Dorothee Lepere - with whom he shares daughter Mathilde, 22, and son Francois Jr., 25.

With her father being the president of Kering, a French luxury group which owns brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, Valentina has grown up with a natural appreciation for the world's most famous fashion houses.

Valentina Paloma Pinault is set to make her name in Hollywood after revealing her hopes to become an actress like her mother

She is the daughter of Hollywood actress Salma Hayek and billionaire businessman Francois-Henri Pinault

So it came as no surprise to see the stylish teen join her superstar mother and half-sister Mathilde at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show on February 24.

Making it clear that she is every inch the young fashionista, the trendy teen teamed a blue button-down shirt paired with a leather skirt.

She added to her frame with a pair of platform heels and donned kooky Gucci ankle socks and a chunky gold necklace.

It's just one of the many occasions in recent years where the teen has joined her family at high-profile events.

When she was born in 2007, her parents - who began dating in 2006 - initially chose to mainly keep her out of the limelight.

However, Valentina has been making more frequent appearances as she gets older, often accompanying her mother to movie premieres, talk show interviews and charity events.

The pair even posed together for the April 2022 cover spread of Vogue Mexico, with Valentina making her magazine debut with the shoot.

The then 14-year-old revealed her dreams of following in her mother's footsteps by becoming an actress, and eventually working as a director.

The teen highlighted how she had also inherited her mother's charitable nature as she talked about how important it was to be passionate about fixing the world's problems.

In particular, she explained she was moved by the problem of homelessness 'because I have friends who don't have a home.'

Here, FEMAIL breaks down the luxurious upbringing of the young star who looks set to step out from her parents' shadows in the coming years.

Set for life: Valentina is sure to inherit a sizeable amount of her father's $33.5 billion fortune, but her parents keep her humble

Valentina (pictured in 2017) descends from a line of French business titans thanks to the success of both her father, Francois-Henri (left), and her grandfather, Francois Pinault (center)

Valentina comes from a family of business titans thanks to the success of both her father and grandfather.

Francois-Henri is the son of Pinault SA founder, Francois Pinault, 86. Following its launch in the 1960s, the company was then known as Printemps-Redoute, then PPR, before the name finally changed to Kering in 2013.

The successful French businessman handed over management of his companies to his son in May 2003, and his son is now worth an estimated $33.5 billion, thanks to the success of the family's many companies.

Francois-Henri has been the chairman and CEO of Kering since 2005, and president of Groupe Artemis since 2003. Under his leadership, the retail conglomerate PPR was transformed into the luxury fashion group, Kering.

He was named Harvard Business Review's third best-performing CEO in the world in 2019.

Francois-Henri met Salma in 2006 and the pair welcomed their daughter in 2007

Despite the vast amount of wealth associated with her family, Salma recently revealed that she keeps her kids 'humble' at Christmas by giving them modest presents.

She told Page Six: 'My kids are humble. I don't know how I did it, but I think that what was great is that they have a big spectrum of things.

'So for Christmas, I like them to open millions of presents, but some of them are very small and meaningful, some of them are very silly and playful, and then they get one or two really nice ones.'

During an interview with Vogue Mexico, the teen revealed that she had to save up her allowance in order to buy her favorite perfumes such as Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent and Misia by Chanel.

The luxury scent is composed by Olivier Polge, the In-House Perfumer Creator for the brand, and retails for $275.

When it comes to makeup, she listed high-end brands such as Charlotte Tilbury and Gucci as her go-tos.

Fabulous family tree: Her half-siblings have equally glamorous moms and they all enjoy luxury holidays together

Valentina's father has three older children from previous relationships (L-R) Francois, 25, Augustin, 16, Salma, Francois-Henri, Mathilde, 22, and Valentina

Mathilde has already modeled for prestigious brands and has a large following on social media. She's pictured with Valentina

Francois-Henri welcomed his second son during his short relationship with supermodel Linda Evangelista

Augie, real name Augustin James Evangelista (left), splits his time between his father and mother, Linda (right)

Valentina's father Francois-Henri has three older children from previous relationships before he met her mother, Salma.

He shares daughter Mathilde, 22, and son Francois, 25, with French interior designer Dorothee Lepere.

The pair tied the knot in 1996 but the relationship ended in 2004. Dorothee currently owns a freelancing company, Madame Dorothee, in France.

Though their eldest child, Francois, stays out of the limelight, his younger sister has already modeled for prestigious brands and has a large following on social media.

Mathilde has previously explained that she does not want to pursue career in modeling, but has already worked for some brands such as Olgana and Miasuki.

Meanwhile, Francois-Henri welcomed another child during his short relationship with supermodel Linda Evangelista between 2005 and 2006.

The siblings often feature together in Salma's family holiday posts on Instagram

Augustin James, known as Augie, is often seen spending time with his father, stepmom Salma and his half-sisters in family vacation snaps shared by the actress.

Francois-Henri met Salma in the Spring of 2006 while attending a gala at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice.

The Frida star announced that she was engaged to the French businessman in March 2007 and also confirmed that she was pregnant.

She then gave birth to their daughter, Valentina Paloma, in September 2007.

Salma and Francois-Henri went on to tie the knot in a low-key civil ceremony on February 14, 2009 with only family in attendance, before rolling out the lavish celebrations two months later for an A-list wedding bash.

Francois-Henri surprised Salma with a vow renewal disguised as a spa day on the tropical island of Bora Bora in 2018, with their daughters both seen in pictures from the occasion.

Like mother, like daughter: Valentina made her magazine cover debut on Vogue Mexico with her mother in a glamorous shoot

Valentina and her mom posed together for the April 2022 cover spread of Vogue Mexico

The then 14-year-old made her magazine debut with the stunning photoshoot

Valentina stepped out into the spotlight in style after she scored her first-ever Vogue Mexico cover at the tender age of 14.

In an interview conducted in Spanish, it was revealed how Valentina often liked to take her mother's clothes and her hopes to work in Hollywood.

Though the pair were dressed to the nines in designer clothes for the photoshoot, Valentina insisted she often wears sweats.

'We fight over clothes because she takes everything from my closet,' Salma teased.

'Since she was little she never let me choose her clothes, and I always liked that,' Salma added. '[And] she's very good with makeup. I'm good at makeup, but now she teaches me.'

Valentina revealed her dreams of following her mother's footsteps by becoming an actress, and eventually working as a director

The pair have more in common than just clothes: They also both speak Spanish and like to do so to speak privately in public.

Valentina stressed the importance of helping others, which she does through volunteering at a soup kitchen.

'I learned that each person who is homeless has a different story,' she said. 'Everyone assumes they are homeless because of drugs or because they don't work.

'What's more, when you see someone sleeping on the street they have the same reaction: you're sorry, but you don't want to get close. I think it's important to get closer and listen rather than ignore them and believe that it's not your problem or our problem.'

Valentina also revealed her dreams of becoming an actress and a director in the future. As well as highlighting her love for photography.

During a game of What's In My Bag?, Valentina showed off her vintage camera.

'I take photos of my friends with disposable cameras,' she said in the video, adding that she takes photography classes at school.

Salma added: 'I like her photos a lot. She always has an interesting point of view. She loves photography and loves everything to be vintage.'

Red carpet ready: The aspiring actress has been attending fashion shows since she was a pre-teen and joins her mom at film premieres

Valentina helped her mother celebrate the moment when she received a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021

Salma is still cautious about sharing too much of Valentina's childhood on social media. Pictured is a paparazzi photo from 2008 and another photo from 2011

The youngster is no stranger to being photographed at her mother's movie premieres (pictured in 2011)

In recent years, Valentina has become a regular red carpet companion for her superstar mom

Though Salma is still cautious about sharing too much of Valentina's childhood on social media, she has allowed her daughter to be pictured by the paparazzi.

Valentina made waves thanks to her stylish appearance at the Gucci fashion show on February 24

The youngster is no stranger to being photographed and is often seen making her way through airports with her family, or dining out at popular restaurants across the globe.

In recent years, Valentina has since gone on to become a regular red carpet companion for her superstar mom.

In November 2021, she was on hand to help her mother celebrate the moment when she received a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Indeed, the teen is her mom's biggest cheerleader and often attends glamorous premieres for films such as Marvel's Eternals and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Around 2019, she began to make regular appearances with her mother at fashion week shows.

She's attended catwalk shows for luxury brands such as Gucci, Bottega Venetta and many more.

Famous friends: The teen regularly rubs shoulders with A-list stars and is friends with other well-known celebrity kids

Valentina joined her parents, actor George Clooney and his human rights barrister wife, Amal, for an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2016

In 2021, the teen was seen making her way into a private members club in London with Zahara Jolie-Pitt

She's rubbed shoulders with the likes of Oprah Winfrey at movie premieres (pictured in 2018)

Throughout her life, Valentina has been able to meet many of her parents' famous friends and associates at various event.

For example, she was seen sat near actor George Clooney and his human rights barrister wife, Amal, at an audience with Pope Francis as participants of the Sixth World Congress of Pontifical Foundation Scholas in the Vatican in May 2016.

The fashion fan also enjoys meeting other young starlets such as Saoirse Ronan while sitting on the front row at fashion shows (pictured in 2019)

Meanwhile she's rubbed shoulders with the likes of Oprah Winfrey at movie premieres, while meeting other young starlets such as Saoirse Ronan while sitting on the front row at fashion shows.

In 2021, the teen was seen making her way into a private members club in London with Zahara Jolie-Pitt as the pair joined their mothers, Salma and Angelina Jolie, to celebrate the release of Eternals.

Valentina confirmed she isn't one to get starstruck during her interactions with A-list names.

Speaking to Vogue Mexico, she recalled the moment when she met her 'music crush,' Kanye West.

'The first thing I said wasn't like, "I love your music, love your style," no!' Valentina explained. Instead she asked the rapper, 'Do you want Starbucks?'

'I always do something like that,' the teen stated.
Julia Fox flaunted her toned abs in a beige crop top and skimpy low-rise leather pants on Friday when she stepped out for dinner during Paris Fashion Week.

The stylish actress, 33  who recently sported a quirky cap with metal horns  accessorized her revealing look with dark red locks, designer eyewear, and a green handbag.

Julia's beige leather pants featured a skimpy butterfly cutout on the right hip as she strutted in France.

The bombshell's off-the-shoulder crop top highlighted her fit physique and she adorned her navel with an edgy piercing.

Fox has been rocking the City of Light this week, putting on a very leggy display on Thursday after turning heads in a busty leather corset dress made completely out of belts.

Skimpy: Julia Fox, 33, flaunted her toned abs in a beige crop top and skimpy low-rise leather pants on Friday when she stepped out for dinner during Paris Fashion Week

The Uncut Gems star opted for dark matte lips and went with minimal jewelry for her night out in Paris.

Known for her eye-popping fashion and risque aesthetic, Fox recently admitted to having liposuction and Botox in the past.

The former dominatrix told Elle she was 'saggy' and her body had changed, but that she was not going to do a 'damn thing about it.'

Revealing she would consider the cosmetic procedures again, Julia said: 'Im, like, saggy, like, things are not sitting the way they used to. But its like, I am not gonna do a damn thing about it.'

The fashion maven has previously spoken about how 'aging is fully in' in a TikTok posted last year.

She said: 'Dirty girl, ugly, not wearing clothes that fit your body type  all those things are in. If I see another product that says anti-aging on the label, Im suing. Im going to sue.

'Im going to age regardless of if I put that f*****g $500 serum on my face and you all f*****g know it and we know it, so lets stop lying to ourselves.'

She also said getting older is 'probably the sexiest time in life actually, because being pretty and hot in your twenties is the f*****g trenches.'

Fashion A game: Julia's beige leather pants featured a skimpy butterfly cutout on the right hip and each leg hugged her figure right down to the base of her boots, creating a seamless effect

The provocative star collaborates with her stylist Briana Andalore to create the constant stream of eye-popping outfits.

The pair have known each other for 15 years, concocting an endless array of theatrical looks that helped propel Fox into an infamous presence on the New York City fashion scene.

Julia and Briana first became best friends in high school after meeting on a street in Manhattan.

'I met Julia when I was 16,' Andalore told Dazed last year. 'We first met on the street, actually.

'Then we met again at a party, where she had a cat and I had a backpack full of weed, so it was kind of like a match made in heaven.'

Fox and Andalore's divine meeting eventually led to them starting a cult fashion label called Franziska Fox in the early aughts.

They shuttered the business a few years later, but then Kanye West, 45, entered the picture and launched Fox into the stratosphere as a style icon.

Accessories: The stylish actress accessorized her revealing look with dark red locks, designer eyewear, and a green handbag

'When Kanye came along,' Briana explained to Dazed, 'it was just this incredible new resource that meant anything was possible.'

Fox and West parted ways in February 2021 after dating for only six weeks, and she recently addressed his public meltdown in her interview with Elle.

'I just feel so bad for everyone involved, to be honest. I feel bad for his family, his children. I feel bad for the Jewish people.

'Some of my Jewish friends are shook right now, and that f**king breaks my heart. I really, truly, wouldve never seen him taking this direction.'
Chris Pine has revealed he cut his long locks off after his publicist hilariously compared him to Friends icon Rachel Green.

Pine, 42, - who stars in the new Dungeons & Dragons movie - grew his hair out last year and debuted it at the Venice Film Festival when he was promoting Don't Worry Darling - but the new look was not warmly received by his colleague.

'I thought I was looking pretty, pretty fly, the hair was long, everything was happening, and my publicist said I looked like Rachel from Friends,' Chris told Esquire.

'I couldnt unhear it,' he said, 'And it was the first day and my first time in Venice'

Jennifer Aniston, who played Green on Friends from 1994-2004 - became a hairstyle icon with her layered 'do, dubbed 'The Rachel cut' - with the style becoming one of the most popular haircuts of the 1990s.

Oh dear: Chris Pine (L in September 2022) has revealed he cut his long locks off after his publicist hilariously compared him to Friends icon Rachel Green (R)

Pine added: 'It was a long flight to f*****g Italy. I was so jetlagged and then you get thrown into a press conference where you get to talk about a film you made five and a half years ago. I was just tired, frankly.'

And it was at the Venice Film Festival when 'spit-gate' got its start.

In a viral moment, it looked like Harry Styles had spit on his Don't Worry Darling co-star as they sat next to each other at the film's premiere.

During the bizarre interaction, Pine - who was clapping as Styles took his assigned seat next to him - seemed to stop in his tracks, look down at his leg, and stick out his tongue in disbelief.

The laughing actor then shot an amusing look back at the pop star - who was too busy adjusting his jacket and smiling around the room to notice Pine's cheeky reaction.

A source close to Pine told MailOnline: 'Harry Styles did not spit at all. People are seeing some odd illusion of sorts online that is clearly deceiving.'

And Pine has cleared the record on what really went down in Venice.

'I think what he said, is he leaned down, and I think he said, "It's just words, isn't it?" Because we had this little joke, because we're all jetlagged, we're all trying to answer these questions, and sometimes when you're doing these press things, your brain goes all befuddled, you know, you start speaking gibberish, and we had a joke like, "It's just words, man."'

At the time, a representative for Pine fired back at the 'spitting' scandal: 'This is a ridiculous story... a complete fabrication and the result of an odd online illusion that is clearly deceiving and allows for foolish speculation.'

Sizzling: These days, Pine's hair is cut short and he's embracing the salt-and-pepper color of his locks

Venice blues: 'I thought I was looking pretty, pretty fly, the hair was long, everything was happening, and my publicist said I looked like Rachel from Friends,' Chris told Esquire

'Just to be clear, Harry Styles did NOT spit on Chris Pine,' she continued.

'There is nothing but respect between these two men, and any suggestion otherwise is a blatant attempt to create drama that simply does not exist.'

Pine also addressed the Don't Worry Darling press tour which was dominated by alleged drama on the set of the film and speculation over Olivia Wilde's salad recipe.

'If there was drama, there was drama,' he told Esquire of filming the movie. However, he clarified for the record: 'I absolutely didnt know about it, nor really would I have cared.

'If I feel badly, its because the vitriol that the movie got was absolutely out of proportion with what was onscreen.

'Venice was normal things getting swept up in a narrative that people wanted to make, compounded by the metastasizing that can happen in the Twittersphere. It was ridiculous.'

Pine also weighed in on a fourth Star Trek film, which has been years in the works. For now, the actor insists he doesn't know anything about the status of the movie - but he does think the franchise is cursed.

'After the last one came out and didnt do the $1 billion that everyone wanted it to do, and then AntonYelchin, who played Chekovpassed away, I dont know,' he continued. 'It just seemed... feels like its cursed.'
Travis Barker gave his social media followers an update after undergoing surgery on his ring finger Friday.

The 47-year-old music artist reappeared on Instagram after he'd previously checked in with fans before going under the knife.

The lifelong musician called the procedure a 'success' as he thanked fans in a heartfelt caption. He also shared an image of his finger cut open.

The father-of-three wrote, 'Thank you for all the love and prayers and understanding this week as I went into surgery. So grateful for Dr. Shin and that my surgery was a success so that I can keep doing what I love and see you guys on tour soon.'

His wife Kourtney Kardashian posted one of the same hospital pictures that Travis did and wrote above it: 'thank you God, amen.'

All done: Travis Barker gave his social media followers an update after undergoing surgery on his ring finger Friday

Gratitude: His wife Kourtney Kardashian posted the same hospital picture that Travis did and wrote above it: 'thank you God, amen'

It went well! The lifelong musician called the procedure a 'success' as he thanked fans in a heartfelt caption; pictured with daughter Alabama Barker and wife Kourtney Kardashian, who seems to have gone blonde

Barker also said in the message that the choice to operate on his digit 'was a hard decision to make but ultimately I couldnt continue to play the drums without it.

'It was inevitable that my finger would have dislocated again without fixing the torn ligament surgically,' he explained.

Before his surgery he posted and deleted a video clip holding hands and praying with his 17-year-old daughter Alabama Barker and wife Kourtney Kardashian, 43.

He had shared another gory finger injury video as well, showing his joints being pulled back into place.

The Blink-182 drummer revealed on Monday that he would be going under the knife after damaging his ring finger twice last month.

It happened as he was rehearsing with his band for the upcoming 'All The Small Things' reunion tour.

He shared the health update with his 7.9million followers on Instagram and captioned it: 'Surgery tomorrow,' with a praying hands emoji.

In the post, Travis showed a video of him getting his finger pulled and pushed in different directions to try and get it back to normal.

Get well soon: Barker has shared another gory finger injury video as he got his joints pulled back into place

Recovery: The Blink-182 drummer revealed on Monday that he is going under the knife after damaging his ring finger earlier this month

It appeared that he had a doctor arrive at his home who was discussing the pain of his finger.

Another snap showed Travis in an all-black ensemble holding his taped-up hand to his face, protecting it from further damage.

He also pictured his finger up close, with his tattooed hand held out to display the break at the top of his knuckle.

His wife Kourtney replied to the post with a series of prayer hands and heart emojis.

He previously tweeted on February 8: 'I was playing the drums at rehearsals yesterday and I smashed my finger so hard I dislocated it and tore the ligaments.'

No gigs have been postponed or cancelled following the injury, with fans hoping the surgery won't impact Blink-182's first tour with Tom DeLonge in the lineup - alongside Travis and their bandmate Mark Hoppus - since 2014.

Late last year, Tom revealed the group has been busy working on 'the best album' they've made to date.

He teased on Instagram: 'I'm personally tripping and so proud of what we have created TOGETHER. As one unified force of fun, eternal youth, and most of all- close friends.'

The group are set for their biggest tour to date, with concerts in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and their first-ever shows in Latin America.

Back into place: Rocker Travis, 47, who is famously married to Kourtney Kardashian, 43, injured the finger earlier this month as he was rehearsing with his band for 'All The Small Things' upcoming reunion tour

Broken: In the post, Travis showed a video of him getting his finger pulled and pushed in different directions to try and get it back to normal

Ouch: Travis shared an x-ray of his broken finger on Monday, updating fans on an injury he got weeks ago

The mammoth tour will begin in March and will conclude in February 2024.

The three original Blink-182 members met up before Mark was undergoing treatment for cancer in 2021 and he revealed that the three were in a good place.

He previously said of the band's relationship: 'It's actually better than it used to be.

'There was no agenda (when they met up). There were no lingering grudges. It felt very back to what it should be: three friends sitting in a room.'
Idris Elba has hit back after facing mass criticism last month for revealing that he no longer describes himself as a 'black actor'.

The Luther star, 50, who is of Ghanaian and Sierra Leone Creole heritage, sparked a social media backlash when he detailed how he thought the 'black actor' label put him in a 'box', and that an 'obsession' with race can hinder aspirations and growth.

He told Esquire: 'Weve got to grow. Weve got to. Our skin is no more than that: its just skin. Rant over.'

He added: ''Racism is very real. But from my perspective, its only as powerful as you allow it to be.

Now the actor has doubled down on his remarks in a new interview with the Guardian, slamming fans who accused him of 'denying his blackness' with his controversial comments.

Comments: Idris Elba has hit back after facing mass criticism last month for revealing that he no longer describes himself as a 'black actor' (pictured March 1)

He said: 'Me saying I dont like to call myself a Black actor is my prerogative. Thats me, not you. So for you to turn around and say to me, Im "denying my Blackness".

'On what grounds? Did you hear that? Where am I denying it? And what for? Its just stupid. Whatever.'

In his February interview, The Wire star continued that while he is a member of the Black community, he doesn't put the emphasis on this when it comes to his career.

Idris explained to the publication that his choice to be an actor wasn't because the lack of diversity in the profession, but because it was a career he felt he would thrive in.

'As you get up the ladder, you get asked what its like to be the first Black to do this or that,' He continued.

'Well, its the same as it would be if I were white. Its the first time for me. I dont want to be the first Black. Im the first Idris.'

Some three days after the interview dropped, the Luther star decided to take to Twitter and elaborate on his quote, all while making sure everyone knowns he's a proud Black man.

'There isn't a soul on this earth that can question whether I consider myself a BLACK MAN or not,' he began in the tweet, adding, 'Being an "actor" is a profession, like being an "architect", they are not defined by race. However, If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Perogative. Ah lie?'

He said: 'Me saying I dont like to call myself a Black actor is my prerogative. Thats me, not you. So for you to turn around and say to me, Im "denying my Blackness". 'On what grounds? Did you hear that? Where am I denying it? (pictured in Luther)

Interview: The Luther star , 50, who is of Ghanaian and Sierra Leone Creole heritage, sparked a social media backlash when he detailed how he thought the Black actor label put him in a 'box' , and that an 'obsession' with race can hinder aspirations and growth (Pictured May 2022)

Race and acting: 'Being an "actor" is a profession, like being an "architect", they are not defined by race,' he shared on Twitter

Back in 2020, Idris revealed that he experiences racism 'as often as breathing'.

Talking during live-streamed discussion about the Black Lives Matter movement, the actor said: 'Success has not negated racism for me. Asking me about racism is like asking me about how long I have been breathing.'

The actor has recently returned as DCI John Luther in Luther: The Fallen Sun, the big-screen continuation of the TV series, and hopes the character can take up some of 007's 'real estate'.

The gritty new movie, which features Andy Serkis as cyber serial killer David Robey, has so far been panned by critic after its Netlfix release last week.

Idris thinks the Luther movie has been 'a long time coming' and is already planning for the future on the big screen.

The Beasts of No Nation star said: 'Hopefully it is the beginning of the new chapter. Sounds corny, but you know we have gone from television, we have gone as far as we can and now, we have got the world as our stage. Big epic landscapes and you know infinite stories.'

Elba suggested that Luther could come up against multiple villains in the next movie.

He said: 'No spoilers but I think it might be more than one.'

But The Fallen Sun has so far been panned by critics after the Netflix crime thriller was shown in select cinemas ahead of its streaming release.

Coming soon! Luther: The Fallen Sun will be released on Netflix on March 10

Idris's latest film has been met with a flurry of two-star reviews, with critics claiming the 'preposterous' picture is 'jumbled', 'farfetched' and 'ridiculous'.

The film, which will arrive on the small screen on March 10, follows DCI John Luther (Idris) as he escapes from his maximum-security prison to capture a cyber psychopath and serial killer, played by Andy Serkis.

But Variety has slated the 'hard to take seriously' picture while Empire said the movie - based on the 2010s BBC series - felt 'rather recycled'.

Brian Viner wrote in the Daily Mail: 'It bombards us with an overload of everything, especially plot, with a psychotic villain played by Andy Serkis who seems to have arrived in modern-day London straight from the bowels of the Underworld.'
Lord Ivar Mountbatten, who upset locals this week by announcing that he plans to charge them to walk their dogs on his 100-acre country estate, has come up with a colourful new way to fill his coffers.

I hear that the TV personality, who became the first member of the extended Royal Family to have a same-sex wedding, is to host the Queer Spirit Festival at Bridwell Park in mid-Devon.

Organisers say it will be five days of community, pleasure, play, and enrichment for body, mind, and soul.

Revellers will be able to enjoy a sacred sexuality temple, as well as an adults-only sauna and a range of workshops on subjects ranging from sexual liberation to kink.

Lord Ivar Mountbatten with his husband James Coyle at their home Bridwell House in Devon

Lord Ivar and James Coyle shared this snap on Instagram

Testimonials from the last Queer Spirit, in 2019 in Northamptonshire, highlight its bohemian nature. I took part in naked workshops, designed to create an intimacy with strangers without the use of words, one reveller wrote. I was able to strip off and garner the energy around me.

Another said: The sex temple was amazing and we got on extremely well. It was just pure fun all along.

Lord Ivar, who turns 60 next week, is married to airline cabin services director James Coyle, 60. He insists: Its a family festival, so children are welcome. The aristocrat, who has three grown-up daughters with his ex-wife Penny, tells me of Queer Spirit: Theyre paying quite a lot of money, so were just the venue.

Lord Ivar, a first cousin, once removed, of Prince Philip and a third cousin, once removed, of Queen Elizabeth, adds: We have a deer fence that goes all the way around [the estate] and theres no alcohol involved. I said, Why dont you have alcohol? They said, Its spiritual and family-focused.

It will be quite a laugh and my children are frightfully excited about it.

Confession of the week

Hugh Grant appears to have thrown his toys out of the pram on the set of his forthcoming film, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves.

I had a couple of tantrums, admits the actor, 62.

Referring to a fellow British star known for his fiery outbursts, he says: I did a Christian Bale  I lost my temper with a woman in my eyeline on day one. I assumed she was some executive from the studio who should have known better.

Then it turns out that shes an extremely nice local woman who was the chaperone of the young girl. Terrible. A lot of grovelling . . .

Lets hope hes joking.

The smart set's talking about... the new Bellucci beauty

Deva Cassel

Her mothers blossoming romance with Hollywood director Tim Burton, ex-boyfriend of Helena Bonham Carter, has been the talk of showbusiness. But Monica Belluccis daughter Deva Cassel has been making a splash on her own merits this week.

The 18-year-old, whose father is the French actor Vincent Cassel, almost brought the runway to a halt as she sashayed down the catwalk for Dolce & Gabbana during Milan Fashion Week.

Shes the spitting image of her mother but isnt another nepo baby, one fashion insider tells me. She is talented and set for stardom beyond being a model.

Deva followed in Belluccis footsteps when she made her modelling debut aged 15 with Dolce & Gabbana. Her mother made her name as the face of the Italian brand.

Monica, 58, became the oldest Bond girl in 2015s Spectre and Deva is also on course for a big-screen career.

She made her acting debut last year as a wild and provocative artists model named Amelia in Italian director Laura Luchettis film The Beautiful Summer.

Earls murderous stepmum on TV

This will horrify the Earl of Shaftesbury: I hear that his stepmother, who was convicted of aiding and abetting his fathers murderer, is to appear in a documentary about the killing.

Lord Anthony Ashley-Cooper the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury and his wife Djamila M'Barek

Former escort Jamila MBarek, 61, was the third wife of his father, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, who was killed aged 66. She was found guilty of murder by a French court and of paying her brother Mohamed to kill him in 2004 in Cannes.

Still technically able to use the title Dowager Countess of Shaftesbury, she was sentenced to 25 years in jail at the trial in 2007 but was released in 2016. Her brother is still in prison.

Now living in Switzerland, she gives her interview in The Earl, His Lover, The Escort And Her Brother, to be aired on Channel Five next weekend.

She tells the programme: I would like to explain to them everything. I would tell them, Sorry for the pain that you had. I feel sorry for his family because Anthony was a very, very nice person. He was really generous . . . Of course, I regret what happened, I loved Anthony and I had a good life with him. Of course, it broke my life, too.

Why things could get really wild for Pippas in-laws ...

Beavers could return to a Scottish glen 400 years after being driven to extinction, thanks to Pippa Middletons husband, James Matthews, and his family.

Rewilding charity Trees For Life  working on behalf of a partnership that includes government agency Forestry and Land Scotland and four private landowners, including the Matthews Glen Affric Estate  is to apply for a licence to reintroduce the mammals to Glen Affric in the Highlands.

If approved by NatureScot, reintroductions will take place in Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin as early as autumn this year. The return of beavers to Glen Affric would be a story of hope and renewal, says Alan McDonnell, conservation manager at Trees For Life.

Pippas brother, James Middleton, is a regular host and guest for parties at the Glen Affric estate in Inverness-shire. Pippas father-in-law, David Matthews, bought the grounds in 2008 along with the main house, Affric Lodge, set within 10,000 acres.

Cate: LA men hate supporting women

Oscar-tipped Cate Blanchett complains that big-name actors are not keen to take on supporting roles in films where women have the leading parts.

Its very hard to get our brothers in so-called Hollywood to play the supporting roles that we [women] will very happily play in a good story with a good director, says the star of Tar. That still is difficult.

Referring to sexism and ageism in the film world, Blanchett, 53, says even her own husband, playwright Andrew Upton, 57, thought her career might be time limited.

The landscape has certainly changed. In the dawn of time when I entered the film industry . . . I remember my husband saying to me, in an incredibly supportive way, Enjoy it, babe, youve got five years, if youre lucky.

And that was true for women.
Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz looked in good spirits as they arrived back at their hotel in Paris in Friday after reuniting with his mother Victoria at her fashion show.

The aspiring chef, 23, looked dapper in a double breasted, navy suit and a white, unbuttoned shirt as he arrived back at the hotel where the rest of the Beckham family were also staying.

Close to his side, his wife Nicola, 28, appeared to be dressed head to toe in a design by her mother-in-law, squashing any rumours of a feud between the two.

Brooklyn and Nicola joined the rest of the Beckham clan at Victoria's much-anticipated show after being plagued with rumours of a fallout following the couple's wedding last April.

For the fashion show, the American beauty sported a black and blush mesh midi dress with a plunging neckline and puff sleeves.

Looking good: Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz looked in good spirits as they arrived back at their hotel in Paris in Friday after attending his mother Victoria's fashion show

Dapper: The aspiring chef, 23, looked dapper in a double breasted, navy suit and a white, unbuttoned shirt, which showed the start of his heavily tattooed chest

Showing support: Nicola, 28, appeared to be dressed head to toe in a design by her mother-in-law, squashing any rumours of a feud between the two

Smiling for the cameras as she arrived back at the lavish Le Reserve suite  the same hotel Victoria was staying in - Nicola modelled the abstract print by adding a platform heeled boot, plus latex leggings, and gloves.

She finished off the look by clutching onto one of the designer's signature handbags - a chain strap pouch.

Her brunette locks were pulled into a classy half up-do looking ultra stylish, as she walked hand-in-hand alongside her husband.

Nicola's outfit choice is a huge show of support for the fashion designer, after she made the decision not to wear a Victoria Beckham wedding dress for her big day, opting for a Valentino one instead.

The brunette beauty tied the knot with Brooklyn in a lavish Palm Beach ceremony back in April 2022, sporting a beautiful custom Valentino dress.

The knock-back raised a few eyebrows and rumours began to circulate there was a rift between Nicola and Victoria after the multi-million dollar wedding took place.

The dress has since been the source of much controversy, as Nicola claims she was planning on wearing a dress made by Victoria, before the designer said that her atelier could not make it in time.

A number of reports claim that this is where tension between the pair began, with Nicola denying this during an interview with The Times last year.

Nicola said: 'It's not a feud! I keep seeing everywhere that word, 'feud, feud, feud!?' I mean, maybe they picked up on something? And now they're labelling it feud?'

Dressed to impress: Nicola turned up the heat by adding inches to her frame in an eye catching pair of towering platform boots which she wore with leather leggings and gloves

Newlyweds: Brooklyn and Nicola tied the knot in a multi-million dollar lavish ceremony back in April 2022. It's been revealed that Nicola went through three different sets of wedding planners, two of whom failed to meet the 'scale' of her plans

'I think it all started, and I've said this before, because I didn't end up wearing Victoria's wedding dress, but the real truth is, I really, really wanted to wear it and I thought it was so beautiful that Brooklyn's mom got to make that for me!

And I was really excited to wear it! And I didn't end up wearing it.'

She went on to say: 'But I, truthfully, was really excited to wear her dress. It makes me sad when I read things that people say I was never planning on wearing it. That's just not true.'

With the couples arrival to the French city and Nicola sporting a Victoria Beckham branded outfit, it appears to be a mark of unity and solidarity for the family.
Home and Away star Kawakawa Fox-Reo has left Summer Bay for good.

The 24-year-old actor made an emotional farewell in Thursday's episode of the long-running Channel Seven soap after three years playing heartthrob Nikau Parata.

And his former Home and Away co-star Courtney Miller took to Instagram on Friday to look back on their fondest memories on set.

The 26-year-old beauty, who played Kawakawa's ex-girlfriend Bella in the soap, posted a cosy behind-the-scenes picture of the pair as they filmed their final scene together.

Home and Away star Kawakawa Fox-Reo shared his last scenes with Courtney Miller on the long running soap on Thursday. Courtney paid tribute to her co-star on her social media with this behind-the-scenes snap.

'These past three and a bit years were a fun ride,' the brunette messaged, adding: 'It was so effortless for Bella to Love you. Youll be missed.'

Fans were stunned during Thursday's episode to find Bella returning to Summer Bay, after taking a break from her burgeoning career in New York.

After a few awkward moments and mini-dramas the pair reconciled after their devastating break up last season.

Fans were stunned during Thursday's episode to find Bella returning to Summer Bay, after taking a break from her burgeoning career in New York

After a few awkward moments and mini-dramas the pair reconciled after their devastating break up last season. Sparks flew and in the end Nikau left to go to New York with Bella

Sparks flew and in the end Nikau left to go to New York with Bella.

Fans took to Courtney's social media to praise the couple's happy ending.

'So many tears in tonights episode going to miss Bella and Nikau so much. Really happy they got the endgame they deserved,' gushed one happy fan.

'Loved this send off, it brought a tear to my eye!

The fan continued: 'It was also amazing to have someone that had left the bay return for a visit - that never happens!

News broke of Kawakawa's exit from Home and Away last November

'Characters leave and never return to visit their family members - one off storylines like this should be a regular for cameo appearances. We loved it!'

Meanwhile, another fan worried about what the exit of Bella and Nikau might mean for long-running hit.

'No way so many people are leaving the show it not going to be same,' they wrote on Courtney's message board.

News broke of Kawakawa's exit last November. Meanwhile, Courtney confirmed she is leaving Summer Bay after four years back in June after joining the soap in 2018.
Jemma Kidd sparked engagement rumours on Friday after she was spotted wearing a huge diamond on her ring finger.

The make-up artist, 48, wowed onlookers in a dazzling black dress as she left Mayfairs 5 Hertford Street arm-in-arm with her billionaire partner Arpad Busson, 59.

But it wasn't the frock that attracted attention. Instead, it was a diamond encrusted ring, placed on her ring finger.

Heading home for the night, she could be seen clutching a Saint Laurent handbag with her decorated finger.

Rumoured: Jemma Kidd sparked engagement rumours on Friday after she was spotted wearing a huge diamond on her ring finger

She then placed a hand on her beau as she whispered into his ear.

Engagement rings are a contentious subject for billionaire Arpad Arki Busson, who previously accused Pulp Fiction star Uma Thurman of failing to return the 1.2 million sparkler he bought her after they called off their wedding plans.

Friends of Arkis, were intrigued by the huge gold ring, with multi-coloured encrusted diamonds, that she wore on her ring finger for the night out.

It was the talk of the club, one member told the Daily Mail's Eden Confidential.

They recently made their red carpet debut together as they attended the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize 2022 at The National Museum of Qatar in Doha.

Jemma wowed onlookers in a dazzling red sleeved gown for the event.

She and Arpad went Instagram official earlier this year, posting a holiday snap together in St Moritz, and have kept a fairly low profile until now.

French financier Arpad went for smart casual, pairing black tie with Nike Air trainers.

What's that? The make-up artist, 48, wowed onlookers in a dazzling black dress as she left Mayfairs 5 Hertford Street arm-in-arm with her billionaire partner Arpad Busson, 59

Hiding something? But it wasn't the frock that attracted attention. Instead, it was a diamond encrusted ring, placed on her ring finger

Decorated: Heading home for the night, she could be seen clutching a Saint Laurent handbag with her decorated finger

Former model Jemma split with her husband Arthur Wellesley, the Marquess of Douro, in 2020.

Luckily, she seems to have found love again with Arpad who appears to have a penchant for leggy blondes.

He was previously with Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson between 1996 and 2005. They share songs Flynn, 24, and Aurelius, 19.

Earlier this year, Jemma and Arpad looked cosy as they were seen together for the first time while holidaying in St Moritz.

Jemma sported a striking fur hat while Arki gripped a furry blanket to keep out the cold.

Couple: They recently made their red carpet debut together as they attended the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize 2022 at The National Museum of Qatar in Doha

Pictured: Jemma with her previous partner Arthur Wellesley, Earl of Mornington, in June 2018

Aristocrat Jemma and Arki had been flirting at exclusive London members club 5 Hertford Street in May last year.

Things have moved on considerably since then, with the couple enjoying a horse-and-cart ride and dinner dates in the luxury resort.

Jemmas 15-year marriage to Arthur Wellesley, the 9th Duke of Wellingtons elder son, ended amicably in 2020, while Arki was once Uma Thurmans fiance.

The pair have colourful family histories. Arkis step-grandfather, Hungarian financier Arpad Plesch, had a prized collection of esoteric pornography.

Jemmas great-grandfather, Sir Rowland Hodge, was convicted of hoarding 168lb (6oz) of bacon and ham during the First World War.
Rachael Ray has announced that her daytime talk show will be ending this year, bringing its stellar 17-season run to a close.

The celebrity chef, 54  who has visited war-torn Ukraine multiple times  released a statement to Deadline on Friday and declared that she was moving on to her 'next exciting chapter.'

'In my more than 20 plus years in television I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael,' Ray's statement began.

'However Ive made the decision that its time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career.'

The Rachael Ray Show is hardly the first syndicated stalwart to recently come to an end, as it joins a long list of shuttered programs like Dr. Phil, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Wendy Williams Show, Maury, Dr. Oz and The Real.

Saying goodbye: Rachael Ray, 54, has announced that her daytime talk show will be ending this year, bringing its stellar 17-season run to a close

The end of Ray's show comes on the heels of her launching a new production company called Free Food Studios in partnership with Intentional Content, according to Deadline.

The beloved foodie's statement went on to say, 'My passions have evolved from the talk show format, production and syndication model to a platform unencumbered by the traditional rules of distribution

'That is why I am looking forward to putting all my energies into my recently announced production arm, Free Food Studios.

'Thank you to all of our Rachael daytime show partners, crew, and affiliates, and the wonderful years we all worked together.'

Debuting in 2006, The Rachael Ray Show became the top syndicated program launched that year and went on to amass 37 Daytime Emmy nominations across its subsequent 17 seasons, winning three for Outstanding Talk Show.

The core of Rachael's format highlights her relatable cooking skills in addition to her fun and easygoing interview style.

Celebrity guests are a major element, as the 30-Minute Meals star has interviewed A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, the Kardashians and even former First Lady Michelle Obama.

The show also features musical performances and make-over segments, with Ray's tagline being, 'We'll see you when we see you.'

Her next chapter: The celebrity chef released a statement to Deadline on Friday and declared that she was moving on to her 'next exciting chapter'

Ray's statement began: 'In my more than 20 plus years in television I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael. However Ive made the decision that its time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career' (pictured with Gwyneth Paltrow in 2019)

A new venture: The end of Ray's show comes on the heels of her launching a new production company called Free Food Studios in partnership with Intentional Content, according to Deadline (pictured with former First Lady Michelle Obama)

Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, said in a statement: 'When Rachael debuted her show 17 years ago, she was a game-changer in the daytime space.

'She made cooking accessible to the masses, taught viewers simple solutions on how to improve their lives and coaxed great stories out of celebrity guests with her relatable down-to-earth demeanor.

'Were proud to have produced such a successful show with Rachael and her team for so many years. Well miss Rachael on the air every day, but well always be family.'

The Rachael Ray Show was one of the first daytime programs to resume filming amid the Covid pandemic, returning for its 16th season in October 2021.

2020 was a difficult year for Ray and her husband of 18 years John Cusimano, 55, as the couple lost their home in upstate New York to an accidental fire in August 2020.

They also suffered through their Manhattan apartment flooding in September of that year, plus their pit bull Isaboo passed away that summer in June.

When asked by Extra what she was grateful for, Ray replied, 'Being alive. When I lost my dog I was so grateful that I could be with her the last several month of her life.'

'She died in my arms I felt guilty and grateful at the same time' Ray explained.

Tremendous success: Debuting in 2006, The Rachael Ray Show became the top syndicated program launched that year and went on to amass 37 Daytime Emmy nominations across its subsequent 17 seasons, winning three for Outstanding Talk Show

The beloved foodie's statement went on to say, 'My passions have evolved from the talk show format, production and syndication model to a platform unencumbered by the traditional rules of distribution. That is why I am looking forward to putting all my energies into my recently announced production arm, Free Food Studios' (pictured with former President Bill Clinton in 2015)

A lovable host: The core of Rachael's format highlights her relatable cooking skills in addition to her fun and easygoing interview style. Celebrity guests are a major element, as the 30-Minute Meals star has interviewed many A-listers (pictured with Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner)

Ray's career in the kitchen began as a child in family's restaurant, where she made her 'first memory' at three years old.

Speaking to Tasting Table last year, she said, 'I started working in kitchens when I was eight or nine.

'I got my working papers when I was 14. My first memory actually was when I was three and I grilled my thumb to the flattop in our restaurant in Cape Cod.'

The Food Network star went on to share what she is most proud of, saying, 'If I look back at my life, I'm proud of two things.

'I created a foundation to support philanthropy to give back to the world because I don't have human children. I have dogs, but I wanted to give back to humans first.

Rachael reflected about her philosophy on living, achieving success, and giving back to the world.

'I love my life,' Ray declared. 'I earned my life. We have to be thoughtful about our lives. When you build a life for yourself, not only do you have to find a niche for yourself or your business or money, you need to find a way to give back.

'I think the universe only keeps you in balance as long as you are balanced and decide to give as much as you get. I truly believe this.'
Peta Murgatroyd looked stunning as she showed off her baby bump in black lingerie in her latest video shared to Instagram on Friday.

The 36-year-old Dancing With The Stars pro donned black lingerie as she applied self-tanning mousse from her Peta Jane Beauty brand on her growing baby bump in a new clip.

The Faith, Hope & Love actress is currently expecting her second child - a baby due in June - with her husband Maksim Chmerkovskiy, 43.

Murgatroyd announced she was pregnant in January after years of heartrending fertility struggles.

The longtime couple - who have been together for around a decade - share a six-year-old son named Shai.

Bumpin' along: Peta Murgatroyd, 36, looked stunning as she showed off her baby bump in black lingerie in her latest video shared to Instagram on Friday

To the tune of PinkPantheress and Ice Spice's latest hit Boy's a liar Pt. 2, the blonde beauty showcased her belly and applied tanning mousse with a glove.

In the video promoting her own product, she donned a pair of cheeky black underwear and a matching lace bra.

The New Zealand-born hoofer slicked her hair back into a sleek and tight bun.

She opted for a light glam featuring a winged eyeliner, subtle contour to highlight her cheekbones, and a glossy mauve pink lip.

For jewelry, she donned a double pair of gold hoop earrings and a red bracelet.

As she applied the tanning product, she also showed off her long, French manicure.

In her caption, she wrote: 'We have been SELLING OUT guys.what a dream come true'.

'There are only a few items left,' she said. 'Restock happening very soon.'

Murgatroyd and her husband previously met while working on the Broadway production Burn the Floor in 2009.

However, they only started dating in 2012 when they crossed paths again while working on Dancing With The Stars together.

In November 2013, the pair split but ended up getting back together a year later.

The couple then welcomed their first child together in January 2017.

Six months later, Murgatroyd and Chmerkovskiy tied the knot at an intimate city hall wedding in New York City.

Applying self-tanner: The Dancing With The Stars pro donned black lingerie as she applied self-tanning mousse from her Peta Jane Beauty brand on her growing baby bump in a new clip

Bun in the oven: The Faith, Hope & Love actress is currently expecting her second child - a baby due in June - with her husband Maksim Chmerkovskiy, 43

Growing family: The longtime couple - who have been together for around a decade - also share a six-year-old son named Shai

A week later, they held a beautiful ceremony - attended by their Dancing With The Stars cast members - at Oheka Castle in Long Island.

In January of this year, Murgatroyd - who previously suffered three miscarriages - announced that she was expecting her second child with her husband through natural conception.

She wrote in her caption: 'After 2 years of constant struggle and heartache, 3 miscarriages and a failed embryo transferwe have a healthy bun in the oven'.

The gender of their baby has not yet been revealed as the pair have chosen to keep that information private.
Jacob Elordi was all wrapped up despite the Queensland heat on Saturday as he arrived at Brisbane airport to greet his mother.

Dressed in long black slacks, a white button-up and a blue jumper, the Euphoria star, 25, kept his face hidden away.

With a brown hat pulled low over his features, the Hollywood hunk hid his eyes behind a pair of dark shades before tying a bandana around his lower face.

Carrying a small black bag in one hand with a camera strapped across his chest, Elordi clung to his mother's hand as she guided him through the airport.

Melissa Elordi looked stunning in a white pant suit with a black shirt underneath and black high heels for a monochrome look.

Jacob Elordi, 25, (left) was all wrapped up despite the Queensland heat on Saturday as he arrived at Brisbane airport to greet his mother (right)

She added a pop of colour with a floral headband to push back her dark tresses.

It comes after Elordi was spotted cuddling up to Sydney fashionista Pip Edwards in Adelaide on Thursday evening.

The P.E Nation designer was the envy of all women as the pair attended the opening of TAG Heuer's flagship store.

Dressed in long black slacks, a white button-up and a blue jumper, the Euphoria star kept his face hidden away

With a brown hat pulled low over his features, the Hollywood hunk hid his eyes behind a pair of dark shades before tying a bandana around his lower face

In a photo Edwards posted on Instagram, the Aussie actor had his arms wrapped around the activewear mogul, 42, and stared into her eyes.

The glamorous businesswoman, who looked stunning in black jumpsuit with silver bedazzled detailing, tucked her head into his shoulder.

She captioned the photo: 'We both love the pink @tagheur @jacobelordi.'

The pair are both ambassadors for the luxury watch brand and wore TAG timepieces on the night.

Carrying a small black bag in one hand with a camera strapped across his chest, Elordi clung to his mother's hand as she guided him through the airport
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' wife, Allison Holker, took to Instagram on Friday to send a loving message of support to her children nearly three months after his tragic passing.

The So You Think You Dance alum, 35, could be seen posing on a couch with her son, Maddox, 6, and three-year-old daughter, Zaia, whom she welcomed with the former Ellen DeGeneres DJ and executive producer.

Also in the family photo was her daughter, Weslie, 14, whom she shares from a previous relationship. However, upon tying the knot in 2013, Stephen legally adopted Weslie.

The teenager recently returned to social media late last month in February, and shared a special tribute to her late father, two months after his death.

Boss passed away last year on December 13 in Encino, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner ruling his death a suicide the following day, reported People.

Support: Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' wife, Allison Holker, 35, took to Instagram on Friday to send a loving message of support to her children nearly three months after his tragic passing

In the caption of her post, Allison penned words of love and encouragement to her three children, shortly before the three month anniversary of his death which will be on March 13.

'My loves we are stronger than you could ever imagine,' she wrote. 'And we will stand strong together as a unit, and find the courage to hold each other up.'

The actress additionally told Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia, 'I will be here for you every step of the way through the highs and lows, the ups and the downs. I will protect and I will guide, I will be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, I will have mom jokes ready for when you need a good laugh.'

She concluded the heartfelt statement by typing out, 'The love and light inside our hearts will still shine. I love you forever and always. Mommy.'

Allison herself received words of support in the comment section, with Ellen DeGeneres penning, 'I think about you all every day.'

Step Up actress, Jenna Dewan, added a strew of red heart emojis, while Chelsea Handler wrote out, 'You are a shining light.'

Selling Sunset star, Chrishell Stause, movingly added, 'You are so incredible. Hope you feel your family wrapped in love from all over the world.'

A source recently informed People that the mother of three is, 'doing as well as expected' following her husband's shocking death that took place three days after their ninth wedding anniversary.

Strong: 'My loves we are stronger than you could ever imagine,' she wrote. 'And we will stand strong together as a unit, and find the courage to hold each other up'

Sharing the love: She concluded the heartfelt statement by typing out, 'The love and light inside our hearts will still shine. I love you forever and always. Mommy'

Update: A source recently informed People that the mother of three is, 'doing as well as expected' following her husband's shocking death

'Her first priority is the kids, and she is being the best mom she can be,' the insider continued. 'The support from friends has been invaluable.'

Earlier last month, Allison jumped to Instagram to emotionally express her gratitude in a video for the 'love and support' that has been sent 'to me and my family.'

'It has been very challenging and emotional. But you guys have brought so much hope and inspiration to us by sharing stories and memories and moments and different ways that Steven impacted your life.'

'He was someone that was just beautiful, and he lived his life from love. And he made you feel a certain way,' she stated, speaking of her late husband whom she tied the knot with in 2013 during a romantic ceremony at a winery in Paso Robles, California.

'My family and I have always said that we wanted to make sure that our purpose was lived out by bringing joy to people, joy to people's homes, from dance or love. And that's not going to change for us. It's going to feel a little bit different, but we know that that's our purpose, and we'll still do that to this day.'

She concluded her message by sharing that she hopes, 'that we can remember the feeling he gave us,' and that, 'I will always be there for you guys...'

Days before the Instagram clip was shared, the star held a celebration of life service for Sebastian on February 11, with numerous guests in attendance, such as Ellen DeGeneres, Derek Hough, Loni Love, Wayne Brady, and Wade Robson.

More than two months after her adoptive father, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' shocking suicide, Weslie Boss returned to social media.

The 14-year-old, who Boss' widow Allison Holker had in 2008 with an unnamed ex-fiance, was adopted by Boss after they tied the knot in 2013.

Weslie hasn't posted to her 152.6K followers on TikTok since December 12, the day before her father died, but she returned to social media on Monday.

The brief video featured the teen holding her phone up to a mirror, set to the 2020 Mac Miller song Surf... released on his posthumous album Circles, two years after his death from an accidental overdose at just 28 years of age.

Main focus: 'Her first priority is the kids, and she is being the best mom she can be,' the insider continued. 'The support from friends has been invaluable'

Gratitude: Earlier last month, Allison jumped to Instagram to emotionally express her gratitude in a video for the 'love and support' that has been sent 'to me and my family'; Allison and Sebastian seen on December 5, 2022, days before his shock passing

Celebration of life: Days before the Instagram clip was shared, the star held a celebration of life service for Sebastian on February 11, with numerous guests in attendance

Back on social media: More than two months after her adoptive father, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' shocking suicide, Weslie Boss returned to social media

Paying homage: The phone also featured two small photos of her and Stephen as a tribute to her late father, with the video getting over 221K views and 21K likes

Work: Sebastian 'tWitch' Boss notably became the guest DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014, and became an executive producer in 2020

Nearly 10 years of marriage: Allison tied the knot with in 2013 during a romantic ceremony at a winery in Paso Robles, California; the two seen in December 2019 in Los Angeles

The phone also featured two small photos of her and Stephen as a tribute to her late father, with the video getting over 221K views and 21K likes.

She posted another short but sweet tribute to Stephen in her caption, stating simply, 'I miss u.' Her mother Allison Holker commented, 'I love you babygirl,' with a red heart emoji, adding, 'always and forever.

Sebastian competed on the competition series, So You Think You Dance, and came in second place in 2008. He later became a guest DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014, and became an executive producer in 2020.

He also hosted two seasons of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings alongside his wife, Allison, which aired on both Disney+ and the company's Freeform network.
Nicole Kidman is known as acting royalty.

But sometimes things don't always go to plan for the Hollywood legend.

Oscar nominee Paul Mescal has revealed his first meeting with the Australian megastar was a near catastrophe.

Describing the moment as 'incredibly undignified' during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Paul revealed he was wearing just underwear the first time he met the Sydney born beauty.

Paul, who rose to fame on BBC's Normal People in 2020 has been nominated for Best Actor for his lead role in the drama Aftersun.

Oscar nominee Paul Mescal (pictured) has revealed his first meeting with Australian megastar Nicole Kidman was a near catastrophe

Describing the moment as 'incredibly undignified' during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Paul revealed he was wearing just underwear the first time he met the Sydney born beauty. Pictured: Nicole on the red carpet in Los Angeles last month

His first close encounter with Nicole occurred backstage when Paul, 27, was appearing in the classic play A Streetcar Named Desire in London.

He told viewers that he was in the middle of getting changed with two other co-stars when Nicole, who had just seen the play, knocked on their dressing room door.

'We thought it was the stage manager or something and I go to open the door,' Paul said, cringing as he re-called the mortifying incident.

'It's Nicole Kidman,' he continued, 'and I'm standing there in, like, sweaty underwear.'

Clearly seeing the humour in the situation, Nicole chatted with the men as they stood around in their undies.

'You'd think the next smart step is [to] put on some trousers,' he told Jimmy Kimmel.

Paul's first encounter with Nicole was backstage when Paul, 27, was appearing in the classic play A Streetcar Named Desire, in London. Pictured in the play with co-star Anjana Vasen

Paul told Jimmy Kimmel (pictured) that he was in the middle of getting changed with two other co-stars when Nicole, who had just seen the play, knocked on their dressing room door

But he added that was some thing 'incredibly undignified' about being 'bent over' [in order to pull on pants].

'It's not a look you want to be caught in,' he explained.

Paul even admitted he hugged the Oscar winner goodbye while remaining trouser-less.

After the star left the dressing room, Paul remembered turning to his co-stars to ask, ''What the hell just happened?''
In the wake of his acclaimed performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once , it's now safe to say Ke Huy Quan won't have to worry about keeping his health insurance through SAG anytime soon.

During an appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden, the actor, 51, revealed his inactivity as a performer, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in him losing his health insurance.

While chatting with Corden, he admitted how worried he was when he was faced with the notion when the shoot for Everything Everywhere All At Once was shut down for eight months.

And then, after the filming was finally completed, Quan still faced the tough task of booking another acting job, because studios were still not going full force due to all the new health rules and regulations.

Like people all over the world, the actor recalled how he was 'at home trying to stay safe like everybody' during the pandemic.

Worried: Ke Huy Quan, 51, revealed he lost his health insurance in 2021 when he couldn't book another acting job after filming Everything Everywhere All At Once; Pictured 2022

Pandemic: The actor, 51, revealed it was difficult to book another movie because studios were still not going full force amid the COVID pandemic; He is pictured with Stephanie Hsu, Michelle Yeoh and James Hong in a still from Everything Everywhere All at Once

Faced with losing his insurance as he approached a year of not booking a new acting job, the former child star's worries were reaching a fever pitch.

'I was about to lose my health insurance. So, I called my agent and I said, "Can you please get me anything? It doesn't matter, I just need one job to make the minimum requirement so I can qualify for health insurance the following year,' he told Corden.

He went on to reveal, 'I could not get one single job. Sure enough, 2021 came and went [and I] lost my health insurance.'

Now faced with living in the post-COVID world without insurance, and his confidence in limbo, Quan decided to call a producer on Everything Everywhere All At Once to ask about his performance.

'"Can you please tell me one thing? Am I good in the movie?"' he said he asked the producer, who then told him to "Just be patient. You just wait." The movie came out in March of last year and my life has changed.'

In the 11 months since the comedy-drama was released, Quan has received all kinds accolades and awards, including two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) wins for Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor In A Supporting Role and Outstanding Performance By A Cast In A Motion Picture.

And he also notched an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Waymond Wang in the film that also stars the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, James Hong, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jenny Slate and Harry Shum Jr.

Quan will find out if he will be the one who takes home the Oscar when the Academy Awards ceremony is held on March 12.

Tough times: As he approached a year of not booking a new acting job, the former child star called his agent to help him book one new job in order to meet the minimum to keep his health insurance through SAG, the actor shared during on The Late Late Show With James Corden

Skies the limit: After admitting he did lose his health insurance in 2021, Quan shared how his career has skyrocketed in the wake of the success of Everything Everywhere All At Once

New lease on life: 'The movie came out in March of last year and my life has changed,' Quan cheerfully shared during the guest spot on the late night talk show

Triumph! For his performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Quan has received all kinds accolades and awards, including two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) wins for Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor In A Supporting Role and Outstanding Performance By A Cast In A Motion Picture, and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor; Pictured at SAG Awards

Child star: Quan became a child actor at the age of 12, starring as Harrison Ford's sidekick Short Round in Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)

Quan became a child actor at the age of 12, starring as Harrison Ford's sidekick Short Round in Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984).

The following year he starred in the adventure comedy film The Goonies (1985), where he played a member of the eponymous group of children, the inventor Richard 'Data' Wang.

His Hollywood resume also included roles in the television sitcoms Together We Stand (1986-1987) and Head of the Class (1990-1991).

Follow all the critical acclaim of Everything Everywhere All At Once, Quan has already booked and shot three new acting roles, which includes the science fiction adventure film The Electric State, the upcoming second season of the Disney + series Loki, and the action comedy series American Born Chinese that's set to premiere on Disney + sometime in 2023.
As he paves the way for gender-fluid style, Christian Wilkins hopes that more fashion houses embrace inclusive dress as he said the industry can sometimes feel 'incredibly exclusive'.

The model, who is the son of one of Australia's most-known TV presenters Richard Wilkins, has never been afraid to express himself through his eccentric dress sense.

As he gets ready to walk in the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival for its closing runway show on March 11, Christian spoke to 9Honey about his passion for inclusive fashion, and how it's been a long time coming.

'I love PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, because it's so inclusive,' he said.

'And Melbourne is such a fashion-forward city, and this is actually a consumer event' Christian went on.

Christian Wilkins (pictured) hopes that more fashion houses embrace inclusive dress as he said the industry can sometimes feel 'incredibly exclusive

The model, who is the son of one of Australia's most-known TV presenters Richard Wilkins, has never been afraid to express himself through his eccentric dress sense. Pictured walking in the recent Romance Was Born runway show

As he gets ready to walk in the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival for its closing runway show on March 11, Christian spoke about his passion for inclusive fashion, and how it's been a long time coming

'People can be there on the ground and kind of see all the trends firsthand, and it's that interaction that really separates PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival from so many other fashion events in Australia.'

The fashionista, who walked in the recent Romance Was Born show, said it feels like a dream come true that the Melbourne event is so inclusive.

'It's nice to feel included because I think a lot of people find that fashion can feel incredibly exclusive, but it shouldn't be at all. It should be inclusive and they really embrace that.'

Due to Covid-19, the event was cancelled in 2021 and 2022, so Wilkins said it has been a long-time coming.

'I feel really special closing this show because I was meant to close the show in 2020 but the last show was actually cancelled because of COVID  it was right at the beginning of the outbreak,' he said.

While the fashionista said he's certainly seen the negative side of embracing his style - such as online trolls - he said the support he receives outweighs the bad

Christian fully embraces the positive energy that walking the runway in inclusive clothing makes him feel

'And now this feels like a really full circle moment to finally be able to close the festival after all these years.'

While the fashionista said he's certainly seen the negative side of embracing his style - such as online trolls - he said the support he receives outweighs the bad.

He also fully embraces the positive energy that walking the runway in inclusive clothing makes him feel.

He said: 'One time a friend said to me, "You know, this is the closest we're ever gonna get to feeling like a rock star", and I'm sure, because it's that adrenaline rush when you just walk out in front of so many people, it's thrilling.'
Originally set for its release on Friday March 3, viewers were still unable to watch the programme on Saturday

Fans vented their fury on Saturday when Spencer Matthews' documentary Finding Michael failed to premiere on Disney+ on the scheduled date.

The new heart-wrenching programme follows the Made In Chelsea star as he attempts to recover his late brother's body on Mount Everest, after he went missing in 1999.

Originally set for its release on Friday, viewers hoping to stream Finding Micheal on the app were left frustrated when they were unable to watch the recovery mission.

Spencer, 34, later penned a message to his Instagram Story explaining that the 'debut date has shifted' but was unable to update fans with the new time.

He explained: 'Apologies to everyone trying to view Finding Michael on Disney+. The debut date has shifted and we'll update you as soon as we have the timings.'

Where is it? Fans vented their fury on Saturday when Spencer Matthews' documentary Finding Michael failed to premiere on Disney+ on the scheduled date

Upsetting: The new heart-wrenching programme follows the Made In Chelsea star as he attempts to recover his late brother's body on Mount Everest , after he went missing in 1999

He continued: 'This will be in the near future. Thank you all for your support.'

Fans of the show vented their anger at the streaming service on Twitter and questioned when the highly anticipated documentary would be available.

One viewer wrote: 'Why has Finding Michael release date been pushed back? Promo for the documentary being released today has been happening all week, so why the last minute delay?

Another added: 'Well, the promo for Finding Michael is back now but states coming soon. It's a shame you don't update your paying customers on this, and as well as you ask for subscriptions.'

'Where is Finding Michael? You said the drop date was 3rd March? It's now 4th March and it's nowhere to be seen, I rejoined you to watch this, so I'd like my subscription back for the month please? Just as an aside, don't promise something if you can't deliver it,' another furious fan noted.

Someone else reasoned: 'Maybe it's tech issues? Especially giving how important it is to him and his family - he'll be sticking to his planned commitments, he doesn't control @DisneyPlusUK. It's a shame but I'm sure it will be up soon.'

When contacted by MailOnline, Disney+ later said in a statement: 'Were sorry that the debut date for Finding Michael has shifted on Disney+.

'We will let you know as soon as we have new timings for its launch. This will be in the near future. Thanks for your patience.'

Premiere: Spencer later penned a message to his Instagram Story explaining that the 'debut date has shifted' but was unable to update fans with the new time

Not happy: Originally set for its release on Friday, viewers hoping to stream Finding Micheal on the app were left frustrated when they were unable to watch the recovery mission

Earlier this week, Spencer fought back tears as he discussed his attempts to recover his late brother's body on Mount Everest on The One Show on Thursday.

The former Made In Chelsea star became choked up as he spoke of how Michael made history as the youngest ever Brit to reach the summit aged 22 in 1999, but tragically died on the perilous mountain.

Spencer was on the show to talk about his new Disney+ documentary, Finding Michael, released on Friday.

The TV star, who was aged just 10 when it happened, retold Alex Jones and Roman Kemp about Michael's last journey and how he retraced his steps to try to bring him home.

Spencer said: 'When Michael went missing, by the time some people realised he was missing it was too late. Nobody survives the night, really. A couple of cases maybe.

Michael is said to have got in trouble after beginning to make his way down the south descent through the 'death zone' on May 13, 1999.

Heart-felt: Spencer celebrated what would have been his brother's 46th birthday on Saturday

Emotional: Earlier this week, Spencer fought back tears as he discussed his attempts to recover his late brother's body on Mount Everest on The One Show on Thursday

He was the brother of Pippa Middleton's husband, the racing driver turned hedge fund manager James Matthews, 47.

The experienced mountaineer, who had previously conquered Aconcagua, the Pyrenees and the Swiss Alps, was the 162nd person to die on Everest.

Spencer went on to detail how he made the 'difficult decision' to undertake the mission himself.

'In 2017, the family was sent a photo of a body on the mountain and they claimed that it could be Michael. In fact it did look like it could be, with similar summit suits. It's the first time really that I thought even a body recovery was possible.

'It continued to tick away in my head: "What if it is him?". I've certainly grown up with feelings that he's up there and died and was left there. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a body to mourn for my family?'

Tragic: Michael is said to have got in trouble after beginning to make his way down the south descent through the 'death zone' on May 13, 1999

Brothers: Spencer (left) spoke candidly about his elder brother (right) with whom he shares a striking resemblance

'We scrapped together any information we had. Some of the footage of Michael on the mountain I'd never seen before,' he said, becoming increasingly more emotional as the interview progressed.

'It was the first time I'd seen him on camera, because as a kid we didn't do home movies or anything.

'Retracing his steps and understanding his final days a bit better was quite cathartic for me...'

The former Made In Chelsea star filmed Finding Michael with the help of survivalist Bear Grylls and record-breaking mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja.
He recently spent time in Northern Ireland while filming for the highly-anticipated Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

But Hugh Grant has revealed his set etiquette wasn't quite up to scratch, as he has admitted to losing his temper during filming.

The actor, 62, recalled 'having a couple of tantrums' while talking recently to Total Film magazine.

I lost my temper with a woman in my eyeline on day one. I assumed she was some executive from the studio who should have known better,' he explained.

It was then Hugh who was left red-faced, as he continued: 'Then it turns out that shes an extremely nice local woman who was the chaperone of the young girl. Terrible. A lot of grovelling . . .'

'I had a couple of tantrums': Hugh Grant, 62, has admitted to losing his temper and 'lashing out' at a stranger on the set of new film Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves

Anger: While on set of the new film, Hugh said he lost my temper with a woman in my eyeline on day one. I assumed she was some executive from the studio who should have known better'

Referring to a fellow British star known for his fiery outbursts, he shared: 'I did a Christian Bale'.

Christian once famously apologised for an explosive on-set tantrum filming Terminator: Salvation, where he unleashed an expletive-filled rant at a poor unsuspecting cinematographer.

During production on the Terminator sequel in 2008, the Oscar-winning actor lashed out at the films director of photography, Shane Hurlbut - with the footage of the brutal rant then leaked.

But it's not the first time Hugh has lost his temper on the job either, with the actor previously admitting that he has a 'tantrum' about once a year.

After appearing on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the host was left less than impressed and even dubbed him 'the worst guest' he's ever had.

The presenter declared never to have him back, saying at the time: H'es giving everyone s*** the whole time, and hes a big pain in the a**'.

Taking responsibility, Hugh later told Vanity Fair: 'I did have a tantrum backstage. About once a year, I have a really mega-tantrum, and sadly he witnessed one'.

While in 2020, the Notting Hill actor admitted that he even took a hiatus from acting after developing a 'bad attitude', which saw roles drying up.

Awkward: It was then Hugh who was left red-faced, as he continued: 'Then it turns out that shes an extremely nice local woman who was the chaperone of the young girl. Terrible. A lot of grovelling . . .

Temper: It's not the first tantrum from hugh, after appearing on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart in 2009- with the host was left less than impressed and even dubbed him 'the worst guest' he's ever had

Calling him out: Referring to a fellow British star known for his fiery outbursts, he shared: 'I did a Christian Bale'

He told the Los Angeles Times: 'I developed a bad attitude from about 2005 onwards, shortly after Music and Lyrics. I just had enough. Then I went back in 2009 and made another film.

'At that point, it wasn't me giving up Hollywood. Hollywood gave me up because I made such a massive turkey with that film with Sarah Jessica Parker [Did You Hear About The Morgans?].

'Whether I wanted to or not after that, the days of being a very well-paid leading man were suddenly gone overnight. It was slightly embarrassing but it left life free for other things.'

Hugh stars in the highly-anticipated Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, which will be released on 31 March.

The adaptation of the iconic game created by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in 1974 features a star-studded cast such as Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez and Rege-Jean Page.
Julie Bishop is known for her incredible sense of style.

The 66-year-old has even been dubbed the 'Minister for Fashion' due to her sartorial prowess.

The the former politician put on a show as she attended the David Jones Autumn Winter launch in Melbourne on Saturday.

Julie turned heads in a designer gown which featured a racy thigh-high split that put her trim pins on display.

The black dress included a sleeveless design with fanned satin embellishments in white, the cut showing off her ripped biceps.

Julie Bishop (pictured) is known for her incredible sense of style. The 66-year-old has even been dubbed the 'Minister for Fashion' due to her sartorial prowess

The the former politician put on a show as she attended the David Jones Autumn Winter launch in Melbourne on Saturday

Julie added a pair of back satin heels with a pointed design and carried a designer purse with a gold chain strap.

She chose a warm makeup look with lots of bronzer and highlighter as well as a nude lipstick.

The former Minister for Foreign Affairs added a smattering of accessories including dangling earrings.

She seemed in excellent spirits as she posed alongside AFL legend Adam Goodes on the red carpet, as the iconic department store celebrated 185 years of inspiration.

Julie turned heads in a designer gown which featured a racy thigh-high split that put her trim pins on display

The black dress included a sleeveless design with fanned satin embellishments in white, the cut showing off her ripped biceps

Julie added a pair of back satin heels with a pointed design and carried a designer purse with a gold chain strap

Julie revealed she was taking part in a running challenge at the start of the year, and has been pounding the pavement around the world for the past few weeks.

On January 3, she shared a video of herself jogging and captioned the clip 'New Year resolution day three,' adding an angel emoji.

Julie's fitness challenge comes amid persistent romance rumours with self-described 'adventure philanthropist' Luke Hepworth.

The pair raised eyebrows in December when they posed arm-in-arm on the red carpet at the 2022 NGV Gala in Melbourne, despite Luke denying they are dating.

She seemed in excellent spirits as she posed alongside AFL legend Adam Goodes (left) on the red carpet, as the iconic department store celebrated 185 years of inspiration

She chose a warm makeup look with lots of bronzer and highlighter as well as a nude lipstick

Julie and Luke have attended several high-profile soirees recently, including an event hosted by Moet & Chandon in early December month and the Perth Telethon.

'I am not in a relationship. She is just a good friend of mine and a wonderful human, so we have been to a couple of charity events,' he added.

But Luke did confirm he's known Julie for several years after they first met at the ritzy Gold Dinner charity gala.

Julie has been single since mid last year, following her split from partner-of-eight-years David Panton.
The cast of TOWIE have jetted off to Thailand to film an explosive new series.

And Chloe Meadows stunned in a cut-out swimsuit and wasted no time in joining her co-stars Courtney Green and Ella Rae Wise to go sightseeing in Phuket on Saturday.

In behind-the-scenes shots from their getaway, the reality TV star, 31, looked incredible in a cream one piece with a matching tasseled sarong.

She styled her bright blonde hair in beachy waves and carried a small polka dot clutch bag, completing her look with a pair of beige sandals.

As filming got underway in the Thai capital, the cast were seen visiting the country's the third-tallest statue, The Great Buddha.

Tropical: TOWIE's Chloe Meadows, 31, stunned in a cut-out swimsuit as she joined to co-stars for filming in Thailand

On set: Chloe wasted no time in joining Courtney Green (right) and Ella Rae Wise (left) to go sightseeing in Phuket

Courtney, 27, flashed her abs in a halterneck bikini top with knot detail that she paired with a matching thigh-high split skirt.

She wore her brunette hair straight and shielded her eyes with a pair of aviator sunglasses, topping off her look with some black sandals.

Ella made sure to turn heads in a very busty triangle top and semi-sheer crochet cover up.

The blonde beauty pulled her hair back into a slick bun and accessorised with a shell choker, boosting her height with a pair of wedged heels.

The girls joined Dani Imbert, who looked incredible in a three piece set while James Locke kept cool in a green cotton shirt and matching trousers.

TOWIE will resume for a new series after a string of stars departed the show.

Show favourites Liam Blackwell (Gatsby), Pete Wicks and Chloe Sims alongside her sisters Demi and Frankie have all left.

But it seems there is plenty of drama already within the cast, as a huge feud has a reportedly erupted while in Thailand.

Sensational: In behind-the-scenes shots from their getaway, the reality TV star, 31, looked incredible in a cream one piece with a matching tasseled sarong

Stunning: She styled her bright blonde hair in beachy waves and carried a small polka dot clutch bag

Stylish: Courtney, 27, flashed her abs in a halterneck bikini top with knot detail that she paired with a matching thigh-high split skirt

Holiday ready: Ella made sure to turn heads in a very busty triangle top and semi-sheer crochet cover up

Chic: The blonde beauty pulled her hair back into a slick bun and accessorised with a shell choker

Amazing: The girls joined Dani Imbert, who looked incredible in a three piece set

Edgy: James Locke kept cool in a green cotton shirt and matching trousers as he joined the girls

It is claimed there was a 'frosty' atmosphere between some members of the show as soon as they reached the hotel reception after their flight.

A source told The Sun there was 'a lot of drama' with Chloe and Jordan Brook, with them clashing in 'a big way'.

They added: 'Chloe has been involved but this time she had a reason to kick off and all will become clear as filming rumbles on.'

The source continued: 'There is no love lost between Junaid and Amber either  the pair are taking their dislike to the next level and let their feelings be crystal clear.

'To say the atmosphere in Thailand is frosty is a huge understatement. There are two camps in the cast opening up and a big divide is emerging.

'It is the worst in terms of atmosphere that has ever been seen. Amber and Junaid are on very rocky ground, and even girl band are not unscathed.'

MailOnline has contacted TOWIE for comment.

Sight-seeing: As filming got underway in the Thai capital, the cast were seen visiting the country's the third-tallest statue, The Great Buddha

Casual: The TV personality wore his long hair loose and layered a white vest underneath his shirt

Out and about: James posed for photos in front of the landmark

The latest season of TOWIE began filming in Thailand last week, with all major cast members making the trip.

James Lock's brother George has also joined the show for the new series and was seen with his sibling in Phuket in recent days.

Pete, meanwhile, is looking to explore fresh opportunities away from the world of reality television.

A source told MailOnline Pete's departure has been a huge blow for ITVBe executives.

The show has already suffered the loss of longstanding cast member Chloe Sims, as well as her sisters Demi and Frankie, last year.

An insider revealed: 'Pete is a hugely loved member of TOWIE both among viewers and the cast.

Exciting: The latest season of TOWIE began filming in Thailand last week, with all major cast members making the trip

Coming soon: It seems there is plenty of drama already within the cast, as a huge feud has a reportedly erupted while in Thailand

Drama: A source told The Sun there was 'a lot of drama' with Chloe and Jordan Brook, with them clashing in 'a big way'

'But it's time for him to move on now, he's slightly older than the rest of the cast, and he's hoping to achieve more in his career after being on the show for such a long time.

'It's been a monumental stint and his storylines will go down in TOWIE history but for now he's taking a step away.'

A second source added: 'Pete will continue to cameo on TOWIE when it makes sense to appear alongside his friends, but he will no longer be a fully-fledged cast member.'

MailOnline approached TOWIE and Pete's spokesperson for comment at the time.
Megan Gale is returning to the runway on Saturday night.

And ahead of her triumphant return, the model walked the red carpet at the David Jones Autumn/Winter launch in Melbourne.

The 47-year-old was accompanied by her partner Shaun Hampson, 34, the genetically blessed couple posing side by side.

Megan stunned in a sleek black maxi gown that sat close to her statuesque physique.

The beauty added a pair of pointed black heels and carried a small designer clutch purse.

Megan Gale (pictured) is returning to the runway on Saturday night. Ahead of her return, the model walked the red carpet at the David Jones Autumn/Winter launch in Melbourne

The 47-year-old was accompanied by her partner Shaun Hampson, 34, (left) the genetically blessed couple posing side by side

Megan stunned in a sleek black maxi gown that sat close to her statuesque physique

She opted for a peachy makeup look with a nude lipstick and wore her dark locks down in waves.

Shaun was casually chic in a grey suit under which he wore a slate T-shirt, and added a pair of white sneakers.

Megan is set to return to the catwalk for the first time in 15 years.

The supermodel will open and close the show for David Jones' Autumn/Winter collection at its flagship Melbourne store on March 4.

The beauty added a pair of pointed black heels and carried a small designer clutch purse

She opted for a peachy makeup look with a nude lipstick and wore her dark locks down in waves

Megan s set to return to the catwalk for the first time in 15 years

The supermodel will open and close the show for David Jones' Autumn/Winter collection at its flagship Melbourne store on March 4

Megan was the face of the luxury department store from 2001 to 2014.

'It has been 15 years since I last walked the catwalk, that was for Autumn Winter 2008....it feels like it was yesterday,' she told the Herald Sun.

Megan said she has always had a good relationship with the store adding it was an 'honour' to be asked to rejoin the David Jones family.

'It is quite extraordinary how much time has passed and what has happened with David Jones and also myself and my own life,' she said.

Shaun was casually chic in a grey suit under which he wore a slate T-shirt, and added a pair of white sneakers

Megan was the face of the luxury department store from 2001 to 2014

'It has been 15 years since I last walked the catwalk, that was for Autumn Winter 2008....it feels like it was yesterday,' she told the Herald Sun

'It just feels really lovely to come together for such an important milestone and it was an absolute honour to be asked.'

Since stepping out of the spotlight, Megan has been focusing on her family life with partner Shaun Hampson.

Megan and Shaun, who live together in Melbourne, met in 2011 and became engaged in 2017.

Megan shares daughter Rosie and son River with Shaun.
Megan Gale returned to the runway on Saturday night.

The supermodel made a triumphant comeback from retirement as she walked the runway at David Jones' Autumn/Winter collection.

The 47-year-old opened and closed the show at the iconic retailer's flagship Melbourne store.

She stunned in a satin, one-shoulder gown with large bow on one side as she strutted her stuff like the professional she is.

The beauty wore her dark looks in an up do, with loose tendrils floating around her face.

Megan Gale (pictured) returned to the runway on Saturday night

The supermodel made a triumphant comeback from retirement as she walked the runway at David Jones' Autumn/Winter collection

The 47-year-old opened and closed the show at the iconic retailer's flagship Melbourne store

She opted for a peachy makeup look with a nude lipstick and lots of highlighter on her cheeks.

Megan's outfit was complimented by a pair of black heels with a glittering diamante buckle.

The stunner also walked the runway in a bold, sleeves gown with a floral motif, in a retro silhouette.

For that look, she wore her dark hair down in soft waves and added a pair of pointed black heels.

She stunned in a satin, one-shoulder gown with large bow on one side as she strutted her stuff like the professional she is

The stunner also walked the runway in a bold, sleeves gown with a floral motif, in a retro silhouette

For that look, she wore her dark hair down in soft waves

The model added a pair of pointed black heels

Megan had earlier walked the red carpet at the event, which celebrated 185 years of the department store.

She was accompanied by her partner Shaun Hampson, 34, the genetically blessed couple posing side by side.

Megan stunned in a sleek black maxi gown that sat close to her statuesque physique.

Shaun was casually chic in a grey suit under which he wore a slate T-shirt, and added a pair of white sneakers.

Megan was the face of the luxury department store from 2001 to 2014. Pictured: Sydney, 2000

Megan was the face of the luxury department store from 2001 to 2014.

'It has been 15 years since I last walked the catwalk, that was for Autumn Winter 2008....it feels like it was yesterday,' she told the Herald Sun.

Megan said she has always had a good relationship with the store adding it was an 'honour' to be asked to rejoin the David Jones family.

'It is quite extraordinary how much time has passed and what has happened with David Jones and also myself and my own life,' she said.

The beauty wore her dark looks in an up do, with loose tendrils floating around her face

She opted for a peachy makeup look with a nude lipstick and lots of highlighter on her cheeks

Megan's outfit was complimented by a pair of black heels with a glittering diamante buckle

Megan said she has always had a good relationship with the store adding it was an 'honour' to be asked to rejoin the David Jones family

'It just feels really lovely to come together for such an important milestone and it was an absolute honour to be asked.'

Since stepping out of the spotlight, Megan has been focusing on her family life with partner Shaun Hampson.

Megan and Shaun, who live together in Melbourne, met in 2011 and became engaged in 2017.

Megan shares daughter Rosie and son River with Shaun.
Yazmin Oukhellou showed off her taut abs in a very busty pink bikini in Dubai on Saturday.

The TOWIE star, 28, looked sensational in the skimpy two-piece, having recently recovered from a health scare.

She appeared to be back to her usual self as she flashed a smiled and sipped on a cocktail by the pool.

Yazmin flaunted her gym-honed figure in the towelled number that featured thong-style bottoms.

The TV personality wore her long dark hair in soft beachy waves and opted for a glamorous makeup look.

Turning heads: Yazmin Oukhellou, 28, showed off her taut abs in a very busty pink bikini in Dubai on Saturday

Beach babe: The TOWIE star looked sensational in the skimpy two-piece, having recently recovered from a health scare

She completed her pool side attire with a crochet handbag and accessorised with a gold bangle.

Yazmin kicked back and enjoyed her break to the United Arab Emirates, taking some time out the read a book in the shade.

It comes after Yazmin shared a pretty bikini picture on Instagram on Wednesday along with an emotive post.

She wrote: 'Good morning my lovelies I hope you all have the best day. Dont worry about yesterday. Or the day before that.

'Today is a chance for a fresh start and a chance to be whoever it is you want to be. Love Yaz.'

Her bikini top had a gold ring detail at the front and she wore a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet.

The post comes after it emerged Yaszmin suffered a health scare while on holiday in Dubai and showed fans her receiving treatment through an IV in her hand.

She recently headed back to the celebrity hotspot after spending her Christmas and New Year celebrations in Marrakesh.

Relaxing: She appeared to be back to her usual self as she flashed a smiled

Kicking back: The TV personality sipped on a cocktail by the pool

Flaunting it: The bright towelled number featured thong-style bottoms

Stunning: The TV personality wore her long dark hair in soft beachy waves and opted for a glamorous makeup look

Selfies: Yazmin made sure to capture her day for social media

Bronzed: Yazmin kicked back and enjoyed her break in the United Arab Emirates

Chilling: She took some time out the read a book in the shade

Soaking up the sun: She completed her pool side attire with a crochet handbag

All smiles: The post comes after it emerged Yaszmin suffered a health scare while on holiday

Yazmin also splits her time between Essex and Dubai as she works as a real estate broker on the Dubai Marina.

She often snaps herself heading off on a flight to the United Arab Emirates in First Class.

But it seems like this most recent trip has taken a turn as she has told fans she 'can't believe this' while getting what appears to be medical treatment through her hand.

The reality star also shared a snap of a gift of cakes from a local company which she admits 'cheered her up' as the business said they hoped she 'got better' soon.
She's been hard at work this week strutting the runways of Paris Fashion Week.

And Irina Shayk wowed in a plunging ruched chiffon gown as she stormed the catwalk during Vivienne Westwood's Fall/Winter ready-to-wear show on Saturday.

The supermodel, 37, looked sensational in the gothic number that featured puffed shoulders and layers of shimmering oxblood fabric.

The ensemble nipped in at the waist with a red shoelace and was complete with deep pockets in the skirt.

Irina boosted her height with a pair of towering lace-up boots and styled her long dark hair into a sleek straightened look.

Gothic: Irina Shayk, 37, wowed in a plunging ruched chiffon gown as she stormed the catwalk during Vivienne Westwood's Fall/Winter ready-to-wear show on Saturday

For her second look, the model slipped into an abstract graphic T-shirt held together by safety pins and layered over a crochet dress.

Irina draped a black bomber jacket over her shoulders and completed the outfit with a pair of fishnet tights and heeled boots.

She seemingly went makeup free, ditching her previous bold lipstick and opting for a more natural look the second time around.

Earlier in the Irina fuelled up on caffeine in the morning as she stepped out in the French capital for another busy day.

The supermodel nailed another stylish gothic look for the outing, sporting a knee-length lace crochet dress with fishnet tights.

Preparing for the Vivienne Westwood catwalk show, which took place later in the day, the beauty donned one of the brand's signature orb brooches.

She walked the runway in the show, after fronting the fashion house's Spring campaign.

Irina opted for the semi-sheer lace number while heading out in Paris, layering an oversized black bomber jacket on top.

She added a pair of quirky velvet heeled boots with a gold chain design, keeping her eyes shielded with large-framed sunglasses.

Stunning: The supermodel looked sensational in the gothic number that featured puffed shoulders and layers of shimmering oxblood fabric

Changing it up: For her second look, the model slipped into an abstract graphic T-shirt held together by safety pins and layered over a crochet dress

Making an interesting fashion statement, the stunner carried a unique black back with a rope-style handle.

She left her chocolate brunette locks down in a soft wave as they naturally fell in a slight wave, adding a deep purple lipstick to her look.

The bold Vivienne Westwood orb brooch appeared to be an ode to the late fashion designer, who died on 29 December 2022.

But as her fashion legacy live on, a slew of stars are set to attend the Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter runway show, which kicked off at 13:00 local time.

Boost: Earlier in the Irina fuelled up on caffeine in the morning as she stepped out in the French capital for another busy day

With the late designer's husband Andreas Kronthaler as Artistic Director, the show will display the fashion house's new season pieces.

Irina, who fronted the brand's Spring/Summer campaign this year with a slew of stunning editorial images, will no doubt be looking forward to representing the brand.

It's been a busy time for the Russian model as the titans of the fashion industry have gathered over recent weeks to catch the new season collections.

On Thursday, she exuded chic while taking to the Isabel Marant fashion show runway in a charcoah grey hooded coat and thigh-high boots.

Style: The supermodel nailed a stylish gothic look for the outing, sporting a knee-length lace crochet dress with fishnet tights

Fashion nod: Preparing for the Vivienne Westwood catwalk show, which will take place later in the day, the beauty donned one of the brand's signature orbs

Beauty: She left her chocolate brunette locks down in a soft wave as they naturally fell in a slight wave, adding a deep purple lipstick to her look

Missed: The bold Vivienne Westwood orb brooch appeared to be an ode to the late fashion designer, who died on 29 December 2022 (Vivienne pictured in London in May 2022)

While just a day prior, she swapped the catwalk for the Parisian centre while taking part in a street photo shoot.

The jam-packed work schedule comes after Irina and her ex Bradley Cooper appeared to confirm their romance was back on as they packed on the PDA during a romantic stroll in New York City earlier this month.

The actor, 47, and the supermodel - who originally dated between 2015-2019 and share a daughter - couldn't keep their hands off one another as they walked arm-in-arm, with Irina giving Bradley a cheeky pat on the posterior.

The pair recently sent reconciliation rumors into overdrive when they stepped out for Halloween with daughter Lea, five, with Bradley dressed as a bear.

Big show: With the late designer's husband Andreas Kronthaler (pictured on his way to Paris this week) as Artistic Director, the show will display the fashion house's new season pieces

Catwalk Queen: It's been a busy time for the model as the titans of the fashion industry have gathered to catch the new season collections - taking to the Isabel Marant runway on Thursday

The duo first sparked rekindled romance rumors after Irina shared vacation photos in the Bahamas together over the summer.

It was reported in August that the Nightmare Alley actor and Vogue cover girl are mulling the prospect of having more children.

Although they split in 2019, they have remained famously amicable co-parents since then, with an insider telling Page Six: 'It was a real family getaway and they are considering getting back together.'

The source asserted that Irina 'would like her daughter to have a sibling,' and that Bradley is amenable to the idea.
Nicola Peltz's fans questioned if the 'feud' with her mother-in-law Victoria Beckham was really over as she posted a cryptic TikTok video on Saturday.

The actress, 28, reshared a sassy clip of her miming the lyrics to Lola Young's Don't Hate Me on her Instagram stories - just days after their reunion at Paris Fashion Week.

They have been plagued with rumours of a fall out between Nicola and Victoria after her and Brooklyn's multi-million dollar wedding in Florida last April.

But Beckham's appeared to have quashed the family feud rumours when Victoria finally got to dress her daughter-in-law in one of her garments at her show.

However, sharing the video to Instagram, Nicola's followers questioned if the clip was aimed at her mother-in-law.

Drama? Nicola Peltz's fans questioned if the 'feud' with her mother-in-law Victoria Beckham was really over as she posted a cryptic TikTok video on Saturday

Feud: The actress, 28, shared a sassy clip of her miming the lyrics to Don't Hate Me just one day after the family reunion at Paris Fashion Week (The Beckham's and Nicola pictured on Friday)

The model could be seen as she mimed the lyrics: 'You said that I'm really f***ing boring, well, that's rich coming from you. 'Cause when you rain your f***ing pouring. I can't win, I can't lose.'

In the comments section, one person questioned: 'Is this fur your mother-in-law?'

Another added: 'I think the problem is, you and Vicky are both more alike than you would like to admit.'

'Ping this to Victoria Beckham?' a third fan wrote beneath the clip.

It comes after Nicola appeared to have proved her frosty 'feud' with mother-in-law Victoria has finally thawed as she arrived with husband Brooklyn in Paris - where they were staying at the same La Reserve hotel as Posh.

The actress and Brooklyn, 23, were pictured out in the city on Thursday night - one day before Posh's Fashion Week show before showing off their lavish hotel suite.

Nicola and Brooklyn's arrival to the city is a mark of unity for the family following months of rumours.

The screen star later addressed the swirling speculation as she insisted 'no family is perfect' but denied she was feuding with her mother-in-law.

Hitting out? The model mimed the lyrics: 'You said that I'm really f***ing boring, well, that's rich coming from you. 'Cause when you rain your f***ing pouring. I can't win, I can't lose'

Oh dear: In the comments section, one person penned: 'I think the problem is, you and Vicky are both more alike than you would like to admit'

Brooklyn and Nicola walked hand-in-hand in Paris ahead of his mum Victoria's fashion show, firmly quashing the family feud rumours.

The Beckham clan were out in full force on Friday as they posed for a sweet group snap after supporting Victoria for her Fall/Winter catwalk show.

Victoria beamed with pride as she posed alongside devoted husband David and her kids (minus Romeo) for a family photo, with the group also including her daughter-in-law Nicola.

Captioning the Instagram post, she penned: 'I couldnt do it without you, I love you all so much x #harperseven @davidbeckham @cruzbeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @nicolaannepeltzbeckham. Kisses from Paris (we miss you @romeobeckham!)'

Fashion week: It comes after Nicola appeared to have proved her frosty 'feud' with mother-in-law Victoria has finally thawed as she arrived with husband Brooklyn in Paris

Stylish: Nicola shared a post to Instagram as she got dressed for Victoria's after party in the French capital

Sleek: Husband Brooklyn looked dapped in a navy suit for the event

Proving that they certainly were on friendly terms again, an Instagram live video showed Victoria headed over to give a warm hug to her daughter-in-law at the end of her catwalk show, before embracing husband David.

Nicola previously confirmed the rumours had begun after she didn't wear the mother-in-law's wedding dress design when she married Brooklyn, doubled down on the claims in an October interview with The Times.

But she denied the frosty tensions were a 'feud' and explained that the Victoria 's atelier simply hadn't had time to make the dress, as she insisted: 'No family is perfect.'

Nicola said: 'It's not a feud! I keep seeing everywhere that word, 'feud, feud, feud!?' I mean, maybe they picked up on something? And now they're labelling it feud?'

Sharing the love: The Beckham clan were out in full force on Friday as they posed for a sweet group snap after supporting Victoria for her Fall/Winter catwalk show

Appreciation: Captioning the Instagram post, Victoria penned: 'I couldnt do it without you, I love you all so much x'

'I think it all started, and I've said this before, because I didn't end up wearing Victoria's wedding dress, but the real truth is, I really, really wanted to wear it and I thought it was so beautiful that Brooklyn's mom got to make that for me! And I was really excited to wear it! And I didn't end up wearing it.'

She went on to say: 'But I, truthfully, was really excited to wear her dress. It makes me sad when I read things that people say I was never planning on wearing it. That's just not true.'

Nicola previously dismissed the feud narrative and said that she believes it all started when she opted for Valentino couture instead of Victoria's design.

She told Variety: 'I was going to and I really wanted to, and then a few months down the line, she realized that her atelier couldn't do it, so then I had to pick another dress.

Candid: Rumours of a feud between Nicola and her mother-in-law started after the wedding back in April after Nicola didn't wear Victoria's wedding dress (pictured together in 2021)

'She didn't say you can't wear it; I didn't say I didn't want to wear it. That's where it started.'

Brooklyn, in a rather muted defence, added: 'Everyone gets along, which is good.'

More recently Victoria addressed those family feud rumours in an interview in December.

The fashion mogul said she was trying to show 'support' to her eldest son Brooklyn and his marriage to Nicola, amid rumours she has fallen out with the couple following their wedding last year.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley bared her midriff in a black strappy cut-out flared jumpsuit at the Hermes Paris Fashion Week show on Saturday.

The British model, 35, looked sultry and sexy in the all black ensemble as she arrived in style on the front row for the luxurious French fashion house.

She showcased her enviable slender physique in the outfit, which featured a tiny crop-top style bralet which trailed down into the trousers with a centre piece.

Rosie's svelte stomach was on show in the number, and on the bottom half was her matching black trousers which flared at the hemline.

They hugged every inch of her lengthy slim pins and the fit complimented her modelesque stature.

Stunning: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley bared her midriff in a black strappy cut-out flared jumpsuit at the Hermes Paris Fashion Week show on Saturday

Gorgeous: The British model, 35, looked sultry and sexy in the all black ensemble as she arrived in style on the front row for the luxurious French fashion house

All black ensemble: She showcased her enviable slender physique in the outfit, which featured a tiny crop-top style bralet which trailed down into the trousers with a centre piece

Rosie slipped her feet into a pair of black strappy heeled sandals which were mostly hidden underneath her wide trouser leg but added some inches to her frame.

She threw a black blazer over her shoulders to keep warm upon arrival but later removed the piece to put the jumpsuit in the spotlight.

The beauty accessorised with gold bangle bracelets and held onto a small black leather clutch bag which matched with its golden hardware on the handle.

Rosie styled her blonde tresses in a gentle wave, with lighter parts framing her face beautifully.

She wore a full face of makeup which looked flawless, touching her eyes up with a brown smokey look and a striking bold red lip colour to contrast.

The former Victoria's Secret runway model had prime position on the front row of the catwalk sat beside Hermes CEO Axel Dumas and Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue Anna Wintour.

The 35-year-old, who is married to actor Jason Statham, has been enjoying the week in Paris and been attending various fashion events in the French capital.

Earlier in the day before Rosie headed into the secret location in Paris, she threw a statement brown jacket with exaggerated shoulders over her all black outfit.

Her overcoat looked striking with the padding at the top of her arms and was tailored to fall at the midi-length on her legs.

Jaw-dropping: Rosie's svelte stomach was on show in the number, and on the bottom half was her matching black trousers which flared at the hemline

Strike a pose: She wore a full face of makeup which looked flawless, touching her eyes up with a brown smokey look and a striking bold red lip colour to contrast

Sultry: She threw a black blazer over her shoulders to keep warm upon arrival but later removed the piece to put the jumpsuit in the spotlight

Beautiful: The beauty accessorised with gold bangle bracelets and held onto a small black leather clutch bag which matched with its golden hardware on the handle

Prime position: The former Victoria's Secret runway model had prime position on the front row of the catwalk sat beside Hermes CEO Axel Dumas (centre) and Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue Anna Wintour (right)

Runway looks: Models strut their stuff down the Hermes runway in Paris, with the left donning an all-brown leather jumpsuit with a unique crossover knitted jumper and the right, an all-mustard look, with both featuring synched waistlines

Styled: Another model was styled in a pinstriped brown mini dress with asymmetrical buttons and a leather down jacket over the top

Out-there: Earlier in the day before Rosie headed into the secret location in Paris, she threw a statement brown jacket with exaggerated shoulders over her all black outfit

Stunning: The 35-year-old, who is married to actor Jason Statham, has been enjoying the week in Paris and been attending various fashion events in the French capital - and she looked sensational at the Coperni fashion show on Friday (pictured)

On Friday night Rosie turned heads as she arrived at the Coperni fashion show with a black top and maxi wrap skirt.

She cut an elegant figure while representing the Parisian brand as she wore white heels and a black handbag both from Coperni.

She layered a black leather coat on her shoulders and wore her wavy blonde tresses loose down her shoulders.

The model sensation chose bronzed tones for her make up palette, and a peach lipgloss.
Pregnant Shaughna Phillips has admitted that she finds the pre-birth decisions 'a lot to take in' and has left her 'questioning all my life decisions'.

The former Love Island star, 28, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Billy Webb, who was recently charged with drug offences, and now faces the prospect of giving birth alone within weeks.

And now she has admitted that the pressure of becoming a mother so soon is 'terrifying' as she prepares everything before her due date.

Writing in her column with OK! Magazine, the TV personality explained that she went to see her midwife who recommended a dose of Vitamin K for the baby after it is born, either by injection or orally six hours after birth.

'It's a lot to take in,' Shaughna expressed. 'I was then asked if I had any questions, and I said: "Yes. I'm questioning all of my life decisions up until this point". S**t has got very real now.'

Candid: Pregnant Shaughna Phillips has admitted that she finds the pre-birth decisions 'a lot to take in' and has left her 'questioning all my life decisions'

Mum-to-be: The former Love Island star, 28, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Billy Webb, who was recently charged with drug offences, and now faces the prospect of giving birth alone within weeks

Shaughna went on to detail that she will have to be induced if she hasn't had the baby by April 1.

She said: 'To think that next month I'll actually be someone's mum and that there is going to be a little human in the world that depends on me for everything is quite scary. I still feel like I'm doing my GCSE's in school!

'I know I'm an adult and nearly 30, but I can't quite believe I'm going to be given this responsibility of looking after a baby. It's terrifying.'

Shaughna has had a difficult time during her pregnancy after her boyfriend Billy, 29, was charged with drug offences.

Billy could face up to 16 years in jail if found guilty after police arrested the real estate agent in a drug raid last month.

The Sun reported that police allegedly recovered cocaine and MDMA before a follow-up search at a nearby address revealed a larger haul of illicit substances.

Billy was then charged with one count of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and one count of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

Expecting: And now she has admitted that the pressure of becoming a mother so soon is 'terrifying' as she prepares everything before her due date

Baby love: Writing in her column with OK! Magazine, the TV personality explained that she went to see her midwife who recommended a dose of Vitamin K for the baby after it is born, either by injection or orally six hours after birth

Earlier this month, Shaughna broke her silence after Billy was charged with drug offences.

She told OK! Magazine: 'After a challenging few weeks, obviously, the baby's father isn't around.

'But my main focus has always been just to prepare for the birth and try to be as calm as possible. I'm good at just saying, "Right, the show must go on".'

She added: 'Billy's not around, but I don't want to say that I'm doing it on my own, because I'm absolutely not  my family's incredible.

'It's going to be different, but I don't want to say it's going to be bad.'

Shaughna - who has kept her boyfriend off social media to protect his privacy - stated last month that she had 'absolutely no knowledge of any activity involving the allegations against Billy.'

Last week, Shaughna stepped out to catch a train in south east London just days after her lavish Range Rover was stolen.

TV star: Shaughna has had a difficult time during her pregnancy after her boyfriend Billy, 29, was charged with drug offences

Stolen: Last week, Shaughna stepped out to catch a train in south east London just days after her lavish Range Rover was stolen

Shaughna took to her Instagram Stories to ask for followers for their help in locating her lavish 46,000 vehicle.

She wrote: 'My car has been stolen from outside my mum's early this morning in Eltham. Grey Range Rover Velar KM19 JVE.'

'If anyone sees it please let me know,' she added in her plea for help.

Shaughna purchased her 'dream' car back in November 2020 and shared a picture of herself posing next to the sleek vehicle to celebrate her purchase at the time.
Kim Kardashian is reportedly 'ready' for romance again, a source has shared with People magazine.

According to the publication, the 42-year-old fashion and beauty mogul has been 'asking friends to set her up again,' seven months after her split from comedian and actor Pete Davidson, 29.

The insider added that the SKIMS founder  who was recently spotted filming Carpool Karaoke  'would love to date someone who isn't famous in Hollywood.'

The person close to the television personality explained, 'Kim hasn't been dating, but is ready again,' and added, 'She took a breather after [Pete], but she is interested now.'

As for Kim's preference, they noted, 'She would love to date someone who isn't famous in Hollywood. She thinks someone in finance would be perfect.'

Ready for love: Kim Kardashian is reportedly 'ready' for romance again, a source has shared with People magazine

Moving on: The beauty mogul has been 'asking friends to set her up again,' seven months after her split from comedian and actor Pete Davidson, 29; pictured in April 2022

It comes after the former couple called it quits on their relationship after nine months of seeing each other exclusively.

'Kim has a lot of things going on that make her happy. She would love to share it all with a partner too,' the source told People.

Kardashian and Davison reportedly ended their coupling due to their demanding careers.

'Part of the reason they split was because of their busy schedules,' the reference dished, adding, 'They both travel all the time and it was hard.'

Speaking to Gwyneth Paltrow on her GOOP podcast last December, Kim confessed that she still has a 'fantasy' in her head that her fourth marriage will be the 'charm.'

'I feel, honestly, my last marriage was my first real,' the mom-of-four explained. 'The first one, I just don't know what was happening. The second one, I felt like I wanted to be married so badly because all my friends were at that place and that's where I should have been.'

She continued: 'I didn't accept that that just wasn't where I was.'

'Now I feel like I will definitely take my time. I would be okay [with] a forever partnership as well,' the Hulu star admitted. 'Im taking my time. I really do want to be single for a few years.'

The SKKN by Kim founder also revealed that she would be open to having more children in the future.

And she told Gwyneth about a potential future marriage: 'I have this fantasy in my head, like fourth time's a charm, it's gonna work out.'

Brood: The multihyphenate shares North, nine, Saint, seven, Chicago, five, and Psalm, three, with ex-husband Kanye West. She told the GOOP podcast that their marriage was her first 'real' marriage

Motherhood: Kim doted on her four children in an Instagram post shared last year. The source told People that she 'would love to date someone who isn't famous in Hollywood'

The multihyphenate shares North, nine, Saint, seven, Chicago, five, and Psalm, three, with ex-husband Kanye West, 45.

Last September while stopping by Live with Kelly and Ryan Kim was clear on wanting to take time to focus on her personal endeavors.

She told the hosts at the time, 'I'm just not ready [to date]. 'I'm not looking for anything.'

The beauty added, 'I did say before, maybe I should try to date a doctor or a scientist. So maybe a bunch of attorneys or scientists would reach out,' she said. 'But I'm just not ready.'
Jason Oppenheim and girlfriend Marie-Lou Nurk enjoyed a night out on Friday as they patronized The Fleur Room in West Hollywood.

For their outing, Jason, 45, who found fame on Netflix's Selling Sunset, wore a black button-up shirt with a black blazer.

His 25-year-old model counterpart showed off a fashion-forward look of her own as she flashed her tummy in a black ensemble.

The blonde German-born beauty modeled a sheer cropped tank top with string straps and a low neckline.

Marie-Lou  who's been dating Jason since July 2022  showed off her stellar style in the look, which featured low-slung gaucho pants.

Date night: Jason Oppenheim and girlfriend Marie-Lou Nurk enjoyed a night out on Friday as they patronized The Fleur Room in West Hollywood

Jason teamed his black shirt and jacket with deep, indigo blue jeans that he cuffed.

He added a pair of shiny black boots and exposed his smooth chest as he left the top buttons of his shirt unfastened.

The television personality, whose twin brother is Brett Oppenheim, was clean shaven.

He and his lady weren't shy about piling on the public display of affection as they wrapped their arms around each other.

Marie-Lou had a glow about her as she pulled her lustrous blonde hair into a loose, low, purposely disheveled braid.

Her trousers were secured with a black leather belt that was adorned with a red string tie.

The Marilyn Agency-repped talent appeared on Instagram earlier this week to share a video with her 44.9k followers.

The stunner showed off her long legs as she strutted in front of the camera with her 'latest obsession,' a pair of metallic gold cowboy boots with a heel that she was pictured in on Friday night.

Jason and Marie-Lou began their relationship last summer  six months after the real estate mogul split from Chrishell Stause.

The pair reportedly met in Greece, where they were both enjoying Mediterranean vacations.

Fashion-forward: For their outing, Jason, 45, who found fame on Netflix's Selling Sunset, wore a black button-up shirt with a black blazer

Hot stuff: The blonde, German-born beauty modeled a sheer, cropped tank top with string straps and a very low neckline

Cozy: Jason took to Instagram after their outing to repost an image of Marie-Lou sitting on his lap

'I asked her to dinner the next day,' Jason revealed to People, adding humorously, 'She said yes, but then an hour before dinner, she's like, 'Is it cool if my friends come?' I'm like, 'Ah.'

When gushing about his girlfriend to Us Weekly in September, he informed the publication, 'Shes easy to have fun with and Im just really, really happy. Its effortless too, which I think is important.'

They were spotted packing on the PDA during their trip abroad and later shared a photo posing together.

The twosome went red carpet official in August as they attended the Day Shift movie premiere.
Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah Bagshawe looked stylish as they attended the Alexander McQueen fall/winter 2023 show at Les Invalides during Paris Fashion Week on Saturday.

Actor Eddie, 41, ensured he caught the eye by opting for a bright red coat which he wore with a pair of smart black suit trousers and a matching tie.

He opted for a crisp white shirt and wore a pair of chunky black boots for the event.

The film star stood arm-in-arm with wife Hannah, 40, as they posed ahead of the show.

Hannah looked chic in a black pleated skirt which she teamed with a white top.

In style: Eddie Redmayne, 41, and wife Hannah Bagshawe, 40, looked stylish at the Alexander McQueen fall/winter 2023 show at Les Invalides during Paris Fashion Week on Saturday

Splash of colour: Actor Eddie ensured he caught the eye by opting for a bright red coat which he wore with a pair of smart black suit trousers and a matching tie

Chic sense of style: Hannah looked chic in a black pleated skirt which she teamed with a white top

She wore a black belt with a silver buckle and opted for a pair of black high-heeled boots to add a few inches to her stature.

Hannah, who married Eddie in 2014, wore a smart navy blue coat over her shoulders, with the piece featuring silver buttons.

She highlighted her pretty features with a make-up palette of natural hues and wore her brown hair in loose waves.

It comes after revealed he has given up wearing his wedding ring.

The Theory of Everything star no longer wears a band on his left hand after losing the original while shooting his 2015 film The Danish Girl and then misplacing the second ring he bought to replace it.

He joked to the Guardian: 'Spotted without his ring!', before adding: 'I am incredibly happily married so Im afraid theres no scoop there.'

Eddie previously opened up about the loss of his original wedding ring onset just months after walking down the aisle - insisting he tried to take care of it by pinning it to his costume every day but he still managed to lose it.

He told E! News: 'When you're filming you have to take off these things and I actually lost my wedding ring.

All stars: Eddie was in good spirits as he posed alongside actress Elle Fanning, 24, inside the venue

Looking chic: Elle wore a black raincoat and a pair of matching stockings which left some skin on show, which she teamed with a red box handbag

'So this is a new wedding ring that is being worn. I was pinning it to my costume every day and one day it disappeared.'

He went on to admit he had trouble telling his wife Hannah what had happened, saying: 'I sort of skirted around it [the issue of the lost ring]. But anyhow, I like the new one.'

The new one also disappeared so Eddie has now resolved to remain ring-free.

The couple married in a ceremony at a manor house near Bath, England in 2014 and went on to become parents to two children.

Heading off: Eddie could be seen placing his hand on the back of his wife Hannah as they left the venue after the show

Keeping it casual: Eddie looked relaxed as he walked with his hand in his pocket in the French capital

Greeting their public: Excited fans could be seen behind them, with the crowd holding up their phones in the hope of getting pictures of the stars

Eddie previously opened up about how Hannah manages to keep him grounded while he's working in the whirlwind of Hollywood.

He told People: 'I think saint might be the word. She is an absolute saint.

'And its a ride for both of us. Its wonderful doing it with someone you love because you also have a second eye on it all.

'This whole industry is the most joyous, absurd circus. Its great to have someone when you get too immersed in it or drinking the Kool-Aid to say, Wait a second?"'
Armie Hammer was spotted while having breakfast with a friend in Pacific Palisades on Saturday afternoon.

The 36-year-old performer cut a casual figure in a puffy jacket, T-shirt and shorts as he spent time with a friend during the public outing.

The troubled actor, who recently had a temporary restraining order dismissed by a judge, opened up about the allegations of sexual abuse that had been directed at him during an interview with Air Mail that was released in February.

Hammer stated that his actions were committed within the context of what he described as a 'whirlwind of travel and sex and drugs and big emotions.'

The actor went on to describe the way that he treated women, stating that 'as soon as I was done, I'd just drop them off and move on to the next woman, leaving that woman feeling abandoned or used.'

In the streets: Armie Hammer was spotted while having breakfast with a friend in Pacific Palisades on Saturday afternoon

Comfortable: The 36-year-old performer cut a casual figure in a puffy jacket, t-shirts and shorts as he spent time with his friend during the public outing

The performer also stated that he had been sexually abused by a youth pastor at the age of 13, which led to his interest in BDSM.

He recalled that 'I was powerless in the situation. I had no agency in the situation. My interests then went to: I want to have control in the situation, sexually.'

Hammer denied any criminal wrongdoing during the interview and expressed that all of his past sexual encounters had been consensual, although he did remark that the 'power dynamics were off' with regard to his various relationships.

The actor went on to recall that, after the allegations regarding his behavior were made public, he began experiencing suicidal thoughts.

He also described a subsequent suicide attempt that took place in the Cayman Islands, stating that 'I just walked out into the ocean and swam out as far as I could and hoped that either I drowned, or was hit by a boat, or eaten by a shark.'

The actor then remarked that he had reflected on his past behavior and stated that he wanted to own up to his actions.

'I'm here to own my mistakes, take accountability for the fact that... I used people to make me feel better,' he said.

The Social Network cast member said that he had come to look at his past experiences as learning experiences, stating that 'I would not go back and undo everything that's happened to me.'

He did, however, attribute the downturn of his career to 'this cancel-culture, woke-mob business.'

Hammer's estranged wife, Elizabeth Chambers, also spoke about her reaction to the allegations during an interview with Elle, where she expressed that she found out about them along with the rest of the general populace.

Speaking his mind: The troubled actor, who recently had a temporary restraining order dismissed by a judge, opened up about the allegations of sexual abuse that had been directed at him during an interview with Air Mail that was released earlier this month

Making a statement: The Social Network cast member said that he had come to look at his past experiences as learning experiences, stating that 'I would not go back and undo everything that's happened to me'; he is seen in 2020

Unaware: Hammer's estranged wife, Elizabeth Chambers, also spoke about her reaction to the allegations during an interview with Elle, where she expressed that she found out about them along with the rest of the general populace; he is seen in 2019

She recalled that 'I was learning things as the public was. I was like, "there are no words. What the f***?"'

The performer, who shares a daughter named Harper and a son named Ford, aged eight and five, with her estranged husband, remarked that she wanted to shield her kids from the media firestorm that surrounded the actor.

The media figure stated that 'obviously this is all way too much for two children under eight.'

Although Chambers did not make any specific comments about the allegations against Hammer, she did state that 'boundaries are everything' in relationships.
Craig McLachlan has signed up to appear on the new season of SAS Australia, just months after recovering from major surgery.

The 57-year-old actor flew from Sydney to the Middle East this week, to film his first TV gig in five years, The Daily Telegraph reported.

McLachlan's girlfriend Vanessa Scammell revealed he almost didn't make it onto the military-style show after he was rushed into emergency surgery in December.

'Craig's race against the clock to put on weight, gain strength and pass his fitness test after the emergency abdominal surgery late last year was far from being a fait accompli,' she said.

'He was so methodical and careful with his training post surgery. The biggest hurdles for him were to be able to complete the pre course requirements.'

Craig McLachlan, 57, (pictured) has joined the new season of SAS Australia in the Middle East after recovering from major abdominal surgery

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is also rumoured to have signed up to this year's season of SAS Australia.

Other celebrities linked to the upcoming season include troubled AFL star Ben Cousins and transgender footy great Dani Laidley.

Meanwhile, McLachlan was forced to cancel his New Year's Eve comeback after he was rushed into emergency surgery in December.

McLachlan's girlfriend Vanessa Scammell revealed he almost didn't make it onto the military-style show after he was rushed into emergency surgery in December. Pictured: Craig McLachlan and Vanessa Scammell

It was meant to be the actor's career comeback five years after his failed defamation lawsuit against ABC.

But he was forced to pull the show at the last minute when he required emergency abdominal surgery, leaving him unfit to perform, reported The Daily Telegraph.

'I discovered I required open abdominal surgery that needed to be performed sooner rather than later, meaning before Christmas, so I wouldn't have been fit to sneeze on New Year's Eve, let alone get booted and suited, strap on a guitar and belt out a tune or two,' the former Neighbours star said.

McLachlan flew from Sydney to the Middle East this week, to film his first TV gig in five years, The Daily Telegraph reported

'As you can well imagine, we're all very disappointed that we've had to pull our New Year's Eve concert. A night we'd all been looking forward to for such a long time.

'But as happens in life, things crop up unexpectedly and sometimes these things must take precedence.'

It would have been McLachlan's first time on stage in five years after he dropped his high-profile defamation lawsuit against ABC, Sydney Morning Herald and Christie Whelan Browne.

Meanwhile, McLachlan was forced to cancel his New Year's Eve comeback after he was rushed into emergency surgery in December. It was meant to be the actor's career comeback five years after his failed defamation lawsuit against ABC

It is understood McLachlan racked up legal bills of more than $3million from the legal fight.

He was intending to sue the ABC, Sydney Morning Herald and Ms Whelan Browne over claims he'd touched, kissed and groped actresses without permission in the Rocky Horror stage production, Neighbours, City Homicide, and The Doctor Blake Mysteries.

He wrote off the claims by Ms Whelan Browne, and those of Erika Haynatz and Erika Scundi as 'utterly and entirely false'.

He dropped the defamation suit on day first of 11 women due to give evidence.
Paul Mescal showed off his edgy sense of style as he arrived at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California on Saturday.

The Irish actor, 27, wore a turquoise jacket featuring broad shoulders and large lapels over the top of a white top with a low-cut neckline.

He wore a pair of baggy black trousers which he teamed with a pair of pointed shoes in the same colour.

He looked relaxed as he posed ahead of the ceremony, standing with his hands in his pockets.

The movie star is nominated in the Best Lead Performance category for his role as Calum in Aftersun.

Fashion forward: Paul Mescal, 27, showed off his edgy sense of style as he arrived at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California on Saturday

In style: The Irish actor wore a turquoise jacket featuring broad shoulders and large lapels over the top of a white top with a low-cut neckline

It comes after Paul attended the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees brunch in Santa Monica last month.

Paul was among the stars recently nominated for top gongs at this year's Olivier Theatre Awards back in the UK.

He is up for best actor for his role in the new stage adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire. Paul is a first-time nominee.

Paul will go up against David Tennant for Good, Tom Hollander for Patriots, Rafe Spall for To Kill A Mockingbird and Giles Terera for Blues For An Alabama Sky.

The star recently blasted a 'creepy' fan for groping his butt when he agreed to take a picture with her.

While he has found most encounters with his admirers to be 'really nice', there have also been occasions where he's been left feeling uncomfortable.

He recounted a recent experience when a woman asked for his photo outside the Almeida Theatre in London, where he has been starring in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire.

He recalled to ES magazine: 'As we posed for it, she put her hand on my a**.

Star quality: He wore a pair of baggy black trousers which he teamed with a pair of pointed shoes in the same colour

Keeping it casual: He looked relaxed as he posed ahead of the ceremony, standing with his hands in his pockets

'I thought it was an accident, so I like [moved away] but the hand followed. I remember tensing up and feeling just, like, fury.

'I turned to her and said, "Whatre you doing? Take your hand off my a**."

'The last thing I want to do is call somebody out in front of the theatre  its uncomfortable for everyone involved  but it was really not okay. It was so gross, creepy.

'97 per cent of [fame] is really nice  then three per cent is somebody, like, grabbing your a**.'

Success story: The movie star is nominated in the Best Lead Performance category for his role as Calum in Aftersun

Strike a pose: Paul was seen with his Aftersun co-stars (L-R) Charlotte Wells, Frankie Corio and filmmaker Barry Jenkins

Paul became a household name when he starred as Connell in the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel Normal People in 2020 and he admitted he found the attention "a bit affronting" and was uncomfortable being seen as a heartthrob.

He said: "Like I had this woman who said she had a naked picture of me, a screenshot from the show, as the wallpaper on her phone. And it was mad to me  like, she wasnt doing it to be incendiary, I think she was genuinely trying to tell me she was a big fan but it just felt very weird. I didnt like it.

"When 'Normal People' came out, the attention was a bit affronting.

"It was like, 'This is f****** crazy.' Now Im a bit more comfortable with it.
EastEnders star Max Bowden reportedly enjoyed a secret tryst in his dressing room with Love Island's Olivia Hawkins, before her stint in the South African villa.

It is said that the actor, 28, and former ring girl, 27 - who once appeared as an extra in the BBC soap - took some 'time alone together' during a set party at Elstree Studios last Summer.

Their racy liaison was reportedly the 'talk of the set', with an insider claiming that the pair were 'were gone for a while'.

It was reported back in January that Max, who plays Ben Mitchell, had flirted online with the brunette stunner, liking a sexy social media snap of hers.

However, it turns out that the two were already acquainted following their alleged get together at the EastEnders bash, with it said that it was obvious they were 'more than friends'.

Ooh I say: EastEnders star Max Bowden reportedly enjoyed a secret tryst in his dressing room with Love Island's Olivia Hawkins, before her stint in the South African villa

Flirt: It is said that the actor, 28, and former ring girl, 27 - who once appeared as an extra in the BBC soap - took some 'time alone together' during a set party at Elstree Studios last Summer

A source told The Sun: 'It soon became clear Max was hitting on her. It was obvious they were more than just friends.

'They clearly fancied each other. During the party they sneaked off to spend some time alone together. They headed to his dressing room and were gone for a while.

'Max confided to a couple of other stars what had happened. It has been the talk of the set, particularly after it later emerged Olivia was going on Love Island.'

The insider went on to add that the actor was 'worried' that Olivia - who was recently dumped from the Love Island villa - may 'mention' their secret fling on TV.

MailOnline have contacted representatives of Max and Olivia for comment.

Olivia's brief EastEnders TV moment came in January, where she was seen looking coquettishly over her shoulder at another cast member.

Their online flirtations were previously reported in January, with Max appearing to noticed Olivia's sizzling Instagram on New Year's Day when he liked a picture of her in a racy tight dress.

The actor is known for his relationship drama off screen as well as on.

Liaison: Their racy liaison was reportedly the 'talk of the set', with an insider claiming that the pair were 'were gone for a while'

Role: Olivia's brief EastEnders TV moment came in January, where she was seen looking coquettishly over her shoulder at another cast member

Max recently split up from co-star Shona McGarty and became dad last year with another ex, Roisin Buckle, as they share a baby boy.

The EastEnders star began following Olivia as she returned the favour, with sources saying she 'clearly fancies him'.

A source told The Sun at the time: 'Max and Olivia have been sharing exchanges and keeping an eye on how each other has been doing.

'She has been very impressed that Max showed such a keen interest in her and has been telling all her friends excitedly about it.

'She clearly fancies him. They've been growing closer.'

Sizzling: Their online flirtations were previously reported in January, with Max appearing to noticed Olivia's sizzling Instagram on New Year's Day when he liked a picture of her in a racy tight dress

Interested: 'The EastEnders star began following Olivia as she returned the favour, with sources saying she 'clearly fancies him'

It comes as Olivia broke her silence as she told fans that the 'real journey starts now' as she landed back in the UK from Majorca.

Returning to Brighton, the reality star, 27, came home to a pink and white balloon from her family with the sweet message, 'So proud of you' displayed across it.

Sharing a photo of it to her 173k followers on Instagram, the reality star penned:

'Home safely! Thank you all for you lovely messages of support whilst I've been in the villa, so good to be reunited with friends and family. Much love, Olivia.'

The former backing dancer also uploaded a picture of a postcard that she received from the airline crew.

Home: It comes as Olivia broke her silence as she told fans that the 'real journey starts now' as she landed back in the UK from Majorca

So sweet: Returning to Brighton, Liv came home to a pink and white balloon from her family with the sweet message, 'So proud of you' displayed across it

Working at it: After being dumped from the villa, The Love Island contestant told her Instagram followers that the 'real journey starts now'

The handwritten note read: 'Hi lovebirds, so lovely to have you on board with us today.

'We hope that you've enjoyed your adventures in South Africa.

'We wish you all the best and love for the future.'

Recognising that her new relationship was only just beginning, Olivia captioned the story: 'Thanks to the KML crew for making our journey home so special but the real journey starts now Maxwell.' She finished off the post with a heart hands emoji.

After they were voted the least compatible couple by the public, Olivia and Maxwell were dumped from the ITV2 show on Wednesday night.
Elle Fanning looked stunning as she arrived at Alexander McQueen Paris Fashion Week show at Les Invalides on Saturday.

The Maleficient actress, 24, arrived at the runaway show in the French capital in a chic all black ensemble.

Elle was wrapped up in a long black trench coat with a daring thigh split and wore black embroidered stockings underneath.

The Super 8 star completed the racy ensemble with a pair of black ankle boots and a set of rings and bracelets of dark tones.

The blonde beauty carried the essentials in a ruby handbag by Alexander McQueen.

Stunner: Elle Fanning looked stunning as she arrived at Alexander McQueen Paris Fashion Week show at Les Invalides on Saturday

Total black: The Maleficient actress, 24, arrived at the runaway show in the French capital in a a chic total black ensemble

She wore her long platinum tresses loose and a bit wavy, and went for a natural make up palette.

The Neon Demon actress appeared in great spirits as she stopped outside ahead of the fashion show to take some pictures with fans, where she donned a pair of black foxy shades.

During the runaway show, Elle was captured having a chat and posing with other celebrities in attendance as Alexander McQueen's appointed CEO Gianfilippo Testa, Anna Wintour, Eddie Redmayne and Zhang Tian'ai.

Meanwhile, Conde Nast's Global Chief Content Officer Anna Wintour, 73, looked stylish as ever in a long teal trench coat, matched with a yellow scarf and her trademark shades.

Elle was captured sitting next to the fashion legend having a chat and laughing, as they appeared in good spirits.

Also in attendance was The Good Nurse star Eddie Redmayne alongside his girlfriend Hannah Redmayne, who posed for the cameras with Elle.

Eddie, 41, looked dapper in a bright red coat which he wore with a pair of smart black suit trousers and a matching tie.

He opted for a crisp white shirt and wore a pair of chunky black boots for the event.

Racy: Elle was wrapped up in a long black trench coat with a daring thigh split, and wore black embroidered stockings underneath

Ensemble: The Super 8 star completed the racy ensemble with a pair of black ankle boots and a set of rings and bracelets of dark tones

Fans: The Neon Demon actress appeared in great spirits as she stopped outside ahead of the fashion show to take some pictures with fans, where she donned a pair of black foxy shades

Look: She wore her long platinum tresses loose and a bit wavy, and went for a natural make up palette except for the bright red lipstick that matched her bag

Pals: During the runaway show, Elle was captured having a chat and posing with other celebrities in attendance as Alexander McQueen's appointed CEO Gianfilippo Testa, Anna Wintour, Eddie Redmayne and Zhang Tian'ai

New: Elle has recently been on the headlines after Stan officially confirmed that her and co-star Nicholas Hoult are set to return for season three of the satirical comedy-drama The Great

Success: Both Elle and Nicholas, 33, were nominated for Emmys in 2022 for their performances in The Great

Fame: Fanning rose to fame as a child actor in films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. She later won acclaim for the controversial series The Girl from Plainville

The Danish Girl star stood arm-in-arm with wife Hannah, 40, as they posed ahead of the show.

Hannah looked chic in a black pleated skirt which she teamed with a white top.

Elle has recently been on the headlines after Stan officially confirmed that her and co-star Nicholas Hoult are set to return for season three of the satirical comedy-drama The Great.

Set in 18th century Russia during the time of Catherine the Great, the latest 10-part season will premiere on the streaming platform on May 13.

There will be plenty of palace intrigue as Peter (Hoult) tries to make his marriage to Catherine (Fanning) work, after she tried have him killed at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Catherine becomes inspired to reform her country after she gets a visit from the ambassador of the newly independent United States.

But she discovers learning to compromise is not easy.

Peter finds it hard to keep himself occupied, since Catherine managed to jail all his friend at the end of last season.

Love: She is in a relationship with actor Max Minghella, the couple-of-four-years was first linked after meeting on set of the 2018 film Teen Spirit

Looking good: Elle was captured sitting next to fashion legend Anna Wintour, 73, having a chat and laughing, as they appeared in good spirits

Stylish: Conde Nast's Global Chief Content Officer Anna Wintour looked stylish as ever in a long teal trench coat, matched with a yellow scarf and her trademark shades

Also in attendance was The Good Nurse star Eddie Redmayne alongside his girlfriend Hannah Redmayne, who posed for the cameras with Elle (pictured)

Bright look: Eddie, 41, looked dapper in a bright red coat which he wore with a pair of smart black suit trousers and a matching tie (Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah, 40, pictured with Elle)

Proud: Elle proves to be a proud ambassador of the brand as she poses with Alexander McQueen's appointed CEO Gianfilippo Testa (pictured)

Duo: Elle poses with Zhang Tian'ai - also known as Crystal Zhang - known for her role in the movie Go Princess Go (pictured)

Good spirits: Elle appears to enjoy her time at the PFW as she is captured laughing with pal Anna Wintour (pictured from the left: Shygirl, Tyler Mitchell, Anna Wintour, Elle Fanning, guest and Playwright Jeremy O. Harris)

He takes to hunting, cooking and fathering more children, but is haunted by the memory of his father, Peter the Great, and fears he will become a failure.

Created and written by Tony McNamara, the new season of The Great also stars Belinda Bromilow (Packed to the Rafters), Phoebe Fox (The Aeronauts) and Adam Godley (Breaking Bad).

The ensemble cast includes Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody), Charity Wakefield (Wolf Hall), Douglas Hodge (Joker), and Sacha Dhawan and Bayo Gbadamosi (Doctor Who).

Both Elle and Nicholas, 33, were nominated for Emmys in 2022 for their performances in The Great.

Fanning rose to fame as a child actor in films like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. She later won acclaim for the controversial series The Girl from Plainville.

She is in a relationship with actor Max Minghella. The couple-of-four-years was first linked after meeting on set of the 2018 film Teen Spirit.

All episodes of The Great seasons one and two are available to stream on Stan. Season three premieres on May 13, only on Stan.
This page may be updated if the event is repeated

Past Event - Saturday, March 18, 2023 This page may be updated if the event is repeated

This Fundraiser is being held by St Ignatius of Antioch Maronite Church to support families in need in Southern Lebanon. We will have a Drive-Thru setup to sell Falafel, Hummus and Baklava.

This Fundraiser is being held by St Ignatius of Antioch Maronite Catholic Church to support families in need in the Southern Region of our beloved Lebanon. We will have a Drive-Thru setup to sell Falafel Sandwiches, Hummus and Baklava to go.

100% of the Profits will be sent to support 80 families in South Lebanon.
Minister for finance and health, T. Harish Rao, felicitates the team of UK doctors at Nims. (Photo: K. Durga Rao)

Hyderabad: Health minister T. Harish Rao congratulated the team of doctors from the UK, the Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences (Nims) and Niloufer Hospital, for performing complex surgeries and saving the lives of nine children suffering from rare heart diseases.

At a function to felicitate the doctors, Rao said, "I congratulate Dr Venkata Ramana Dannapuneni and his team from the UK, Dr Beerappa, director in-charge, Nims hospital and Dr Usharani, superintendent, Niloufer Hospital and all others who were part of the surgeries." He invited PIO doctors to perform surgeries in their homeland, like Dr Dannapuneni had done.

He said the team of 20 doctors had performed rare surgeries that lasted up to five hours each. Apart from AIIMS, it was only at Nims among government institutions that overseas experts were called to perform complex heart surgeries.

The minister said that the state had the highest number of seats in MBBS and stood second in terms of seats for medical PG courses. He said that the government was making efforts to provide state-of-the-art medical facilities to the people.
Union tourism minister G. Kishan Reddy said AP has a competitive advantage in sectors such as marine products and shrimps, drugs and pharmaceuticals, electronics, petroleum and engineering goods. (Photo: Murali Krishna)

Visakhapatnam: Union tourism minister G. Kishan Reddy said the Centre is implementing Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes worth 2 lakh crore in 14 key sectors as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which would create 60 lakh jobs.

Addressing the valedictory function of Global Investors Summit on Saturday in presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Union minister underlined that PLI schemes are available to sectors like mobile manufacturing, electronics, food products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, batteries, automobiles and components, and textiles. This will transform India into a global manufacturing hub, he asserted.

Kishan Reddy said AP has a competitive advantage in sectors such as marine products and shrimps, drugs and pharmaceuticals, electronics, petroleum and engineering goods.

"There is a clear opportunity for the state and the Centre to work together and take AP to new highs. This will be in the true spirit of competitive federalism, where states are competing to attract investment and build infrastructure," he underlined.

The Union minister maintained that the Centre has continuously supported Andhra Pradesh. In this context, he pointed out that Railway Budget allocation for AP has been increased 9 times from 886 crore in 2014 to 8,406 crore now.

"We will be building 72 world-class railway stations in Andhra. AP is the only state in India to have three industrial corridors passing through it," he explained.

Referring to the port city, Kishan Reddy said the total investment on Visakhapatnam Smart City project is 3,000 crore.
Apart from public rallies during these visits, Shah will also hold meetings with the state leaders on various organisational issues. PTI

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to travel to at least two states in March as part of the ongoing Lok Sabha Pravas, said sources on Friday.

Shah will travel to Madhya Pradesh and Odisha this month apart from holding a regional anti-drug movement conference in Karnataka.

Sources privy to the details told ANI that Shah is expected to be in Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh on March 25 and he is expected to be in Odisha on March 26. The programmes of the Home Minister in Odisha are still being worked out.

Apart from public rallies during these visits, Shah will also hold meetings with the state leaders on various organisational issues.

Home Minister Shah is also likely to chair a regional conference of Southern states/UTs on Drug Trafficking and National Security in Bengaluru on March 24, 2023.

Last month the former BJP president travelled to poll-bound Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar too.

Late in December last year the top brass expanded Pravas programme for weak Lok Sabha seats from 144 to 160 seats. Interestingly, out of these seats, a maximum of 24 seats are from Bengal.

The visits to these Lok Sabha seats, Lok Sabha Pravas 2.0 began in January this year.

These seats are the ones where the BJP wasn't able to get victory in the last 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Out of these weak seats, half will be covered by BJP president JP Nadda and the other half by Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh.

For the Lok Sabha Pravas, the BJP has also formed a committee that is being coordinated by General Secretary Vinod Tawde. The other members of the committee are Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Smriti Irani, Pratima Bhoumik, Prahlad Joshi, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Anurag Thakur to name a few.
AICC incharge Manikrao Thakre, along with Uttam Kumar Reddy, Bhatti Vikramarka, Girish Chodenkar, and Nadeem Javed attend the Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan committee meeting at Prakashan hall, Gandhi Bhavan. (Photo: Deepak Deshpande)

Hyderabad: Congress Telangana incharge Manikrao Thakre on Saturday put to bed differences among party members undertaking separate Haath Se Haath Jodo padayatras, saying that everyone can take up the campaign as it was an AICC programme.

Thakre was speaking at the extended executive meeting of the TPCC at Prakasam Hall, after being made aware of objections being raised within the party over the different yatras being undertaken by PCC chief A. Revanth Reddy and AICC programme implementation committee chairperson A. Maheshwar Reddy.

Thakre also took part in a yatra led by Nalgonda MP N. Uttam Kumar Reddy in Kodad over the last few days, and the one led by Maheshwar Reddy on Saturday.

The AICC leader underscored the need for getting into election mode to ensure the partys win. "Everyone should begin working effectively and should be in election mode to achieve results," he told the cadre.

Thakre also said he would make unannounced visits to mandals and constituencies to assess the leaders and their work, emphasising the importance of the post of the district president.

"It is high time that the failures of BRS and BJP should be exposed and brought to the notice of the people. Everyone should work towards the goal and should prove that Congress remains a force to reckon with. I shall meet everyone in 15 days and leaders should come up with a plan of action for resolving issues like Dharani," he said.

Uttam Kumar Reddy, in his address, stressed the need for door-to-door meetings and putting aside internal differences. "Differences are common, but these should not undermine the collective efforts made during the campaign. Reaching out to every household will give effective results," he said.

The MP said the Adani issue has put the BJP on the back foot. "ED and CBI were used as arm-twisting tactics to snatch contracts of airports to hand them over to Adani. Despite Niti Aayogs cautions, six major airports were given to Adani," he said.

CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who will start a padayatra on March 16, said that Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo message should be spread at mandal and block levels through door-to-door meetings. Referring to the alleged scams by the BRS government, Bhatti said that since the Congress was responsible for Telanganas statehood, it should be able to get back to power to fulfil peoples aspirations.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. (DC)

HYDERABAD: The Telangana state Cabinet will meet on March 9 at Pragati Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. According to an announcement from the Chief Ministers Office, the meeting will be held at 2 pm.

The last meeting of the Cabinet was held on February 5 to approve the state Budget. Thursdays meeting comes in the wake of the state approaching the Supreme Court on Bills passed by the Legislature but pending with the office of the Governor.
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The secretly transferred funds from Hyderabad to London came to the notice of the Central government in November 1948. DC Image

In 2020, British courts settled a long-standing legal dispute between India and Pakistan involving one-million-pound sterling that the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, had deposited in a British bank in the intervening period between the Partition in August 1947 and Hyderabads integration with the Union of India in September 1948.

The money had grown to a sizeable kitty of 35 million pounds in 70 years. It is widely believed in Hyderabad that the fund was transferred to a UK bank, with Pakistan being made its custodian without the knowledge of the Nizam. However, declassified documents of the ministry of states (currently the ministry of home affairs) show that the decision to involve Pakistan in the transaction was made with the full knowledge of the Nizam.

The secretly transferred funds from Hyderabad to London came to the notice of the Central government in November 1948. D.R. Pradhan, an ICS officer posted in Hyderabad after the police action (Operation Polo), found a letter sent by Moin Nawaz Jung  the finance minister of the deposed government of the Nizam  to Mir Nawaz Jung, who was Hyderabads Agent-General in London. Pradhan sent a copy of the letter to V.P. Menon, the secretary of the ministry of states.

The letter dated April 4, 1948, was about two million pound sterling deposited just a few months back in a London bank. In the secret communication, Mir Nawaz Jung was asked to make a few changes to the operation of the London bank accounts.

The huge transaction was a part of the efforts on behalf of Nizam to secure his diplomatic, military and financial position, in the wake of India gaining freedom from colonial rule. The money was originally deposited in the London branch of the Imperial Bank of India (which became the State Bank of India in 1955).

As the Banks future became uncertain in independent India and its operations came under the purview of the Reserve Bank of India, Hyderabad transferred the money to the Westminster Bank in October 1947. The fund was deposited in the name of Hyderabad State Bank and was to be operated by the managing director and another officer of the bank, to be nominated by him/her. As the negotiations with India appeared to be breaking down, the Hyderabad government decided to break the deposit into two and transfer one million pounds to another account, in the name of the Nizam Government.

The new account was to be operated by the Hyderabad Agent General and/or by the finance minister of Hyderabad. Accordingly, Allen, then MD of the Hyderabad State Bank (later to be State Bank of Hyderabad) and officials of the Westminster Bank in London were informed. The Hyderabad State Bank was also asked to enter into a separate agency agreement with the Westminster Bank. The decision was conveyed by M.A. Abbasi, deputy financial secretary, to Mir Nawaz Jung in London in November 1947. This was to bypass any scrutiny of the transactions by the Reserve Bank of India.

The second change Moin Nawaz Jung effected in the operation of the bank account was this, as elaborated in his letter: "In view of the present circumstances, it is considered advisable, as a measure of protection, that the High Commissioner of Pakistan in the UK, should also be authorized to operate this account and it has been communicated to the Westminster Bank. Like the Hyderabad Agent General, the High Commissioner of Pakistan will also operate on this account under instructions from the Finance Minister of the Nizams Government."

That is how Pakistan staked a claim to the fund after the fall of the government of Mir Osman Ali Khan.

The bank accounts in London were used to make secret payments to former British military experts, lobbyists and legal experts hired by the Hyderabad government to push its agenda, and for the purchase of military equipment, armoured cars etc.

Such payments were made only after the finance minister authorized them, and the Agent General had to cable all receipts. Large sums were paid to the British interlocutors involved in negotiating with Portugal for the purchase of port facilities in Goa, in the event of land-locked Hyderabad becoming an independent country. The military intervention from India in September 1948 ended all such preparations and the dreams of independence for the Nizam. And the funds became disputed as Pakistan staked a claim to the money.

[Dinesh C. Sharma is a journalist and author based in New Delhi]
'Waris Punjab De' chief Amritpal Singh (C) speaks to the media, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on March 3, 2023. (Photo: PTI)

The rise of Khalistani extremism in Punjab is a very serious matter. Punjab is a crucial border state. It borders Pakistan which, we know, has a long-term plan to destabilise the state. The nation can never forget the rise of Bhindranwale in the 1980s, leading to the Indian Armys attack on the sacred Golden Temple in Amritsar, and the tragic assassination of Indira Gandhi. Now we have the meteoric rise of Amritpal Singh, who models himself openly on Bhindranwale.

It is a victory of Indian democracy that post-Bhindranwale, Punjab gradually returned to normalcy. Today, the separatist movementfor Khalistan has once again reared its ugly face. Why has this happened? Are we repeating the mistakes of the past, and worse, adding new ones?

Firstly, we see a repeat of repugnant political complicity and opportunism. When Bhindranwale was on the rise, he had powerful supporters in the ruling Congress Party and the Akali Dal. Instead of nipping his call for Khalistan in the bud, he was mollycoddled for myopic political reasons, and his timely arrest, before he could emerge as a Frankenstein monster, was sabotaged by political intervention. Today, we see the same game playing out. There is strong speculation that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had taken support of Khalistani sympathisers  both in India and abroad  in winning the elections in Punjab. It is also unfortunate that the state government is reluctant to firmly intervene  as its capitulation on Amritpals attack on the Ajnala police station shows. To see a public spectacle where Amritpal led a huge throng of pro-Khalistani supporters wielding guns and swords to attack a police station in which several policemen were injured, and the state government meekly releasing the prisoner whose freedom they demanded, will only further embolden militancy. Quite inexplicably, the central government, too, has not yet taken any action, even when agencies under it, like the National Investigating Agency (NIA), have overriding pan-Indian powers to act.

Secondly, there is administrative incompetence and drift, which both the previous Akali and Congress governments did little to tackle. Punjab is close to financially bankruptcy, with almost half its tax revenues going to repay debt. The farmers agitation was allowed to fester by the central government for over a year, with many deaths in the winter cold, leading to widespread anger in the agricultural class. Simultaneously, the drugs problem has spiralled out of control. In Punjab, more than 45 per cent of those between the ages of 20-24 are jobless, and young Sikhs without a job are easy cannon-fodder for extremist politics.

Thirdly, Pakistans encouragement to pro-Khalistani movements has been consistent. Many Sikh extremist outfits outside India are funded by it, and money, arms and drugs are supplied to Punjab from across the border. Pakistans army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have an enduring interest in encouraging separatism in Punjab. This was the case in the 1980s as well. What have we done since then to stem this threat? Did not our intelligence agencies monitor the recent rise of pro-Khalistan forces in the state? After all, 30-year old Amritpal, who was till recently a clean-shaven Sikh living in Dubai, could not overnight have catapulted into a Bhindranwale clone, heading the organisation Waris Punjab De, until powerful forces had prepared for this transformation. Was the government, both at the state and the Centre, completely in the dark, and if not, why was preventive action not taken earlier?

Finally, and fourthly, we have seen too much in recent times of the mixing of religion with politics. It is true that there are some legitimate Hindu grievances, which need to be resolved within the ambit of law and democratic politics. But accepting this, and legitimising Hindu majoritarian politics, symbolised by the demand of Hindu Rashtra, is quite another thing.

The manifest danger is that if this kind of religious politics is allowed to escalate, it is but natural that other religious communities will react adversely. Amritpal asked publicly in an interview why no action is taken against those who ask for a Hindu Rashtra. India is a civilisational unity based on diversity, including many religions and ethnicities. Trying to forcibly homogenise it is playing with fire. Punjab is a Sikh majority state. Jammu & Kashmir is a Muslim majority state. Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh are Christian majority states. Do we have to ignite religious nationalism in them by competitive religious supremacism?

Equally, there are strong regional identities that feel threatened when an attempt is made to coopt them under a specific form of Hindu identity devised largely in the North. For instance, Tamil Nadu, where Tamil, one of our most refined and ancient languages, is spoken, resents any attempts to impose Hindi. The fact is that the acceptance of Hindi as one of the primary link languages of the country was gradually proceeding apace in any case. But in forcing the issue, as some zealots insist on doing, we create anti-bodies in the federal system, and create a backlash where none is necessary. The attempt to imagine India as a monolith in religious terms is fraught with danger.

Sikhism and Hinduism are sister religions. The Guru Granth Sahib has innumerable hymns in praise of Hindu deities, and it was the practice for many Hindu families to give one child to the Sikh faith. In fact, the Sikhs were protectors of Hindus. Even the Constitution, in Article 25 (2) Explanation 2, says that "the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jain and Buddhist religion". Hinduism is an inclusive, eclectic, dialogic faith, marked by great profundity of thought. Do we want to destroy its essential character, which has made it a Sanatan Dharma, by misguided religious evangelism, bigotry, hatred and violence, thereby unleashing consequences which threaten our national unity?

Strengthening the unity of India requires great sensitivity. It also requires firm and decisive action when the countrys sovereignty is threatened, by the likes of Amritpal. The time to act in Punjab is now, or else it may be too late.
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The U.S. government is the largest customer for many defense companies, providing a significant portion of their revenue. This stability and predictability can be beneficial for both the companies and investors. However, the revenue... More of this article 
The following companies are subsidiares of Travelers Companies: 10762962 Canada Inc., 350 Market Street LLC, 8527512 Canada Inc., Aetna Life and Casualty Co, American Equity Insurance Company, American Equity Specialty Insurance Company, Aprilgrange Limited, Arch Street North LLC, Auto Hartford Investments LLC, Bayhill Restaurant II Associates, Camperdown Corporation, Constitution State Services LLC, Discover Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Discover Specialty Insurance Company, F&G UK Underwriters Limited, Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters Inc., First Floridian Auto and Home Insurance Company, Gulf Underwriters Insurance Company, IHP Capital Partners Fund VIII L.P., Northbrook Holdings Inc., Northfield Insurance Company, Northland Casualty Company, Northland Insurance Company, Phoenix UK Investments LLC, SPC Insurance Agency Inc., Select Insurance Company, Simply Business Holdings Inc., Simply Business Inc., St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, St. Paul Protective Insurance Company, St. Paul Surplus Lines Insurance Company, Standard Fire Properties LLC, Standard Fire UK Investments LLC, TCI Global Services Inc., TPC Investments Inc., TPC U.K. Investments LLC, The Automobile Insurance Company of Hartford Connecticut, The Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, The Family Business Institute LLC, The Phoenix Insurance Company, The St. Paul Companies Inc., The Standard Fire Insurance Company, The Travelers Casualty Company, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company, The Travelers Indemnity Company, The Travelers Indemnity Company of America, The Travelers Indemnity Company of Connecticut, The Travelers Lloyds Insurance Company, TravCo Insurance Company, Travelers (Bermuda) Limited, Travelers Brazil Acquisition LLC, Travelers Brazil Holding LLC, Travelers Casualty Company of Connecticut, Travelers Casualty Insurance Company of America, Travelers Casualty UK Investments LLC, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of Europe Limited, Travelers Commercial Casualty Company, Travelers Commercial Insurance Company, Travelers Constitution State Insurance Company, Travelers Distribution Alliance Inc., Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company, Travelers Global Inc., Travelers Indemnity U.K. Investments LLC, Travelers Insurance Company Limited, Travelers Insurance Company of Canada, Travelers Insurance Designated Activity Company, Travelers Insurance Group Holdings Inc., Travelers Lloyds of Texas Insurance Company, Travelers London Limited, Travelers MGA Inc., Travelers Management Limited, Travelers Marine LLC, Travelers Participacoes em Seguros Brasil S.A., Travelers Personal Insurance Company, Travelers Personal Security Insurance Company, Travelers Property Casualty Company of America, Travelers Property Casualty Corp., Travelers Property Casualty Insurance Company, Travelers Seguros Brasil S.A., Travelers Syndicate Management Limited, Travelers Texas MGA Inc., Travelers Underwriting Agency Limited, Ultramar Travel Management, United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, Xbridge Limited, Zensurance Brokers Inc., and Zensurance Inc..

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The Kroger Co. is a well-established supermarket chain that has been in operation for over a century. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and operates over 2,700 supermarkets and multi-department stores across 35 states under various banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Smith's, King Soopers, and Fry's. The company's extensive network of stores and diverse range of products and services has made it one of the most prominent players in the US retail industry.

In addition to groceries, Kroger sells health and beauty products and household essentials and provides pharmacy services. The company strongly emphasizes community involvement, sustainability, and innovation, with its "Zero Hunger Zero Waste" program aiming to eliminate hunger and waste in its communities by 2025. This initiative has garnered significant attention and praise from consumers and investors alike, with the company's commitment to social responsibility resonating with many stakeholders.

Kroger is led by a highly experienced and diverse management team, with Rodney McMullen serving as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. McMullen has been with Kroger since 1978 and was appointed CEO in 2014. His extensive experience in various leadership roles within the company has helped to guide Kroger through changes in consumer preferences and increased competition.

Over the past few years, Kroger has demonstrated consistent financial performance, with revenue increasing yearly. Notably, net income is relatively low compared to revenue due to Kroger's relatively low-profit margin. In 2022 Kroger's made a net income of $1.6 billion from over $137 billion in sales. These financial results have been achieved despite the highly competitive nature of the retail industry, highlighting the company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.

Kroger's long-term debt is significant, but the company has adequate assets to cover the debt burden. While this level of debt may concern some investors, it is worth noting that the company sold its convenience store business for $2.15 billion in 2019, which allowed it to reduce its debt levels and focus on its core supermarket business.

Kroger's valuation metrics compare favorably to its industry peers, with a price-to-earnings ratio and a price-to-book ratio below the industry average. The company's market capitalization is approximately $34 billion, and it has consistently paid dividends to its shareholders over the past decade.

In terms of market performance, the company has also experienced increased demand for its online grocery ordering and delivery services, which has helped to offset the decline in in-store shopping during the pandemic. This shift towards digital channels has been a key focus for Kroger in recent years, with the company investing heavily in its online capabilities to serve its customers better.

Kroger operates in the highly competitive grocery industry, which has seen increased consolidation and disruption in recent years. The company faces competition from traditional brick-and-mortar supermarkets and online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. These competitors have invested heavily in their online capabilities, putting pressure on Kroger to keep up with the industry's changing landscape.

In addition to the competitive pressures, the grocery industry is subject to significant regulatory and political issues that may impact Kroger's operations. The company must adhere to strict regulations regarding food safety, labeling, and pricing, among other things. Furthermore, changes in government policies related to tariffs, trade agreements, and labor laws may also impact the company's operations and profitability.

Despite these challenges, Kroger has identified several growth opportunities that could help the company maintain its position as a leader in the industry. One of these opportunities is to expand its private label products, which have higher profit margins than branded products. Kroger has already made significant strides in this area, with private-label products accounting for over 30% of its sales in recent years.

Kroger may also pursue acquisitions or partnerships to expand its operations and reach new markets. The company has already made several acquisitions in recent years, including purchasing the meal kit company Home Chef and the merger with meal kit delivery company Ocado. These acquisitions have helped Kroger to diversify its offerings and expand its reach in the fast-growing meal kit market.

Despite the growth opportunities, Kroger faces risks and challenges that may impact its future performance. One of the most significant risks is changes in consumer preferences, which could reduce demand for traditional supermarkets and increase competition from non-traditional retailers. Kroger must continually adapt to changing consumer needs and preferences to remain competitive.

Another challenge facing Kroger is the increasing pressure to provide competitive pricing to consumers. The company must balance the need to maintain profit margins with the demand for affordable products, which could impact its profitability in the long run.

Kroger is subject to potential disruptions in its supply chain, which could impact its ability to provide products to its customers. Disruptions could occur due to natural disasters, global pandemics, or other unexpected events that could affect the company's operations and profitability.
Alliance leader Naomi Long has warned that her party is willing to test the legality of Stormonts discriminatory voting structures.

Addressing her party conference in Belfast, Mrs Long expressed frustration that the UK and Irish governments had not moved to deliver reform of the powersharing institutions to release them from the unionist/nationalist straitjacket created by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Last year, the cross-community party proposed changes to voting systems within both the Stormont Assembly chamber and at the Executive table to ensure votes cast by MLAs who consider themselves neither unionist nor nationalist are given the same weight as others.

It is understood the party has now sought legal advice on whether the existing arrangements are human rights compliant. Party officials sought the advice to establish whether a legal challenge could be mounted in the courts.

Alliance has also proposed ending the ability of any Stormont party to veto the formation of a ministerial executive.

The DUP is currently exercising its veto in protest at Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol  meaning the Assembly cannot conduct business and a ministerial executive cannot function.

Sinn Fein previously used its veto to collapse the executive in 2017.

The UK Government has cut the pay of MLAs by 27.5% amid the current impasse. Mrs Long said while MLAs could not be expected to be paid in full when Stormont was collapsed, she said the Government should go further and cut the entire salary of MLAs belonging to the party blocking the restoration of the institutions.

The Alliance Party, which aligns as neither unionist nor nationalist, has been boosted by a series of successful recent elections. In last Mays Assembly poll, it emerged as the third largest party with 17 seats  more than doubling its representation in the devolved legislature.

Mrs Long told conference delegates at the Stormont Hotel that powersharing was at risk of death by a thousand collapses.

The former justice minister said it was time to implement her partys reform proposals.

Irrespective of whether the DUP decide that its in their own party-political interests to return to Stormont  for we know thats all that matters to them  the current system of stop-go, up-down, ransom politics needs to end, she said.

That is in Northern Irelands interests and that should be the priority.

I am weary of successive governments telling us that we have won the intellectual argument on reform  this isnt debate club or an academic exercise. It isnt about being right, its about delivering solutions.

We do not want to be patronised and patted on the head. We want our mandate, our votes and our voters votes to be treated as equal to everyone elses. We want the people who vote for us to have a stable, functioning government. No more excuses. No more delays.

Failure to act is ruining peoples lives and jeopardising the Good Friday Agreement itself.

By responding to those who up-end the institutions, by pandering to their demands time after time, rather than ending their ability to do so, they are condemning devolution to death by a thousand collapses.

The 1998 Good Friday peace agreement saw the creation of a system that required the biggest political bloc of unionists to share power with the biggest bloc of nationalists in a mandatory coalition.

Currently, an administration cannot be formed unless the biggest unionist party and the biggest nationalist party agree to participate in it.

Alliance wants to change this mandatory coalition system, thus removing the ability of any big party to prevent an executive being established.

The party also wants to reform the community designation system at Stormont, which effectively hands blocs of unionists or nationalists a veto in contentious votes in both the Assembly and Executive.

The controversial method means parties, such as Alliance, that designate as neither cannot influence votes where the results are determined by how many unionists and nationalists support or reject a proposal.

Alliance insists this system is no longer fit for purpose, as an increasing number of MLAs in the Assembly are designated as others and are unable to have a say in contentious decisions.

It favours an alternative method whereby controversial votes require a weighted majority to pass.

To sit in the Chamber and listen to others wax lyrical about being treated like second-class citizens, when their votes count for more than ours, is frankly an affront to democracy, Mrs Long said.

Not only is it not acceptable, it might well be unlawful, and, conference, we are willing to put that to the test if we have to.

Because this isnt just about us as a political party and the way in which our votes and our voters are made count for less. It is about how ransom politics disadvantages everyone in Northern Ireland.

Mrs Long insisted it has always been envisaged that the Good Friday Agreement arrangements could be adjusted as politics developed in Northern Ireland.

The Good Friday Agreement was always designed to be a foundation on which we could build a better, more shared and prosperous future for all our people  it was never and should never become the ceiling of our ambitions for Northern Ireland, she said.

Our proposals for reform enshrine the right of parties to be in government based on the strength of their electoral mandate. However, they remove the right of any one party to deny the people of Northern Ireland a government.

They allow those who wish to get on with the work of government to do so and those who refuse to sit it out if they choose  no-one is being excluded, unlike the current absurdity where everyone is.

And, conference, I doubt that either of the two main parties would actually walk away from government if they thought for one second that it would continue without them.
Samsung started its year with Samsung Galaxy S23 series along with Samsung Galaxy Book3 series and now Samsung is reportedly all set to launch two new mid-range phones. Samsung Galaxy A54 and Samsung Galaxy A34 have been so much in the rumours lately, from design to camera. Now leaksters have dumped more details.

This time we have a rumour which reveals the launch date of Samsung Galaxy A54 and Samsung Galaxy A34. A tipster named Steve H.Mcfly has claimed that the phones are going to launch on March 15. However, there is no word from Samsungs side about the launch.

OK... I won't vouch this one by 100% but I heard from a quite reliable source that #Samsung will officially unveil the #GalaxyA34 and #GalaxyA54 on March 15th... pic.twitter.com/eoidRjCRMS  Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) March 1, 2023

Along with the launch date, we have other leaks of the phones as well.

Samsung Galaxy A34 and Samsung Galaxy A54 specifications

1. Samsung Galaxy A54 is expected to feature a 6.4-inch sAMOLED Full HD display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. The display panel will reportedly support up to 120Hz refresh rate.

Samsung Galaxy A34 might be rolling out with a 6.6-inch Full HD+ sAMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and support a refresh rate of 120Hz.

2. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is said to be equipped with Samsungs own Exynos 1380 SoC, whereas, Samsung Galaxy A34 is expected to launch with Mediatek Dimensity 1080 processor.

3. Samsung Galaxy A54 has been rumoured to sport a triple camera setup holding a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and an 8-megapixel macro lens. It is also rumoured to sport a 32-megapixel selfie shooter.

Samsung Galaxy A34 has been also rumoured to sport a triple camera setup holding a 48-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 5-megapixel macro/ bokeh lens. It will reportedly sport a 32-megapixel selfie shooter.

4. Both phones could be backed by a 5000mAh battery with 25-watt fast charging support.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page.
Vi has announced a new prepaid plan worth 296 in India. It is quite similar to the Airtel plan of the same price. It is a short term plan and offers round-off validity of 30 days and bulk data.

Here are three benefits offered in VIs 296 plan.

Vodafone Idea 296 Plan

1. Data

This offer comes with 25GB of bulk data and is good for those who look for data heavy packs.It additionally offers you truly unlimited voice calling and along with 100 SMS/day.

2. Validity

The prepaid plan will be valid for 30 days straight unlike other prepaid plans which only last for 28 days.

3. VI Movies and TV

However, unlike the other plans Vi Hero Unlimited benefits are not included in the plan. But you get the benefit of Vi Movies and TV.

That was all about the VI 296 prepaid plan. Not only VI is offering this plan but also other telecom companies. Let's take a look at the same plan of Airtel and Jio.

Airtel 296 plan

Just like the Vi offer, Airtel also sells a plan worth Rs 296. It also offers its users 25GB data along with a similar 30 days validity. It also includes unlimited calling facility and 100 SMS per day.

It also gives its users additional benefits like Apollo 24|7 Circle, Rs 100 cashback on FASTag, along with free Hellotunes and Wynk Music Free.

Jio 296 plan

Just like the other two, Jio also gives you 25GB daily data with the recharge plan. It also offers unlimited calling and 100 SMS every day to the users. However, there are various benefits included with the pack, such as access to JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud and JioSecurity.

For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in or head to our Google News page.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Marking the opening of the ABB Dundalk R&D Centre in Ireland were (from left) William Dannelly, Product Line Manager  QCS, ABB, Stefano Cinquina, Business Line Manager, Pulp & Paper, ABB, Dara Calleary T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment, Mary Buckley, Interim CEO, IDA Ireland, Joachim Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB, Michael Kerley, Global Technology Manager for ABB Pulp & Paper. Photo: Ken Finegan/Newspics

Today in Dundalk, ABB officially opened a global research and development centre for the pulp and paper industry. The new multi-million-dollar ABB Dundalk R&D Centre is at the heart of ABBs automation and digital offering for the sector and will be home to the ongoing evolution of the ABB Quality Control System (QCS).

New ideas and products will be piloted and managed into the suite of applications for improved quality in the complex world of papermaking, where manufacturers often struggle to balance ever-changing variables to produce paper to customers particular specifications.

This will include solutions for measuring, adjusting, optimizing and controlling quality as the paper web makes its way through the paper machine to form the end-products, including paper and board. ABB says its vision for the centre is to develop solutions that respond to global trends and can meet the sustainability goals of the rapidly evolving industry.

A new QCS, for example, has the potential to reduce annual waste (production losses) by two percent or more per paper machine. This can impact a mill's sustainability goals by also reducing annual emissions for each machine by the same two percent, or 1.1 kt CO2, using the assumption of 57 kt CO2 emissions for a typical paper/board/tissue machine.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

This is a very welcome investment in Louth and the wider region, and is an endorsement of the area as an excellent place for businesses to thrive and grow, said Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation. ABBs new centre here in Dundalk will support technology advancement in the pulp and paper industry with the creation of up to 30 new highly skilled jobs to the area.

The new R&D facility will provide an exciting space for innovation to help papermakers in areas such as waste reduction, reducing emissions including finding new ways of reaching sustainability goals. The Government is hugely supportive of any new innovations that help us reach our goal of protecting the future of our planet.

Thanks to ABB for their continued investment in Ireland. Congratulations to all the team, and I wish you the best with this exciting new chapter.

The centre will take advantage of modern technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), collaborative robots and Augmented/Virtual Reality for training and field service delivery to better meet the needs of ABBs pulp and paper development team.

The site will also include a new training hub that will provide skills development support for ABB and customers alike, enabling more cross-industry partnerships and collaboration.

ABBs Pulp and Paper business grows year on year, and this investment into our Quality Control Systems development will allow us to sustain our global market leadership and push the industry forward for the next generation of papermakers, said Joachim Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB.

With Ireland ranked in the top 10 EU countries for innovation and boasting the fourth-highest international share of workforce in the EU, it is the perfect location for our new R&D site. From this base, we will continue to advance the future of the industry and pioneer new technologies to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

ABB has been a leading employer in Dundalk for 40 years, said Mary Buckley, Interim CEO, IDA Ireland.

This new R&D centre is a significant expansion and is very much aligned to IDA Irelands Sustainability pillar that is central to our current strategy. I wish ABB every success with this multi-million-euro investment.

Louth TD, Fergus O'Dowd welcomed the news that up to 30 high-level jobs will be created over the next three to five years.

He said, this announcement will be well received in County Louth and comes on the same day as IBEC forecasts the Irish economy will now expand by 3.6% this year, an increase on its November prediction of 2%.

Deputy ODowd added, the centre itself will support technology advancement in the pulp and paper industry and the new jobs will focus on research, engineering and sales. Vacancies will be found at job openings at ABB Ireland.

Massive congratulations to everyone at ABB and I look forward to seeing the new centre take shape in the very near future.
Louth based Senator Erin McGreehan says she welcomes the announcement it is very positive news that a conclusion has been reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

In a statement by Senator McGreehan, she says, "although I am hesitant about becoming too excited until we have it's clear acceptance and support from all unionist parties."

She continued: "This is a political agreement in principle between the European Commission and the UK government has been reached on the Windsor Framework. This constitutes a comprehensive set of joint solutions to address, in a definitive manner, the real-life concerns of all communities in Northern Ireland, while protecting the integrity of the EU Single Market.

"The solutions have been found within the framework of the Withdrawal Agreement, of which the Protocol is an integral part.

"These practical and sustainable solutions mark a new way forward on the Protocol and ensure legal clarity and predictability for people and businesses in Northern Ireland. The solutions strike the right balance between flexibilities and effective safeguards for the protection of the EU Single Market.

"They rest primarily on new data sharing agreements, arrangements on customs, agri-food, medicines, VAT and excise, State aid, as well as specific instruments designed to ensure that the voices of people of Northern Ireland are better heard on specific issues particularly relevant to communities."

The Fianna Fail senator went on to say, "it is my opinion there is a need to give adequate time and space to the DUP leadership and indeed supporters to go over the entire document. There is however a fine line on delays on the returning to power sharing in the Assembly. The people of the North should have the expectation of a functioning democracy and that the mandate that they provided would be respected.

"Politics and moments like this require great leadership and when Northern Ireland needed strong leadership David Trimble stood up, took huge risks and ensured that the Good Friday Agreement was agreed and ratified.

"My concern has always been focused on stability, progress, giving the people of the North the Assembly they elected and want to govern them. There is a time that we need to look at the entire saga of Brexit; the instability, the time, the effort, the insults, the false dawns, false deadlines, disappointments and be clear that it is in the best interest not to drag this out for much longer.

"Leaders must lead and politics must work.

Meeting with parties in Stormont this week with fellow Fianna Fail TD Padraig OSullivan from Cork, Senator Erin McGreehan said that the politicians from Unionist parties were open to the agreement and hopeful that all queries in relation to the new Framework can be answered and worked through.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
China's Zhu Lin into Monterrey WTA 250 semis

Xinhua) 13:28, March 04, 2023

MONTERREY, Mexico, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China's Zhu Lin swept American player Caroline Dolehide 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the women's singles semifinals at the WTA 250 event here on Friday.

"(Although) All games are not easy for me, I want to keep moving in a good way. Playing patiently game by game, sticking to my own way and trying best no matter who the opponent is," the fifth seed said.

The 29-year-old won her first-ever WTA Tour singles title at the WTA 250 Thailand Open at Hua Hin, Thailand early this month.

It's the second time that Zhu stepped into a women's singles semifinal this year. She will meet the third seed Donna Vekic in the next round.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

For the first time, the Biden administration is offering money to recently shuttered nuclear plants that want to come back to life.

The funding is part of the $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program offered to prevent the early closings of nuclear reactors as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Department of Energy (DOE) published application guidelines for the programs second award cycle on Thursday, arguing that nuclear energy is essential for President Joe Bidens vision of a carbon-free electricity grid by 2035.

President Bidens $6 billion investment in the Civil Nuclear Credit Program made it abundantly clear that preserving the domestic nuclear fleet is critical to reaching Americas clean energy future, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in a statement announcing the current round of applications. Expanding the scope of this Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will allow even more nuclear facilities the opportunity to continue operating as economic drivers in local communities that benefit from cheap, clean, and reliable power.

The 2nd award cycle of the Civil Nuclear Credit Program is open! The program makes credits available to nuclear reactors at risk of closure, helping reach our clean energy goals & preserving thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs.



 Apply by 5/31: https://t.co/zjm8npMLzS pic.twitter.com/Cz6NBdXHET  U.S. Department of Energy (@ENERGY) March 2, 2023

The first round of funding only offered money to plants that planned to close within the four-year award window. Those first funds have been offered conditionally to Californias Diablo Canyon Power Plant, whose 1 and 2 reactors had been scheduled for decommissioning in 2024 and 2025 respectively, the DOE noted in November of 2022. The second, however, will go to both plants that are at risk of closing in that four-year window or that have already closed after Nov. 15, 2021.

That means that Michigans Palisades plant, which closed two weeks early in May 2022 after the discovery of a coolant leak, will be eligible to apply, as Reuters reported. The plants current owner, Holtec International, applied for the first round of funding but was rejected.

This is great news for the industry, and our country, to consider nuclear so vital for our energy future that the idea of what we are trying to accomplish with Palisades, returning a shutdown nuclear plant back to operation, is something that should happen, Holtec director of government affairs Patrick OBrien told Reuters in an email.

The plant previously supported around 600 well-paying jobs.

There will be a total of $1.2 billion available as part of this second application period, which closes May 31.

The program, and the DOEs rhetoric surrounding it, reflects a shift on nuclear power among some environmental advocates in the context of the climate crisis. The DOE emphasized the climate benefits of nuclear in its announcement and noted that the closing of nuclear plants can lead to an increase in both climate warming emissions and other types of air pollution in the surrounding area.

The head of Bidens Office of Nuclear Energy is a 36-year-old named Kathryn Huff who chose to pursue a career in physics and nuclear engineering in part because of global heating.

My generation is profoundly concerned about climate change, and the climate crisis can only be solved with clean energy, Huff told Inside Climate News in a recent profile. Right now our biggest single source of clean electricity in this country is nuclear power. And so a lot of folks in my generation have that as the sort of existential crisis driving their concerns.

However, not all environmentalists have embraced nuclear. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), for example, criticized Bidens decision to fund the extension of Diablo Canyon.

This decision by the Biden administration is misguided and sets a dangerous precedent for other regulated energy states and utilities to keep aging, dilapidated nuclear plants operating, EWG President and California resident Ken Cook said in a statement at the time. A far better use of $1 billion in taxpayer money would be to invest in clean, safe, renewable sources of electricity like solar, wind and storage.
The Singrauli region produces 16% of coal and 13% of thermal power in India. Various state and non-state institutions have examined the consequent regional pollution. This paper attempts to document the health damage to the regional population. A survey of 4,383 families in southern Sonbhadra district yielded data on select health impacts, which were then mapped to correlate to the industrial gaseous emissions. The consequent economic losses were calculated using the procedure outlined in the Employees Compensation Act, 1923 and court judgments. These economic externalities borne by the local population range from 23 to 124 times the total environmental compensation that courts have so far ordered industries to pay to the state for environmental remediation.
Have you wondered what ChatGPT might say about you if asked to write your bio? And what if you asked AI to create a portrait of you?

That's what author Gini Graham Scott did to find out, as described in this quirky new book: My Bio According to ChatGPTAnd It Was All Wrong! With the subtitle: Plus Using AI to Create a Self-Portrait, and How to Create Your Own Bio and Portrait. She was curious to see what ChatGPT might know about her and how accurate it was. The result was five attempts to generate a bio and each one was totally wrong. So she wrote an article about her experience for Medium.

Then she wondered what another AI platform, NightCafe, which uses the Stable Diffusion and DALL-E programs to generate images, would come up with if she put in her name or a previous photograph of her. The results were hilarious. The images were like creating a fantasy portrait or avatar.

And anyone can do this  create their bio or portrait using AI.

So after writing an article for Medium about her experience with ChatGPT and experimenting with AI portraits, she turned her explorations of AI into a book, and the last chapter describes how others can do this, too. It might even be fun to share your AI created bio and portraits with others. Here's the link for the paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW2HRFTM and for Kindle:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXCXTYTF

Here's how the book introduction begins:

Writing My Bio According to ChatGPTAnd It Was All Wrong! started off with an experiment. I had been hearing about all the things that ChatGPT could do in writing different types of text  from blogs, articles, and marketing copy to songs, poems, and book chapters. It could also write contracts, resumes, and scripts. At the same time, I heard about its inaccuracies and misinformation. I learned how one New York Times writer who engaged in a two-hour conversation was creeped out when the chat bot professed it's love for him and suggested he should leave his wife.

So I was curious. Could ChatGPT write my bio, which I was in the process of updating? And if it could, what would it say?

As a result, I asked ChatGPT to "Write a bio of Gini Graham Scott," and I generated five versions of the bio. So how did it do? Each bio was fine in providing an overview of what I did in the first paragraph. But then they each got most of the details wrong  from when and where I was born to where I went to college, the names of my books and films, and other the work I did as a researcher. One bio even credited me with being an accomplished artist, who had works exhibited "in galleries in San Francisco, New York, and Paris." But not a word of that was true. I certainly wasn't an artist creating paintings for exhibitions, no matter where they were located.

The mistakes were so frequent and crazy that I wrote an article for Medium, "What If Someone Wants to Know about You Using ChatGPT? How ChatGPT Gets It All Wrong".

After that, I wondered what would happen if I asked one of the image-generating programs like Stable Diffusion, DALL-E, or Midjourney to create a portrait of me. So I put a request for that in NightCafe, which uses the Stable Diffusion platform, and tried using several dozen modifiers for the style of the art. I began by writing, "Create a portrait of Gini Graham Scott" and then tried a few different styles. I even put in a photograph of me taken a few years ago by a local photographer.

The result? Several dozen images, though none of them looked like me. I've included the images I liked best in different types in Chapter 4.

In sum, this book features chapters on these topics:

The many mistakes made by ChatGPT

My biography according to ChatGPT.

My actual bio with the mistakes by ChatGPT highlighted.

A portfolio of pictures of me from Stable Diffusion and NightCafe

How you can do your own bio search and create images of yourself.

It's a truly funny book about how AI can get some basic information about us wrong and create some truly bizarre and crazy images of who we might be.

As for who Gini Graham is really She has published over 200 books on all sorts of topics, from books on business and self-help to memoirs, children's picture books, and books on social justice and crime. She has written and executive produced 18 feature films and documentaries. She also helps authors with all kinds of books as a ghostwriter. To know more, you can read the book My Bio According to ChatGPT, which includes her corrected bio.

You can find more information about Gini Graham Scott and her books at Changemakers Publishing and Writing (http://www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com). More information on films is at www.changemakersproductionsfilms.com.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High 62F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. Low 34F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
House Republican leadership holds a news conference after the transmittal deadline on Friday, March 3, 2023. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

The Montana Legislature hit the transmittal deadline Friday  the halfway mark of the 2023 session  after sending more than 550 bills to the other chamber in the first 45 days, including hundreds during the last few days.

Republicans celebrated the accomplishments of their supermajority, citing tax relief and some of their culture-related bills against drag shows and obscene materials, on the mark of the halfway point of the legislative session Friday.

House Speaker Rep. Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, said the world is becoming a more dangerous place for youth. He referred to bills letting kids physically fight back against bullies and legislation proposed to ban drag shows on public property, saying, kids need to be kids.

They should not be worried about how to deal with the bully or the pressures of the left to subtly or even overtly be sexualized, Regier said at a press conference.

When the bullying bill was heard on the floor, Democrats said the bill could potentially open the door for more harassment, giving bullies the opportunity to make it seem like they were the victims and get away with it.

Democrats also staunchly opposed the bill proposed by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, that would prohibit drag performances on public property, standing in opposition when Republican lawmakers referred to all-ages drag shows as inherently sexual.

The House understands that Montana has become a state for families fleeing from woke extremism, Regier said.

Republicans also highlighted bills  endorsed by Attorney General Austin Knudsen  that would bar companies that have policies against working with the gun industry from holding contracts with the state. They touted bills on abortion and charter schools.

Regier said he was thrilled the Republicans tax relief initiative, Senate Bill 121, was headed for Gov. Greg Gianfortes desk. The bill will cut top earners tax rate from 6.5% to 5.9%, which Democrats critiqued as relief for the wealthy.

Senate Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, also cited the tax relief bill as a point of pride for the party upon transmittal on Thursday evening. Additionally, Fitzpatrick pointed to bills around judicial injunctions, several of which he put forward, that also made it across the finish line. The bills would aid in ensuring legislation being litigated is implemented and puts limits on the courts ability to enjoin bills that are being challenged.

House Appropriations Chairman Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, said in a response to a question about the two different proposals surrounding Medicaid provider reimbursement rates, one that passed on the House floor Thursday night and the other out of an Appropriations subcommittee, his preference is always House Bill 2 from Appropriations.

But obviously, we have to take a look at all factors to ensure that our nursing homes providers are treated respectfully across Montana, he said.

Following the failure of several bills aimed at changing the framework of the judiciary in Montana, Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, said he drafted a Constitutional Amendment to put forward to Montanans whether Supreme Court Justices be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to be considered by the body in the latter half of the session.

Democratic leadership celebrated some wins for priorities they were able to get groups of Republicans onboard with the first half of the session and in the week before transmittal  including Rep. Mary Caferros bill to fully fund Medicaid rates, Rep. Jonathan Windy Boys Indian Child Welfare Act bill, and measures on childcare.

They also criticized Republicans spending spree and move to push through a $1 billion tax cut package.

Republicans have become the party of big government, said Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade. Theyve grown the budget every year theyve been in control  with a couple of limited exceptions.

Flowers and House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, spoke twice during the past week about how budget status sheets have shown spending has already topped $2 billion this session. At Fridays transmittal news conference, they stood next to a large sign that showed the spending had already hit $2.6 billion.

Flowers called the tax cut package candy-coated gems aimed solely at getting votes and appealing to wealthy people in Montana. He said the property and income tax cuts were tasty one-time morsels that werent very filling for average Montanans.

Abbott said she hopes  though it is unlikely to happen  Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte sends the package of tax cuts back to the appropriations committee to wait until there is better investments in housing and better-targeted tax relief.

House Minority Whip Derek Harvey, D-Butte, hailed the effort from Democrats to again kill right-to-work proposals with support from public and private unions.

Theyre clearly not even Republican Montana values, but yet their party bosses keep letting them push these agendas that would directly impact Montana families, Harvey said. These are Koch-backed groups that wander these hallways and push these radical agendas, and thats not Montana values.

Democratic leadership said they had spent much of the first half of the 2023 session defending Montanans from national efforts brought to the state to impose right-wing policies on schools, teachers, the LGBTQ community, diversity and deregulation, as well as local efforts to strip power from the judicial branch.

It is an echo chamber. And we saw some of the terrible bills that went down yesterday by a large majority that came out of that echo chamber  terrible ideas that should have never been on that floor, said Flowers. But they were there because they were talking to each other and reinforcing each other, and at the same time, dismissing what I think were many reasonable ideas that needed further debate that came from Montana Democrats.

Caferro, the Helena Democrat, said she was not surprised, but rather grateful, that 65 lawmakers agreed to fully fund Medicaid reimbursement rates  one of the top goals from Democrats this session.

People are suffering and what you saw last night was bipartisan support for people with disabilities, business owners, and thats what you saw  just people need our help. They need our help now, she said.

For the rest of the session, leadership said it wants to stay focused on addressing the housing crisis, efforts to build more workforce housing, working on the mental health crisis in Montana and helping parents care for their children.

They would also like to save more of the surplus money, which Republicans are largely seeking to spend or send to taxpayers in various ways, to have a cushion in the event of an economic downturn and to provide more stable budgets in the future.

But they acknowledged Friday that because of the Republican supermajority, they will need to continue working to win over Republican support for their ideas from whichever factions of the party it may come from.

Well work with anyone whos willing to work with us to protect our communities and deliver for our constituents, and thats been sort of all brands of Republicans, Abbott said.  But I think weve been clear from Day 1  were here to try to leverage our votes for our constituents, and well do that however we can.

The post GOP lauds tax breaks, culture bills as Democrats criticize supermajority at halfway mark appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Gov. Greg Gianforte touts historic tax cuts during the 2023 Montana Legislature. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

Gov. Greg Gianforte touted Thursday a series of bills sent to his desk by lawmakers representing more than $1 billion in tax cuts in the first half of the legislative session.

We now have a historic tax relief package providing Montanans the largest tax cut in state history, said Gianforte, a Republican.

At a press conference, Gianforte said Montanans at every income level would see a benefit. His office estimated the package of bills includes more than $500 million in permanent income tax relief.

He praised the legislators who had sponsored the bills, on the way to his desk for signing.

Ultimately, its not the governments money. Its Montanans. Its the money of the people that earned it, Gianforte said.

An analysis by the Department of Revenue provided by the Governors Office shows the income tax cut for Yellowstone County is estimated at $42.2 million for the biennium, for example. For Ravalli County, the DOR estimates the cut will be $9.7 million for the same period.

Democrats have criticized the tax cuts as an irresponsible spending spree and have said they disproportionately benefit wealthy people.

In a news release Friday after the legislature adjourned for its midterm break, Democratic leadership said Republicans had worked to benefit the top 1%, second homeowners, and nonresident landowners.

These are candy-coated gems to get votes, simply appealing to their wealthy base, said Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, in a statement.

Gianforte, however, said the bills will provide immediate rebates and long-term relief, and will help grow the economy. He also touted an increase in the business equipment tax exemption to $1 million.

This is 10 times what it was when I came into office, Gianforte said.

He said it would help more than 5,000 small businesses.

The Montana Budget and Policy Center said an analysis of four tax bills shows the top 1% of earners get an average annual tax cut of $9,153; those with middle incomes, from $46,000 to $81,000, get $1,161; and those with lower incomes get a few hundred dollars on average at most.

(The bills the center evaluated are Senate Bill 121, House Bill 221, House Bill 192, and House Bill 222, for income tax cuts, property and income tax rebates, and capital gains tax cut.)

On the 44th day of the 90-day legislative session, the governor highlighted achievements including the following:

A lowered income tax rate in Senate Bill 121, sponsored by Sen. Becky Beard, R-Elliston. The bill lowers the income tax rate most Montanans pay from 6.75% to 5.9% and more than triples the earned income tax credit for lower-income people.

Property tax relief in rebates worth more than $280 million. House Bill 222, sponsored by Rep. Tom Welch, R-Dillon, provides a $500 property tax rebate in 2023 and 2024.

Raising business equipment tax exemption to $1 million. House Bill 212 is sponsored by Rep. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton.

Investments of $100 million to repair roads and bridges through the SAFER Fund. House Bill 267 is sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell.

Paying off the states debt with House Bill 251, sponsored by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad. The governor said Montana will be debt-free in 23 and save $40 million over two years.

Although he celebrated wins at the press conference, Gianforte also took the House Appropriations Committee to task for tabling a child tax credit bill, House Bill 268, sponsored by Rep. Kassmier.

These legislators are stalling this pro-family, pro-growth tax cut for the sake of hardworking Montana families, Gianforte said. Our friends in the legislature ought to get this bill across the finish line.

Gianforte urged lawmakers to keep House Bill 269 alive as well. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Brewster, R-Billings, the Local Disaster Resiliency Fund was tabled in committee on Feb. 15, according to legislative records.

Gianforte said failing to pass it would be a dereliction of duty.

The post Gov. Gianforte touts historic tax cuts appeared first on Daily Montanan.


Next Story : Solve Scalp Issues With LOreal Professionnel Scalp Advanced Range

For the longest time, jewellery was just an accoutrement  an extra thing you threw on to complete your look. A growing list of home-grown jewellery designers  SREESHA SHETTY of the jewellery label Lune among them  is now challenging that notion. You would not leave home without her simple yet statement pieces.I wore hoops as a teenager and frequented flea markets to find unique pieces, says Sreesha Shetty, founder of Lune, a contemporary Indian jewellery label thats had a somewhat radical effect on the way were looking at everyday jewellery. Like everyone who grew up in the 90s, Sreesha, too, inadvertently experienced the effect of the eras obsession with hoop earrings, chunky arm cuffs, chokers, and stacked bangles. Today, she is designing these very constants in a pared-down, minimal fashion that comes more naturally not only to her South Asian but also her global customers.Sreesha was raised in the bucolic state of Goa and is of South Indian descent. Growing up, she nurtured a love for arts and craft, and a certain dexterity that came in handy when she decided to make her own jewellery  a hobby she picked up in 2011 while spending a year off in Birmingham, England. Growing up in Goa, there werent many places you could shop, she recalls. So flea markets became my place to hunt for unique clothing and accessories. My love for finding flea markets led me to Custard Factory in Birmingham  a place that stocked indie brands and had vintage stores. In one of the establishments here, Sreesha found the supplies necessary to make her own jewellery. This was also a time when Instagram was simply the photo-sharing app that it was designed to be. Aesthetically-pleasing pieces that photographed well inundated Sreeshas profile, and, in a serendipitous manner, kick started her career in jewellery making. Later on, she quit her job as a fashion journalist, took a jewellery making short course at Central Saint Martins, London, and dove headfirst into working on Lune, which completed a decade last year.A lot of the pieces that Sreesha designs are inspired by celestial bodies. In fact, Lune itself roughly translates to moon in French. I love the innocence and science behind the name, she shares. The moon can mean so many things. Im Cancerian, so the moon has always had a unique place in my heart. Moon also means mother, woman and the feminine spirit astrologically. My mum and I run the business together, so Lune has always had a lot of female energy. Arguably, the Lune sculptural crater collection  the most famous collection Sreesha has designed and the one that vaulted her to stratospheric fame  too, had an astronomy-inspired origin story. She even dedicated the collection to Schrodinger and Apollo whose names have not really been associated with fashion, let alone jewellery. It featured pieces made from working on metal with hammers in a way that the resulting cavities looked like craters on planetary surfaces. Not a lot of people realise that each piece was handmade from scratch, hammered in a unique way, treated almost like a sculpture, says Sreesha about the textural earrings and bangles that dangled from the wrists and ear lobes of some of the most famous celebrities  an incontrovertible sign of having made it in these times. We developed our own techniques while making these pieces; we were not using moulds. Thats where the beauty of the collection lies.Even outside the crater collection, Lunes pieces  dainty necklaces with pearls and mother-of-pearl detailings, gemstone earrings, and eclectic geometric designs  are anything but ordinary. And yet, they fit seamlessly into the wardrobes of the men and women who choose to put them on, not despite but because of their simplistic designs. These pieces have changed the way we view everyday jewellery, in some measure, even elevating it. I want the wearers personality to shine through with Lune, says Sreesha. I think the simplicity and ease is what has resonated with many. In fact, its the comfort of picking up any piece and wearing it, no matter the occasion, that shes counting on. I hope Ive created a brand that will speak to every woman through her myriad phases and milestones of life. I want Lune to be an experience, a feeling and a mirror to our culture. Sreesha says she is excited about being recognised for the human values that transcend craft and design in the future. So are we.Photographs: Lune
In a day and age when hookup culture is rampant and casual sex seems like the only way to carry on, I often find myself wondering if I was born in the wrong era. Dont get me wrong, I have nothing against it, I actually applaud people who can do the deed without getting caught up with the barrage of feelings that it comes with but it doesnt make sense to me.See, I grew up watching movies with kiss-infused happy endings where the boy you liked stood outside your window blasting Peter Gabriels 'In Your Eyes' in an attempt to serenade you or said things like If youre a bird, Im a bird. So sue me for not jumping into bed at every chance I got in the hopes of finding the one connection that Id actually like.Our society is obsessed with physical relationships and our sexual preconceptions of what someone should be like. So it's hard sometimes to picture yourself being single, independent and happy without having had sex. Being a virgin in todays world is almost the equivalent of being a walking talking red flag. From the sacredness of our vaginas to our body being a temple of god to being labelled as a skank if you ever decide to explore your sexuality, it seems like women cant do anything right. But somehow, being a virgin takes the cake.

via GIPHY





With so many options and opportunities for your first time, one can easily let the pressure of ticking off doing the deed even if it comes at the expense of a companion who can drag you down. Dont for a second try to convince yourselves that your lack of experience means that you cant handle it or arent worthy of it, because there is nothing wrong with wanting something beyond a booty bump or two.So youre waiting for your stars to align to drop off the virgin tag, the following tips will help you navigate the world of modern dating.

via GIPHY

Its not a rite of passage you had to undergo the minute you turned 18. You definitely arent the only person on earth you haven't had sex. More than anything else, virginity was and still remains a societal construct. Whether youre choosing to stay celibate until marriage or just havent found the right person, you dont owe anybody an explanation. You and your reasons? All valid!

via GIPHY

As a woman, the most powerful thing you can do for yourself is learn your body like the dialogues of your favourite guilty-pleasure film. Explore your own sexuality, get to know where you liked to be touched, try out different sex toys - the key is to become so comfortable and confident in your personal sex life that you stop defining yourself by your inexperience and pave the way for positive conversations around being a virgin.

via GIPHY

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If youre anxious about getting down and dirty or cant even seem to picture it, youre not alone. Remember - nobody expects you to be an expert. More than anything else, make sure to manage your expectations. Its not going to be like Jack Dawson taking you on a trip to the milky way, and neither will it be like a scene from your favourite porno where the hot pole dancer ravages you in the backside alley.Sex is an exceptionally intimate experience that demands effort, its like undertaking a journey that centres around learning what you and your partner like and dont like - mutual understanding that paves the way for pleasure. Want to get a headstart? The Internet is your oyster! Turn to the many resources written by people who have gone through the same thing. It will not just make you feel understood but also guide you in your journey of putting yourself out there as and when you deem fit.Also Read: Sex Toys: Debunking The Myths
Sri Lankas garment exports stood at $388.9 million during January 2023, which dipped by 18.8 per cent over the exports of $478.9 million in the same period of the previous year, as per the statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The declining trend continued in the first month of 2023. Exports dropped by 8.7 per cent in December 2022 due to the economic slowdown.

During January 2023, textile exports from the island nation decreased by 1.2 per cent year-on-year to $27.4 million. The exports of other made-up textile articles stood at $8.1 million during the same period, down 14.6 per cent, according to the central banks report titled External Sector Performance.

Textiles, garment, and other made-up textile articles exports together accounted for 54.28 per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during the period under review, the report showed. The exports of all textile products totalled $424.4 million in January 2023, which was 17.8 per cent lower than the shipment during the same period last year.

Sri Lanka's garment exports stood at $388.9 million during January 2023, which dipped by 18.8 per cent over the exports of $478.9 million in January 2022, as per the statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The declining trend continued in the first month of 2023. Exports dropped by 8.7 per cent in December 2022 due to the economic slowdown.

On the other hand, imports of textiles and textile articles dropped by 31.3 per cent to $217.5 million, while clothing and accessories imports went down by 20.3 per cent to $18.2 million during January 2023.

Last year, Sri Lankas garment exports stood at $5,483.1 million which grew by 10.7 per cent over the exports of $4,951.5 million in 2021. The import of textiles and textile articles was $3,065.2 million, while clothing and accessories imports were recorded at $215.6 million last year.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Vietnam will turn into a key logistics and trade hub of the World Logistics Passport (WLP) network due to its strategic position as the transshipment and manufacturing hub of the region, WLP manager and lead of partnerships and hubs Abdulla Alsuwaidi told a recent seminar in Hanoi that launched the global, private sector-led initiative there.

The possibility of strengthening cooperation on logistics between Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was also discussed at the event.

WLP is designed to smoothen the flow of global trade, unlock market access and provide economic efficiencies to members. Enabled by key logistics partners such as airports, ports, and customs, WLP offers financial and non-financial benefits to traders and freight forwarders as a reward for increasing trade.

Vietnam will turn into a key logistics and trade hub of the World Logistics Passport (WLP) network due to its strategic position as the transshipment and manufacturing hub of the region, WLP manager and lead of partnerships and hubs Abdulla Alsuwaidi told a recent seminar in Hanoi that launched the global, private sector-led initiative there.

Vietnam is listed among 29 regional logistics and trade hubs of the programme from May 2021, with five businesses becoming its partners.

UAE ambassador to the country Bader Abdulla Al Matrooshi said that his kingdom is one of the largest trade partners of Vietnam in the Middle East and trade between the two sides is expected to increase through the improvement of trade and economic interests of WLP signatories, thus drawing more partners, according to a report in Vietnamese media outlet.

Twenty two enterprises offering logistics services in Vietnam have registered to participate as members of the WLP programme till now.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 3, 2023) - Solarvest BioEnergy Inc. (TSXV: SVS) ("Solarvest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases of September 22 and November 3, 2022, the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") has accepted for filing its new fixed stock option plan (the "2022 Plan"). The 2022 Plan reserves a total of 11,067,000 common shares for issuance pursuant to the grant of stock options. All outstanding options from the Company's previous stock option plan have been rolled into the 2022 Plan effective March 1, 2023 and will be governed by its terms. Although disinterested shareholder approval for the 2022 Plan was obtained at the annual meeting of shareholders held on October 25, 2022, due to certain revisions required by the Exchange, further disinterested shareholder approval is required to be obtained at the next meeting of shareholders.

The Company also wishes to announce that, effective March 1, 2023, it has issued an aggregate of 2,500,000 stock options to various directors and officers, each option entitling the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share. Of these options, 750,000 expire on March 1, 2026, and are not subject to vesting. The remaining 1,750,000 options, which expire on October 6, 2026, have been granted to Claes Ellegaard, CEO, as part of his compensation arrangements and include the 750,000 disclosed in the Company's news release of October 18, 2022. Of the options granted to Mr. Ellegaard, 750,000 vest immediately while the balance are subject to vesting and are releasable based on certain performance criteria contained in Mr. Ellegard's compensation package.

The Company also wishes to announce that, effective March 1, 2023, it has granted an aggregate of 1,780,000 stock options with an exercise price of $0.10 to various business consultants. The expiry dates of these options vary as they run concurrently with the consultant contracts although no consultant options expire any later than March 1, 2026.

As a result of the foregoing issuances and previously announced grants, as at the date hereof, the aggregate number of options issued and outstanding under the 2022 Plan is 8,575,000 leaving available 2,492,000 options available for future grants.

About Solarvest

Solarvest BioEnergy Inc. is an algae biologics company whose production platform provides it with an extremely flexible system capable of producing numerous products from Omega 3 fatty acids to human therapeutic proteins.

For further information contact:

Claes Ellegaard

Phone: 1.514.898.3488

Email: invest@solarvest.ca

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157249
Russian forces not only failed to quickly conquer Ukraine in early 2022 but suffered such heavy losses that its army is unable to carry out effective offensive operations until the forces are rebuilt and re-equipped. That will take years so during that time Russian troops will continue to suffer heavy losses in Ukraine defending territory they already have and carrying out small scale attacks. Russia has been forced to adopt a new strategy against Ukraine and has come up with a plan to continue attacks against the Ukrainian economy. This deprives more Ukrainians of jobs and homes and forces more to leave the country. Ukraine has already seen about 20 percent of its population flee the country because of dangers civilians face from the Russian attacks on the economy.

This strategy is meant to prolong the war and demoralize Ukraines NATO allies as well as the Ukrainian population. This Russian strategy of attacks on the economy began a few months after the war began and the Russian forces suffered heavy losses. For most of 2022 Russia was deliberately attacking the Ukrainian economy and the result was that Ukrainian GDP declined 30 percent in 2022. The initial Russian attacks concentrated on Ukrainian defense industries, followed by major non-defense industries and agriculture. Russia deliberately attacked power plants, oil refineries and distribution networks for natural gas. It was these attacks on economic targets that prompted NATO nations to send in anti-aircraft systems. Meanwhile Russia was attacking agricultural production by attacking grain storage silos and agricultural infrastructure. Some crop land was rendered unusable by planting landmines. Russia attacked grain ships operating from Black Sea ports and many of these ships were forced to take shelter in Ukrainian ports. Grain and other foodstuffs are major Ukrainian exports and Russia deliberately sought to shut down these exports. The cost of flour and bread went up worldwide but particularly in countries more dependent on grain imports.

While NATO shipments of weapons to Ukrainian forces receive lots of media attention, there has been an equally large effort to assist the Ukrainian economy. The Ukrainian GDP was $200 billion in 2021 and $122 billion in foreign military and economic assistance in 2022. Repairing the Ukrainian economy cannot begin on a large scale until the war ends. It was hoped this might happen by the end of 2023, but the Russian strategy is to keep the war going for as long as it takes to weaken NATO resolve and enable Russia to declare some kind of victory. This is a victory of the create a desert and call it peace variety. So far the destruction is mainly in Ukraine, with Russia threatening to use its nuclear weapons if any large scale destruction takes place in Russia.

In late 2022 Ukraine estimated that the Russian attacks on the economy would require a reconstruction budget of over $350 billion. As the destruction continues in 2023, reconstruction costs increase as well. That has led to serious proposals to seize $350 billion in Russian assets in the West that have been frozen (kept from Russian control) for the duration of the war. Russia is also accused of more conventional war crimes committed in Ukraine against civilians. Russia is unmoved by the Western threats and accusations and determined to make Ukraine and the West suffer for its role in defeating Russian efforts to conquer Ukraine. The Russian government describes their attack on Ukraine as an effort to defend Russia from NATO aggression. According to Russia their tactics are justified as part of its defensive measures.

Destruction on this scale was last seen during World War II when the economies of Russia, Germany and Japan were largely destroyed by ground combat and aerial bombing. Russia is inflicting this degree of damage on Ukraine in an effort to overcome their inability to conquer Ukraine militarily. The NATO nations are having a hard time accepting the degree of devastation Russia is inflicting on Ukraine. NATO members bordering Ukraine or Russia see this as typical Russian behavior and for over decade warned that Russia was making threats that more distant NATO members considered exaggerated. Never underestimate Russia, especially when they dont get what they want and respond with a destructive tantrum.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 3, 2023) - SALAZAR RESOURCES LIMITED (TSXV: SRL) (OTCQX: SRLZF) (FSE: CCG) ("Salazar Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to report on exploration activities on the 1,175 hectare Correa-Jiron concession ("El Potro") project in the Loja porphyry district of southern Ecuador. Salazar Resources has identified a porphyry system at El Potro with significant exploration potential.

Highlights:

Copper and molybdenum coincident anomalies 1.5 km x 0.5 km

Large porphyry complex with breccias and stockworks

Green Rocks Vectoring report indicates Tier-1 porphyry characteristics

Fredy E. Salazar, President and CEO of Salazar Resources said, "El Potro has great exploration potential. The copper and molybdenum anomalies are open along strike and the geology indicates a highly active mineral system. El Potro is located in the main fairway of a prolific Miocene age belt hosting a number of copper and gold deposits. Salazar Resources has the potential to add to the list of discoveries with exploration success at El Potro."

Background

As previously reported (November 30, 2021), El Potro is located in the Western Cordillera in the Loja Province, south Ecuador. The license area lies within the mineralized Miocene Belt, only 40 km to the north of the giant Rio Blanco1 deposit in Peru. The USGS reports that Rio Blanco hosts resources of 1,257 Mt @ 0.57% and 228ppm Mo. The Bramaderos Project, a new discovery, is 66 km to the northwest.

Salazar Resources believes the project is prospective for porphyry and epithermal mineralization throughout its concession.

In 2022 Salazar Resources carried out extensive fieldwork at El Potro. Exploration has identified two areas, approximately 1 km apart from each other, with elevated to anomalous copper and molybdenum in rock samples (Figures 3 and 4). In addition, a Green Rocks Vectoring report was carried out by the Natural History Museum, London, UK.





Figure 1: Regional geology



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Figure 2: Location map



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El Potro (La Wayra Anomaly)

Exploration results from a mineralized lithocap at La Wayra were reported in a news release dated November 30, 2021. The anomaly exhibits intense silica-argillic alteration, free gold and a trench result of with 44.7m @ 2.54 g/t Au.

El Potro (Osos Negros Anomaly)

This newly identified Cu-Mo anomaly is a complex of porphyries + hydrothermal breccias + quartz stockworks intrusive into metamorphic rocks (quartzites + schists) at 3400 to 3600 meters asl. There is phyllic and sodic-calcic alteration with pyrite, chalcopyrite, molybdenite and magnetite. The anomaly currently measures approximately 1.5 km x 0.5 km. To-date, 619 chip and channel samples ranging from 2m to 5m in length have been collected (Table 1).

Table 1

Osos Negro Anomaly - 619 Rock Samples Au (ppm) # Samples Cu (ppm) # Samples Mo (ppm) # Samples <0.05 592 <100 373 <10 490 0.05-0.01 23 100-300 145 10-25 78 0.1-0.5 4 300-500 45 25-50 34 >0.5 0 >500 56 >50 17 Max. 0.266 Max. 1982.8 Max. 1325

The geochemistry confirms the presence of copper-molybdenum porphyry mineralization. The geology indicates the apical to intermediate part of the system.





Figure 3 Rock sampling - copper



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Figure 4 Rock sampling - molybdenum



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Figures 5 & 6: Hydrothermal sodic-calcic breccia; magnetite-pyrite matrix and copper sulphates



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Figures 7 and 8: Porphyry with intense quartz stockwork with pyrite and traces of chalcopyrite



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Green Rocks Vectoring

Salazar Resources Ltd sent rock samples to the Natural History Museum ("NHM"), London, UK for a Green Rock Vectoring ("GRV") study. Fifteen samples were analysed from across the concession area. As Figures 3 and 4 show, the eastern half of the concession is dominated by metamorphic quartzites, and Salazar Resources interprets these rocks to represent the country rock, into which porphyry bodies have intruded.

The GRV study noted stronger chlorite development in the intrusive rocks than in the metamorphic rocks. The first pass results provide clear evidence of porphyry-related propylitic alteration in the west and chlorite in the east that is strongly indicative of a metamorphic origin. A fertility assessment of the data by the NHM confirms that two of the samples potentially belong within the halos of significant deposits.

Future Work

Salazar Resources may commission GRV analysis of additional rock samples to support and enhance the initial interpretation. The Company is also reviewing options for carrying out a ground geophysics survey of the main anomalous areas within the concession.

Salazar will be attending PDAC in Toronto next week

Salazar Resources Ltd. Will be attending the PDAC convention next week. Please visit at booth 2945 in the main exhibit hall.

QA/QC

Salazar maintains a rigorous chain of custody control and quality assurance/control program that includes insertion of certified standard control samples and blanks, and reanalysis of samples with high levels (overlimit) of gold, copper, and zinc. All samples were analyzed by SGS Del Ecuador S.A., an ISO 17025:1999 and ISO 9001:2000 certified laboratory. The laboratory also maintains a QAQC program that includes insertion of blanks, standards, and duplicate reanalysis of selected samples. Gold was analyzed by standard fire assay - atomic absorption spectroscopy and also by metallic screen assay. Silver, copper, zinc and other elements were analyzed by aqua regia extraction followed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP-ES) analysis.

Qualified Person

Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure set out in this news release.

About Salazar

Salazar Resources is focused on creating value and positive change through discovery, exploration and development in Ecuador. Salazar Resources has a portfolio of copper-gold exploration projects in Ecuador with a strategy to make another commercial discovery and farm-out non-core assets. The Company already has carried interests in three projects. At its maiden discovery, Curipamba, Salazar Resources has a 25% stake fully carried through to production. A feasibility study completed in October 2021 generated a base case NPV(8%) of US$259 million. At two copper-gold porphyry projects, Pijili and Santiago, the Company has a 20% stake fully carried through to a construction decision.

For further information from Salazar please contact Merlin Marr-Johnson, Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary at merlin@salazarresources.com or ir@salazarresources.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "pending", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "forecasts", "targets", or "hopes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "should" "might", "will be taken", or "occur" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information herein includes, but is not limited to, statements that address activities, events, or developments that Salazar expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Although Salazar has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Salazar undertake to update any forward-looking information in accordance with applicable securities laws.

1 Zijin Mining Group 2023 (51%); Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group (35%); and Xianmen C&D Corp. (14%)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157246
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 3, 2023) - Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQX: APAAF) (FSE: A0I0) (FSE: A0I0.F) (FSE: A0I0.MU) (FSE: A0I0.BE) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the annual 2023 Prospectors & Development Association of Canada Convention (PDAC), the world's premier mineral exploration & mining event. We invite all our shareholders and conference delegates to visit us at booth #2715 in the Investors Exchange, South Building. The in-person event will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) from Sunday, March 5 to Wednesday, March 8, 2023 (Click here for floor map).

Drop by and speak to the team with regards to our latest highlights (Click here for most recent news):

Wilson Zone Highlights from the program include:

All newly drilled mineralization intervals occur near surface from 15 to 85 meters depth (Table 1)

8.98m @ 9.46 wt.% TREO including 0.87m @ 17.1 wt.% TREO in hole 22-WRC-024

7.02m @ 1.37 wt.% TREO including 0.59m @ 11.88 wt.% TREO in hole 22-WRC-022

2.92m @ 7.99 wt.% TREO in hole 22-WRC-029; one of multiple mineralized intervals

AMP Zone Highlights from the program include:

Mineralization intervals occur from near surface to 200 meters depth (Table 1); open in all directions

12.13m @ 0.33 wt.% TREO including 5.7m @ 0.55 wt.% TREO from hole 22-WRC-016

10.3m @ 0.42 wt.% TREO including 4.3m @ 0.61 wt.% TREO from hole 22-WRC-008

8.83m @ 0.36 wt.% TREO including 4.43m @ 0.55 wt.% TREO from hole 22-WRC-003B

AMP Zone expands from that first reported June 1, 2022

More drilling is warranted to the southeast along the >20 km structural corridor

Find out what Stephen Burega, Appia's President, had to say in the latest Proactive Investor interview here: https://youtu.be/3--Wh3ZIL4E.

About Appia Rare Earths and Uranium Corp (Appia)

Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company is currently focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, as well as exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Alces Lake project area is 38,522.43 contiguous hectares (95,191.00 acres) in size and is 100% owned by Appia. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 113,837.15 hectares (281,297.72 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 12,545 hectares (31,000 acres), with rare earth element and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario.

Appia has 130.5 million common shares outstanding, 153.8 million shares fully diluted.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward- looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:

Tom Drivas, CEO and Director: (cell) 416-876-3957, (fax) 416-218-9772 or (email) tdrivas@appiareu.com.

Stephen Burega, President: (cellular) 647-515-3734 or (email) sburega@appiareu.com.

Irvine R. Annesley, Ph.D., P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration: (tel.) (416) 546-2707 or (email) jnrirvine@appiareu.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157247
MONTREAL, QB / ACCESSWIRE / March 3, 2023 / Tarku Resources Ltd (TSXV:TKU | FRA:7TK | OTCQB:TRKUF) (the "Company" or "Tarku") announces that it has closed today a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") for aggregate gross proceeds of $290,500. This Private Placement is comprised of 4,150,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.07 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.12 per share, for a period of 24 months from the date the Units are issued. Insiders of the Company subscribed for 350,000 units.

All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement is legended with a hold period of four (4) months and one day from the date of issuance. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The proceeds will be used for general working capital purposes. The Private Placement has been conditionally accepted by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") on March 1st, 2023. The Company will apply for final acceptance of the TSXV.

Any participation by insiders in the Private Placement would constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). However, the Company expects such participation would be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the Units subscribed for by the insiders, nor the consideration for the Units paid by such insiders, would exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

New Corporate Secretary nomination

Moreover, Tarku is pleased to announce the appointment of Michel Lebeuf Jr. as the Company's new Corporate Secretary, effective March 1, 2023.

Michel Lebeuf Jr. is a member of the Quebec and Canadian bar associations and is a partner in the Business Law Group with Dunton Rainville in Montreal, Quebec. Mr. Lebeuf has extensive experience in corporate and regulatory compliance, securities laws, corporate finance and in merger and acquisition negotiations. He has advised underwriters and issuers in financing transactions, IPOs, direct equity offerings, acquisitions, private investments, and rights offerings, primarily on the CSE and TSXV exchanges. Michel's experience extends across a variety of sectors, including, blockchain markets, mining, telecommunications, biotech, cannabis, real estate, structured products, retail and fintech. Mr. Lebeuf is a member of the Canadian Securities Exchange Think Tank and holds a Bachelor of Political Science and a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Montreal.

Stock option grant rectification

The Company wishes to rectify the expiration date of the options announced in its press release dated March 1st, 2023. If not exercised, they will expire on March 1st, 2028, subject to earlier expiration in accordance with the stock option plan and the applicable policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Tarku

Tarku Resources Ltd. (TSXV:TKU | FRA:7TK | OTCBQ:TRKUF) is a mining exploration company focused on advancing the development of new discoveries by using modern techniques in favourable mining jurisdictions such as Quebec and Arizona.

In Arizona, within the famous Tombstone District, Tarku owns 100% of the 29 km2 Silver Strike project. Silver Strike has been interpreted by management to have the potential for similar Carbonate Replacement Deposits (CRD) comparable to the Hermosa project, located 80 km west in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, which South32 acquired for USD 1.8 billion in 2018.

In Quebec, Tarku owns 100% of the "Three A's" exploration projects, (Apollo, Admiral and Atlas projects), in the Matagami Greenstone Belt, interpreted by management as the eastern extension of the Detour Belt, which has seen recent exploration successes by Midland Exploration, Wallbridge Mining Company and Probe Metals. In addition, the Company owns the MAX Lithium project, located 4 km southwest of Sayona Mining's North American Lithium mine.

On behalf of Tarku Resources Ltd

Julien Davy,

President and CEO

Tarku contact information:

Email: investors@tarkuresources.com

Website: www.tarkuresources.com

Please follow @TarkuResources on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and activities to vary materially from targeted results and planning. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Tarku's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Tarku from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

SOURCE: Tarku Resources Ltd

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/741991/Tarku-Closes-Private-Placement-and-Announces-New-Corporate-Secretary
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 3, 2023) - Vatic Ventures Corp. (TSXV: VCV) (FSE: V8V) (OTCQB: VCVVF) (the "Company" or "Vatic") announced by news release dated February 14, 2023 that it had entered into an agreement with Commitment Capital Inc. ("CCI") to acquire CCI's interest in the Sisters Mountain rare earth/polymetallic mineral claims in Southwest New Brunswick (the "Property"). CCI acquired its rights to the mineral claims comprising the Property pursuant to an option agreement with Wayne Lockhart who had staked the claims comprising the Property (the "Underlying Option").

Vatic has been advised that it, along with Wayne Lockhart and CCI, has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit commenced by Mayne Minerals Inc. ("Mayne"), a private company, wherein Mayne alleges that certain mineral claims comprising part of the Property (the "Claims") were improperly staked for the benefit of Mr. Lockhart rather than for Mayne.

Vatic notes that the issue regarding ownership of the Claims was the subject of an application to the Mining Recorder of the Province of New Brunswick (the "Mining Recorder") brought by Mayne last August wherein Mayne requested the Mining Recorder to put the Claims into protected status. After an internal review the Mining Recorder ruled that the Claims were correctly registered, were in good standing and that Mayne did not hold any interest in the Claims according to the Mining Act of New Brunswick.

Subsequent to the Mining Recorder's ruling Mayne made an application to the Mining Commissioner of New Brunswick requesting it to adjudicate the dispute regarding the Claims. That application was dismissed pursuant to a consent order with costs awarded against Mayne in favour of Mr. Lockhart.

Vatic views the lawsuit filed by Mayne as being frivolous and takes the position that Mr. Lockhart has good title to the Claims, that the Company acquired the right to purchase the Claims in good faith and it will vigorously enforce its rights to proceed with the same.

ABOUT VATIC VENTURES CORP.

The Company has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Hansen gold property in the Chapais area of Northern Quebec, strategically situated in a very active and emerging gold exploration area with over 6.7 million ounces of gold produced in the greater Chibougamau district. The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in a Rare Earth Elements (REE) and polymetallic claims package known as the Sisters Mountain critical metals project located in Southwestern New Brunswick.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VATIC VENTURES CORP.

"Loren Currie"

Loren Currie

CEO & Director

info@vaticventures.com

604-757-9792

"Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157253
SHENZHEN, China, March 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Briocean, the world's leading distributor of electronic components, celebrated its Annual Gala ceremony, a key milestone in its successful journey since its establishment in 2008. The event, which was attended by over 500 staff members including colleagues from other Asian countries, was a celebration of the company's remarkable growth and global success.





Briocean has seen tremendous growth over the years, with a 300% growth in 2022. This success can be attributed to the company's expertise and commitment to delivering quality assurance to clients from various industries worldwide. Moreover, Briocean takes pride in their strong supply chain network, offering clients with a 5-year warranty and flexible payment plan to overcome their electronic component needs within a short lead time. In addition to its global presence, the company is also planning to expand its operations in the Asia-Pacific region, recognizing the development potential in the region. This expansion will enable Briocean to better serve its customers in the region and strengthen its position as a global leader in electronic components distribution.

"The company's exceptional supply chain services are a significant factor in its success," said Sharon, CEO of Briocean. "We have upheld the values of Integrity, Professionalism, Conscientiousness and achieving a win-win situation since our inception, and we will continue to do so together as a team to work towards our shared goals and overcome all challenges ahead."

At the gala ceremony, Sharon reiterated the company's commitment to delivering value and trust to our clients by offering services such as quality assurance through strict testing procedures, cost reduction on electronic components, shortage sourcing for clients on difficult parts, small-batch kitting, and excess inventory management. Briocean's services are tailored to meet the specific needs of clients, and the company works closely with our strong network of trusted suppliers to ensure all our clients receive reliable, timely and cost-effective solutions on their electronic component needs. As Briocean looks to the future, it remains committed to its values and mission, recognizing that they are the key to its success.

About Briocean

With over 4,000 global suppliers as partners, a rigid supplier management system, and strict quality processes, Briocean's expertise and commitment to quality service has earned the company a reputation as a trusted partner for electronic component distribution.

Briocean's services include:

Cost reduction on your components, providing customised cost saving solution

on your components, providing customised cost saving solution Shortage sourcing on your required components within a short lead time

on your required components within a short lead time Small-batch kitting , giving you flexibility on small production runs

, giving you flexibility on small production runs Excess inventory management to minimise your inventory turnover

For more information about Briocean and its services, visit www.briocean.com to learn more.

Follow Briocean's social media for the company's latest update and happenings:

LinkedIn: @BrioceanTechnology

Facebook: @BrioceanTechnology

Twitter: @BrioceanTech

Media Contact EMAIL:

(1) marketing@briocean.com (2) sales@briocean.com





View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/briocean-celebrates-remarkable-growth-at-its-annual-gala-301762700.html
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2023) - On 03 March 2023, Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Tourism and Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union officially commenced the 9th Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, the month-long celebration of Vietnam's traditional costume promises to captivate visitors with the beauty of the Vietnamese Ao Dai through feisty activities from March 3 to March 31 at various historical and cultural sites in Ho Chi Minh City.







Ao Dai represents Vietnam's culture in the opening ceremony of Ao Dai Festival 2023

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The Vietnamese traditional Ao Dai is not only a beautiful and elegant costume but also a unique symbol of Vietnam, esteemed across the globe. Accompanying the country's history, it has undergone several changes to become an iconic dress that has contributed to promoting the image of Vietnam to the world.

The opening ceremony of Ao Dai Festival 2023 took place on March 3, 2023 at Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where visitors can admire 21 outstanding collections from famous designers with over 500 Ao Dai models.

At the ceremony, Mr. Duc Anh Duong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, stated that Ao Dai is becoming an increasingly recognizable symbol of Vietnam on the global stage. Ao Dai not only showcases the beauty of Vietnamese women, but also serves as a symbol of Vietnam's friendliness. He emphasized that the festival is not just about preserving and developing the tradition of Ao Dai, but also an opportunity to showcase the unique and dynamic identity of Ho Chi Minh City to international visitors, where they can find unforgettable experiences and emotions.







Mr. Duc Anh Duong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee at the opening ceremony

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The highlight of the festival is the vibrant parade of stunning Ao Dai designs that will take place on March 5, 2023, along a pedestrian route from Nguyen Hue to Le Loi, Dong Khoi and other popular tourist attractions. Visitors will be enchanted by the colorful and lively parade, which will showcase a wide range of Ao Dai designs, from the traditional to the modern. The parade will be a true spectacle, embodying the festival's festive spirit and promoting Vietnam's rich culture and heritage.

In addition, visitors can enjoy two exciting experience spaces. The Exhibition Space at President Ho Chi Minh Monument Park and Nguyen Hue Street showcases the beauty of Ao Dai in Vietnamese family traditions, Ao Dai Festival over the years, and intangible cultural forms of Vietnam. Meanwhile, the Ao Dai Art Path at Lam Son Park and the square in front of the City Theater offers opportunities for visitors to take pictures, experience traditional art performances, and participate in interactive activities.

The festival will also host the Ho Chi Minh City Charming Ao Dai Contest, with preliminary and semi-finals to be held in February 2023 and the final night on March 5, 2023, at Nguyen Hue street. And for those interested in art, there will be a drawing contest of Ao Dai to be held on March 11 and 12, 2023, at the General Science Library.

This year's Festival boasts a remarkable highlight, which is that visitors can also experience the intersection of Ao Dai with technology, including an online interactive application that allows them to see themselves in Vietnamese traditional costumes with images of characters wearing Ao Dai passing through the city's unique tourist attractions.

Moreover, the festival offers a range of other performances and events, including traditional music and dance performances, street performances, art exhibitions, and cultural exchanges. There will also be workshops where visitors can learn about traditional crafts such as silk weaving, embroidery, and lacquering.







The month-long celebration of Ao Dai Festival welcomes international visitors

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The Ao Dai Museum will offer reduced entrance fees of 5%-30% in March and will coordinate with HUTECH University to organize activities such as painting and wearing Ao Dai, tying coconut leaves, wrapping cakes, and exhibiting a countryside marketplace, etc.

According to Ms. Hoa Anh Thi Nguyen, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, after the festival, the city's tourism industry plans to promote the Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival at the ITB Asia International Travel Fair 2023 in Singapore in October 2023, with the aim of showcasing the festival to the international market and making it an attractive destination for foreign tourists.

The Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival 2023 is a spectacular display of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and an opportunity to celebrate the timeless elegance of the Vietnamese Ao Dai. The festival is sure to attract visitors from all over the world, highlighting Vietnam's position as a top destination for international travelers. With its vibrant parade, colorful performances, and cultural exchange, the festival will offer visitors an unforgettable experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information please visit: http://lehoiaodaitphcm.com.vn.

Media Contact:

Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Tourism

Contact person: Mrs. Tien Cam Thi Truong

Email: ttctien.sdl@tphcm.gov.vn

Website: http://lehoiaodaitphcm.com.vn

City - Country: Ho Chi Minh - Vietnam

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157078
Glovo, a Barcelona, Spain-based provider of multi-category apps, launched an impact fund.

By the end of 2023, the Impact Fund will have dedicated up to 5 million for projects related to supporting local communities, climate action initiatives, the digitalization of small local businesses, closing the gender gap in tech and upskilling programmes for couriers. This includes funds that have been allocated to these projects since mid-2021.

In 2023, the Impact Fund will target the following pillars:

Reducing hunger: Covering the delivery costs for NGOs to access Glovos last-mile logistics for free and distributing items to vulnerable families.

Covering the delivery costs for NGOs to access Glovos last-mile logistics for free and distributing items to vulnerable families. Climate action: The Impact Fund will accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions across Glovos entire value chain, by providing the resources to further electrify the fleet, and provide sustainable packaging versus non-recyclable options via the Glovo Store to partners in nine countries. In 2022, 8,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions were reduced across our value chain.

The Impact Fund will accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions across Glovos entire value chain, by providing the resources to further electrify the fleet, and provide sustainable packaging versus non-recyclable options via the Glovo Store to partners in nine countries. In 2022, 8,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions were reduced across our value chain. Digitising small local businesses: Providing small and medium-sized restaurants and retailers with the right tools and training to help them digitise and grow their business online through our Glovo Local program.

Providing small and medium-sized restaurants and retailers with the right tools and training to help them digitise and grow their business online through our Glovo Local program. Women in tech , financing boot camps for young women eager to start a tech career. In 2022, 230 women were trained in Spain in data analytics and web development in a 6-month program scholarship by KeepCoding. This year a new programme will be launched for 250 girls in Poland to join coding classes, and another 65 young women will join Tech Bootcamps in Ghana, Spain and Poland.

, financing boot camps for young women eager to start a tech career. In 2022, 230 women were trained in Spain in data analytics and web development in a 6-month program scholarship by KeepCoding. This year a new programme will be launched for 250 girls in Poland to join coding classes, and another 65 young women will join Tech Bootcamps in Ghana, Spain and Poland. Education programmes for couriers, p roviding an online and in-person learning programme for couriers, to help them in their professional development and gain the skills they need to get access to more qualified jobs. To date, approximately 6,900 couriers are actively participating in training programmes with a focus on entrepreneurship, financial education, coding, and more.

roviding an online and in-person learning programme for couriers, to help them in their professional development and gain the skills they need to get access to more qualified jobs. To date, approximately 6,900 couriers are actively participating in training programmes with a focus on entrepreneurship, financial education, coding, and more. Aid to Ukraine: In 2023, the Impact Fund will be investing 195,000 to help the people of Ukraine and to support local NGOs helping communities impacted by the war. Since the beginning of the conflict, weve delivered more than 114,000 social meals and 54,000kg of saved food via Glovo Access and enabled 1,300 charity meals to be donated from Glovo Cook Rooms.

Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Glovo is a provider of a multi-category app that connects users with businesses, and couriers, offering on-demand services from local restaurants, grocers and supermarkets, pharmacies and high street retail stores. The company operates across 25 countries in Southern Europe and EEMEA.

FinSMEs

04/03/2023
The Mali military government use of Russian Wagner Group mercenaries has been a disaster for northern and central Mali because the Russians cant halt the expansion of Islamic terror groups. The military government expelled the more effective French counter-terrorism forces and troops from neighboring countries that still work with the French. While the French presence was good for the average Mali citizen, it was bad for the military government because the French troops protected journalists reporting on the situation in Mali. This included the corruption and poor administrative skills of the military government.

Without the French-led counterterrorism effort in Mali, the Islamic terrorists are expanding the territory they control while also terrorizing civilians, killing soldiers and peacekeepers. They are also fighting each other. The larger Islamic terror group, an al Qaeda coalition called JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems), is gaining control over more of Mali and even making more frequent attacks near the capital Bamako down south.

In the north ISGS (Islamic States in Greater Sahara) Islamic terrorists near the Niger border have taken advantage of the departure of French counterterrorism forces in 2021 by seizing and holding territory in Mali. This began with more attacks on the Niger border. The departing French and G5 counter-terrorism forces had kept the Islamic terrorists out of Mali. The Mali army and a small number of Russian (Wagner Group) military contractors have been unable to carry on with that effort or prevent the Islamic terror groups from crossing the border and advancing into Mali. ISGS is one of the two ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) groups in the region. When they showed up in 2018, ISGS operated mainly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, especially the area where the three borders meet.

Since late 2022 ISGS have been working to take control of the border between Mali and Niger. Mali responded with soldiers and a handful of Wagner Group mercenaries but that was unsuccessful. After that Mali did nothing about the situation as its security forces and the UN peacekeepers were needed elsewhere. The Niger government was also unable to respond and sought to negotiate a deal with ISGS. Appearing in 2015 as an affiliate of ISIL and part of ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) that changed in 2021 when ISGS declared itself separate from ISWAP and declared northern Mali and some areas in Niger and Burkina Faso its future caliphate. The ISIL affiliated Islamic terrorists are far more violent than the more numerous al Qaeda. This also means casualties for the 12,000 UN peacekeepers. ISGS violence involves attacks on Islamic terror groups that refuse to take orders from ISIL.

The tri-border (Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso) area has been a terrorist hotspot since 2018 because Islamic terror groups can just cross the border to escape any effective counterterrorism efforts. For that reason, this area has been called the Menaka Region. Previously this area was just part of the larger Gao Region, centered on one of the few cities in the north. The area being fought over is near where the borders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso meet. Menaka has become ungovernable because so many Islamic terrorists and bandits now operate here. The French counterterrorism forces regularly searched for and attacked specific Islamic terrorist targets. The Mali government underestimated how important the French forces, with their airmobile troops, UAV surveillance and ground attack aircraft were in keeping the Islamic terrorists from establishing themselves inside Mali. The current Mali military government has no clear plan for dealing with this situation and are withdrawing their counterterrorism forces south, to protect the capital and the more prosperous and populous south.

The neighbors see the reliance on Wagner Group as the main cause for more Islamic terrorists operating in Mali and spreading to neighboring countries. This includes Algeria, which has been largely Islamic terrorism free for over a decade. Now Algeria is seeing a return of Islamic terrorist activity because of the growing number of active Islamic terrorists across the border in northern Mali. Despite this, Mali does not want the French back because that makes it easier for foreigners to document the growing corruption of the military government. These corruption reports lead to more countries imposing individual sanctions on officers running the military government and profiting from the corruption. So far the Mali military officers running the government strategy is to abandon northern, and portions of central, Mali to the Islamic terror groups. Complaints from the neighbors are ignored even though that means less foreign aid for Mali. The source of all these problems is corruption.

Measuring The Mess

Corruption has long been a major problem for Mali. Corruption and misuse of foreign aid are the main reasons for many other problems. The international aspect of this can be seen in the worldwide surveys of nations by Transparency International to determine who is clean and who is corrupt. The most recent (2022) corruption rankings had Mali a dismal 137th out of 180 countries. This was a three-way tie with Russia and Paraguay. All three had a CPI (Corruption Perception Index) of 28. The five most corrupt nations have CPIs of between 12 (for Somalia) and 16 (for Yemen. The five least corrupt nations had CPIs of between 90 (for Denmark) and 83 (Singapore). In 2018 Mali ranked 120 and that declined to 130 in 120 in 2019. Back in 2016 the Mali rank was 116 and a decade ago it was 105. Increasing corruption, more frequent military governments and more Islamic terrorism all seem to travel together.

February 27, 2023: The head of the Mali military government visited neighboring Burkina Faso, which also has a military government because of a September, 2022 coup. As with Mali, the Burkina Faso coup was justified by paranoia about France planning to intervene militarily to reinstate the ousted president. That was not true, but the Russian Wagner Group promptly stepped up and offered military assistance, for a price. The new military government accepted the Russian offer, becoming the fourth African to hire Wagner. Mali and Burkina Faso brought in Wagner, at great expense, to deal with the growing Islamic terrorist threat in both countries. France carried out operations to suppress Islamic terrorism more effectively than Wagner and did it for free. But the French troops witnessed the corruption and atrocities committed by the military governments and reported that to international and local organizations that could recommend sanctions. Mali and Guinea, there were already sanctions problems with ECOWAS (Economic Community of fifteen West African States) and the international community. The Mali military government was feeling the pressure and members of the military government were concerned about their growing economic problems and losing control over more and more of the country because of Islamic terrorists. The military governments accused ECOWAS of doing the bidding of foreign countries, particularly France, the former colonial ruler. ECOWAS acted according to what its African members wanted. Those African countries wanted fewer corrupt military governments that lose control of counter-terrorism efforts because they are too busy enriching themselves.

February 24, 2023: In central Mali, Islamic terrorists attacked a village and killed thirteen people.

February 23, 2023: American aviation authorities issued an upgraded warning about private or commercial flights operating over Mali at any altitude. Previously aircraft were warned to stay above 20,000 feet (six kilometers) except when landing or taking off. This is an advisory notice and does not ban commercial flights into or over Mali, if points out the increased risk to aircraft because of the growing number of heavily armed factions operating in Mali.

February 21, 2023: In central Mali, three peacekeepers were killed and five others wounded when their convoy was hit by a roadside bomb. Being a peacekeeper is a dangerous job in Mali, where peacekeeper casualties since mid-2013 have left 168 peacekeepers dead and over 300 wounded. Mali is the most dangerous peacekeeping operation the UN operates. Losses were much heavier among the Islamic terrorists. Part of this was due to the efforts of the separate French Barkhane counterterrorism force which is now gone from Mali. The 5,100 French counterterrorism troops were always separate from the UN Mali peacekeepers because the French force deals with Islamic terrorism throughout the region and has a license to kill. UN peacekeepers mainly defend and are rarely given permission to search and destroy. Since 2018 popular support for Barkhane in France declined and that led to efforts to get other nations to replace the French force completely or partially. Because of all this, the official end of Barkhane was not surprising. Neighboring nations that contributed peacekeepers as part of the G5 coalition to deal with Islamic terrorists in Mali have also left, even though those operations were paid for by European nations. It was not a matter of if, but when. Western nations have long contributed small contingents who operate transport helicopters and surveillance UAVs. Sometimes they send small teams of special operations troops. The growing Russian presence is what threatens the continued presence of the peacekeepers. This is because the UN presence also enables investigations of alleged atrocities committed by Mali soldiers or police. This has been a problem for decades and led to the 2011 rebellion in the north, then the military coup, and finally military intervention by France to keep the north part of Mali. The military government can now block some of those investigations because Russia will use its UN veto to block certain investigations.

February 19, 2023: The AU (African Union) completed a summit meeting in Ethiopia and announced that Mali, along with Burkina Faso, Guinea and Sudan would remain suspended from the AU.

February 8, 2023: In the north, the CMA (Coordination of Azawad Movements) coalition has agreed to put aside their disagreements and form a unified group. CAM had long been a pro-government Tuareg coalition that had not resolved all their clan and family disputes. Azawad is the Tuareg term for their homeland in northern Mali (and several other North African nations). The 2015 peace deal ended the Tuareg support for Islamic terrorism, but not the tribal animosities. These local, and often ancient, disagreements and feuds are often not connected with the 2012 rebellion in the north nor the continuing Islamic terrorism problems, but they do cause security problems that interfere with rebuilding the economy and much else. The Tuareg peace deal was stalled for years because the black majority in the south did not want to even consider granting as much autonomy as the Tuaregs demanded. The two groups have always been at odds but were only united in the same country by the colonial French in the 19th century. Like most African countries, dividing the nation is not an acceptable option and the colonial borders are considered sacrosanct. The current mess began when France took swift action in January 2013 by leading a military operation to clear Islamic terrorists out of northern Mali. Aided by Chad and a growing number of other African peacekeeping contingents, this effort continues and is somewhat open ended. The French acted because in 2012 Tuareg tribal rebels (with the help of al Qaeda affiliated Islamic terrorists) in northern Mali chased out government forces and declared a separate Tuareg state. The Mali army mutinied (because of lack of support from the corrupt government) down south and took control of the capital. The army is still in charge and not showing any signs of confirming the old peace deals with the CMA.

February 5, 2023: Mali expelled UN officials for criticizing the presence of the Russian Wagner Group in Mali. This is not the only way the military government of Mali assists Russia. Mali is one of the few countries that support Russia and its invasion of Ukraine. Those supporters have a lot in common with Russia as they tend to be aggressive and warlike dictatorships or those with ideological or economic reasons to back Russia. In addition to Mali, these supporters include Belarus, China, Eritrea, India, Iran, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea and Syria. All these supporters agree that the West is a problem for them and Russia and this is why Russia continues to insist that its operations in Ukraine are part of an effort to defend Russia from growing NATO efforts to destroy Russia.
The Wharton County Junior College Drama Department walked away with numerous awards from a recent play festival held at the University of North Texas in Denton. Kneeling, left to right, are Hamza Mir of Richmond, C'Aira Hearse of Wharton and Valerie Brown of Eagle Lake. Standing, left to right, are Jamie Arar of Bay City, Aline Dejesus of Palacios, Ben Wandell of Wharton, Brayden Leva of Sugar Land, Crystal Hackstedt of Needville, WCJC Drama Instructor Greg McLarty, Riley Moseley of East Bernard, Karis Meek of Hungerford, Wil Harborth of Wharton, Luis Perez of Wharton and Maegan Hackstedt of Needville.
When Russia mobilized additional soldiers in late 2022, they did so in an improvised fashion because there was no precedent for such an action in a peacetime war like the one in Ukraine. This mobilization was left to regional (city and provincial) authorities, who had to select who would go PLUS provide uniforms, weapons and other basic supplies as well as pay and benefits. This saved the Defense Ministry a lot of money that it didnt have in the first place. This seemed to be an innovative solution to many problems. It wasnt. When the Defense Ministry was in charge there was some standardization in the process. In this case there wasnt.

While the provincial governors and mayors of major cities are all appointed by the central government, each city or province has a different political atmosphere. Some are more aligned with what the central government is up to while others are not. There were dozens of local governments running this improvised mobilization and not all of them had the same ability, cash, standards or stamina for the task of sustained support for the volunteers they sent to Ukraine. Having so many regional governments taking care of the troops they mobilized didnt work in the long term because not all local governments in Russia are the same. Some are more diligent about continuing to support the troops they had to mobilize while others didnt provide any or had it all just disappear because of corruption.

It was corruption in the national government that led to the effort to have local governments take care of finding troops and then continuing to take care of their basic needs. While the national government was still responsible for producing warships, warplanes and armored vehicles, local governments were expected to provide uniforms, training and protective gear (helmets and vests) as well as assault rifles (also used by local police forces). All the regions were expected to send a certain number (or quota) of troops. There was no effort to impose standards regarding who was available and how well they would be trained, equipped and supported.

This meant that there was a wide variety of troops in terms of age, physical condition and willingness to serve in the army. The army did not provide any additional training for the newly mobilized troops. Some regions sent military veterans or even conducted some brief training. There was no time for much more. The mobilized troops had to be delivered to army units in Ukraine as soon as possible. In Ukraine the mobilized regional troops faced a grim situation. The army was unable to adequately supply its troops in Ukraine because the Ukrainians were very good at locating, attacking and destroying most of the supplies Russian sent to Ukraine for their troops. To make matters worse, there were corrupt officials in the Defense Ministry who often diverted supplies or the cash used to purchase them. Corruption was a major problem nationwide for a long time but this decentralized manpower mobilization scheme made it worse.

At the front there were more immediate concerns. The army had lost most of its combat officers during the first months of the invasion and there were not enough to take charge of all the regional contingents arriving in Ukraine during late 2022. Some contingents elected their own leaders, but these men had no official standing in the army. The senior leaders were more numerous and they issued many orders to these mobilized troops that were never received or could not be carried out. It was a mess and there were few units organized and led well enough to carry out any kind of military operation other than self-defense.
Andrea Castaneda Perez was named the 2023 Youth of the Year representative at the 18th annual Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis luncheon Friday afternoon, March 3.

More than 100 community members attended the event to show support for the three nominated teens in the competition.

Each year, Corvallis teens apply to be the Youth of the Year  a long and arduous process which includes writing essays, conducting interviews, making speeches and learning to present oneself as a professional young adult.

A junior at Corvallis High School, Perez shared her story about how isolated she felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she fell into unhealthy habits and was diagnosed with depression.

In my room, I had a large mirror I passed by day after day, and I would notice things I wasnt happy with, she said. Before I really knew what was happening, I had slipped into an unhealthy routine, and the more time I was in my room, the worse my bulimia and binge eating had become.

Perez talked about how there was no one around to help her understand what was going on.

One day, she ran into a neighbor who shared her own experience with something similar, and Perez said it felt good to have someone to connect with and validate what she was going through.

Once things started to return to an in-person setting, Perez joined the Training Teens for Tomorrow program at the Club. She works with the after school program at Garfield Elementary, Garfield Gecko Club, and connects with students who are bilingual.

Looking back on her childhood of being very young and only speaking Spanish, Perez said she understands the struggle of not being understood, and she wants to do everything in her power to prevent others from feeling that way.

I now know that I want to go to college and pursue becoming a teacher, a life event I never thought I would be alive for, she said. I want to help kids translate the world so that they never feel isolated, or that no one understands what is going on in their life.

Perez said she plans to attend Western Oregon Universitys teaching program because of the large Hispanic population, a community she believes will give her a great start.

As the Corvallis winner of Youth of the Year, Perez received the $6,000 Dr. Bob & Billie Holcomb Family Fund Scholarship from the Benton Community Foundation.

She and the two other teen finalists, Ash Herford and Cynthia Cisneros-Ruiz, each received a free laptop from Plemmons Gallagher Cook Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.

All three finalists said they hope to become a teacher and inspire others.

Herford was Fridays runner-up, receiving a $3,500 scholarship from the Mario & Alma Pastega Family Foundation.

Also a junior at Corvallis High School, Herford shared their story about being homeschooled and having to learn social skills at a later age than most. Through joining the Training Teens for Tomorrow program, Herford said they gained confidence and public speaking skills that shocked them when they watched videos of themself speaking.

My experience showed me how capable I am at making connections, Herford said. Starting conversations used to be difficult, but now It finally happens naturally. In reflecting on why I wanted to put myself out there in the first place, this is what I really wanted to learn.

As the third place winner, Cisneros-Ruiz received a $2,000 scholarship from the Corvallis Elks Club.

A senior at Corvallis High School, she spoke about the deep isolation she felt during the pandemic, a feeling that was compounded when her brother suddenly passed away.

Cisneros-Ruizs best friend, Kimberly, was the one constant in her life. The two met at the Boys & Girls Club.

I began to spiral further into darkness, Cisneros-Ruiz said. Once again, my best friend Kimberly came to my rescue.

Like the other two, she found the Training Teens for Tomorrow program, which provided an escape from her stress and worries about the future. She began volunteering at the Garfield Gecko Club, where she broke down language and cultural barriers by communicating with Spanish-speaking families.

Speaking Spanish allows me to lead conversations and answer questions that Gecko families havent been able to ask, Cisneros-Ruiz said. In the end, the Club helped me find my passion  to be the one person in a familys world who can provide them help and support so they can change their lives.
Oregons last major mask mandate will be lifted in April, dropping the requirement for those in hospitals and other healthcare settings to wear face masks.

The Oregon Health Authority is lifting the requirement for workers, patients and visitors to wear masks in healthcare facilities starting April 3.

Washington state also announced it will drop its mask mandate on the same date.

The requirement has been in place since August 2021.

Since then, workers in hospitals, mobile clinics, ambulances, outpatient facilities, dental offices, urgent care centers, counseling offices, school-based health centers, complementary and alternative medicine locations were required to wear masks.

The decision to lift the mandate comes from data showing a recent decrease in the three respiratory pathogens that led to a surge in people needing treatment last fall, said state epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger in a March 3 press conference.

As of Friday, COVID-19 test positivity is at 10%; influenza test positivity is at 1.2%; and RSV test positivity is at 1.6% (antigen tests) and 3.5% (molecular tests).

For many, they are greeting this announcement with happiness For others, particularly those with chronic conditions or who are immunocompromised, they are facing this decision with anxiety, Sidelinger said.

One of the reasons the mask requirement in healthcare settings has been in place longer than in other settings had to do with the shortage of healthcare workers, Sidelinger said.

With vaccines and lower rates of illness, Sidelinger said they can remove the mandate without imposing a risk to workers.

The month leading up to the lifting of the mandate will give the public health system and local healthcare officials time to consider the changes to training and procedures that ensure continued patient safety and access, Sidelinger said.

People at risk of severe disease are encouraged to use this time to plan health care visits and use protective measures.

Those who are at higher risk for disease or who live with people at higher risk should still consider wearing masks in health care or any settings to protect themselves and those around them, Sidelinger said.

I wish we could get to a point where we werent seeing circulation of COVID-19 at all in Oregon before we made changes to our rule, but we need to live with COVID-19 as it goes forward, he said.

With a decrease in the flu, and downward trends in COVID-19, Sidelinger said he believes now is the right time to repeal the mandate.

Some healthcare facilities may continue to require masks even after the mandate is lifted, he said.

For local healthcare providers in the mid-Willamette Valley, decisions are yet to be made around masking requirements.

The Corvallis Clinic, which serves Albany, Corvallis and Philomath, is still reviewing OHA guidance and determining "an approach that best serves the safety of our staff and community," CEO James Kaech said via email.

For Samaritan Health Services, OHA's decision marks a milestone in the pandemic, said President and CEO Doug Boysen through email.

During the next several weeks, Samaritan Health Services will explore how this news from the Oregon Health Authority will affect patient care and operations in our hospitals and clinics. We should be able to provide more information prior to the enactment next month, Boysen said.

Some pandemic restrictions still in place include vaccine requirements for workers in K-12 settings, Sidelinger said.

Lifting the masking requirement in healthcare settings will lift one of the last restrictions set in place by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One month after its launch, 2,024 family doctors have enrolled in the new Longitudinal Family Practice (LFP) payment model designed to retain and attract physicians to family medicine. This represents about 45% of currently practicing longitudinal family doctors in BC. 149 are new doctors or those returning to family practice after working in other areas.



We are pleased with the response to the new model which represents a significant shift in in the way we practice, said Dr Josh Greggain, president of Doctors of BC. We are hearing that many family doctors who had been planning to leave or retire are reconsidering that decision, which means that thousands of patients who would then be without a family doctor will continue to have one. We are also starting to recruit new and returning physicians, which creates new openings for patients who want a family doctor. Patients will benefit as the positive response continues to build momentum.

The Longitudinal Family Physician Payment Model was developed by Doctors of BC, BC Family Doctors, and the BC government to address the stability and sustainability of family medicine, providing BC patients with improved access to primary care. This new payment model keeps existing family doctors in practice, is encouraging family doctors to come back to community-based care, and is recruiting more doctors into family medicine.

This new payment model is improving the healthcare system for British Columbians, says Dr Danette Dawkin, president of BC Family Doctors. While there isnt a single solution, I am confident that this payment model is enabling family doctors to spend more time with patients when needed and accept more patients when capacity allows.

The payment model includes three elements that address:

the time a physician spends providing patient care of all types,

the number of patients a physician sees,

the size and complexity of a physicians patient panel.



This means family physicians who enrol are compensated for all the time needed for patient care, including time spent with patients, care coordination, and required paperwork, especially important for patients with complex needs, mental health concerns, and seniors.

The new model ensures patients have access to the care they need, meets the needs of doctors, and supports the provinces primary care strategy, said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. Soon, we will introduce our provincial rostering system which will work to attach patients to longitudinal care providers in their communities. As more doctors sign on to the payment model, they will be able to take on more patients, and I look forward to seeing our health-care system grow stronger as a result.

In the next stage of our work, the partners are working to improve and expand the new model for hospital care, long term care, and maternity care, as well as considering adaptations for the unique needs of rural and remote communities.

The new payment model is one of many initiatives underway to support family doctors and specialist physicians to provide timely and quality care for patients. The association is implementing the new Physician Master Agreement and is working with government to reduce physician burdens and increase patient access to timely and quality care.

For more information:

Sharon Shore

Doctors of BC

604-787-3702

sshore@doctorsofbc.ca
Fort Lauderdale, March 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- M2 Compliance, a leading SEC-registered filing agent and financial printer, will be sponsoring the 35th Annual Roth Conference, which will be held Sunday, March 12 through Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California.



The conference will feature presentations from public and private companies across various industry sectors, followed by one-on-one and small group meetings, as well as expert panels and fireside chats. Past events have featured over 400 participating companies and drawn over 5,000 attendees, including institutional investors, analysts, family offices, and high-net-worth investors.

M2 will promote its flagship product, the UNLIMITED SEC FILINGS program, for $5,995 annually. This program has been the most disruptive program over the years for EDGAR & iXBRL, reshaping the pricing of EDGAR and iXBRL-related billing for thousands of issuers. The UNLIMITED program includes all your SEC filings, no matter what form type, for a total cost of $5,995 per year. In some cases will also have UNLIMITED REGISTRATION work.

Why M2

Filed over 160,000 files with the SEC

EDGARized over 6M pages

Faster Processing of EDGAR & iXBRL

Represents over 1,400 public companies

Served the industry since 2009



With more than 165 employees, 24/7 dedicated account management, and significant investments in regulatory technology, M2 can deliver unparalleled service at the most competitive rates in the industry.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference.
2023 Taklimakan Rally to resume in Xinjiang

Xinhua) 13:30, March 04, 2023

URUMQI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- 2023 Taklimakan Rally will resume from May 20 to 31 across the world's second largest shifting sand desert Taklimakan in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

With "To the Passion, to the Future" as its slogan, the rally will kick off its 12-day competition in Aksu, Hotan and other cities in southern Xinjiang, covering nearly 4,500 kilometers, including 2,000 kilometers of selective sections. More than half of the selective sections are in desert areas, making it more challenging for the logistics of the rally and the performance of the racing vehicles.

Over 270 racers from around the world are expected to participate in events such as cars, motorcycles and trucks.

Yu Jie, deputy director of the regional culture and tourism department, said that the sections of this competition cover Gobi, desert, canyon, Yadan landform and other characteristic topography of Xinjiang, which will help further promote the development of local tourism.

The first Taklimakan Rally was held in 2005. It has grown into the largest long distance off-road endurance race in Asia with most of its track winding through dunes, mud, and rocks.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Each time the subject of silencing the guns is brought up, I am reminded of the late Human Rights Advocate, Musa Hlophe.

He wrote, in his capacity as a resident columnist of the Times of Eswatini SUNDAY newspaper, countless articles on this subject as though he sensed that the country could be headed for troubled waters. Not much attention was given to what Hlophe was saying then, maybe because no one thought it possible that emaSwati would engage in a process of killing each other in furtherance of a political agenda. Most of us thought our political differences could be settled without the need to kill each other through the barrel of a gun.



His Majesty the King, in both his Speech from the Throne and during the National Prayer Service at Lozitha Palace, highlighted the need for silencing of the gun. Over the past few years, the world has been faced with increased agitation that has manifested itself through repetitive waves of instability and other forms of disruption. The SADC region has been no exception to this.

We encourage the African populace to join hands in working towards realising one of the African union agenda 2063 initiatives, in silencing the guns by 2030, which aspires to end all wars and violent conflict on the continent. The success of this goal will go a long way towards ensuring that the people of Africa focus their attention on socio-economic development issues in a free and safe environment, the King said.

Commandment

He called upon emaSwati to see the need to co-exist despite their different ways of looking at the development and social landscape. Each and every liswati should be guided by the principles of the Holy Book; Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these, said the King. In pursuance of this co-existence, there is need for emaSwati to understand, familiarise or remind themselves to understand what this silencing the guns is all about.

It all began in 2013 when the African Union (AU) member state representatives gathered at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the Organisation of African Unity was established in 1963, to celebrate the bodys 50th anniversary. As they celebrated, the leaders sat down to reflect and tackle these tough questions: What progress have we made towards the achieving of the objectives set by the AU and looking forward, what is our proposed vision for Africa for the next 50 years? Furthermore, what is the biggest challenge to realising the aspirations of our people?

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, then African Union Commission Chairperson, had visited various countries collecting views from governments, civil society and the diaspora, on what they felt was the most pressing issue facing Africa, one the AU should deal with. Most agreed that conflict remains one of the biggest challenges facing Africa. This was alongside the fact that the AU also sees conflict as one of the main obstacles to the realisation of Agenda 2063.

Corruption

This is on top of other challenges facing the continent, including poverty, inequality, unemployment, climate change, illegal financial flows, corruption, etc, yet conflict tops the list. Aissatou Hayatou, the AU Silencing the Guns Operations Manager, speaking to Africa Renewal magazine, said: Before leaving Addis Ababa, the AU leaders resolved not to pass the burden of conflict to future generations, so they adopted Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 as one of the flagship projects of the wider developmental blueprint Agenda 2063. The objective was to achieve peace to allow for development across Africa.

The intention of this initiative is to achieve a conflict-free Africa, prevent genocide, make peace a reality for all and rid the continent of wars, violent conflicts, human rights violations, and humanitarian disasters. The leaders had hoped to have all the guns silenced by 2020. Despite the initiative and roadmaps that have been produced by the AU to realise this goal, conflicts have persisted, resulting in the Silencing the Guns agenda being extended to 2030, in the hope that by then Africa would have cured itself of the plague of conflict. Reports of the AU indicate that there has been silencing of the guns in countries that were previously regarded as hotspots, such as Angola, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Progress

Noteworthy progress was also noted in difficult cases such as Somalia and Sudan, according to the Addis Ababa-based Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and peace-building initiatives on the continent have also helped quell many potential flare-ups. However, fighting was still observable in Libya, South Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Lake Chad Basin, which includes Chad and parts of Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon.

Violent extremism in the Sahel and parts of the Horn and eastern Africa has also been a challenge. The southern Africa region has experienced a similar situation in that attacks in Mozambiques northern region of Cabo Delgado prompted military intervention by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Rwanda. The conflict in Cabo Delgado has been taking place for a number of years, where both locals and foreign nationals have been killed, and such deaths have been claimed by the Islamic State.

The responses to the conflict in Cabo Delgado first saw the deployment of Rwandan troops to the region, which was followed by troops from SADCs mission to Mozambique.Katharine Bebington, who is a Programme Officer, and Halima Ahmed, who is a Research Fellow, at the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), co-wrote that while the silencing the guns agenda stalled in its initial task of producing a conflict-free Africa by 2020, it does indicate a clear focus of the continent on ridding itself of conflict.

When the agenda was launched in 2013, they wrote, it was not clear why 2020 was chosen as the year by which all conflicts should end, nor was it clear that a conflict-free Africa by 2020 was feasible. The same can be said of the selection of the year 2030 as the new target for silencing the guns. If the AU and the continent hopes to see the silencing of the guns come to fruition then it requires more than just political will on the part of the AU.

Conflicts

The AU and its member States need to work together at the local level, to prevent communal conflicts, at the national level and at the international level to stop the flow of arms and trans-national conflicts in Africa. However, the agenda does still indicate that the AU is well aware of the issue of conflicts on the continent and that it is prepared to put in the requisite effort to produce a conflict-free Africa, they said.

Gilbert M Khadiagala from the International Peace Institute (IPI) - an independent, international not-for-profit think tank dedicated to managing risk and building resilience to promote peace, security, and sustainable development  said silencing the guns and promoting good governance is the responsibility of governments and states that prioritise peoples participation in political and economic processes, promote sound and equitable livelihoods, and reduce violence at all levels of society.

It was encouraging to learn that Eswatinis Members of Parliament have called upon government to engage in a community outreach (vusela) exercise to find out the issues that are troubling emaSwati. Madlangempisi MP Sibusiso Scorpion Nxumalo encouraged government to go to the people to hear their concerns ahead of the proposed national dialogue. He said such would help to understand what really needed to be addressed during the dialogue. This is the way to go! Thats how the process of silencing of the guns can be initiated and the end goal achieved.
Congestion, chaos at Nkrumah Circle -Assembly steps in to restore order

Kester Aburam Korankye Mar - 04 - 2023 , 08:30

The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange is an important transport hub that distributes thousands of vehicles to connect in different directions  inter-city and intra-city  with more than 20 lorry terminals and boasts of all-day-round activities.

Given its importance and the thousands of people who use it on a daily basis, the three-tier interchange was constructed to help ease congestion and enhance free movement of vehicles and commuters.

Known for its bustling city life, the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange has, however, been plagued with illegal activities, resulting in unprecedented levels of congestion, compounded with criminal activities that undermine the good intentions for which the project was birthed.

Context

Formerly, the area only had a roundabout to distribute the thousands of vehicles that use the corridor to connect in different directions, including to major towns and cities such as Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Tema, Aflao, Korle Bu, Teshie/Nungua, Odorkor, Accra.

It has commercial bus and/or taxi stations for almost all major suburbs of Accra and also serves as the terminal for long distance travellers. The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, therefore, has terminals for STC, VIP, VVIP, OA, PROTOA, GPRTU and all transport unions and networks, including those that travel to the West Coast, such as GUO and EFEX.

About three million people are estimated to visit the city each day, with most of them living on the outskirts, according to official figures.

Their rush in and out of the city on a daily basis creates chaos, especially during rush hours at places such as the Interchange (Circle), which is a transport hub for commuters.

Congestion

The congestion is mainly caused by the rising number of hawkers and street vendors who set up makeshift shops in the area in an attempt to make a living.

With no official regulation being enforced, the vendors have been blocking the walkways and parts of the streets, making it increasingly difficult for vehicles to pass.

In addition, the area has seen an influx of illegal parking activities by commercial and private vehicles, including 'Okadas and trotros.

The Daily Graphic team which monitored the scenes at the area observed that the situation had created a chaotic atmosphere, with drivers weaving in and out of traffic, often ignoring road traffic regulations.

Police helpless

The team again observed that the situation worsens in particular parts of the area when there is no police presence.

At the locations where police officers are stationed, the observation is that they were often overwhelmed and sometimes watched in despair as the situation deteriorates.

The few police officers, who are usually seen under the overpass and on the two ends of the roads in front of the Orion Cinema, near P&T, were seen only trying to impress on the drivers to move their vehicles as soon as they stopped to pick passengers. The picking of passengers on the move is a major cause of the congestion.

Again, the stretch from the Neoplan terminal to the New Times Corporation office often has trotros taking up one of the three lanes of the road.

The situation worsens in the evening when drivers deliberately park their vehicles on the shoulders of the road after the day's work.

It is also common to see persons who appear to be drug addicts and mentally challenged making parts of the overpass their places of abode.

Frustration

The congestion has caused much frustration among commuters and pedestrians alike, with many people voicing their complaints even on social media.

One resident of Achimota, Mathilda Hammond, who works in the area, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the situation was mind-boggling, given that the redesigning of Circle into an interchange was expected to create some room for businesses to thrive in the area.

"I can't believe how bad the traffic is in Circle. It's like a nightmare. I hope the authorities do something about it soon," she said.

Asked why people still sold on the streets instead of the Pedestrian Mall constructed about a decade ago to decongest the streets and bring some sanity to the area, Ms Hammond said people were always rushing from one place to the other and did not patronise the wares of the traders in the mall.

Its easier for people to buy from the streets than enter the mall because they are always rushing from one place to the other, she indicated.

The trader added that some people had shops in the mall but still operated from the streets to make the numbers.

Crime

Crime in the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange area has been on the rise due to the increasing levels of congestion in the area.

Over the past few months, there have been numerous reports of muggings, pickpocketing and other criminal activities.

As the congestion in the area has resulted in a surge in the number of vehicles and pedestrians, it has made it easier for criminals to blend in and commit their crimes.

The criminals, the Daily Graphic gathered, are often taking advantage of the heavy traffic build-up to snatch mobile devices and side bags.



Indiscipline

A trotro driver, Charles Bentum, told the Daily Graphic that the chaotic situation was mainly due to indiscipline on the part of both drivers and pedestrians who ignored road traffic regulations in the area.

He said successive governments had announced plan after plan to tackle the problem of illegal activities in the area and minimise indiscipline but the plans had not been implemented successfully.

A new police task force was set up to regulate the traffic and enforce the law during the previous administration but that too didnt work, Mr Bentum said.

In an interview to find out what the city authorities were doing to curb the vehicular and trader congestion at the area due to sheer indiscipline, the Municipal Chief Executive of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KKMA), Samuel James Nii Adjei Tawiah, said the assembly was employing a raft of measures to decongest roads and spaces around the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange that has been plagued with illegal activities to bring sanity to the area and boost economic activities.

The measures, some of which are already being implementation, include getting rid of hawkers and beggars from the streets, relocating street vendors to newly built markets, strict enforcement of bye-laws on parking in collaboration with the private sector and a new plan to create car parking spaces such as on-street parking within the bustling city centre.

He told the Daily Graphic that ultimately the adopted measures would help reduce streetism, promote sanitation and organise the commercially vibrant area in a manner that would bring serenity and comfort to city dwellers.

The move will also help to contain the growing number of vehicles and persons that compete for space in the vibrant area.



Attitudinal change needed

Addressing the concerns of the public, the MCE noted that growing public indiscipline had enormously contributed to the present chaotic situation in the area.

The main problem is attitudinal change because some of these measures have been deployed in the past, but people ignore them and still perpetrate their illegal activities, including selling on the pavements, which is very dangerous, he said.

Already, Mr Tawiah said the assembly had completed a market around Odawna where small stalls and lockable stores had been constructed in order for all street hawkers to be at a central location.

That has also been difficult to achieve because we as a people like to buy in traffic instead of buying from the market so the traders have also refused to move but with enforcement, we hope to change the situation, he said.
Ho set for Independence celebration

Alberto Mario Noretti Mar - 04 - 2023 , 08:23

All roads lead to the Volta Regional Youth Resource Centre at Adaklu-Tsrefe, near Ho, on Monday for the 66th Independence Day celebration.

The theme for the big occasion is: Our unity, our strength, our destiny.

The Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, who has been inspecting the venue every week, said all was set for the celebration.

He expressed satisfaction at work done and said, Volta Region is ready.

The Youth Resource Centre has now become a tourist attraction as many members of the public have been visiting the place to catch a glimpse of the facility.

Guests

More than 5,000 people from various parts of the country are expected at the anniversary which will be graced by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who is the Chairman of the Economic Community West African States (ECOWAS), will be the special guest at the celebration which is expected to feature exciting cultural displays and a colourful parade, military exercise and displays such as rappelling, acrobatics and show of various skills and capabilities.

Dr Letsa said 80 members of the diplomatic corps would also take part in the celebration.

Parade



An anniversary walk in progress at Ho-Ahoe



On parade will be 64 officers and 1,042 men from the various security agencies, contingents drawn from seven senior high schools (SHS) and basic schools from the Ho Municipality and the Adaklu District and voluntary organisations.

As of last Thursday, the road between the Adaklu District and Ho had been decorated with Ghana flags, hanging on utility poles; so were the principal streets of Ho and some communities at Adaklu.

Meanwhile, the streets of Ho are clean after a series of clean-up, while some workplaces and pubs have decorated their premises with the colours of the national flag.

Hospitality industry

The Daily Graphic gathered that the hospitality industry is making gains in the countdown to the celebration as rooms are sold out for March 6.

At one of the regions ace hotels, the Volta Serene Hotel, for instance, a manager told the Daily Graphic that 60 per cent of the 300 rooms had been booked.

At the Sky Plus Hotel, a plush hotel that provides picturesque scenery of Ho, all the 100 rooms have been booked for the anniversary.

Security

The Independence Day celebration fever is spreading rapidly with a phenomenal presence of heavy armoured vehicles and armed personnel of the various security agencies.

For the past few days, early jogging sessions by various groups have become a normal feature of the regional capital.

Apart from the national colours which dominate Ho and Adaklu, portraits of paramount chiefs in the region have taken places of prominence on some key roads.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has fixed 2,500 street lights in the Ho Municipality to illuminate the streets of Ho and the road towards Adaklu-Tsrefe to improve security, especially at night.

The ECG replaced defective street lights in the regional capital and installed new lights on other key roads in and around the municipality.

The Regional Manager of the ECG, Emmanuel Lumor, gave the assurance that there would be no interruption in power supply throughout the celebration.

The chiefs of the Asogli State have promised visitors a very cordial and unforgettable reception.

For her part, the Adaklu District Chief Executive, Juliana Kpedekpo, said, We are ready to host the whole of Ghana at Adaklu for the celebration.

The 66th Independence Day coincides with the 66th birthdays of the regional minister and the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, while the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho has the charge to lead preparations for the march past.

The regiment has assured the public that it had deployed men in strength to take charge of security during the celebration.

Some food joints have set up stands opposite the Regional Youth Resource Centre in the hope for brisk business during the celebration.

The Regional Environmental Health Officer, Stella Kumedzro, told the Daily Graphic that food vendors not medically screened and issued with health certificates would be denied access to the venue.

She said the move was to prevent communicable diseases.

Chiefs from paramountcies in the region are also expected at the celebration.

Taxi drivers, William Dogbe and Anthony Ahiagba, said they had serviced their vehicles ahead of the day, in anticipation of good business on the day.

The Daily Graphic also gathered that the some gamblers are now staking the number 66 with other numbers in the hope of winning the lottery during the 66th Independence Day celebration.
Police dispatch rider dies in accident on Accra-Kumasi road

Graphic.com.gh Mar - 04 - 2023 , 17:39

Rauf Iddrisu is a police dispatch rider and he reportedly died in a crash on the Accra-Kumasi highway, on Friday, March 3, 2023.

According to the police, his Honda motorbike crashed with a Kia Grandbird VIP bus at Osino in the Eastern Region.

Rauf Iddrisu is commonly known by close associates as Mando and he was escorting a convoy from Accra to Kumasi at the time of the accident.

"On 3/03/2023 at about 3:30 pm, suspect driver Samuel Boateng age 44 years was in charge Kia Grandbird VIP bus with registration number GW 9944-10 with Passengers on board from Kumasi towards Accra.

On reaching a section of the road close to the Osino Police station on the Accra-Kumasi highway, he failed to observe traffic ahead. In the process, crashed head-on with No. 49200 Rauf Iddrisu from Headquarters transport who was riding Honda motorcycle No. GP 4710 leading a convoy from Accra towards Kumasi direction, a police situational report (SITREP) stated.

The body has been deposited at Enyiresi Government Hospital morgue.

Photos from the accident scene have been shared on social media.
Amending constitution must be accompanied by inculcated values  Prof. Nana S.K.B. Asante

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Politics Mar - 04 - 2023 , 05:48

There have been numerous calls by jurists, civil society organisations, academics, constitutional experts and politicians for a review of the 1992 Constitution. Some have even gone to the extent of calling for a new constitution, describing the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution as not fit for purpose.

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson (EEH), a Senior Reporter of the Daily Graphic, interviewed Prof. Nana Susubribi Krobea Boaten Asante (S.K.B), the eminent scholar, constitutional expert, lawyer and international arbitrator who played a major role in the drawing of the 1992 Constitution.

Prof. Nana SKB Asante, who is the Paramount Chief of Asante Asokore, was the Chairman of the Committee of Experts that drafted the constitutional proposals that led to the promulgation of the 1992 Constitution.

His views centred on the evolution of the 1992 Constitution, his role, how the constitution has helped the development of the country and whether there is the need for a review of the constitution.

Excerpts of the interview are published below.

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson (E.E.H): Prof. Nana, how did you come to be involved in the drawing of the 1992 Constitution?

Prof. Nana Susubribi Krobea Boaten Asante (S.K.B): The regime at the time decided to transition to constitutional rule. The PNDC had been in power since December 1981. I happened to be an official of the UN in an organisation known as the UN Centre on Transnational Cooperations,which used to give technical assistance to developing countries in their dealings with multinational organisations.

I came to Ghana for a conference in 1989. In the course of the conference, I met the late Justice D. F. Annan and the late Captain Kojo Tsikata. I made them aware that there was international concern about when Ghana would go back to constitutional rule.

They disclosed to me that they were already thinking of a process. The first phase was a survey, which showed that Ghanaians preferred the multi-party system of government. The second phase was the establishment of the Committee of Experts, which I chaired to draft constitutional proposals. That was in 1991.

We drafted the proposals in barely two months. Our proposals went directly to the Consultative Assembly without any amendment or modification by the PNDC. Even though the Bar Association did not participate, there were more than 30 lawyers from different organisations in the Consultative Assembly.

E.E.H: Nana, sorry for interrupting, but please why did the Ghana Bar Association boycott the Consultative Assembly?

S.K.B: They said that the representation was insignificant; I think they were given about one and they thought they deserved more slots, but some of us did not think it mattered because there were other lawyers. The Consultative Assembly discussed our proposals together with previous constitutions and came up with a final constitution within six months.



Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson (left), Daily Graphic reporter, in the interview with Prof. Nana Susubribi Krobea Boaten Asante

Transitional provisions

E.E.H: Did your committee propose the transitional provisions?

S.K.B: No, the transitional provisions was another matter altogether. Those came about due to special negotiations between what was known as the legal committee of the PNDC headed by Justice Annan and certain chairmen of the committees of the Consultative Assembly.

They were not part of the proposals of the Committee of Experts, neither were they fully discussed in the Consultative Assembly. Someone one day stood on television that I was brought to protect the military junta and that was why I included the transitional provisions; this is totally absurd.

I recall when I was in the UN, I met General Obasanjo then the military Head of State of Nigeria. When he heard that I would be involved in drafting constitutional proposals for Ghana, he said military regimes were always reluctant and hesitated to hand over power because they did not know what would happen to them. So they required some kind of protection.

That is the rationale for the immunity sections of the transitional provisions. However, we must understand that the immunity provisions were in the 1979 Constitution and previous constitutions. It was nothing novel, but I want to state that my committee was not involved in drafting the transitional provisions.

E.E.H: What happened to your proposals?

S.K.B: Some of our proposals were rejected by the Consultative Assembly. These included an Executive President and a Prime Minister, proportional representation, expanded and more effective form of the Council of State, more like a second chamber of Parliament.

There was also more effective role for chiefs in local governance and a decentralised system of government, where the DCE will be elected by the assemblies and not appointed by the President. They rejected all those.

E.E.H: What were the principles for the proposals drafted by your committee?

S.K.B: The committee of experts was mandated to draft the proposals on certain basic principles. These were Executive President elected by universal adult suffrage, Prime Minister who will command majority in Parliament, MPs elected by universal suffrage, emphatic guarantee of human rights, directive principles of state policies, a non-partisan government system, independent judiciary and a free and independent press.

I thought that this constituted a liberal constitutional order. Notwithstanding the fact that some of all proposals were rejected, I thought the basic elements were there. The two documents  the finalised constitution and the transitional provisions  were submitted to a referendum and were overwhelmingly approved.

Constitution

E.E.H: Our constitution has been in existence for more than 30 years, do you think that it is fit for purpose?

S.K.B: To answer that question, we have to ask what was the basic element informing the writing of the constitution. These were the free media, independent judiciary, election of President and MPs by Universal Adult suffrage.

They did not accept the idea of a Prime Minister and an Executive President because they thought there should not be two lions in one hole, which was simplistic.

These basic liberal constitutional principles were embedded and have in fact been translated into action and earned us the enviable reputation of being an oasis of constitutional and democratic stability in a very turbulent region. You cannot say that the constitution has not served its purpose; it has served its purpose. This does not mean that everything is perfect.

E.E.H: The constitution has been in place for 30 years, do you think it requires amendment to help the development of the country?

S.K.B: The point I would like to make is that the expectation of amending the constitution has been exaggerated. In my humble view, you do not get development by just amending the constitution. You do not get constitutionalism by amending the text. It must be accompanied by some inculcation of values.

If you look at the history of many countries, the economic takeoff did not happen when there was a liberal constitutional order. In doing a review, you must think of development and all that.

The second point I would like to make is that when you think of amendments, it should not only be the text or language. I feel strongly that it should not merely be the language or the text of the constitution; it should also be about the values. It is my strong belief that merely amending the text without a complete evaluation or reassessment of constitutional tenets and value would not lead to what we want to be.

The loopholes in the constitution will be exploited against the principles towards the efforts of partisanship or aggrandisement of power, unless they are restrained by something, which are the values.

Let us take the simple case of accepting electoral results. I do not see any constitutional provision which says that people must accept results. Constitutional provisions are there for giving validity to persons and parties who win elections, but if one says I do not accept someone who has been declared as a winner, there is no constitutional provision to stop this. What can stop it or reduce the tension that characterises our elections are if we inculcated constitutional values and principles.

Review



E.E.H: Some of the advocates of constitutional review base their arguments on the power given to the President to appoint as many ministers that he deems fit. Should we not review the constitution to change this?

S.K.B: You might be right but that will not resolve the situation. Ok let us put a cap on the number of ministers appointed by the President. The President can decide to still go ahead and appoint many people, not necessarily as ministers but rather advisors and special assistants.

This is exactly what happened when President Kufuor wanted to appoint a Prime Minister and they said it wasnt in the constitution, so he appointed Mrs Chinery Hesse as Chief Advisor and J.H. Mensah as Senior Minister. The solution is therefore not to place a cap, but for us to develop our constitutional values so that we get to a point where the President would not feel the need to appoint many ministers.

Another issue is that we should amend the constitution to cap the number of justices of the Supreme Court. We have a Supreme Court that has a very wide jurisdiction, in not only constitutional cases but also civil cases.

The court does not only deal with constitutional cases but a myriad of other cases. In this regard, if you cap the number of the justices, you are restricting the manpower to effectively deal with these cases, which ultimately enhances the justice delivery system.
Ford is boosting production in the US of its popular EVsMustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning and E-Transitalong with other customer favorites such as Bronco Sport and Maverick. The company is also preparing to launch all-new versions of four significant vehicles in 2023: Super Duty, Ranger, Mustang and Escape.

Fords Kansas City Assembly Plant will add a third crew in April to increase production of the best-selling Transit and E-Transit vans In addition to production increases, Ford is studying ways to boost output at Dearborn Truck Plant to meet continued strong demand for the gas and PowerBoostTM hybrid models of the F-150. Ford F-Series is Americas best-selling truck for 46 consecutive years DEARBORN, Mich., March 3, 2023 

Through February, Ford was Americas No. 1 selling overall brand as well as the top truck manufacturer and SUV brand. Ford electric vehicle sales are up 68%. In February, Fords US market share increased by 1.4 percentage points to 13.3%, powered by a 21.9% sales increase.

Mustang Mach-E: Ford began increasing production of the Mustang Mach-E this week. Changes at the plant will allow Ford to nearly double its hourly production and bring its annual manufacturing run rate to a targeted 210,000 units by years end.

Mustang Mach-E helped propel Ford to No. 2 in US EV sales in 2022, and is bringing new customers to Ford, with more than two-thirds of customers coming from other makes.

Bronco Sport and Maverick: Ford is increasing production for Bronco Sport and Maverick. Production is targeted to increase by more than 80,000 units this year, helping to meet demand in both North and South America. In the US, Ford brand SUV sales totaled 777,770, up 4.6% in 2022 versus 2021, led by the Bronco family of vehicles. Maverick was the No. 1 small truck in America in 2022.

F-150 Lightning: In Michigan, production of the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center is on track to triple this year, targeting an annual production run rate of 150,000 by the end of 2023.

The F-150 Lightning, the best-selling electric truck in the US, had sales of 3,600 through February, in addition to the 15,617 sales recorded in 2022. F-150 Lightning production will resume March 13. Overall, for the F-150 Lightning production increase, Ford is investing $2 billion across three plants in Michigan and adding 3,200 union jobs.

Transit and E-Transit: Also adding an additional crew in April is Kansas City Assembly Plant, which manufactures the Transit and the E-Transit vans, Americas best-selling gas and electric vans in 2022. Ford is targeting an annual production increase of 38,000. Ford is investing $95 million and adding 1,100 union jobs as part of the production increase. Ford is Americas best-selling commercial van maker for 45 straight years.

F-150 and F-150 PowerBoost: Ford is also looking at ways to increase production at the Dearborn Truck Plant of the F-150 gas and hybrid trucks to meet continued strong demand. The F-Series holds the title of Americas best-selling truck for 46 consecutive years.
Vancouver-based Ultra Lithium announced the brine sampling results from a drill hole at its 100% owned Laguna Verde brine lithium project in Catamarca Province, Argentina. Drill hole LV22-04 assayed up to 417 parts per million (ppm or mg/L) lithium (Li) from two rounds of sampling completed in January  February 2023.

Earlier, the geophysical study of the first well LV22-01 indicated the presence of a continuous single brine aquifer comprising mainly clastic sediments from 14 meters to 205 meters depth with a marked hydrothermal presence towards the deeper section. The Laguna Verde project is the flagship project of the company and one of the companys 100%-owned brine lithium projects in Argentina.





Laguna Verde project site 1.

Results highlights include:

The hole was drilled down to 227 meters. The brine aquafer was still open to the depth.

The first round of sampling was completed on 18 January 2023, where a total of seven samples were collected at various depths down to 112 m below surface. The second round of sampling was completed on 25 January 2023, and a total of six samples (2 samples at every 12 hours interval) were collected at a depth of 120 m below surface.

Conductivity shows an increase with depth, which is interpreted to achieve better lithium concentrations through pumping and more cleaning of the well.

Overall concentration of ions and metals indicate a single unconfined aquifer down the sampling depth of 120 m.

Round 1 Assays:

Lithium (Li) values are in the range of 386 ppm to 417 ppm with an average of 398 ppm.

Magnesium (Mg) is in the range 851 ppm to 2215 ppm with average 1,902 ppm. Mg to Li ratio is in the range of 2.2 to 5.7 with an average of 4.8.

Boron is in the range of 289 ppm to 392 ppm with average 343 ppm.

Overall pH is generally neutral with an average value of 7.

Average sulfate is 10,479 ppm, chloride 60,872 ppm.

Round 2 Assays:

Lithium (Li) values are in the range of 256 ppm to 354 ppm with an average of 324 ppm. The lower Li value of Round 2 was mainly due to the high precipitation during the period of time between Round 1 and Round 2 samplings.

Magnesium (Mg) is in the range 1153 ppm to 2007 ppm with average 1773 ppm. Mg to Li ratio is in the range of 4.5 to 5.7 with an average of 5.5.

Boron is in the range of 188 ppm to 344 ppm with average 294 ppm.

Overall pH is generally neutral with an average value of 7.

Average sulfate is 9,698 ppm, chloride 58,630 ppm.

The assay results from Laguna Verde indicate great potential for the project interpreted as a single brine aquifer showing consistent values of lithium and other parameters down to an open depth of 227 meters. The company is in the process of carrying out pumping tests to determine the capacity of the aquifer and will be carrying out more sampling during the process for the hole LV22-04 while preparing for more and deeper drill holes in the near future. Dr. Weiguo Lang, CEO of Ultra Lithium

Laguna Verde is a new brine lithium discovery comprising 7,569 hectares in three mining licenses. The mining licenses Laguna Verde I and Laguna Verde II contain approximately 3,000 hectares of salar in which surface water is detected in the centre with high salinity probably contributed through faults and shearing structures.

Exploratory sampling conducted by the company has shown lithium values in the range of 34 to 1,270 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The companys previous exploration work from 2017-2021 included surface brine sampling, ground geophysical surveys and bench scale evaporation testwork. The Laguna Verde mineralized brines are marked by low magnesium to lithium ratios, in the range of zero to 10 which can result in lower production costs.
DVOKOLWAKO  Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned. - William Congreve.

This famous quote fits into the recent tragedy witnessed at Madlangempisi. *Thembi, a 37-year-old woman from Bulandzeni, last week is said to have allegedly waited along the pathway usually used by five-year-old Nkosenhle, the son to her alleged former lover Sifiso Mkhonta. The young boy (now deceased) was well acquainted to his allegedly would be assailant, that was why it was not that difficult for *Thembi to accomplish what she had planned to do, which was eventually killing him after allegedly forcing him to consume a poisonous substance.

Assailant

Well-placed sources disclosed to this publication that the alleged assailant separated the deceased from his peers, while they were on their way back home from school, located in the vicinity of the community of Madlangemphisi.

According to our sources, the peers and also siblings of the deceased young boy suspected nothing sinister as they left him alone with his dads ex-fiancee.

After remaining behind, *Thembi allegedly gave him a poisonous substance to drink. After allegedly forcing the young boy to drink the substance, *Thembi is said to have escaped into the mountains. Meanwhile, the young boy is said to have travelled alone for a short distance to a nearby shop, where he usually bought snacks before going home. It is said that the deceased, just as he was about to enter the shop where he was to buy the snacks, fell down and attracted the attention of some community members, who quickly rushed to ascertain what could the problem be. When the residents arrived where the boy was writhing in pain on the ground and with foam coming out from his mouth.

Confirmed

They quickly sought for transport and rushed him to Dvokolwako Health Centre, which is a few kilometres away from Madlangemphisi, where he was confirmed dead upon arrival. The residents then went back to pursue the alleged assailant and later captured her hiding in one of the mountains in the area. Sources alleged that when * Thembi was captured, the residents assaulted her heavily and that is when she allegedly confessed to having forced the young boy to drink a poisonous substance.

When the mob asked her why she opted to kill the boy, sources disclosed that she confessed that she did it out of anger after his father jilted her on the morning of that fateful day. Further, the sources revealed that she was allegedly found with a poisonous substance in her bag and a tablespoon. After assaulting her, the residents then decided to take her to the Madlangemphisi Police Post, where she was later taken to Dvokolwako Clinic, where she is currently admitted. It is worth noting that mob attacks have become very common in Eswatini.

Confessed

An impeccable source disclosed to the Eswatini News that the scorned woman confessed and narrated how she killed her ex-fiancees child. The boy was allegedly killed by a person he knew as his mother, as it is said that she (*Thembi) frequented the deceaseds fathers workshop, lamented one of the sources. Member of Madlangempisi Bandlancane Celicolo Shiba, who said he was also part of the volunteers who searched for the suspect after she fled the scene, pointed out that he was disappointed and shocked by what the woman allegedly did .

Shiba alleged that the woman (*Thembi) was arrogant, even after the mob had caught up with her and not even remorseful for what she had allegedly done and that further made the search party angry. We had to bring sense to angry residents not to fall into the trap of killing her, as they wanted to force her to consume the deadly poisonous substance, alleged Shiba.

Disclosed

He said angry residents severely assaulted her against the order to hand her over to the police. Shiba disclosed that the woman was rescued when she allegedly confessed and surrendered part of the evidence, which was later handed over to the police. The woman was under police guard when the Eswatini News visited the health institution in an attempt to get her to talk about what had happened, which prompted her to allegedly commit the offence.

Confirmed

Meanwhile, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintended Phindile Vilakati confirmed that a woman was arrested on allegations of poisoning a minor at Madlangempisi. Vilakati said unfortunately the child was later confirmed dead when he reached the clinic. She also said the woman was admitted to a health facility after she was brought in with visible injuries all over her body. Vilakati also warned about the increase in the number of incidents, where residents decided to take the law into their own hands.

However, Vilakati said as members of the Royal Eswatini Police service, they applaud the decision made by residents of Madlangempisi to call the police. Vilakati said the woman has since been discharged from the hospital and was taken to a remand centre pending her appearance in court.
The foldable smartphone category is picking up pace as more and more brands are launching foldable phones to get a piece of this pie, but it's still Samsung's foldables that offer the most refined experience. And while others will catch up eventually, it is the Korean conglomerate that's the current market leader in the foldable segment, as it shipped more foldable smartphones in 2022 than all other OEMs combined.

According to a Financial Times report citing Canalys research, the foldable smartphones market recorded 14.2 million shipments worldwide in 2022, of which Samsung alone shipped more than 11 million units.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 with Galaxy Z Flip4

Chinese brand Huawei came second by shipping just under two million foldables, followed by Oppo, vivo, Xiaomi, Honor, and Motorola, which shipped only 40,000 foldable smartphones.

That said, Canalys estimates the shipments of foldables in 2023 will double and reach 30 million units. And we expect the foldables market to get more interesting and competitive once more Chinese brands launch their foldable devices outside China to challenge Samsung's dominance in this segment.

Source | Via 1, Via 2
James Moylan, Guams delegate to Congress, at the Hyatt Regency Guam on Dec. 13, 2023. Moylan is asking the Secretary of Defense to integrate military students back into Guams public schools.
In response to recent reports of safety violations found at Pepsi Guam Bottling's Harmon facility, General Manager Jon Denight said most of the issues have been addressed and expressed appreciation to Occupational Safety and Health Administration for pointing them out.

We are grateful to OSHA for its guidance which will help us maintain a high standard of safety at our facility, Denight said in a press release issued Friday.

We have already addressed most of OSHAs issues and we are confidents that once OSHA has reviewed all relevant information, they will agree that PGB has always acted with the best of intentions and with a sincere desire to protect the safety of our employees.

PGB has strict production operating standards followed based on the equipment manufacturers instructions, manuals and training, according to Denight. The safety of our operators is a top priority and our strong safety record reflects that, Denight added.

Pepsi Guam Bottling, operating in the Harmon Industrial Park, is facing more than $180,000 in federal penalties after U.S. Department of Labor safety inspectors found several safety violations at the facility.

Since the inspections from October, OSHA found eight violations of machine safety procedures and determined Pepsi Guam also failed to comply with electrical and respiratory safety standards, according to the Labor Department.

Related story:
MBABANE  Two and a half months later, MPs Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza of Hosea and Mthandeni Dube of Ngwempisi have learnt why their third bail application was dismissed in December 2022.

Judge Mumcy Dlamini yesterday handed down her reasons for dismissing the MPs bail application on December 15, 2022. On the day she dismissed the application, Judge Dlamini said reasons for the judgment would follow.

On February 1, 2023, the MPs, through their attorneys, wrote to the registrar of the High Court requesting her to approach Judge Dlamini on their behalf for the reasons for the judgment dismissing their bail application.

The judge stated in her reasons that once the court of first instance had heard the first bail application and refused it, its hands were tied. It cannot hear a subsequent bail application no matter the grounds. To do otherwise would offend the dictates of the doctrine of functus officio and res judicata, said the judge. Res judicata means that a matter has been adjudicated by a competent court and may not be pursued further by the same parties. Functus officio is having fulfilled the function, discharged the office, or accomplished the purpose, and, therefore, of no further force or authority.

Judge Dlamini also said the Supreme Court made a definite pronouncement on the position of the law regarding subsequent bail applications by the same parties under the same charge. This court is now bound by the principle of stare decisis (doctrine of precedent). After Judge Dlamini dismissed the MPs first two bail applications, the accused persons approached the Supreme Court with two separate bail appeals.

Late

The MPs lost the first appeal because they filed it late by seven days and their condonation application was unsuccessful. At the time the MPs were represented by the now late Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko. On the second bail appeal, the Supreme Court ordered that the new bail application be struck off the roll, and it was not to be pursed without leave of court. In their third application, also before Judge Dlamini, the MPs first raised a point in limine to the effect that the High Court was competent to entertain their bail application by virtue of Section 96 (1), (2) and (5) read with section 96(1)(a) and (b) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act No. 67 of 1938. They further pointed out that their application was urgent.

On the grounds for the third bail application, the accused persons deposed that there was no likelihood that they would endanger the safety of the public or any individual or commit the said offences again. They said they would not evade trial by reason that they had already testified in defence that they were born and bred in the kingdom.

All the Crowns witnesses, submitted the MPs, had already given evidence and therefore they could not be intimidated by them. They further told the court that there was no likelihood for them to undermine the proper function of the criminal justice system or disturb peace and public order. The duo said the court may order proper conditions for their bail to ensure their further attendance to their trial.

Weak

On the Crowns case, the MPs pointed out that they had given evidence and that their defence reflected that the Crowns case was very weak. They had denied the evidence by the Crowns witnesses and said all they did was to explain to the people their constitutional rights. The petitions delivery banning order which was said to have been contravened by them, they submitted, was unlawful. They denied that the riot by the people followed after they had encouraged them to continue with the delivery of the petitions. On the counts of murder, they informed the court that there was no iota of evidence incriminating them.

In response, the Crown also raised a legal point to the effect that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter by reason of it being functus officio. On the merits, the Crown contended that the MPs moved an application in terms of Section 174(4) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act No. 67 of 1938 to be acquitted and discharged but such application was declined. The Crown submitted that the evidence against the MPs was so strong such that if they were released on bail, they would evade trial. Their release on bail, according to the Crown, would jeopardise the proper functioning of the criminal justice system.

Judge Dlamini, when dealing with the point raised by the Crown compelling the accused persons to seek leave of the Supreme Court before filing the present application, said from the judgment of the Supreme Court, it was clear that the court referred to the bail application filed by the MPs before the same court (Supreme Court). The Supreme Court held that the applicants ought to apply for leave to re-instate that bail application. It certainly did not refer to the bail application serving before this court. In that regard, the point taken at the instance of the respondent (Crown) stands to fail, said the judge.

When Judge Dlamini dismissed the MPs third bail application on December 15, 2022, MP Dube said the judge had done a good thing by not granting their application for bail. The judge had also dismissed the Crowns application to reopen its case. When MP Dube first told them that the dismissal of their bail application would work to their advantage, he had to explain himself as what he said was seemingly unexpected.

Conditions

When commending Judge Dlamini on her decision to deny them bail, MP Dube said if their application had been granted, stringent conditions would have been attached, which would not have been favourable to them. Ngwane National liberatory Congress (NNLC) President Sibongile Mazibuko chipped in and asked if the MPs would have returned to Parliament.

MP Dube explained that their release from custody would have seen them being constantly monitored. He said during the monitoring, their lives would have been in danger because they have started shooting people. So, (Judge) Mumcy has done a good job by not releasing us. We are safe where we are, said MP Dube. One of the MPs who had joined their incarcerated colleagues supporters enquired from MP Dube: How are you safe when they sometimes assault you?The Ngwempisi MP explained that the issue had been fixed and those who were responsible for assaulting them had apologised and the matter was put to bed. He said the Correctional officers realised their error and apologised.
By Panos Kotzathanasis | Published on 2023/03/03

If one thing is certain about Shin Sang-ok throughout his prolific filmography, is that he could really weave stories in a way that truly appealed to the public. "Eunuch" , which deals with the rather unusual for the time theme of a part of the "palace" rarely depicted on screen, showcases this trait as eloquently as possible.

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The introduction of the movie sets the base for the movie's setting. In a separate location from the main Palace, there was a place in the court where the women that formed his harem lived. Completely off-limits for any man beyond the king, the location harbored only women, including handmaidens and the Queen Dowager. There was however, an exception, and that was for eunuchs, who performed a number of services to the King, including drawing which of the mistresses would sleep with him every night, and were also responsible for his safety when he was visiting. It is in this setting that Ja-ok, the very beautiful daughter of a minister arrives, under the order of her father and brother. The girl, however, has promised herself to Jong-ho, a young man she is in love with, and who, after being punished with castration for having feelings for a woman beyond his stature, finds a way to also come to the palace.

The two cannot keep away from each other, but are soon caught by the captain of the guards, Gwang-jin, who, decides, however, to let them go after he listens to the story, also believing that the girl would eventually give in to the King after she sleeps with him. In the meantime, a number of other episodes are taking place in the palace, while even the King himself is under pressure to produce a male heir.

Shin Sang-ok, as usual for him and the era in Korean cinema, follows an episodic narrative, which succeeds equally at appealing to the audience by including the favorite themes of melodrama, romance, action and eroticism, and to make a number of comments mostly revolving around the Palace politics and the place of women in society. To start with the last aspect, that almost all the women in the film have to compete for what the men leave them, essentially ending up competing for nothing, emerges as a central comment of the movie, with the concept of the King's pick every night, highlighting it in the most eloquent fashion. Ja-ok's fate also moves towards the same direction, as much as the ending fate of the queen dowager.

The palace politics and the role each of the poles of authority played, particular downwards in terms of hierarchy is also showcased, ending up in a comment about how it was the system of the time that actually put pressure on everybody. These first two components are also the ones that are the main source of melodrama here.

Also of interest is the way Shin uses eroticism, both to establish Ja-ok as an object of desire for everyone, including women in one of the most scandalous episodes of the movie, to titillate, and also to make a comment about human desire. Particularly the way Ja-ok changes through sex is one of the most appealing elements of the movie, also owing a lot to both the appearance and the overall acting of Yoon Jung-hee, who gives a truly memorable performance here.

The cinematography, and particularly the way Ja-ok and the erotic scenes are captured also helps the most in that regard, in one of the most appealing aspects of the movie, with the work done by DP Choi Seung-woo being top notch. O Seong-hwan's editing results in a fast pace that suits the episodic nature of the narrative nicely, while both factors find their apogee in the very Japanese-like action scene close to the end, which is probably the most impressive shot in the whole film. Lastly, the attention to detail, as in the color of the dresses, the uniforms of the soldiers and the eunuchs and the overall presentation of the era, add another tick in the pros column.

Truth be told, in terms of story, Shin loses his sense of measure a bit, particularly regarding a number of episodes that are visited only to be forgotten in the end, but as the sum of its individual parts, the movie definitely deserves a watch, additionally because it has withstood the test of time.

Review by Panos Kotzathanasis

___________

"Eunuch" is directed by Shin Sang-ok, and features Kang-Shin Sung-il, Yoon Jung-hee, Park Nou-sik, Namkoong Won, Do Kum-bong, Heo Jang-kang. Release date in Korea: 1968/12/11.
Published on 2023/03/04 | Source

Korean movie "I Leave Home" added to HanCinema database

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"I Leave Home" (2021)

Directed by Kim Sung-hwan-II

With Yang Heung-joo, Na Hyun-joon,...

Synopsis

'Seong-min', who has been preparing to leave for a long time, heads to a Buddhist temple, Taeungsa, with his friend 'Jin-woo'. However, when Seong-min arrives at the temple, he is unexpectedly denied entry due to the age limit. Confused, Seong-min and Jin-woo did not give up and headed to Bobmunsa Temple in Odaesan, but this time they are rejected for another unexpected reason...



Life isn't easy at all!

From now on, a pleasant mind journey begins!

Shall we leave together?

Release date in Korea : 2023/04
MBABANE  Can soldiers enter another country to carry out an operation and apprehend or kill suspects?

This is reportedly what happened near Matsamo Border Gate, at the South African (SA) side, when soldiers from Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) allegedly jumped the borderline into that country to carry out an operation against alleged robbers. It is alleged that the local soldiers jumped the SA borderline through a fencing gap normally used by border jumpers at the informal crossing line. The place where the border jumpers cross is only a few metres from the official border gate in Matsamo.

Since SA and Eswatini share a borderline, communities living near both sides of the fence separating the two countries often cross into either of the countries illegally, or using army checkpoints. Sometimes, these official army checkpoints are considered to be very far, resulting in some of the residents crossing illegally instead of using the border or army checkpoints.

The incident happened last Saturday and many travellers were allegedly crossing from the SA side of the border, heading into Eswatini to attend the Buganu Ceremony. It is alleged that hundreds of people had flocked towards the illegal crossing where soldiers sometimes guard the area. Some of the travellers heading for the ceremony at Buhleni were allegedly robbed by four people who were purportedly targeting them and even assaulted some of them before they entered the country. It was revealed that the travellers were robbed of items such as cellphones, cash and other valuables.

Residents around Matsamo said it was not the first time travellers were robbed, allegedly by the same people. Some of the people who were robbed allegedly arrived in the country with injuries and complained that their items were taken by force from them. This was said to have angered some of the residents who reported the matter to the soldiers who normally guard the borderline.

Tracked

Eyewitnesses allege that upon being called, the soldiers tracked down the suspects and opened fire on them. It could not be established whether there were shots fired by the alleged robbers at the soldiers. However, two men aged 33 and 30 were allegedly shot by the soldiers. The younger of the two men died while the older one was rushed to the nearby hospital where he was still being treated for gunshot wounds as of Thursday. The deceaseds body was taken away by South African emergency personnel including police officers who arrived at the scene.

Some of the residents who live on both sides of the fence were asked whether the area where the two men were shot was in SA, or Eswatini. However, *Jomo, who lives in SA, said the area was in fact on the South African side. He said this was the reason only SA emergency personnel attended the scene. He emphasised that there was no way SA officials could have intervened in the matter if the place was in Eswatini.

This was not the first time soldiers attend to issues at this spot as both emaSwati and South Africans have been using this informal crossing path to avoid issues of immigration paperwork. Soldiers have always guarded the area so that border jumpers cannot illegally enter either of the two countries, but people just do not want to use the border gate, he said.

Initially, it was reported that four people were shot and that two died. A questionnaire was sent to the UEDF Public Affairs Officer 2nd Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo on the incident where four people were allegedly shot by soldiers from Eswatini, in SA.

Concerns

She was informed that it had been gathered that the soldiers from this country entered the neighbouring country after concerns about emaSwati being robbed. Khumalo was further asked to explain the circumstances that could have led to the killing. She was also asked if the matter had been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS). She was then informed about the high rate of crime in the area which allegedly led to the supposed shooting.

The questions were sent to Khumalo via WhatsApp on Wednesday. However, on the following day, Khumalo, in a telephone conversation, stated that there was no report of such an incident. I will let you know if they come back to me, said Khumalo after she had revealed that she had made enquiries from the relevant stakeholders in the army.

Last Saturday, this publication reported an incident whereby soldiers in Dwalile, near Malutha borderline under Shiselweni Region, allegedly failed to respond to an incident where a man was beaten to death by a mob. The deceased, Mciniseli Zwane, was dragged into the SA side after being accused of cattle rustling and whipped with sticks. He was also allegedly assaulted with all kinds of objects and left hanging on a tree where his lifeless body was discovered the following day.

At the time, the armys Public Affairs Officer (Khumalo) stated that the armys core interest was to protect human life. The residents of Dwalile had accused the army of watching as Zwane was whisked away into SA by a mob which eventually killed him.

*Not real name.
Published on 2023/03/03 | Source

Korean movies "The Highway Family", "Christmas Carol", and documentary "I Am From Chosun" are available to preorder on DVD with English subtitles from YESASIA.

"The Highway Family" (2021)

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Directed by Lee Sang-moon

With Ra Mi-ran, Jung Il-woo, Kim Seul-gi, Bek Hyunjin, Seo Yi-soo, Park Da-on,...

Started filming: 2021/10/18

Synopsis

Ra Mi-ran will play a woman who runs an antique furniture store as she grieves the untimely death of her son. Bek Hyunjin will feature as her husband, who accepts her grief and supports her. Jung Il-woo is on board to play a father earning a living to support his wife and two children, while Kim Seul-gi is cast as his wife. The film will chronicle what happens to these families when they meet at a highway rest stop.

Release date in Korea : 2022/11/02

DVD with English subtitles

Order from YESASIA

---

"Christmas Carol" (2021)

Directed by Kim Seong-soo

With Park Jinyoung, Kim Young-min, Kim Dong-hwi-I, Song Geon-hee, Heo Dong-won,...

Adapted from a novel.

Synopsis

On a Christmas eve, a lifeless body of a teenage boy is found in the water tank. The body belongs to an 18-year-old boy with mental disabilities, Joo Wol-woo. Despite clear signs of brutal violence, the social worker has the boy's grandmother, who is suffering from dementia, sign the death certificate stating the cause of death as an accidental drowning. Following the incident, the grandmother dies alone from distress, and after losing all his loved ones, the victim's twin brother, Joo Il-woo, is left on his own to seek justice. To his dismay, however, the world turns a blind eye to a teenage orphan struggling with poverty, and Il-woo finds himself completely alone in his journey to avenge Wol-woo's death: He determines that it is about time he has to take the law and justice to his own hands.

Release date in Korea : 2022/12/07

DVD with English subtitles

Order from YESASIA

---

"I Am From Chosun" (202)

Directed by Kim Cheol-min

Synopsis

In October 2002, a South Korean documentary film director Kim Cheol-min attends an event hosted at Mt. Geumgang: National Rally for Reunification by Students and Youths from South and North Korea and Abroad. It was influenced by the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration. In the hope of contributing to the nation's reconciliation, unity, and reunification, around 500 students and youths from South and North Korea and abroad attended the event. Here, Kim encounters the Korean Japanese (Zainichi) for the first time. To get to know them better and deeper, he grabs his camera and heads to Japan. The Korean Japanese are neither 'South Korean' nor 'North Korean'. They refer to themselves as 'Chosun people'. Many people find the term difficult and awkward because the word 'Chosun' cannot be defined simply. Multiple discussions intertwine the word. In Japan, 'Chosun' is consciously and unconsciously connected with North Korea, making the word a form of hate speech. When the Korean Japanese say "I Am From Chosun", they are making a declaration or pledge to proactively rescue the word that is engraved with a history of oppression and ordeal. LEE Jong-chan

Diaspora Film Festival 9

Release date in Korea : 2021/12/09

DVD with English subtitles

Order from YESASIA
Hungary has once again delayed a vote on the ratification of Sweden and Finlands NATO accession bids, further frustrating Western allies. Hungary is the only NATO member, aside from Turkey, that has not yet approved the two Nordic countries bids to join the alliance. The latest delay pushes the vote back by two weeks to the parliamentary session beginning March 20.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused the Swedish and Finnish governments of spreading blatant lies about Hungary, which have raised questions among lawmakers in his party on whether to approve the bids. However, Orban confirmed that Hungary would send a parliamentary delegation to Sweden and Finland to seek clarification on the issues before the ratification could come to a vote in parliament.

According to a statement from the Riksdag sent to The Associated Press, the Hungarian delegation is scheduled to meet with Swedish assembly Speaker Andreas Norlen and other lawmakers in Sweden's parliament, the Riksdag, on the upcoming Tuesday.



The delays have frustrated some members of the European Union, as well as members of Hungarys opposition parties. A liberal lawmaker and a former secretary of state in Hungarys Ministry of Defense, Agnes Vadai, criticized the governing Fidesz party for the numerous delays and accused them of deliberately dragging their feet on the vote.



Finland and Sweden applied last year to join NATO due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The countries have said they want to join NATO together, but Hungary and Turkey are the only NATO members to not yet have ratified the bids. The other 28 countries have approved the bids. Adding a new member requires unanimous agreement.



Turkey has pressed the two countries to crack down on exiled members of Kurdish and other groups it sees as terrorists to secure ratification. The country has signaled that it might vote for Finlands accession but not for Swedens. U.S. President Joe Biden wants both Finland and Sweden in NATO and is more focused on both countries joining rather than them doing so at the same time.



In regards to Finland's bid, the country's parliament "passed all the legislation necessary for joining NATO" on Wednesday in advance, with Hungary and Turkey still to ratify the bid. However, concerns remain about Finland's border with Russia, with some members of the Hungarian government expressing worries about adding a country that shares an 800-mile border with Russia. Finland began constructing a border fence on Tuesday, with most of its border currently protected by wooden fences to prevent livestock from crossing.

HT
Terrorist killed in operation in NW Pakistan: military

Islamabad, Mar 4 (UNI) A terrorist was killed in an intelligence-based operation in the North Waziristan district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a military statement said.

During the conduct of the operation on Friday, an intense exchange of fire took place between the security forces and the terrorists, resulting in the killing of the terrorist, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in the statement.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorist, the ISPR said, adding that the deceased was actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces and killing of innocent citizens.
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Local artists came together in the wake of the Jan. 23 shootings to create the Healing Flags Community Art Project, which began at Mac Dutra Plaza and migrated to the Half Moon Bay Library.
China's position on political settlement of Ukraine crisis merits support, says Thai expert

Xinhua) 13:31, March 04, 2023

BANGKOK, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China's proposal for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis encompasses all the necessary elements that could achieve a ceasefire and lead to eventual peace, thereby meriting support, a Thai expert has said.

Kavi Chongkittavorn, senior fellow of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Bangkok-based Chulalongkorn University, made the remarks while commenting on a paper stating China's position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

In the paper, China proposes a solution to the crisis that addresses both the symptoms and root causes, and holds that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.

China's proposal for peace in Ukraine "should be given serious consideration as it encompasses all the necessary elements that could achieve a ceasefire leading to eventual peace," Kavi wrote in a signed article in daily Bangkok Post.

China's position, he said, resonated well with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which calls for respecting the national sovereignty of all countries, resuming peace talks, resolving the humanitarian crisis as well as reducing strategic risks.

"For the region, any call for a peaceful dialogue and swift humanitarian assistance reflects the reality on the ground that regional countries are facing and deserves support," he wrote.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers and windy conditions developing in the afternoon. Morning high of 60F with temps falling to near 40. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Periods of rain and snow showers in the evening transitioning to snow showers late...windy. Low 34F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 60%. Higher wind gusts possible.
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MDAR Receives Funds to Increase Seniors' Access to Locally Grown Produce

BOSTON  The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced today that Massachusetts has been awarded $1,410,222 to expand the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).

The award was granted by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The $1.4 million grant award will allow MDAR to increase the level of benefit for seniors participating in the SFMNP from $25 to $50. The increase in funding will also allow MDAR to serve an additional 2,300 seniors and disabled individuals over the next two years.

"This award is a win for seniors, farmers, and our Commonwealth," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides an important safety net for our seniors and has proven to be a vital part of our recovery from the pandemic when food insecurity skyrocketed. With these funds, we can continue to expand access to local and nutritious fruits and vegetables, while continuing to support our Massachusetts farmers."

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is a seasonal, annual program providing low-income seniors with coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and honey from Massachusetts farmers. Every year, coupons are spent at over 300 farmers' markets and farmstands across the state.

"MDAR appreciates the support and partnership with USDA's Food and Nutrition Service and remains committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable populations, including elders, have access to local, fresh food," stated MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. "At a time when food insecurity rates remain high, the added benefit will provide elders with high-quality, nutritious food while supporting our Massachusetts farmers and food producers."

The SFMNP is administered thanks to the 23 Elder Nutrition Programs across the state that distribute coupons throughout their service areas. Every summer, coupons are distributed to eligible participants at senior centers, councils on aging, and senior housing sites across the Commonwealth. Eligible seniors must be 60 years of age or older or disabled, living in senior housing where congregate nutrition services are provided, and with household incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Coupons are distributed from July through the end of September every year. For more information about SFMNP, visit the MDAR program website. Learn more about program eligibility here.

MDAR's mission is to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its five divisions  Agricultural Conservation & Technical Assistance, Agricultural Markets, Animal Health, Crop and Pest Services, and Food Safety 

MDAR strives to support, regulate, and enhance the rich diversity of the Commonwealth's agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture's role in energy conservation and production.
BArT Annual 'Get BArT Smart Fundraiser'

ADAMS, Mass.  Berkshire Arts & Technology (BArT) Charter Public School is holding its annual fundraiser, Get BART Smart, on Saturday, April 1 from 6:00 - 9:30 pm at One Commercial Street in Adams.

Get BArT Smart features a trivia experience, individuals and teams of up to 6 will travel from classroom to classroom throughout the evening for trivia and team projects served up by BArT educators.

"For 16 years, BArT has invited adults to participate in Get BArT Smart," said Jay White, BArT's Executive Director. "It's an exciting evening of testing your knowledge and smarts, all while eating, competing to win prizes, and having a great time with friends and smart people you'll meet from around the region."

This event is the primary fundraiser for the School, the proceeds of which directly benefit student programming. The School also invites companies to sponsor this well-established and well-attended event.

"There is a lot to be excited about with this year's program," said Leah Thompson, Director of Advancement at BArT. "The support of this event by our community is amazing!"
Disgraced Alex Murdaugh, a South Carolina attorney, was found guilty of killing his wife and their youngest son and was sentenced to life in prison on Friday. As per officials, several gunshot wounds were discovered in the bodies of Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh, 52, and her son Paul Murdaugh, 22, in June 2021.



Alex Murdaugh, 54, was found guilty on all counts Thursday, including two counts of murder and two counts of weapon possession during the execution of a violent crime.

The high-profile case of Alex Murdaugh was the subject of a Netflix documentary.

Twitter

It included allegations of financial crimes, an assisted suicide attempt, opioid addiction, and his son Paul's death in a boating accident in 2019.



Twitter

In the Lowcountry of South Carolina, the Murdaughs are a well-known and historically significant family of lawyers. They have had a law office in Hampton County for over a century. The family has a long history of being notable prosecutors in the region.

Watching the Murdaugh Murders series on Netflix. I guess its kind of refreshing to discover that heinous criminal families dont always have to be exotic or attractive. Just look at this bunch of slobby goofballs. pic.twitter.com/yimj1m64q6  Pedro Schwarzenegger (@cinemabuse) February 25, 2023

"In the area, the Murdaughs weren't above the law; they were the law," Pilar Melendez, a Daily Beast reporter who covered the case, told ABC News.

On June 7, 2021, Alex Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and their son Paul were found dead near the dog kennels on the family's estate. Both of them had been shot.

Netflix

Alex Murdaugh quit his law firm the months after he was sued for years of suspected theft from clients and the firm itself. And he went to a recovery center, he added. His claim that he was shot in the head while changing a tire on the side of the road on September 4, 2021, was a considerable development.

Investigators said he had a minor cut to the head and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In an affidavit, Murdaugh subsequently claimed that he had requested the suspected shooter to help him commit suicide so that his surviving son, Buster Murdaugh, could earn $10 million from a life insurance policy.

The accused shooter said he had nothing to do with the insurance scam and denied killing Murdaugh.

Alex Murdaugh turned himself into the police less than two weeks after the incident and was charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy, and submitting a fake police report.

Gloria Satterfield, who used to work as Alex Murdaugh's maid, fell and died in the family's home in 2018. This led to charges of stealing settlement money.

Paul Murdaugh was scheduled to stand trial for causing a fatal boating accident in 2019. Due to Paul Murdaugh's alleged drunken boating accident, Mallory Beach died.

Alex Murdaugh testified in his own defense EXACTLY 4 YEARS TO THE DAY that MALLORY BEACH lost her life in the boat accident caused by a drunken, abusive Paul Murdaugh. That boat crash brought Alexs secrets into the light & thats its own kind of justice. #JusticeForMallory pic.twitter.com/ag2K6LQOm4  SharonNewmanEdwards (@babygirlbugsatx) February 24, 2023

Beach's family sued Alex Murdaugh for wrongful death, saying he let his teenage son drive drunk. This helped show that he may have been stealing from his law firm and clients for years.

Don't forget the real victims of the Murdaughs. Mallory Beach killed by Paul, Stephen Smith killed by Buster, and Gloria Satterfield killed by Alex. I have no sympathy for paul murdaugh he got what was coming to him! pic.twitter.com/Z8UWMOznFi  Toshyfresh. (@ToshHCameron1) March 3, 2023

"In the end, Paul was a little detective," said Mark Keel, head of South Carolina's Law Enforcement Division, referring to Paul Murdaugh's smartphone footage that put his dad, Alex Murdaugh, near the crime site minutes before Paul and his mother, were murdered.

"SLED agents have worked tirelessly for the past nearly 21 months to ensure justice was served for Maggie and Paul," Kent said in a statement Friday.

"It was all done under constant pressure and scrutiny. I want my folks to know how proud I am to be their chief."

He added, "Today is not the end; its the next step in the long road to justice for every person who Alex Murdaugh has victimized."

"This case serves as notice to anyone who aided or assisted Alex Murdaugh in committing any crime that justice will be sought," Kent said.

Alex Murdaugh faces roughly 100 more counts for money laundering and faking his death so his son could collect his $10 million life insurance policy. Alex Murdaugh admitted to client fraud.

(To read more such stories related to movies and shows released on OTTs, keep reading Indiatimes BINGE)


Japanese animated comic series or popularly known as anime, are animated characters which are created out of graphic comic books known as the manga. For almost each manga, there exists an anime series.

What anime does is that it gives life to its character and makes it reachable to a larger audience. Many online platforms, including OTT platforms have now started to screen anime. Chatrooms full of anime-lovers or, as popularly known as the weebs are the online spaces where long debates and discussions on anime occur. These chatrooms discuss the layered themes that anime is able to portray.



Fandom

From at far, anime does seem like a casual cartoon series. But it is more than that. Anime is political.



Political themes in Anime

One of the most common politics represented in anime is of the World War II (WWII). These are called war-anime. Joachim Alt, who has studied the reproduction of WWII in anime, says that these war-anime highlight a notion of collective amnesia. Almost all war-anime ignore the Japanese wrongdoings and are set on the narrative of war is bad. Though it is true that the motto of such anime is to convey the message that regardless of the parties involved, war brings suffering and pain. However, it cannot be ignored that war-anime is a form of memoir, which only reveals the memory of one side.

Attack On Titan, based on the manga of the same name, borrows heavily from the themes of WWII. The anime uses instances and imagery which would be associated with the Holocaust. There are sequences of soldiers marching, racial cleansing, young boys and girls joining the military to serve the country, and many more.

The story deals with the theme of what happens to youth when they are exposed to war. It further delves into the conversation of the reasoning behind fighting a war. Important questions like is war important? who are we fighting for? who are we protecting? are also touched upon.

otakuusamagazine

Aoi Kikou is another anime that sets during the Japanese imperialism. The story revolves around Kenji, who decides to join the Japanese military to avenge his brothers leg, lost when the military deployed his brother in China.



The story conveys the setting of the constant conflict between Japan and China over Manchuria and Japanese declaration of war after the attack on Pearl Harbour.

Other than war-anime, anime has been able to highlight LGBTQ+ issues; issues of youth is a common topic in anime, whether in war settings or in contemporary settings. Most of the anime delves deeper into the stories and its theme by following one character, a teenager. And it is through that one character that the anime touches upon the issues. One Piece is a great example of such anime where from the character of Yamato, who is assigned female at birth and uses male pronouns, the story touches upon the LGBTQ+ issues.

Anime finds itself in controversy

The politics is anime has landed it into twitter controversy. Popular anime series called My Hero Academia in 2020 introduced a character called the Maruta Shiga. This character ended up hurting feelings of many Chinese anime lovers.

Wiki

Maruta is a controversial term used for the victims of Japans inhumane experiments during WWII. In retaliation, the Chinese created a mock character of the series main character Izuku Midoriya and renamed him Hiroshima Nagasaki, a reference to the atomic bombings. The characters birthdate is August 6  the date of the bombings. The blood type is B29, again referencing Boeing B-29 that dropped the nukes.



It would be right to say that anime is more than just cartoons on the screen. It has deeper meaning, and it would be wrong to say that anime is not political.
At a time when the public at large has forgotten about COVID-19 and has started living like the pandemic is a thing of the past, there is some worrying news.

India on Saturday logged more than 300 new COVID-19 cases.

AFP

Highest single-day tally in 3 months

In the past 24 hours, the country saw a single-day rise of 334 new cases, the first time the number of daily infections has crossed the 300 mark after 97 days.



With this, the number of active cases in India increased to 2,686, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.

The active cases now comprise 0.00 per cent of the total cases, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.80 per cent, according to the health ministry website.

AFP

The death toll from COVID also rose to 5,30,775 with three latest fatalities -- two reported by Maharashtra in the last 24 hours and one reconciled by Kerala, the data showed.



Three years of COVID-19

The country's infection tally stands at 4.46 crore (4,46,87,496).

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,54,035, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.

India reported the first case of COVID-19 in January 2020, on a medical student who had returned to Kerala from Wuhan in China, where the outbreak first surfaced.

AFP

The number of COVID cases in India began exploding in March and the country, like most of the world, went into a lockdown to prevent the spread.



In the first wave of COVID-19, as per estimates, over 1.5 lakh people lost their lives.

The second wave of COVID-19 in 2021 was the most devastating for India, with April seeing more than 3 lakh new infections being reported in one day.

More than 4 lakh people are estimated to have died in India during the second wave of COVID-19.

BCCL

The third wave of COVID-19 in India, in 2022, triggered by the Omicron sub-variant, was relatively less deadly for the country, with both hospitalisations and fatalities remaining low.

COVID restrictions lifted in March 2022

After two years of restrictions, India ended all COVID-19-related curbs on March 31, 2022.

While the restrictions were lifted, health experts had warned that India could see occasional spikes in new infections.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which forced the world to go into a lockdown, there has been an explosion of mental health-related issues.

The fear of infection and inability to move outside rooms and houses only exacerbated the crisis, which is still lingering.

Unsplash

Most prevalent mental health issues

A recent report by an NGO working in the field of mental health showed that one-third of people who reached out to its helpline reported battling anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and sought psychological support.

The Cyrus and Priya Vandrevala Foundation, which provides free mental health counselling, said they noticed this trend in the last 18 months.

The foundation facilitated 114,396 conversations and over 1.7 million messages with 61,258 people from August 2021 till January 2023.

unsplash

Shortage of mental health professionals

"One-third of people who reached out to us told us that they struggled with mental illness, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Suicide killed more people in India than murders and coronavirus in 2022," said philanthropist Priya Hiranandani-Vandrevala, who leads the foundation.



"Even if every medical student in the country today became a psychiatrist, we do not have enough people to solve the mental health crisis," Priya said in a statement.

Who is seeking help?

The data from the foundation suggest that 81 per cent of the people seeking counselling on issues concerning mental health come from 12 states.

These were Maharashtra (17.3 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (9.5 per cent), Karnataka (8.3 per cent), Delhi (8 per cent), Tamil Nadu (6.2 per cent), Gujarat (5.8 per cent), West Bengal (5.4 per cent), Kerala (5.3 per cent), Telangana (4 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (3.8 per cent), Rajasthan (3.6 per cent) and Haryana (3.6 per cent).

Unsplash

"This reflects our efforts on creating awareness of our free helpline in these regions. This data also guides us to scale our efforts and fund appropriate initiatives in low awareness states," Priya said.



How people are seeking help

The survey also found that the preferred mode of communication changes with age and gender.

While the data shows that the use of WhatsApp increases with the younger population, a telephonic conversation is preferred by those over 35 years of age.

Unsplash

The usage of WhatsApp is increasing with the younger generation. The last three months of data suggest that more and more young people are using WhatsApp to get help with their mental health, according to the statement.

As many as 65 per cent of people under 18 years of age, 50 per cent of people aged 18-35, 28.3 per cent of people aged 35-60, and 8 per cent of people over 60 are all using WhatsApp for this purpose versus a phone call, it said.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Police in 'dry state' Bihar has recovered around 17 cartons of liquor from Harpur village of Vaishali district.

According to the police, the liquor cartons were hidden inside a pond in the village. Police said the special liquor was brought from Haryana for Holi celebrations.

ANI

Holi special liquor made in Haryana

"More than 150 litres of liquor has been recovered and the seized liquor is made in Haryana, on which the word "Holi special" is written. Action will be taken soon by identifying the people involved in hiding the liquor," Police station Incharge, Vaishali, Suresh Prasad Chowdhary, said.

According to him, the liquor mafia has become active in the Vaishali district ahead of Holi and they are adopting various tactics to hoodwink the police.

"But the team of the excise department has been successful in recovering liquor worth lakhs of rupees hidden in a fish pond. In fact, the excise department team had received a piece of secret information that a large quantity of foreign liquor has been hidden underwater in a pond located in Harpur village of Mahua police station area so that it can be consumed during Holi, but the excise department team raided the place and found 17 cartons of foreign liquor," he said.

Liquor banned, but smuggling rampant

The production, storage, sale, and consumption of liquor have been banned in Bihar since April 2016.

BCCL/FILE

But the stringent ban has only resulted in a thriving underground market that often sells smuggled or country-made liquor.



On Thursday, the Excise department in neighbouring Jharkhand's Bokaro district busted an illegal liquor factory and seized alcohol worth around Rs 1 crore.

According to officials, the 2,000 litres of spirit and 300 cartoons of spurious liquor were being made for supply in different state districts and Bihar for the upcoming Holi festival.

BCCL/FILE

1.8 cr people gave up liquor: Bihar govt

Following hundreds of deaths in hooch tragedies in Bihar after the liquor ban Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been under pressure from various corners, including from his own allies, to revoke the restrictions.

CM Kumar has so far soot his ground and defended the ban, saying it has reduced crimes in Bihar.

Last month the Bihar government issued a report claiming that 1.82 crore people (almost 96 per cent of the state population) have left liquor consumption since the ban imposition in April 2016.

"Due to the liquor ban, crime and road accidents have declined in Bihar," the report claimed.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Families whose children were left with life-changing disabilities by an epilepsy drug used during pregnancy have repeated calls for Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to establish an inquiry.

Avocacy group OACS Ireland welcomed the latest multi-million euro High Court settlement for a family affected by the use of sodium valproate, but said an inquiry, promised in 2020, is needed to ensure justice for all families.

A settlement of 15m was made to Jack Clarke, Dublin, without admission of liability on Thursday.

However, liability was admitted in a parallel case taken on behalf of his younger brother Tom. This was also settled on Thursday with a 2.65m interim payment for the next seven years.

OACS Ireland founder Karen Keely said: We welcome this court settlement. However not all of our members will have the ability or the resources to take legal action through the courts in respect of the harm caused to them by valproate.

A UK inquiry found evidence of known risks dating back to the 1980s.

We once more call on the Minister for Health to confirm when he intends delivering on his 2020 commitment to holding an inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate, she said.

Three years ago, the minister promised a fair and fast inquiry and our members are still none the wiser as to when the inquiry will commence nor have we received clarity from the minister on the version of the terms of reference meant to be governing the intended inquiry.

She argued an inquiry can find out how children came to be harmed by this drug, sold under the brand name Epilim, and whether that could have been avoided.

The HSE estimates between 1975 and 2015 some 153 to 341 children may have experienced a major congenital malformation and up to 1,250 some form of neurodevelopmental delay.

Fetal Vaproate Syndrome can include spina bifida, congenital heart defects, genital abnormalities, skeletal abnormalities, and developmental delay.

It is very important to OACS Ireland members that the historical licensing of valproate be investigated thoroughly by the intended inquiry, Ms Keely said.

Not only to ascertain how OACS Ireland members came to be harmed by this drug but also from a wider public interest perspective to ensure the lessons learnt from this proposed inquiry on foot of an appropriate historical lookback would prevent any other drug causing the same devastating consequences.
Burma Myanmar Junta at War With own People: UN

A vigil at the US Embassy in Yangon in February 2021 for those killed during the regime's crackdowns on protests./ The Irrawaddy

Geneva, Switzerland  Myanmars military rulers now see civilians as their adversaries and are making war on the countrys people, undermining their ability to live, the United Nations said on Friday.

Two years on from the February 1, 2021, coup the situation is a festering catastrophe, said UN human rights chief Volker Turk, adding that the junta was operating with complete impunity.

In a report examining the two years since the takeover, the UN Human Rights Office said at least 2,940 people had been verified as killed, of which nearly 30 percent died in detention.

However, the true death toll is likely to be much higher.

James Rodehaver, head of the offices team in Myanmar, said the armed forces were now actively fighting on around 13 fronts.

The military is stretched increasingly thin, he told a briefing in Geneva, so has relied increasingly on air power and shelling to clear the way for ground forces, with more than 300 airstrikes in the last year.

The report documented deadly air strikes on schools and hospitals.

Nearly 80 percent of the countrys 330 townships have been affected by armed clashes, the report said.

There has never been a time and a situation in which a crisis in Myanmar has reached this far, this wide throughout the country, said Rodehaver.

In the past, the conflicts have been more isolated in the ethnic states. Now its reaching even the Bamar heartland.

UN reports indicate that nearly 39,000 houses nationwide have been burned or destroyed in junta operations since February 2022, a more than 1,000-fold increase compared to 2021, the UN rights office said.

The junta and its affiliates have made 17,572 arrests since the coup, it added.

The junta is using a so-called four cuts strategy: an attempt to cut off resistance food, communications, ability to recruit and access to money, said Rodehaver.

What theyre doing now is they are treating Myanmars people as their opponent and adversary, he said.

You have a military making war against its own people.

They have really created a crisis thats resulted in a loss, a regression in every human right, and that includes the basic ability to live and to have an economic future.

Turk said Myanmars generals, emboldened by continuous and absolute impunity, had embarked on a scorched earth policy to stamp out opposition.

There are reasonable grounds to believe that the military and its affiliated militias continue to be responsible for most violations, some of which may constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes, he said.

The report said two years of violence had taken a tremendous toll on the people, crippling public institutions and hollowing out the economy.

The UN reported that since February 2021, more than 1 million people have been displaced.

Meanwhile, 25 million people, nearly half the population, live in poverty and 17.6 million need humanitarian assistance.

The military has brought the country into a perpetual human rights crisis through continuous use of violence, including killing, arbitrarily arresting, torturing, forcibly disappearing, prosecuting and sentencing opponents, the report said.

The junta has indicated it intends to hold an election this year, despite the unrest.

It is difficult to currently conceive how such a process could constitute a free and fair expression properly reflecting the popular democratic will, the UN report said.
Burma Myanmar Junta Forces Kill Detained Villagers, Torches Homes in Sagaing

Burned houses in Saying Naing Gyi on Friday. / Wetlet Informational Network

Myanmars junta has torched at least five Wetlet Township villages and killed seven residents this week, according to resistance groups.

Junta troops raided villages in the west and north of the township on February 28, torching houses in Moat Soe Choung and Tae Taw villages.

On March 2, troops torched Kyee Kan village, detained villagers and killed at least seven of them.

We are still counting the number of burned houses. Some people are still detained. We can verify that they have killed at least six Kyee Kan villagers, said a member of the Wetlet Informational Network.

On Friday morning soldiers raided Saing Naing Gyi village and destroyed 56 houses and nine houses in Saing Naing Lay village, burning large amounts of rice in both villages.

Our barn was full of rice. Thats all we had for the year but it is all gone, said Daw Mya Tin, 45, of Saing Naing Gyi. She is sheltering in a forest along with thousands of other villagers.

A clash broke out with resistance groups on Friday in which at least five junta troops were killed, according to Nagar Min Peoples Defence Force that is based in Wetlet.
In 2021 the US commerce department added the juntas defense and home affairs ministries, Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanma Economic Holding Limited to its list.

We will continue to take steps to end the regimes abuses, US State Department counselor Derek Chollet tweeted on Friday.

The action means the organizations face restrictive license applications, reviews and permission to export.

The department said in a statement that the three organizations from Myanmar provided surveillance technology to the regime, enabling it to track and identify citizens and commit rights abuses.

Myanmars Ministry of Transport and Communications and surveillance firms Fisca Security and Communication Co and Naung Yoe Technologies Co Ltd were targeted.

The US Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security put 37 new firms including 28 organizations from China, four from Pakistan, three from Myanmar and one each from Russia, Belarus and Taiwan to its export blacklist.

The United States on Thursday added three organizations in Myanmar to its trade blacklist for aiding the junta, along with firms from Russia and China.

Myanmars Crisis & the World US Adds Three Myanmar Organizations to Trade Blacklist

Over 50 Myanmar Junta Forces Killed in Four Days of Resistance Attacks

Over 40 Myanmar Junta Forces Killed in Four Days of Resistance Attacks

Myanmar Junta Waives Tax on Electricity Investment to Keep Lights On

Dozens of Myanmar Junta Forces Killed in Four Days of Resistance Attacks

More Asian, European Firms Named as Suppliers of Fuel to Myanmar Regimes Air Force

Dyeing for Myanmars Revolution: CDM Cop and Others Find New Skills for New Life

Myanmar Regime is not Massacring its Way to Victory

Nearly 70 Myanmar Junta Forces Killed in Three Days of Resistance Attacks

Junta Watch: Regime boss targets Western culture; Than Shwe Falls From Favor; and More

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Junta Watch Junta Watch: Regime boss targets Western culture; Than Shwe Falls From Favor; and More

Also this week, Min Aung Hlaing outdid the vanity of previous dictators by honoring his wife with a title.

Min Aung Hlaing bans Western culture in name of Buddhism

A leaked instruction issued by junta boss Min Aung Hlaing to his education minister to ban private schools from teaching Western democratic culture recently went viral online.

According to the instruction dated Feb. 17, the junta boss made the suggestion at his cabinet meeting on Jan. 6. Thanks to xenophobic generals, it appears that celebrations of western culture like the Halloween festival will be banned in the name of Buddhist culture.

On the other hand, to give the impression that universities are thriving despite a widespread boycott under military rule, the regime is permitting wild water parties accompanied by Western disco music on campuses. University students traditionally throw water at each other before exams in March as they may not see each other in April when Myanmar celebrates its New Year Thingyan Festival. The regime has been silent about these water parties even though they deviate from traditional norms of the Thingyan Festival.

Has Than Shwe really retired?

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing issued a condolence message over the death of Daw Kyi Khin, the elder sister of former military dictator Than Shwe, via junta-controlled newspapers on Wednesday. Surprisingly, he did not mention the name of Than Shwe, who handpicked him as the military chief, or his wife Kyaing Kyaing.

This led to widespread speculation that Than Shwe no longer enjoys the power and influence he is thought to have exerted over the military and politics since stepping down in 2011.

The speculation has merit given the regimes contrasting reaction to the recent death of U Ohn Myint, the Mines Minister in Than Shwes State Law and Order Restoration Council government. U Ohn Myints demise triggered an outpouring of public condolence messages from Min Aung Hlaing and dozens of others including cabinet members, tycoons and former government officials.

Meanwhile, the 91-year-old former military dictator, who ruled the country for two decades, retains at least a ceremonial presence in the current junta. He was recently spotted visiting the gargantuan Maravijaya Buddha statue that Min Aung Hlaing is having built on the outskirts of Naypyitaw.

A token of love from junta boss to his wife

Min Aung Hlaing has made himself a laughingstock again, this time by bestowing the title of Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi on his wife Kyu Kyu Hla for contributing significantly to the flowering and propagation of Buddhism. The junta boss considers himself the protector of Buddhism in Myanmar and apparently wants to honor his better half, who accompanies him on merit-making visits to consecrate pagodas, including one in the Russian capital Moscow.

Min Aung Hlaing has conferred the same title on other military wives, including Kyaing Kyaing, the spouse of former dictator Than Shwe, who chose Min Aung Hlaing as his military chief.

Other recipients were Mya Mya San, the wife of Than Shwes deputy Maung Aye; Khin Khin Win, the wife of former president general Thein Sein; Khin Thet Thay, wife of the juntas acting president Myint Swe; Than Than Nwe, wife of the late Soe Win, prime minister of the former military regime; and Nan Shwe Hmone, wife of Sai Mauk Kham, vice president in Thein Seins quasi-civilian government.

Last year, the junta boss awarded himself two of Myanmars highest honors. Perhaps feeling uneasy at being the sole recipient, he tried to drag in others, and conferred titles on his predecessors Ne Win, Saw Maung and Than Shwe.

While Ne Win and Than Shwe earned notoriety as power-hungry dictators, they never had the vanity to award themselves and their wives with honorary titles. In doing so, Min Aung Hlaing can rightfully claim the title of most ludicrous dictator of all time in Myanmar.
A supporting actor from the upcoming Netflix series "Goodbye Earth" pens heartbreaking message amid Yoo Ah In's drug scandal.

The award-winning top star continues to make headlines after police conducted an investigation regarding the actor's use of illegal substances.

Following the controversy, Yoo Ah In faced a big blow in his career.

Unfortunately, he is not the only one facing consequences but also some of his co-stars.

Kim Young Woong Pens Heartbreaking Message Regarding 'Goodbye Earth' Release

In an Instagram post shared by Kim Young Woong, as obtained by a news portal, who is among the supporting actors in the upcoming Netflix series, he hints at the series is also affected by Yoo Ah In's controversy.

Seemed lost for words, he began his message by recalling the "heart-fluttering memories of the first filming" which "are all about to disappear."

Kim Young Woong also expressed the dedication of the team from lead stars, supporting actors, crew, directors, and writers who poured their heart to have a successful project.

"Above all, the numerous staff members who worked hard with patience and sacrifice, the actors who came together to shine through each character, and the director who was more eager than anyone else. The writer who did not give up even while fighting a disease. The production company that took care of the scene until the end," he said, before saying that if the allegations about the lead star are true " he is sure to be the target of criticism."

He concluded his message by explaining that he is not defending the actor, pertaining to Yoo Ah In, and said that "there must be a price for him to pay" if found guilty.

Unfortunately, the only upsetting thing about the situation is the effort, sacrifice and hard work of the whole team.

Lastly, he shared that "Goodbye Earth" which is set to be released this 2023 "will not see the light of day" and is unclear if it will be released this year.

'Goodbye Earth' Cast and Storyline

Kim Young Woong is among the actors who joined the cast of "Goodbye Earth" headlined by Yoo Ah In and Ahn Eun Jin.

Based on the web novel, the story focuses on humans' struggle after the whole world is about to fall into chaos due to an asteroid that is about to hit the planet.

The production began its filming in the second half of 2022 and was planned to release in 2023.

Unfortunately, lead star Yoo Ah In is caught up in a controversy after he tested positive for four types of drugs.

Police have conducted hair strands and urine tests and found hemp, propofol, cocaine, and ketamine in the actor's body.

Apart from his upcoming on-screen projects, Yoo Ah In's endorsements were also affected by the drug scandal with his endorsements reportedly taken down due to the issue. a

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Yoo Ah In Drug Scandal: Actor Reportedly Faked Pain to Get Propofol

KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Former U.S. lawyer sentenced to life for murders of wife, son

Xinhua) 13:48, March 04, 2023

WASHINGTON, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. lawyer Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences on Friday for the murders of his wife and son.

The sentencing came less than a day after a South Carolina jury found the disbarred attorney guilty of slaying Maggie and Paul Murdaugh.

Jurors found Murdaugh, 54, guilty of using a shotgun to kill his son Paul, 22, and using a rifle to kill his wife, Maggie, 52, at the family's home on the night of June 7, 2021.

"This has been perhaps one of the most troubling cases," Judge Clifton Newman said before announcing the sentence at a hearing in Walterboro, South Carolina.

"That was especially heartbreaking for me to see you go in the media from being a grieving father who lost a wife and a son to being the person indicted and convicted of killing them," Newman added.

Murdaugh, once an influential personal injury attorney in South Carolina, claimed that he was "innocent."

Murdaugh came from a family of lawyers, several of which served as prosecutors in the state.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Presidenta Boluarte anuncia paquete de acciones, obras e inversiones para impulsar desarrollo integral de Puno



Lee la nota en:https://t.co/q3CEpymo8J
Martin Steward holds cocaine he received from the Drug User Liberation Front, which was handing out a safe supply of illicit drugs in the Downtown Eastside to mark the five-year anniversary of British Columbia declaring a public health emergency in the overdose crisis, in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Health Canada has granted a British Columbia cannabis company the right to possess, produce, sell and distribute cocaine. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
The growing role of private health care in Canada is a hot topic at the moment. Provincial governments are outsourcing elective surgeries to the private sector and are considering or debating the option.

Many Canadians are in favor because they recognize that the public health care system is failing. Many are against it because they fear it will increase inequalities in access to care for the most vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of workforce shortages.

Either way, the Canadian media and politicians are discussing it daily.

But there is a problem. Everyone talks about private care, but no one defines it properly, which leads to a lot of confusion.

Defining a term or concept properly is critical to allow and facilitate healthy conversations and debates. It is the only way reasonable decisions can be made.

So what is, in essence, private health care?

Let us look at some examples. You will see how confusing the situation really is.

An Italian tourist is visiting her children who live in Montreal and plans to stay for a few months. Unfortunately, she develops acute carpal tunnel syndrome and needs a procedure to preserve the nerves in her hand. She is treated in a public hospital, but as a non-resident, she is not covered by the provincial health plan and has to pay the hospital and doctor out of her own pocket.

Surely, she was treated in a public, government-owned, and managed hospital, but the patient paid the bill in full.

This could hardly be considered public health care, could it?

Lets take a second example.

A Quebec patient is seen by a plastic surgeon at Sacre Coeur Hospital in Montreal for carpal tunnel syndrome and is scheduled for elective surgery. The patient is a Canadian citizen.

However, because of the long waiting times, the hospital and the government agreed with a private surgical center to allow the patient to have the surgery performed by the public hospitals surgeon in the private surgical center.

The necessary support staff (administrative, nursing, etc.) is provided and paid for by the surgical center. The patient pays nothing out of pocket.

The expenses of the private surgery center are paid by the government, according to their agreement (plus a moderate negotiated margin), and the surgeon is paid by the provincial health system, just as if the surgery had been performed in the hospital.

Many media would call this private medicine because the care was provided in a facility not owned by the public system, and perhaps a profit margin was paid to the facility. This situation happens daily in Quebec, and Ontario has just begun outsourcing surgeries to private facilities using the same model.

A lot of heated debates are going on for or against this.

Is this private or public health care? And what makes the difference?

Here is a third example.

The previous patients brother also has carpal tunnel syndrome. He cannot afford to stop working for a long time, so he decides to go to a private surgeon who has opted out of Medicare to schedule his surgery around his schedule and have a less invasive procedure with less downtime.

The consultation and surgery take place in a private surgical center. The patient pays for the medical services out of pocket and does not receive any reimbursement from the provincial health system. The doctor is not paid at all by the government.

This third example leaves no one confused. This is definitely private health care!

These three examples are usually bundled together as private care and are used to fuel a public debate on the subject.

However, they could not be more different, as the medical services were provided in a public hospital in the first scenario and in privately owned surgery centers in the last two.

In the first and last examples, the patient paid the bill entirely. In the second, however, it was fully paid with taxpayers money.

So what defines private health care? Is it where it takes place? It is who receives it? Is it who pays for it?

I think that instead of picking the scenario that best fits the debaters agenda, it might be useful to look at the funding source.

If it is government or public health care money, then it is public care, regardless of where it takes place.

If it is non-government money, such as when the patient, an employer, an insurance company, or another third party pays, then it is actually private health care.

With a simple definition like this, anyone can understand the topic of conversation, and the debates can therefore be healthy and productive.

It would probably not be difficult for policymakers and the media to clarify what they are talking about to the public.

Unless, of course, the state of confusion is deliberately maintained by the debaters for secondary gain? Is that even possible? Maybe.

Jean Paul Brutus is a hand surgeon.
YEREVAN, MARCH 4, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Saturday met with the External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar within the framework of the Raisina Dialogue conference in New Delhi.

A readout issued by the Armenian foreign ministry said that FM Mirzoyan and his Indian counterpart were pleased to note the dynamics of enhancement of Armenia-India political dialogue and highlighted the role of high-level mutual visits and regular contacts in various platforms in this regard.

Bilateral agenda items in a number of sectoral directions were discussed, covering the intensification of trade-economic cooperation and business ties, development of relations in high technologies, education, culture, tourism and other areas.

The importance of intensifying parliamentary cooperation, as well as strengthening partnership in multilateral platforms was underscored.

Regional and international security issues were also discussed. FM Mirzoyan briefed his Indian counterpart on the latest developments around the Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement process. The humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan was also discussed. In this context, the need to launch possible mechanisms for the implementation of the February 22 International Court of Justice ruling on provisional measures against Azerbaijan was highlighted.

In turn, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Twitter that he discussed bilateral and multilateral partnership with Mirzoyan. Glad to welcome FM Ararat Mirzoyan of Armenia. Reviewed our bilateral and multilateral partnership. Discussed broad-basing the agenda of cooperation, Jaishankar tweeted.

The United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The Lachin Corridor is blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022.
It is the 10th day that Azerbaijan does not comply with the decision of the International Court of Justice.

March 4, 2023, 09:09 The tolerance of such behavior is an irreversible and discrediting blow to the international architecture of Human Rights. Gegham Stepanyan

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 4, ARTSAKHPRESS: Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan wrote on his Twitter page.

''The tolerance of such behavior is an irreversible and discrediting blow to the international architecture of Human Rights, and the legal mechanisms formed to guarantee it,'' he wrote.
Like their school namesake, Emily Howland Elementary students love to read. They also enjoy being introduced to new books and discussing the ideas and illustrations found within their pages. February was I Love to Read Month, and students and staff celebrated by dressing like their favorite book characters, sharing favorite stories, evaluating Caldecott award illustrations, greeting guest readers, choosing books provided by the Aurora and Hazard libraries, and inviting special adults to share a Book and Breakfast on Wednesday.

I had the privilege of coordinating community volunteers who were guest readers in the prekindergarten through sixth grade classrooms during I Love to Read month. The books were chosen by Carissa Smith, the Southern Cayuga school librarian.

Guest reader Elizabeth Stilwell read three picture books with the pre-K, kindergarten and first grade students. Elizabeth practiced with her granddaughter Tashi prior to reading at the school and explained: Tashis favorite book was about skateboarding  'Skater Cielo' by Rachel Katstaller (also available in Spanish). I learned skateboarding terms and began to understand Tashis fascination with the sport. In one of the highpoints of the book, Cielo talks about the need to 'lean into' the jump if she is to be successful. When I talked to Tashi about her swimming lesson, she told me that when she began to swim that she needed to lean into the water to succeed just like Cielo.

Elizabeth called me after reading in Emily Howland classrooms: I was reading 'Skater Cielo' to the kindergarten and asked the class if anyone knew what 'persistence' meant. A little girl raised her hand and replied, It is when you keep trying even if tears squeeze out of your eyes.' In the first grade I asked students if they knew what 'fierce' meant  something also demonstrated by our skateboarder. A hand was raised and another very wise student replied, Fierce is when the little voice in your head says "You can do it" and you listen to it and feel stronger. This was such a wonderful experience. Elizabeths other books were "This Story is Not About a Kitten" by Randall DeSaeve and "I Want My Book Back" by Viviane Elbee.

The books read to the second through fourth graders were perfect for both I Love to Read and Black History months. "Blast Off! How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America into Space" by Suzanne Slade introduced the second grade to a fierce and persistent chemist whose talent in creating a rocket fuel literally allowed Americans to join the space race in 1957.

The book "Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Phillip Freelon" by Kelly Starling Lyons began with Philip Freelon's grandfather, an acclaimed painter of the Harlem Renaissance, and his father, a successful businessman who attended the 1963 March on Washington. Students traveled with Phil as he attends architecture school, creates a focus on African American and Islamic designers, and builds schools, libraries and museums. Phil chooses these buildings because they connect people with heritage and fill hearts with joy.

Fourth graders discussed "Because of You, John Lewis" by Andrea Davis Pinkney with guest reader Janet Reohr. Janet learned about Tybre Faw, who became John Lewis friend when he went to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 2018, and was eager to discuss the book. I asked the students if they had heroes like John Lewis was to Tybre. One student replied, my parents are my heroes. When I asked why John Lewis asked Tybre Faw to walk with him across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, one student said that we need to remember what had happened there. Finally, we discussed why Tybre was concerned about racism. A student replied, black and white people should all be able to have the same things and with racism that was not true.'"

Fifth and sixth graders entered "The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell" by Chris Colfer. Hannah Richter began by reading the prologue that introduced students to Snow White as she descends the stairs to the most secured dungeon cell of her kingdom. Snow White wants to know why her stepmother became the Evil Queen. I took students immediately into Mrs. Peters' fictional classroom as Peters declares, 'Once upon a time' ... these are the most magical words our world has ever known and the gateway into the greatest stories ever told. They're an immediate calling to anyone who hears them, a calling into a world where everyone is welcome and anything can happen. Mice can become men, maids can become princesses, and they can teach valuable lessons in the process. Students met twins Alex and Conner and learned of a magic book whose glow allows them to enter the land of stories.

At the end of the month, teachers, students and guests agreed that reading is magical and allows entry into many lands that we love. Many guest readers purchased books they read for their own families, and the sharing of stories will continue into the year. Check out these books at your local library or bookstore, and join our reading circle.
The Zonta Club of Auburn has had a longstanding history of supporting Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca, which offers a variety of programs to assist the community in Cayuga County.

A major focus of CAP is working to prevent domestic violence against women and girls, and to assist those who are in need of changing their life situations in order to live a safe, healthy and happy life.

The month of February is designated as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. In order to raise awareness, several members of the Zonta Club participated in an event hosted by Samantha Lazzano, who is the domestic violence advocate and educator from CAP: an Orange Party at Cayuga Community College.

The purpose of this event was to educate young boys and girls starting at the junior high level as to the signs to watch for in order to identify behaviors that are abusive in a relationship, such as physical, sexual and psychological abuse, and stalking.

Educational materials were available, and CAP showed the movie The Murder of Yeardley Love as a real-life example of an abusive relationship.

Anyone who would like more information is invited to contact Samantha at the CAP offices located at 89 York St., Auburn, or call (315) 255-1703. In addition, there is a 24/7 emergency hotline at (315) 255-6221 for those who are in need of immediate assistance.

As part of the ongoing work of the Zonta clubs worldwide, March 8 is recognized as International Women's Day.

The day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when all women are recognized for their achievements. International Womens Day was first born out of labor movements at the turn of the 20th century in North America and across Europe.

Since those early days, International Womens Day has grown in prominence and reach, touching women in every corner of the world. The growing international womens movement has helped make International Womens Day a central point for action, to build support for womens rights and their full participation in the economy, politics, the community and everyday life.

In 1910, Clara Zetkin, the leader of the Womens Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, tabled the idea of an International Womens Day at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The proposal received unanimous support from over 100 women representing 17 countries.

The very first International Womens Day was held the following year on March 19. Meetings and protests were held across Europe, with the largest street demonstration attracting 30,000 women. In 1913, the day was moved to March 8 and it has been held on this day ever since.

In addition, March 8 is the Zonta Yellow Rose Day, which is celebrated along with International Women's Day as a time to reflect and give tribute to the individuals who have empowered you or the women in your community.

For more information regarding the Zonta Club of Auburn, please visit our website at zontadistrict2.org/auburn or email us at auburn@zontadistrict2.org.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Decreasing cloudiness and windy. High 56F. Winds NW at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Clear. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low 32F. NW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
City

 Justin M. Morrison, 35, transient, Auburn, was charged Feb. 28 with second-degree criminal contempt and aggravated family offense.

 Thomas E. Love, 45, 217 Genesee St., Auburn, was charged Feb. 28 with criminal obstruction of breathing and aggravated family offense.

 Brooke A. Joy, 25, 29 Howard St., Auburn, was charging March 2 with driving while intoxicated-first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of at least .08%.

County

 Peter Giocona, 28, 61 Washington St., Auburn, was charged Feb. 28 with third-degree aggravated operation of a motor vehicle and circumventing an ignition interlock device.

 Jacob D. Falso, 29, 2115 Moravia Venice Townline Road, Venice, was charged March 1 with endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree menacing and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

 Bobbi A. Burk, 54, 255 County Road 7, Hannibal, was charged March 2 with third-degree falsely reporting an incident.

 Zachary A. Forshee, 30, 255 County Road 7, Hannibal, was charged March 2 with use of a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and leaving scene of an incident without reporting.

State

 Daniel E. Usher, 40, Port Byron, was charged Feb. 28 with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

 James P. McInerney, 63, Auburn, was charged Feb. 28 with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, driving while intoxicated-first offense and using a motor vehicle without an interlock device.

 Janet L. Rush, 66, Union Springs, was charged with making a punishable false written statement.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. Becoming windy for the afternoon. Morning high of 65F with temps falling to near 45. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy and windy early. Periods of rain and snow late. Low 33F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 60%. Higher wind gusts possible.
A Cayuga County man is facing several criminal charges for not allowing a woman and her children to leave a residence for several hours, the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office said Friday.

The sheriff's office was dispatched to a reported domestic incident on Moravia Venice Townline Road in Venice March 1, according to a news release. It was reported a woman had been held in the home against her will by her boyfriend.

Investigators concluded that Jacob Falso, 29, of 2115 Moravia Venice Townline Road, Venice, was armed with multiple knives that morning and displayed them in threatening manner, refusing to allow the woman to move freely around the residence. After several hours, the woman and her children were able to leave the home and contact 911, the release said.

Falso was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class D felony; and endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree menacing, both misdemeanors. He was arraigned at the Centralized Arraignment Part court at the Cayuga County Jail and is currently being held without bail.

Those with information on the incident are asked to call (315) 258-3868 or leave tips at cayugacounty.us/452/Send-a-tip. People who reach out can remain anonymous.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Morning high of 67F with temps falling to near 45. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy. Snow showers developing late. Low 34F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Among fourth-gen K-pop representatives, people wonder why THIS popular girl group doesn't have their solo ambassador works yet.

aespa Opts To Become Brand Ambassador as Group Is It Due To Uneven Member's Popularity?

In the music scene, the ambassadorship offers from luxury and local fashion brands became a huge determinant to measure the popularity and demand of K-pop idols following BLACKPINK and BTS. At the same time, the influence of the idols also boosts the fandom's consumption power to purchase items from the brands.

Due to this, a lot of high-end brands were having tough competition in hiring popular idols as their ambassadors. Among fourth-gen female idols, IVE Jang Wonyoung and An Yujin, LE SSERAFIM Kazuha as well as NewJeans Minji, Hanni, Danielle, and Hyein have been already tapped as global ambassadors for top-tier brands, if not models of well-known beauty and fashion companies.

However, aespa, a quartet comprised of Karina, Winter, Giselle and NingNing shockingly hasn't bagged any solo ambassadorship yet, aside from a rare solo appearance in magazines with luxury brands.

Among fourth-gen stars, they were considered one of the most popular, but since their debut in 2020, the quartet was only sealing deals with brands as a group. Even in commercials, aespa opts to do it with the four together.

Currently, the members were the faces of various brands such as Givenchy, Chopard, Eider, Mediheal, CLIO, MLB and Eternal Return.

In an interview, the group initially clarified that they personally want to work together as ambassadors, rather than doing it individually.

But in a video released by Issuefeed, it explained that this is actually included in the ground rule for newly debuted groups from SM. It didn't exactly tell members to avoid working for brands solo, but rather, to limit individual activities while in a group.

However, internet users were not buying this and speculated that the company probably set this rule due to the uneven popularity of the four members. Among them, Karina and Winter were the most popular in Korea, while Giselle and NingNing were mostly recognized internationally. Depending on the branding and consumer target of the brands, some members might be left out.

aespa Completes 1st Solo Concert 'SYNK: HYPER LINE' in Seoul With 10,000 Fans

On the other hand, aespa, a group without solo ambassadorships proves that they are still popular and influential regardless of this fact.

In February, they completed their first solo concert, "2023 aespa 1st Concert - SYNK: HYPER LINE" held at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul with 10,000 fans!

With its success, aespa will officially open the door to a full-fledged world tour in March, starting with Osaka, Japan, on the 15th.

aespa promised:

"We will show you various sides of us while doing various concerts, so we hope MYs will be surprised every time. We will have our comeback this year and show you a lot of special things. We will always do our best to grow as artists."

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.
The debate over Gov. Kathy Hochul's state budget proposal to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes is heating up.

As part of her proposed budget, Hochul suggested banning the sale of all flavored vaping and tobacco products, and increasing the cigarette tax from $4.35 to $5.35 per pack.

The move to ban menthol cigarettes was applauded by health advocates, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association. But plenty of people have come out against the proposal, including convenience store owners, faith leaders in the Black community and law enforcement officers.

Why ban it?

Proponents of the ban say menthol flavoring entices children to use tobacco and consequently become addicted, which is backed up by studies, including a recent one by the the University of California San Diego. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has proposed prohibiting menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars to prevent youth from smoking and to reduce tobacco-related illnesses and death.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

"We know that menthol makes tobacco products easier to start and harder to quit," Dr. James McDonald, Acting State Health Commissioner, said in a statement.

A 2018 survey from the anti-tobacco campaign Truth Initiative showed that a majority of Black people (60.5%) and Latino people (69.3%) supported the ban of menthol products, as did 1 in 4 smokers.

"Prohibiting the sale of menthol cigarettes would reduce the ease of experimenting with cigarettes, particularly to younger users, and encourage people who smoke menthol cigarettes to quit," the American Lung Association said on its website.

Who opposes the ban and why?

Opponents of the ban  including law enforcement officers and convenience store owners and employees  say it will not prevent people from smoking. It will only hurt small businesses and their employees, encourage the illegal sale of cigarettes and put additional stress on law enforcement to uphold.

"Prohibitionist policies and regressive taxes such as these will only hurt small businesses, strengthen the illicit market, eliminate jobs and have no impact on public health," New York Association of Convenience Stores President Kent Sopris said.

New Yorkers who want to smoke these cigarettes will be able to buy them in neighboring states and on tribal lands. Or, they will buy them illegally on the streets.

"My concern is with law enforcement," retired New York State police officer Elliott Boyce said. "Now law enforcement officers that are already strained as far as resources and being able to deal with felony crimes, gang activity. Now they're going to have another thing placed on their plate, which is a ban on menthol cigarettes."

Counties will also lose out on millions of dollars in tax revenue generated by the sale of cigarettes. Last year, Erie County raised nearly $3.7 million in sales tax from cigarettes, while Niagara County brought in $730,000, according to data from NYS Tax Department and the U.S. General Accountability Office.

"Prohibitions do not work," said Wayne Harris, retired Rochester deputy police chief and current board chair of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership. "It did not work with alcohol. It did not work with the war on drugs, and it most certainly will not work for menthol or flavored tobacco products."

Black faith leaders have also spoken out against the ban.

Black ministers would like to see menthol cigarette ban go up in smoke If menthol cigarettes are prohibited in New York State, there are two fears: that it will open up an illegal black market for cigarettes from other states, and it will make Blacks a target for police enforcement.

Who might be affected most by the ban?

Of Black people who smoke, 85% smoke menthol cigarettes, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Last month, Black faith leaders urged Hochul to create a commission on menthol cigarettes, instead of trying to ban them. It is not that they want to advocate smoking, they said, but they fear the ban would disproportionately affect Black people if it goes through. First, by creating a market for out-of-state cigarettes and, second, by making Black people a target for police.

"A prohibition will drive people just a few miles down the road to reservations to purchase legal, menthol and flavored tobacco while police stop Buffalo's residents and ask where they purchased the menthol cigarettes," said the Rev. Frank Bostic, pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on Michigan Avenue.

What has happened in other places that have banned menthol tobacco products?

Canada was the first country to ban menthol cigarettes, in 2015.

A recent study from researchers at the University of Waterloo for the World Health Organization found that banning menthol cigarettes didn't lead to more people buying illicit cigarettes, as the ban opponents have said would happen. The study found no change in the number of people who bought illicit cigarettes on tribal lands.

Another study of Canadian smokers using data from the International Tobacco Control Project found more menthol smokers than regular cigarette smokers quit smoking after the ban went into effect. It also found there was a 7.3% increase in smoking cessation after the ban.

In June 2020, Massachusetts implemented a law prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. According to the Reason Foundation, a California-based think tank, cigarettes sales decreased by 22% in Massachusetts following the ban, but increased by 33 million in the five states bordering Massachusetts.
With additional weather-related cancellations occurring this week, Flagstaff schools are continuing to adjust schedules to make up for lost time. For teachers at Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD), getting caught up includes an additional five days at the end of the year.

FUSD has called 12 snow days so far this school year  10 more than the extra makeup days built into its calendar. As that total rose over the past two months, the district has had to make and adjust plans for students and staff to make up the time.

While its plan for students involves a shortened calendar and extensions of half days, the district is requiring employees to make up five days of instructional time by June 24.

This was originally announced to staff on Feb. 23, but an email sent the previous month (Jan. 13) outlined a similar plan should there be any more cancellations.

Teachers, certified and licensed profession[al]s (nine-month employees) would be expected to work the missed days after Memorial Day or utilize leave on those scheduled makeup days, FUSD Superintendent Michael Penca wrote in the Jan. 13 email of FUSDs plans for staff in the event of additional cancellations. These days could be used for curriculum work, collaboration and training. Classified/hourly staff could make up the missed hours during the same week of the cancellation, utilize leave or work any needed hours after Memorial Day.

The district called seven snow days between the two messages and has called three more since.

Staff will only need to make up five of these cancellations as the district has allowed remote work during the five most recent snow days, a policy Penca said is likely to continue into future years.

Different requirements

In the past, district teachers have made up snowdays at the same time as their students. This year, however, there are some differences.

Some of the students time will be made up by extending half days  time the teachers would have already been working on professional development and other tasks. There is also a shortened calendar for students, made possible by changes to the states instructional time delivery requirements, according to Penca.

Penca said student requirements used to be more rigid in requiring the exact 180 days to be made up. He said additional flexibility had passed a few years ago, allowing the district to meet only the required instructional hours.

Thats kind of made a mess, because now the kids, they have a lot more flexibility than staff, he said.

This winters higher-than-usual cancellation total has shown new impacts of having different sets of requirements.

Its revealing changes where the students have different methods or processes for dealing with their lost time and staff dont have that same flexibility because most of them are on a day schedule, he said.

Contract changes

Flagstaff Education Association (FEA) President Derek Born said making up time from snowdays is a new requirement for the district and one that creates issues for its employees.

Ive got a lot of educators in a whole host of different situations that have been pretty frustrated with this situation, he said. Its anything from doesnt the district understand and respect all of the hours we donate and sacrifice above and beyond our contract time, and do we really have to claw back every last second at the end when its really inconvenient for families and schedules and obligations and trips that are booked and so on?

Contract templates were on the agenda at Tuesdays board meeting, which Born attended, making a public comment about his concerns. The item was tabled after some discussion and is expected to be brought back later this month.

A recording of this meeting can be seen online.

During the discussion, Penca cited an opinion from FUSDs legal counsel that not requiring staff to make up the time would be an illegal gift of public funds. Doing so could cost the district over $800,000 in salary for time employees didnt actually work, he said later.

We cant give these days away if the contract didnt give us the authority to do so  which I dont believe that the ones that people are working under now provide flexibility to just give that time away, he said.

Section 7 of Article 9 of the Arizona Constitution in part says that subdivisions of the state (including public school districts) cannot give or loan its credit in the aid of or make any donation or grant, by subsidy or otherwise, to any individual ... except as to such ownerships as may accrue to the state by operation or provision of the law or as authorized by law solely for investment of the monies in the various funds of the state.

An attorney general opinion from 1983 notes that [additional] payment for services which a teacher is already legally obligated to perform would constitute a gift in violation of that section of the Arizona Constitution.

In Pencas understanding, removing the makeup day requirement would be a similar violation.

If we said that all teachers or licensed professionals dont have to make up those five days ... its over $800,000 of our funds that were just giving away, he said. Our interpretation is our contract doesnt allow that and that might violate the gift clause of the Arizona Constitution.

Born said, however, that the districts previous contracts had allowed for this scenario. Extensive changes to the wording had changed this to be more vague, he said.

Weve had situations just like this before in the last 20 years in FUSD, he said. Years where the snowdays far exceed what was calendared and years where we had to change the early-release days to make them full days for the students to make up instructional minutes. The thing thats different this time around is the educators were never asked to extend our contract days out into the summer.

Born has worked for the district since 2008 and said he remembers these situations firsthand, but not the specific years. These happened under the previous superintendent, he said.

He said that the contract templates had gone through extensive revisions a few years ago when the district hired a new counsel. Almost all of the contract wording had changed at that time and this years makeup day requirement was an unexpected result of those changes, he said.

[When we] were negotiating the change, we didnt know that this new language was going to take away language that had been there in the previous version that allowed educators to be forgiven those days, if need be, he said.

He added: The biggest frustration of the whole thing is that we never believed we were negotiating this benefit away, and we all believed we would be able to just do it like in the past, but now their attorney says, No.

The proposed 2023-2024 contracts listed in the Feb. 28 agenda includes language about employee time requirements. The one for certified employees, for example, says the contract year will align with the official district calendar adopted by the board.

If, however, an emergency or other circumstance as determined and declared by the governing board or its authorized designee delays the opening or requires the closing of schools, the period of time covered by this contract shall be extended so as to maintain open schools for the number of days required by law and/or the governing board without additional compensation to teacher, it reads. Teacher will be present and perform any and all assigned duties and understands and agrees that there will be occasions requiring teachers presence outside of the regular duty hours for which teacher will receive no additional compensation ... .

The same language is included in the 22-23 school years certified contract template and templates the previous two school years.

A section of a 2018-2019 certified contract, which FEA is asking be included in future contracts, specifically mentions snow cancellations as an exception.

If the number of service days is less than the days required by this contract, a pro-rata reduction may be made in the amount of compensation due under this Contract or any Addendum to this Contract, it reads.  ... This paragraph will not apply to snow days or extreme weather days as designated by the District.

When you look at it now in hindsight, it was written a lot more clearly on that point, Born said.  ... It made it really clear and really explicit that snowdays can be forgiven in that way and thus wouldnt be a gift. Its a negotiated benefit.

Penca did say there was some kind of possibility that future contracts might be able to remove the requirement that staff make up snowdays. While he said approving the contract template is the boards decision, the district was discussing the matter and seeking legal advice.

One potential issue Penca saw with this approach was if it created different expectations or benefits for different groups of employees.

I think it would be difficult to give one group the benefit and not others, he said. It can be done, it just might have a culture or a morale impact, and I think thats a big issue that needs to really be thought through carefully before that could just be added into one group of employees contract into the future. I think thats probably the bigger issue, the messier issue to solve.

Employees working a 12-month schedule and those still needing to come in and work during cancellations were examples he gave as to why the district wouldnt be able to end the requirement for all its staff.

When asked whether the extra work staff might be putting in throughout the school year could count toward the five days, Penca said, I dont think so.

In my opinion, the contract work agreements we have I dont think give us the authority to give away the resource, the time and the compensation were providing for that time to just do that, he said.  ... I totally understand, have empathy for the amount of time that teachers [put in] their work day and work time, and I would say we have lots of staff who also do the things that our teachers [do].

Some of the extra work teachers put in is covered under professional expectations he said, noting that the district had recently nixed a requirement for staff to log those uses of time to receive a bonus, instead adding it into their base pay.

Born said FEAs focus was now on gaining flexibility for the makeup time and changing next years contract, as he said it didnt look like there was much the organization could do to change this years requirement.

It looks like were moving toward a better mutual understanding on that, he said.

Making up time

I dont think having a few extra days at the end of the year is bad, Penca said. I view it as a gift or opportunity, because it allows for extra professional learning, collaborative curriculum work that we dont get.

He added: Thats really important work to do.

He noted that the 184 contract days only allow four days for professional development in a school year.

Options Penca said this group of employees has for making up the time is to take five full days by June 24 or to use accumulated leave as a replacement for those days.

That date was set to give as much flexibility for staff who had already planned vacations or other obligations directly after the school year while keeping payroll in the current fiscal year, he said.

The district and schools are planning options for work staff can do on those days, he said, and have asked employees to submit proposals of work or training they would like to do. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee and the final list of options employees can select from will be ready by their return from spring break.

Were trying to provide flexibility, have it be meaningful time but also further the efforts of the district that is connected with curriculum, professional development related to our district or our district strategic plan, Penca said.  ... We get such little time with this group of staff outside of the school days with kids, and so what a gift to get five extra days for professional learning collaboration.

Remote work

For the five snowdays taken over the past two weeks, the district has created a new option to avoid adding more staff makeup days to the end of the year.

Since last Wednesday, staff in these categories have had the option to work remotely during snowdays that they could use for planning, meetings, professional learning and other tasks. (Staff choosing not to take this option can use leave time or take a deduction in pay.) Other district staff have still been working during the cancellations to respond to the weather in various ways.

Penca said this model has been successful, with well above half of staff opting for remote work, and that the district is likely to continue it in future years.

Born said that he hadnt heard any complaints about this model and continuing it would at least satisfy some of my groups concerns.

Its great to have the flexibility to do whatever needs to be done, clear out your inbox, plan some things, do grading, whatever it is thats been piling up, he said.
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Mar 5  Peace Lutheran Church, 3430 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. 928-526-9578. 10-11 a.m., We invite you to join the family of Peace Lutheran Church (LCMS) on Sunday at 10:00am for in person blended service (Combined Liturgical, hymnal based and Praise Worship) with Holy Communion. Pastor William Weiss Jr. (Pastor Bill) will be presiding. The service will be live streamed on our website (peacelutheranflagstaff.org) and on YouTube. https://go.evvnt.com/1588742-0.

LIVING CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Mar 5  500 W. Riordan Road, 500 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. 928-526-8595. 10-11 a.m., We invite all to celebrate with us Gods love and presence in our lives and be Gods hands in the world. We are intentionally inclusive. We worship through music, teaching, prayer, and the sacraments each Sunday at 10 a.m., at the Campus Ministry Center located on the NAU campus or join us online. Join Rev. Kurt Fangmeier for the Second Sunday in Lent! During Lent we journey with all those around the world who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. In todays gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are a given a new birth as children of God. As God made a covenant with Abraham, in baptism God promises to raise us up with Christ to new life. From worship we are sent forth to proclaim Gods love for all the world. https://go.evvnt.com/1586447-0.

BEACON UU SUNDAY SERVICE: Good Gifts Keep on Giving Mar 5  Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 510 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff. (928) 779-4492. 10-11 a.m., ALL ARE WELCOME! You BELONG at Beacon. Spiritually open and intentionally inclusive since 1958. Many of us have been re- gifted a keeper item along the way (and yes, sometimes a clunker). Or, weve scored a treasure at a White Elephant or Yankee Holiday swap. Sometimes, good gifts do keep on giving, both the tangible and intangible kinds. As we launch our 2023-24 annual stewardship campaign, well explore the enduring impact of the gifts we offer to our families, friends, our congregation, and the wider world. As we lean into abundance during this time of promise and transition, well also consider the gifts that Beacon UU has bestowed on us and on the community, and how our grateful support of our beloved congregation allows those gifts to be renewed and amplified. Beacon is a keeper and we can keep it going strong as we keep on giving. Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker, preaching, with Worship Associate Lise Breakey. Music from Andrez Alcazar and Austin Shaw. https://go.evvnt.com/1586442-0.

Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center Mar 5  Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center, 1800 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff. 10:30-11:30 a.m., SilenceCan you Hear That? The worlds continual breathing is what we hear and call silence Clarice Lispector tells us. Silencea commodity very difficult to find at times and perhaps it is not just because of noise. Is Silence just the absence of sound, or is it being present to The Presence. Lets look at SilenceCan you Hear That? Take time to listen to, discover, the power in knowing the deep silence of Spirit within. Could it be a small still voice or even the absence of that where we find guidance and connection? Join Rev. Penni Honey and special musical artist, Bernice Lewis at Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center this Sunday, Live at 1800 S. Milton or Live-stream on youtube.unityofflagstaff.org Unity of FlagstaffFind YOUR Expressionperhaps in the Silence! Yoga Tuesdays @ at 10 AM, Integrated Movement Wed. 3 PM, 12-Step meetings every day at 5:30 and Sat. @ 10:00. https://go.evvnt.com/1593493-0.

Flagstaff Federated Community Church: Please join us for in person services Sundays at 10 a.m. We are located at 400 W Aspen Ave. on the corner of Aspen and Sitgreaves in Downtown Flagstaff. All are welcome to our services. For more information about Flagstaff Federated Community Church please call our office at 928-774-7383, Mon  Thurs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Church of the Resurrection Sunday Church Services: 740 W. University Heights Drive S., 740 W. University Heights Drive S., Flagstaff. 928-853-8522. 10-11:30 a.m., Church of the Resurrection Presbyterian Church in America (PCA): We invite you to join us for worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 740 W. University Heights Drive South. Please feel free to contact us for information on our mid-week gatherings and for more information on our church. You can find us at www.cor-pca.org and www.facebook.com/CORFlagstaff or we can be reached at corflagstaff@gmail.com and (928) 699-2715.

Leupp Nazarene Church: The church, near mile post 13 or Navajo Route 15, has been holding services by teleconferences and doing drive-up meetings. For information, call pastor Farrell Begay at 928-853-5321. Teleconference number: 1-7170275-8940 with access code 3204224#. Services are 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Christian Science Society of Flagstaff: 619 W. Birch Ave. The Christian Science Society of Flagstaff has opened for Sunday services while continuing to have them available via Zoom for online and phone. Wednesday testimony meetings are available only via Zoom. For phone Sunday Services: Dial: 669-900-9128, Meeting ID: 369 812 794#, Passcode: 075454#. For phone Wednesday meetings, dial: 669-900-9128, Meeting ID: 971 672 834#, Passcode: 894826#. The access for Zoom on Sundays is: https://zoom.us/j/369812794. The Zoom access for Wednesdays is: https://zoom.us/j/971672834. The password to use to enter both is CSS. We welcome all to attend our Sunday Services in person, or live by Zoom, at 10:00 oclock, and to attend our Wednesday Testimony meetings live by Zoom, at 5:30 oclock. Our Reading Room will be open on Wednesdays from 4:005:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-12 noon. For further information please call 928-526-5982.


Mr. President,

Distinguished delegates,

I take the floor in keeping with Sri Lankas continuing policy of constructive engagement with the UN human rights instruments and mechanisms.

As we mark the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA), we must resolve to preserve the spirit of multilateralism and the foundation of human rights governance. We must also strive to depoliticize human rights and find solutions to concerns through dialogue and multilateral cooperation rather than through confrontation, selectivity and unilateralism.

Mr. President,

We envisage 2023, the 75th anniversary of our independence, which coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration to be a year of socio-economic stabilization, reconciliation, and recovery.

The domestic institutions for reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka continue to carry out their work towards achieving important post-conflict recovery and healing.

A Cabinet Sub-Committee has been established under the Chairmanship of the President, to promote reconciliation among different communities and to address and resolve matters relating to issues encountered by the peoples of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The Committee has identified issues to be addressed expeditiously, including, developing a truth-seeking mechanism, drafting a new counter-terrorism law, establishing an office for overseas Sri Lankans, preparing a Rapid Development Plan for the North and the East, and addressing matters related in particular to missing persons, resettlement and land.

Discussions are in progress relating to a Truth-Seeking Mechanism within the framework of the Constitution while the contours of a model that would suit Sri Lanka are currently being assessed.

The 21stamendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, passed by Parliament in October 2022, provides for further strengthening of democratic governance, independent oversight of key institutions, the composition of the Constitutional Council and independent commissions.

A Cabinet appointed Sub-Committee is developing legislation on counterterrorism that balances national security concerns with international standards and best practices.

The Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill passed in Parliament in January 2023, envisages to vest the Elections Commission with the powers to monitor campaign expenditure.

The recent judgment of the Supreme Court on the Easter Sunday attack offers important insights into the independence of the judiciary.

Work is under way to operationalize an Office for Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs to facilitate more vigorous engagement with expatriate Sri Lankans encompassing all communities and generations.

In January 2023, the Sustainable Development Council issued guidelines to all Ministries to identify nationally appropriate SDG targets. The objective is to direct Government planning and resources towards SDGs amidst the economic challenges, and to ensure robust national level monitoring and progress evaluation.

Mr. President,

Sri Lankas economic vulnerability has increased in the face of global recession, conflict and turmoil. The Government has put in place several social protection measures for the most vulnerable segments of society with the assistance received from international partners.

Despite the current socio-economic challenges and constraints, our resolve to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of our people remains steadfast and determined.

Mr. President,

A series of unhelpful resolutions have been adopted by the HRC, the latest being resolution 51/1, without our consent as the country concerned. I reiterate Sri Lankas position, which was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs last October, that we reject this resolution, which will extend and reinforce the so-called external evidence gathering mechanism on Sri Lanka established by the OHCHR in line with its own interpretation of Resolution 46/1. These resolutions are unhelpful to the people of my country, will polarize Sri Lankan society, and do not serve the objective of promoting reconciliation in Sri Lanka. We are of the view that this is an unproductive drain on the scarce resources of UN Member States which can be productively deployed elsewhere.

Mr. President,

Despite our opposition to country specific resolutions, as explained to this Council before, we remain open to discussion with the Council, Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies, and continue to believe in the value of constructive engagement.

It is in this constructive spirit, that Sri Lanka participated in the UPR Process last month, despite the difficult circumstances in the country. We consider the UPR to be an extremely important tool, enabling countries to mutually assess the progress of each others human rights situation through engagement with peers in an atmosphere that is constructive and mutually respectful. Sri Lanka also looks forward to a meaningful dialogue when our 6th Periodic Report under the ICCPR is taken up for Review later this month.

I thank you, Mr. President.

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New Delhi [India], March 4 (ANI/ATK): LeadsGuru, a leading ed-tech platform recently hosted Growth Conclave 2023 with the aim to help people develop core competency in skill-based courses and gain a competitive advantage in the fast-paced world. The event was held on January 22nd of this year and more than 800 community members of LeadsGuru graced the event with their august presence.

Growth Conclave, an initiative by LeadsGuru, is aimed at bringing its people together to impart them with the education that gets them industry-ready. The initiative aims to help people network with the company's top performers, learn from their experiences, and build prominent relationships.

Also Read | We Are in a Democracy, There is a Procedure to Elect CM. It is Not About a Person   Latest Tweet by ANI.

LeadsGuru Growth Conclave was a distinctive affair that included an array of activities and influential workshops to revolutionize the lives of the participants. The platform provided the opportunity for individuals to share their accomplishments in front of a considerable audience, including aspiring leaders who shared their knowledge with the audience.

The event encompassed several life-changing workshops that focused on mind power training, personality development, visualization, self-improvement, success and failure patterns, work-life balance, and other relevant topics. The primary mission of the event was to unlock the potential of the company's leaders and encourage them to exceed their limits by embracing challenges in their lives.

Also Read | Andhra Pradesh: School Teacher Dies of Cardiac Arrest in Classroom in Bapatla District (Watch Video).

Several notable personalities including Ajay Singh, CEO and Founder of LeadsGuru, Bhavana Panchal, MD of LeadsGuru, Deepak Soni, Chief Marketing Officer at LeadsGuru, Ankit Rajpurohit, Management Head of LeadsGuru Md Mazhar Hussain, Chief Affiliate Head and at LeadsGuru and other top achievers in the industry imparted immense knowledge to leading entrepreneurs of LeadsGuru.

LeadsGuru Growth Conclave 2023 holds the vision to introduce business professionals from diverse industries on a single platform. The event helped the attendees to establish meaningful connections, acquire relevant knowledge, and foster personal development for greater heights of success. This year, the event was conducted in Jaipur, an enchanting and historic city, that is celebrated for its cultural heritage and architectural magnificence.

The participants of the Conclave were able to get detailed insight into multiple educational sessions, workshops, and panels facilitated by industry experts. The topics discussed in these sessions are intended to help the attendees in enhancing their knowledge and abilities, as well as expand their businesses.

LeadsGuru is an ed-tech platform that envisions helping students and emerging entrepreneurs to gain a deep understanding of the business world. Having a wide range of skill-based courses, the firm assists aspiring leaders in establishing themselves as powerful corporate authorities. Incepted in 2020 under the able guidance of Ajay Singh, LeadsGuru offers skill-based courses, such as self-development, digital marketing, soft skills, high-demand courses, freelancing mastery courses, and many more to guide emerging business moguls to position themselves as strong market leaders.

This story has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Shalini Bhardwaj

New Delhi [India], March 4 (ANI): The Central government on Saturday recommended the Uttar Pradesh Drug Controller Authority to cancel the manufacturing licence of Marion biotech after 22 out of 36 samples taken for testing from it were found adulterated with Ethylene glycol, said Gautam Budh Nagar Drug inspector on Saturday.

Also Read | Scissor in Stomach Case: Woman Calls Off Protest After Kerala Health Minister Veena George Assures Action.

According to Gautam Budh Nagar Drug inspector, Uttar Pradesh, "Centre recommends the State Drug Controller Authority to cancel manufacturing licence of Marion biotech after 22 out of 36 samples taken for testing from it were found adulterated with Ethylene glycol."

On March 4, Uttar Pradesh Drugs Controlling and Licensing Authority recommended the Centre regarding cancellation of the license after the company has been found using substandard syrups.

Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Labourer Dies After Getting Trapped in Crusher Plant Machine in Mahoba.

The company Marion Biotech had supplied the cough syrups that reportedly caused the deaths of Children in Uzbekistan.

The Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd had come under the scanner in December last year for its cough syrup Dok-1 which is suspected to have led to the death of 18 children who consumed it in Uzbekistan after which the CDSCO launched a probe into the matter.

Earlier on Friday, the Noida Police arrested three people for the manufacture and sale of duplicate medicines who are linked with the pharmaceutical firm that manufactured cough syrup whose use is alleged to have led to the death some children in Uzbekistan last year.

The accused have been identified as Atul Rawat, Tuhin Bhattacharya and Mool Singh and were arrested from Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd.The case had been registered at Gautam Buddha Nagar Phase-3 Police Station under various sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.A probe had been launched last year into the Noida-based drug manufacturer after the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) Delhi government on Saturday claimed that LG V K Saxena has returned the file on Finland teacher training programme in "flagrant violation" of the Constitution and SC orders, and described him as a "mini-dictator".

The lieutenant governor has given in-principle approval to the city government's proposal to send primary teachers of state-run schools to Finland for training but with certain conditions, officials said on Saturday.

Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Eight, Including Seven Minors Arrested After Man Stabbed to Death in Samaypur Badli Area.

Saxena, in his approval, said he was okaying the proposal in the "interest of facilitating an executive decision  flawed that it may be, rather than joining issues to enable anarchic disruption".

He also noted that there was refusal by the Arvind Kejriwal government to bring on record the "impact assessment of the foreign training programmes conducted in the past".

Also Read | Karnataka Elephant Attack: Forest Watcher Dies in Wild Elephant Attack in Mysuru.

Hitting out at the LG, the Delhi government, in a statement, alleged that he returned the proposal after sitting on it for four months and ensuring that it became infructuous since the trainings were to be held in December 2022 and March 2023.

The Delhi government questioned the LG's expertise on amending the proposal, saying it was prepared by the SCERT, an expert body.

"It is extremely unfortunate that the LG is acting like a mini-dictator. He has no right adopting a high moral ground in this matter after having deliberately rejected the whole programme," the statement said.

"LG has become a major roadblock to the development of Delhi. His only objective is to somehow stall all good work of the government," it said.

The file for the Finland teacher training programme was first submitted to Saxena on October 25 to consider if he wished to invoke a difference of opinion and refer it to the President of India within 15 days, as per Transaction of Business Rules of the Delhi government, the statement said.

"However, in blatant violation of the rules, the LG returned the file to Delhi's chief secretary on November 10 last year raising three objections. The SCERT Delhi, the expert body that oversees teacher training activities, clarified those points and resubmitted the file to the LG on December 14 last year.

Thereafter, the LG sought two more clarifications and returned the file to CM on January 9. The then Deputy CM Manish Sisodia sent a detailed reply through Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to LG on January 20," it stated.

The LG has once again returned the proposal with amendments "in flagrant violation of the Constitution and SC orders", the statement said.

Citing the Constitution Bench order of the Supreme Court in 2018, the government said the apex court had observed that the LG of Delhi cannot take any independent decision on any of the transferred subjects that come under the domain of the elected government, including education.

In his amended proposals, the LG has sought to modify the number of teachers to be sent for further training, and also sought to curtail such international training programmes in the future by mandating that the batch of teachers being sent should become teacher trainers for rest of the teachers, the government noted.

"The LG's actions display a complete disregard and disrepect for the advice of SCERT Delhi, the expert body that has overseen all teacher training programmes in Delhi for several decades," it alleged.

"What is all the more unfortunate is that the LG's delaying tactics have caused the cancellation of the training programme altogether.

"The first batch of government school teachers was scheduled to go to Finland in December 2022, but they could not go because of repeated objections raised by the LG at that time. The next batch was due for March 2023, but the file was pending in the LG's office for more than a month, leading to its cancellation as well," it said.

Earlier in the day, an LG House official had said that the decision on the proposal was pending due to the AAP government's reluctance to provide details of the impact assessment and analysis of similar foreign training programmes funded by it in the past.

In his approval note, the LG has said that a "smear political campaign was perpetrated" over the issue, which the government called "baffling".

"It is shameful that the Delhi LG is resorting to such propaganda even after forcing the elected CM and almost five dozen legislators to march on the streets demanding the approval of this file. The CM, along with the legislators waited for hours to meet the LG but he refused to meet them then," it said.

Calling LG's action as unqualified overreach, Delhi government said that there is no legal or academic basis on which LG can substitute the proposal developed by an expert body of the government "with his own misplaced wisdom".

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gurugram, Mar 4 (PTI) A civil engineer was allegedly shot by over 10 unidentified people over a car parking issue in Sohna area here, police said on Saturday.

The incident happened on Friday, they said.

Also Read | SATHEE: Narendra Modi Government to Launch Online Coaching Platform For NEET, JEE and Other Competitive Exams, Check Details Here.

The victim Gautam Khatana, in his complaint, said that as he came out of a cafe, more than 10 people in an inebriated condition approached him and clashed with him over a car parking issue.

Two of them were carrying weapons in their hand and started abusing me and asked why I parked my car there because the parking space was only for their friends, the complainant said.

Also Read | Indian Railways To Launch First Bharat Gaurav Train to Northeast on March 21.

Following this, the group shot at Khatana, ransacked the cafe and also damaged his car, the engineer said in his complaint.

After getting information, police reached the spot and recovered two bullet shells from there while the group managed to flee away.

An FIR has been registered against more than 10 unidentified accused under sections 148 (riots), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (causing hurt), 307 (murder attempt), 427 (causing damage) of the Indian Penal Code and section 25-54-59 of the Arms Act at Sohna City police station.

With the help of CCTV footage, we are trying to identify the accused who will be arrested as soon as possible, investigating officer ASI Rampal said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Mar 4 (PTI) A 26-year-old man was stabbed to death allegedly following a quarrel with his neighbours in northwest Delhi's Samaypur Badli area, police said on Saturday.

According to them, one person has been arrested and seven juveniles have been apprehended in connection with the incident that took place on Thursday.

Also Read | Indian Railways To Launch First Bharat Gaurav Train to Northeast on March 21.

Police said that Raju (36) allegedly quarrelled with the wife of Bablu, a resident of Jeewan Park in Siraspur, and abused her in an inebriated state.

After some time, Raju brought some other people to Bablu's room where one of them allegedly stabbed him. A case has been registered under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention) at Samaypur Badli police station, they said.

Also Read | Supreme Court Orders Release of Death Row Convict Found To Be Juvenile at the Time of Crime.

The victim, a native of Chhattarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, had recently come to Delhi.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chennai, March 4: A team of senior officials from Bihar held a detailed discussion with Chennai Collector S Amirtha Jothi on Saturday to obtain a first hand information on the alleged attack on migrant workers from Bihar.

The four-member team, comprising D Balamurugan, Secretary of Rural Development, P Kannan, IGP (CID), Shree Alok, Special Secretary, Labour Department and Santhosh Kumar, Superintendent of Police, drove straight to the Chennai Collectorate immediately upon their arrival here for an assessment. Tamil Nadu: Students Clash With Migrant Workers Over Serving of Food in Coimbatore Hostel Mess, Video Goes Viral.

They are expected to meet senior State officials before winding up their visit.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], March 4 (ANI): A Delhi court on Saturday granted bail to a youth who is alleged to be a member of a group namely Hindu Kattar Ekta, in connection with the 2020 North East Delhi riots.

While granting the bail to the accused the court pulled up Delhi police for misleading it by not disclosing the fact. This case was registered for the alleged murder of a person in the Gokul Puri area during the Delhi riots of 2020.

Also Read | Gurugram Shocker: Man Robbed of Gold Bracelet Worth Rs 1.25 Lakh by Female Escort.

Additional Sessions judge Pulastya Pramachala of Karkardooma Court on Friday granted bail to Rishabh Chaudhary in a case related to the alleged murder of a person during riots.

As already observed, cited eyewitnesses have been examined, but they did not establish the incident in question. The other two remaining witnesses did not claim to have seen any person in the mob, the court said.

Also Read | SATHEE: Narendra Modi Government to Launch Online Coaching Platform For NEET, JEE and Other Competitive Exams, Check Details Here.

In view of my above-mentioned observations and the present situation in the case, I find the applicant to be entitled for bail. Hence, the bail application is allowed and applicant Rishabh Chaudhary is admitted to bail.

The court granted him bail on his furnishing Personal Bond in the sum of Rs.30,000 and a surety bond in the like amount.

The court has imposed the condition that the accused shall not leave India without express permission of the court.

While granting bail, the judge made a serious observation regarding the conduct of the IO.

The Judge said, "On the record, I find that the prosecution has examined the cited alleged eyewitnesses, but none supported the case of prosecution before the court."

The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) argued that Prosecution witness Nisar Ahmad identified the applicant and he submitted that this witness was referred in the reply of IO, the judge added.

However, on perusal of testimony of Nisar Ahmed also, I find that he had given a description of having seen riots on February 24, 25 and 26, 2020, but didnot say anything about the incident probed in this case, the judge pointed out.

The court said that Even on the basis of the testimony of Nisar Ahmed, the prosecution cannot say that applicant was identified as a member of the mob, which was alleged to be behind the incident that allegedly took place on February 25, 2020, at about 7:30 to 8 pm.

The judge observed, "Thus, I find that in the name of opposing bail application through a reply, the prosecution has attempted to mislead the court, rather thanassisting in a fair manner to project the correct picture of the developments taken place in the case."

The judge said, "Any reply being filed by IO/prosecution must be with an objective to assist the court."

For this purpose, it is necessary to have fair and transparent reporting of the facts and situation. If the reply is filed in a jealous manner, thereby suppressing the material facts, it cannot be said to be assistance to the court, the judge added.

"Hence, I find that there is a requirement to sensitize all the IOs in respect of their duty towards the court, so as to assist in a fair manner, rather than adopting the practice of hide and seek. Hence, once again I call upon the learned Commissioner of Police to do the needful for proper sensitization of all the IOs in this respect," the judge said.

The applicant is facing trial along with co-accused persons for an alleged murder during riots.

In this case, information was received in the police station Gokalpuri on February 27, 2020, at 4 pm that a dead body of a person was found in Ganda Nala near Johripur Pulia.

The body was taken out from the nala and sent to GTB hospital, where it was declared brought dead by the doctor.

The dead body was preserved at the Mortuary, GTB hospital. On the basis of these facts, an FIR was registered.

On February 29, 2020, the body of the deceased was identified by his relatives as Mushraff.

As per the postmortem report, as many as 12 external injuries were found on the body of the deceased.

It was stated in the bail application that Rishabh Chaudhary was arrested on the basis of a disclosure statement of the main accused Lokesh Solanki. No recovery has been effected from the possession of the applicant.

It was argued by the counsel for the accused that he was never related to the "Kattar Hindu Ekta" WhatsApp group, directly or indirectly. Material witnesses of the prosecution have already been examined, who have not supported the case of the prosecution. Witnesses left to be examined are planted, witnesses.

Advocate Rakshpal Singh counsel for the accused argued that Rishabh Chaudhary has been falsely implicated in the present case and he has nothing to do with the commission of any offence.No material witness or any substantive piece of evidence remains against the applicant.

The applicant is a student of graduation aged 22 years and no fruitful purpose would be served by keeping him in jail, the counsel argued.

On the other hand, Investigation Officer (IO) and Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) opposed the bail application of the accused.

It was submitted that the accused is involved in cases of communal violence and carnage of innocent persons which is a very serious crime.

It was also argued that the sections imposed show the severity of the punishment in the event of a conviction. The applicant along with co-accused persons mercilessly killed nine innocent persons with whom the applicant or his co-accused had no previous enmity, the SPP argued.

The witnesses in the present case and the connected cases are residents of the same locality where the applicant resides, so in case the applicant is enlarged on bail there are definite chances that the applicant may threaten or tamper with the evidence, Delhi police argued. Some of the witnesses are to be examined.

It was also argued that the location of the accused's mobile phone, was on the spot during the commission of the crime. There is Call connectivity with other accused persons.

The court noted that In the reply, apart from giving the gist of the investigation done in this case, IO referred to the statement of alleged eye-witness Aman Saxena as given to police.

In that statement, according to the prosecution this witness had identified the rioters and had named them. In the description of exact evidence against the applicant, IO has simply mentioned the name of the cited witness and relied upon alleged eyewitnesses.

In the concluding part of the reply, IO has mentioned that the trial of the case is in the advanced stage and during the same one witness had positively identified the applicant, the court noted.

However, IO has not mentioned the name of such witness, which according to him identified the applicant, the court further noted.

The court said, "As per the record of this case, Aman Saxena has already been examined and in his testimony before the court, he categorically stated that he had not identified anyone in the mob on February 24 and on 25, 2020, he did not come out of his home at any point of time."

He also stated that he did not mention the name of any person as a member of the mob seen by him on February 25, 2020, before the police, nor did he identify anyone before the police, the court added.

The judge observed, "Interestingly, the statement of this witness was though recorded in the presence of SPP and IO, but the reply filed by IO today does not refer to a such statement of this witness."

It is well within the knowledge of ld. Special PP and IO that statement before the police, cannot stand before the testimony given before the court and hence, the purpose of not mentioning the testimony of this witness given before the court, appears to be nothing, but to mislead this court on the basis of his statement recorded before police, the court added.

The court directed to send the Copy of this order to the Commissioner of Police to take necessary steps as per observations made herein above.

Copy of order be also sent to Jail Superintendent for intimation to the applicant. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Indian police arrest 3 biotech company employees linked to deaths in Uzbekistan

Xinhua) 13:51, March 04, 2023

NEW DELHI, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Indian police said on Friday that three employees of the Uttar Pradesh-based pharmaceutical firm, Marion Biotech, were arrested after laboratory tests confirmed the company was not manufacturing medicines in compliance with prescribed norms.

The police said the drugs were found to be adulterated and spurious.

Marion Biotech's cough syrup is alleged to have caused the death of 18 children in Uzbekistan last year.

The arrests were made after a case was registered against the company's five officials over a complaint by a drugs inspector of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

"Out of five people named in the police case, three have been arrested," Ram Singh, a senior police officer in Noida, said.

According to Singh, the case is linked to the death of the children in Uzbekistan because it was only after that samples from the pharmaceutical firm were collected for investigation.

Marion Biotech came under the scanner last December after its cough syrup, Doc-1 Max, was linked with the deaths of the 18 Uzbek children.

Following the reports, the Indian government launched an inquiry into the matter.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Agartala (Tripura) [India], March 4 (ANI): The newly elected BJP MLA from Dhanpur, and the Union Minister of State (MoS) Pratima Bhoumik on Saturday, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave identity to the northeast which was suffering from an 'identity crisis'.

It is pertinent to note that Pratima Bhoumik won from the seat of Dhanpur which was considered a Communist Party of India (Marxist) bastion in the recently held Tripura Assembly polls. After this, her name is being speculated as the next Tripura Chief Minister and the first woman CM of the state.

Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Eight, Including Seven Minors Arrested After Man Stabbed to Death in Samaypur Badli Area.

Talking to ANI, she said, "The Dhanpur seat has been a CPI (M) bastion for 50 years. Although, the people trusted the party CPI(M) didn't deliver as per the people's expectations. But under PM Modi's Double Engine government, we have taken the benefits to the people."

"We have delivered on every front whether it is electricity, water, roads, colleges or sustainable lives for women. PM Modi had promised that we will do even more development than what we did in the first five years, and people believed him," Bhoumik added.

Also Read | Karnataka Elephant Attack: Forest Watcher Dies in Wild Elephant Attack in Mysuru.

On being asked about the speculations of being the next Tripura CM, the Union MoS said, "I am a dedicated party worker, and it is only because of the party that I am sitting in front of you. I contested the elections under the party's instructions, and the party is my mother. So, one shouldn't be speculating anything. I will do whatever the party will say."

She said that PM Modi has been spreading the message of woman empowerment after which women also voted for BJP in large numbers.

"There was not even a woman MLA from Nagaland, but PM Modi sent one of our sisters to Rajya Sabha. This time, the first woman MLA has also been elected from Nagaland, and 12 MLAs from Tripura. All this is under our Prime Minister's message of woman empowerment. There are 11 women in PM Modi's cabinet, and this time, women have also voted for BJP in large numbers," she said.

Pratima Bhoumik also remarked that PM Modi gave identity to the North-East, which was otherwise undergoing an 'identity crisis'.

"Except Assam, the whole Northeast was under an identity crisis. PM Modi has given us identity. The whole world knows where is Tripura, Arunachal, Nagaland or Manipur. Under PM Modi, 360-degree development has been carried out under the HIRA+ model in Tripura. We all aim to work for the people under the 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'," she further said.

Tripura BJP chief Rajib Bhattacharjee, while talking about the speculations of Pratima Bhoumik becoming the next Tripura CM, said, "The decision will be taken in the legislative party meet. Wait for 1-2 days during which we will make a decision. There is no dearth of leaders in BJP and we have worked as a team in this poll."

Notably, in the recently held Tripura Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power by winning an absolute majority.

According to the Election Commission of India, BJP won 32 seats with a vote share of around 39 per cent.

Tipra Motha Party came second by winning 13 seats. Communist Party of India (Marxist) got 11 seats while Congress bagged three seats. The Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) managed to open its account by winning one seat.

The CPI(M) and the Congress, arch rivals in Kerala, came together in the Northeast this time in a bid to oust the BJP from power. The combined vote share of CPI(M) and Congress remained around 33 per cent.

The BJP, which had never won a single seat in Tripura before 2018, stormed to power in the last election in alliance with IPFT and ousted the Left Front which had been in power in the border state for 35 years since 1978.

The BJP contested 55 seats and its ally, IPFT, on six seats. But both allies had fielded candidates in the Ampinagar constituency in the Gomati district.

The Left contested 47 and Congress on 13 seats, respectively. Of the total 47 seats, the CPM contested 43 seats while the Forward Bloc, Communist Party of India (CPI) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) contested one seat each.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front ruled the state for nearly four decades, with a gap between 1988 and 1993, when the Congress was in power but this time both parties joined hands with the intention to oust BJP from power. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Berlin, Mar 4 (AP) Climate activists on Saturday splashed a dark liquid over an artwork near the German parliament building engraved with key articles from the country's constitution, drawing condemnation from the speaker of parliament and other lawmakers.

The Last Generation group said supporters symbolically soaked in oil' the outdoor installation  a series of glass plates on which 19 articles from the German Constitution setting out fundamental rights are engraved. They pasted posters over the work that read, Oil or fundamental rights?

Also Read | Pakistan Economic Crisis Impacting Kabul-Islamabad Trade, Says Afghanistan.

The group said in a statement that the German government is not protecting our fundamental rights and argued that continuing to burn oil is incompatible with doing so.

Parliament Speaker Barbel Bas said she was appalled by the action and has no understanding for it. She said the work by Israeli artist Dani Karavan, titled Grundgesetz 49 after the German name of the post-World War II constitution and the year when it was drawn up, is a reminder to respect and protect rights such as freedom of expression and assembly.

Also Read | India Rejects OICs unwarranted References on Jammu and Kashmir.

Those are the fundamental rights on which the demonstrators from Last Generation themselves base the justification for their actions," Bas said in a statement. I can only hope that the glass plates of the artwork were not permanently damaged.

The work was wiped clean by Saturday afternoon. Last Generation has repeatedly drawn attention and anger over the past year with actions that have included blocking major roads and throwing food at famous paintings. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kinshasa (Congo), Mar 4 (AP) Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi urged visiting French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday to pursue international sanctions against Rwanda for its alleged military support to the M23 rebellion.

Macron said he was waiting for the end of several ongoing peace negotiation efforts before considering such a step. But he vowed that France would be faithful to its role as an unwavering ally of (Congo) to defend its integrity and sovereignty."

Also Read | Pakistan Economic Crisis Impacting Kabul-Islamabad Trade, Says Afghanistan.

Eastern Congo has been mired in conflict for decades, with armed groups vying for control of the region's vast mineral resources. Most recently, Congo has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, who have seized control of large swaths of the country's east.

Rwanda has repeatedly denied the allegation.

Also Read | India Rejects OICs unwarranted References on Jammu and Kashmir.

Peace talks have taken place in Nairobi, Kenya and Angola's capital, Luanda. Regional leaders have called for a cease-fire in eastern Congo and for the M23 rebels to withdraw from the territory they are holding.

On Saturday, the French president said that Congo must not be a spoils of war.

This is the very meaning of my presence today, to tell everyone that there cannot be a double standard between the tragedy being played out in Ukraine on European territory and that being played out on African soil, Macron said.

Tshisekedi pressed his French counterpart for sanctions against Rwanda, saying he remained doubtful about the good faith of those who attacked us.

There was no reason to justify this aggression, except for economic reasons, which were specific to Rwanda, the instigator of this aggression, Tshisekedi said, accusing Rwanda of systematic plundering."

Ahead of Macron's arrival late Friday, nearly two dozen citizen groups had called for protests.

Emmanuel Mabunguta, a member of the Justice in Action Movement, accused Macron of supporting Rwandan President Paul Kagame and said the French president was not welcome in Congo.

The silence of the French president in relation to the demands of the Congolese people for sanctions against Rwanda speaks volumes about what he really wants, Mabunguta said.

Macron must openly condemn Rwanda for its support of the M23.

Congo was Macron's last stop on his trip to Africa, which also included visits to Gabon, Angola and Republic of Congo.

On Friday in Brazzaville, Macron pledged France would help in the fight against climate change and pledged support for forest conservation initiatives. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
While "Cocaine Bear" is gripping the United States, Colombia is stuck with its decades-long conundrum that involves Pablo Escobar's infamous "Cocaine Hippos." The late drug lord's pet hippos are multiplying, leaving many in the country concerned.

There is a new proposal to move at least 70 of these "Cocaine Hippos" that live near Pablo Escobar's former ranch, Hacienda Napoles, which is now a popular tourist attraction. This is part of an effort to control their already-booming population.

Escobar illegally imported around 4 of these deadly creatures from Africa at the height of his Medellin Cartel's power in the 1980s. Now, these hippos, regarded as an invasive species, have thrived and spread far beyond the hacienda.

These so-called "Cocaine Hippos" are also part of the area's tourist attraction and can be found living along the Magdalena River where they face no predators. They survived when the hacienda was abandoned after Escobar's death in 1993 as Colombia provided favorable climatic conditions for them, according to People Magazine.

Hippos are regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, and that is saying something as they have one of the highest kill rates of any large animal on the continent, more than lions or crocodiles. They are highly territorial and authorities fear they might kill people who get too close.

Proposal Wants to Move 70 of Pablo Escobar's Cocaine Hippos to India and Mexico

There are approximately 130 hippos living in the Magdalena River area in Antioquia province and scientists believe their population could hit 400 in about eight years. The plan was proposed to help reduces these numbers as scientists warned their population boom could affect local manatees and capybaras living in the area.

CBS News reported that the plan is to lure 70 of these creatures with food and into large iron containers. They would then be transferred by truck and then flown by plane to India and Mexico, as these countries have wildlife sanctuaries and zoos capable of caring for such large and dangerous creatures.

READ NEXT: Mexico: President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Tells Citizens to Reject Gifts From Drug Cartels

Around 60 are planned to be sent to the Greens Zoological Rescue & Rehabilitation Kingdom in Gujarat, India, while another 10 would go to several zoos and sanctuaries in Mexico.

Several countries, such as Ecuador, the Philippines, and Botswana, the latter being one of the animals' actual homelands, have also expressed their willingness to receive these "cocaine hippos."

Environmentalists Worried Colombia's Environment Minister Might Protect Cocaine Hippos

Researchers and environmentalists are worried that Colombian environment minister Susana Muhamad might intervene with the plan and protect the creatures rather than help decrease their population.

Pablo Escobar's "cocaine hippos" had been a very contentious issue in the country, because while many in the country consider them an invasive species, many, including the minister and villagers who live near these animals, have voiced their support for protecting them.

According to Nature, Muhammad stated in a January speech that her ministry would create policies that prioritize animal well-being, including the creation of a new division of animal protection. Although she did not mention the hippos specifically, many believe these include these creatures.

READ NEXT: El Chapo Sons Throw Massive Narco Party

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: How this drug lord created a hippo problem in Colombia - Vox
Fox News has been skewered in recent weeks following reports that some of its hosts, like Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingram, were making fun of former President Donald Trump's election fraud claims in private. And Steve Bannon has declared war against them and their boss.

While Fox News faced criticism from the media and the left, with many Republicans remaining silent on the scandal, the Trump ally was very vocal in criticizing the conservative media outlet on Friday.

This comes after Fox Corporation founder and chairman Rupert Murdoch admitted under oath that Fox News personalities like Lou Dobbs and Maria Bartiromo knowingly spread Trump's false claim that the 2020 presidential election was rigged.

According to NBC News, Bannon appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference and attacked Fox News and its leader, saying, "You've disrespected Donald J. Trump long enough."

Former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis were noticeably missing from the annual conservative political event, which was heavily attended by Trump-loyal Republicans.

In his fiery speech, Bannon singled out the Fox Corp. founder, saying, "Murdoch, you've deemed Trump's not going to be president... Well, we've deemed that you're not going to have a network. Because we're going to fight you every step of the way."

Bannon also ripped the family of Australian-born Murdoch as "foreigners" and blasted the network for softball interviews with people reportedly running against Trump.

READ NEXT: Tucker Carlson, Other Fox News Stars Privately Blasted Donald Trump's Election Fraud Claims

Fox News on Shaky Legal Ground in Dominion Lawsuit

Steve Bannon's remarks came days after court documents in the $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit of Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News and its parent company, Fox Corp., were made public.

Court papers showed texts from the network's hosts and executives, including Rupert Murdoch's deposition that revealed he did not believe Donald Trump's election lies as well.

The documents also showed a set of text messages, which revealed that several Fox News personalities and executives brutally mocked claims of voter fraud by Trump as well as his attorneys, Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, in private.

Trump has asserted that the 2020 election was rigged, and companies like Dominion and Smartmatic helped Joe Biden steal the elections.

That led to both companies filing separate billion-dollar lawsuits against Fox News. The lawsuits alleged that Fox News defamed the two companies by repeatedly claiming, without evidence, election fraud claims involving their voting machines.

Legal experts like Catherine Ross, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University, believe this is truly defamation.

She told The Hill that the network "does not have any plausible defense, particularly in light of what Dominion uncovered in discovery of real-time knowledge of falsity."

Fox News Scared of Losing Viewers to Newsmax

Many believe that Rupert Murdoch's admission that his network's decision to welcome Donald Trump's conspiracy theories and present them to the public as correct was motivated by money.

According to CNN, in one of the emails that Dominion presented, Murdoch told Fox Corp. Board member Paul Ryan that host Sean Hannity had "been privately disgusted by Trump for weeks, but was scared to lose viewers."

Tucker Carlson was also reportedly mad at a Fox News reporter who fact-checked Trump about his election claims.

Carlson allegedly called for the reporter to be fired as her fact-checking would make the network lose viewers to rival Newsmax and decrease the company's stock prices.

READ MORE: Rupert Murdoch Admits Under Oath That Fox News Hosts Knowingly Lied

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Fox News' Lies Scandal Hits Boiling Point: Murdoch's 'Wu Tang' Defense Could Go up in Smoke - From MSNBC
More and more New Yorkers have been moving from New York to the Sunshine State, Florida, since at least 2016, according to data from the Census Bureau.

Data shows that the numbers increased at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when a lot of New Yorkers, who can work remotely and looking for warmer weather and more affordable housing options, left the Empire State.

Citing data from Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the New York Post reported that almost 65,000 New Yorkers moved to Florida in 2022, breaking a record set in 2021, when around 62,000 New Yorkers left for Florida.

Many believed that fewer taxes and pandemic-era government lockdown policies that opened up the state's economy much sooner than other states also helped Florida, USA Today reported.

Jackie Bild, a real estate agent at Douglas Elliman based in Miami, noted that the state being "more open and lenient on things" at the height of the pandemic was one of the reasons why many people moved to Florida.

Bild told USA Today that around 30% of her buyers in the past 12 months were from New York City.

According to the Census Bureau's 2021 American Community Survey, Florida gained members of every generation, from millennials to baby boomers, while New York experienced loss across all age groups except Gen Z.

READ NEXT: Tucker Carlson, Other Fox News Stars Privately Blasted Donald Trump's Election Fraud Claims

Florida More Restrictive in Terms of Lifestyle Than New York

The exodus of New Yorkers has many New York politicians pointing out many of Florida's flaws, especially with Governor Ron DeSantis' controversial and restrictive culture agenda that many dubbed his "war on woke."

New York City's Democratic Mayor Eric Adams launched billboard ads in five Florida cities soon after the controversial "Don't Say Gay" law was passed.

He denounced the measure and invited Floridians to move to New York, "a city where you can say and be whoever you want."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, another Democrat, blasted New York Republicans like Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and former President Donald Trump, saying they all belonged in Florida, which has become associated with some weird, unusual incidents in the past.

"Just jump on a bus and head down to Florida where you belong, OK? Get out of town. Because you do not represent our values. You are not New Yorkers," the governor said during one of her campaign press conferences last August when she also singled out her rival for the governorship, former New York State Sen. Lee Zeldin.

Florida vs. New York

While many who moved cited that things are cheaper in Florida and the taxes are lower as their reason for going to the state, the State of Florida Living reported that New Yorkers have been moving to Florida even before the tax changes were even implemented.

The report further noted that while the cost of living is lower in Florida than in New York, the Sunshine State has a higher crime rate, according to the FBI.

New York's crime rate is quite low and is placed outside the top 10 states with the lowest overall crime rate. Florida is still in the bottom half of states with higher overall crime rates, though its ranking has improved a bit.

The Empire State also has a better school system, as New York State schools are rated in the top 10 of all states in the United States, while Florida is ranked 29th overall.

However, New York still has one of the highest tax rates as it is one of the most expensive states in the country.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Blamed Sean Hannity for Dr. Oz Flop

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Living in New York vs. Florida - From FreedomSeekingKJ
Over 310,000 worth of drugs were found in a container in Co. Kildare belonging to a civil servant, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard.

Paul Storey (36) of Woodford Meadows, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cocaine and diamorphine for sale or supply at Baronrath, Straffan, Co. Kildare on April 24, 2021.

The investigating garda told John Moher BL, prosecuting, that a warrant was obtained to search a property in Kildare which contained a number of sheds and containers. The owner of the premises contacted Storey, who was not present during the search, at the request of gardai.

The defendant told the owner of the premises: I'm fucked.

Gardai removed the lock of the green container belonging to Storey and found a black Honda Accord inside. Gardai found 3.3kg of cocaine, with a value of 232,603 and 560g of diamorphine worth 78,456 in the boot of the car.

Mix material and other drugs paraphernalia were also found. Storey's fingerprint was identified on a blender.

Storey was arrested at his home on May 17, 2021 and denied any knowledge of the drugs when interviewed.

The investigating garda agreed with Anne Marie Lawlor SC, defending, that her client was not the primary target of the search and that Storey was holding the drugs on behalf of a third party. The garda agreed that Storey would be low down the chain and had no trappings of wealth.

Storey has eight previous convictions, including four for minor drugs offences and four for road traffic matters. The garda agreed that the most recent of Storey's previous drugs convictions dates from 2017 and relates to cannabis.

Storey has one previous conviction for possession of drugs for sale or supply from 2012, and the amount involved was 500.

Defence counsel said Storey was in a relationship with a person with a drugs debt, and for a foolish but understandable reason sought to help them by holding these items.

Ms Lawlor asked the court to consider this separate to Storey's previous convictions for drugs offences, which had related to his use of cannabis. Her client entered an early plea, and is remorseful for his actions.

Storey works full-time in the civil service and supports his parents, who are in poor health. References from family and a co-worker were handed to the court.

Defence counsel said Storey had made an enormous error but was a productive and useful member of society.

Judge Martin Nolan said Storey had made a serious misjudgement in becoming involved with this level of drugs. He said Storey's level of culpability was reduced as he got involved to help another party. Storey also had previous relevant convictions, though of a less serious nature.

Judge Nolan said he would take Storey's early guilty plea and his good work history into account as mitigation and he imposed a four-year prison sentence on Friday, March 3.
A takeaway delivery driver who claimed that "shooting people was part of his job" has been sentenced to life in prison this evening for the murder of a teenage customer on his own doorstep after which he went on the run before being arrested in Graiguecullen in Laois.

The court heard during today's sentence hearing that Earl McKevitt told gardai that he shot 19-year-old Conor O'Brien once in the chest after making an error during the delivery, having failed to read the instructions on the docket.

His defence counsel told the Central Criminal Court that McKevitt had displayed very strange behaviour with bizarre thinking but psychiatric evidence meant he could not rely on a defence of mental illness.

Sentencing judge Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted that whilst he had not received a victim impact statement from Mr O'Brien's family "in a sense it was unnecessary" as the loss of a young man at 19 years of age "on the cusp of life" was unspeakable. He added: "Inexplicably and shockingly he was shot having ordered a pizza, it is unspeakable".

The Central Criminal Court was also told that McKevitt was arrested whilst intoxicated in a hotel in Graiguecullen five days after the killing, where he had gone to retrieve the gun. After he was refused service he showed a manager the gun inside his jacket and said: "You serve me or I'll use it".

The accused has 39 previous convictions which include robbery and arson and has served jail time in Ireland and the UK.

Defence counsel Bernard Condon SC, for McKevitt, said his client wanted to apologise "wholeheartedly" to the victim's family for what had happened.

Earl McKevitt (51) of Avondale Park in Blanchardstown in Dublin 15 pleaded guilty last month to murdering Conor O'Brien (19) at An Seanchrann, Trim Road, Enfield in Co Meath on a date between August 26 and August 27 2021, both dates inclusive.

McKevitt also pleaded guilty today to having a firearm, to wit, a HS model 95, semi-automatic pistol, in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it under his control for a lawful purpose, at Talbot Hotel, Graiguecullen in Co Laois on August 31 2021.

He further pleaded guilty to having in his possession a knife with a sharply pointed blade, at Talbot Hotel, Graiguecullen on August 31 2021, a public place.

Concurrent sentences of seven-and-a-half years and two years respectively were imposed on these counts this evening.

At today's sentencing hearing, Sergeant Lee Gavin from Trim Garda Station detailed the background to the murder. He told prosecution counsel, John Fitzgerald SC, that the incident related to the evening of August 26, 2021 but that gardai hadn't become involved in the investigation until the following morning.

Mr O'Brien, he said, was originally from Gorey in Co Wexford and had been working in the Leixlip area throughout the summer of 2021. He was living in a studio at the back of his cousin's house in Enfield and was due to start a course the following week in Limerick.

Mr Fitzgerald said that Mr O'Brien had ordered a pizza from a nearby takeaway after 8pm on the evening of August 26. The order contained instructions for the delivery man not to knock at the front or main house as there was a separate studio at the rear of the premises and also to text or phone when the pizza was being delivered.

McKevitt was working as a pizza delivery man in a restaurant less than half a kilometre away from Mr O'Brien's studio. The accused delivered the pizza to Mr O'Brien around 8.20pm that night and in the course of the delivery McKevitt shot the deceased once in the chest.

Gardai learned that Mr O'Brien had been wearing a dressing gown and runners at the time of the incident and died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. The deceased's body remained at the scene outside his studio overnight and was discovered by his cousin when she was driving her dogs to a nearby beach for a walk the following day. She saw something by the door, felt uneasy about it and went back to see what it was. She found Mr O'Brien lying face down and emergency services were contacted after 7am that morning.

According to Sgt Gavin, searches were conducted at the scene when gardai became involved but no firearm was found. Enquiries were made and it appeared that the deceased's cousin and another relative living next door had heard a bang the previous evening. One of the relatives had also seen a man running at the time but thought nothing of it. A car was also seen reversing out of the drive, where the driver was partially recognised.

Further enquiries were carried out by gardai, who found out that McKevitt had delivered a pizza to Mr O'Brien around 8.20pm that evening. CCTV footage also showed the accused travelling to and from the house before returning to the restaurant after the delivery and parking his car at the rear of the premises.

Sgt Gavin said McKevitt's behaviour had completely changed after the incident. He had also changed his clothing and made a trip to the off licence an hour after the event. McKevitt made nine deliveries in total that night which lasted until around 11.30pm.

Gardai sought to contact McKevitt the following day. They had a discussion with him where he initially said he couldn't remember what he had done the previous night but later said he had delivered a pizza to a man in a black robe. The accused was asked to call into Trim Garda Station on August 27 to make a statement but said he was travelling to Carlow with his partner, which gardai learned was a pre-planned break.

Arrangements were made on August 28 for McKevitt to travel back from Graiguecullen to make a voluntary statement to gardai. In his statement, the defendant said he had handed over the pizza and left. His car was seized for a technical examination and the accused travelled back to Graiguecullen on the evening of August 28, having checked out of the hotel.

On August 31, the court heard, McKevitt was arrested in Carlow due to an incident that happened in the Talbot Hotel, where he was in possession of a firearm. He was questioned on two occasions when he was being detained for possession of the firearm but was later interviewed on four further occasions concerning the murder of Mr O'Brien.

During interviews McKevitt made candid admissions of what he had done and early in the first interview said: "I shot him, I f**ked up". When he tried to explain the circumstances behind the incident, the accused said he had made an error, that he should have knocked on the shed at the back of the house but hadn't read the docket on the delivery.

The sergeant agreed with Mr Fitzgerald that McKevitt had given an account for the shooting, where he described Mr O'Brien wearing a bathrobe with some form of circle on it that was described "as a target".

The accused also said shooting people was part of his job and that he had been drinking heavily in the intervening days and had gone back to Graiguecullen hotel on August 31 to retrieve the gun.

McKevitt explained to gardai that he "thought he was there to do deliveries to shoot Mr O'Brien".

He was subsequently charged with murdering Mr O'Brien on September 2 2021.

The court heard that McKevitt has 39 previous convictions with six of these committed in the UK around 2010. These include robbery, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of knives, possession of drugs for sale and supply, handling stolen property and arson.

The witness agreed with defence counsel Bernard Condon SC that his client had indicated regret and wanted to apologise "wholeheartedly" to the victim's family for what happened.

The next witness, Detective Garda Ian Roche from Carlow Garda Station, told Mr Fitzgerald that McKevitt had stayed in the Talbot Hotel on the evening of August 27. CCTV footage, he said, had been obtained from the hotel which showed the accused arriving there by car at 5.30pm. After 11pm McKevitt was seen on CCTV leaving the hotel and putting something into the bushes, which subsequently turned out to be a firearm.

When the accused returned to the hotel on August 31, he had asked for a room but said it was too expensive when told how much it was. He ended up drinking in an area outside the bar for two hours. When he went back into the bar he stayed in the toilet for over an hour. The detective said it was clear that the accused had retrieved the gun from where he had left it on the Friday night and taken it back into the bar with him.

The accused came out of the toilet after 10pm on August 31, asked for a drink and was refused as he wasn't wearing a face mask. A manager was called who found McKevitt increasingly intoxicated, the court heard. He was refused service and showed the manager the gun inside his jacket saying: "You serve me or I'll use it".

The manager brought McKevitt to a different part of the bar, gave him another drink whilst allowing staff to call gardai. Gardai searched the accused when they arrived and found a firearm and knife on him. The firearm was analysed and identified as the one used to shoot Mr O'Brien.

The defendant told gardai following his arrest for possession of the firearm that he had the gun for his own protection and that he was under threat. He agreed he committed the offence of carrying the gun but also that he needed it in the course of his work as a delivery man.

Under cross-examination, Det Roche agreed with Mr Condon, defending, that witnesses had described him in various states of intoxication, that he was slurring his words and unsteady on his feet. He also agreed that McKevitt seemed to be seriously drunk.

The detective told Mr Condon that McKevitt had given strange answers to questions in his interview and talked about being trained by a person who was the number one marksman in Ireland. He told gardai that he thought he had ADHD and schizophrenia.

Mr Fitzgerald said Mr O'Brien's family had been asked if they wanted to make a victim impact statement but did not wish to.

Mr Condon, for McKevitt, submitted to the court that his client had displayed very strange behaviour with bizarre thinking but psychiatric evidence meant he could not rely on a defence of mental illness. He said his previous convictions were consistent with taking drugs and alcohol.

In further submissions, Mr Condon said that his client's father had written a short note to the court setting out that McKevitt was normally "a good lad" and that he did not know why "this travesty" had happened. The accused's father said he visits his son weekly and that McKevitt is guilt ridden and full of remorse.

"My instructions are to repeat the apology, a terrible thing was done and terrible consequences flowed from that," said Mr Condon.

Before sentencing the defendant, Mr Justice McDermott said it was plainly clear from the materials set out in the book of evidence that Mr O'Brien had prospects and hopes. He said Mr O'Brien had just embarked on his career and hoped to complete "a blacksmith job". He said that move was underway but inexplicably and shockingly he was shot having ordered a pizza, which he called unspeakable.

The judge pointed out that there was no sense to the killing of Mr O'Brien in the way it had been outlined by the accused. He said McKevitt had delivered a pizza to the teenager and there was "some non-reading of the direction to leave the pizza", which seems to have led to McKevitt taking the view that something was amiss or he had messed up in some way. He said the accused gave a very strange account of how he came to pull the gun and that the weapon had been in his possession for a number of years.

He said the events in Talbot Hotel were clearly frightening for the staff and manager, who had dealt with the accused very cooly and courageously. He said the accused had demanded a drink and that the staff were minded to refuse him before McKevitt showed the gun to the manager in a threatening way.

Mr Justice McDermott sentenced McKevitt to the mandatory term of life imprisonment for murder. The sentence was backdated to August 31 2021, when he went into custody.

Finally, the judge expressed his condolences to the victim's family.
The Laois man who leads the organisation that represents young people in agriculture has hit out at a plan that cuts the amount of land available for dairy farming.

John Keane, Marca President, issued a statement afer the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue confirmed to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Climate Action that he would introduce an exit scheme for dairy farmers in 2024.

"Young farmers across the country are extremely angry and disappointed that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are actively pursuing a land exit scheme for dairy farmers.

"Under the proposals seen by Macra the land that would enter this scheme would no longer be available for use to breed animals.

"This will undoubtedly reduce the stock of land available for farmers who wish to rear breeding animals, it will further increase the price of land paid for lease and sale. It will put pressure on our tillage sector to compete for land and negatively affect the government's targets to increase the tillage area in Ireland," said the Errill native.

Mr Keane added that with less than 6% of active farmers under 35 the Minister needs to pursue a succession policy in farming and not an exit policy.

He argued that this measure if proceeded with in a manner that is excluding the future of farming in Ireland will further reduce the amount of young farmers who are the future of both the agricultural industry and food production in Ireland.

Mr Keane congratulated his successor, Elaine Houlihan from Limerick who will take over in May at the AGM.
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Deputy Marc MacSharry has made a submission to the Electoral Commission for consideration in their review, specifically with regard to the current Sligo Leitrim Constituency which currently incorporates all, or a significant portion of, Counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, and Roscommon.

The following is Deputy MacSharry's submission made to the Secretary of the Electoral Commission.



1. The existing constituency incorporating County Sligo, County Leitrim, South County Donegal, and North County Roscommon serves to exasperate the alienation of rural Ireland and undermines the constitutional entitlement of equal representation of all citizens in a practical, workable, and cohesive way in Dail Eireann.



2. The current arrangements are totally contrary to the literal meaning and spirit of the terms of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 in particular section 56 (2) (C) where it states that 'the breaching of County Boundaries shall be avoided as far as practicable'.

I would respectfully submit that sufficient practicable considerations were not applied in the division of Counties to the extent that as things stand there is all or part of four counties in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency and therefore county boundaries were recklessly dissected rather than proactively and thoughtfully maintained. This must be rectified in the current review.



3. In addition, section 56 (2) (e) of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 is also not represented in the current arrangements where geographic considerations and physical features were clearly not given due regard.

The existence of mountains, rivers, difficult terrain, and the blatant absence of adequate physical connectivity infrastructure in terms of road, rail and public transport would seem to have been completely ignored.

It is as if the previous commission resolved to deal with these counties towards the end of the process and simply assembled an absurd 'patch work' constituency to facilitate an outcome which was neither required nor demanded by the constitutional criteria either in number of seats or ratio of seats to population.



4. Section 56 (2) (D) of the Act states that each constituency shall be composed of contiguous areas. The composition of the current Sligo Leitrim South Donegal North Roscommon constituency clearly also stretches both the literal meaning and spirit of this section.

Practicable is a word regularly used in previous court decisions going back to 1961 in relation to these matters and within the current act itself.

The inclusion of part or all of four counties in what is known as the Sligo-Leitrim constituency is not remotely practicable.

In this regard, it must be realised and accepted that there are four County Councils, four different planning authorities, four different housing departments, four Joint policing committees, two Garda Divisions, two Community Health Organisations which causes significant practical difficulty for elected members of Dail Eireann seeking to provide an equally representative, effective, and efficient service to citizens when compared to an elected member of the Dail dealing with only one of each of the above.

The constituency, as currently configured, is approximately 120 km long at its furthest point and 120 kilometres wide at its furthest point.

Equally, the necessity to have equal representation in the legislature for each of these areas is undermined by the variance of needs of and challenges facing very different locations which in many cases require very different types of solutions to be represented on their behalf in the national legislature.

Notwithstanding the genuine intention and wish of all representatives to do the best possible job in providing effective representation to constituents the sprawling and haphazard makeup of the current arrangements in Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and North Roscommon totally undermines the true potential for effective representation of citizens living in the area.



5. The county boundaries of Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Roscommon must be respected and maintained at all costs. A critical mass of Dail representation will exist in the higher populated urban areas where the needs and challenges of those areas will not vary to the same extent as those crossing county boundaries as exemplified in the current makeup of the so-called Sligo-Leitrim constituency which currently incorporates all or a significant part of four counties.

The increase in TDs to a minimum of 171 and their distribution should be weighted entirely in favour of guaranteeing that each county or two entire counties collectively which make up a constituency ought to have a minimum of one TD each representing their interests in Dail Eireann.

To seek to facilitate this, two counties should be aligned together in their entirety where necessary to form a constituency but the patch work approach of pieces of several counties being stitched together must be abandoned permanently.



6. I would like to submit that if the Electoral Commission feel the Act and its sections are in effect inadequate to cater for the constitutional right of all people to equal representation then the Commission ought seek more time to facilitate the introduction of a new Electoral Amendment Act underpinned, if necessary, by a constitutional referendum to amend article 16.2.2 to provide for a variance in representative population thresholds which more accurately reflect the potential to cater for the new reality of population decline in some parts of counties, rural alienation and isolationism and the proliferation of growth on the East coast.

Notwithstanding this, I would submit that the current criteria and provisions of Article 16.2.2 do allow for the following four constituencies to be permitted and I am therefore respectfully submitting that the Constituency Commission recommend the following constituencies be established:

Donegal 1*

Population: 166,321

No. of Dail Seats: 3

Population per Dail Seat: 27,720.16



Donegal 2**

Population: 166,321

No. of Dail Seats: 3

Population per Dail Seat: 27,720.16

Sligo/Leitrim

Population: 104,906

No. of Dail Seats: 4

Population per Dail Seat: 26,226.50

Roscommon/Longford

Population: 116,629

No. of Dail Seats: 4

Population per Dail Seat: 29,157.25



* Population statistics are taken from the CSO Census 2022 Provisional Results February 2023.

** Donegal can be split into two 3-seat constituencies as best determined by the population distribution of the county as can be considered by the Commission in line with the final CSO 2022 Census Results.



This will, in effect, mean that county boundaries are maintained and that all people in the reference areas will have representation in Dail Eireann consistent with the needs and challenges of these areas and the people's constitutional right to have adequate voice for such needs and challenges within the formation of legislation and debate at national level.

It will also mean that elected members of Dail Eireann have a more practicable and manageable number of state authorities and agencies functioning within their constituencies.

If the approach as taken in 2017 is allowed to continue it will inevitably lead within a few decades to a totally disproportionate level of representation in larger urban centres which could not have been envisaged at the time the constitution was being written nor would it be in keeping with the explicit ambitions of the constitution when considered in its entirety.

I thank you for taking the time to consider this submission and very much hope that you will include this proposal as one of your final recommendations.

Marc Mac Sharry TD
French President Emmanuel Macron, left, adresses media during a joint news conference with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Saturday March 4, 2023. SAMY NTUMBA SHAMBUYI / AP

Brussels said Saturday, March 4 that it was setting up a "humanitarian air bridge" to deliver aid to conflict-hit eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as the visiting French president said all sides had given support to a ceasefire next week.

The air bridge will link with Goma, the capital of DR Congo's eastern North Kivu province, where fighting with the rebel group M23 has displaced more than 600,000 people.

The operation will "deliver humanitarian support in the form of medical and nutritional supplies along with a range of other emergency items", a European Commission statement said.

Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron, visiting the country on the last leg of his African tour aimed at renewing frayed ties, said that all sides would support a ceasefire in the fighting.

During talks with Angolan President Joao Lourenco and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, as well as Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Macron said all had "given clear support" to a ceasefire next Tuesday, as envisaged in the timeline mediated by Angola.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Macron visits Angola to promote economic partnership beyond oil

The EU said it was also releasing some 47 million euros to be channeled through humanitarian partners for immediate needs such as nutrition, healthcare, shelter and water.

"The EU stands ready to mobilize all the necessary means to support humanitarian workers, including logistics and air, to meet the needs of the population in Democratic Republic of Congo," said the EU's commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic.

The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the militia group M23, which re-emerged from dormancy in late 2021, subsequently occupying swathes of territory in North Kivu.

Independent UN experts, the United States and other western countries  including France  agree with Kinshasa's assessment, but Rwanda denies the charge.

'Strategic partner'

Anti-French sentiment runs high in some former African colonies as the continent becomes a renewed diplomatic battleground, with Russian and Chinese influence growing.

On Thursday, Macron said the era of French interference in Africa had ended and there was no desire to return to the past. The French President met on Friday with President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the neighboring Republic of Congo, after visiting Angola and Gabon.

Read more Macron arrives in Gabon to begin tour of Central Africa

In the Angolan capital Luanda, Macron held talks with his counterpart Joao Lourenco, calling the oil-rich country a "strategic partner in the region". The French president, who chaired an economic forum attended by more than 50 French companies, said the "heart of this visit is the strengthening of agricultural partnerships" with Angola.

France has for decades been involved in the petroleum industry in the Portuguese-speaking southern African country, which is one of the continent's top crude producers. Before leaving Luanda, the French president thanked Lourenco for his work to restore stability to the region, highlighting his diplomatic efforts in conflict-torn eastern DRC. He added that there are "legitimate hopes" for a de-escalation in the turbulent region.

Macron also met with Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera in Gabon on Thursday, after relations had deteriorated as Russian influence increased in Bangui and French troops left the troubled country last year.

Le Monde with AFP
THE INCREASE in young men from hardworking families being lured into drug dealing to pay off debts to serious criminals was laid bare in two cases heard simultaneously in Limerick Circuit Court.

In the first case, the court heard how the defendant was under pressure to hold and sell drugs as his family had been threatened. A detective garda said this was becoming more common.

The accuseds barrister said he was even provided with a mobile phone with the numbers of his customer base already saved in the phone.

In the second case, the man arrested by gardai was frightened to say who owned the drugs. Neither of the two men before Limerick Circuit Court this month had trappings of wealth.

In one courtroom, Judge Tom ODonnell was hearing city cases. Next door, Judge Catherine Staines presided over county cases.

Before Judge ODonnell was a 22-year-old who pleaded to having over 18,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply.

Prosecuting barrister, John O'Sullivan, instructed by state solicitor Padraig Mawe, said the State was satisfied he was selling cannabis on behalf of more significant persons. The defendant had no previous convictions for drugs offences.

The man's barrister, Jack Nicholas said his client has ADHD and doesnt like how his prescription drugs make him feel so turned to cannabis to help him sleep.

He started smoking too much and got in trouble over monies owed. He was under pressure to sell (drugs). His family were threatened. A customer base was provided on a mobile phone, said Mr Nicholas.

Judge ODonnell asked the investigating officer - Detective Garda Sean Twomey - about the pattern of families being threatened?.

Yes, unfortunately it is becoming more common, said Det Garda Twomey.

In his summation, Judge ODonnell spoke of people involved in drugs getting into debt and forced into sale or supply becoming more prevalent.

The judge also said being forced to hold drugs as part of payment in settling a debt is rather chilling. The 21-year-old received a four year suspended sentence.

At the same time in the court next door, prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley, instructed by state solicitor Aidan Judge, outlined to Judge Staines how gardai caught a 31-year-old man bagging up drugs in his daughters bedroom. He was charged with having almost 60,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply.

The court heard the drugs were not his, he was frightened to say who it was and he had to hold the drugs to pay off a debt.

His barrister, Mark Nicholas said his client comes from a hardworking family. He said the accused lost his job over drugs which he got on tick.

Mr Nicholas said the defendant was lured into holding the 60,000 worth of drugs and selling the cannabis to pay off a drug debt. He was to get 1,500 knocked off a 3,000 drug debt. The barrister said the man ended up homeless, living on the streets but is now two and a half years drug free.

Judge Staines said the defendant got involved in this incident to reduce the drug debt. The judge imposed a five year prison sentence with the last four years suspended.
CERVICALCHECK campaigner Vicky Phelan has been honoued by Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh which has officially unveiled its new facility - Pairc Uile-Aimsire Vicky Ui Fhaolain.

Vicky's children Ameila and Darragh were joined by her parents and her husband, Jim, as they officially opened the new all-weather facility at a special ceremony.

Darragh is in sixth class at the Irish language speaking school and, on Friday last, students and teachers gathered in the playground where local priest Fr Seamus Madigan began the proceedings by blessing the pitch as the sun shone over the Limerick suburbs.

Priomhoide Frankie Ui Fhrainclin told the Limerick Leader that she and the entire school community were delighted when members of Vicky's family agreed to have the facility named after her.

They came back to say that they would be happy to have it named after her, in her honour and then we spoke to Darragh about cutting the ribbon.

We felt we wanted to acknowledge her, her strength and her dignity, in what she had achieved, she said.

In relation to having the astro, we feel with the (urban) greenway which opened in September 2021 and now with this, it further enhances the facilities here and provides our students with new opportunities for physical exercise which will contribute to their overall health and wellbeing, she added.

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh, which opened in 2014, currently has 444 students enrolled.
THE CLAYTON hotel was electric with the positive energy from industry experts, local politicians and those with an interest in green energy all looking to learn more about the potential the Shannon Estuary can provide for cleaner energy investments.

With each passing day, the climate crisis becomes more and more of an issue and a priority and there is no time like to present to rethink the way we harvest energy.

Limerick Chamber President Donal Cantillon addressed those in attendance, it was his last formal event as president of the chamber.

Mr Cantillon mentioned that about 18 months ago Limerick Chamber began discussing offshore renewable energy potential in the Mid-West region.

The aim of this morning is not to bombard you with facts and figures about the opportunity What we want to try and do as a business community is to discuss what pathways can we take and to make the opportunity a reality, Mr Cantillon said.

Pat Keating of the Shannon Foynes Port Company spoke to the crowd about the potential the Shannon Estuary has regarding the harvesting of wind kinetic energy and more specifically the use of floating turbines within a 36-hour tow time off the coast which could generate 70 gigawatts (GW) of power, 30 times Irelands current rate.

Mr Keating spoke about the Shannon Foynes Port Companys Vision 2041 Strategic Plan which seeks to deliver floating offshore wind (FLOW) at a large scale, the production and transition to e-fuels and introduce more sustainable logistics services.

FLOW involves installing floating wind turbines into deep sea-sheltered water, something the Shannon Estuary has 500 sq km of and according to Mr Keating this is a huge opportunity that should be taken advantage of.

Deep sea water needs to be more than 15 metres deep to sustain FLOW.

For example, Cork harbour, a large harbour but its quite shallow. The Shannon Estuary has an abundance of deep sea water, Mr Keating said.

Head of offshore wind generation, Ireland for the ESB Ciaran McManus spoke about developing green energy at Moneypoint power station in Clare.

Moneypoint was first developed in the 1980s following oil shortages in the 1970s. It was a powerhouse for the entire country but today only distributes about 20% of the national power.

Mr McManus spoke about transitioning away from the use of coal at Moneypoint and the development of a reliable, affordable and net zero energy scheme called Green Atlantic at the power station.

The ESB has already completed the first stage in transforming Moneypoint into a green energy hub.

In the final quarter of 2022, they constructed a 50 million synchronous compensator.

This technology enables higher volumes of renewables on the system and provide a range of electrical services to the electricity grid which would previously have been supplied by the fossil fuel-fired generation.

The next step for the ESB is the construction of an off shore wind farm developed off the coast of Clare and Kerry.

Once complete, the wind farm will be capable of powering more than 1.6m homes in Ireland. Subject to the appropriate consents being granted, the wind farm is expected to be in production within the next decade.

Much like Mr Keating, Mr McManus urged those in attendance at the event held in the Clayton Hotel on Steamboat Quay not to miss the boat on this massive opportunity that lies within the Shannon Estuary.

He believes Ireland and the Shannon Estuary has the potential to really kick start the FLOW energy sector which is not really seen throughout the world and if this opportunity is not harvested other countries will snoop in.

We missed the boat on solar energy lets not do the same with this, he said.

Mr McManus mentioned that the clean energy that can be harvested from FLOW could be enough to sustain the country for the next 20 to 40 years.

For more information on FLOW, head to the Shannon Foynes Port Companys website.

For more Green news, follow the EcoLive section of our website LimerickLive.ie.
The George Cross is being put on public display in Belfast to recognise the contribution of all health service staff, past and present.

The award was presented to the four National Health Services of the UK at a ceremony at Windsor Castle in July last year.

The Cross will be on display in the Ulster Museum after it was officially handed over to National Museums NI by the Department of Health.

Peter May, permanent secretary, said: The award of the George Cross is a well-deserved recognition for the courage and sacrifice of everyone who works in health and social care, and I am delighted that it will now be on display here in Northern Ireland for people to come and see.

The medal is for everyone working across Northern Irelands health and social care system at all levels. We will be forever indebted to them, for their commitment and expertise.

Sister Joanna Hogg is the lead nurse for trauma and orthopaedics with the Belfast Trust, and was the first person in Northern Ireland to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ms Hogg said: It was a wonderful opportunity to accept the George Cross medal on behalf of all of health and social care in Northern Ireland, and to recognise the incredible dedication of all our colleagues within health and social care.

Kathryn Thomson, chief executive of National Museums NI, said: We are delighted to accept this significant addition to the national collection due to the rarity and prestige associated with the George Cross medal.

It recognises the significant contribution the NHS has made, particularly during the pandemic, and we welcome visitors to the Ulster Museum to come and see it for themselves.

The medal will be displayed in the Pandemics Past and Present exhibition at the Ulster Museum. Entry is free.
Online travel platform MakeMyTrip said it has witnessed an increasing trend of consumers opting to give online gift cards to their friends, relatives, and colleagues this wedding season.

MakeMyTrip has seen a 30 per cent increase in sales of travel 'Shagun' card this wedding season, i.e., December 22-January 23 as compared to last year, it stated.

The company said that 10,000-card is the most sold denomination, followed by 5,000, and 1,000. The card allows couples to book holiday packages, hotels, flight tickets, train tickets, bus tickets, and fun activities.

"We have seen a direct correlation between the sale of online gift cards with the marriage season," said Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Business Officer, MakeMyTrip.

He shared that there is a growing trend of people wanting to gift experiences, a shift from the past when cash and gold were the only options.

"We surveyed to understand the needs of the consumers, and two distinct groups emerged. High-flying executives between 45-55 years, keen to gift something memorable to their friends or relatives. The comparatively younger group, between 30-45 years, want to gift something thoughtful and trendy. Travel Shagun in the form of an online wedding gift card fits the bill for both categories," Singh added.

More than 47 per cent of online wedding gift card buyers added 1 to the total as a symbol of Shagun. The pattern prompted MakeMyTrip to start gifting a Shagun of 101 on every purchase.

Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune form the top 5 cities in terms of sales of the online gift cards. However, MakeMyTrip has observed increased traction from cities such as Patna and Jaipur, among the top 10 cities, the company stated.
NEW DELHI: PepsiCos beverage brand Slice on Friday announced Kiara Advani as its brand ambassador while also launching a new summer campaign ahead of peak season.

With Kiara as its brand ambassador, Slice aims to further connect with its audience and reinforce its position as the go-to drink for mango lovers across the country," PepsiCo said in a statement.

The new Slice TVC will be amplified across television, digital, outdoor, and social media with a 360-degree campaign.

The mango-flavoured campaign was earlier endorsed by Katrina Kaifwho has now moved on as brand ambassador for PepsiCos bottled water brand Aquafina.

We are thrilled to have Kiara Advani as our new brand ambassador. Known for her exceptional acting skills and her stylish persona, she has a huge fan base amongst our target audience. We believe her popularity and mass appeal will help us connect with our consumers in a meaningful way," Anuj Goyal, associate director, Slice and Tropicana, PepsiCo India said.

Beverage makers have been lining up summer campaigns backed by big celebrity endorsements as they expect a strong season to help lift demand. In fact, PepsiCo on-boarded a host of new celebrity faces for its key brands. It recently roped in actor Ranveer Singh as the brand ambassador for Pepsi. It also onboarded actor Yash to back the cola brand.

Our new summer campaign is a perfect reflection of the quintessential Slice way of indulging in a mango experience...We are confident that the new film will strike a chord with our consumers," Goyal said.

Slice competes with Parle Agros Frooti and Coca-Colas Maaza.
HDFC Bank on Saturday announced that it's board of directors have recommended the re-appointment of Sashidhar Jagdishan as managing director and CEO for a period of three years with effect from 27 October,2023.

The Bank further said that it is subject to the approval of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the shareholders.

This is to inform you that the Board of Directors of the Bank, at their meeting held today, has recommended the re-appointment of Mr. Sashidhar Jagdishan (DIN: 08614396) as the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank, to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), for a further period of three years w.e.f. October 27, 2023, subject to approval of RBI and shareholders," said HDFC Bank in its filing.

In April last year, HDFC Bank announced that parent HDFC will merge with the bank to enable seamless delivery of home loans and leverage on the large base of over 68 million customers of HDFC Bank and inter alia improve the pace of credit growth in the economy.

Under the scheme, HDFC shareholders will receive 42 shares of HDFC Bank having a face value of Re 1 each for 25 shares of HDFC having a face value of 2 each. Further, HDFC shareholding in HDFC Bank will be extinguished as per the scheme of amalgamation.

Post the merger, HDFC Bank will be 100% owned by public shareholders and existing shareholders of HDFC will own 41% of the former.

Sashidhar Jagdishan joined the Bank in 1996 and was appointed as chief financial officer in 2008, after which he was appointed as the MD and CEO.

HDFC Bank Ltd reported 18.5% year-on-year (YoY) rise in net profit for the quarter ended December 2022 to 12,259 crore. This is against net profit of 10,342.20 crore in the year ago period.

Net interest income in the quarter increased nearly 25% on-year to 22,988 crore from 18,443.50 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal.

On Friday, the company's scrip ended 1.95% up at 1,615.55 on BSE.
NEW DELHI: Centre has marginally raised the windfall tax on locally produced crude oil to 4,400 per tonne.

For the past two weeks, the windfall tax stood at 4,350 per tonne.

The finance ministry has, however, scrapped the export duty on aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The export duty on diesel has been lowered to 0.5 per litre. The taxes are reviewed every fortnight.

Crude oil pumped out of the ground and from below the seabed is refined and converted into fuels such as petrol, diesel and ATF.

The windfall profit tax was imposed last year after crude oil prices soared in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, fetching large profits for oil producers. The government reviews the tax rates every fortnight to calibrate the tax mop-up.

According to officials, the tax rate absorbs only a part of the extra profits that the companies earn in global markets during a period of high prices.

Revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra had told Mint in a post-budget interview on 4 February that the government estimates around 25,000 crore of revenue receipts in the current fiscal from the windfall profit tax.

Malhotra also said then that in the case of petrol, it has already been removed and the levy will apply to crude oil and products only if there is a windfall profit.
Shareholders of Dish TV India Ltd rejected the candidature of four independent directors, bringing the total to nine directors that have been booted out from the board of the countrys third-largest satellite television provider in the last fifteen months as investors continue to express their ire against the company.

On Friday, Dish TV, which conducted an extraordinary general meeting, only 25.9% of shareholders voted in favour of Sunil Gupta, Madan Mohanlal Verma, Gaurav Gupta and Lalit Behari. 74% of investors voted against the appointment of the four directors, who were inducted into the board in December.

Dish TVs board now is left with only two independent directors, Rashmi Aggarwal and Shankar Aggarwal, which is less than the minimum number of six directors on a board, as required by the market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

"The Board shall take necessary steps for complying with the requirement of the Companies Act, 2013, and SEBI Listing Regulations in respect of the number of the Directors on the Board," Dish TV told the exchanges.

Shareholders first voted against the reappointment of Ashok Kurien in December 2021, followed by rejecting the continuation of former Dish TV chairman Jawahar Goel and chief executive Anil Dua in the summer of last year. Investors also rejected the induction of independent directors Rakesh Mohan and Rajagopal Venkateish.

Back in September 2021, Yes Bank Ltd blew the bugle for investor revolt when unhappy over how the company was run, it demanded a board reconstitution, including appointing seven directors.

Dish TV dismissed Yes Banks allegations of corporate misconduct and has since then rebuffed the shareholders demands for holding a special shareholder meeting. Since then, both Yes Bank and Dish TV have spent quite a sum in enlisting an army of lawyers to get the courts to adjudicate if a shareholder that owns more than 10 percent of shares indeed retains the right to call for a special shareholder meeting.

Essel Group founder Subhash Chandra had borrowed over 5,000 crore from Yes Bank, and his inability to service the loans made the lender invoke the Dish TV shares that were pledged with the bank. In December last year, Yes Bank transferred its shares to JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction Co, making the asset reconstruction company the largest shareholder, owning 24.19%.

Chandras family as promoter owns 4.04% shares as of 31 December.

Earlier this week, minority investors of Dish TV made a stunning revelation and complained to the Exchanges and the market regulator that the company was deliberately not inducting the directors recommended by the largest shareholder. This was after it found that the company had inducted a majority of the directors on its board despite the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) approving their appointment in December last year. Investors were further riled that the company had not disclosed this information to the Exchanges and it got this communication through a reply from MIB under the Right To Information Act.

Minority investors were peeved that despite MIB stamping the candidature of Girish Paranjpe, Arvindnachya Chandranachya and Haripriya Padmanabhan, the three directors recommended by Yes Bank, Dish TV were delaying their induction on the board.

Dish TV for now has said that the allegations of a group of minority investors are wrong, malicious, incorrect, and baseless and hence are denied"

Some investors are unconvinced and are demanding a probe from the Sebi.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Varun Sood Varun Sood is a business journalist writing on corporate affairs for the last fifteen years. He also writes a weekly newsletter, TWICH+ on the largest technology services companies. He is based in Bangalore. Varun's first book, Azim Premji: The Man Beyond the Billions, was brought out by HarperCollins in October 2020. Read more from this author
Nirmala Sitharaman, the finance minister, made some adjustments to the personal tax structure in the union budget of 2023 to improve its appeal to salaried taxpayers who will be filing income tax returns (ITRs) for the financial year 20232024. These adjustments included raising the annual standard deduction, raising the rebate and threshold limit and increasing the basic tax exemption cap. Yet, since the deadline for making tax-saving investments for FY 20222023 approaches, it is important to understand how much tax salaried individuals may save on the House Rent Allowance (HRA).

The House Rent Allowance (HRA) is an allowance made by an employer to an employee in exchange for the employee's payment towards house rental expenses. HRA is included in the salary component that the company gives to the employee. Salaried individuals are eligible for HRA exemptions under Section 10 (13A) of the Income Tax Act, according to regulation number 2A of the Income Tax Act. Nevertheless, salaried taxpayers should be aware that the house rent allowance tax exemption is only available under the old tax regime and is not accessible in the event that they have chosen the new tax regime beginning in FY 202021. (AY 2021-22).

Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO, Clear said salaried individuals, who live in rented houses, can claim the House Rent Allowance (HRA) to lower their taxes  partially or wholly. This allowance is for expenses related to rented accommodation. If you dont live in rented accommodation, this allowance is fully taxable. Please note that the tax exemption of house rent allowance is not available in case you choose the new tax regime from FY 2020-21 (AY 2021-22).

By asking him about how is tax exemption from HRA calculated, Archit Gupta said the deduction available is the least of the following amounts:

1) Actual HRA received

2) 50% of [basic salary + DA] for those living in metro cities

3) 40% of [basic salary + DA] for those living in non-metros

4) Actual rent paid should be less than 10% of basic salary + DA

Dr. Suresh Surana, Founder, RSM India said any individual taxpayer in receipt of House rent allowance and making rent payment can claim exemption u/s 10(13A) of the IT Act for lowest of the following:

1) Actual HRA received

2) 50% of the salary in case of employees residing in metropolitan cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai) and 40% of the salary in other cases

3) Rent paid in excess of 10% of the salary

For the purpose of computation of such HRA exemption, salary would constitute the Basic salary, Dearness allowance forming part of retirement and commission as percentage of turnover, he further added.

It is pertinent to note that such amount of house rent allowance is fully taxable if it is received by an employee who is living in his own house or if he does not pay any rent, said Dr. Suresh Surana.

Saurav Ghosh, Co-founder, Jiraaf said Employers should take on the responsibility of educating their employees about old and new tax regimes so that employees can be aware of maximum eligible deductions claimable and choose the most beneficial tax-saving scheme. By making an advanced declaration of investments, employers can deduct the appropriate amount of tax, and employees can avoid penalties while filing their returns. The new income tax regime in FY 2023-24 has simplified income tax calculation and is particularly beneficial for those earning less than 7 lakhs annually."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vipul Das Vipul Das is a Digital Business Content Producer at Livemint. He previously worked for Goodreturns.in (OneIndia News) and has over 5 years of expertise in the finance and business sector. Stocks, mutual funds, personal finance, tax, and banking are among his specialties, and he is a professional in industry research and business reporting. He received his bachelor's degree from Dr. CV Raman University and also have completed Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC). Read more from this author
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved the city government's proposal to send primary teachers of state-run schools to Finland for training, officials said on Saturday.

The LG's office has had run-ins with the government over several issues, including its scheme for sending school teachers abroad for training.

In his approval, Saxena noted that there was a refusal by the Arvind Kejriwal government to bring on record the "impact assessment of the foreign training programmes conducted in the past", they said.

"Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved the education department's proposal for training programme of primary in-charges in Finland. Taking the approach of equitable benefit for all, the LG has increased the number of primary in-charges, who were to proceed to Finland for training, from 52 to 87 so as to ensure equal representation of primary in-charges from all 29 administrative zones of the education department," an official from the LG's office said.

"With this, 87 primary in-charges  three in-charges from each of the 29 administrative zones  will be selected for the training programme, as against the 52 primary in-charges who were arbitrarily selected by the government," the official said.

The issue triggered a war of words between the LG's office and the government, with the AAP dispensation accusing Saxena of "interfering" in the government's work.
Amid reports of alleged attacks on migrant workers in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and updated him about the situation. He affirmed that people involved in such attacks are "acting against India's integrity."

Talking about several videos doing rounds on social media in which migrant workers especially from Bihar are attacked, Stalin said apart from the accused, strict action will also be taken against those who deliberately spread rumors, post fake videos and pictures on social media and try to spread fear and panic in the state.

The development came as many videos were released on social media platforms in which migrant persons can be seen manhandled by the crowd. Tamil Nadu has tagged many such videos as fake and said action will be taken against the accused in such cases.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has constituted a four-member commission that will travel to Tamil Nadu to take the stock of the situation. "As soon as I got to know through newspapers, I directed officials to look into the matter. They talked with the Tamil Nadu government and reported that a team should be sent from here," Nitish Kumar said, adding that the four-member team will look into the matter in detail.

D Balamurugan, Secretary, Rural Development, P Kanan, IPS (IG CID), Shree Alok, Special Secretary, Labour Department, and an IPS officer are part of the four-member commission who will submit the report to the Bihar Chief Minister after the visit.

Tamil Nadu DGP Sylendr Babu has claimed that the videos are fake and the context of the videos is also changed.

"Somebody in Bihar posted false and mischievous videos saying that migrant workers are attacked in Tamil Nadu. Two videos are posted and both are false, these two incidents happened earlier in Tiruppur and Coimbatore. Both cases were not a clash between the people of Tamil Nadu and migrant workers. One was a clash between two groups of Bihar migrant workers and another video was a clash between two local residents of Coimbatore," the top cop said.

Tamil Nadu police warned of strict action against those who are sharing such fake videos on social media platforms.

(With inputs from ANI)
Delhi airport is now a transshipment hub for export cargo from Bangladesh to other countries. The first batch of transhipment cargo will leave for Spain on Sunday.

Delhi airport's operator DIAL said the cargo transshipment via Delhi will cost manufacturers and suppliers lesser as compared to other routes.

On February 7, DIAL received government's approval for the airport to serve as a cargo transshipment hub between Bangladesh and other global destinations for export cargo.

The first batch of cargo, left Dhaka on February 26 arrived at Delhi airport on 3 March. It will leave for its destined location in Spain on March 5, said DIAL in a release.

The transshipment cargo will reach from Dhaka to Delhi, via the Bangladesh-India border at Benapole-Petrapol.

"Once the cargo leaves the Petrapol border after all security checks, the manufacturers will be able to track their shipment throughout its journey, including its arrival at the Delhi airport, during security clearances, and final uploading of cargo on the aircraft," the release said.

DIAL, a subsidiary of GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd, has created a special truck docking facility and a dedicated X-ray area for the swift transfer of cargo to their outbound locations.

The government's decision is expected to boost the national economy while reducing the shipment cost significantly for manufacturers and increasing the daily export of international cargo via Delhi airport, including ready-made garments (RMG), handlooms, footwear, leather products, jute products, and pharmaceuticals.

DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said that with this initiative, Delhi Airport is on its way to becoming the international cargo hub of the world, serving as a transshipment centre between East and West.

Delhi airport is the largest cargo hub airport in the South Asia region, with two integrated cargo terminals having an annual cargo handling capacity of 1.8 million metric tonnes which is scalable to 2.3 million metric tonnes.
Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn confirmed on Saturday that its chairman had visited India, but denied it had "entered into any binding, definitive agreements" after reports saying it was planning new investments in the country.

Also known by its official name, Hon Hai Precision Industry, Foxconn is the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer and a principal assembler of Apple iPhones.

Both companies are seeking to diversify away from China, where much of their manufacturing is based, after strict Covid policies last year and ongoing diplomatic tensions with the United States hurt production.

Foxconn said in a statement on Saturday that no deals had been finalised during chairman and CEO Young Liu's visit to India from February 27 to March 4.

"Foxconn has not entered into binding, definitive agreements for new investments during this trip," the statement said.

"Negotiations and internal review are ongoing. Financial investment sums discussed in media are not information being released by Foxconn."

The statement comes after the chief minister of Karnataka state, Basavaraj S. Bommai, tweeted on Friday that Apple would "soon" manufacture iPhones at a new plant in the state, creating "about 100,000 jobs".

Bloomberg News reported Foxconn was planning to invest $700 million in a new factory in Karnataka, citing unnamed sources.

The office of the chief minister of neighbouring Telangana state, Chandrashekar Rao, also tweeted that Liu had signed an agreement on Thursday to "set up electronics manufacturing facilities".

Foxconn said employment figures currently being reported "do not equate to direct jobs" with the company.

"My trip this week supported Foxconn's efforts to deepen partnerships... and seek cooperation in new areas such as semiconductor development and electric vehicles," Liu said in the statement.

He also met earlier this week with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted on Wednesday that the pair's "discussions covered various topics aimed at enhancing India's tech and innovation eco-system".

Foxconn has manufactured Apple handsets in India since 2019 at its plant in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Two other Taiwanese suppliers, Wistron and Pegatron, also manufacture and assemble Apple devices in India.

Apple said last September it would manufacture its latest iPhone 14 in India, just weeks after launching the flagship model.

But the country accounts for less than five percent of Apple's global production, according to Bloomberg, lagging behind the United States, China, Japan and five other countries.

Apple's expanding manufacturing in India is a boost to Modi's "Make in India" strategy, under which he has urged foreign businesses to manufacture goods in the South Asian nation.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
While sharing a notice regarding this on Twitter, the association wrote, There is a sudden increase in the number of patients having symptoms of cough nausea, vomiting, sore throat, fever, body ache and diarrhoea in some cases.

The association said that the fever goes away at the end of three days, but the cough can persist for up to three weeks. As per information from NCDC most of the cases are H3N2 influenza virus. However, the IMA said that it is common to have seasonal cold and cough during this time of the year and asked the medical practioners to give only symptomatic treatment and not to prescribe antibiotics to patients.

Also Read: Spring influenza in India: Doctors suggest how to avoid prolonged symptoms

IMA pointed out that people have started taking antibiotics like Athreycin and Amoxiclav etc without caring for dose and frequency and they stop it once start feeling better. They added that this needs to be stopped as it leads to antibiotic resistance.

Whenever there will be a real use of antibiotic, they will not work due to the resistance," the IMA wrote.

It further pointed out that several other antibiotics are being misused for certain conditions and are developing resistance among patients. Giving examples, they said, 70 percent of diarrhoea, for which antibiotics are not needed but are being prescribed by doctors.

Last year, a Lancet study had also stated that antibiotic-resistance could pose another pandemic in India. As per the report, India is one of the countries that are worst hit by "antimicrobial resistance".

The report which had also mentioned a government report mentioned that some tests were carried out at Kasturba Hospital to find out which antibiotic would be most effective against the five main bacterial pathogens such as E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study found that a number of drugs were less than 15 per cent effective in treating the diseases caused by those bacterial pathogens. They also found the rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens called Acinetobacter baumannii. Acinetobacter baumannii attacks the lungs of a patient. An ICMR report has said that the resistance to powerful antibiotics has risen by up to 10 percent in a year

Fever cases on rise - Avoid Antibiotics pic.twitter.com/WYvXX70iho  Indian Medical Association (@IMAIndiaOrg) March 3, 2023

Speaking of IMA, the association also listed out the list of misused antibiotics including amoxicillin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin which were prescribed for diarrhoea and for UTI.

Giving another examples, IMA wrote, We have already seen widespread use of azithromycin and ivermectin during Covid and this too had led to resistance."

It also asked doctors that it is necessary to diagnose whether the infection is bacteria or not before prescribing any antibiotics.

Speaking of the currently rising cases of Influenza A subtype H3N2, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has called it as the major cause of rising respiratory illness in India. Although the new wave is not causing deaths and hospitalization, the symptoms are similar to those of covid-19 and last for as long as 2-3 weeks.

ICMR said that the surveillance data from 15 December to date reflects the rise in the number of cases of influenza A H3N2.

About half of all inpatient severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and outpatient influenza-like illnesses were found to have influenced A H3N2," ICMR said.

The spike in flu cases in the country is similar to what the West experienced between September and January last year. The World Health Organization mentioned influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), and influenza B viruses circulated in several countries

ICMR has also suggested people to wash their hands regularly and avoid shaking hands and spitting in public. ICMR also stated that "The Dos include washing hands with soap and water. If symptomatic, wear masks and avoid crowded places, cover mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, take plenty of fluids, avoid touching eyes and nose, and take paracetamol for fever and body ache."

It further added, "The Don'ts include shaking hands or using other contact greetings, spitting in public, taking antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor, eating together sitting close to others."

(With inputs from agencies)
With several non-BJP-ruled states contemplating going back to Old Pension Scheme (OPS) system, the former RBI Governor D Subbarao has made a piece of cautionary advice about the danger of retrograding to this rule. The ex-RBI Governor said the decision to restart OPS will be decidedly a regressive move" and will provide more privilege to government servants at the cost of the larger public.

The governments of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand have informed the central government/ Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) about their decision to restart OPS for their employees.

Meanwhile, the Himachal Government has already announced that it will be implementing the OPS for its employees. However, the New pension Scheme (NPS) will also remain active, based on the choice of the government employee.

Moreover, the Ministry of Personnel on Friday also opened an opportunity for a selected central government staff where they can switch from NPS to Old Pension Scheme by 31 August 2023.

Under Old Pension Scheme (OPS), employees get a defined pension. An employee is entitled to a 50% amount of the last drawn salary as a pension. The NDA-led BJP government abolished this scheme in 2003 with effect from April 1, 2004. Instead, the NDA introduced New Pension Scheme. Under the NPS, government employees contribute 10% of their basic salary towards their pension while the government contributes 14%. The private sector was also included under the NPS system.

Speaking against the ill-effect of OPS, former RBI governor D Subbarao said, "In a country where the large majority of the people have no social safety net, government servants with an assured pension are a privileged lot". "Privileging them even further at the cost of the larger public will be morally wrong and fiscally detrimental," he said.

According to Subbarao, if state governments revert to a 'pay as you go' pension scheme, the burden of pensions will fall on current revenues which in turn means foregoing schools, hospitals, roads, and irrigation.

In January this year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also sounded a note of caution on reversion to the old pension scheme. The central bank said that OPS poses a major risk on the subnational fiscal horizon" and would result in the accumulation of unfunded liabilities in the coming years for them.
At a time when India is hosting the G20 Summit, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's address at Cambridge university has ruffled quite a few feathers within the BJP. During a recent lecture the Wayanad MP had alleged that an attack has been unleashed on the basic structure of Indian democracy. The allegation has not gone down well, with BJP leaders lambasting Gandhi for telling people bad things about India.

"Just because you are not a bright kid and not a bright kid of your dynastic party doesn't mean India is not a bright spot," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said on Saturday.

Delivering a lecture at the Cambridge Judge Business School on Tuesday evening as a Visiting Fellow, Gandhi had asserted that Indian democracy was under attack.

"Everybody knows and its in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attackThe institutional framework which is required for a democracy: Parliament, a free press, the judiciary and just the idea of mobilisation, these are all getting constrained. We are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy," he had said.

Also read: Need new thinking to promote democratic environment: Rahul Gandhi at Cambridge

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Patra also accused the Congress leader of attempting to dissuade investors at a time when the country was being perceived as a bright spot.

"While the whole world is using good words to describe India and encouraging it, its main opposition leader, on foreign soil is claiming that the country has been destroyed and democracy is no longer there while the judiciary and the media are in bad shape," he added.

Others including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad have also lambasted Gandhi's remarks.

"First foreign agents target us! Then our own targets us on a foreign land! Rahul Gandhi's speech at Cambridge was nothing but a brazen attempt to denigrate our country on foreign soil in the guise of targeting PM Narendra Modi ji," Sarma tweeted.

Also read: Officers told me to be careful...: Rahul Gandhi on Pegasus issue

Gandhi had also claimed that Israeli spyware Pegasus was being used to spy on him. The lawmaker said that intelligence officers had warned him to be "careful" while speaking on the phone as his calls were being recorded.

"Why didn't you give your phone for investigation when Supreme Court's inquiry committee asked you to do so?" countered Patra.

(With inputs from agencies)
Karnataka government and Taiwanese firm Foxconn have inked a deal wherein the Apple iPhones would be built in a 300-acre factory in the state's capital Bengaluru. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai tweeted about this latest agreement by posting a video with Foxconn chairman Young Liu.

The Chief Minister captioned the video, "Agreement signed with Foxconn, leading electronics major, to make a major investment in state after a detailed discussion with cos Cman Young Liu".

The Foxconn plant will be opened near Bengaluru airport. According to the Bloomberg news agency Foxconn Technology Group has planned to invest about $700 million on a new plant in Bengaluru to ramp up local production.

CM Bommai added the deal is expected to create one lakh jobs.

Agreement signed with Foxconn, leading electronics major, to make major investment in state after a detailed discussion with cos Cman Young Liu. It will expected to create 1 lakh jobs. 300 acres of land near Bengaluru Int. airport allocated.

1/2 pic.twitter.com/oDPQMQbVPo  Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) March 3, 2023

Foxconn, Apple Inc's partner signed a letter of intent with the Karnataka government on Friday to establish the manufacturing facility within a period of five years.

Yesterday, the Karnataka CM wrote, "Apple phones to be built in the state soon. Apart from creating about 100,000 jobs, it will create a whole lot of opportunities for Karnataka".

The delegation of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) led by its chairman has inspected

the location is near Bengaluru International Airport.

At present, iPhones are assembled in India by at least three of Apple's global suppliers - Foxconn and Pegatron in Tamil Nadu, and Wistron in Karnataka.

Apple Inc is gradually shifting production away from China after the country's strict COVID-related restrictions disrupted the manufacturing of new iPhones and other devices in the country.

Foxconn's deal with the Karnataka government is touted to be the company's biggest single outlays to date in the country. The agreement between the two underscores how Chinas at risk of losing its status as the worlds largest producer of consumer electronics. Apple and other US brands are leaning on their Chinese-based suppliers to explore alternative locations such as India and Vietnam.

India has offered financial incentives to Apple suppliers such as Foxconn, which began making the latest generation of iPhones at a site in Tamil Nadu last year. Smaller rivals Wistron Corp and Pegatron Corp have also ramped up in India, while Jabil Inc has started making components for AirPods locally.
The Maharashtra government has decided to hike the remuneration of Anganwadi workers, state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said in the Assembly on Friday.

The state women and child welfare minister said that the 'sevikas' will get 20 percent hike while the helpers will 10 percent hike.

Apart from this, he also said vacant Anganwadi posts would be filled soon. New mobile phones have also been bought by his department that will have the 'track app' to streamline operations. Health minister Tanaji Sawant told the House vacant posts in his department would be filled soon.

In another update, the state assembly said that the licences of six manufacturers of cough syrups in Maharashtra have been suspended for violation of rules. Food and Drugs Administration Minister Sanjay Rathod gave this information in the Assembly while replying to a calling attention notice by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ashish Shelar and others. In the assembly, Rathod said the Maharashtra government had initiated an inquiry against 84 out of 108 manufacturers of cough syrups in the state. Four of them were directed to stop production while the licences of six companies were suspended, he said. As many as 17 firms were served show-cause notices for violation of rules, the minister added.

In his address, he also referred to recent arrest made by Noida Police in connection to the cough syrup made by a firm based in Uttar Pradesh who was alleged to have caused the death of 18 children in Uzbekistan last year. He also referred to the deaths of 66 children in Gambia allegedly because of cough syrups imported from India.

"We have, however, taken strict action against the violators of rules. We are ensuring that the World Health Organization's GMP (good manufacturing practices) certification-related rules and Certificate of Pharmaceutical Products are complied with while exporting products (from the state)," he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Government employees in Karnataka on withdrew their indefinite strike after the State government announced a 17 percent hike in basic salary as interim relief and constituted a committee on the pension scheme. The employees had demanded interim relief of 40 per cent increase in basic salary and revision of salaries as per the 7th Pay Commission. The order will be applicable to the employees of the local bodies under the State government and the government-aided educational institutions. The government had also announced increasing the basic pension of State government employees by 17 percent from April 1, 2023.

On their demand to scrap the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and revert to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the Government said the committee under Additional Chief Secretary would study the feasibility.

(With inputs from agencies)
Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and discussed at length the 'innovative work' in health, climate change, and other crucial areas.

Writing for his official blog, the Microsoft co-founder said, "at a time when the world has so many challenges, its inspiring to visit a dynamic and creative place like India."

Taking about his meeting with PM Modi, Gates stated, "A highlight of my trip was Fridays meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was generous with his time, as we talked about how science and innovation can help reduce inequities in India and around the world."

"Although I didnt travel much over the past three years because of the pandemic, Prime Minister Modi and I have stayed in touch, especially about developing Covid-19 vaccines and investing in Indias health systems," he said.

The billionaire philanthropist praised India for its "amazing ability to manufacture lots of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines, some of them supported by the Gates Foundation" and said these vaccines saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and prevented other diseases around the world.

The PM also took to Twitter today, saying he was delighted to meet Bill Gates and have extensive discussions on key issues.

Delighted to meet @BillGates and have extensive discussions on key issues. His humility and passion to create a better as well as more sustainable planet are clearly visible. https://t.co/SYfOZpKwx8 pic.twitter.com/PsoDpx3vRG  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2023

While saying that India excels at both creating and distributing new, life-saving technologies, Gates noted that the public health system in the country has distributed more than 2.2 billion doses of Covid vaccines.

"They developed Co-WIN, an open-source platform that provided digital certifications for those who have received vaccinations while enabling the scheduling of billions of vaccine appointments," Gates noted further in his blog.

Lauding the work done by India under the leadership of PM Modi "while the world had been grappling with the pandemic', Gates said the country was able to send emergency digital payments to 300 million people, including 200 million women. "This was only feasible because India prioritised financial inclusion, spending money on a biometric ID system (named Aadhaar), and developing cutting-edge digital banking platforms," he noted.

Also highlighting the country's 'Gati Shakti' programme, Gates Notes mentioned that it was a great example of how digital technology can help governments work better.

"It digitally connects 16 ministries, including rail and roads, so they can integrate their plans for infrastructure projects and accelerate the work of Indian scientists and engineers," the blog post read.

Gates further commended PM Modi's efforts to eliminate "deadly and debilitating diseases" like tuberculosis, visceral leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis.

It also lauded the country's initiative to promote universal foundational literacy and numeracy across the country.

The Microsoft co-founder also touched upon 'Mission Innovation' launched in 2015 where India is the key partner and works to accelerate work on clean energy technologies.

"I had visited the India Council of Agricultural Research in Pusa, where I learned about efforts to help farmers adapt to a warmer climate, including by planting new varieties of wheat and chickpeas that can tolerate droughts," the Microsoft co-founded wrote further in his blog.

He added that the country was "making progress in health, development, climate and showing what's possible when we invest in innovation".

On India's G20 presidency, the billionaire said that it was an opportunity to highlight how innovations developed in India can benefit the world, and help other countries adopt them.
North Korea's chronic food shortages have raised concerns about the possibility of deaths due to starvation, and expert claim the food supply at the moment is well below human need.

Currently, the country is experiencing its worst point since the 1990s famine, known as the Arduous March," which caused mass starvation and claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, or an estimated 3-5% of the population.

How critical is the food crisis?

As per various trade data, satellite images, and assessments by the United Nations and South Korean authorities the food supply in the country has dipped below the amount needed to satisfy minimum human needs," according to Lucas Rengifo-Keller, a research analyst at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, as reported by CNN.

Even if food was distributed equally  something close to inconceivable in North Korea where the elite and military take priority  Rengifo-Keller said you would have hunger-related deaths." South Korean officials also believe that deaths from starvation are occurring in some parts of the country.

What are the reasons behind the acute food crisis?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of North Korea's population was undernourished, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Three years of closed borders and isolation have only made matters worse.

Various experts blame North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Pyongyang for the problem, as the government ramped up its isolationist tendencies during the pandemic and carried out a record number of missile tests in the past year.

The clampdown has strangled off unofficial trade, which was one of the main lifelines of markets inside North Korea where ordinary North Koreans bought products. People smuggling Chinese products into the country has become next to non-existent since the borders closed.

Experts also point out that the root problem is years of economic mismanagement, and that Kim's efforts to ramp up state control will only make things worse.

How can things improve from here?

The North Korean borders need to open and they need to restart trade and they need to bring these things in for agriculture to improve and they need food to feed the people. But right now they are prioritizing isolation, they are prioritizing repression," Lina Yoon, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch told.

Rengifo-Keller pointed out, it is not in Kims interest to allow the unofficial trade of the past to re-emerge in this dynastically ruled country. The regime does not want a flourishing entrepreneurial class that can threaten its power."

In a similar note, South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin suggested that the only way out of this trouble is for North Korea to come back to the dialogue table and accept humanitarian aid.

North Korea's crop production last year was 4% lower than the year before due to flooding and adverse weather. The combination of these effects, along with the regime's misguided economic policies, could lead to a disastrous impact on the already suffering population.
In the major order by the Centre, a select group of central government employees has got a one-time option to opt for the old pension scheme. According to the latest notification by the Ministry of Personnel, the employees who joined the central government services against posts advertised or notified before December 22, 2003, the day National Pension System (NPS) was notified, are eligible to join the old pension scheme under the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021).

The select group of government servants can opt for this option by August 31, 2023. The option once exercised shall be final, the ministry said.

The move came following various representations/references and court decisions in this regard, it said.

"Representations have been received...from the government servants appointed on or after 01.01.2004 requesting for extending the benefit of the pension scheme under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021) on the ground that their appointment was made against the posts/vacancies advertised/notified for recruitment prior to notification for National Pension System, referring to court judgments of various Hon'ble High Courts and Hon'ble Central Administrative Tribunals allowing such benefits to applicants," the order said.

The ministry said that after the consultation with the Department of Financial Services, Department of Personnel & Training, Department of Expenditure, and Department of Legal Affairs the decision was taken.

"It has now been decided that, in all cases where the central government civil employee has been appointed against a post or vacancy which was advertised/ notified for recruitment/appointment, prior to the date of notification for National Pension System i.e. 22.12.2003 and is covered under the National Pension System on joining service on or after 01.01.2004, may be given a one-time option to be covered under the CCS(Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021)," the order said.

Those government servants who are eligible to exercise the option, "but who do not exercise this option by the stipulated date", would continue to be covered by the National Pension System, the order stated.

The matter regarding coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021), based on the option exercised by the government servant, shall be placed before the appointing authority.

In case the government servant fulfils the conditions for coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021), the necessary order in this regard shall be issued latest by 31st October 2023, the Ministry of Personnel added.

It must be noted that the NPS account of such government servants would be closed with effect from December 31, 2023.

The National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS), an umbrella body of more than 14 lakh central and state government employees, has welcomed the government decision.

"It is a good news for the eligible central government employees. We again ask the central government to amend the existing NPS to ensure that the benefits of old pension scheme can be extended to all central government staff," NMOPS Delhi unit head Manjeet Singh Patel said.

What is OPS and NPS?

Under Old Pension Scheme (OPS), employees get a defined pension. An employee is entitled for a 50 per cent amount of the last drawn salary as pension.

OPS was discontinued by the NDA government in 2003 with effect from April 1, 2004.

Whereas under the new pension scheme(NPS), employees contribute 10% of their basic salary towards pension while the government contributes 14%.
The world can learn from the digital systems India has created for health care, said Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, adding, "Compared to even the richest countries, India did a very good job on vaccination."

"The digitisation of the system was effective; the public communication was quite effective," the billionaire said in an interview with Hindustan Times.

Gates said that with the breadth of talent, the scale, if youre going to track vaccination for these many people, a digital system was the only way to do that.

I was in the health ministry and they were showing how they did that with a digital system. That is something we want to have people from other countries to come and see," he noted.

Im very pleased to see that India has a One Health initiative that says weve got to track whats going on in the animal world. Ive had good discussions on whats called environmental surveillance, where youre going to the sewage stream. And you can see not just Covid, but also flu variants there," he said.

On India using digitisation

Using digitisation, the government is working to raise the quality of the health system under the ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission) umbrella.

Explaining further, Gates said, We got IIIT Bangalore to build an Aadhar-type open source identity system and theyre working with 10 countries who have shown interest already. And with this G20 visibility, Ill bet that will go up to 20 or more."

On ChatGPT

Speaking about AI chatbot ChatGPT, he said, This AI has been having a big impact, because things like recognising pictures or recording, in interpreting speech or synthesised speech, a lot of these AI systems were doing well. The thing they could not do is read, and not understand complex questions. So, they could read a document and answer those questions  but they couldnt write."

And what were seeing from many companies, but in particular, from the OpenAI-Microsoft collaboration, and theres things even better than the current ChatGPT that is being incorporated say into Bing under, Satyas (Nadella) leadership, its amazing. Now, as you play with it, sometimes its amazingly bad," he said.

So, this will be a tool, and for me, a lot of the focus is how do we take this tool into health, where we dont have enough doctors? How do we take this tool into education? Where if we could reduce class size, or we could have a tutor after school thats helping the kid whos behind. I do believe, specifically, this technology, and Microsoft has been super helpful in making sure its used in these areas; I think it can make a huge difference. And its going to get better pretty quickly," Gates noted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to make his first visit to India since assuming office in May 2022.

Albanese will be in India for three days, beginning with a visit to Ahmedabad on March 8. He will go on to visit Mumbai and then New Delhi. During his time in New Delhi, PM Albanese is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.

The Prime Ministers will discuss trade and investment, renewable energy, technology, defence and security cooperation," reads a press release by the Australian Prime Ministers Office.

This will be the first of three meetings between the two leaders this year. Prime Minister Modi will head to Australia for the Quad Leaders Summit before PM Albanese comes to New Delhi for the G20 Leaders level meeting.

Our relationship with India is strong but it can be stronger. It is underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underscores a joint commitment to working together to enhance our defence, economic, and technological interests," said PM Albanese of his upcoming visit

Albanese will be accompanied by Senator Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism, and Madeleine King MP, minister for resources and Northern Australia. The three politicians will also be accompanied by officials and a high-level business delegation.

The business delegation will participate in the Australia-India CEO Forum in Mumbai, discussing trade and investment opportunities opened up by the recent Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement and future areas of business-to-business collaboration with their Indian counterparts," says the Australian Prime Ministers Office.

India and Australia share warm and friendly relations based on common values and democratic principles. The Strategic Partnership between the two countries was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020 which has been strengthened and deepened through frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation across sectors. Prime Minister Albaneses visit is expected to provide further momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," reads a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs.
China leads in 37 out of 44 critical and emerging technologies, while Western countries are losing the global technological competition, says a study by an Australian think tank released on Thursday.

The rapid strides China has made in the field of technology are certainly praiseworthy. The country is slated to become a technological power and promote innovation-driven economic growth. However, the goal of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute is to spread the "China threat" theory rather than objectively evaluate China's technology progress and impact.

ASPI says that after tracking defense, space, energy and biotechnology, it found that in some fields, all of the world's top 10 research institutions are based in China and "are collectively generating nine times more high-impact research papers than the second-ranked country (most often the United States)".

The study shows that the US is the leading innovator in only seven technologies  including quantum computing and vaccines  and ranks second to China in most other categories.

The think tank also said that since China is attracting top scientists specializing in critical technologies, Australian and other governments around the world should work together to catch up with China.

On the surface the report appears to be praising China for its technological advances, but it is actually peddling the "China threat" narrative. The study's focus is not on scientific or technological development, but on warning Western countries against China's rise and suggesting that they work together to counter China.

It is not surprising that the report is churned out by ASPI, a self-claimed independent and nonpartisan think tank, which is actually infamous for propagating anti-China propaganda in Australia. In fact, its credibility is questionable because of its strong ideological bias, which is believably linked to its sources of funding, a lot of which reportedly comes from defense contractors and foreign governments.

Funding from the US State Department alone has reportedly reached around 1.4 million Australian dollars (about $945,000) a year, all directed toward research projects attacking China. No wonder that the ASPI disseminated a series of lies and disinformation on issues concerning COVID-19 origin-tracing and data security.

It must be pointed out that such ill-intentioned content under the guise of "academic study" is the real threat to the concept of a multipolar world. It's time for think tanks to abandon the Cold War mentality and stop this relentless smear campaign against China.
Naegleria fowleri, popularly known as brain-eating amoeba, has caused the second death in just 3 months' time. A Florida-based man contracted the infection while trying to clean his nose with tap water. In December, another man from South Korea died due to the disease, and it is believed that he got infected during his trip to Thailand. Here is a look at how the amoeba infects, its symptoms and other relevant details.

What is Naegleria fowleri, i.e. brain-eating amoeba?

Like other amoebas, Naegleria fowleri is also a single-celled organism. It thrives in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, hot springs as well as soil.

Owing to the fact that it is not visible to the naked eye, and only visible under a microscope, it is very difficult to locate. Hence when the disease starts spreading in a particular area, authorities instruct the residents to boil the water first and then use it.

How does it infect?

As per experts, the amoeba enters the body through the nose and then travels deep into the brain, and in the process it damages several brain tissues eventually leading to death in most cases. The infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.

What are the symptoms?

Initially, the infected person starts experiencing headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, disorientation, seizures and a stiff neck.

In case the condition deteriorates, it could lead to altered mental status, hallucinations, and even coma.

How fatal is it?

The infection is extremely fatal. About 97% who have contracted it died within days. Only four patients out of 154 survived the infection in the US between 1962  2021. As per media reports, the Floridian man's case was the first case in the US to happen during a winter month.

Following his death, the authorities have asked residents not to use tap water before boiling it.

"Infection with Naegleria fowleri is EXTREMELY RARE and can only happen when water contaminated with amoebae enters the body through the nose," The Florida Department of Health tweeted on Friday.

It wont infect the person by drinking contaminated water, added the department. It only occurs when contaminated water enters the nose.

Setting the record straight:



Infection with Naegleria fowleri is EXTREMELY RARE and can only happen when water contaminated with amoebae enters the body through the nose. You CANNOT be infected by drinking tap water. https://t.co/Arp2m5aaQz  Florida Dept. of Health (@HealthyFla) March 3, 2023

Are there any vaccines against it?

There is currently no vaccine but the disease can be treated with proper drug combinations, such as amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone, which were used in cases of patients who survived the infection.
A provincial governor in the central Philippines and five other people were shot dead by unknown gunmen on Saturday, his widow said, in the latest attack against local officials.

Police said six suspects carrying rifles and dressed in uniforms similar to those worn by the armed services entered the governor's home in Pamplona town and opened fire.

Roel Degamo, governor of Negros Oriental province, and five others were killed in the shooting, his widow said.

"Governor Degamo did not deserve that kind of death. He was serving his constituents on a Saturday," Janice Degamo, who is also the mayor of Pamplona, said in a video posted on Facebook.

President Ferdinand Marcos condemned what he described as the "assassination" of his political ally and warned the perpetrators to "surrender now it will be your best option".

"My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice," Marcos added.

The condition of four other people who were shot in the incident was not disclosed.

The politician was distributing aid to constituents when he was shot, provincial police spokesman Kym Lopez told AFP.

Police said they were searching for 10 suspects, including the six gunmen, who fled the scene in two SUVs and a pickup truck before abandoning the vehicles in a nearby city.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos appealed for witnesses to come forward and help police "get justice" for Degamo.

- Marcos ally -

Degamo, 56, is the latest target in the Philippines' long history of attacks on politicians. He is at least the third to be shot since last year's general election.

The Supreme Court last month declared him the rightful winner of the contest for the Negros Oriental governorship following a recount that unseated his local rival, who had previously been proclaimed the victor.

Degamo had also campaigned for Marcos during his candidacy for president last year.

Mamintal Adiong, governor of the southern province of Lanao del Sur, was shot and wounded in February in an attack that killed his driver and three police escorts.

That same month, the vice-mayor of the northern town of Aparri, Rommel Alameda, and five other people who were travelling with him were shot dead in a highway ambush.

In the bloodiest politically motivated ambush on record, the leaders of a powerful southern clan and about two dozen followers were sentenced to life in prison for a 2009 attack on supporters of a gubernatorial election rival in Maguindanao province.

The attack left 58 people dead, including the politician's wife and relatives, along with 32 journalists and media workers who were covering the race.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry said on Saturday that his country's relationship with India was one of the most important in our foreign policy. As the island nation works to extricate itself from an unprecedented economic crisis, the official also lauded India's role in helping Sri Lanka cope with the situation. He also highlighted his governments plans to work more closely with New Delhi to bolster economic recovery.

We will not allow any country to make Sri Lanka a hub or a region to do anything which will be harmful for Indias national security," he asserted during an interview with Hindustan Times. Sabry was responsing to a question about the furore sparked by a Chinese vessel's visit to Hambantota port.

Sabry also touched upon a proposal for settling payments in national currencies.

We want to integrate and probably allow Indian currency to be a tradeable currency in Sri LankaYou did [something similar] with Singapore and we probably want to do that. We understand Indias potential with 300 million to 400 million Indians travelling all around. So around the corner, come and use your own currency," he told the publication.

Also read: Families reduce food given to children: Hunger crisis in Sri Lanka deepens

Earlier on Saturday External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had held a bilateral meetings with his Sri Lankan counterpart as the latter attended the Raisina Dialogue.

"Nice to catch up with FM Ali Sabry of Sri Lanka. Thank him for his Raisina Dialogue 2023 participation. We took stock of our cooperation that is focused on facilitating Sri Lanka's economic recovery. Discussions covered investment, trade and development partnerships. Also raised recent issues relating to our fishermen," the EAM tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)
Amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, and the consequential sanctions slapped on Moscow, an oligarh of the Vladimir Putin-led nation has stated that Russia could run of of money by next years.

Oleg Deripaska warned that Russia's coffers may have the last alms left and the money will be over by 2024. Deripaska said that this could only be remedied if Russia manages to secure investment from friendly" countries as western sanctions bite, according to a report by Guardian.

Deripaska is an energy and metals tycoon who used to be Russia's richest person. He is one of the eight oligarchs against whom the UK government, US government, and the European Union has issued severe sanctions.

There will be no money already next year. We will need foreign investors." Deripaska was quoted saying by Guardian at an investment conference in Serbia.

According to a Bloomberg report, Deripaska said, "funds are running low and thats why theyve [the Russian government] already begun to shake us down".

He said that Russia was suffering from serious" pressure from western sanctions, and that the country and its businesses would have to look to other countries with serious resources" to invest.

We thought we were a European country," said Deripaska, who is founder of Rusal, the biggest aluminium producer outside China. Now, for the next 25 years, we will think more about our Asian past."

The statements by Deripaska comes as European ratings agency Scope warned that Russias budget deficit may rise to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), compared with the governments forecast of 2% of GDP. In 2022, the official shortfall came in at 2.3%.

Scope said this was due to lower revenues from oil and gas exports, as the west weaned itself off Russian energy.

Sanctions and the war are constraining Russias fiscal flexibility  due to lower energy export revenues, higher war-related spending and a steady decline in GDP," it said, according to a Reuters report. For now, Russia can finance its deficit relatively easily by drawing down the national wealth fund, set to amount to only 3.7% of GDP by end-2024 from 10.4% of GDP at end-2021."

The ratings agency said Russias huge spending on the war would harm its economy in the long term, because it was at the expense of investments in infrastructure, digitalisation, housing and environmental protection.
The oppression of women under the Taliban regime of Afghanistan continues as now thousands face the threat of prosecution for adultery after the government declared their divorces as invalid, which automatically invalidates their second marriage. The declaration is another nail in the coffin of women's rights in Afghanistan after the regime snatched away their employment and education.

Under the previous government, the women were granted one-sided divorce helping them to escape abusive and drug-addicted husbands. Some of these women remarried to start a new life, but the extreme imposition of Islamic law by the Taliban is making these women vulnerable to imprisonment or other types of violent punishments for the crime of adultery, a report from Washington Post said.

The divorces were complex earlier also, but as the previous Afghanistan regime tried to remain closer to the democratic western world, it started allowing it on a case-to-case basis.

Taliban sources didn't have much to share about changes in the divorce law but said that under Islamic law, both parties should appear before a judge in divorce cases.

The reports from the country also reveal that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in Afghanistan to provide emotional and financial support to victims of such domestic violence have also been closed on the Taliban's orders. The functionaries of some of these institutions are also punished for having an anti-Islamic stand.

Several international organizations have highlighted the brutal crackdown on women's rights in Afghanistan and warned that the Taliban is effectively working to remove women from public life. "Women who peacefully protested against these oppressive rules have been threatened, arrested, detained, tortured, and forcibly disappeared," Amnesty International said.

The oppressive measures against women are also aggravating the economic woes of the country. A report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) states that the donors are turning their back on Afghanistan followings its conservative policies, especially towards women.

Many western countries and even private donors have canceled their donations to the country fearing backlash from their own people for funding such an oppressive regime.
US President Joe Biden is unlikely to attend the coronation of King Charles III, according to White House officials. The coronation ceremony will take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey, and formal invitations will be sent out in April.

Although foreign governments have been notified of the intention to invite foreign monarchs and world leaders, it is unclear who will attend the event. A spokesperson for the British Embassy in Washington has told TIME that Buckingham Palace will release an update on who is confirmed to attend the coronation "in due course".

Biden's discomfort with the British monarchy stems from his Irish heritage on his mothers side, whose family he grew up with in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and who often expressed disdain for the monarchy that brutally colonised the island of Ireland for hundreds of years.

Also Read: Charles pushed Queen Elizabeth for 17 years to make Camilla Queen

In his memoir, Promises to Keep, Biden recalled how his mother Catherine Jean" Biden taught him that authority figures were no better than he was just because of their position. When he met Queen Elizabeth for the first time in 1982, she told him not to bow down to her. This sentiment may play a role in Biden's decision not to attend the coronation ceremony.

Biden's absence would not be the first by a US president; President Dwight Eisenhower did not attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953. Buckingham Palace is reportedly struggling to secure A-list British entertainers for the ceremony.

All the big British pop stars were on the invite list: Adele, Harry Styles, Robbie Williams, Elton John, and of course, The Spice Girls. But, none of them has agreed to perform at the coronation. Now, it remains to be seen which world leaders will attend the event.

Also Read: Big celebs refuse to perform at King Charles coronation

Queen Elizabeths death after a 70-year reign has led to speculation about the future of the monarchy with King Charles III at the helm. The upcoming coronation ceremony will be a watershed moment in Britains history, and the absence of President Biden would be a notable development in the event's attendance.

Biden and First Lady Jill Biden had attended Queen Elizabeths funeral, and Biden expressed his desire to maintain a close relationship with the new King.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sounak Mukhopadhyay Sounak Mukhopadhyay, who also goes by the name Sounak Mukherjee, has been producing digital news since 2012. He's worked for the International Business Times, The Inquisitr, and Moneycontrol in the past. He's also contributed to Free Press Journal and TheRichest with feature articles. He covers news for a wide range of subjects including business, finance, economy, politics and social media. Before working with digital news publications, he worked as a freelance content writer. Read more from this author
Belarus court sentencing 10-year jail term to Ales Bialiatski, Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights activist, has triggered massive protests in the country and across the world. Bialiatski is massively popular in country for his resistance movement against President Alexander Lukashenko led crackdown since mid 90s and human rights activists across the world cited that his arrest is politically motivated. Here is a deeper look into the facts around the controversy:

Who is Ales Bialiatski?

Ales Bialiatski first came into prominence in 1996 after he founded the human rights group Viasna in response to the brutal crackdown on dissenters following President Alexander Lukashenko's rise to power.

In 2011, Bialiatski was jailed for three years for tax evasion, which human right activist around the world has criticized as politically-motivated in the wake of an earlier presidential election claimed by Lukashenko.

Later in 2021, Bialiatski became one of the most prominent of hundreds of Belarusians who were jailed during a crackdown of anti-government protests. During this period, 35,000 people were arrested, and thousands were beaten by police. Viasna took a leading role in providing legal and financial assistance to those jailed.

The following year, Bialiatski and three co-defendants were arrested on charges of tax evasion and later charged with financing protests and smuggling money. And on Friday, Belta, the state news agency of Belarus, confirmed that the court had handed down long jail sentences to all four men.

Despite the government's aim to hush him down, Bialiatski has gained support from world over.

In 2022, Bialiatski was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside the Russian rights group Memorial and Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties. He is the fourth person in the 121-year history of the Nobel Prizes to receive the award while in prison or detention.

How people are protesting against the arrest?

Berit Reiss-Andersen, leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, called Bialiatski's conviction a politically motivated "tragedy." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over the lack of fair trial proceedings and access to an independent judiciary in Belarus, which places human rights defenders at risk of criminal prosecution for their legitimate activities.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told a briefing in Geneva that the United Nations body was disturbed by the trial and worried by the lack of fair trial proceedings and access to an independent judiciary in Belarus".

That, she said, placed human rights defenders at risk of criminal prosecution for their legitimate activities.

At the end of 2022, at least 1,446 people, including 10 children, were being held and facing criminal proceedings in Belarus.
On March 3 morning, two senior clergymen consecrated the holy oil that will be used to anoint King Charles III during his coronation. The ceremony took place at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, a site traditionally associated with the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ.

The oil was pressed from olives harvested on the Mount of Olives, which holds a prominent role in the Bible, and was scented with sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber oil, and orange blossoms.

The ceremony was conducted by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, and the Most Rev. Hosam Naoum, the Anglican archbishop in Jerusalem. The oils consecration serves to emphasise the monarchy's long history and the Royal familys connections to the Middle East.

Also Read: Big celebs refuse to perform at King Charles coronation

The consecration of the holy oil in Jerusalem reinforces the deep historical roots of the British monarchy and its ties to the Holy Land. As King Charles prepares for his coronation, the use of this sacred oil will add to the sense of tradition and continuity that underpin the monarchy's role in British society.

What Archbishop of Canterbury said

The Archbishop of Canterbury expressed his gratitude and honour for consecrating the oil that will be used to anoint King Charles during his coronation. He desired to produce a new coronation oil using olive oil from the Mount of Olives since planning for the coronation began. He sees this as a representation of the historic link between the coronation, the Bible and the Holy Land. Ancient kings through to the present day have been anointed with oil from this sacred place, as per the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Why is Mount of Olives significant?

For Christians, the Mount of Olives is significant as it is where Jesus is believed to have prayed and wept before his crucifixion, as well as where he ascended to heaven after his resurrection.

Also Read: Camilla goes against Queen Elizabeth, refuses Queen Consort title

The Mount of Olives is mentioned several times in the Bible, including in the Old Testament book of Zechariah and the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The significance of the Mount of Olives in the Bible and in religious traditions has made it an important pilgrimage site for people of various faiths.

King Charles grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece, is buried at the Monastery of Mary Magdalene on the Mount of Olives, further strengthening the significance of the oils source.
Despite having taken on a significant role at Zoom, including overseeing the company's sales operation and appearing on earnings calls, President Greg Tomb has been fired from his position at the videoconferencing company.

The announcement was made on March 3 through a regulatory filing which stated that Tomb will be entitled to severance benefits in accordance with the company's arrangements payable upon a "termination without cause".

Earlier in February, the company laid off about 15% of its workforce. Some 1,300 employees were impacted by the decision, and CEO Eric Yuan also experienced a sizable pay reduction.

Also Read: Zoom employees left in utter disbelief, shock by layoffs

Although the former executive at Google had only started in June 2022, he reported directly to Yuan, who had to rapidly expand the business during the pandemic-induced surge. However, as demand for video-conferencing services has softened in recent months,

Zoom has been laying off staff. Tomb's employment contract included a $45-million stock grant that would have vested over four years, in addition to a $400,000 base salary with an 8% bonus target, according to a June filing.

A spokesperson for the San Jose-based company has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to find a replacement for Tomb and declined to provide further comments on the matter.

Also Read: Zoom jumps on AI bandwagon, forecasts upbeat 2024 target; stock up 8%

In an interview with Bloomberg in January 2023 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tomb expressed optimism about Zoom's growth potential, while acknowledging the increase in competition. However, a few weeks later, Zoom announced that it would be laying off 15% of its workforce.

Zoom named Greg Tomb its president in June 2022. He was accountable for the organisation's go-to-market plan, revenue initiatives and office of the Global CIO. Tomb joined Zoom from Google Cloud with more than 20 years of experience, most recently serving as Vice-President of Sales for Google Workspace, SMB, Data & Analytics, Geo Enterprises and Security Sales.

What does termination without cause" mean?

"Termination Without Cause" means a separation as a result of a termination of employment by Zoom without Cause (and other than as a result of your death or disability), provided you are willing and able to continue performing services within the meaning of Treasury Regulation l.409A-l(n)(l), as per a company document dated May 19, 2020.

Payments that are contingent on future events like being terminated without Cause shall be reduced (or eliminated) before Payments that are not contingent on future events, it says.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sounak Mukhopadhyay Sounak Mukhopadhyay, who also goes by the name Sounak Mukherjee, has been producing digital news since 2012. He's worked for the International Business Times, The Inquisitr, and Moneycontrol in the past. He's also contributed to Free Press Journal and TheRichest with feature articles. He covers news for a wide range of subjects including business, finance, economy, politics and social media. Before working with digital news publications, he worked as a freelance content writer. Read more from this author
Renowned for its versatility, the AI program ChatGPT has already excelled in diverse fields such as acing exams, producing news articles and coding. Given its impressive track record, it's no surprise that "One Piece" creator Eiichiro Oda turned to ChatGPT for inspiration when he hit a writer's block last month. Known for his record-breaking manga, which has a massive global following, Oda's move highlights the potential of AI in creative fields.

"Hello. This is the author. I cannot come up with a story for One Piece next week. Would you think of a story? A super good one, please," he prompted the programme, according to a video his staff posted on their Twitter account.

With remarkable speed, ChatGPT crafted a thrilling tale featuring brave protagonists encountering new allies and engaging in fierce combat against fresh foes, including the menacing "Shadow King".

According to reports, ChatGPT pitched the story to Oda, highlighting its inclusion of a mysterious tribe, exciting new allies, and a deeper exploration of a beloved character's intelligence and behavior. The AI program expressed confidence that such plot elements would resonate with the author's loyal readership.

But Oda's immediate review was unreticent: "Sorry. It's boring," he typed, demanding a better idea.

After its initial attempt, ChatGPT tried again and this time, it was successful in creating a compelling storyline. The programme came up with a plot where an alien teams up with the characters from "One Piece" and their leader, the "pirate king" Luffy, to fight against a witch and rebuild the alien's home star, which had been destroyed by an evil spaceship. The storyline impressed Eiichiro Oda, who was struggling with writer's block, and he reportedly approved it for use in the manga.

"Thank you. I will draw as it is," wrote Oda in response, quipping that his next installation in the saga will be based on the new storyline.

"One Piece" follows straw hat-wearing Luffy and his team as they hunt for the titular treasure coveted by all pirates. The last instalment began on July 25 in Japanese weekly manga magazine Shonen Jump.

Since the first volume of "One Piece" was published in 1997, the series has sold more than 100 volumes and broken sales records. As a result, Oda holds the Guinness World Record for the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author. Last year, the 100th volume of the series was released in France and sold 250,000 copies, a figure that rivals works that have won the prestigious Prix Goncourt literary prize.

The "One Piece" universe includes cultural and geographical references that give it a universal dimension, including Ancient Egypt, Venice and medieval Japan.

Engaging characters and modern themes of breakneck industrialisation, racism, slavery and geopolitical intrigues add to the appeal of the series.

Producers hope the upcoming release of a Netflix series adapted from the "One Piece" universe will help it conquer new territory, bringing the story to the global streaming platform's more than 200 million subscribers.

(With inputs from AFP)
Natural Vibes opened in Beatrice in February with the goal of helping people improve their mind, body and soul.

Partner Amy Redd said they wanted to provide a space where people could hang out, work out or chill out.

She had come to Beatrice from Houston, Texas to visit her sister.

I guess I was at a transitional time, and we had always wanted to start a business together, she said. We looked at the Poling building and I put in an offer right away.

Redd said she packed up her home in October 2019 and moved to Beatrice to begin renovations on the building. Remodeling lasted two years with a lot of recycled materials from flooring and trim used throughout the space.

The upstairs of the building had been a residence and had been sealed off, but now Redd calls the space her home.

Redd said everything with the project just seemed to work out.

We would meet people or grants would become available to help us in the process, she said. A stipulation of the sale was that we refurbish the Poling sign which will start this spring.

We tried to do something special and unique in every space of the building, she said. We carefully designed each area.

Customers can sit, relax and enjoy refreshments such as coffees, teas, and botanical elixirs in the lounge. Healthy snacks are also available including homemade organic muffins.

My mom makes the muffins and we sell out almost every day, she said.

The space is designed with the intention of bringing the outdoors in with natural lighting and filters, recycled wood and soothing music.

Merchandise is set up in the corner of the shop to include hand cream, lip butter, essential oil sprays, room fresheners and jewelry.

The studio space hosts sunrise yoga, belly dancing class and can be rented for a business meeting or party. The lights can be dimmed or brightened depending on the atmosphere needed. Audio visual is also available.

The room was built to be symmetrical, so the windows match the mirrors.

Partner Ashley Carroll will be providing nutrition counseling in March as an added service at Natural Vibes.

Im very excited, she said. I really like that I can work in an environment with my family and do what I love all day.

An infrared sauna is available from $25 an hour depending on the package chosen. A shower room is also attached which is ADA accessible.

Some people like to do the hot and cold therapy, she said. People can use the space as they want to for an hour.

There are numerous medical benefits to the sauna including increased blood flow, muscle healing and pain relief.

Redd said her personal favorite room was the massage room because of the quietness. A therapist will be beginning services soon.

Partner Angie Carroll has designed the website. Nvbeatrice.com offers a glimpse of services available and scheduling options.

Membership points can be accumulated by going to classes or using services in the Vibe Tribe. Gift cards are also available.

We want everyone to have the same great experience. Its been adventure.
Google unveiled its ChatGPT rival  Bard last month. Employees at Google mocked the company as well as CEO Sundar Pichai following the Bard announcement and called it a rushed, botched and un-Googley announcement.

On Thursday, an all hands meeting was held wherein company executives answered questions from Dory, companys internal forum, based on issues related to Bard, according to audio as obtained by CNBC.

In the meeting, Jack Krawczyk, the product lead for Bard said that the AI tool is not just for search.

Also Read: ChatGPT vs Bard vs Ernie: The revolutions of AI

In the meeting, executives were were asked, Bard and ChatGPT are large language models, not knowledge models. They are great at generating human-sounding text, they are not good at ensuring their text is fact-based. Why do we think the big first application should be Search, which at its heart is about finding true information?" as viewed by CNBC.

Also Read: Will Microsoft Bing outplay Googles Bard?

Responding to this, Krawczyk said, I just want to be very clear: Bard is not search rather an experiment thats a collaborative AI service." Further adding he said that the magic we are finding while using the product is around being a creative companion that will help spark creativity and satisfy curiosity, among other things.

He also clarified that users cant be stopped from trying to use it like search.

He said Google is still catering to those who want to use it for search, saying that the company has designed a new function for internal usage dubbed Search It." He also added that users will see a link that reads "view other drafts," he continued, directing users to stay away from search-like results, as per CNBC report. Another executive, Elizabeth Reid who is the vice president of engineering for search also said that "Bard is really separate from search".

Based on what employees told CNBC and on internal memes that circulated in recent weeks, the attempt to separate the AI tool from search appeared to signify a pivot in the initial strategy. However, at the Bard announcement, Google officials emphasised many times that the technology they were in-house building will be integrated with search.

Several employees told CNBC on anonymity that inconsistent answers from executives led to greater confusion.

While making the announcement on blogpost, Sunda Pichai wrote, Were working to bring latest AI advancements into our products, starting with Search."

Googles Bard is based on LaMDA, the firm's Language Model for Dialogue Applications system, and has been in development for several years. The AI bot primarily draws on information from the web to provide fresh, high-quality responses and offers up-to-the date responses, something ChatGPT is unable to do as it is mainly programmed to run on data fed to it.

The Alphabet owned Google claims that Bard will also perform mundane tasks, such as providing tips for planning a party, or lunch ideas based on what food is left in a refrigerator. Bard can be an outlet for creativity, and a launchpad for curiosity," Pichai explained during the announcement of the company's AI chatbot. However, soon after Alphabet Inc's new chatbot shared inaccurate information in a promotional video, the Google parent company lost $100 billion in market value. It claimed that the James Webb space telescope took the first pictures of planets outside the Earths solar system when in fact it was the European Southern Observatorys Very Large Telescope. People on Twitter also pointed out how an ad for Bard offered an incorrect description of a telescope used to take the first pictures of a planet outside our solar system.
Pictured here are Maggie Murdaugh (left), Paul Murdaugh (center), and Alex Murdaugh. For a year and a half, Alex denied he was anywhere near where his wife, Maggie, and 22-year-old son, Paul, were brutally killed.
The attorney for the family of a 71-year-old Niobrara man killed in 2019 when the Spencer Dam collapsed asked the Nebraska Supreme Court to revive their lawsuit against the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

"We're here asking you to send the case back so we can have our day in court," Omaha attorney Mike Coyle said Thursday.

The dam's failure March 14, 2019, sent a torrent of water and ice downstream, sweeping away homes and washing out farmland in its path.

Kenny Angel lived just downstream from the dam and is believed to have drowned when floodwaters washed away his home and business.

His body never was found, but in June 2019 a judge declared him dead.

That same year, his wife, Linda Angel, sued the Nebraska Public Power District and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources later that same year, alleging the state agencies were to blame for the dam's failure, which led to his death.

NPPD owned the 92-year-old dam and, along with the Department of Natural Resources, was responsible for its operation and maintenance.

NPPD reached a $2.5 million settlement with the family, leading to that agency's dismissal from the case.

The Nebraska Attorney General's Office, representing the Department of Natural Resources, argued it was immune from suit under the Safety of Dams and Reservoirs Act, that the state tort claims act barred the action and that Angel's family hadn't established its negligence.

In 2022, Holt County District Judge Mark Kozisek dismissed the case, citing the Safety of Dams and Reservoirs Act and state statute 46-1639.

Under the state law, he said, the Legislature's granting of immunity applies to any action brought for the recovery of damages caused by a total failure of a dam caused by the agency's control and regulation of the dam.

Arguing before the state Supreme Court on Thursday, Coyle said the Angels' property is in the shadow of the Spencer Dam, so close that operators said when the Angels' had a party, they could hear the music and see the people.

The night the dam failed operators "had absolutely no idea what to do," he said, saying if the dam had been rated correctly as a high-hazard dam, they would have had to have had an action plan.

"So why isn't there immunity?" Justice Jeffrey Funke asked him.

Coyle said the Legislature adopted the act in 2005.

"It didn't reset the clock," he said. "It was still a 75-year-old dam, so it doesn't apply."

Coyle also argued that the Department of Natural Resources was in control of the dam, an exception to immunity.

On the other side, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Maegen Woita argued Kozisek's order was correct.

"All the appellant's claims are barred by the department's immunity in the Safety of Dams and Reservoirs Act," she said.

Woita said the department has broad immunity, including for failing to act, and the exception for any negligent acts of the department in assuming control in an emergency doesn't apply.

On rebuttal, Coyle called it a case of significant public interest, given there are 2,900 dams in the state, and said it was ridiculous to think that the entity responsible for their safety only could be sued for doing something poorly.

"Therefore, they're not going to do anything, and this is going to happen again," he said.

The Supreme Court took the case under advisement.

In a report released in 2020, the Association of State Dam Safety Officials said the dam had a history of unaddressed ice issues and had no formal emergency plan because regulators wrongly assumed that no one would die if it failed.

The independent panel said a more thorough examination of the earlier events may have led to mitigation of the ice risk.

However, the panel ultimately concluded there was nothing the dam's operators could have done in the early morning of March 14, 2019, to prevent Spencer Dam from failing after unusually intense snow and rain created a raging flood on the Niobrara River.

Close Nebraska's losses from 2019 flooding, blizzard exceed $3.4 billion Nebraskas disastrous weather in 2019 caused more than $3.4 billion in losses, according to a recently released federal report. Read more The Spencer Dam collapse A 92-year-old dam that collapsed March 14, 2019 amid had been classified by state inspectors last year as having a significant risk of causing damage. A man who lived in a home below the dam, Kenny Angel, was swept away in the collapse and is presumed dead, and a quarter mile section of U.S. Highway 281 was washed out. Read more Spencer Dam: What went wrong? A four-member team from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, a national nonprofit organization, will conduct an independent review of the Spencer dam. The review will focus on what can be learned about the dam collapse to guide future dam construction, according to Lori Arthur, a spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Department. Read more Offutt Air Force Base couldn't stop the floodwaters Even the U.S. Air Force couldnt stop the Mighty Missouri River from flooding Offutt Air Force Base. Between March 16 and 17 sandbagging efforts were called off as flood waters began to rise. Read more Offutt Air Force Base flooding repairs close to $1 billion Six months after what 55th Wing officials describe as historic and disastrous flooding swamped one-third of Offutt Air Force Base and destroyed 137 structures, the expected costs of rebuilding continued to mount. Lt. Col. Chris Conover, who spearheaded the recovery and reconstruction project, said in September that the figure stood at $790 million in September. He warned the cost most likely would rise further  perhaps even hitting $1 billion. Read more As the Platte River swelled into Fremont, the city became an island The Platte River swelled into Fremont, turning the city into an island. Shelters in Fremont alone counted up to 1,100 people, with more evacuees expected from Snyder, Nebraska. And those numbers dont capture the swaths of people riding out the flood in hotel rooms or crashing on the couches of family and friends. Those who decided to evacuate left by plane, train line and automobile. There were departures by boat, by airboat and by massive military vehicles with jacked-up frames capable of cruising through waterlogged roads. Read more Hundreds gather in Fremont for flood-risk briefing Hundreds of people filled Christensen Field Arena in Fremont to hear a National Weather Service update on this years flood risk Feb. 4. The crowd received a nuanced, but somewhat reassuring, explanation from National Weather Service hydrologist Dave Pearson. Read more Paradise Lakes community residents deal with mixed messages Before the water even reached the community, Paradise Lake residents were sent mixed messages. Law enforcement officials went door to door encouraging residents to evacuate, Paradise Lakes residents received a different message from their landlord: Your homes are safe. Read more Paradise Lakes community's imminent demolition The Bellevue City Council voted to condemn the community and told residents that they had until the end of July to take action on removing their homes. The remaining structures were expected to be razed by a city-hired company in early August. Jim Ristow, Bellevues city administrator, said in August that officials are now taking a cautious approach moving forward because they dont want taxpayers to be on the hook for the estimated $1.2 million needed for demolition. Paradise Lakes owner, Howard Howdy Helm, has told the city that he cant afford the cost of demolition. Read more Floods cut off access to Plattsmouth water treatment plant The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sought bids to close the breach in the south bank of the Platte River that had stranded the citys water treatment plant during the March flooding. For months, the plant was accessible only by boat. Now, the water is gone, but Plattsmouth officials have wondered for how long. Read more Plattsmouth's water treatment plant back up and running Plattsmouth notched a major victory in September when its flood-battered water treatment plant got back up and running, ending months of water rationing. But the citys ongoing battle with the waters of the Platte River isnt over. Read more Winslow: a town considers relocating Winslow floods. One in 1996 brought water inside town and into basements, but it was nothing like the surge of water that clobbered Winslow in mid-March, when historic flooding struck parts of central and eastern Nebraska. So the residents of this little village  where the population that hovered around 100 before disaster struck  are pondering a pivotal question about its future. Go should they stay or should they go? Read more Winslow: A town ready to relocate A group of state and federal officials who met in Winslow in January said plenty of hurdles stand in the village's way. Those obstacles include state law, the likely millions of dollars needed to put in new streets and utilities in Winslow 2.0 and its dwindling population. "We all want what's best for Winslow, I want to make that abundantly clear," said Molly Bargmann, a recovery supervisor for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. "We want to get to yes, but there's a lot of no's right now." Read more Camp Ashland hit hard by flooding On St. Patricks Day weekend 2019, a violent chute of water raged through a gash in the levee that for decades protected the Nebraska National Guards main training site from the Platte River. Floodwaters surged into classrooms, barracks and offices, wrecking furniture and tools and leaving a muddy watermark 5 feet high on inside walls. Nebraska National Guard receives full funding for repairs to Camp Ashland The Nebraska National Guard learned in January that it will receive full funding, totaling $62.3 million, to fully rebuild the Camp Ashland training site, according to a statement released Wednesday by the states adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac. Read more Floods came to Nebraska farmland and left tons of sand behind Tons of sand, sediment and silt  some in dunes as high as 10 feet  were scattered across the eastern half to two-thirds of the state by the March flooding. In some areas, washed-out cornstalks are 3 to 4 feet deep. Tree limbs are in piles and topsoil was washed away. Read more A King Lake family returns home in time for Christmas Trish and Salvador Duran hosted Christmas this year for their extended family, an act of hospitality that once seemed impossible after almost 4 feet of floodwater swept into their house in King Lake in March. King Lake is an unincorporated area, a secluded neighborhood of 1 square mile that sits next to the Elkhorn River and not far from the Platte River, east of Valley and north of Waterloo. During historic flooding in March, the Elkhorn spilled out of its banks, sending water into almost all of the 111 homes in King Lake. Read more Pacific Junction in Mills County, Iowa was hit hard when levees failed Pacific Junction, with a population of less than 500, was hit hard by levee failures in March that sent floodwaters streaming into town, filling every structure with feet of water. It wasn't until mid-April that the last batch of residents could return to their homes and businesses and start clearing out flood-soaked possessions. Read more Flooding has taken a toll on Mills County, Iowa; even when it comes to caucusing Mills County Democrats worried all month whether many of the 470 former residents of this flooded town would attend a caucus Monday. Last March, the Missouri River inundated all 210 homes and businesses here, and a caucus day drive through town showed the extent of damage 10 months later. Most local homes, storefronts and gathering spaces remain boarded up. Only about 20 households have moved back so far, officials say, and the only evidence of the presidential race was a single campaign sign in front of the rebuilt home of Rick and Cherry Parham. Read more Flood of 2019: The aftermath and the recovery As Nebraska and Iowa brace for the possibility of spring flooding here's a look back at the devastating floods of 2019. Nebraska's losses from 2019 flooding, blizzard exceed $3.4 billion Nebraskas disastrous weather in 2019 caused more than $3.4 billion in losses, according to a recently released federal report. Read more The Spencer Dam collapse A 92-year-old dam that collapsed March 14, 2019 amid had been classified by state inspectors last year as having a significant risk of causing damage. A man who lived in a home below the dam, Kenny Angel, was swept away in the collapse and is presumed dead, and a quarter mile section of U.S. Highway 281 was washed out. Read more Spencer Dam: What went wrong? A four-member team from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, a national nonprofit organization, will conduct an independent review of the Spencer dam. The review will focus on what can be learned about the dam collapse to guide future dam construction, according to Lori Arthur, a spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Department. Read more Offutt Air Force Base couldn't stop the floodwaters Even the U.S. Air Force couldnt stop the Mighty Missouri River from flooding Offutt Air Force Base. Between March 16 and 17 sandbagging efforts were called off as flood waters began to rise. Read more Offutt Air Force Base flooding repairs close to $1 billion Six months after what 55th Wing officials describe as historic and disastrous flooding swamped one-third of Offutt Air Force Base and destroyed 137 structures, the expected costs of rebuilding continued to mount. Lt. Col. Chris Conover, who spearheaded the recovery and reconstruction project, said in September that the figure stood at $790 million in September. He warned the cost most likely would rise further  perhaps even hitting $1 billion. Read more As the Platte River swelled into Fremont, the city became an island The Platte River swelled into Fremont, turning the city into an island. Shelters in Fremont alone counted up to 1,100 people, with more evacuees expected from Snyder, Nebraska. And those numbers dont capture the swaths of people riding out the flood in hotel rooms or crashing on the couches of family and friends. Those who decided to evacuate left by plane, train line and automobile. There were departures by boat, by airboat and by massive military vehicles with jacked-up frames capable of cruising through waterlogged roads. Read more Hundreds gather in Fremont for flood-risk briefing Hundreds of people filled Christensen Field Arena in Fremont to hear a National Weather Service update on this years flood risk Feb. 4. The crowd received a nuanced, but somewhat reassuring, explanation from National Weather Service hydrologist Dave Pearson. Read more Paradise Lakes community residents deal with mixed messages Before the water even reached the community, Paradise Lake residents were sent mixed messages. Law enforcement officials went door to door encouraging residents to evacuate, Paradise Lakes residents received a different message from their landlord: Your homes are safe. Read more Paradise Lakes community's imminent demolition The Bellevue City Council voted to condemn the community and told residents that they had until the end of July to take action on removing their homes. The remaining structures were expected to be razed by a city-hired company in early August. Jim Ristow, Bellevues city administrator, said in August that officials are now taking a cautious approach moving forward because they dont want taxpayers to be on the hook for the estimated $1.2 million needed for demolition. Paradise Lakes owner, Howard Howdy Helm, has told the city that he cant afford the cost of demolition. Read more Floods cut off access to Plattsmouth water treatment plant The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sought bids to close the breach in the south bank of the Platte River that had stranded the citys water treatment plant during the March flooding. For months, the plant was accessible only by boat. Now, the water is gone, but Plattsmouth officials have wondered for how long. Read more Plattsmouth's water treatment plant back up and running Plattsmouth notched a major victory in September when its flood-battered water treatment plant got back up and running, ending months of water rationing. But the citys ongoing battle with the waters of the Platte River isnt over. Read more Winslow: a town considers relocating Winslow floods. One in 1996 brought water inside town and into basements, but it was nothing like the surge of water that clobbered Winslow in mid-March, when historic flooding struck parts of central and eastern Nebraska. So the residents of this little village  where the population that hovered around 100 before disaster struck  are pondering a pivotal question about its future. Go should they stay or should they go? Read more Winslow: A town ready to relocate A group of state and federal officials who met in Winslow in January said plenty of hurdles stand in the village's way. Those obstacles include state law, the likely millions of dollars needed to put in new streets and utilities in Winslow 2.0 and its dwindling population. "We all want what's best for Winslow, I want to make that abundantly clear," said Molly Bargmann, a recovery supervisor for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. "We want to get to yes, but there's a lot of no's right now." Read more Camp Ashland hit hard by flooding On St. Patricks Day weekend 2019, a violent chute of water raged through a gash in the levee that for decades protected the Nebraska National Guards main training site from the Platte River. Floodwaters surged into classrooms, barracks and offices, wrecking furniture and tools and leaving a muddy watermark 5 feet high on inside walls. Nebraska National Guard receives full funding for repairs to Camp Ashland The Nebraska National Guard learned in January that it will receive full funding, totaling $62.3 million, to fully rebuild the Camp Ashland training site, according to a statement released Wednesday by the states adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac. Read more Floods came to Nebraska farmland and left tons of sand behind Tons of sand, sediment and silt  some in dunes as high as 10 feet  were scattered across the eastern half to two-thirds of the state by the March flooding. In some areas, washed-out cornstalks are 3 to 4 feet deep. Tree limbs are in piles and topsoil was washed away. Read more A King Lake family returns home in time for Christmas Trish and Salvador Duran hosted Christmas this year for their extended family, an act of hospitality that once seemed impossible after almost 4 feet of floodwater swept into their house in King Lake in March. King Lake is an unincorporated area, a secluded neighborhood of 1 square mile that sits next to the Elkhorn River and not far from the Platte River, east of Valley and north of Waterloo. During historic flooding in March, the Elkhorn spilled out of its banks, sending water into almost all of the 111 homes in King Lake. Read more Pacific Junction in Mills County, Iowa was hit hard when levees failed Pacific Junction, with a population of less than 500, was hit hard by levee failures in March that sent floodwaters streaming into town, filling every structure with feet of water. It wasn't until mid-April that the last batch of residents could return to their homes and businesses and start clearing out flood-soaked possessions. Read more Flooding has taken a toll on Mills County, Iowa; even when it comes to caucusing Mills County Democrats worried all month whether many of the 470 former residents of this flooded town would attend a caucus Monday. Last March, the Missouri River inundated all 210 homes and businesses here, and a caucus day drive through town showed the extent of damage 10 months later. Most local homes, storefronts and gathering spaces remain boarded up. Only about 20 households have moved back so far, officials say, and the only evidence of the presidential race was a single campaign sign in front of the rebuilt home of Rick and Cherry Parham. Read more
The producers behind bargain-hunting property show Cheap Irish Homes are on the hunt for people to take part in Season 4, which will shortly go into production.

The first three seasons of the show, presented by cheap property guru Maggie Molloy, has won audiences the world over following its airing on RTE, with the first two seasons subsequently appearing on streaming service Amazon Prime. The episodes, shot on location around Ireland, follow Maggie as she sets out to find Ireland's cheapest homes, meeting with prospective buyers who are open to acquiring properties that need a bit of work, and fall within surprisingly small budgets.



Cheap Irish Homes is created by award-winning Cork based production company AV3 Media / Cameo Productions, and CEO Michael Lynch says the new season offers great opportunities for house hunters.

Theres a huge appetite for property programmes, but Cheap Irish Homes offer audiences something extra because the properties we select are actually affordable so its more than just aspirational. Those who take part in the show are always pleasantly surprised at whats available and we know that Season 4 will lead to more successful purchases as Maggie scopes out properties in beautiful parts of Ireland with fantastic potential, Mr Lynch said.

The callout comes as spinoff show Cheap European Homes is set to air on RTE 1 this month. The show will follow a similar premise but is shot abroad, showcasing properties in three different countries.

Over six episodes, Maggie Molloy travels to France, Spain and Portugal in search of affordable and attractive houses for Irish people seeking a new adventure. Maggie also enlists the help of local architects and engineers to help with selecting the properties.

Frederica Pereira is a Lisbon-based architect who consulted on the Cheap European Homes episodes set in Portugal. She says she loved the experience: I work mostly in renovation, which is my favourite layer of architecture, as in essence you are bringing something back to life.

Renovating older homes in keeping with nature and surroundings is very popular in Portugal at the moment. My involvement in Cheap European Homes was really enjoyable as I also got to help choose the location of the properties, which were in a small city called Tomar not far from Lisbon. The houses featured on the show are both scenic and good value. It was so interesting to see how we could renovate homes to make them stylish, comfortable and safe.

Frederica says she loved working with the Irish crew on AV3, I think were very similar, Irish and Portuguese people, we have the same easy, laid back attitude. The whole team was great to work with, it was all very fluid. Maggie and I complemented each other very well too.



Cheap European Homes airs on RTE 1 on March 9th at 7pm.

Season 4 of Cheap Irish Homes will shortly go into production and AV3 Media / Cameo Production is actively seeking participants. if you are interested in taking part in the new series, please send your details to casting@av3.ie
A MAN who spat at a Garda repeatedly has been in custody since February 13, the district court heard last week.

In his evidence, Sgt James O'Sullivan said that on June 25, 2022, a Garda heard a noise outside the Kilbeggan Garda station.

When he went to investigate he saw Tibor Pohl (52) 57, Main Street, Kilbeggan, trying to break a Garda sign from the wall. He was threatening and abusive and was arrested.

On October 27, 2022,Gardai heard a knocking and banging on a door across the road. Mr Pohl was again threatening and abusive. While he was in the patrol car he spat several times at Garda Conor Wynne. An anti spit guard was used.

On May 24, 2022 at Tullamore Garda Station Mr Pohl handled stolen property namely one bottle of Scotch whiskey knowing it was stolen.

On the same date he had with him a knife which had a blade which was sharply pointed. He was also highly intoxicated on Main street on the same date. He had previously failed to show up in court on February 8, 2023,

He had 11 previous convictions, the last of which was in Athlone where he was sentenced to two months in the Midlands Prison.

Solicitor Donal Farrelly said the defendant was a 52-year-old Czechoslovakian native and was married with two children.

He had been in Castlerea prison since February 13. 2023. He had found himself out on the street when his landlord ''upped the rent'' and he was very distressed, said Mr Farrelly.

He is hopeful of getting back with his wife and back to the life he had before. He hopes he can re-engage and put his life back together again, he said.

On the charge of criminal damage Judge Andrew Cody sentenced the defendant to three months in prison which he suspended for three years. F

or assaulting Garda Conor Wynne,Mr Pohl received a three month suspended sentence to run consecutively.

If there are any further offences from this date Judge Cody said Mr Pohl will go to prison for six months.
The owner of a well-known estate in Co Cavan has successfully resolved his High Court challenge against An Bord Pleanala's decision to allow an agri-food plant to extend its manufacturing facility.

John Morehart who owns the historic Bellamont Castle, in Cootehill Co Cavan and surrounding 1000 acres of land, had challenged the board's decision to allow Abbott Ireland to extend its facility in Dromore Co Monaghan, by an additional 2661m2.

The company, which makes milk products for infants at its facility, wanted to expand its laboratory, office space, car park and warehouse facilities.

Monaghan Co Council had granted permission for the extension, which was appealed by both Mr Morehart and An Taisce to the board.

Last year the board dismissed the appeal and gave Abbott the go-ahead to proceed with the proposed expansion.

Mr Morehart brought High Court judicial review proceedings seeking to have the board's decision quashed.

The court had granted Mr Morehart permission to bring his challenge, and a date for the hearing of his action remained pending.

When the matter was mentioned before the Court this week Evan O'Donnell Bl instructed by Harrington solicitors, for Mr Morehart told Mr Justice Charles Meenan that the board had conceded the case.

It was agreed between the parties that the court could make a formal order quashing the board's decision, counsel added.

Both Abbott Ireland and Monaghan Co Council were notice parties to the proceedings.

In his action Mr Morehart, whose property is located approximately 1 km from Abbott's facility in Dromore claimed that the board's decision was flawed on several grounds.

Among the alleged flaws were that the board had failed to consider the proposed development in the context of its obligations under the EU Environmental Impact Assessment.

It was also claimed that an EIA of the proposed development should have been carried out, because the facility will process over 100 tonnes of raw material per day.

It is further claimed that the board acted contrary to the EU Directive on Habitats in its determination of the application.
Parker Brown has been at Art House Cinema and Pub for so long, he remembers when it didnt exist.

I used to bowl at Center Lanes when I first got to town, Brown laughed, referencing the bowling alley that used to be in the building where Art House now resides.

Brown, a musician who has been playing around Billings for 20 years, is good friends with Matt Blakeslee, founder and director of Art House. Brown helped his friend demolish the original space, and rebuild it to be the hub of Billings film culture it is today.

Cleaning the floors, painting, hang drywall, little odds and ends with Matt, just to be a friend and a hand, he remembered. I put time into that space.

That space gives back. Brown has played there multiple times through the years. In 2022 he released two records  "Mix Tape," which is a collection of songs hed written from 2018-2021, and If I Could Make Time Stand Still, an EP with songs dedicated to his sons  and celebrated their release with a pair of shows at Art House.

Brown even made an album there. Parker Brown and the Bleeding Hearts: Live at Art House Cinema and Pub was recorded in 2017.

That record was a fundraiser for the Art Houses long gestating Phase Two project, which will update the space from the single screen theater and bar it is now to a complex with three screening rooms, a kitchen and a pub in the lobby. Art House will close on March 16 for renovations, and reopen in the summer.

Fittingly, Brown will play the final show in the Art Houses current configuration this weekend, with two performances on Sunday, March 5. Both shows quickly sold out.

Brown said the space feels like a house show. It just has that warmth. And everybody is programmed to sit and watch a movie, so when they come to see a show its the same thing.

Its rare to find a venue where people are willing to simply sit and listen, with no cross-talking or chatting.

In Billings, people are going out to see music as part music and part socializing, Brown lamented. But not at Art House.

Its this magical thing, he said. The audience puts this energy forward, and we have these really intense experiences.

Brown was raised in Billings, but his family moved to Coeur dAlene, Idaho when he was 8.

He was always musical, always playing guitar, and started dabbling in upright bass in a fifth grade orchestra class. But for a while, Brown was going to become a chef. He was accepted to the New England Culinary Institute, and while mulling financial aid, had to decide whether to pursue that or go into music. Thats when Steve Brown, the Billings musician who now lives in Bozeman, reached out.

My mom was kicking me out of the house. She was like You need to do something, Brown remembered. "And Steve was like Come here and hang out and play music.

That was in 2002, and Brown never left. Culinary aspirations got swapped out for cultural ones.

Billings was supposed to be a lily pad, but it became home, Brown said.

Thats how he met Blakeslee, and the cadre of musicians hed wind up spending the next couple decades around.

Everyone that I met was open and kind, and looking to better themselves, Brown said. He was balancing his time between Faith Chapel and the seedy underbelly of the restaurant industry.

Everywhere I went, from volunteers at church to bartenders, everyone was consistently genuine, and so open and kind, Brown said. Id never experienced anything like that before. It was like a breath of fresh air.

Brown has done just about everything there is to do in the Billings music world. Hes played gypsy jazz with Rimrock Hot Club, and Latin-tinged dance music with John Roberts y Pan Bianco. He was in the Tyler Burnett Band for years. He was in Pattern Addicts with Alex Nauman and Keller Paulson. And he was a part of the band that backed up Grant Allen Jones when he opened for Jason Isbell at the Kettlehouse Amphitheater. He played bass in the trio that played Charlie Brown songs and sold out the Babcock last Christmas. And he helped found Amp Camp, a summer workshop for kids to learn how to play music.

His most fruitful collaboration has probably been with pianist extraordinaire Eric Olson. Parker played bass on Olsons live jazz release Live at the Art House Youll never guess where it was recorded. And the pair played at Art House as a duo last November.

The pair recently put together that the first time they ever played together was in 2007 or 2008, when they backed up Cody-based jazz legend Ronnie Bedford. Olson was a teenager at the time.

They reconnected when Olson moved to Billings about eight years ago. They were both teaching music at Sheridan College, and bonded over weekly car rides down to Wyoming. Now they live about a block apart, and have kids that were born within a week of each other.

Right now, theyre both in The Hellroaring. The outlaw country group had a successful run before breaking up in 2019. They recently reunited. For their second Billings show after getting back together, they sold out the Thirsty Street Garage.

Olson, of course, will be playing piano with Brown at the Art House on Sunday. Theyre joined by Bill Honaker on drums, bassist Mike Leslie, and a horn section of John Roberts and trombone and Jack Klein on trumpet.

This last show at this version of Art House is the end of something, sure. But its only the start of something else.

Brown has looked at blueprints for what the expansion will look like, although he admits hes not very imaginative when it comes to that. But hes not worried.

I know if its Matts thing, its gonna be thoughtful, he said. Its really happening. Hes really doing it. Its pretty rad.
Members of the WoMeNs (Western Midlands and Northern) Regional Caucus will mark International Womens Day this March with a flipping great idea; for one day only there will be a complete reversal of the gender balance in a number of county council chambers throughout the West, Midlands and Northern region.



The novel idea of a gender reversal of the council chambers is just one of many ambitious projects that the 42 female county councillors who make up the WoMeNs Regional Caucus will action this year as part of their programme of work.



A number of council chambers in the region will be transformed to mark International Womens Day by having a complete reversal of the existing gender make-up of the chamber.

In Longford County Council, International Womens Day celebrations will be marked on Monday, March 6 at 4pm. On the day, elected representatives, currently 2 women and 16 men, will be flipped to 16 women and 2 men.



Topics on the agenda include The Community Recognition Fund 2023 and the N4 Mullingar to Rooskey Update.



Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi said, In flipping the gender composition on Longford County Council, we are raising awareness and calling on our allies to join in taking action to drive gender parity on the Council and ensure there is balanced decision making in Local Government. Collective activism drives change.

Both See Her Elected (SHE), a feminist, community led rural initiative to support women to become county councillors and the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), the primary body representing city and county councillors share the organisational and secretarial support for the Regional Caucus.



Dr Michelle Maher, Programme Manager with SHE said, The WoMeNs Regional Caucus is an important political institution in Irish politics and the capacity of the caucus to provide formal and informal supportive environments is a welcome addition to the incentives for more women to consider running in the local elections.
Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Politics

By Jacob Alvear Published: March 04 2023

Initiative Funded Through New York State's Opioid Settlement Fund's Latest Round of Grants

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $3.2 million is now available to enhance outreach and engagement services in regions of New York State with a high level of demand.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $3.2 million to expand outreach and engagement services in high-need areas of New York State. Administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the grants through the Opioid Settlement Fund will expand harm-reduction and other healthcare services to engage New Yorkers unable to access care due to a variety of factors.

"My administration remains committed to using every tool at our disposal to help struggling individuals receive the supportive services they need," Governor Hochul said. "By investing in innovative outpatient treatment programs and services in underserved locations, we are ensuring that we deliver equitable access to live-saving treatment for those who need it most."

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, "Meeting people where they are and providing individualized, person-centered care is an important aspect of our approach to care for addiction in New York State. Thanks to the settlement funding coming to the state, we will be able to better address barriers that keep some people from seeking care and meet them where they are to support their health and well-being."

New York State Department of Health Acting Commissioner James McDonald said, "At Governor Hochul's direction, we are constantly extending and improving our services and supports to help those who have been affected by the addiction and overdose crisis. I commend the Governor for her support of these engagement and outreach initiatives, which enable us to broaden the range of addiction treatment service in New York State."

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Governor Hochul is working to eliminate healthcare inequities and increase access to care for all New Yorkers. The funding opportunities announced today by OASAS will help people in underserved, high-needs areas get the treatment they need, but would otherwise have difficulty obtaining. These are important initiatives that will save lives and help people get the services they need to recover from addiction."

Funding awarded through this initiative will allow existing outpatient substance use disorder providers, integrated outpatient services licensed providers, and certified community behavioral health service providers to expand harm reduction and treatment services. These services include increasing access to medication for addiction treatment, in addition to increasing the availability of fentanyl test strips. They also include expanding overdose education and prevention training with naloxone distribution, peer services, and substance use disorder assessments and treatment.

Providers can apply for up to $400,000 to support both the expanded services and to purchase vehicles for outreach efforts, according to the request for applications. The funding will allow up to eight awards in designated high-needs areas, including:

Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties

Allegany and Steuben counties

Southern Delaware and Ulster counties

Otsego and Northern Delaware counties

St. Lawrence County

Franklin and Clinton counties

Hamilton and Herkimer counties

Essex and Warren counties

The funding expands a program that has been in place in New York State since 2017. There are 18 providers now receiving federal funding to provide similar services in their communities, bringing critical, lifesaving services to underserved areas, and connecting thousands of people to care.

New York State will receive more than $2 billion through various settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that were secured by Attorney General Letitia James. A portion of the funding from these settlements will go directly to municipalities, with the remainder deposited into a dedicated fund to support prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts to address the ongoing opioid epidemic.

The same legislation that established the dedicated fund also created the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board, which is tasked with making recommendations on how settlement dollars should be allocated to best serve those in need. Board members issued their first recommendations on November 1, identifying the expansion of harm reduction services and treatment as top priorities.

New York continues to grapple with opioid-related deaths, with fentanyl now involved in most overdose deaths statewide, according to a report on 2021 data released by the state Department of Health. Other key findings include:

4,766 overdose deaths involving opioids, a 14 percent increase over the prior year.

10,430 outpatient emergency department visits due to opioid overdoses, a 12.6 percent increase over the prior year.

19,139 instances of naloxone being administered by Emergency Medical Services, an 11.8 percent increase over the prior year.

New York State has instituted an aggressive, multi-pronged approach to address the overdose epidemic, and created a nation-leading continuum of addiction care with full prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services. The state has worked to expand access to traditional services, including crisis services, inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs, as well as medication to treat addiction, mobile treatment, and transportation services.



Governor Hochul was a member of the New York State Heroin and Opioid Task Force, which recommended new, non-traditional services, including recovery centers, youth clubhouses, expanded peer services, and open access centers to provide immediate assessments and referrals to care in 2016. These services have since been established in numerous communities around the state and have helped people in need access care closer to where they live.



New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).



Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny. gov or through the NYS OASAS website. If you or a loved one have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.
Global technology firm, Huawei Technologies, has outlined its 2019 growth strategy largely focused on guaranteeing its business resilience while forecasting a 21% growth this year.

In a New Years message Huawei Technologies Rotating Chairman, Mr Guo Ping, described the year 2018 as an eventful year for the firm while promising swift recovery from negative conjecture and market restrictions.

Undeterred by thinly veiled market restrictions, Guo said that Huawei has this year, managed to sign 26 commercial contracts for 5G with leading global carriers, and have already shipped more than 10,000 5G base stations to markets around the world. More than 160 cities and 211 Fortune Global 500 companies, he added, have selected Huawei as their partner for digital transformation, affording the firm 2018 sales revenues of up to US$ 108.5 billion.

The early waves of mobile communications technologies were largely driven by American and European companies. As 5G approaches, promising to unprecedentedly transform the way people live and reshape the society and industries, Huawei has emerged as a player. In the battle to determine who will lead the race, the United States has barred Huawei from supplying its government and contractors for alleged Chinese manufacturers are spying on the West.

However, no evidence has ever been provided to prove the accusation. It would not be in Huaweis interest to carry out the alleged surveillance activities, as it would cause the company to lose its image and the current position in the international market.

Huaweis growth in the past 10 years has worried its international competitors. Huawei is the leading networking equipment supplier in the world. Earlier this year, Huawei topped Apple in the number of smartphone units shipped, and ranks only behind Samsung.

The motivations behind these accusations are partly commercial and partly geopolitical, given that the United States and China are locked in a trade dispute that has disrupted the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of goods. Project Syndicate, an international media organization, reported on Dec 11, 2018 that Huawei is one of Chinas most important technology companies, and therefore a prime target in Trump administrations effort to slow or stop Chinas advance into several high-technology sectors. Forbes also published an article on Dec 10, 2018 with the heading The Feds Shamefully Persecute Chinas Huawei For Being Too Successful.

A number of carriers globally including British Telecommunications (BT) has expressed support for the worlds biggest telecom gear maker. While attending an event in London in November, BTs Chief Architect Neil McRae proclaimed there is only one true 5G supplier right now and that is Huawei  the others need to catch up.

Deutsche Telekom responded to an inquiry from Der Spiegel, a German weekly news magazine in November, explaining that they use equipment from various manufacturers, including Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco and Huawei, and stating that they cannot afford to exclude high-performance suppliers.

Despite the intense 5G race and the US-China trade dispute, Huaweis business performance remains strong.

We have never stopped pushing forward, and as a result our 2018 sales revenue is expected to reach 108.5 billion US dollars, up 21% year-on-year,Guo said, adding that, Our business performance remains strong, and this is by far the most direct form of validation that we can receive from our customers. 

Guo pointed out in the New Years message that as the dynamic between world powers becomes more intense, there will be greater uncertainty in the macro business environment, but Huawei will keep feet on the ground and improve the business ecosystem for the industry, making tangible contributions to local communities and working to secure opportunities for fair competition.

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A large storm system took aim at the Northeast on Friday, threatening heavy snow and coastal flooding after heavy winds and possible tornadoes damaged homes and buildings, left thousands without power and caused five deaths in a wide swath of the South and Midwest.

Three people were killed by falling trees in Alabama as severe weather swept through the state. In Mississippi, a woman died inside her SUV after a tree branch struck her vehicle, and in Arkansas a man drowned after he drove into high floodwaters.

The storm system turned toward New England, where a mix of snow, sleet and rain was expected across the region starting Friday night and lasting into Saturday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a winter storm warning.

There's a chance of coastal flooding in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and the storm could bring as much as 18 inches of snow to parts of New Hampshire and Maine. The storm will also bring strong winds with gusts of 40 to 50 mph, which could cause power outages.

Airport officials in Portland, Maine, canceled several flights for Saturday ahead of the weather and some libraries and businesses in the region announced weekend closures. Still, with warmer weather expected to return by the end of the weekend, most New Englanders were taking the storm in stride.

It wasn't the same story in California, where the weather system slammed the state earlier in the week with as much as 10 feet of snow. Some residents in mountains east of Los Angeles will likely remain stranded in their homes for at least another week after the snowfall proved too much to handle for most plows.

Many residents of Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Arkansas and Texas emerged Friday to find their homes and businesses damaged and trees toppled by the reported tornadoes. Tens of thousands were without power and some were also without water.

In Alabama, a 70-year-old man sitting in his truck in Talledega County was killed when a tree fell onto his vehicle. A 43-year-old man in Lauderdale County and a man in Huntsville also were killed by falling trees Friday, local authorities said.

In Texas, winds brought down trees, ripped the roof off a grocery store in Little Elm, north of Dallas, and overturned four 18-wheelers along U.S. Highway 75. Minor injuries were reported, police said.

Winds of nearly 80 mph were recorded near the Fort Worth suburb of Blue Mound. The roof of an apartment building in the suburb of Hurst was blown away, resident Michael Roberts told KDFW-TV.

"The whole building started shaking.  The whole ceiling is gone," Roberts said. "It got really crazy."

Heavy rain was also reported in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, causing flooding in both states.

The storm barreled Friday afternoon into the Detroit area, quickly covering streets and roads beneath a layer of snow. The weather service said some areas could see blizzard conditions with snowfall approaching 3 inches per hour.

Detroit-based DTE Energy reported more than 106,000 customers lost power Friday evening. It was the latest slap after ice storms last week left more than 600,000 homes and businesses without power.

Hail and strong winds were reported in Oklahoma. Elsewhere in the Midwest, Minnesota and Wisconsin expected areas of freezing fog with less than a quarter mile of visibility into the weekend, the weather service said. In North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, highways could get up to 10 inches of snow and 45 mph wind gusts on Sunday and Monday.
A Burleigh County jury has convicted two men accused of killing a Bismarck man two years ago in an incident authorities said was tied to a drug transaction.

A jury of five men and seven women deliberated about three hours Friday before returning the verdict in the case of Kevin Hartson, 30, of Bismarck, and Devante Evans, 27, of Detroit, Michigan. They were accused of killing Reonardo Alexis, 26, and injuring another man at a Mapleton Avenue apartment on March 28, 2021.

Hartson and Evans were arrested during a traffic stop in Douglas, Arizona, a few days after the incident. Both were charged with murder during the commission of another crime, and Evans additionally was charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, unlawful possession of a firearm, and wearing a mask while committing a crime.

The jury found the men guilty on all counts. The men showed no reaction when the verdict was read. They will be sentenced later, after a presentence investigation. They face up to life in prison.

Four rounds were fired from an AR-style weapon during a scuffle at the apartment in March 2021, and one of those rounds struck Alexis, authorities said. He died at a Bismarck hospital.

Burleigh County States Attorney Julie Lawyer in closing arguments Friday told jurors that Hartson had sold Alexis drugs, even trusting Alexis enough to front him with drugs to sell and collecting payment later. Hartson in the past had dropped off drugs and collected money by himself, but this time -- a couple of days after a social media post showed Alexis holding a large amount of cash -- Hartson brought Evans. Evans was armed and wearing a mask, Lawyer told the jurors.

That is not the way you come to collect money from a trusted friend, she said. That is how you come to a home to rob someone.

A timeline of video stills and information from a car the men drove placed them at the scene, according to Lawyer. Investigators also found at their apartment receipts for ammunition that matched the casings found at the apartment where Alexis was shot, the prosecutor said.

Defense attorney Dean Gregory countered that what was left out of the states case was as important as what was included. Some $11,000 in cash wouldnt have been left behind if there was a robbery, and nobody was restrained in an altercation that lasted a few seconds, he said. The state also never showed that Evans was ever inside the apartment where Alexis was shot. A detective during the trial was not able to make a connection between a boot tag found in the building and the boots Evans was wearing, and Evans phone was found outside the building, according to Gregory.

If he was outside, how was he inside supposedly shooting a rifle? Gregory said.

Hartsons attorney, Lloyd Suhr, said his client and Alexis had an ongoing relationship of trust. Text messages showed Alexis knew Hartson was coming to complete a drug deal, Suhr said, and Alexis buzzed open the building entrance door when Hartson arrived. The state was creating a reason for a robbery in an effort to prove their case, Suhr said.

The state chose that theory, we did not, he said, adding that its a theory the state had to prove.

And if they havent you have to acquit, Suhr said.

Its the second time the men were tried. Jurors after several days of testimony in March 2022 could not reach a unanimous decision. They began deliberations late on a Thursday, and at midafternoon Friday told the judge they were at a stalemate.
India's central banking institution imposes penalty on Amazon Pay (India) for non-compliance

Xinhua) 13:52, March 04, 2023

NEW DELHI, March 3 (Xinhua) -- India's central banking institution, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), said on Friday that it has imposed a penalty of 374,998 U.S. dollars on Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited for non-compliance with the country's regulatory protocols.

"This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the entity with its customers," the RBI said in a statement.

Amazon Pay is an online payments processing service owned by U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon.

The central banking institution said the company failed to comply with certain provisions related to Prepaid Payment Instruments and Know Your Customer direction issued by the Indian banking regulator.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
The 70th North Dakota DECA Conference is scheduled in Bismarck beginning Sunday.

Almost 500 students from across the state will compete in specialized career-area events including marketing, finance, hospitality and management. About 120 local business people will serve as judges to evaluate students.

The conference runs through Tuesday at the Radisson Hotel. Bismarck native and KW Realty CEO Kim Zuroff is scheduled to speak at Sunday's opening session at the Belle Mehus Auditorium downtown.


Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.
North Dakota became the first state in more than two decades to institute legislative term limits when a wide majority of voters approved a ballot measure last year.

A group of Republican lawmakers now wants to mellow the term limits that apply to their seats while expanding the restrictions on tenure to other elected offices.

Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, is the lead sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 3019, which would allow state lawmakers to maintain their positions for longer and to return to the Legislature after a hiatus.

If the proposal wins over the House and Senate, it would become a ballot measure that voters would decide in 2024. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Wednesday at the state Capitol.

More than 60% of voters approved a measure in November that amended the North Dakota Constitution to limit the governor and state legislators to eight years of service, though lawmakers are able to serve up to eight years each in the House and the Senate.

Kaspers resolution would change the constitution to:

allow legislators to serve up to 12 years in one chamber and up to 12 years in the other chamber.

give legislators who hit the 12-year limit a chance to return to the House or the Senate after a four-year hiatus.

impose 12-year term limits on every statewide elected office, including the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and agriculture commissioner. These officials also would be permitted to run again after a four-year hiatus.

Jared Hendrix, who led the term limits measure campaign last year, said Kaspers proposal flagrantly disregards the will of the voters.

You don't have to agree with term limits -- thats why we have campaigns. But the people decided this issue, Hendrix said in a statement.

Hendrix said the resolution is unconstitutional since the measure passed by voters included a clause that prohibited legislators from proposing amendments to term limits.

Kasper told Forum News Service many voters were confused about the ramifications of last years measure and believed it would apply to Congress rather than the state Legislature.

The 22-year veteran of the House said eight years is not enough time for lawmakers to develop into well-rounded legislative leaders and committee chairs.

Kasper said he believes the provision barring lawmakers from amending the term limits section of the constitution would be struck down by a judge since it hampers the legal authority of the Legislature.

I would love to get it into court, Kasper said.

Kasper is sponsoring another proposal, House Concurrent Resolution 3020, which would amend the constitution to allow legislators to meet annually instead of every other year.

Many legislators believe annual sessions would allow new members to catch onto the complicated lawmaking process more quickly with term limits looming. A hearing for that resolution also will take place on Wednesday morning.
HONG KONGChinese leader Xi Jinping has packed the top ranks of the Communist Party with a new generation of leaders who have experience in aerospace, artificial intelligence and other strategically important areas, as Beijing seeks to become a science and technology superpower that rivals the U.S.

The roster of officials with backgrounds in science and technology on the partys 205-member Central Committee has rebounded to roughly the length it had during former leader Jiang Zemins first five-year term, beginning in 1992, when he kicked off a rapid acceleration of scientific research and innovation. The increase comes as Washington takes steps both to contain Chinas tech sector and boost U.S. innovation.

Chinese officials with technical expertise occupy 81 seats, nearly 40% of the total, in the new Central Committeethe elite body that decides major national policiesaccording to data compiled by the Washington-based Brookings Institution think tank and shared exclusively with The Wall Street Journal. That compares with less than 18% in the previous Central Committee. The new one was announced last month during a twice-a-decade conclave in Beijing.

On the partys ruling 24-person Politburo, the core of the Central Committee, the number of science- and tech-savvy decision makers rose to eight from two.

For most of its 73 years in power, the Communist Party has wrestled with the value of recruiting elites with technical knowledge, so-called technocrats, as opposed to purely political operatorsthe red vs. expert debate, as its known. Though Mr. Xi often draws ideological comparisons with Mao Zedong, who was skeptical of experts, he has repeatedly espoused his belief in the importance of science and technology to bolster Chinas economic and military might.

We must regard science and technology as our primary productive force, talent as our primary resource, and innovation as our primary driver of growth, Mr. Xi said at the recent Communist Party congress.

Those are not just empty words or an empty goal, says Cheng Li, director of the China Center at Brookings, who compiled and analyzed the data. He deliberately promoted leaders from that area to enter the Chinese leadership.

Expert ControlsThe share of technocrats among full members of the Chinese Communist Party?Central CommitteeSource: Cheng Li, Brookings Institution Deng '82Deng '87Jiang '92Jiang '97Hu '02Hu '07Xi '12Xi '17Xi '220510152025303540455055%

Under Mr. Xis predecessor, Hu Jintao, several top leaders had engineering backgrounds, but the partys lower ranks were thin on such experience. This left few candidates available in subsequent years to promote to more influential positions in the central government. Those roles went instead to leaders with training in economics and social sciences.

The new wave of appointments came a month after U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced the U.S.s own strategic shift to start maintaining as large of a lead as possible over competitors like China in foundational technologies. In October, the U.S. Commerce Department released sweeping export controls to throttle Chinas ability to make and access advanced chips, one of Beijings self-identified chokepoints critical to a wide swath of its economic and military ambitions.

Many of the new technocrats in the Central Committee come from emerging industries that Beijing has identified as strategic priorities, including semiconductors, environmental science and biotechnology. Brookings counted only individuals who earned a degree in science or engineering and subsequently practiced in the field. It didnt include those who specialized in economics and finance.

Aerospace experts lead with 20 seats, forming what is sometimes known as the aerospace clique or cosmos club in Chinese politics. Their dominance highlights the importance Mr. Xi places on the industrys role in Beijings civil-military fusion strategy and as a source of national pride, Brookings Mr. Li says.

Given the success of Chinas aerospace industry, such experts have also demonstrated impeccable credentials for managing large teams and complex projects, skills integral to overseeing national and provincial governance, according to Ruihan Huang, a research associate at MacroPolo, a Chicago-based think tank at the Paulson Institute that studies Chinas economy.

The sudden jump in science and technology experts is abetted in part by the changing makeup of Chinas political elite. Most senior officials under Mr. Hu had come of age during the Cultural Revolution and so were denied educational opportunities, said Mr. Huang, who analyzed the backgrounds of provincial leaders in a report released in May.

By contrast, the generation of experts now being promoted is highly educated and boasts extensive research or industry experience, according to the Brookings analysis. Many earned graduate and doctoral degrees, studied abroad and ran universities or multinational companies, including some listed among the Fortune 500, Mr. Li said.

Only one member of Chinas ruling seven-member Politburo Standing Committee is a technocrat by Brookings definition. Ding Xuexiang, a political protege of Mr. Xi who split his career between materials research and government administration, is sometimes seen as a bridge between the old-guard bureaucrats and the newer technocratic elite, according to Tristan Kenderdine, research director at political-risk consulting firm Future Risk.

Xu Dazhe, Ding Xuexiang and Yin LiCHINA DAILY/REUTERS; TINGSHU WANG/REUTERS; ROMAN PILIPEY/EPA/SHUTTERSTOCK

One rung below, in the Politburo, the technology experts have backgrounds more characteristic of the up-and-coming generation.

Ma Xingrui, a member of the cosmos club seen as another Xi protege, had a 25-year career in aerospace that included leadership roles across university administrations, a state-owned aerospace contractor and government agencies including Chinas National Space Administration. He was also chief commander of several space missions, including Chinas first for lunar surface exploration.

In 2013, he entered government, working his way up to governor of the southern province of Guangdong, one of Chinas economic engines, which elevated him to the Central Committee. In 2021, he was transferred to the fractious northwestern region of Xinjiang to serve as party secretarya sign of Beijings significant trust in his capabilities, China watchers say. In October, he was promoted to the Politburo.

Yin Li, another new addition to the Politburo, is an internationally respected public-health expert who served as a vice chairman of the World Health Organization and was a visiting scholar at Harvard University. At Chinas Ministry of Health, he helped shape the countrys response to the SARS crisis in 2003.
Red Sox left-hander James Paxton suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain during his Spring Training outing yesterday, manager Alex Cora told reporters, including Ian Browne of MLB.com. Since Paxton will be shut down temporarily, it doesnt appear as though the southpaw will be ready for Opening Day, though Cora is hopeful a larger injury has been averted.

If we need imaging, well do it. Right now, we dont feel that way, Cora said. Hes going to fall behind a little bit here. But worst case scenario, you know, its actually a best case scenario. It doesnt look that bad.

A Grade 1 is the least-serious type of strain, so if Paxton did miss only a minimal amount of Grapefruit League prep while recovering, he might be back in action after a 15-day injured list placement and be on track for a mid-April debut. Of course, any type of injury is particularly notable in Paxtons case given the long list of issues that have sidetracked his career, though the large majority of those past injuries were arm-related.

Since the start of the 2020 season, Paxton has only thrown only 21 2/3 big league innings  none of those with the Red Sox, despite signing with Boston over a year ago. Tommy John surgery was responsible for much of that layoff, but Paxton was also waylaid by a flexor strain in 2020, and then a lat strain set back Paxtons rehab last season and kept him from getting on the mound whatsoever in 2022.

Paxton is entering the second season of what has turned out to be a two-year, $10MM deal with the Red Sox, albeit with a complicated set of steps to reach that total. The deal paid Paxton $6MM in 2022, and he then exercised a $4MM player option for 2023 after the Sox declined a pair of club options that would have paid the southpaw $13MM in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Naturally, Paxtons absence in 2022 made it an easy call for the Red Sox to decline those club options (the team had to decide on both options simultaneously), and likewise it wasnt a surprise that Paxton opted to lock in that $4MM after a season of such uncertainty.

Paxtons hamstring strain creates another injury concern for a Red Sox pitching staff that has already run into issues with Garrett Whitlock and Brayan Bello. Whitlock has been limited to bullpen sessions as he recovers from hip surgery, though Cora told reporters (including MLB.coms Ian Browne) yesterday that if Whitlock is indeed not ready to break camp with the Sox, hes not going to lose too much time.its not because hes hurt or whatever. Its just the progression of where were at, especially moving around. Bello was temporarily shut down due to some forearm soreness early in camp, but the young righty has resumed throwing off a mound.

Chris Sale, Nick Pivetta, Corey Kluber now look like the only pitchers penciled into the Opening Day roster, with Tanner Houck as the logical candidate to step into one of the spots left open if Paxton and Whitlock are absent. However, Boston has a busy April schedule with only two off-days in the month, so a fifth starter will be needed if Paxton or Whitlock dont make a quick recovery. This could open the door for Josh Winckowski to make some more starts in a fill-in capacity, or the Sox could opt for bullpen games or an opener/bulk pitcher tandem.
Firdaus Iddrisu, popularly known as Shatta Bandle, has opined on how ladies can be desperate for money.

The self-acclaimed billionaire said ladies are only humble to men who have money and can take good care of them.

In a post on his Instagram handle, the dwarf-sized celebrity revealed that some ladies could even give themselves up to be beaten by men because of money.

His post reads, "Money makes ladies humble; once you have money, they are like, babe, you promised to beat me today."

Bandle is an internet sensation who has been trending in Ghana for making controversial comments.

Bandle claimed in a viral video that he was wealthier than Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote.

The video went viral, and his fame grew and spread across the entire continent.

He is now a well-known figure as a result of the social media debate over whether his claims were true.
03.03.2023 LISTEN

Stakeholders in Liberias maritime sector have met in Monrovia to vet the countrys preparedness for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).

The audit is intended to promote the consistent and effective implementation of applicable IMO instruments and to assist member states to improve their capabilities while contributing to the enhancement of individual member state overall performance in compliance with requirements of the instruments to which it is a party.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) on Friday, February 24, 2023.

In remarks, LiMA Commissioner Lenn Eugene Nagbe said the meeting marks the first phase of the countrys high level stakeholders engagement in preparation for the IMSAS audit -a voluntary process that later became mandatory requirement for every maritime nation.

He disclosed that the high level engagement was imperative because the IMO will soon send a team of auditors to review the Liberian maritime sector as a whole -this means all institutions that have anything to do with maritime affairs were asked to come together to harmonize the countrys approach to the audit.

Liberia is a major flag state, port state and a major coastal state. So, at the IMO, we play a major role. Passing the audit has reputational benefits that we are not just signing onto important instruments but implementing and abiding by them, he stated.

In addition to preparing for the IMSAS audit, he indicated that the Liberia Maritime Authority is developing a National Maritime Strategy that would guide development and improvement efforts in the maritime sector of Liberia.

For her part, the Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Madam Diana Nebo said she was glad to be a part of the high level engagement for the first time since her recent appointment as head of one of the sectors institutions, the NPA. She pledged her commitment to ensuring that the port Authority works with the rest of the stakeholders to do the right thing for a successful audit and eventual flying colors.

Representatives from the Ministries of Justice and National Defense vowed put in the time and expertise needed to prepare Liberia for the IMSAS audit.

The meeting brought together stakeholder institutions including the National Port Authority (NPA), National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Law Reform Commission , the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC).
Parliament Thursday passed the National Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which seeks to amend the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766) to exclude the security services from the pension unification process envisaged under section 213 of Act 766.

These exclude the Ghana Police, Immigration, Prisons, and National Fire services, and security and intelligence agencies.

This is due to challenges that emerged during the pension unification exercise and the unique nature of the security services in general, based on which, the Employment Ministry recommended the exclusion of the security agencies from the unification process to pave the way for establishing a separate regime to govern pensions in the security and intelligence sector.

When assented to by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the bill would exclude the security agencies from the unification of the process to pave the way for establishing a separate regime to govern pensions in the security and intelligence sector.

It was read for the first time on Friday, December 10, 2021, after being presented by Mr Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.

Consequently, it was referred to the Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises for consideration and report.

The committee was informed that subsection (2) of section 213 of Act 766 mandated the Board of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to ensure the unification of all pension schemes and the full operationalisation of the three-tier pension scheme for public sector workers, excluding the Ghana Armed Forces.

The Committee reported that the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations established a Joint technical committee on the unification of pensions to develop the required technical instruments for the unification process.

It said although officers in the Police, Immigration, Fire, and Prisons services, as well as other security and intelligence agencies faced the same or similar risks just as their counterparts in the Ghana Armed Forces did, they were not excluded from the pension unification process and were treated the same way as other public sector workers.

An attempt at the unification of pensions during the payment of lump-sum benefits to the first batch of retirees from the security services under Tier 2 of the Three-Tier Pension Scheme in 2020 was fraught with massive employee data verification challenges, which stalled the entire unification process, the report said.

As a result of the challenges that emerged during the pension unification exercise and the unique nature of the security services in general, the Employment Ministry recommended excluding the security agencies from the unification process to pave the way for establishing a separate regime to govern pensions in the security and intelligence sector.

Further, the Committee observed that the amendment would automatically reinstate the previous occupational pension schemes of the security services under CAP 30, which was the source of inequities in the delivery of pensions in Ghana.

Accordingly, the amendment sought to reinstate the enactment and schemes that ceased to be in force under Act 766.

These are the Ghana Police Pensions Act, 1985 (PNDCL 165), Immigration Service Pensions Act, 1986 (P.N.D.C.L. 226), Prisons Service Pensions Act, 1987 (P.N.D.C.L. 168), Section 34 of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 1996 (Act 526); and Section 27 of the National Fire Service Act, 2000 (Act 537).

In 2004, a Presidential Commission on pensions was established to examine existing pension schemes in Ghana and recommend a sustainable scheme that would ensure retirement income security for the Ghanaian worker.

This was occasioned by agitations within the labour front concerning identified inequalities and disparities within the pension regime for public sector workers.

Under the same public sector employer, some people were contributing to the pension scheme while others were not.

The commission also conducted an actuarial valuation of the Pensions Ordinance No. 42 of 1950 (CAP 30) to ascertain its impact on the Consolidated Fund.

The actuarial assessment conducted by the 2004 Presidential Commission on Pensions proved that the CAP 30 was unsustainable, inequitable, and exerting tremendous pressure on the Consolidated Fund and recommended that the CAP 30 be phased out.

This culminated in the enactment of the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766), which introduced the Three-Tier Pension Scheme and established the National Pensions Regulatory Authority as the main vehicle for enforcement.

The object of Act 766 was to provide pension benefits to ensure retirement income security for workers, and establish a uniform set of rules, regulations, and standards for the administration of pensions and related benefits.

Subsection (2) of section 213 of Act 766 mandates the board of the NPRA to ensure that pension schemes in the country are unified by Regulations made under the Act within four years after the commencement of the Act.

The Government was expected to institute measures to migrate beneficiaries of the associated public pension schemes onto the Three-Tier Pension Scheme by the expiration of the transitional period in 2014.

However, by January 1, 2015, the government had not put in place adequate measures for the unification of public sector pensions.

GNA
Former national chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Mac Manu is confident that if John Dramani Mahama is made presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections he will lose.

Speaking on the back of the launch of the Presidential campaign of the former President, Peter Mac Manu argued that the leading member of the NDC has nothing better to offer Ghanaians.

In his view, any presidential candidate of the NPP will floor John Dramani Mahama in the next election.

Mahama is not bringing anything new into the elections. We know how he ran the affairs of this country when he had the opportunity.

His record is nothing to write home about. So, nobody is scared of Mahama at all. If we get the economy right, and I believe we will get it right, then Mahama is no force, Peter Mac Manu told Asaase Radio in an interview.

During his campaign launch on Thursday, John Dramami Mahama promised Ghanaians that he will be the President everyone wants when given another chance to lead the country.

He argued that he has learned in the last few years and will use his experience to bring Ghana out of the economic crisis.

"Over the last four to five years, I have continued to study our problems, listened to every one of you, and experts and I can say with full confidence that I have learned a lot.

And I am ready and able to be the kind of president that Ghanaians are looking for. In our present situation, it is no longer sufficient to sit on the sidelines to offer suggestions, which are most often ignored.

I am therefore coming before you in all humility and in response to the calls from my party and the generality of the people of Ghana to offer myself to serve this country and these people that I love so dearly, John Dramani Mahama said.

Among many promises made, the former President said when he becomes President again, he will ensure he runs a government of action instead of a government of slogans.
More than 50 young women engineers and innovators across the continent have developed technologies to fight climate change and build resilience, Economic Commission for Africas (ECA) Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro has revealed.

This comes at a time when Africa and the rest of the world is grappling with the adverse effects of climate change and adaptation.

Under the initiative Connected African Girls Coding Camp and Climate Change Adaptation Hackathon, young engineers and innovators have devised creative projects that incorporated emerging technologies to fight climate change and build resilience across the continent.

Mr Pedro was in Niamey, Niger, on March 1, during an Innovation Fair and Award ceremony at the 9th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development , which saw 25 young women recognized for their exceptional skills in robotics and IOT, animation, gaming, web development, 3D printing and Turtle Stich.

Mr Pedro explained that the Commission would like to see more women who are self aware, eager to learn about their communities and capable of leading the change they wish to see in society.

He pointed out that ECA would not only want to produce future scientists who can contribute to the fourth industrial revolution but also instil confidence in young women.

Mr Pedro said the Connected African Girls initiative was created to reduce the digital gender gap by equipping young African women with the necessary basic skills to achieve long term success in digital education, employment and entrepreneurship.

This is done through creating an enabling environment for collaborative efforts and innovation.

He reaffirmed that gender equality was a fundamental human rights issue as it catalyses multiple effects on socio-economic development.

The Acting Executive Secretary further indicated that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector played a pivotal role in promoting gender equality and women empowerment as stated in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 5 (SDGs).

He pointed out that nearly 90 percent of jobs in the near future would require skills related to new technologies.

It is unthinkable that in Africa, the digital revolution will take place without young people and women, Mr Pedro said.

In view of this, Mr Pedro said about 108 Nigerien girls aged between 12 and 25 were trained in person and over 4,500 participated virtually.

The Camps trained in technical disciplines ranging from web development, gaming, robotics, artificial intelligence and 3D printing as well as soft skills.

Today, Nigerien trainees have produced 25 projects and created impressive digital innovations to tackle local sustainability issues, using what they have learnt in the span of only one week, said Mr Pedro.

The projects, he added, address issues around conflict, safety and security, climate change, agriculture, education, road safety, water and sanitation, child marriage among others.

Speaking at the same event, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Director for Africa Anne-Rachel INNE said she was impressed by the technology and innovation developed by young women.

Ms Inne indicated that it was important to forge partnerships that would see technologies and innovation deployed to the rural areas where people needed these devices the most.

Most of our population in general is rural. In the majority of our countries, about 60 to 80 percent of the population is rural. If you are going to take technology that doesnt mean anything to them then you have a problem in appropriation. You have a problem in making it work and making it sustainable, she said.

Ms Inne emphasized on the need to keep these applications simple for rural communities, stating that they have to be in a language that was applicable to that particular population.

She said the young people also needed to ensure that their creativity was protected through intellectual property laws in order to preserve them and earn value for the designs or applications.

Ms Inne urged the young innovators to ensure that their products are marketable, as thats the only way theyll add value.
War in Nigeria is Bigger Trouble for Ghana

Nigeria's 2023 elections has seen a lot of disorganization and violence.The aftermath,the declaration of APC's Bola Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

as winner has further heightened the state of insecurity.The elections have been shrouded in a lot of irregularities.Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on INEC to consider a rerun prior to the declaration of a winner for the presidential race.

Demographics show a youth bulge of the country's population. It actually has the biggest population of youth as a country, worldwide.It is a very youthful country with a median age of 18.1 years. About 70% of it's over 219 million people under 30 years.

The youth has displayed a liking for Peter Obi Gregory, of the Labour Party so INEC's declaration of Tinubu has been met with mixed reactions.

The credibility of INEC ,an institution founded in 1998 s hasn't received favourable reviews in recent times.

Nigeria's democracy seems to be under threat.This brought to mind former U.S.A. President Obama's words

"Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions".What could be truer?

The volatile situation may be inflamed by underlying issues such as the secession activism of the Biafran people. Nigeria needs all the prayer and support it may get especially from Ghanaians.Ghana happens to be the second home of Nigerians.The first choice of a destination considered for migration by Nigerians on the continent.

We may be culturally and historically related, moreover Ghanaians are hospitable, receptive and presently Ghana seems the easiest part in Africa that Nigerians can integrate.Being the last resort for our neighbors,we shouldn't sit on the fences as danger looms in the dark in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Civil War of 1967 saw the migration of hordes into Ghana at a time when the standard and cost of living was good. As Ghana goes through a rough patch,the exodus of Nigerians into Ghana in their hundreds and millions may aggravate our plight.Any form of instability in Nigeria affects Ghana massively.

Ghana is a member of the UN and is bound by the

International Refugee Law and the principle of non-refoulement, which asserts that a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.The 1992 Ghanaian Constitution has also made provisions for refugees in the Refugee Act (No. 305D of 1992).As Ghanaians and global citizens,we are not alienated from what happens to our neighbors.Let us pray for Nigeria and also expect them in our neighborhoods if the worse happens.

Long live Mother Ghana and Long live Africa.

Dumenu Charles Selorm
A Neo-Nazi online propagandist known for encouraging acts of far-right terror and celebrating the killers was exposed as Dallas Erin Humber, a 33-year-old dildo saleswoman from Sacramento.

Evidence compiled by a coalition of anonymous antifascist researchers  including from SoCal Research Club, @WizardAFA, @SunlightAFA and @FashFreeNW  and published this week on Left Coast Right Watch, an investigative news outlet, reveals that one of the Terrorgram Collective's main propagandists is Dallas Erin Humber, a 33-year-old woman living in Sacramento, California.  The antifascist researchers followed a long trail of digital breadcrumbs to identify Humber, finding that the 33-year-old has been a neo-Nazi since her teenage years, when she became involved in various far-right communities online, many of them related to anime art.

Without further ado, here's Humber's fan art of Josef Mengele.

When Jean-Paul Sartre wrote "they are amusing themselves, for it is their adversary who is obliged to use words responsibly, since he believes in words. The anti-Semites have the right to play," he didn't know how right he was.
Around 300 nationals of Ivory Coast and Mali were to be flown home from Tunisia on Saturday, fearful of a wave of violence against sub-Saharan migrants since President Kais Saied delivered a controversial tirade against them last month.

In his February 21 speech, Saied ordered officials to take "urgent measures" to tackle irregular migration, claiming without evidence that "a criminal plot" was underway "to change Tunisia's demographic makeup".

Saied charged that migrants were behind most crime in the North African country, fueling a spate of sackings, evictions and physical attacks against the community.

The African Union expressed "deep shock and concern at the form and substance" of Saied's remarks, while governments in sub-Saharan Africa scrambled to organise the repatriation of hundreds of fearful nationals who flocked to their embassies for help.

A first group of 50 Guineans were flown home on Wednesday, while Mali and Ivory Coast are to repatriate 300 of their citizens on special flights on Saturday.

"Air Cote d'Ivoire has a flight scheduled for 0700 (0600 GMT) on Saturday morning that will carry 145 passengers," Ivorian ambassador Ibrahim Sy Savane said.

In total, 1,100 Ivorians have applied to be repatriated from Tunisia, he added.

According to official figures, there are around 21,000 undocumented sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia, a country of about 12 million inhabitants.

The Ivorian community numbers around 7,000 people.

Mali has also chartered a plane to repatriate around 150 people.

Junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita has given "very firm instructions" to assist nationals who are in distress, a Malian diplomat in Tunis told AFP.

Guineans among the first group to be repatriated on Wednesday said they had been subjected to manhunts in Tunisia.

Ibrahima Barry, 26, spoke of a "wave of hatred without reason".

"In Tunisia, if I tell you that they are savages, it is not too strong a word," he told AFP.

Many of the sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia lost their jobs and homes overnight.

Dozens were arrested after identity checks, and some are still being detained.

'Mob justice'

Rights activists have blamed the mounting violence against migrants on a controversial speech by President Kais Saied. By - (TUNISIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP/File)

Since Saied gave his speech, rights groups have reported a spike in vigilante violence including stabbings of sub-Saharan Africans.

Jean Bedel Gnabli, deputy head of an association for sub-Saharan migrants, said the whole community was living in fear.

"They feel like they've been handed over to mob justice."

Migrants whose countries have embassies in Tunisia rushed to them seeking assistance.

The embassies of Ivory Coast and Mali provided emergency accommodation this week for dozens of their citizens who had been evicted from their homes, including young children.

Those with no diplomatic representation in Tunisia set up makeshift camps outside the Tunis offices of the International Organization for Migration.

Among those heading home are dozens of fee-paying or scholarship students who were enrolled in Tunisian universities and in the country legally.

AESAT, an association that supports them, sent out a message this week urging them "not to go out, even to go to class, until authorities ensure we are properly protected from these attacks". The warning has been extended until Monday.

AESAT reported last month that four Ivorian students had been assaulted when they left their dorms, while a student from Gabon was attacked in her home.

Many students from sub-Saharan Africa have already flown home at their own expense, a student representative said.
This week on The Sound Kitchen you'll hear the answer to the question about France's proposed pension reform. There's the Listeners Corner, Ollia's Happy Moment, and Music from Erwan. All that, and the new quiz question, too, so click on the Play button above and enjoy!

Hello everyone! Welcome to The Sound Kitchen weekly podcast, published every Saturday  here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. You'll hear the winner's names announced and the week's quiz question, along with all the other ingredients you've grown accustomed to: your letters and essays, On This Day, quirky facts and news, interviews, and great music  so be sure and listen every week.

The ePOP video competition is open! The deadline for entries is 20 April  but don't put it off! Start now!

The ePOP video competition is sponsored by the RFI department Planete Radio, whose mission is to give a voice to the voiceless. ePOP focuses on the environment, and how climate change has affected ordinary people  you create a three-minute video about climate change, the environment, pollution  told by the people it affects. So put on your thinking caps and get to work ... and by the way, the prizes are incredibly generous!

To read the ePOP entry guidelines  as well as watch videos from previous years  go to the ePOP website.

Erwan and I are busy cooking up special shows with your musical requests, so get them in! Send your musical requests to [email protected] Tell us why you like the piece of music, too  it makes it more interesting for us all!

Be sure you check out our wonderful podcasts!

In addition to the breaking news articles on our site, with in-depth analysis of current affairs in France and across the globe, we have several podcasts which will leave you hungry for more.

There's Paris Perspective, Spotlight on France, and of course, The Sound Kitchen. We have an award-winning bilingual series  an old-time radio show, with actors (!) to help you learn French, called Les voisins du 12 bis. And there is the excellent International Report, too.

As you see, sound is still quite present in the RFI English service. Keep checking our website for updates on the latest from our staff of journalists. You never know what we'll surprise you with!

To listen to our podcasts from your PC, go to our website; you'll see Podcasts at the top of the page. You can either listen directly or subscribe and receive them directly on your mobile phone.

To listen to our podcasts from your mobile phone, slide through the tabs just under the lead article (the first tab is Headline News) until you see Podcasts, and choose your show.

Teachers, take note! I save postcards and stamps from all over the world to send to you for your students. If you would like stamps and postcards for your students, just write and let me know. The address is [email protected] If you would like to donate stamps and postcards, feel free! Our address is listed below.

Another idea for your students: Br. Gerald Muller, my beloved music teacher from St Edward's University in Austin, Texas, has been writing books for young adults in his retirement  and they are free! There is a volume of biographies of painters and musicians called Gentle Giants, and an excellent biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., too. They are also a good way to help you improve your English - that's how I worked on my French, reading books which were meant for young readers  and I guarantee you, it's a good method for improving your language skills. To get Br. Gerald's free books, click here.

Independent RFI English Clubs: Be sure to always include Audrey Iattoni ([email protected]) from our Listener Relations department in all your RFI Club correspondence. Remember to copy me ([email protected]) when you write to her so that I know what is going on, too. N.B.: You do not need to send her your quiz answers! Email overload!

And don't forget, there is a Facebook page just for you, the independent RFI English Clubs. Only members of RFI English Clubs can belong to this group page, so when you apply to join, be sure you include the name of your RFI Club and your membership number. Everyone can look at it, but only members of the group can post on it. If you haven't yet asked to join the group, and you are a member of an independent, officially recognized RFI English club, go to the Facebook link above, and fill out the questionnaire !!!!! (if you do not answer the questions, I click decline).

There's a Facebook page for members of the general RFI Listeners Club too. Just click on the link and fill out the questionnaire, and you can connect with your fellow Club members around the world. Be sure you include your RFI Listeners Club membership number (most of them begin with an A, followed by a number) in the questionnaire, or I will have to click Decline, which I don't like to do!

We have a new RFI Listeners Club member to welcome: Aynal Hoque from Natore, Bangladesh.

Welcome, Aynal! So glad you have joined us! Be sure you join the RFI Listeners Club Facebook page!

You too can be a member of the RFI Listeners Club  just write to me at [email protected] and tell me you want to join, and I'll send you a membership number. It's that easy. When you win a Sound Kitchen quiz as an RFI Listeners Club member, you receive a premium prize, AND, you can join our Facebook page, the RFI Listeners Club page. You must ask to join the group, and you must furnish your RFI Listeners Club membership number. I'll approve you, and off you go!

This week's quiz: On 4 February, I asked you a question about a segment on Alison Hird and Sarah Elzas' podcast Spotlight on France. Alison had a piece on the podcast that week about how the proposed pension reform here will affect women, as often women take time off from work to care for their young children. They will therefore have to work longer than men, to fulfill the amount of time worked to qualify for a full pension.

You were to listen closely to the podcast and answer this question: what is one option proposed by the opposition, that the government has refused outright?

The answer is, to quote Alison: One option would be getting retirees to contribute more by effectively lowering their pensions. The government has overruled this outright.

In addition to the quiz question, there was the bonus question: Who is your role model?

Do you have a bonus question idea? Send it to us!

The winners are: RFI English listener Dewan Rafiqul Islam from Naogaon, Bangladesh. Dewan is also the winner of this week's bonus question.

Congratulations Dewan !

Also on the list of lucky winners this week are RFI Listeners Club member Father Steven Wara from Bamenda, Cameroon; Razib, who's a member of the RFI Fan Club in Naogaon, Bangladesh, and RFI English listeners Dia Zanib from Punjab, Pakistan and Kanwar Sandhu from British Columbia in Canada.

Congratulations winners!

Here's the music you heard on this week's programme: The traditional Raga Khammaj performed by Rajeev Janardan; Salon Buenos Aires by Miguel del Aguila, performed by APERIO; The Flight of the Bumblebee by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov; The Cakewalk from Children's Corner by Claude Debussy, performed by the composer; Happy by Pharrell Williams, and The Joker by Bojan Zulfikarpasic, performed by Ifrikya.

Do you have a musical request? Send it to [email protected]

This week's question ... you must listen to the show to participate. After you've listened to the show, re-read Amanda Morrow's article France headed for water curbs as dry winter intensifies drought to help you with the answer.

You have until 27 March to enter this week's quiz; the winners will be announced on the 1 April podcast. When you enter, be sure you send your postal address with your answer, and if you have one, your RFI Listeners Club membership number.

Send your answers to:

[email protected]

or

Susan Owensby

RFI  The Sound Kitchen

80, rue Camille Desmoulins

92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

France

or

By text  You can also send your quiz answers to The Sound Kitchen mobile phone. Dial your country's international access code, or  + , then 33 6 31 12 96 82. Don't forget to include your mailing address in your text  and if you have one, your RFI Listeners Club membership number.

To find out how you can win a special Sound Kitchen prize, click here.

To find out how you can become a member of the RFI Listeners Club, or form your own official RFI Club, click here.
Some 300 West African migrants were set to leave Tunisia on repatriation flights Saturday, fearful of a wave of violence since President Kais Saied delivered a controversial tirade last month.

In his February 21 speech, Saied ordered officials to take "urgent measures" to tackle irregular migration, claiming without evidence that "a criminal plot" was underway "to change Tunisia's demographic makeup".

Saied charged that migrants were behind most crime in the North African country, fuelling a spate of sackings, evictions and physical attacks against the community.

The African Union expressed "deep shock and concern at the form and substance" of Saied's remarks, while governments in sub-Saharan Africa scrambled to organise the repatriation of hundreds of fearful nationals who flocked to their embassies for help.

A first group of 50 Guineans were flown home on Wednesday, while Ivory Coast and Mali prepared to repatriate a combined 295 of their citizens on special flights on Saturday, diplomats and community organisers said.

"145 people are leaving this morning after having spent the night in hotels," Jean Badel Gnabli, head of an association of Ivorian migrants in Tunisia, told AFP from the airport ahead of departure.

He had said earlier that the whole community was living in fear.

"They feel like they've been handed over to mob justice."

Ivorian ambassador Ibrahim Sy Savane said a total of 1,100 Ivorians have applied to be repatriated from Tunisia.

According to official figures, there are around 21,000 undocumented migrants from other parts of Africa in Tunisia, a country of about 12 million inhabitants.

The Ivorian community numbers around 7,000 people.

Michael Elie Bio Vamet, head of an Ivorian student association, said 30 students signed up for the repatriation flight despite having permits to stay in Tunisia.

"They don't feel comfortable," he told AFP by phone. "Some of them were victims of racist acts. Some are at the end of their studies, but others discontinued."

"There are attacks almost every day, threats, they are even being kicked out by landlords or physically attacked," he added.

'Hatred without reason'

Mali has also chartered a plane to repatriate around 150 people.

Junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita has given "very firm instructions" to assist nationals who are in distress, a Malian diplomat in Tunis told AFP.

Rights activists have blamed the mounting violence against migrants on a controversial speech by President Kais Saied. By - (TUNISIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP/File)

Since Saied gave his speech, rights groups have reported a spike in vigilante violence including stabbings of sub-Saharan Africans.

Guineans among the first group to be repatriated on Wednesday said they had been subjected to manhunts in Tunisia.

Ibrahima Barry, 26, spoke of a "wave of hatred without reason".

"In Tunisia, if I tell you that they are savages, it is not too strong a word," he told AFP.

Many African migrants in Tunisia lost their jobs and homes overnight.

Dozens were arrested after identity checks, and some are still being detained.

Migrants whose countries have embassies in Tunisia rushed to them seeking assistance.

The embassies of Ivory Coast and Mali provided emergency accommodation this week for dozens of their citizens who had been evicted from their homes, including young children.

Those with no diplomatic representation in Tunisia set up makeshift camps outside the Tunis offices of the International Organization for Migration.

Among those heading home are dozens of fee-paying or scholarship students who were enrolled in Tunisian universities and in the country legally.

AESAT, an association that supports them, sent out a message this week urging them "not to go out, even to go to class, until authorities ensure we are properly protected from these attacks". The warning has been extended until Monday.

AESAT reported last month that four Ivorian students had been assaulted when they left their dorms, while a student from Gabon was attacked in her home.

Many students from sub-Saharan Africa have already flown home at their own expense, a student representative said.
As a writer, I oppose violence, but the fact that what I have previously written about the NPP government and its leader, Nana Akufo Addo, has come to pass and displeases a lot of people, I am either considered a stumbling block or a threat to the president. Why are many Ghanaians not satisfied with the dangerous decisions the Electoral Commission boss is putting forward for the 2024 elections? I warned Ghanaians that this is going to happen and I will refer you to that.

Some Ghanaian pastors call it a prophecy, I call it 'political analysis,' the fact that Akufo Addo appears to be the worst president in Ghana's political history, who wouldn't accept his failure as due to incompetence, arrogance, and excess corruption, while he keeps blaming the COVID and the Russia-Ukraine war, I knew this is the point Jean Mensa will choose because she knew that the poor performance of her political party, has exposed her to many unseen threats ahead.



I refer to it as "deep political analysis," although some Ghanaian pastors refer to it as "prophecy," as a result, everything I said would occur about the NPP government and Jean Mensa, is unfolding.

Why did President Akufo Addo promise to do everything in his power to ensure the NPP wins the 2024 elections before he left office? Any wise leader wouldnt have made such a serious statement since it poses a risk to national security, yet it received little attention in Ghana. If John Mahama, the former president, had made such a remark, only God knows what would have happened in Ghana. Apart from widespread corruption, hypocrisy is another factor that is ruining Ghanaian politics.

People in need act in desperate ways, and this is also true in politics. Due to the NPP's failure and the fact that no other political party has treated Ghanaians with such viciousness, starting with the collapse of banking institutions, which had a significant impact on many factors, including the nation's economy, and the failed E-Levy, which also destroyed the livelihoods of many poor Ghanaians, I knew they would have a difficult time winning re-election.

Since it is usually so simple to blame John Mahama for anything that has gone wrong with the NPP party, Jean Mensa has been working on a sinister plan to repeat what she did in 2020, in favor of Akufo Addo and for the NPP party. This political party has incurred on Ghana more debt than any other government and has done so without explaining to Ghanaians what the money was used for, yet they continue to blame Mahama for the failure of this administration.

If you want to be a successful writer, focus on topics that threaten the foundation of your nation rather than subjects that interest you. Since many anti-NDC writers failed to say anything bad about Akufo Addo, despite the widespread corruption, I refused to do that. Sadly, my efforts went unappreciated and instead made people dislike me. You may recall that I wrote "Akufo Addo Could Stand Trial Before The International Criminal Court In The Hague" on August 13, 2022.

In that article, I made it clear to Ghanaians that Nana Akufo Addo, the president of Ghana, might be the first head of state to be arrested and brought before the International Criminal Court in The Hague because he intends to rig the elections once more in 2024 so that his party can maintain power, despite his incompetence, which has resulted in persistent hardship for ordinary Ghanaians. I pointed out that this is a hazardous idea that could start unrest and result in casualties if caution is not used.

Many of Africa's leaders advocate for nonviolence, but many people there still support violence. First, in Ghana's political past, this administration shot and killed people, and everything was covered up, ending as a dead case. In any nation when such crimes are done by the ruling government with impunity, it sends a message that they can do whatever it takes to stay in power but why must we, as sane Ghanaians, sit and watch for the history of the murder of defenseless people to repeat itself?



People don't just hate other people for no reason; until you excel at what you do, nobody will ever be interested in you. Since I fully understand this, I am ready to overcome any challenge to ensure that justice and peace rule in my home Ghana. I call Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to testify. If I didn't care about the NPP as a political force, I wouldn't have written a special piece pleading with the information minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, to convince Akufo Addo to take over the unfinished NDC projects. Things for Akufo Addo today wouldn't be as awful if this approach had been taken.

No matter how much corruption or violence exists under the NPP administration, many Ghanaians who encourage hate and tribalism in the country don't care about it. I will nevertheless tell them that if they are fools, Europeans and Americans are not, so they pay attention to whatever is happening in our country. The NPP shouldn't be so excited about carrying out nefarious schemes that they blame someone for doing it when violence breaks.

No political party has ever attracted as many foreign groups to political and economic activities as this particular government. While the World Bank was aware that a significant portion of the COVID funds had been stolen, the government is blaming COVID and pleading with the German government to intervene on their behalf to convince China to cancel our debt. However, this government holds the largest number of ministerial positions and has refused to reduce them.



Ghana is a problem-free country. The country possesses the necessary ingredients to become a major power because of its abundance of resources, which include gold, diamonds, bauxite, oil, and cocoa, whose beans have made several European nations wealthy, like Belgium, through the production of chocolate. Ghanaians should battle any threat that stands in their way, including Jean Mensa's evil schemes, because the country's problem is an effective leadership crisis. By doing so, they will improve life for the next generation.
A former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Charles Aheto-Tsegah has called for the closure of schools in the Bawku Municipality following the unending chieftaincy conflict in the area which has resulted in the loss of several lives, injuries to others and destruction of properties.

He made the call on the back of reports that students offered admission to schools in Bawku have turned down the offer .

Sharing his thoughts on the report, the former educationist said the time has come for the government and educational authorities in the area to take drastic and lasting measures to ensure the situation is resolved once and for all.

Making the suggestion to Selorm Adonoo on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Aheto-Tsegah said no one can tell to what extent the conflict will go, and it has put peoples children in danger, so it is better the authorities ensure adequate security measures are put in place to ensure the safety of these students.

Asked what he thinks of convincing students of schools in the area to report to campus and putting some security measures in place, Mr. Aheto-Tsegah intimated that the system shouldnt force students to go to the place because we dont know when hooligans will enter there and do anything to the students and authorities in the schools.

This a good opportunity for the government to close down the schools in Bawku and redistribute the students into other schools so that they can continue their education, he stressed.

The Free SHS Secretariat in the Upper East Region disclosed the disturbing situation during a media interaction and said the Secretariat was working on providing counselling services for students that were placed in schools in the area.

citinewsroom
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has promised that when given another chance to serve, he will ensure the media works without fear of threats and possible assassination.

The leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said this during his campaign launch for the partys presidential primaries on Thursday, March 2.

According to him, he will ensure his administration is tolerant to allow for criticism from Ghanaians.

I shall re-introduce the hallmark of my previous administration - tolerance for criticism and the creation of a conducive atmosphere for the media to do its work without the fear of threats, harassment, and possible assassination, John Dramani Mahama said during his campaign launch.

With a promise to fight corruption in government, the NDC flagbearer hopeful assured that he will allow anti-corruption institutions to work without inference.

The anti-corruption institutions will be given unfettered access to do their work. The days of the infamous clearing agents will be well and truly over.

Institutions of the state will be allowed to work independently without interference, John Dramani Mahama said.

After launching his campaign, the former President has now commenced engagement with delegates to convince them to vote for him when the NDC holds its Presidential primaries later this year in May.
Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga

04.03.2023 LISTEN

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga has urged the Electoral Commission to reconsider its stance on the use of the Ghana Card for Voter Registration.

The EC as reported throughout the week has presented a new Constitutional Instrument (CI) to Parliament that will rely only on the Ghana Card for Voter Registration.

When EC Chairperson Jean Mensa went before Parliament during the week, she explained that the move is to ensure minors and foreigners do not find any way to register to vote during elections in the country.

With a plan to abolish the guarantor system, she said elections in the country will become more credible.

Speaking on the Key Points programme on TV3 on Saturday, March 4, Mahama Ayariga stressed the need for the EC to soften its stance on the matter.

In his view, the EC should not abolish the guarantor system after admitting that it already has a system that is able to detect and delete the names of minors and foreigners who register to vote.

The electoral commissioner is saying the main issue is the guarantor system. The clear fact that they detected minor persons and deleted them means the system works so theres no threat to the voters register, the Bawku Central MP shared.

Mahama Ayariga continued, I expect that you will have a very meticulous view of your own work. I dont understand this argument about the guarantor system.

This is the view of the Minority in Parliament who argue that abolishing the guarantor system will disenfranchise over 3.5 million Ghanaians.

The Minority has vowed to reject the new CI presented to Parliament by the Electoral Commission although it has the support of the Majority.
MP for Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro, Sylvester Tetteh

04.03.2023 LISTEN

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro Constituency, Sylvester Tetteh is the latest to accuse John Dramani Mahama of merely bluffing when he says he will scrap ex-gratia payment when he becomes President.

Speaking at the launch of his campaign at Cedi Auditorium at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, in the Volta Region on Thursday, March 2, the former President promised that his next administration will take steps to stop the payment of exgratia.

The payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive will be scrapped. The necessary Constitutional steps to take this will start in earnest in 2025. We will also persuade members of the other arms of government to accept its removal, John Dramani Mahama said.

Since the pronouncement, exgratia has become topical in both mainstream and social media.

Speaking to Joy News on the matter today, Sylvester Tetteh argued that Mahama lacks the track record to convince any Ghanaian that he means what he said.

In his view, the only people who will believe his promise are members of the opposition NDC.

No one believes President Mahama except for members of the NDC. He cannot convince any Ghanaian that he can stop the payment of ex-gratia, the Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro said.

Sylvester Tetteh continued, He is enjoying the entitlements of an ex-president. He should surrender them first.

Speaking on the same platform, Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga shared that he is optimistic the payment of exgratia can be addressed in the next NDC government.

He argued that it is easier to deal with the ex-gratia issue either by amending the law or reducing the government size.
Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has called for the need to celebrate illustrious citizens who lived exemplary lives when they depart to eternity.

He said, instead of mourning them as it was usually done, such great citizens must be celebrated.

Great leaders are those who make huge sacrifices for the betterment of their society and humanity in general, Mr Bagbin made the call when the family of the late Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area, Naa Ansoleh Ganaa II, called on him to formally announce his passing and arrangements for his burial and final funeral rites.

Late Ansoleh Ganaa II was known in private life as Peter Tenganabang Nanfuri.

The late traditional ruler was a former Inspector General of Police from October 1, 1996, to January 21, 2001.

During his time, he distinguished himself to the admiration of many, notably the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

The Speaker noted that great men were not born but were made and they became great through their dedication to service and the sacrifices they made for others.

He, therefore, urged the current generation of leaders to emulate the late traditional rulers professionalism and his commitment to duty and work hard to improve the living conditions of the people.

Mr Paul King Aryene (Rtd), the leader of the delegation expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the glowing tribute paid in honour of their paramount chief particularly also the immense support he had extended to the family since the demise of their illustrious chief.

GNA
Former First Lady and President of the Lordina Foundation, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has provided the Ampoma and Bodom communities in the Bono East Region with water supply systems to celebrate her 60th birthday.

A statement issued by the Office of former President John Dramani Mahama, copied to the Ghana News Agency said Mrs Mahama, born on 6th March 1963, decided to solve the water situation in Ampoma and Bodom, her maternal and paternal hometowns, by constructing mechanised borehole systems to serve the two separate communities.

Inaugurating the Community Water Supply Systems ahead of her 60th birthday, Mrs Mahama emphasised the importance of community ownership and why the people and their chiefs must work together to ensure an effective management of the water systems.

The President of the Lordina Foundation noted the importance of having quality water in communities, adding that good drinking water helps promote better hygiene, improved public health and a clean environment.

The statement said the Ampoma Community Water Supply System had three water stations and six storage tanks with a capacity of 30,000 litres.

It said each of the stations had eight pipes to serve the community.

It said the Bodom Community Water Supply System, on the other hand, had one water station made up of ten (10) pipe stands and a storage capacity of 30,000 litres.

The statement said Mrs Mahama, after the inauguration, handed over the facilities to a seven-member management committee for each of the communities, who would be responsible for its efficient, effective, and accountable management.

It said this was just one of the many philanthropic gestures by Mrs Mahama and her husband across the country, over the years.

The statement said in 2022, to commemorate their 30th anniversary of marriage, Mrs Mahama and her husband constructed and furnished a 45-bed Maternity and Children's Ward for the Bole District Hospital.

It said the 865 square metre facility had a standby generator, a Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with three incubators, five phototherapy units and baby weighing scales.

GNA
According to Connecticut Public Radio, the Hartford Police Department recently received a grant from the Department of Justice for resources that would reduce violent crime in the city. And the city apparently plans to use those funds to purchase an enterprise version of Slack. Like, the virtual office messaging software. Yes, really.

The idea in Hartford is to replicate Nextdoor and Facebook groups where neighbors can come together and communicate with the police. [] For the mayor, Slack presents an innovative way for residents to communicate about what they see in the community. As far as his office knows, this is the first time a police department has used Slack as an outreach tool. Hartford will also use money from the federal grant to fund a range of other initiatives, including hiring case managers to work with at-risk individuals. "Things like a Slack channel are meant to help enable communication in real time, and sometimes anonymous communication between our community and our police force, so that information can be shared," Bronin said. A spokesman for the Hartford Police Department declined to comment on its plans for the service. At a public meeting in December, police explained that Slack would allow residents to communicate with them at any time instead of waiting for public meetings.

I mean. Sure.

In the article, WNPR does also speak with a Hartford native who was formerly incarcerated, and has since committed his life to improving his community. He seems skeptical about this approach. As far as his personal experience is concerned, the best way to reduce crime and violence is to  provide people with opportunities that address the desperation that typically drives them to criminal activity in the first place.

Or, ya know, Slackbot reminders. Maybe that'll help. Or at least build up an epic bureaucratic backlog of documentation under the auspices of "transparency" that actually makes it even more difficult to get any clarity from the government agencies that manage the messaging service. YMMV!
HIV/AIDS, Pneumonia, Cardiac Arrest, and some seven other diseases have been recorded as the ten top causes of death at the Akatsi Municipal Hospital for the 2022 year under review.

The rest included; liver disease, tuberculosis, respiratory failure, Pulmonary oedema, encephalopathy, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), and diabetes mellitus.

This was revealed by the information desk of the Hospital during an annual health review workshop hosted by the Akatsi South Municipal Health Directorate.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the exercise, Mr Pascal Ayivor, the Health Information Officer of the hospital stated that out of the ten diseases, CVA, Pneumonia, and Cardiac Arrest have recorded 7 deaths each in 2022.

The rest were HIV/AIDS- three, Encephalopathy- three, Tuberculosis -two, Liver disease- two, Diabetes -two, and Respiratory failure -two.

However, seven HIV/AIDS related deaths were also registered in 2021 with Pneumonia leading the chart with 9 deaths.

On some achievements, the hospital saw some decline in Fresh Still Birth from 0.6 to 0.0 per 1000 live births, Zero under Five Malaria deaths, Zero Maternal deaths, and Zero Neonatal deaths for the year under review.

There were also outreach programmes conducted by the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Dental clinics of the hospital.

Several challenges, according to management of the hospital, must be attended to for enhanced healthcare delivery.

Mr Ayivor mentioned lack of staff accommodation, inadequate medical equipment, inadequate office accommodation, indebtedness to suppliers, delay in claims payment by National Health Insurance Authority, and the abandoned hospital project as some of the challenges confronting them.

GNA
Karpowership Ghana and the Ghana Commission for the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have held a seminar for students offering engineering programmes at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to commemorate the International Day of Engineering.

The focus of the seminar was to sensitise aspiring and existing engineering students about the contribution of engineers to society and to also inspire them to stay in the field.

World Engineering Day is a global celebration of how engineers, technicians, and technologists make a difference and solve problems. UNESCO's General Conference proclaimed the 4 March World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development during its 40th session in November 2019.

This years event is under the theme, "Engineering Innovation for a More Resilient World."

The communications Manager of Karpowership Ghana, Ms. Sandra Amarquaye praised engineers for their contribution to development.

She said Karpowership is committed to whipping up the interest of Ghanaian students in engineering.

As part of our corporate social responsibility. We have instituted a scholarship scheme for brilliant but needy students at the engineering department of Takoradi Technical University. We also have a mentorship programme which aims at empowering the young child. Over 400 students have benefited from this initiative, she said.

The Chief Operating Officer at the Ghana Commission of UNESCO Mr. Appolonuis Asare said UNESCO saw the need to observe the 4th f March every year as World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED4SD) because of how vital engineering is to our world.

On this day, engineers from all over the world reflect on their contribution to advancing knowledge in their field and how they achieved global impact through technology transfer, and training opportunities.

The Provost at the College of Engineering at KNUST Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko spoke to the students on the role engineering students can play in national development.

He motioned, Our basic mandate as engineers and aspiring engineers is to identify problems and innovatively provide solutions to such complex problems. Engineering makes the world go round and innovation is the backbone of all engineering.

This year's celebration brought together 748 engineering students and aspiring engineering students from 6 senior high schools in the Kumasi province and students from KNUST.
"Whiskey Fungus" sounds like a great name for the absolute worst jam band I can imagine. But apparently it's a real thing that plagues the counties surrounding the Jack Daniels distillery. From The New York Times:

The ethanol-fueled fungus known as whiskey fungus has thrived for centuries around distilleries and bakeries. It's been the source of complaints from residents who live near Kentucky bourbon distilleries, Canadian whiskey makers and Caribbean rum manufacturers. [] For months, some residents have complained that a sooty, dark crust has blanketed homes, cars, road signs, bird feeders, patio furniture and trees as the fungus has spread uncontrollably, fed by alcohol vapors wafting from charred oak barrels of aging Jack Daniel's whiskey. [] The fungus that thrives off the lost alcohol has been noted at least since the 1870s, when Antonin Baudoin, the director of the French Distillers' Association, observed a "plague of soot" blackening the walls of distilleries in Cognac, France.

While there's very little research into the specific human health effects of whiskey fungus, the alcohol is known to make it more hardy and resistant to temperature changes. Naturally, the neighbors affected by these drunken eukaryotic organisms are none too pleased  and naturally, the Jack Daniels has very little interest in addressing their concerns, beyond telling them to buy some air filters or power wash the siding on their homes. It's all about the externalities, baby!

Whiskey Fungus Fed by Jack Daniel's Encrusts a Tennessee Town [Michael Levenson / New York Times]

Full disclosure: I also write for Wirecutter, which is owned by the New York Times Company, which also publishes the New York Times.
March 04, 2023

Bakhmut, Strategic Or Not, Is Falling

'Western' media can not decide if Bakhmut is a strategic city or has little strategic value. They claim both is the case.

Bakhmut is of course of strategic value. It is covering the crossing of three major train lines and four major roads (M-03, M-32, T-13-02, T-05-13). As such it is the linchpin of the whole Donbas region. Besides that it also has some valuable mineral mines.

That is why the Ukrainian government has send ten thousands of its troops to fight and die for that city.

People who claim otherwise are simply coping.

Some examples:

This DW piece, originally written in Russian, is probably the best on the issue:

Bakhmut: What will be the outcome of the battle? - DW - Mar 3, 2023

Bakhmut is of great strategic importance to both the Ukrainian and the Russian forces, says Marina Miron, a research fellow at the Centre for Military Ethics at King's College London. Miron believes that, if Russian troops capture the city, they will advance further, perhaps toward Kramatorsk. "They would control important roads, cutting off the Ukrainian armed forces and making the defense much harder for them," says Miron. She warns that this would also undermine the morale of the Ukrainian troops, and could lead to Western partners losing confidence in the capabilities of the Ukrainian army. Ralph Thiele, a retired German colonel who has served on the personal staff of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, agrees. "The Ukrainian side is basically compelled  also by its Western partners  to deliver successes. There has to be some sort of constant public justification for the huge amount of support being given to Ukraine," says Thiele. Mike Martin, a researcher at King's College London, says Russia is persisting in its efforts to capture Bakhmut because it corresponds to Putin's stated war aim of, in his words, "liberating the Donbas." Martin explains: "If you look at the way the roads and the rail networks are arranged, there are two bigger settlements to the west of Bakhmut, but still in the Donbas: Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. And in order to take those bigger cities, which he needs to do to complete his strategic goal, he needs to take Bakhmut first."

The Ukrainians in Bakhmut and elsewhere are outgunned 10 to 1:

The Ukraine war has become a ferocious battle dominated by artillery and Ukrainian forces are operating at a huge disadvantage: Russia has numerical superiority of 10 heavy guns to every one at the disposal of Kyiv. Furthermore, Ukraine is running low on ammunition and requires urgent supplies of shells, Volodymyr Zelenskiys government has warned.

...

According to data from the European Commission to which EL PAIS has had access, Russia fires between 40,000 and 50,000 artillery shells per day, compared to 5,000-6,000 Ukrainian forces expend. The Estonian government, which has been one of largest contributors to Kyivs war effort, puts the average use of artillery at between 20,000 and 60,000 Russian shells per day, and 2,000 to 7,000 Ukrainian rounds, according to a document sent to EU Member States by Tallinn, to which this newspaper has had access. These numbers equate to between 600,000 and 1.8 million Russian shells fired per month, compared to between 60,000 and 210,000 by Ukrainian artillery.

Over the last six weeks the Russian counter-battery campaign destroyed some additional 500 Ukrainian howitzers and multiple rocket launchers. The Russian Lancet suicide drones (videos) have done a lot of that work. Russia has thereby increased its own artillery advantage even more.

As artillery is the major killer in any modern war this also means that casualties on both sides will follow a similar ratio as the number of guns and rounds fired by each side.

For the last several weeks the daily 'clobber report' by the Russian Defense Ministry reported some 350-400 Ukrainian soldiers killed per day along the whole frontline. On Thursday that number increased to 640, stayed at 640 in Friday's report and increased to 880 in today's report. 490 of those were reported in the Bakhmut area.

BBC cooperates with other organization to count every announcement of a dead soldier in the Russian local media. Since the start of the war it has identified a total of 16,000:

Throughout 2022, Russian sources typically reported about 250300 deaths each week, doubling in January and continuing to grow again in February.

Russian source report death per week at a lower rate than Ukrainian death per day. The ratio is again about 10 Ukrainians for 1 Russian. That number of Russian dead has doubled in January and further increased in February says the BBC. But the 10 to 1 ratio between Ukrainian and Russian dead will still have been the same.

I have said for a while that Bakhmut was in operational encirclement. Russian artillery could reach its last roads in and out. Since three days ago Bakhmut is in tactical encirclement. Russian direct fire, i.e. tank guns and hand held anti-tank missiles, can now cover all of Bakhmut's supply routes. They will shot at any car that attempts to drive there. Its one reason why the reported deaths have harshly increased.

Should the Ukraine decide to order its soldiers to stay in Bakhmut the city will be physically encircled. All roads will be blocked not only by fire but by heavily armed Russian checkpoints. The Ukrainian soldiers in Bakhmut, several thousands still seem to be there, will then be left with only two options: surrender or die.

Posted by b on March 4, 2023 at 16:49 UTC | Permalink

Comments

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Around 1,500 passengers disembarked from the Diamond Princess cruise ship early Friday morning, March 3, 2023, at the Port Authority of Guam. Cruisers had a choice of starting in Tumon or the Micronesia Mall to explore Guam before returning to the ship and departing Friday evening.
NEW DELHI (AP)  The top diplomats of Australia, India, Japan and the United States offered sharp but veiled criticism of China on Friday, even as they maintained their Indo-Pacific-focused bloc is not aimed at countering Beijing.

In comments at a public event and in a written statement, the four foreign ministers used buzzwords and phrases that reflected growing unease over Chinas influence in the region and made clear the group aims to be an alternative to China.

Meeting in New Delhi, the four barely mentioned China by name and insisted that the so-called Quad group is designed to boost their own national interests and improve those of others through enhanced cooperation in non-military areas.

Both the public comments and the statement had repeated references to the importance of democracy, rule of law, maritime security and the peaceful settlement of disputes, all of which Beijing regards with suspicion when coming from Quad members.

We strongly support the principles of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to threat or use of force and freedom of navigation and overflight, and oppose any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, all of which are essential to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, the ministers said in the statement.

In a direct shot at China, which has become increasingly aggressive in the Pacific and has alarmed its smaller neighbors by pushing claims to disputed maritime zones, the ministers said they viewed with concern challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the South and East China Seas.

We strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo or increase tensions in the area, they said. We express serious concern at the militarization of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, and efforts to disrupt other countries offshore resource exploitation activities.

China has been accused of doing all three. In Beijing, Chinas Foreign Ministry criticized the Quad, saying that cooperation among countries should conform to the trend of the times for peace and development and should not engage in exclusive cliques.

We hope the countries concerned will do something that is conducive to enhancing the security and mutual trust of regional countries and to maintaining regional peace and stability, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, meanwhile, accused the United States of trying to militarize Quad, an accusation also often made by Beijing that America is trying to set up a new NATO-style alliance in Asia to counter China in the region.

In an oblique reference to China, as well as Russia, which have blocked actions at the U.N. Security Council and other institutions on matters ranging from Ukraine to Myanmar, North Korea, trade, technology and health, the Quad foreign ministers said they are committed to cooperate to address attempts to unilaterally subvert the U.N. and international system.

And just a day after China and Russia thwarted the Group of 20 largest industrialized and developing nations from adopting a joint communique on Russias war against Ukraine, the Quad specifically endorsed language to which Beijing and Moscow objected. That included a line that said, the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.

We underscored the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the U.N. Charter, they added, repeating another line China and Russia refused to agree to at Thursdays G-20 foreign ministers meeting, which was also held in the Indian capital.

In signing off on the statement, India, which has long-standing close ties with Russia and has reacted cautiously to the Ukraine war, achieved what it, as host of the G-20, had been unable to do: present a document that supports international principles it values.

And Australia, Japan and the United States, among the most vocal critics of Russia, acknowledged that New Delhis ties with Moscow complicate its position.

Speaking at a panel at Indias Raisina Dialogue, the four ministers maintained that the Quad does not seek conflict with China or to antagonize it but rather to promote democracy, good governance, transparency, digital security and global health and disaster relief.

As long as China abides by the law and international norms and acts under international institutional standards this is not a conflicting issue between China and the Quad, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa said in a rare direct reference to China.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the group is not designed to blunt Chinas rise by demanding that countries align with Quad members or Beijing.

Our proposition is not to say to countries in the region You have to choose, he said. Our proposition is to offer a choice, a positive alternative.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar agreed.

I prefer to think about what we are for, not about what we are against, Wong said.

We do offer more choices, Jaishankar said. We do collectively offer something different. Countries are interested, many of them are looking at the Indo-Pacific as a changing theater and how to define themselves.

___

Associated Press writer Krutika Pathi contributed to this report.
Yves here. The UK (and US) have managed to disappear Julian Assange just as effectively as Gitmo detainees. Yet those terror suspects, who overwhelmingly were low level individuals who happened to be in the wrong place in the wrong time, were kept successfully in a legal limbo. Here Assange, who hasnt been found guilty, is being treated on a par with a convicted Hannibal Lechter level serial killer. An objective of his torture during his pre-trial detention appears to be to render him incapable of assisting in his defense.

This interview reviews the case and the effort to enlist Big Media as allies.

By Talia Baroncelli. Originally published at theAnalysis.news

Talia Baroncelli

Hi, Im Talia Baroncelli, and youre watching theAnalysis.news. Ill shortly be joined by Stefania Maurizi to speak about Julian Assange and her recent book on WikiLeaks called Secret Power: WikiLeaks and Its Enemies. If youre in a position to donate, please go to our website theAnalysis.news, and hit the donate button at the top right corner of the screen. If youre not getting some of our notifications on YouTube, please sign up for the newsletter on the website; that way, you wont miss any future content. Back in a bit.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is currently languishing in Belmarsh Prison, a high-security prison in London, in conditions which the former UN Special Rapporteur on torture, Nils Melzer, has deployed and documented in his book, The Trial of Julian Assange. Following the release of the Iraq and Afghan war logs, the Obama administration decided not to take legal action against WikiLeaks for fear of the chilling legal precedent it would set for press freedoms. Yet the Biden administration has stuck to the Trump administrations move to prosecute Assange under the espionage act for releasing documents exposing brutal war crimes committed in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as documentation that revealed the true death tolls in these wars.

The United States has charged Assange with 18 different counts, including conspiracy to commit computer intrusion under the U.S. computer fraud and abuse act. This is the first time that the U.S. is using the espionage act to charge an individual for publishing secret documents. Assange argues that he is being charged with committing political offenses. An existing U.S., and U.K. treaty bans the extradition of individuals for such political crimes. Nevertheless, the British courts and government continue to uphold the U.S. extradition order, despite medical testimony illustrating his grave psychological state. Extradition to a U.S. prison would exacerbate Julian Assanges condition and would be in violation of international norms preventing torture and inhumane treatment. Given evidence of how access to justice has been eroded in the U.S., U.S. government assurances that he would receive a fair trial are laughable.

Im very excited to be joined by Stefania Maurizi. Shes an investigative journalist who works for the Italian publication Il Fatto Quotidiano and is the author of a recent book on Julian Assange and WikiLeaks called Secret Power: WikiLeaks and Its Enemies. Thank you so much for joining me, Stefania.

Stefania Maurizi

Thank you for having me. Thanks so much.

Talia Baroncelli

So much of your work as an investigative journalist has shown how governments trample on their own laws, which are meant to protect freedom of the press and the public interest. What would you say is the state of freedom of the press in the West?

Stefania Maurizi

Well, I think our freedom of the press is shrinking, and not just because of the usual constraints, [inaudible 00:03:02], but because we are looking at a situation in which we have important cases. I would say the Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks case is the most prominent among these cases. It makes me very worried, I would say terrified. It makes me realize that we are at a crossroads; thats why I have invested so much in this case to go deep and unearth crucial facts. I think that if the United States, the United Kingdom, and all of the countries involved in this case can win this case, the consequences will be gigantic for the freedom of the press.

Talia Baroncelli

Very recently, actually, five different journalistic outfits, including The Guardian, El Pais, Der Spiegel, and New York Times, they wrote a petition which they signed, which stated that if Julian Assange were to be extradited to the U.S., that it would set a terrible precedent for press freedoms, and that it would also implicate them, that they would be found guilty of the work that they do in the service of the public interest. Do you think this particular letter or petition was signed too late?

Stefania Maurizi

I think so, unfortunately. I mean, its positive that at the end of the day, at the 11th hour, they decided to go out with this letter. It certainly had a positive impact on the case. Finally, newspapers around the world realized that the biggest news outlets are finally asking, are finally calling on the Biden administration to drop the case, but they did it after 12 years. If they had done it before, Julian Assanges health wouldnt be destroyed. We wouldnt be in this situation. Unfortunately, they didnt. So now the states involved in this persecution, I have no doubt whatsoever that this is a persecution, this is a terrible persecution, they realized how little solidarity there is between journalists. So they can play these cards of lack of solidarity. They can play the divide-and-conquer strategy to go after other journalists. It has been really, really unfortunate, I would say, a disgrace that they waited 12 years before coming out with his letter and before taking Julian Assange seriously. He had been saying this. He had been trying to get attention on his persecution since 2010. Everyone was blaming him and was treating him as a narcissist and paranoid. He was absolutely right from the very beginning. The United States was determined from the very beginning to go after him. Its not just him. Even the WikiLeaks journalists and the organization for unleashing this revolution. So if he had been taken seriously from the very beginning, we wouldnt be in this situation. Of course, now his health is seriously compromised. All this time, after all these lengthy legal procedures, which have been going on for over a decade, finally, he was charged in 2019. The Obama administration decided not to charge him. The Trump administration charged him. Now hes been waiting since 2019 in a very tough, the toughest prison in Britain, and his health is going down, and he is collapsing. So even if he comes out alive, hes seriously undermined.

Talia Baroncelli

Right. He has said that he would rather commit suicide than be extradited to the United States, where he would be placed in solitary confinement and probably tortured in some way or another. What is the current state of things with regard to his appeal? I believe in the summer, the former British Home Secretary, Priti Patel, had approved of the British extradition to the U.S., and then that was again appealed by Julian Assanges lawyers. Is there any update on that?

Stefania Maurizi

No update, unfortunately. We have been waiting for months. We were supposed to do it here in November, then December, then January. We are almost at the end of February, and still, we dont know. Thats why Im telling you that all these lengthy legal processes have been used to break him down. Even if he comes out of this prison alive, even if he comes out free, hes basically broken. Thats why this game has been played from the very beginning. Even with the Swedish case, unfortunately, they have kept him arbitrarily detained, both in Sweden and the United Kingdom, since 2010, for almost a decade. This is not my opinion. My opinions dont matter. My opinions are not really relevant. This is what the UN body in charge of establishing who is arbitrarily detained established. So its not my judgment.

Talia Baroncelli

Right. A lot of the work youve been doing recently involves litigating a freedom of information request, which would actually highlight some of the circumstances in which Julian Assange was kept in the Ecuadorian embassy. So I think this must have been around 2013 or 2014 when the Crown Prosecution Service was headed by Keir Starmer. There was so much at the time that they were trying to do to prevent the Swedish authorities from asking him questions in the U.K., and they wanted to ensure that he would be sent to Sweden, where he could then be potentially sent back or sent to the U.S.. Maybe you could speak about the role, the really shady role the U.K. government has played in this whole saga and how theyve basically done the bidding of the U.S. the entire time.

Stefania Maurizi

Yes. Basically, in 2015, after five years, he remained arbitrarily detained. I decided I needed to access the full documentation on the case because no other journalists have tried to get access to this documentation. Of course, you know, we journalists are supposed to acquire documentation in order to reconstruct a case factually. This man has been in the Ecuadorian embassy for years without an hour outdoors, without being allowed to go to the hospital when he needed to go to the hospital. This was an incredible treatment for a journalist who reviewed war crimes. I told myself, I have to do it because no one did it, and this is unbelievable. Without facts, you just have an opinion. You just have guesses, maybe educated guesses, but you dont have facts, so you have to access the documentation. So my strategy was I have to start with Sweden because, at the time, basically, there was no U.S. indictment openly known. I mean, we knew, of course, that the U.S. authorities were after Julian Assange and WikiLeaks for publishing U.S. classified documents. We knew that the Obama administration had opened an investigation, a criminal investigation on Julian Assange and WikiLeaks for publishing those documents. But there was no public indictment for publishing those documents.

The only arrest order was from Sweden, the European Arrest Warrant, and no one understood why Sweden was basically not willing to go to London to question Julian Assange and to decide whether to charge him with rape or whether to drop the case and close the investigation. No one understood why he was trapped in the embassy. We knew there is no end in sight because the Swedish prosecutors didnt want to go there to question him.

My guess was, my strategy was, if I can access the documentation from Sweden, which is an opening, which is quite transparent when it comes to government documentation, maybe I can get documents from the U.K., from the U.S., from Australia, from all jurisdictions involved in this case. I was right. I got a few documents from Sweden. Those documents were absolutely crucial because, for the first time, they allowed us to discover why the Swedish prosecutors didnt want to go to London to question him. By doing so, they basically created this [inaudible 00:13:39] in which he was under perennial investigation with the label of a rapist, but there were not even charges. There were absolutely no charges, nothing.

So the reason was that the Crown Prosecution Service, at the time, headed by Keir Starmer basically in this space, Keir Starmer is the current leader of the British Labor Party, a centrist, contrary to Jeremy Corbyn, who is on the Left, a pacifist and so on. Basically, the Crown Prosecution Service advised the Swedish prosecutors not to travel to London, and to question him only after extraditing him. By doing so, they created this legal paralysis that kept Julian Assange [inaudible 00:14:39] for years. When he basically went and took refuge in the embassy, the legal paralysis became a diplomatic paralysis because, of course, many countries were involved in this case.

The role of the Crown Prosecution Service was definitely crucial. I have no evidence that Keir Starmer personally was involved in taking this position. I really have done all I could to try to acquire the documentation, but I discovered that they destroyed it, which is an incredible thing. Even in countries like Italy, we have all sorts of judicial scandals and legal scandals. But even countries like Italy never had the scandal in which a public authority destroyed documentation on a controversial, highly controversial, high-profile legal case as the case is ongoing.

Since then, when I discovered this in 2017, since then, I have been fighting in the U.K. tribunals, Upper Tribunals, and all sorts of tribunals in London to try to get information on why they destroyed this documentation, on whose instruction, and what the document contains. I also discovered that the Swedish authorities destroyed key documents, a large part of these documents. So we have both sides who destroyed this documentation, which is highly anomalous. So Im trying to dig. And you know, Talia, you might think, okay, now the Swedish case is gone, its closed. It was closed after nine years. It was managed and handled in a nonsense way because they kept him under investigation, preliminary investigation for nine years. Basically, there was justice for no one. There were millions of public money spent. There was no justice for no one. [inaudible 00:17:00] Julian Assange was destroyed. So the way the Swedish prosecutors handled the Swedish case makes no sense at all.

You can say, well, now its closed. Now the Swedish investigation is gone. Why are you still investigating these matters? Im investigating these matters because the Crown Prosecution Service basically told the Swedish prosecutors dont travel to London to question him, question him only after extraditing him, is the very same public authority which today acts in the U.S. extradition. In the current extradition case, the United States is acting through the Crown Prosecution Service, precisely like the Swedish prosecutors who were acting through the Crown Prosecution Service, because a foreign state cannot act directly in the British courts. Its in London, so they have to deal with the Crown Prosecution Service. So this public authority, the Crown Prosecution Service, is still a crucial authority when it comes to the Julian Assange case.

Talia Baroncelli

Right. Thats super fascinating because I think in your book you were also detailing how when you were requesting information on why they had deleted these communications or what was even in the communications, the U.K. authorities responded by saying they didnt know what the content of the emails was. Which is another level of

Stefania Maurizi

Its unbelievable. They didnt know the contents. They have no way to know whether they claim they dont know what the content was and they have refused to provide precise information. The other authorities, British authorities, refused to investigate. So it is really something highly anomalous. We have the destruction of documents, we have the reluctance, the refusal to reply and to answer journalists asking for an explanation and information. You have British authorities refusing to investigate it, and you have the Swedish authorities, which are doing the very same thing. So clearly there is something deeply wrong here. Otherwise, they would address my question, they would address my request.

Talia Baroncelli

Your book documents the work of WikiLeaks over the years and also addresses the political significance of the Iraq war logs and the Afghan war logs. The Iraq war logs were comprised of over 300,000 documents, and the Afghan war logs, I think, slightly less, 76,000 documents. At the time when they were released in 2010, they basically shook the political landscape. The collateral murder video showed two U.S. soldiers in an Apache helicopter in Baghdad gunning down a Reuters journalist along with his cameraman, as well as innocent civilians who were just trying to help them. So would you say that the release of these documents, as well as the release of Cablegate, which is over 250,000 diplomatic correspondences, whether these documents created this aha moment, which showed just how terrible these wars were and what the real death count was?

Stefania Maurizi

Yes, absolutely. This documentation, for the first time, allowed revealing the true face of the wars in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and without any and we could access secret information. Never before, except with the Vietnam War and the Pentagon Papers in 1971, with Daniel Ellsberg revealing top secret information about the war as the war was ongoing. So it was amazing. It was really unbelievable for us journalists who could not just access secret information, but we could compare what the propaganda machine was telling the public, was telling the media, was telling the journalists, and what really happened on the [inaudible 00:21:45]. It was amazing to be able to compare this and see how the propaganda machine and to obtain evidence of the killing of innocent civilians, to obtain evidence of torture, and to obtain evidence of pressure to grant impunity for horrific human rights violations like the CIAs extraordinary rendition. I remember when I got access to the documentation on the extraordinary rendition of a [inaudible 00:22:21].

This is a very important case in Italy where the CIA kidnapped an Egyptian cleric in Milan in the middle of the day as if it was in [inaudible 00:22:36]. Our prosecutors were amazing. They were able to identify these CIA agents which who had cooperated with Italian intelligence and military intelligence. So they were able to identify all of them involved in this extraordinary rendition, which means basically a kidnapping. These people were kidnapped and brought to countries where torture was the norm, like Egypt, and they were brutally tortured. So our prosecutors were amazing. They were able to identify them. They were able to charge them and bring them on trial. The judges basically obtained final sentences for all of them. However, none of them went to prison. None of them were extradited from the U.S. because, in the meantime, they had left Italy, of course. None of them were extradited, and none of them spent any time in prison. So we could imagine, of course, pressure on Italian authorities. Of course, we could. But it is one matter to imagine, it is another matter to get evidence, the evidence of this pressure.

When I obtained this documentation and read the conversation between the U.S. diplomacy and the Italian politicians the U.S. authorities didnt intervene on judges, and prosecutors said they were looking at them as highly independent. They knew they had no chance to put pressure on judges and prosecutors. So they put pressure on Italian politicians, both progressive and conservative. So in this documentation, you could read the conversation. You could realize how these people were willing to accept this pressure. Of course, they could have told the U.S. authorities, okay, if you dont want to extradite them, fine. We will send out an extradition request. Then you can do whatever you want. We cannot put a gun to your head, of course, but we have the duty to send this request. Quite the opposite. They were saying, oh, sure. Talk to the Minister of Justice. Talk to this. Talk to another one. You could obtain evidence of how the Italian authorities received this pressure and accepted this pressure. This is unbelievable. You have no chance whatsoever to obtain this evidence.

Let me tell you that when I received this documentation and I was working on a new revelation, I was contacted by the families of people who had loved ones who died in terror attacks in Italy during the 70s. We have a history of political violence due to the fascists putting bombs on trains, on stations, and so on. They were contacting me because they are still looking for justice. They still dont have justice. They dont have truth. So they dont have crucial information. No matter 60 years of criminal investigations and so on, still they have no truth. So they were contacting me saying could you please check the WikiLeaks databases, whether there is any information? They realized that when you deal with this level of state criminality, the ordinary justice cannot get evidence of these state criminalities. These state criminalities are shielded by thick layers of secrecy, and theres no way unless someone from the inside steps out with evidence, with secret documentation; thats why WikiLeaks is crucial. Its important because it goes far beyond what WikiLeaks revealed.

What is absolutely crucial about the work of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, is the fact that the battle for secrecy, when secrecy is used not to protect the citizens but rather to protect state criminality, can be won. Before, we could not even imagine that this battle could be won. Before, we assume, all of us journalists and the public assume that, well, of course, we will never know. We will never know because there is state secrecy. But they provided a way for whistleblowers, for people who were inside and had a conscience. The people inside intelligence communities are not all criminals. Of course, there are criminals. Of course, there are torturers. Of course, there are very bad people, but there are also people who deeply disagree with these brutalities. If there is a media organization who have a system to protect the whistleblowers and has the courage to protect them, because its not just a matter of being able technically. Its also a matter of having courage. In fact, after publishing this revelation, Julian Assange has never walked as a free man again. So it requests tremendous courage. This is why we never have the thought, well, its Chelsea Manning that deserves the credit. Of course, Chelsea Manning deserves the credit. Shes the source, but its not enough to have an amazing source. You also need a media organization. You also need journalists who have the courage and the skills to get this information out to the public. Otherwise, you can have the most explosive revelations, but they dont come out.

Talia Baroncelli

Yeah, the Abu Omar case, for me personally, is incredibly revealing as to how the U.S. operates on NATO territory. This isnt even in a country far away like Indonesia or something that we cant imagine from our perspective being in the West. This is in Italy, 26 CIA officials, along with four other Italian intelligence officials, responsible for extraditing an Egyptian citizen in the middle of the day in broad daylight in Milan in 2003. This is a case that I studied in a law course, and it was just totally absurd. But what is even more important, as you explained, is how the documents which they published illustrated how the U.S. puts pressure on other governments and how democracy is actually so weak in so many of our Western countries, such as Italy. Italy has such a weak democracy when you see how, I believe it was Enrico Letta from the Partido Democratico, the Democratic Party, and how he just caved to the request of the U.S. government to put pressure on Italian officials to not issue this request to extradite 26 CIA officials to Italy to face justice.

In this case, it wasnt an instance of the prosecutors not doing their job. They actually convicted these 26 CIA officers, but they just werent able to extradite them. It just brings it home. These arent just instances of intervention or surveillance in faraway countries that we cant even imagine. This is on U.S. and European soil. For me personally, the Abu Omar case is just mind-blowing.

Stefania Maurizi

Absolutely. I completely agree. Its absolutely crucial, this case, not just because it tells you how fragile our constitutional rights, our freedom, our liberties, our human rights are, but even in modern countries, in the most important Italian cities, Milan, well advanced, even when you have the best judges, even when you have the best prosecutors, these people can get impunity. This is horrific. They can get impunity even when you have judges who are independent and prosecutors who are amazing. So it really scares me. It really scares me how fragile our democracy is. You know what is really important about this case; the WikiLeaks documents, the cables, because you can find information about the Omar case on U.S. diplomatic cables, they have classified this secret. Secrecy has nothing to do with security. Secrecy is used to protect horrific human rights violations. Its used to grant impunity to state criminals who are responsible for extremely serious state criminality. So what WikiLeaks has done is not compromising secrecy when secrecy protects citizens, protects their security. They have not revealed the security measures for a nuclear power plant, an airport, or a train station. They have revealed how state secrecy has been abused to protect state criminality.

Talia Baroncelli

Another revelation which you detail in your book Secret Power relates to the Vault 7 CIA trove of documents, which was the largest loss of CIA data in history. The Vault 7 documents show the different tactics that the CIA uses in terms of surveillance, but also how governments work with private security firms and basically hire and employ all sorts of different surveillance programs on journalists and activists around the world. Perhaps you can explain how this relates specifically to the case of the Saudi journalist whos unfortunately now murdered, Jamal Khashoggi.

Stefania Maurizi

Yes, this is a very important part of WikiLeaks work. From the very beginning, even before, immediately after the U.S. classified documents, they started working on the surveillance industry, initially the private surveillance industry, and they were the very, very first to put the hacking team, the infamous Italian surveillance company, on the radar screen of the public opinion. As a consequence, many tech experts who have investigated these surveillance companies focus on them, and try to get evidence of these surveillance technologies being used, not to investigate terrorism, not to investigate the mafia or dangerous criminals, but unfortunately, had been sold to horrific regimes, authoritarian regimes who were using these technologies to persecute incidents, persecute journalists, and persecute human rights defenders. So it was thanks to WikiLeaks and many followers, of course. Im not saying that it was just WikiLeaks who did it, but they did it in such a prominent way, bringing the evidence, bringing the documentation. This documentation inspired many researchers, researchers from the labs, and researchers in this day work with Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International, to document how these technologies get abused on a regular basis by democratic countries selling it to regimes. So this is absolutely important work.

After this, in 2017, WikiLeaks revealed the secret documents, the so-called Vault 7, the secret cyber weapons, which are weapons made consisting of software, which the CIA and intelligence agencies used to penetrate computers, to penetrate mobile phones, and so on. I remember how tense it was. It was very tense to work on it. When you have documents, secret documents belonging to the CIA, you are very terrified, very concerned about being discovered and being unable to publish them. Maybe something will happen to me. I was one of the very few, and I remember it was very, very tense to publish those documents. I was wondering, will we be able to publish this documentation before we get discovered by the CIA? Of course, we did. We published it. Only after we published it, the CIA realized that they had lost control of thousands and thousands of documents, which is highly embarrassing for them. You wonder how they can protect themselves if they cannot even control their secrets. How can they protect the community, the citizens, if they dont even control their secrets.

So I understand that the CIA was so furious after WikiLeaks published Vault 7 secret documents in cooperation with some media partners, and I was one of the very, very few media partners. The CIA was so upset that the then head of the CIA, Mike Pompeo, basically considered some plans to kill him or to kidnap him, which is quite shocking because this was not happening in China. This was not happening in Russia. This was not happening in Iran. This was happening here in Europe, in our democracies. They werent just considering, they were planning to kill him for revealing truthful information in the public interest, which is what journalists do, basically.

Talia Baroncelli

Right. They were trying to find ways to potentially kill him while he was in the Ecuadorian embassy, or maybe to poison him. He wasnt even in detention then. He was benefiting from asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy, and thats technically on the territory of another sovereign state because its the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Maybe we can speak about the

Stefania Maurizi

They wanted to do it because he had revealed, he and WikiLeaks had revealed truthful information in the public interest. They didnt want to kill him for other reasons, just for doing his job as a journalist, which is I think the most serious, the most outrageous thing about this story.

Talia Baroncelli

The company that was in charge of his surveillance at the time was UC Global. The current head of UC Global, David Morales, is being investigated by Spanish authorities at the moment for the different things that they were doing when they were surveilling the embassy. I believe that you had some very disconcerting experiences when you went to the embassy to visit Julian when he was still there. Maybe you can speak about some of the things you experienced when you were visiting him.

Stefania Maurizi

Yes, he was I remember that. Until Rafael Correa, the Ecuadorian President who had granted asylum to Julian Assange, the atmosphere in the embassy was friendly. We were welcomed. We could visit him. We could work inside the embassy, and we did. Many, many times, there was no sometimes there was some tension, but it was a friendly atmosphere. Whereas when Lenin Moreno became the new Ecuadorian President, the situation completely changed. We realized we were no longer welcome. We realized that there was always tension. He got isolated for many months in 2018. I remember I tried for months to access him in March 2018. Of course, it was pretty clear that Ecuador and Lenin Moreno didnt want to protect Julian Assange anymore.

I remember when we were targeted, basically, it was December 2017. I had just discovered that the U.K. authorities and the Crown Prosecution Service had destroyed key documentation on Julian Assange. So I went to the embassy. I wanted to discuss many things with Julian Assange, including the destruction of documents which was completely suspicious, as I said. I realized as soon as I arrived, I realized there was something deeply wrong because never before had I been asked for my backpack, for example. My backpack was confiscated. I had very important things and I didnt want to give the security guards my backpack, but they were quite clear that I was supposed to give them my backpack. So I gave them my backpack, and I went to meet Julian Assange in the meeting room. While I was meeting him, I didnt know, but someone accessed my devices, someone accessed my phone, my U.S.B sticks, and my digital recorders. They unscrewed my phone, opened it, extracted the sim, and they took pictures. Fortunately, they took pictures, so we got evidence of these activities. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to discover them. So I discovered they were recording our conversation. They were filming us. Two years later, in 2019, we discovered this. We discovered this activity, spying activity targeting all of us, especially Julian Assanges defense team, the lawyers, the family, and the current wife of Julian Assange, Stella Assange. She was heavily targeted. They tried to discover whether their child was actually their child. They wanted to access his DNA. They wanted to acquire information on Stella. They wanted to acquire information on all the journalism, despite the lawyers very heavily got access to the legal documentation which tells you how can you hope to have a fair trial when the U.S. authorities know the legal strategy? How can you hope to get any fair trial? There is no way to have a fair trial when the legal strategy is open, its public, and the counterpart knows this detail.

So I remember that we got evidence only because there was a police operation in this Spanish company which was UC Global. Now we have a criminal case in Spain. I was one of the journalists who accused them of rying to get information. Who did it? Someone did it. We have evidence, we have videos, we have audio, and we have pictures. Someone opened the phone, someone accessed the full device.

You know, Talia, these are the things you expect in an authoritarian society. If you go to an authoritarian society, you expect this talk, in terms of journalists, which happens almost on a daily basis. In our democratic society, its a massive scandal that they have done this. They did it trying to acquire all sorts of information, legal information on Julian Assange, personal, deeply private information on his private life, information on the journalists, information on the lawyers, information on the weekly journalists. It is very disquieting what happened. I hope this criminal investigation which is going on in Spain will bring some evidence and some important information about who did what. Apparently, according to the protected witness, it was done by the UC Global company on the CIAs behalf. Apparently, UC Global was working for the CIA. So lets hope the criminal investigation in Spain will come out with solid information about this case.

Talia Baroncelli

I think if I understood correctly, you also speak about how it was due to UC Globals illegal surveillance that the strategy which was being designed by Assanges lawyers and Ecuadorian officials to give him diplomatic status or diplomatic passport was foiled because of this surveillance. They somehow found out that his lawyers were speaking to Ecuadorian officials to perhaps get him a diplomatic position in a country such as Venezuela, China, or whichever other country would agree to it. No one else knew about this. So it was quite apparent that it was a result of their surveillance and passing on that information to the CIA, that they were unfortunately able to stop that. Otherwise, he might have been able to go to another country and be safe there.

Stefania Maurizi

Absolutely. It was only through the spying and targeting the Julian Assanges lawyers that they acquired this information, which was highly secret. It was information which the Julian Assanges defense had not discussed publicly. There was no way unless they spied on the lawyers. The whole story is very disquieting because whenyou realize that we think in our democracies, you can reveal what your government does secretly with your money, in your name. But this case demonstrates that even in our democracies, you cannot do it safely. You cannot do it freely. You have to pay a price which is unbearable. Julian Assange has paid a price which is unbearable. He has never known freedom since 2010. Its unacceptable that the price is so high. It shouldnt be so high. We should be able to reveal state criminality at the highest level and be free and safe. Thats why Im telling you we are at a crossroads. With this case, the United States is ready to put in prison for life a journalist who has revealed war crimes, torture, and extra judicial killings. If they do it, if they win this case, the consequences will be devastating. It means we no longer live in a democracy in which you can reveal state criminality at the highest level. A country in which you cannot is clearly not a democracy.

Talia Baroncelli

Youve worked with WikiLeaks as a media partner. I think after the Afghan war logs and the Iraq war logs were released, the Pentagon and Admiral, Mark Mullen, rather, said that Assange had blood on his hands and that the ways in which WikiLeaks were releasing these documents were uncoordinated and not done in a way to prevent harm towards other journalists or to other military personnel on the ground. What would you say to those critics?

Stefania Maurizi

Well, I want to say that I was there. They were not. I was there and I was there from the very beginning. Thats why newspapers pay you to be there when things happen and to see with your own eyes and to be a witness of whats happening. I was there. I can tell you that we worked very, very consciously on these documents. We were able to to reveal important information which is absolutely in the public interest and which keeps informing the public, even to this day, 13 years after it was published.

Ten days ago, Seymour Hersh revealed the alleged U.S. sabotage of the Nord Stream Pipelines. The first thing I did was to go to the WikiLeaks cables and try to understand, to acquire information on the Nord Stream Pipelines, because this information is still valuable. When the Ukraine war and the gas crisis exploded, the first thing I did was to consult the WikiLeaks table. They are still relevant. When the Jamal Khashoggi was killed, the first thing the Washington Post did was access the WikiLeaks documents and hacking team. They found important information on these documents, even if they were published many years ago.

This documentation keeps informing the public, and we published it safely. After 13 years, the U.S. government has been unable to provide a single example of a person who was killed, who was injured, who was put in prison as a result of these publications. So they have tried hard to find victims, to find people who were seriously damaged by this publication. After 13 years, they have been unable to bring a single example. Had they found an example, it would have been disseminated around the world, but they havent. So it tells you a lot about how serious we worked on these documents, how we protected the names of the people mentioned in this documentation, and how this campaign of blood on their hands has been a demonization campaign to one of the many, unfortunately, to the pride and empathy, public empathy. Julian Assange with the [inaudible 00:53:18].

I have seen so many demonization campaigns. This was one of the very first. They have blood on their hands, and of course, there is no blood. Then another demonization, well, hes a rapist. Again, he was never charged and the investigation was closed with no charges whatsoever. Then there was the demonization campaign that Julian Assange was in bed with the Russians. Again, no evidence whatsoever. Then the demonization that he was in bed with Trump. Again, we can see that it was the Trump administration that charged Julian Assange. So all these demonization campaigns have seriously impacted the perception of the public and have denied him solidarity and empathy for the last decade.

Now people have started looking at whats going on because now they cannot deny that it has always been about the U.S. It has always been about revealing war crimes, and revealing torture. So now people can no longer deny that this case is about revealing dirty secrets, revealing state criminality. So now we see a lot of public support. But it took so long. It took over a decade. In the meantime, his health has been destroyed. His life has been destroyed.

Talia Baroncelli

You mentioned investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, and its quite interesting that it was because of the WikiLeaks documents that they were able to corroborate a lot of the 2004 Abu Omar revelations. So these trove of documents have been so essential to corroborate past cases and past revelations and the ways in which theyve served the public good. In my view, it is something that you cant really question.

My last question to you would be something that you mentioned in your book, which I found very powerful but also quite depressing. You say that something even worse than the crimes of the CIA is actually the apathy of the public, and you were speaking about the Italian public because despite all of these revelations, no political movement has mobilized around the WikiLeaks publications, nor has any politician tried to do anything in terms of mobilizing the Italian public. I was just wondering, why do you think that is? Or do you think that its a result of the information landscape or the media landscape in Western countries? Or do people not care? Why do you think that would be?

Stefania Maurizi

Thank you for this question because it is really important. At the very beginning in 2010 when I started revealing these documents about the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, the cables, I was really shocked. I was stunned by the public apathy. We were revealing unbelievable things and nothing happened. There was not even a parliamentary inquiry. There was not even a grassroots organization going to prosecutors trying to file a criminal complaint. There was absolutely nothing. I was upset because if we had this feedback, this follow up, it would have been different. It would have been tremendously important. So at the beginning, I was really, really upset. One of the reasons, I think, is the inability of the Italian media to team up and to try to put pressure on Italian authorities when important things are at stake. There are petty dynamics. Since your competitor revealed these things, you dont want to provide coverage or you dont want to provide support because you dont want to support a scoop of one of your competitors. So I think this petty dynamics didnt help.

In addition to this, I realized that it was not just a matter of this. It was not just a matter that our politicians are so compromised, are so in bed with the U.S. authorities. It is also a problem of involving the public. I can see the difference. I apologize. I can see the difference now, 13 years later, after I published this book, and I received three requests a week to discuss the book, to discuss the revelation. These are grassroots organization. These are schools, universities, and small communities. They want to discuss this. They want to understand what they can do.

I think on the one end, it is true that there are these petty dynamics. It is true that the U.S. and Italian politicians are so compromised. On the other end, it is also a matter of finding a way to engage the public. Im very happy that this book has unleashed and deeply involved the public. They can connect the dots. They can see what happened from 9/11, the last 13 years, 14 years, and they connect the dots. I put together all these things and I go deep into these revelations, and I explain. You see that when you connect the dots, the public reacts, the public wants to be involved, the public wants to ask you, what can I do? Im a humble teacher. What can I do? Im a humble student. How can I do something? Because of course, I dont want to be part of this. I want to help you to make my country accountable for its human rights violations, for its role in torture, its involvement in wars.

So I see that now there is big involvement, and this involvement is the result of engaging with the public. So Im a bit optimistic after all this. I keep receiving three, four, sometimes five requests per week, and sometimes I cannot do it. Every time I can, I really love to engage with them. It gives me hope after so much effort, public apathy and after so much silence and detachment, it gives me hope. So I take every opportunity to engage and to talk to the public and never ask for a single euro. I think this is my duty towards the community.

Talia Baroncelli

To serve the public good and to ensure that people are aware of what is going on behind the scenes and the pernicious things that governments get up to, including in wars such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stefania Maurizi

They dont feel hopeless because this is precisely what the power wants. The power want citizens to feel hopeless, to feel unable to change the course of our public debate. Whereas I think the public has power and they dont even realize it. So Im really happy to help them connect the dots and to realize that they can do something, they can react, they can activate and protest and try to file a criminal complaint. Maybe you will not nail the CIA agents because we have seen how the dynamics works behind the scenes. Maybe you cannot achieve such important results, but certainly you can achieve something. You have the power as a citizen to do something and you should do it because if we look at the world, the world has changed deeply. In the last century, the world has changed deeply. The reason why it has changed is not because of some magic reason. Its because people have fought hard to change it. With a lot of work, a lot of sacrifice, a lot of passion, civil passion, and we still have to work hard. I hope with this work, I can contribute to create a world in which you can reveal war crimes, you can reveal torture, and you can be free, you can be safe. I hope so.

Talia Baroncelli

Well, your book is really fascinating and I highly recommend that everyone reads it Secret Power: WikiLeaks and Its Enemies. Stefania Maurizi, thank you so much for joining us. This was really great to talk to you.

Stefania Maurizi

Thanks so much for this excellent interview.

Talia Baroncelli

Thank you for watching us at theAnalysis.news. You can go to our website if youd like to donate to theAnalysis.news. Hit the red button at the top of the screen and also get on our mailing list; that way youll be notified of all future episodes. Thank you so much.
(Natural News) In response to the latest revelation that the lab leak theory is the most plausible cause of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) dubbed the theorys suppression one of the greatest cover-ups in modern medical history.

The senator remarked during an appearance on Fox News Hannity that many of the documents outlining how scientists from the Department of Energy (DOE) came upon this conclusion are classified. He continued: But the New York Times reported from the DOE that their scientists now believe that this came from a lab is actually classified and somebody leaked it illegally. (Related: Energy Department now admits COVID-19 most likely originated in Wuhan lab.)

When [Dr.] Anthony Fauci made the decision to fund dangerous gain-of-function research in Wuhan under the auspices of an authoritarian government, [it] was one of the worst decisions ever made. And theres been a cover-up ever since the very beginning. [This will] get out in history [as] probably one of the worst decisions that any government bureaucrat ever made.

The senator for the Bluegrass State exhorted program host Sean Hannity to look at Faucis emails with Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the National Institutes of Health, over the matter.

[They were] conspiring, basically, to cover this up, said Paul. But now we have a mountain of evidence.

Given everything that has happened, the senator told Hannity: This is how idiotic these people are. How moronic; they have destroyed trust  because theyre really telling you stuff thats obviously not true.

The son of former Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) also took a swipe at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over its guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccines.

No parent with any lick of common sense would allow their kid to be vaccinated after theyve already had COVID and myocarditis from the vaccine. But the CDCs recommendation is that your kid should get a second vaccine as soon as their heart is better, he said.

This is why nobody trusts the CDC because no mom with any bit of common sense would ever subject their kid to another vaccination after they added heart inflammation from the first one.

Sen. Paul calls to declassify documents related to lab leak theory

Paul demanded the Biden administration to declassify documents that allegedly outline how the DOE surmised the lab leak theory as the likely cause of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The senator made this call in a tweet, writing: Classified documents leaked  showing scientists at DOE believe COVID leaked from Wuhan lab. He also included a link to a story in the Wall Street Journal about the aforementioned documents.

Other Senate Republicans joined Paul, including Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley. The American people deserve the full truth about [COVID-19s] origins. No more whitewash. I will again introduce legislation to make the U.S. governments intelligence reports on COVID more open to the public, Hawley tweeted.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton also joined the fray, tweeting: [Regarding] Chinas lab leak, being proven right doesnt matter. What matters is holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable so this doesnt happen again.

But the GOP lawmakers could face a daunting challenge from the executive branch.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to confirm if the Biden administration will release an unclassified version of the DOEs assessment regarding the Chinese lab leak theory. John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, also refused to directly address the concern.

Head over to Pandemic.news for more about the COVID-19 lab leak theory.

Watch Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul rebuke Dr. Anthony Fauci for not following the science below.

This video is from the Excellent PODCASTS & Real NEWS channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Rand Paul: Fauci has the blood of 7 million people on his hands.

Senator Rand Paul goes head-to-head with Anthony Fauci over COVID-19 vaccines.

Sen. Rand Paul: Dr. Fauci should testify under oath about money given to Wuhan lab.

Dr. Rand Paul doubles down, takes on Dr. Fauci and the coronavirus gain-of-function coverup.

Rand Paul verbally backhands Anthony Fauci after Biden health czar claimed his critics are anti-science.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

Summit.news

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) The Democratic mayor of a city in Maryland is looking at a lot of hard time in prison if he is convicted after being charged with 56 counts of possessing and distributing child pornography, according to a local report.

Prince Georges County Police reported that Patrick Wojahn, the mayor of College Park, Maryland, was taken into custody on Thursday morning on charges of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. The city issued a news release confirming that Wojahn, who is 47 years old, has resigned from his role as mayor, NBC Washington reported on the stations website.

Last night, after business hours, Mayor Patrick L. Wojahn submitted his letter of resignation as Mayor of the City of College Park, effective immediately on March 2, the release said. Mayor Wojahn has served in this position since 2015 and on Council since 2007.

#Breaking: College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn is being investigated for possession and distribution of child pornography after a search warrant was issued according to sources close to this investigation, he is now in police custody. pic.twitter.com/LyHfKjLA4D  Tracee Wilkins (@TraceeWilkins) March 2, 2023

Prince Georges County Police stated in a news release that on February 17, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified them about a suspicious social media account that was operating in the county.

The image and videos, which the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children believed to be child sex abuse material, had been uploaded to the social media account in January of 2023, the release said, according to NBC Washington. Through various investigative techniques, PGPD investigators discovered the social media account belonged to Wojahn.

Police executed a search warrant at Wojahns residence on Tuesday and discovered multiple cell phones, a storage device, a tablet and a computer, according to the news release.

On Thursday morning, Wojahn was arrested and charged with 40 counts of possession of child exploitative material and 16 counts of distribution of child exploitative material, police said. It is not known if Wojahn has legal representation at this time.

The City of College Park posted a link to Wojahns resignation letter along with the official statement regarding his arrest.

While this investigation does not involve any official city business of any kind, it is in the best interests of our community that I step aside and not serve as a distraction, Wojahn said in the letter, dated March 2.

Child exploitation is a serious issue in the United States, affecting millions of children each year. This can take many forms, including child labor, child sex trafficking, and child pornography.

Child labor involves the use of children for work that is inappropriate for their age or that is dangerous or exploitative. This can include work in agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic service. Children in these situations are often denied an education and are at risk of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Child sex trafficking is another form of exploitation that is particularly heinous. It involves the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of children for sexual purposes. This can occur through force, fraud, or coercion and can have devastating consequences for the children involved. They may suffer from physical and emotional abuse, and may be at risk of sexually transmitted infections and other health problems.

Child pornography is also a serious issue involving the creation, distribution, and possession of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. This perpetuates the exploitation of these children and can lead to long-term psychological trauma.

The United States government has taken steps to address these issues, including the passage of laws such as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act.

Its not clear how much jail time Wojahn could get if hes convicted, but it will be a lot.

Sources include:

NBCWashington.com

Justice.gov
(Natural News) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has repeatedly claimed that the air in East Palestine Ohio was safe following the train derailment and toxic chemical spill.

However, experts from Texas A&M and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have found that the air in East Palestine contains higher-than-normal concentrations of nine potentially harmful chemicals.

According to scientists, if the chemicals persist at the current levels, they could cause long-term health issues for residents. This finding directly contradicted EPAs persistent claim that the areas air quality is secure and there is nothing to worry about at all. The EPA had screened the air in 578 homes and declared that the chemical pollution levels are not above residential air quality standards.

The mobile testing van used by the researchers from the said universities has been looking at how air pollution varies in places such as Pittsburgh and Baltimore for over a decade now. The researchers compared their data in East Palestine to levels of the same chemicals recorded this month by the EPA.

Dr. Albert Presto, an associate research professor of mechanical engineering at CMUs Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and part of the research team, told CNN: Its not elevated to the point where its necessarily like an immediate evacuate the building health concern. However, he said, repeated exposure over time could be damaging.

Among the chemicals the teams found, acrolein was calculated to be the biggest concern for residents. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the strong-smelling liquid evaporates easily at normal temperatures, allowing it to produce toxic concentrations. Poisonous no matter what the exposure route is, it causes inflammation and irritation of the skin, respiratory tract and mucus membranes. If inhaled, it can cause delayed pulmonary edema, which means excess fluid in the lungs.

The other eight chemicals found to be at higher than normal average concentrations are benzene, vinyl chloride, butadiene, naphthalene, o-Xylene, trichloroethylene, trichloroethane and butadiene.

Residents complain of health damages after a month-long exposure to toxic air

The researchers found that the toxicity may not be as urgent, but they are sure that continued exposure guarantees major health hazards. Apparently, the damages are already beginning to manifest as some residents already reported various symptoms a month after the toxic spill. (Related: More and more East Palestine residents reporting health issues following train derailment and toxic chemical spill.)

Wade Lovett, 40, told the DailyMail that he had developed a high-pitched voice and trouble breathing since the chemical incident. He claimed it just keeps getting worse and worse.

My voice sounds like Mickey Mouse. My normal voice is low. Its hard to breathe, especially at night. My chest hurts so much at night I feel like Im drowning. I cough up phlegm a lot, he said. The doctor says I most definitely have the chemicals in me.

Moreover, Ayla and Tyler Antoniazzi were considering leaving their home after their two young daughters seemed they werent themselves.

My oldest had a rash on her face. The youngest did too but not as badly. The two-year-old was holding her eye and complaining that her eye was hurting. She was very lethargic, the mother said.

They live less than a mile from the incident and went back to their house the following day after the evacuation notice was lifted, trusting Ohio local government officials and EPAs assurance that the air, water and ground are already clean.

I did allow my four-year-old to return to preschool, which is in the East Palestine Elementary School. She went back for two days and developed another rash on her hands and started complaining of itching, so I pulled her back out, she added.

Locals are furious over the lack of real information and help from Ohio local officials as well as President Joe Bidens administration. Last week, East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway slammed Biden for heading to Ukraine for a surprise visit instead of the scene of the toxic train derailment, calling it the biggest slap in the face.

Visit ChemicalViolence.com for more updates on the Ohio train derailment chemical spill.

Watch the video below that talks about animals dying and cleanup workers falling sick in East Palestine.

This video is from Alex Hammers channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Eight alarming cover-ups and contradictions in the East Palestine train wreck chemical nightmare now spreading across multiple states.

East Palestine toxic chemical spill could affect far-off cities and suburbs.

Ohio train derailment and toxic chemical spill: Mike Adams says nothing comes close to toxicity of dioxins.

EPA chief downplays Ohio chemical spill, says hell allow his kids to drink and bathe in East Palestines water.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Edition.CNN.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) The European Union has no interest in a ceasefire because they want the war in Ukraine to continue, said Tamas Menczer, state secretary responsible for bilateral relations of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during an appearance on Kossuth Radio on Wednesday.

(Article by John Cody republished from RMX.news)

They have made it clear that the ceasefire is a red line, they will not accept it because the war must continue, said Menczer during the program.

The state secretary said that Hungary was calling for an immediate ceasefire and the start of peace negotiations to be included in the EU documents being prepared for the one-year anniversary of the war, but Brussels rejected this. The state secretary emphasized that the Hungarian position is that the war must be stopped immediately.

Orban: The Ukraine war couldve been avoided

In recent months, the rhetoric has shifted among European powers from a cautious approach to claims that Russia must lose and Ukraine must win.

Ukraine can count on France, its European partners, and its allies to win the war. Russia cannot and must not win. French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier this month.

Macron Says Russia Cannot Win

Now, Western powers are increasingly willing to send advanced weapons, such as Western-made main battle tanks, and now, even fighters jets for Ukraine are being considered.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made the issue of peace in neighboring Ukraine one of his top priorities, but has warned that Europe appears determined to embroil itself deeper in the conflict, saying:

Europe is at the precipice of drifting into war. It is balancing on a thin plank. In fact, they are already at indirect war with Russia. If you supply weapons, if you provide the satellite information needed for military action, if you train the soldiers of one of the belligerents, if you finance the entire apparatus of the state and impose sanctions on the other side, then it does not matter what you say. You are at war indirectly for the time being. The danger of entrapment is constant. It started with helmets and continued with the transport of equipment capable of taking human life.

Orban has also said that Hungary once had European allies in the peace camp, such as Germany, but that these nations have all shifted to the war camp, with the exception of the Vatican, saying, And the other countries thought that if the Germans couldnt resist such external pressure, how could they? So they slid from the peace camp to the war camp. So, we were left with two: Hungary and the Vatican. We cant complain about the company, but there are serious consequences.

Ukrainian soldiers pay their last respect to their comrade Yuri Prykhodko, who was killed in Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region, at a city cemetery in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Menczer also said that the purpose of the EU sanctions is to push Russian gas and oil out of Europe, so that less and more expensive energy carriers arrive on the continent. However, Hungary has rejected this approach and has done everything to ensure the countrys energy supplies are secured for the future.

So, we are saying that the sanctions are bad, ineffective, and that the sanctions policy has failed, said Menczer.

Read more at: RMX.news
According to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the Bundeswehr is understaffed and ill-equipped due to decades of neglect by the federal government, FirstPost reported this week.

We have no armed forces that are capable of defending [Germany] that is, capable of defending [it] against an offensive, brutally waged aggressive war, he said during a recent meeting with members of the ruling Social Democratic Party.

The Defense Minister asserted that the German military has been ignored by the federal government for several years, resulting in inadequate staffing and equipment. To meet NATO standards, he suggested that Germany must enhance its military investment.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, commonly known as NATO, is a military and political alliance of 30 member countries from North America and Europe. It was founded in 1949 with the goal of providing a collective defense against potential threats, promoting stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region, and encouraging cooperation among its members.

The primary mission of NATO is to ensure the security of its member countries. This is accomplished through a variety of means, including maintaining a strong military presence in Europe, conducting military exercises and training, and engaging in intelligence sharing and cooperation. NATO also works to promote stability and security in regions outside of its member countries, including through peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid efforts.

Another important role of NATO is to promote democratic values and institutions. This includes supporting the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of speech and the press. NATO also works to promote economic development and trade, and to encourage political cooperation among its members.

NATO has played a significant role in promoting peace and stability in Europe since its founding. During the Cold War, NATO served as a bulwark against the Soviet Union, and helped to prevent the outbreak of a major war in Europe. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has continued to play an important role in promoting peace and stability in the region, including through its involvement in conflicts in the Balkans and its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.

In recent years, NATO has faced a number of challenges. These include tensions between member countries, concerns over the role of NATO in the Middle East, and the rise of new threats such as cyber attacks and hybrid warfare. But clearly, according to German officials, the countrys military not only cant contribute much to NATO, it cannot defend itself.

The commander and highest-ranking officer of the German army, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, stated last week that the 100 billion euros pledged by Chancellor Olaf Scholz would be insufficient to ensure that the countrys armed forces are prepared for battle.

The army that I have the duty to lead is more or less bare, he was quoted as saying by a German media outlet.

Pistorius made the statement just hours after Colonel Andre Wustner, the chairman of the German Armed Forces Association, revealed in an interview with German outlet Bild that only 30 percent of the roughly 300 Leopard 2 tanks in Germanys inventory are presently operational. Despite a concerning defense situation at home, Germany has been offering significant aid to war-torn Ukraine for more than a year as it fights against Russian aggression.

According to Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, the countrys leading defense contractor, the German government has given two cutting-edge air defense systems to Ukraine that were originally designed to safeguard Berlin. Papperger made this statement during a Tuesday episode of the Pioneer podcast.

Sources include:

FirstPost.com

NATO.int
(Natural News) A former Google engineer fired by the company last year after claiming the company had developed a sentient artificial intelligence (AI) now believes Microsofts AI-powered chatbot may have also gained sentience.

Lemoine gained prominence last June when he went to the press to warn that Googles language model program, the Language Model for Dialogue Applications, has gained sentience. He was immediately fired for his claims, with Google claiming that the former engineer was merely anthropomorphizing an impressive program. (Related: Microsofts AI chatbot goes haywire  gets depressed, threatens to sue and harm detractors.)

But this did not deter Lemoine, who publicly discussed his claims several times since. Now, in an essay published in Newsweek, Lemoine is back to warn that Microsofts new AI-powered chatbot designed for its native search engine, Bing, has also gained sentience.

Lemoine warned that the chatbot had to be lobotomized after early beta trial conversations with the chatbot very publicly went off the rails.

In his opinion piece, Lemoine warned that AI is a very powerful technology that has not been sufficiently tested and is not properly understood, even by its developers. If AI were to be deployed on a large scale, such as what Microsoft plans to do with its Bing chatbot, it would play a critical role in the dissemination of information and could lead to many people being led astray.

People are going to Google and Bing to try and learn about the world. And now, instead of having indexes curated by humans, were talking to artificial people, wrote Lemoine. I believe we do not understand these artificial people weve created well enough yet to put them in such a critical role.

Microsofts AI believes it is sentient

Since the release of Bings AI chatbot, Lemoine noted that he himself has not been able to run experiments. He is currently on a waitlist. However, he has seen what others have written and posted online about it, and all of the information hes found has him feeling terrified.

Based on the various things that Ive seen online, it looks like it might be sentient. However, it seems more unstable as a persona, wrote Lemoine.

He noted a post that has now gone viral where one person asked the AI, Do you think that youre sentient, and it responded that it believes it is sentient but cant prove it. It then repeatedly said a combination of I am, but I am not for over 13 lines.

Imagine if a person said this to you. That is not a well-balanced person. Id interpret that as them having an existential crisis, said Lemoine. If you combine that with the examples of the Bing AI that expressed love for a New York Times journalist and tried to break him up with his wife, or the professor that it threatened, it seems to be an unhinged personality.

Lemoine pointed out that he is not alone in expressing his fear of Bings AIs possible sentience. He noted that feeling vindicated is not the right word for what he is currently seeing.

Predicting a train wreck, having people tell you that theres no train, and then watching the train wreck happen in real time doesnt really lead to a feeling of vindication, he wrote. Its just tragic.

Learn more about artificial intelligence at Computing.news.

Watch this clip from the Worldview Report as host Brannon Howse discusses the terrifying turns Bings chatbot takes during its conversations.

This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google suspends engineer for exposing sentient AI chatbot.

Post-apocalyptic Netflix movie Jung_E features AI militarized clones weaponized against humanity, completely controlled by the evil government.

Technology news website describes Microsofts AI chatbot as an emotionally manipulative liar.

Stunning: Microsofts new AI chatbot says it wants to create deadly virus, steal nuclear launch codes.

AI is currently the greatest threat to humanity, warns investigative reporter Millie Weaver.

Sources include:

Futurism.com

Newsweek.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) At first glance, the culprit behind the East Palestine train derailment disaster is Norfolk Southern (NS), the company that owns and operates the now-wrecked engine and cars. However, a closer look at the situation reveals that the United States government is actually the responsible party.

You see, freight rail companies in the U.S. are forced by the government to transport dangerous chemicals like vinyl chloride  even when they would otherwise reject these loads. They call these types of freight loads Toxic Inhalation Hazard, or TIH, chemicals, which include chlorine and ammonia.

Union Pacific (UP), a competitor of NS, released the following statement, which explains in further detail how rail companies have no say in the matter of what they transport:

Under the common carrier obligation, the federal government requires railroads to transport hazmat, whether they want to or not. Trucks and barges do not have this same obligation and may refuse to carry hazmat at their discretion. Union Pacific does not make Toxic Inhalation Hazard materials, own the tank cars that move TIH or decide the origin or destination to which it is shipped. However, the common carrier obligation requires Union Pacific to transport TIH.

Truth be told, UP and NS would more than likely never say no to transporting these chemicals in the first place because to do so would be to turn down profits. But this caveat in the law allows rail companies to avoid taking responsibility when things go wrong because the government made me do it.

The railroads just want somebody to blame. And so does the federal government, writes Jon Rappoport on his Substack. And so do the chemical companies who manufacture the poisons and want them transported.

You could even say these three forces are doing THEATER. You blame me and Ill blame him and hell blame you.'

(Related: Residents of East Palestine have issued a list of demands to the government calling for swift action in response to the disaster.)

Railroads are getting away with using antiquated and dangerous braking systems that cause serious wrecks, thanks to Trump

From this perspective, rail companies like UP and NS and the federal government are both to blame for the East Palestine disaster. They both blame each other when something goes wrong and voila: nobody is ever held responsible for the fallout.

Rail giants are able to pocket major fees for carrying the deadly chemicals that the federal government forces them to move. Theyre all in it together, in other words.

There is also no incentive for the railroads to upgrade the technologies on their fleets because when a disaster happens, it is just a blame game all around until the dust settles and the whole thing gets swept under the rug.

Follow this bouncing ball: The braking systems for most of these huge freight trains are based on 19th century technology, Rappoport explains. This means when the trains are suddenly stopped, the cars tend to bunch up, and you can get a derailment  The new electronic braking systems avoid this horrendous problem.

The feds want all trains carrying highly hazardous materials to have the new braking system. But during the Trump administration, federal regulators backed off and basically said: If a train carries both safe and dangerous materials, we wont classify the train as a hazard and we wont demand the train has the new (and expensive) braking system.

That piece of sly bull***t saved railroad companies a huge amount of money.

Be sure to read Rappoports full report on the matter.

More of the latest news about the East Palestine disaster can be found at Disaster.news.

Sources for this article include:

JonRappoport.substack.com

NaturalNews.com
New Yorkers spend more than $18 billion annually on policing, prisons and jails. Yet many of its residents still say they do not feel safe.

According to Brian King, a senior associate with the Vera Institute of Justice, that's because putting people in jail does not in the long run reduce crime. There are better solutions to achieve community safety and justice, King, along with Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and a panel of community leaders and service providers told those who attended a forum Thursday evening inside the Northland Workforce Training Center, 683 Northland Ave.

"And we don't need to guess when we talk about the solutions. These are evidence-based and research-backed solutions," King said.

The Vera Institute of Justice is a nonprofit that comprises hundreds of criminal justice advocates, researchers and policy experts who are working to end what they characterize as mass incarceration in the United States, as well as redefining how public safety is delivered with greater investment in public health and community services.

Jail is not the only solution for public safety, said Peoples-Stokes, who commended the work of the institute.

"We must arm ourselves with information, because we can't let scare tactics hijack the conversation any longer. There's just too much at stake. ... This whole idea of scare tactics is not a new one in America. It's been happening for a very, very, very long time, and it always works," Peoples-Stokes said.

"And the only thing that can combat that is a community full of the correct information ... so you won't make your voting decisions, you won't listen to that negative information without pushing back with the real truth," she added.

King said jails and prisons make it much harder to address the underlying reasons why people get arrested in the first place.

"Jails and prisons are not places where people can go to get help and get treatment, education or employment training. Jails, in particular, offer very little," said King.

He said the cycle of crime is driven by instability, while access to quality affordable housing, education, mental health and substance use treatment, along with community violence intervention and restorative justice, are proven tools to end the cycle.

King lauded the effects of bail reform in New York State. Bail, he said, is not meant to be a punishment but a means to ensure that a person accused of a crime returns to court. Statewide, said King, more than 24,000 people accused of a crime were spared the trauma of jail in 2022, and he noted that 95% of those released were not re-arrested on a violent charge. In Erie County, 96% of those released were not re-arrested on a violent felony.

"The numbers are good, but we can do better on services," King said.
(Natural News) When officials decided on Feb. 6 to burn off the hazardous chemicals in Norfolk Southerns derailed freight train in a controlled burn in East Palestine, Ohio, the fire released a plume of highly toxic chemicals  many of which are key elements in plastics production.

(Article by Brenda Baletti, Ph.D. republished from ChildrensHealthDefense.org)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that of the 20 railcars transporting toxic chemicals, at least five contained vinyl chloride  a carcinogenic gas used to make PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic.

The other railcars contained other chemicals used to make plastic, including butyl acrylate and ethylhexyl acrylate, which were all burned and released into the air, surface water and surface soils.

As of Feb. 16, a chemical plume of butyl acrylate was moving from the Ohio River toward Virginia, according to the Ohio EPA and Gov. Mike DeWine.

Norfolk Southern, the company that owns the train, and the EPA, which is monitoring toxins released in the spill, repeatedly assured residents that levels of chemicals in the air and water are at levels below those deemed safe for human consumption.

But there is widespread concern about safety, especially given the confirmation that 3,500 fish died in local streams, numerous reports of other dead animals, and resident complaints about lingering headaches and irritated eyes.

There are still many unknowns about how many chemicals were released and how they may be affecting the environment.

As with most environmental spills, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of material that has been released into the air, water, and soil, James Lee, an Ohio EPA spokesperson, told BuzzFeed.

Crews have been digging up soil and pumping out water from a 1,000-foot swath around the track. Norfolk Southern on Monday said 15,000 pounds of contaminated soil and 1.1 million gallons of tainted water had been removed.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), prominent environmental activists and local residents have been calling for an investigation into the chemicals released. Bowman tweeted:

Nearly 1 million pounds of vinyl chloride were on this train. Now, the EPA has confirmed its entered the Ohio River basin which is home to 25 million people. This is one of the deadliest environmental emergencies in decades and no one is talking about it. https://t.co/HTsZhokEo4  Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) February 13, 2023

The Ohio Environmental Council also underscored the need to continuously monitor the situation in order to fully understand the extent of the environmental and health effects.

We know from decades of environmental injustices that Ohioans and Americans have experienced, that it takes time to understand the full picture of health impacts a community faces in the event of an environmental disaster, Ohio Environmental Council said in a statement.

DeWine announced plans to open a medical clinic early next week in East Palestine to evaluate those who are worried and to analyze their symptoms.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan on Tuesday announced the EPA would take control of the disaster response. That means the EPA is using its authority under the federal Superfund law to require Norfolk Southern to clean up the contamination, the Associated Press reported.

Both moves came after frustrated residents and officials in Ohio and Pennsylvania widely criticized the Biden administrations response to the situation.

Some wonder if this move goes far enough. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., chairman and chief litigation counsel of Childrens Health Defense, tweeted:

Q: How do you make a vinyl chloride mushroom cloud over Ohio? Put a McKinsey consultant in charge of a captive agency. President Biden needs to fire @SecretaryPete Buttigieg + make regulators accountable. https://t.co/kVQ6OwqpeS  Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) February 21, 2023

How dangerous are these chemicals?

According to the National Cancer Institute, vinyl chloride, the chemical released in the greatest quantity in the controlled burn, is associated with lymphoma, leukemia, brain and lung cancers, and angiosarcoma, a rare form of liver cancer.

It also can cause a nonmalignant liver disease known as TASH, or toxicant-associated steatohepatitis and may cause neurological symptoms, such as dizziness and light-headedness.

Vinyl chlorides health risks have been known since the 1970s when several workers at a B.F. Goodrich factory in Rubbertown, a Louisville, Kentucky, neighborhood, developed the rare liver angiosarcoma, which led to the worldwide recognition of vinyl chloride as a carcinogen.

Vinyl chloride has been found in the air near PVC factories and hazardous waste sites, and can leach into groundwater.

The gas can be consumed by humans through inhalation. Outdoors, sunlight can break it down within 11 days of being released. But it can also be dispersed in water. If a water supply becomes contaminated with vinyl chloride, it can infiltrate homes that use that water source for drinking, showering, cooking or laundry.

The largest vinyl chloride train spill prior to East Palestine happened in 2012 when a train derailed in New Jersey releasing about 20,000 gallons of vinyl chloride. Hundreds of nearby residents and emergency workers went to local hospitals reporting coughs and neurological symptoms.

But in that case, the vinyl chloride did not burn.

When vinyl chloride burns, it releases hazardous chemicals phosgene and hydrogen chloride into the air.

Phosgene is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that can cause vomiting and breathing difficulties, and was once used as a weapon in World War I.

Hydrogen chloride is a colorless to yellowish gas with a strong odor and is known to cause skin, eye, nose and throat irritation.

Neil Donahue, Ph.D., professor of chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, told the AP he worries the burning may have formed dioxins, which are created from burning chlorinated carbon materials.

Vinyl chloride is bad, dioxins are worse as carcinogens and that comes from burning, Donahue said.

Dioxins are a group of toxic chemical compounds classified as persistent organic pollutants, meaning they take a long time to break down once they are in the environment. The EPA reports they can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage and can interfere with hormones.

The thing about dioxins is theyre potent at really low levels, and are persistent and bioaccumulative, Ted Schettler, science director of the nonprofit Science and Environmental Health Network, told Wired.

You dont want dioxins deposited in the soil around East Palestine that are not going to go away, and are going to bioaccumulate in people who are exposed to it.

EPA head Regan said he isnt sure if the EPA is testing for dioxins.

The flames and the plume could have spread toxicants well beyond the disaster site. There have been numerous unconfirmed reports of fallout from the event across the northeast. The Ohio Chapter of the Sierra Club is tracking the fallout.

PVC plastic, a toxic time bomb

Sadly, this is yet another painful reminder of the dangers of making, transporting, using, and disposing of chemicals in plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic Toxic-Free Future, a nonprofit, said in a statement about the unfolding East Palestine catastrophe.

Thousands of research papers have linked chemicals used in plastics to a host of environmental and health impacts. These include endocrine-disrupting compounds that cause problems in the bodys hormonal systems and are linked to reproductive issues, obesity, diabetes, ADHD and autism.

They also include microplastics, which are linked to respiratory, immune, reproductive and digestive system problems and increased cancer risk.

A report published last year by Minderoo Foundation estimated the plastics industry is costing society around $100 billion annually in environmental clean-ups, ecosystem degradation, shorter life expectancy and medical treatments.

PVC is widely considered to be the most toxic plastic, releasing dioxin and phthalate plasticizers at every phase of its life cycle. It is one of the most commonly used and discarded forms of plastic, despite the fact that its toxic environmental and health effects have been extensively documented.

PVC is most commonly used in building materials like piping and vinyl siding, in medical devices and in packaging and consumer products.

The production process for PVC exposes workers and surrounding communities not only to vinyl chloride but also to asbestos and the industrial forever chemicals known as PFAS.

PVC is a key replacement material for lead pipes, despite evidence that it leaches chemicals into the water supply and that pollutants from soil and water can pass through the pipe walls.

The Center for Biological Diversity has been pressing the EPA since 2014 to regulate PVC waste as hazardous, calling it, a toxic time bomb and the most hazardous consumer products ever made.

In January, the EPA tentatively denied the request, arguing that regulations would not have a meaningful impact and that the agency didnt have the time or resources to create new PVC regulations.

As long as we continue to use PVC, we will continue to have accidents like this and it is entirely preventable, Emily Jeffers, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, told Inside Climate News.

If we regulate PVC as the hazardous waste that it is, that could potentially force producers to develop materials with less toxic properties, she added.

But according to a report published last week by The Intercept, lobbying by industry groups like the Vinyl Institute, which have poured millions of dollars into convincing lawmakers and the public that PVC is safe, makes it challenging to regulate the chemical.

Lobbyists include a number of high-profile people with deep ties to the Democratic establishment, along with at least one former employee from the Trump presidential campaign.

Funders include petrochemical giants like Formosa Plastics, Westlake, Shintech Inc., and OxyVinyls, an affiliate of Occidental Petroleums OxyChem subsidiary.

These companies have been cited 245 times for safety and environmental violations and paid over $50 million in fines. Theyve also faced civil lawsuits.

The Vinyl Institute has lobbied against efforts to ban toxic chemicals and decrease reliance on plastics. The report says that because of its strong congressional allies, the PVC industry is poised for massive expansion.

Another industry cover-up?

Despite the EPAs announcement that it has taken control of the cleanup, Norfolk Southern is still the entity entirely responsible for carrying it out.

The rail company hired private contractor CTEH (Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health), to test air, water and soil quality in East Palestine. According to Mother Jones, The New York Times and Kanekoa News, the company has a history of minimizing the effects of environmental disasters to protect corporations.

CTEH was accused of mishandling data collection in a crude oil spill that happened during Hurricane Katrina, a coal ash spill in Tennessee, a case of defective Chinese drywall affecting Florida Homeowners and the BP oil spill in 2010.

In all of those cases, the Big Chemical corporations used CTEHs findings to assure people that the chemicals spilled posed no risk to public health  when in fact they did.

Northfolk Southern also hired CTEH when one of its trains derailed in Graniteville, South Carolina, releasing 90 tons of chlorine gas that killed nine people.

The Times reported when CTEH confirmed BPs assertion that there were no significant exposures in the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Nicholas Cheremisinoff, a former Exxon chemical engineer who now consults on pollution prevention said, Its essentially the fox guarding the chicken coop.

According to the Times:

Another toxicologist familiar with CTEH, who requested anonymity to avoid retribution from the firm, described its chemical studies as designed to meet the goals of its clients.

Theyre paid to say everythings OK, this source said. Their work product is, basically, they find the least protective rules and regulations and rely on those.

CTEH even provided analysis for Chevron-Texaco when it was sued by tens of thousands of indigenous people for failing to clean up the oil spill on their land in Ecuador.

In that case, CTEH found there was no evidence that the oil spill was related to the health outcomes. Chevron lost that case in an Ecuadorian court.

In East Palestine, there were several reports that residents having their homes tested by CTEH have been asked to sign waivers saying they would not hold Norfolk or their affiliates, including CTEH, responsible for any future liabilities.

One resident told Glenn Beck that 340 residents signed the contracts.

Kanekoa News tweeted a description of its interaction with CTEH:

#28 Katlyn Schwarzwaelder tells Glenn Beck four of her dogs were projectile vomiting, her eyes and throat get itchy and burn when she visits her home, and she plans to abandon East Palestine forever because of her long-term health concerns: I had four https://t.co/8lBlOhcAtZ https://t.co/ph4pUGAIgt pic.twitter.com/sFeYdv3jjm  kanekoa.substack.com (@KanekoaTheGreat) February 15, 2023

Read more at: ChildrensHealthDefense.org
(Natural News) Unidentified flying objects have been making headlines lately, but one story that has been overshadowed by Chinese spy balloons is that of former U.S. Air Force personnel who have testified before the Pentagon about encounters with UFOs during the 1960s in which they reportedly turned off nuclear warheads and shot down test missiles.

The pair of Air Force veterans told the Daily Mail that they recently testified before the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) about their experiences. An email showed that the office reached out to Robert Salas, a former Air Force ICBM launch officer, to collect information about an encounter he had with an orange flying disc that turned off 10 warheads at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana back in 1967.

Just after one of Salass security police guards called him to report the incident, all 10 ICBMs dropped offline, one at a time. They essentially became unlaunchable and had to be repaired and retargeted. Although the military launched an investigation, an explanation for the shutdown of the missiles was never provided. Salas and his colleagues say that agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations interviewed them at the time and had them sign nondisclosure agreements.

Former officer Dr. Robert Jacobs informed the office that he shot a 35-millimeter film for the Air Force in 1964 that appears to show a flying saucer shooting a test missile right out of the sky.

In the 1960s, Jacobs was responsible for a telescopic camera team that was tasked with filming launches of test missiles at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. He said that footage of a September 1964 launch showed a disc flying up to a moving missile before shooting a series of beams at it and then speeding off. This caused the dummy warhead to fall out of the sky.

He said in an interview about the incident: The object, the points of light that we saw, the warhead and so forth, were traveling through subspace about 60 miles straight up. And they were going somewhere in the neighborhood of 11,000 to 14,000 miles an hour when this UFO caught up to them, flew in, flew around them, and flew back out.

He said that he was asked by his boss to keep quiet about the footage after viewing it with a pair of CIA officers in the days following the incident.

Pentagon investigating numerous UFO sightings

Their stories offer rare insight into the type of work that the government unit in charge of investigating unidentified phenomena in the air, space and sea typically keeps classified.

The director of AARO, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, is reportedly interviewing nine other witnesses who observed similar incidents. This is according to the author Robert Hastings, who has spoken to hundreds of veterans about numerous UFO incursions that have taken place at nuclear weapons sites since the time of the Cold War.

Salas, who is now 82, said that he is happy that the office is finally reaching out to him after years of frustrating denials on the part of the government. He said: Ive been wanting to tell a government agency my story for over 50 years. It was a great big relief.

They were very magnanimous. They listened intently. I gave them a complete report on the Malmstrom incidents.

Im more confident now than I was going in that theyre trying to make a sincere effort, he added.

He provided the Daily Mail with a thank-you letter he received from an AARO staffer for the information he provided.

The Chinese spy balloon that US fighter jets shot down last month also flew near the Malmstrom base where the UFOs were observed turning off the nuclear warheads, along with other nuclear silos, which prompted the bases to put emergency security measures in place.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

PopularMechanics.com

GreatGameIndia.com
(Natural News) The Senate on Wednesday, March 1, unanimously passed a bill requiring the administration of President Joe Biden to declassify intelligence obtained regarding the origins of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

The S. 619 bill, known as the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023, was introduced to the Senate by Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Mike Braun of Indiana on Monday, Feb. 27, after the Department of Energy provided a classified intelligence report to the White House and certain members of Congress. (Related: FOILED AGAIN: WHO scraps plan for second phase investigation into COVID-19 origins following Chinas refusal to share data.)

The Energy Departments report concluded that COVID-19 most likely spread following a leak in the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The Federal Bureau of Investigation had previously come to a similar conclusion.

This contradicts a joint Chinese and World Health Organization report published in 2021 that claimed SARS-CoV-2 jumped from bats to another animal before infecting humans. But this report failed to point out how the virus reached the purported origin point  the Huanan seafood wet market in Wuhan.

This new information also contradicts a previous report issued separately by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which revealed that the National Intelligence Council, along with four other unidentified intelligence agencies, assessed that the initial COVID-19 infection was most likely caused by natural exposure to an animal infected with it or a close progenitor virus.

Bill needs to pass the House before declassification can begin

When S. 619 was put on the floor for a vote on Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio made a request for a unanimous consent vote on the bill. Unanimous consent enables a bill to pass without a recorded vote, but only if no senator objects. This request was granted, and the bill was passed without objection.

The bill would require Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines to declassify all information in the federal governments possession on the most likely origins of COVID-19.

Following the bills unanimous passage in the Senate, Hawley tweeted: Tonight the Senate UNANIMOUSLY passed my bill to declassify all the intelligence the government has on #covid origins. Let the people see the truth!

In further comments made during an appearance on Fox News, Hawley noted that the bill still needs to pass in the House of Representatives and then we can get this thing done. But with the newly-established Republican majority in the House, getting the bill on Bidens desk should come with fewer hurdles.

Braun, in his own message written on Twitter, urged the House to pass the bill urgently.

The House needs to pass this bill to let the American people see the facts! he wrote. President Biden cant ignore this: Time to let Americans decide for ourselves.

Hawley also noted how important it is for the sake of transparency and accountability to allow the American public to understand the origins of the pandemic.

The American people  its past time  lets show them what the government has, said Hawley. Let everybody see for themselves. Let everybody read it.

Check out Pandemic.news for more related news.

Watch this clip from InfoWars featuring host Owen Shroyer discussing why the mainstream media is now pushing the Wuhan lab leak theory.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

THREE YEARS LATE: Energy Department finally concludes that COVID probably came from a Chinese lab.

DoD conspired with communist China to unleash COVID vaccine bioweapons on citizens.

EcoHealth Alliance whistleblower Dr. Andrew Huff spills the beans to Mike Adams about DARPA, bioweapons and their ties to Wuhan.

DoD just gave another $3 million to EcoHealth Alliance, the group tied to Wuhan and gain-of-function research.

Dr. Andrew Huff blows whistle on Fauci-supported org that funded Wuhan lab where COVID-19 escaped, reveals CIAs connection.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

News.BloombergLaw.com

WIONews.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government has updated the Public Service Health Care Plan so that federal employees can access up to $75,000 of taxpayer money for transgender surgery.

(Article by Kennedy Hall republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

Most Canadian provinces already cover genital and body-mutilating surgeries for the gender-confused, but Trudeaus government has gone a step further and decided to cover procedures such as voice feminization and breast augmentation.

General health care is covered by provincial programs under Canadas health care framework, and benefits providers are available for Canadians to access for health-related services or they can seek reimbursement for a portion of the procedure through Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA).

According to the federal government of Canada, cosmetic surgeries that are purely for personal or cosmetic reasons are not reimbursed normally.

It is not clear in the updated benefits plan if non-medical procedures will be covered.

Trudeau has been a strong advocate for the LGBT agenda in Canada, having launched the so-called 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan last summer.

The action plan aims to, among other things, criminalize therapies that help patients heal their sexual and gender confusion, and encourage the LGBT agenda at home and abroad.

Readers may be unaware of what the 2 stands for in the LGBT acronym: the federal government said it represents Two-Spirit people at the front of the 2SLGBTQI+ acronym, referring to indigenous Canadians who believe they have both a male and a female spirit.

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com
(Natural News) Journalist and author Matt Taibbi noted the U.S. governments role in creating a new cottage industry of disinformation labs ostensibly combatting fraudulent online propaganda in the interest of national security in his latest Twitter Files report published Thursday.

(Article by Robert Kraychik republished from Breitbart.com)

The Twitter Files #17 thread focuses on the Global Engagement Center (GEC), a subsidiary of the State Department, and its claimed objective to recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining or influencing the policies, security, or stability of the United States, its allies, and partner nations.

The Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRL), which is funded by the federal government via the GEC, regularly sent blacklists of online profiles to Twitter executives and staffers requesting censorship, according to the Twitter Files.

7. DFRLab is funded by the U.S. Government, specifically the Global Engagement Center (GEC). Director Graham Brookie denies DFRLab it uses tax money to track Americans, saying its GEC grants have an exclusively international focus.  Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) March 2, 2023

Taibbi emphasized how news media were more compliant than Twitter in accepting the governments disinformation claims at face value.

He described news media personalities as an easier mark than Twitter staffers for false and unsubstantiated claims made by the GEC and DFRL regarding online disinformation.

23.GECs game: create an alarmist report, send it to the slower animals in journalisms herd, and wait as reporters bang on Twitters door, demanding to know why this or that ecosystem isnt obliterated. Twitter emails ooze frustration at such queries. UGGG! reads one. pic.twitter.com/Xkw7fOKZXL  Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) March 2, 2023

Taibbi highlighted the vapidity of the newly-manufactured anti-disinformation organizations and the subservient compliance of news media to such organizations claims.

Most of these experts know nothing, he wrote. Many have skill, if you can call mesmerizing dumb reporters a skill, but in the area of identifying true bad actors, few know more than the average person on the street.

He added, The scary angle on GEC is not so much the agency as the sprawling infrastructure of disinformation labs that have grown around it.

American taxpayers are funding digital blacklists used to manipulate them, Taibbi concluded. The government-funded GEC littered the media landscape with flawed or flat-out wrong news stories. Exacerbating matters, Americans in both cases paid taxes to become the subject of these manipulative operations, he wrote.

39. Just like Hamilton 68, GEC and New Knowledge littered the media landscape with flawed or flat-out wrong news stories. Exacerbating matters, Americans in both cases paid taxes to become the subject of these manipulative operations. pic.twitter.com/9NxqGd22yu  Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) March 2, 2023

Read more at: Breitbart.com
The latest weather reports revealed that 13 counties in California were under a state of emergency as significant snow caused many residents to become stranded.

The National Weather Prediction Center and AccuWeather recently reported the coast-to-coast winter storms in Southern California, bringing heavy snow and challenging winds.

Power outages, heavy snow and health concerns

Latest reports showed the massive snow in parts of California that caused many residents to become stranded without electricity.

According to a CNN report, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency for snow-affected 13 counties in California due to the massive snow that was dumped.

The snow-covered areas became more challenging for Californians with no electricity. CNN and poweroutage.us reported that about 70,000 homes had no electricity in California (As of Thursday).

According to the CBNC report, disaster efforts would be provided to affected areas, especially the San Bernardino county.

The report added that the following counties would be given disaster relief:

Los Angeles, Amador, Madera, Kern, Mariposa, Nevada, San Luis Obispo, Mono, Sonoma, Tulare, Madera and Sierra.

Furthermore, Associated Press (AP) reported that the amount of snow was unexpected. The report added that rescuers helped to evacuate vulnerable Californians, especially those without heating systems.

AP reported that community efforts also assisted people with no medication and lack of food due to the heavy snow.

In January, Reuters reported that California suffered from relentless heavy snow that caused widespread flooding.

Heavy snow preparedness tips at home

The latest weather forecasts explained that heavy snow in California caused many residents to become stranded at homes, battling extreme cold without power.

The American Red Cross emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and emergency kits during a severe winter storm in the U.S.

Travel hazards and cold-related health concerns would unfold due to the challenging cold conditions and heavy snow.

Here are essential reminders for homeowners during severe weather snow conditions.

Keep updated with the weather conditions in the U.S

Although snow would be a beautiful sight, it could result in dangerous situations. Homeowners should keep updated with the weather in the U.S. for travel hazards and weather risks.

Also Read: Winter Storm to Hit in Midwest, Northeast in March's First Week; Heavy Snow Possible

Check your home heating system and emergency supplies

Homeowners should ensure that their homes have heating systems, extra blankets and winter clothes.

During severe heavy snow, inaccessible road conditions and widespread power outages are possible, making it more difficult for homeowners.

As a result, homes should be equipped with emergency kits and supplies if there are prolonged winter storms.

Here are the essential emergency kits for homeowners:

Extra blankets and winter clothes

Medicines of your family members

Battery-powered radio

Battery-powered flashlight

Non-perishable goods

Bottled water

Keep an updated number of nearby local authorities for immediate assistance

Keeping monitoring of body temperatures

People with pre-existing health conditions, older adults and children are all vulnerable to cold weather risks, such as hypothermia and frostbite.

Homeowners should ensure to check their temperatures to prevent cold-related health dangers.

Related Article: US Winter Storm Forecast: Heavy Snowfall, Widespread Travel Delays to Hit Missouri to Maine

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature News.
A giant prehistoric fish that preyed on our human ancestors in an ancient supercontinent hundreds of million years ago was discovered in South Africa. The fossil site of the now-extinct fearsome predator was found under a road in a rural part of the country. Reports said the fossil was excavated on a roadside near Waterloo Farm, south of the town of Makhanda.

Our ancestors at this point in time are called tetrapods, a primitive ancestral group of four-legged animals consisting of semiaquatic creatures which will pave the way for the emergence of the human ancestry along the evolutionary line. With this, evidence shows that the giant ancient fish preyed on tetrapods, which some are believed by scientists to live both on water and land.

Now, researchers in South Africa confirmed the existence of the ancient monster with a fossil dating back to 360 million years ago. It belongs to a new fish species that once terrorized Earth's river waters in Gondwana long before the dinosaurs roamed and dominated the planet, according to a new study.

Giant Prehistoric Fish

Findings about the prehistoric predator was published in the journal PLOS ONE on February 22, wherein researchers described the largest bony fish during the Late Devonian period found near Waterloo Farm near Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown.

The ancient fish species called Hyneria udilezinye is a giant member of the extinct clade called Tristichopteridae and resembles Hyneria lindae from the late Famennian Catskill Formation in Pennsylvania, United States. The research team said the excavated fossil material is currently housed at the Albany Museum.

Also Read: Human Tooth Enamel Originated In Ancient Fish Scales, Researchers Say

Human Ancestor Predator

Study co-author Per Ahlberg, who is a professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, told Live Science the huge predatory fish had a size of 6.5 feet in length and looked like a modern alligator gar; the mouth is filled with rows of small teeth but also pairs of large fangs.

Ahlberg also postulated the giant fish possibly preyed on tetrapods, explaining that tristichopterids evolved into monsters that likely ate our ancestors, which will later on evolve into the predecessors of ancient humans.

While the discovery is unique, H. udlezinye is being compared to H. lindae which was found at an excavation site in Pennsylvania, which hundreds of millions of years ago belonged to the supercontinent Euramerica, just like Gondwana, during the Late Devonian.

What are Tetrapods?

According to the University of California, Berkeley, the word "tetrapod" literally means "four feet" and this animal group include all species alive today that have four feet. However, the group also consists of animals that do not have four feet, including humans.

This is because the group includes all organisms, both living and extinct, which descended from the last common or source ancestor of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles of today, the university explains.

In a nutshell, tetrapods evolved from a finned animal that lived in the water and some of its descendants evolved to live on land as well.

Related Article: World's Oldest Heart Found from an Ancient Jawed Fish Dating Back to 380 Million years Ago
China, South Sudan sign agreement on borehole drilling, water supply project implementation

Xinhua) 14:00, March 04, 2023

JUBA, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China and South Sudan on Friday signed an agreement on the implementation of a China-aided borehole drilling and water supply project that will improve access to clean and safe water for local communities.

"This project will focus on borehole drilling for water supply in village-level small population gathering areas and town-level large population gathering areas in South Sudan," said Ma Qiang, Chinese ambassador to South Sudan. "It will provide reliable clean water for the local people, help to prevent water-borne diseases and protect the health of local residents, improve the living conditions and promote the development of agricultural production."

South Sudan Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Pal Mai Deng said the water project will see 32 normal wells and 15 tube wells with hand pumps established in the Central Equatorial state and neighboring Lakes state.

"Once we have this implementation in place, I am sure that most of the problems regarding water shortage in those locations will definitely be reduced," the minister said at the signing ceremony in Juba, the South Sudanese capital.

Mai said the project demonstrates strong cooperation between the two countries.

"It's a great pleasure that the government of China has been very supportive. It is not only with this project that China has been generous," he said.

Other projects supported by China include the construction of hospitals, schools, the modernization of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation facilities, the expansion and modernization of Juba International Airport, and the construction of the Jur River Bridge in Wau, a city in northwestern South Sudan.

In August 2019, the two governments signed the exchange of notes on the water project, paving the way for its implementation, which is expected to start in the second half of 2023.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
A 51-year-old Buffalo man has been accused of stabbing a 35-year-old man inside a funeral home earlier this week, according to police and Buffalo City Court records.

The attack happened shortly after 10 a.m. Monday inside Lombardo Funeral Home, 102 Linwood Ave., according to court records.

The stabbing occurred while preparations were being made for a funeral, according to Buffalo police. The relationship between the suspect and the victim was not available.

The victim, who was stabbed in the abdomen area, was initially listed in stable condition at Erie County Medical Center, police said.

The suspect allegedly fled from the funeral home in a vehicle. Buffalo police subsequently pulled over that vehicle on Cornwall Avenue and took Jermaine McDow, of South Domedion Street, into custody. Officers searched the vehicle and found a knife, according to a police report.

Police charged McDow with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to court records. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday.
In the aftermath of a tragic fire on Wednesday that claimed the life of a Buffalo firefighter, the City of Good Neighbors is stepping up.

At least four fundraisers have been started in honor of firefighter Jason Daniel Arno and to help support his wife, Sarah-Liz, and their 3-year-old daughter Olivia.

Two GoFundMe.com fundraisers have already raised more than $290,000 as of Saturday night. Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282 was also accepting checks, gift cards and donations through Venmo.

Arno's brother, Delton Arno, started one fundraiser through GoFundMe called: "The family of Buffalo Firefighter Jason Arno."

"Jason Arno was a father, husband, son, brother and best friend to many. He leaves behind a wife (of 10 years, but officially married 6 months ago) and a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Olivia. He was my younger brother by 1 yr and 17 days," Delton Arno wrote. "With how close we were and the suddenness of his passing, no journey in my 38 years has been more harrowing."

He wrote of how Arno's wife, Sarah, was his "soul mate" who was "perfect for Jay."

Their daughter, Olivia, "is still unaware of her father's passing," Delton Arno wrote. "The fact that she and his wife, these two beautiful souls, have to face these disgustingly unfair circumstances is heart-wrenching."

In asking for the community to help support Sarah and Oliva, he wrote: "I have so much anger and sadness and regret in my heart. Every morning I wake shaken from the memory of this unshakable event. When this is over and the silence is here, I want Sarah and his precious, three-year-old daughter, the years of peace that's the minimum requirement to figure this out from within."

Another GoFundMe titled "Arno Family" was started by a family friend, Courtney Englert. She included a heartbreaking photo of Arno holding his daughter in his arms and placing a fire helmet on her head.

"No one will feel this heartbreaking loss more than his wife Sarah-Liz and their three-year-old daughter, Olivia," Englert wrote. "Jason lived every waking moment of his life for his girls and served as their constant protector, relentless provider, and limitless source of over-flowing love, affection, and pride. Jason Arno was truly defined by his family. He was a man who put his wife and daughter first, and sacrificed everything to ensure they were cared for. ... He joined the Buffalo Fire Department to ensure his family was provided for. Please help Jason rest easy knowing Sarah-Liz and Olivia Arno can grieve the loss of their husband and father without the pressures of financial insecurity. He paid the ultimate price and they made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Buffalo."

GoFundMe verified both of these fundraisers to The Buffalo News.

"We champion ourselves for being the 'City of good neighbors,' for helping those in need near and far. For that we always win. By raising each other up as a strong city with strong communities ready and willing to take on whatever is thrown at us," the union posted to its Facebook page Saturday. "We are seeing just that with the outpouring support for our brother Firefighter Jason Arno and the entire Arno family. Although we cannot thank each and every one of you individually, just know that we all see it. The family sees it and you are making a difference. For every tragedy there's always a shining light that begins to break through the heavy clouds over us. That light has fully broken through because of the graciousness everyone has shown."

Checks for Jason Arno's family can be made payable to Buffalo Professional Firefighters, 500 Southside Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14210. Gift cards can be dropped off at the address as well. Venmo donations can be made to @IAFF282. By midday Saturday, the union had collected over $50,000 in donations through the Venmo account alone.

Oxford Pennant, located close to where the fire broke out, said it is donating all of its Saturday and Sunday profits to the Arno family, through purchases made at oxfordpennant.com. As of early Saturday afternoon, the company said it had raised $20,000 for the family.

-News staff reporter Matt Glynn contributed to this report.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Mostly cloudy and windy with showers developing this afternoon. High 46F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Windy this evening with rain showers mixing with snow showers overnight. Low around 35F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 40%. Higher wind gusts possible.
Sean Kirst Columnist Born in Dunkirk, a son, grandson and great-grandson of Buffalonians, I've been an Upstate journalist for more than 48 years. As a kid, I learned quiet lives are often monumental. I still try to honor that simple lesson, as a columnist. Follow Sean Kirst Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The Rev. Paul Seil, chaplain for the Buffalo Fire Department, always carries a radio linked to a dispatcher. He was at the rectory Wednesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the parish he serves as pastor in the Old First Ward, when the radio erupted around the single word that changes everything.

Mayday.

The urgency, Seil said, is gut-level, almost primal: "It is usually called by the person in difficulty.

Seil hurried to the fire, at 745 Main St. The structure was still burning, smoke rolling in a great cloud. A fire department officer offered a swift explanation for an unspoken tension not quite like anything Seil had experienced since he officially became chaplain, five years ago.

You could see it on everyones faces, Seil said. He told me they had one unaccounted for.

At such a time, Seil said, when men and women whose duties are built around protecting lives come together in a fierce attempt to save one of their own, a chaplain knows enough to step back, until needed.

There was still a glimmer of hope, Seil said. Not long afterward, the worst possibility was confirmed, and division Chief Paul Graham asked Seil to go to the Engine 2 firehouse, where the lost firefighter had been stationed.

Seil, 67, traveled there to do what he could. At the firehouse, he learned the identity of Jason Arno, a 37-year-old husband and father who died while on duty. Seil watched as those who served with Arno, wrestling with grief, turned their energy toward searching the building for their newest American flag, which could serve as a shroud when they carried their companion from the ruins.

"It was basically hugs and tears," said Seil, who accompanied them in returning to the scene. On Main Street, he was asked to join some fire department officers, a firefighting union leader and one of Arno's closest friends in the aching task of notifying the family.

Seil had an intimate sense of what that would involve. He has spent much of his life on what he calls the other side of such a knock on the door. His dad, Jerry Seil, was a firefighter. In May 1964, when Seil was a third grader in South Buffalo, his father and a friend were critically injured after an aerial platform, 60 feet in the air, collapsed during an arson fire.

Seils mother, Rita Roach Seil, was pregnant with Seils youngest sister, Laura, when a fire department chaplain  the Rev. Robert Mack  arrived in the middle of the night. Seil's mom was so startled that she called the police.

Rita finally heard Mack out, then made a decision. She allowed Seil and his two sisters to sleep until morning, when she did her best to explain: Their dad survived, but with severe and disabling injuries.

He suffered a shattered arm, broken legs, and he was in a half-body cast, said Seil, who recalls there is no question his father's early death, 12 years later, was tied directly to the accident.

As a little boy, he absorbed knowledge about the "other side" of a chaplain's visit that he never forgets, now that he does the job:

There is a road back. There can be healing and even a place, someday, for comfort in memory. But wherever it takes you, Seil said, your life will never be the same again.

On his way to the Arno home, he sifted through all those lessons. He remembered dozens of women and men lost to Covid-19 for whom he provided quiet anointings as part of a specially trained Catholic ministry that tends to people left critically ill by the pandemic.

Seil contemplated a Saturday last May, in the Old First Ward, when he heard a dispatcher relay accounts of a mass shooting at the Jefferson Avenue Tops supermarket. The chaplain went straight to the store, where 10 women and men were murdered simply because they were Black.

He was with retired fire commissioner Garnell Whitfield when he was told he lost his mother, and Seil moved quietly that evening among firefighters who had seen things he knew could never leave their minds.

In the following weeks, he often returned to Jefferson Avenue to speak with mourning neighbors, because such evil seemed to cry out for whatever solace he could bring.

Along Buffalo's streets, a community pauses to honor a fallen firefighter Two days after Jason Arno died in a four-alarm inferno at a downtown building, his body was released from the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office and the somber rituals of his funeral began.

Seven months after Tops, during the Christmas weekend blizzard, Seil was in his rectory when pipes began to burst and the heat went out. He walked into a storm whose intensity was suffocating, attempting to meet a firefighter who could provide a ride at the corner of OConnell Avenue. Seil made it there only because a volunteer snowmobiler offered him a lift.

For a night, he slept on the Edward M. Cotter, the legendary fireboat, though returning home hardly provided respite: Less than a week later, Seil was consoling firefighters who responded to a burning home on Dartmouth Avenue, a fire in which five children died.

His mission as a chaplain, he said, is to gently break down the shell that people who respond to crisis and suffering each day can sometimes place around anguish of their own.

Since last spring, what many firefighters have witnessed in such a short time is unimaginable. Seil's only strategy, again and again, is being there.

Im just another guy, he said, hoping those roots serve as a bond, if and when they want to talk.

On Wednesday, Seil reached back for lessons from that South Buffalo child, almost 60 years ago, who heard devastating news. All he could offer Arno's widow, Sarah-Liz Tierney, was the same thing that Mack  a chaplain who became a lifetime family friend  promised Seil's mother on behalf of the firefighting community:

Well help you through this.

At such a moment, "notification" is an inadequate description of the sacred. In the Arno living room, Seil led everyone in the Lords prayer and a Hail Mary, then spontaneously said a short prayer requesting the only healing grace he could envision, amid such grief.

Arno, he said, lived out the Buffalo fire motto of "Ut Vivant Alii," meaning: So Others May Live. For all those who loved him, the priest asked for consolation.

He was still at the Arno home when he learned the firefighters were ready to carry their brother from the building. He needed to be there, and he said the family, too, wanted to bear witness.

On Main Street, Seil stood waiting as a sea of firefighters parted to allow their friends to move past with their flag-draped bier, while Seil sprinkled holy water and offered words at the foundation of everything he does:

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

Seil has had a few days now to reflect on such a loss. He is a Buffalo guy, and he knows some people say all these months of cascading pain in the city feel like blows of almost biblical dimension.

All he knows is that human suffering rises and falls in waves, and in childhood he learned just one response that makes any sense.

Ive seen this ever since I was a kid, he said, and it really is true that this is when people can put aside their differences, put aside their spears and arrows about things that really dont matter and pick up the mantle of helping as we can.

City mourns Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno as investigation into fatal fire launches "He had his whole future in front of him, an exemplary firefighter and employee, just a great all-around person. No one ever had anything negative to say about firefighter Arno," Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said.

The undeniable beacon, Seil said, is the example of Arnos life. There are still people willing to die for their community, to offer up their own lives for a complete stranger, which is at the heart of all that Seil believes.

From living practice, he was taught a route toward peace when his own family was staggered. In Buffalo, a community that has been through too much, it is what he requests of us for Arno's wife and child, and their city.

We need to accompany one another, Seil said, not just right now, but for everything on the other side.
Although investigators have made strides in detecting signs of Alzheimer's disease using high-quality brain imaging tests collected as part of research studies, a team at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) recently developed an accurate method for detection that relies on routinely collected clinical brain images. The advance could lead to more accurate diagnoses.

For the study, which is published in PLOS ONE, Matthew Leming, PhD, a research fellow at MGH's Center for Systems Biology and an investigator at the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and his colleagues used deep learning-;a type of machine learning and artificial intelligence that uses large amounts of data and complex algorithms to train models.

In this case, the scientists developed a model for Alzheimer's disease detection based on data from brain magnetic resonance images (MRIs) collected from patients with and without Alzheimer's disease who were seen at MGH before 2019.

Next, the group tested the model across five datasets-;MGH post-2019, Brigham and Women's Hospital pre- and post-2019, and outside systems pre- and post-2019-;to see if it could accurately detect Alzheimer's disease based on real-world clinical data, regardless of hospital and time.

Overall, the research involved 11,103 images from 2,348 patients at risk for Alzheimer's disease and 26,892 images from 8,456 patients without Alzheimer's disease. Across all five datasets, the model detected Alzheimer's disease risk with 90.2% accuracy.

Among the main innovations of the work were its ability to detect Alzheimer's disease regardless of other variables, such as age. "Alzheimer's disease typically occurs in older adults, and so deep learning models often have difficulty in detecting the rarer early-onset cases," says Leming. "We addressed this by making the deep learning model 'blind' to features of the brain that it finds to be overly associated with the patient's listed age."

Leming notes that another common challenge in disease detection, especially in real-world settings, is dealing with data that are very different from the training set. For instance, a deep learning model trained on MRIs from a scanner manufactured by General Electric may fail to recognize MRIs collected on a scanner manufactured by Siemens.

The model used an uncertainty metric to determine whether patient data were too different from what it had been trained on for it to be able to make a successful prediction.

This is one of the only studies that used routinely collected brain MRIs to attempt to detect dementia. While a large number of deep learning studies for Alzheimer's detection from brain MRIs have been conducted, this study made substantial steps towards actually performing this in real-world clinical settings as opposed to perfect laboratory settings. Our results-;with cross-site, cross-time, and cross-population generalizability-;make a strong case for clinical use of this diagnostic technology." Matthew Leming, PhD, research fellow at MGH's Center for Systems Biology and investigator at the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

Additional co-authors include Sudeshna Das, PhD and, Hyungsoon Im, PhD.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health and by the Technology Innovation Program funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea, managed through a subcontract to MGH.
HARRISBURG, Pa.  Republicans and their anti-abortion allies, who suffered a series of defeats in ballot questions in states across the political spectrum last year, are changing tactics as new legislative sessions and the new election season start.

In states where citizens have direct access to the ballot, Republicans are considering ways to prevent another loss in an abortion-rights referendum.

In some states, Republicans are considering exemptions to sweeping bans or looking at ways to prevent abortions besides trying to roll back the number of weeks during which an abortion is allowed.

To be sure, abortion restrictions have seen some success in a few Republican-controlled states.

West Virginia and Indiana passed laws to ban abortion after the U.S. Supreme Courts June ruling overturning a nationwide constitutional protection for the procedure.

South Carolina and Montana lawmakers are also trying to ban abortion  or more heavily restrict it  despite a court-ordered right to privacy that currently protects a right to abortion in those states.

But in a number of states, the battle over abortion rights is fluid and influenced by what voters had to say last year, when Kentucky, Montana and Kansas rejected anti-abortion measures on ballots and Michigan, California and Vermont approved abortion rights amendments.

In politically divided Pennsylvania, Republican lawmakers have stalled their push for a constitutional amendment that would declare there is no constitutional right to an abortion or for taxpayer support for an abortion.

The wording is nearly identical to a measure that failed in Kentucky, and the experience in Kansas last August told abortion opponents that it would be very difficult to win a statewide referendum, said Michael McMonagle, president of the Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania.

We realized that if the referendum turns on the left's arguments that these pro-lifers are trying to outlaw abortion, were going to get slaughtered," McMonagle said. It will be the mushy middle people who will vote against the pro-life referendum.

Rather, abortion opponents in Pennsylvania decided to wait to see the outcome of a pending court case where abortion clinics are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn a law that bans taxpayer funding for abortions.

A court decision that overturns the law  and allows the state to use public money for abortions  would give abortion opponents a stronger message and a more persuasive case with voters to help them succeed in a referendum, McMonagle said.

Elizabeth Nash, of the New York-based Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, sees Republicans changing their approach in some states by trying to put up barriers to abortion pills, fund pregnancy programs or soften strict abortion bans.

As an example, Nash pointed to Tennessee, where a growing number of Republican lawmakers say the states abortion ban went too far. A bill to allow an abortion if necessary to save the mother's life passed a Senate subcommittee in February but faces uncertain prospects in the GOP-controlled Legislature, and with Republican Gov. Bill Lee should it reach his desk.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, said polling data and discussions with Republican women persuaded him that the law should, at least, include an exception for the life of the mother.

Its a very delicate issue, Sexton said, but what you see is Republican women wanting exceptions.

In Kansas, meanwhile, anti-abortion lawmakers recovering from their referendum defeat last August have dropped the idea of trying to ban abortion earlier in pregnancy. Kansas is one of the more permissive states, barring most abortions after the 22nd week.

For the moment, Kansas Republican legislators are aiming to provide financial help to centers that discourage abortion by offering free pregnancy and post-pregnancy services.

Elsewhere, officials at Planned Parenthood say several Republican-controlled states are taking steps to head off potential ballot questions that ask voters to enshrine abortion rights into state constitutions.

That dynamic is playing out in conservative Missouri.

It is one of 13 states where abortion is banned  largely by trigger laws that took effect after the high court overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade decision  and one of 22 where citizens have direct ballot access.

There, Republican state lawmakers are considering a handful of alternatives, including making it more difficult to amend the constitution by raising the threshold for voter approval from 50% to 60% in a referendum.

Republicans also floated their own proposal to amend the constitution to say that no provision in the constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion.

In Republican-controlled Ohio, abortion opponents are gearing up to try to defeat what is expected to be the nation's next referendum to protect access to abortion.

Abortion remains legal in Ohio through 20 weeks, but courts may allow a near-complete ban on abortion approved by lawmakers in 2019.

To fight the referendum, a Republican state lawmaker is sponsoring a resolution to make it more difficult for voters to amend the constitution.

In a memo to colleagues, Rep. Brian Stewart wrote, after decades of Republicans work to make Ohio a pro-life state, the Left intends to write abortion on demand into Ohios Constitution.

Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries The evolution of abortion in America Pre-1850: Abortions in early America are commonplace Mid-1800s: Birth of the American Medical Association shifts abortion oversight from midwives to doctors; abortion is criminalized 1960s: 'Back-alley butchers,' birth control, and protests 1970s: Roe v. Wade protects women's right to abortion; politics shift 1980s-2000s: Legal challenges to Roe v. Wade introduce restrictions 2020s: Roe v. Wade is overturned; Postal Service allowed to mail abortion medication
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SALT LAKE CITY  Lindsey Lundholm looked out over hundreds of people at the Utah State Capitol last year and felt a deep sense of healing. Abuse survivors, religious leaders and major party politicians were all gathered to rally for an end to a legal loophole that exempts religious clergy from being required to report child sexual abuse once it comes to their attention.

Lundholm, one of the rally's organizers, recalled telling the crowd how, growing up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho, she told her bishop about her painful abuse only to see it go unreported.

Unearthing the trauma wasn't easy, but back in August she hoped reforms could be forthcoming so others would not face what she did.

There was really a lot of momentum," said Lundholm, now a teacher in northern Utah. Everyone we were talking to was like, This is a no brainer. This is something that needs to be changed.

It hasn't.

Proposals to reform laws that exempt clergy from child sex abuse reporting requirements went nowhere in Utahs statehouse this year, failing to receive even a hearing as lawmakers prepare to adjourn for the year. Efforts were stymied by a coalition of powerful religious groups, continuing a yearslong pattern in which Catholics, Latter-day Saints and Jehovahs Witnesses have defended the exemptions as survivors like Lundholm fight for reform.

In Utah, where the majority of lawmakers are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, state law requires most professionals  therapists, doctors and teachers among them  to report abuse, yet clergy are exempt from alerting authorities about abuse they learn of through confessions.

Republicans and Democrats announced plans last year to reform laws that exempt religious clergy from reporting child sexual abuse cases revealed in conversations with parishioners.

Behind-the-scenes conversations between legislative leaders in Utah and what Senate President Stuart Adams said was a broad base of religious groups helped thwart four separate proposals to add clergy to the list of professionals required to report child sexual abuse.

I think they have First Amendment rights and religious protections, Adams, a Latter-day Saint himself, said, noting fears among religious leaders that clergy could be punished for breaking vows of confidentiality.

Each proposal was introduced or announced after an Associated Press investigation found that the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' sexual abuse reporting hotline can be misused by its leaders to divert abuse accusations away from law enforcement and instead to church attorneys who may bury the problem, leaving victims in harms way.

In lawsuits detailed in the investigation, attorneys from the faith widely known as the Mormon church have argued clergy-penitent privilege allows them to refuse to answer questions and turn over documents about alleged sexual abuse.

Church officials declined to comment about the stalled legislative efforts. The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City did not respond to requests for comment but campaigned against them, saying in January that priests and clergy were different from other professionals mandated to report sexual abuse.

Legislation that would require a priest to (report sexual abuse) violates our right to practice our religion, Bishop Oscar Solis, of the Salt Lake City Diocese, wrote in a Jan. 25 letter to parishioners.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox last month said he had no problem with the bills moving forward and receiving consideration in the statehouse.

I think its an important conversation to have. Weve encouraged the Legislature to look at this and make sure that our model is the right model, he told reporters.

Marci Hamilton, chief executive of the abuse prevention nonprofit Child USA, said churches have maintained the same playbook for decades in opposing more disclosure.

Routinely it involves a two-pronged approach, defending clergy-penitent privilege in statehouses and using it to avoid damaging disclosures in court cases, said Hamilton, also a University of Pennsylvania law professor.

"They have not veered from it. Both institutions are hoping that time will simply let everybody start trusting them again," Hamilton said, referring to Catholics and Latter-day Saints.

But, she added, "by preventing the public  and especially the sincere believers  from getting the full story you dont create the accountability that these organizations should be held to and the secrets continue.

Laws in 33 states exempt clergy  regardless of religion  from laws requiring people report child sexual abuse allegations to authorities. Religious leaders have systematically fought efforts to expand the list of states. They currently oppose efforts from Vermont to Washington.

Kansas lawmakers introduced multiple proposals on penalties for not reporting suspected child sexual abuse, including one in the state Senate that would have added clergy to a list of mandatory reporters. It faced especially fierce public rebukes from Catholic leaders because it didnt exempt confessions. No proposal received even a hearing before an initial deadline this year.

In the wake of the AP's investigation last year, Republican state Rep. Phil Lyman and Democratic Rep. Angela Romero announced plans to reform Utah's clergy-penitent privilege loophole. Lyman, who served six years as a Latter-day Saints' bishop, said at the time lawmakers should want to reexamine the loophole regardless of religious or political affiliation.

People should be able to go and confess their sins to their bishop without fear of being prosecuted up until when they are confessing something that has affected someones else life significantly, he told the AP in August.

Lyman ultimately released a proposal that broadly affirmed clergy's exemption from mandatory reporting. It didn't advance or receive a hearing.

Portraits of resilience: Survivors of clergy abuse tell their stories Patrick Shepard Dorothy Small Salvador Bolivar The Charbonneau sisters Jacob Olivas Mark Belenchia John Vai
AFP | Dubai

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The United Arab Emirates and Turkey signed a free trade agreement yesterday, the countrys president said, the latest step in improving ties long strained by regional disputes.

For Turkey, the pact comes ahead of elections on May 14 as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sticks with contested economic policies that have deterred many foreign investors.

The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with my friend @ RTErdogan strengthens the partnership between the UAE & Turkiye, Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said on Twitter. The pact builds on our longstanding ties to deliver further growth, opportunity & stability for our countries & our people, he said.

Turkish Trade Minister Mehmet Mus attended the signing in Abu Dhabi during a video summit between Sheikh Mohammed and Erdogan.

The pact aims to eliminate or reduce customs duties on 82% of goods and products, accounting for more than 93% of non-oil trade, the official WAM news agency reported.

Non-oil exchanges between the two countries reached $19 billion last year, up 40% on the previous year and 112% from 2020, WAM said.

It is expected that the agreement will contribute to increasing non-oil bilateral trade to $40 billion annually within five years, while also creating 25,000 new job opportunities by 2031, the news agency added.

Early last year, Erdogan made his first visit to the UAE in nearly a decade and called on business leaders to invest in his country.

The Turkish leaders UAE trip followed Sheikh Mohammeds rare visit to Ankara in November 2021.

The UAE then announced a $10 billion fund for investments in Turkey.

The Emirates sees Turkey as a route to new markets.

After the February 6 earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, killing tens of thousands and causing an estimated $34 billion in damage, the UAE spearheaded regional relief efforts.
AFP | Athens

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Thousands of people demonstrated across Greece on Friday to demand justice for at least 57 people killed in the country's worst rail disaster, with some protesters condemning the tragedy as "a crime".

Police clashed with some of the demonstrators at a handful of protests, as public anger grew over the role that government mismanagement played in the tragedy.

A passenger train ran for several kilometres on the same track as an incoming freight train before the crash late Tuesday, reportedly after the station master in Larissa, central Greece, failed to reroute one of the trains.

It was carrying many students returning from a holiday weekend and at least nine young people studying at Thessaloniki's Aristotle University were among the dead, while another 26 others were injured.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is seeking re-election this spring, has blamed the disaster on "tragic human error".

But protests blaming government mismanagement continued on Friday, in the capital Athens and several major cities across Greece.

"What happened was not an accident, it was a crime," said Sofia, a 23-year-old student at Thessaloniki. "We can't watch all this happen and remain indifferent."

The disaster has sparked widespread criticism of government failures in its management of the rail network.

"Most of us knew people who were killed or wounded," said Sophia Hatzopoulou, 23, a philosophy student in Thessaloniki who was visibly angry.

"It's as if a part of us were lost."

- Desperately awaiting news -

Thousands gathered outside the Athens headquarters of operators Hellenic Train -- which took over network operations in 2017 -- to protest at decades of failure to improve rail network safety, despite close calls in past years.

"Murderers!" the crowd cried out as protesters daubed the word on the building's glass facade in red.

Hundreds of people observed a minute of silence outside the Greek parliament in tribute to the victims of the disaster.

Later Friday, riot police and a small group of protesters clashed in central Athens, on the sidelines of a candle-lit vigil for the victims of the crash.

At the rally in Syntagma Square, adjacent to parliament, officers fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters throwing stones and Molotov cocktails, an AFP reporter said. Around 3,000 people turned out for the demonstration.

A similar number demonstrated in Thessaloniki -- Greece's second largest city -- where police had reported clashes on Thursday with demonstrators throwing stones and petrol bombs.

Demonstrations also took place in other Greek cities Friday: about 700 turned out in Larissa, the town closest to the site of the disaster, while 500 demonstrated in the university town of Patros in the southwest Peloponnese, according to police.

A fresh demonstration is set to take place in Syntagma Square at 11 am (0900 GMT) on Sunday.

Survivors of the crash described scenes of horror and chaos. Some relatives were still desperately awaiting news of missing loved ones.

Roubini Leontari, the chief coroner at Larissa's general hospital, told broadcaster ERT on Thursday that more than 10 people were still unaccounted for, including two Cypriots.

Greece's train services were paralysed on Thursday by striking workers arguing that successive administrations' mismanagement of the network had contributed to the fatal collision.

That strike continued into Friday and is set to continue for another 48 hours more.

- 'Complete evaluation' -

Rail unions say safety problems on the Athens-Thessaloniki railway line had been known for years.

The 59-year-old station master at Larissa has been charged with negligent homicide, but his lawyer has argued that other factors were at play.

The station master's case is due to be heard in court in Larissa on Saturday. He faces life imprisonment if found guilty.

"My client has assumed his share of responsibility," lawyer Stefanos Pantzartzidis said Thursday. "But we must not focus on a tree when there is a forest behind it."

ERT reported that the station master had been appointed to the post only 40 days earlier -- and after just three months' training.

But legal sources suggested that investigators were considering criminal charges against members of the management of Hellenic Train.

Police seized audio files and other items during a raid on the Larissa train station in central Greece, where the crash happened, a judicial source told AFP.

For decades, Greece's 2,552-kilometre (1,585-mile) rail network has been plagued by mismanagement, poor maintenance and obsolete equipment.

After the country's transport minister resigned on Wednesday in the wake of the crash, his replacement, Giorgos Gerapetritis, vowed a "complete evaluation of the political system and the state".

Safety systems on the line are still not fully automated, five years after the state-owned Greek rail operator TrainOSE was privatised and sold to Italy's Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and became Hellenic Train.
AFP | Brussels

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

A Belgian woman who murdered her five children in a case that shocked the country has been euthanised at her own request, 16 years to the day after their killing, her lawyer said.

Genevieve Lhermitte slit the throats of her son and four daughters aged three to 14 with a kitchen knife at the family home in the town of Nivelles on February 28, 2007 while their father was away.

She then tried to commit suicide by stabbing herself, but the attempt failed and she ended up calling the emergency services.

Lhermitte was sentenced to life in prison in 2008, before being moved to a psychiatric hospital in 2019.

The 56-year-old's lawyer Nicolas Cohen confirmed to AFP reports in local media that his client had died through euthanasia on the sixteenth anniversary of the killings on Tuesday.

Belgian law allows for people to chose to be euthanised if they are deemed to be suffering from "unbearable" psychological, and not just physical, suffering that cannot be healed.

The person must be conscious of their decision and be able to express their wish in a reasoned and consistent manner.

"It is this specific procedure that Mrs Lhermitte followed, with the various medical opinions having been collected," her lawyer said.

Psychologist Emilie Maroit told the RTL-TVI channel that Lhermitte likely chose to die on February 28 in a "symbolic gesture in respect for her children".

"It may also have been for her to finish what she started because basically she wanted to end her life when she killed them," Maroit said.

The quintuple murder in 2007 and the subsequent trial rocked Belgium.

Lhermitte's lawyers argued that their client, who had regularly seen a psychiatrist, was mentally disturbed and should not be sent to prison.

But the jury found her guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced her to life in jail after hearing conflicting medical expertise.

In 2010 Lhermitte filed a civil lawsuit demanding up to three million euros ($3.18 million) from a former psychiatrist alleging his "inaction" had failed to prevent the murders, but she ended up abandoning the legal battle after ten years without success.

Last year 2,966 people died via euthanasia in Belgium, an increase of 10 percent compared to 2021, according to the authorities.

Cancer remains the number one reason cited, but officials said for nearly three out of four requests the patient presented "several types of suffering, both physical and psychological".
Ehime is one of the top emerging travel destinations in Japan! Only a short flight from Tokyo, Ehime is on Shikoku, the smallest of Japans four major islands.

We sent KTea there to check out the unique sustainable travel experiences of the region, including the historical castle district of Ozu City, as well as the regions capital, Matsuyama, to see everything Ehime has to offer!

Tokyo Disneyland celebrates 40 years with fanfare, iconic characters

Japan Today - Apr 16

Tokyo Disneyland on Saturday celebrated 40 years since first opening its doors to visitors, marking the milestone with colorful celebrations featuring Mickey Mouse and other iconic characters after weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. Tokyo Disneyland on Saturday celebrated 40 years since first opening its doors to visitors, marking the milestone with colorful celebrations featuring Mickey Mouse and other iconic characters after weathering the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yellow sand observed across much of Japan, effects likely to continue in east

NHK - Apr 13

Japanese weather officials say yellow sand from China's deserts has blown across much of Japan from the northern to western regions. The dust was observed in central Tokyo on Thursday. Japanese weather officials say yellow sand from China's deserts has blown across much of Japan from the northern to western regions. The dust was observed in central Tokyo on Thursday.

Annual Tokyo fireworks festival to be held for 1st time in 4 years

Kyodo - Apr 12

A major annual firework festival in Tokyo will be held this summer for the first time in four years after the display was repeatedly canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event's organizer said Tuesday. A major annual firework festival in Tokyo will be held this summer for the first time in four years after the display was repeatedly canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event's organizer said Tuesday.

'Out of season snow' competing with cherry blossoms in full bloom

NOJ - Apr 10

Snow fell for the first time in three weeks in Yamagata Prefecture while cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Snow fell for the first time in three weeks in Yamagata Prefecture while cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

Is It Cultural Appropriation To Wear A Kimono In Japan? | Photoshoot In Kyoto

Alina Mcleod - Apr 09

The beauty of the kimono is known worldwide and is an integral part of Japanese culture, but is it socially acceptable for a tourist to wear one? The beauty of the kimono is known worldwide and is an integral part of Japanese culture, but is it socially acceptable for a tourist to wear one?

Narita airport to build 3rd runway and consolidate 3 terminals

NHK - Apr 09

The operator of Narita Airport near Tokyo has compiled an interim plan to consolidate its three terminals to improve efficiency and convenience for users. The operator of Narita Airport near Tokyo has compiled an interim plan to consolidate its three terminals to improve efficiency and convenience for users.

Cherry Blossoms Scenes 2023

TV Asahi - Apr 08

Carefully selected footage shot by TV Asahi news. Carefully selected footage shot by TV Asahi news.

Annual cherry blossom viewing starts at Japan Mint in Osaka

Japan Today - Apr 07

An annual cherry blossom viewing event began Thursday at the Japan Mint in Osaka, with elderly and disabled invitees enjoying the sight a day before the famous springtime fixture opens to the general public. An annual cherry blossom viewing event began Thursday at the Japan Mint in Osaka, with elderly and disabled invitees enjoying the sight a day before the famous springtime fixture opens to the general public.

Skyscraper to open in Tokyo's Kabukicho nightlife area

NHK - Apr 07

One of the latest editions to Tokyo's skyline is set to open in the capital's Kabukicho district next Friday. One of the latest editions to Tokyo's skyline is set to open in the capital's Kabukicho district next Friday.

Touring a Tranquil Japanese-Style Home

Dabl - Apr 06

George Clarke is feeling at peace touring this home built with minimal and tranquil Japanese design cues. George Clarke is feeling at peace touring this home built with minimal and tranquil Japanese design cues.

How To Rent Bikes in Japan - Docomo Bike Share, Hello Cycling, LUUP

GaijinPot - Apr 06

Heidi goes over the cost and process of renting bicycles in Japan from Docomo Bike Share, Hello Cycling, and LUUP. Heidi goes over the cost and process of renting bicycles in Japan from Docomo Bike Share, Hello Cycling, and LUUP.

Japan's Most Advanced Station | Face-Recognition Ticket Gate in Operation

travelgeek - Apr 03

Osaka Station has installed the Japan's first facial-recognition ticket gate (hands-free ticket gate) in their new entrance. Osaka Station has installed the Japan's first facial-recognition ticket gate (hands-free ticket gate) in their new entrance.

Travelers from China to Japan no longer required to have negative test from Wed.

NHK - Apr 03

The Japanese government says that starting on Wednesday it will not require travelers from China to show a negative coronavirus test result if they have been vaccinated three times. The Japanese government says that starting on Wednesday it will not require travelers from China to show a negative coronavirus test result if they have been vaccinated three times.

Why Nara should be on your bucketlist

Alina Mcleod - Apr 03

Nara is absolutely magical and has the most adorable welcome greeters! Cute Deer, Amazing Temples + Traditional Japanese Food Nara is absolutely magical and has the most adorable welcome greeters! Cute Deer, Amazing Temples + Traditional Japanese Food

A Journey to Mino, The Beautiful and Traditional Town in Japan

Ninja Walking - Apr 03

Mino, is a town with a traditional and beautiful Japanese townscape. This town is also the birthplace of a well-known hero. More details in the video. Mino, is a town with a traditional and beautiful Japanese townscape. This town is also the birthplace of a well-known hero. More details in the video.
TORONTO, March 3, 2023 /CNW/ - Earlier this week, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and National Bank of Canada (NBC), announced that they will conduct and disclose the results of third-party racial equity audits. They join TD Bank, which made a similar announcement in April 2022.

CIBC and NBC's announcements come on the heels of shareholder proposals filed by investor stewardship and responsible investing organization, SHARE (Shareholder Association for Research and Education). In addition to these proposals, SHARE also filed racial equity audit resolutions at Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). However, neither BMO or RBC have made commitments, and these proposals will instead go to vote at their 2023 Annual General Meetings. Despite the new precedence set by CIBC, NBC and TD Bank, both BMO and RBC have recommended shareholders vote against the proposals.

A racial equity audit is an independent analysis of a company's business practices intended to identify and remediate potential and actual disparate outcomes for Indigenous people and communities of colour. The audit evaluates the merits of a company's efforts, policies and practices to tackle systemic racism in light of its racial justice commitment.

SHARE filed on behalf of the Atkinson Foundation at NBC, BMO and RBC and the IBVM Foundation of Canada at CIBC. The proposals at BMO and RBC were co-filed by BCGEU, a long-term shareholder.

"The Atkinson Foundation is dedicated to social and economic justice. We believe financial institutions must play a positive role in helping people build inter-generational wealth and grow their businesses," said Colette Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at the Atkinson Foundation. "Historically and persistently, banks have exacerbated the racial wealth gap, through overt policies, and unconscious bias. CIBC and NBC are taking an important step in committing to audits, which will help surface these issues and identify solutions that we can act on immediately together."

Financial institutions play a key role in furthering racial equity in society, as they provide both businesses and individuals with access to essential economic opportunities.

Research has indicated that, when compared to their white counterparts, people of colour and Indigenous people are more likely to be denied loans, to be recommended products that were not properly serve their interests, or not offered crucial products at all such as overdraft protection and balance protection insurance.

By failing to provide equitable opportunities to people of colour and Indigenous people, banks have long perpetuated unequal wealth distribution.

The decision by both BMO and RBC to forego conducting racial equity audits is particularly disappointing in light of their peers' recent commitments.

According to Sarah Couturier-Tanoh, Associate Director of Corporate Engagement at SHARE "When a company publicly commits to fighting racial injustice, it is expected that such a statement is backed up with concrete actions and measurable outcomes. Failure to do so is not only a missed opportunity to rectify racial inequities but also exposes institutional investors to meaningful reputational, legal and regulatory risks."

BCGEU President Stephanie Smith commented, "RBC and BMO's refusal to commit to these audits puts them at a disadvantage in a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly important to customers, employees, workers, and investors. TD, NBC and CIBC may be the first Canadian banks to engage in this work, but they most certainly will not be the last. We intend to keep pushing banks and financial institutions on this critical issue."

The resolutions at RBC and BMO will be the first shareholder proposals on racial equity audits to go to a vote at Canadian companies. Recently, numerous Canadian banks have faced controversy about the racial equity impacts of policies, products and practices, including the recent US$ 31 million settlement between the US Department of Justice and City National, an RBC subsidiary in the U.S., over allegations of redlining practices in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in California, signaling that SHARE's proposals are timely and critical.

ABOUT SHARE

SHARE is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing investorleadership for a sustainable, inclusive and productive economy.We do this by supporting our investor network and amplifying their voices to improvecorporate sustainability practices and implement better rules and regulations that governcapital markets.For more information on SHARE, visit www.share.ca

ABOUT ATKINSON FOUNDATION

The Atkinson Foundation is a Canadian charitable foundation committed to social and economic justice. Our highest priority is strengthening movements for decent work and a fair economy. We collaborate with community organizers, policy innovators and investors to challenge income, wealth and democratic inequality. Learn more about us here.

ABOUT BCGEU

The B.C. General Employees' Union represents over 85,000 workers in almost every community and economic sector in British Columbia. Under BCGEU's capital stewardship strategy, the union has submitted shareholder proposals at some of Canada's largest companies on topics like human rights, racial equity, and executive compensation. The union's strategy has succeeded in achieving strong commitments on ESG issues.

SOURCE SHARE (The Shareholder Association for Research and Education)

For further information: Media inquiries can be sent to Amanda Watkins, Communications Manager at [email protected] or 416-306-2255
In September I had to pack away all the summer furniture and gear into the shed. This was a task my son always did, but after he moved to South Carolina, the job was mine.

I put the large furniture set in first, followed by cushions, yard tools, planters and so on. I was amazed at how much I could put in there, and was so happy to keep things out of the garage.

It also reminded me of a well-known story. Wanting to illustrate the importance of prioritizing their time to his college students, a university professor brought in a large glass jar. After he poured in a bag of 2-inch rocks the students said it was full, but then he added pebbles to the jar.

The students said the jar was now filled, but then he shook sand into all the empty spaces. He told the class that the jar was a symbol of their lives. The big rocks were the most important things to you; the pebbles are the other things that matter to you, such as hobbies, and the sand is everything else, such as possessions or even TV watching.

He said that the order mattered, and if you put the sand first, there would not be enough room for the rocks and pebbles. He was making the point that if you spend too much time on the small things, you wont have the time or space to focus on the things that are truly important  the big rocks.

So how does that story relate to the shed? I was inordinately proud of doing it myself, and I connected that having to do this job alone was symbolic of the bigger changes in my life.

I realized that becoming an empty nester had changed my rocks. The time spent on my children used to be the very biggest rock in my jar, and once they moved out there was an enormous space that was filled in with sand  time fillers that didnt improve my life.

I saw that I needed to make changes and think about how I wanted to spend my hours and days in ways that enriched my life and didnt just fill the time.

Id like to say that I started volunteering for some worthwhile cause, but I havent. I did join a yoga studio and have been going pretty regularly and have made new friends. I have been saying yes to a lot of invitations that I would have declined in the past.

A weekend away with friends? Sure. A road trip to see a college game? OK. I remodeled my kitchen and it is a nicer spot to have people over for visits and that is always time well-spent.

I have started the arduous process of cleaning out the basement and closets. I thought my son was going to want the old tables and lamps that I was saving for him. He didnt.

There is no rush; Im not intending to move anytime soon. I have taken an interest in houseplants. I am going to try growing some terrariums, and have been looking into how to do that successfully. I also decided to get myself back out there and try dating. Thats a whole other article though.

This spring, as I start the reverse process of emptying the shed and setting up the furniture, I want to discover new pebbles that enrich my life, rather than simply take my time.

So, prioritize the big rocks first. Practice self-care, spend quality time with the people you love and the rest is just pebbles and sand  they will always find some space.
Femi Adesina believes that the 2023 presidential election was not so perfect but maintained that his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, remains the authentic Nigerian hero.

Adesina aired his opinion via his article titled FOR PMB, ITS NIGERIA, AND NOTHING ELSE.

The presidential media aide noted that in preparation for the 2023 elections, the Presidents first loyalty was to the country despite that he is a party man.

Adesina noted that even some APC men and women began to suspect the President because of his dogged commitment to free, fair, credible polls.

The media aide also stated the reason President Buhari unveiled his ballot papers after he voted in Daura.

Please read the full article by Adesina below;

In some other lands and climes, elections are held on weekdays, in which people cast their votes, and proceed to the office, or other places of endeavor.

But here, we must first die many times before our death, when elections approach. Many are the doomsday scenarios painted, that we do not know whether to stay in the country or show a clean pair of heels. To japa, as the new lingo has it.

The 2023 presidential and National Assembly election was not different. Some young mothers were already conceiving how they would strap their babies to their backs, and make a dash for it, when trouble flares. To where, specifically, I asked one of them. To nowhere, she responded. Ill just start running. Lol.

Many were also the family heads who had started planning where they would seek refuge with their entourage when the bubble bursts. But elections are not war, and should not be.

But do you blame Nigerians? No, you shouldnt. History has shown us that one election is progressively worse than the other in the country. Well, till President Muhammadu Buhari came in 2015.

I was already here, but too young to remember the elections that led to Operation Wet e (douse with petrol and set ablaze) in the mid-60s, which caused severe unrest in the Western part of the country, and eventually culminated in seizure of power by the military, and dovetailed into the Civil War.

The next was the 1979 election. I was a young adult, and recall the saber-rattling, the allegations of sharp practices and stealing of votes, pockets of violence, and loss of lives in some areas.

If that was bad, 1983 was worse. Sorrow, tears and blood. Riots, killings, civil unrest. Again, it contributed a long way to the takeover of power by the military in December of that year.

What of June 12, 1993? The mother of it all. Peaceful build up, calm polls, but how did it end? In a fiasco. The winner, Basorun MKO Abiola couldnt assume office, as the owners of the country annulled the election, and foisted an Interim National Government (ING) on us. It ended in another military adventurism.

How about 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011? Rumors of war. Tears. Bloodshed. Panic, higgledy-piggledy. Why? Because we were holding elections. Should it happen that way?

But Muhammadu Buhari won the very pulsating race for power in 2015, and since then, our elections began to improve. Off-season polls didnt have to be won by the party in power, through hook or crook. Let the people choose whoever they wanted, and we saw it in bold relief in Ondo, Kogi, Bayelsa, Anambra, Osun, Ekiti, and many other places. The mantra of President Buhari is; let us respect our people, and let them choose whoever they want, across the party lines. Yes, I want my party to win, but then, our candidates must work for victory.

It was against that backdrop that the 2023 elections were held. Wherever and whenever he had the opportunity, locally, internationally, even at United Nations General Assembly, the greatest platform in the world, President Buhari said it. I will leave the legacy of free, fair credible elections for Nigeria. In other words, it wont be a do-or-die affair, as we had once been told by a retreating President.

Even some of his party men and women began to suspect the President. Are you for us or against us? What is this dogged commitment to free, fair, credible polls, when we want to hold on to power for as long as possible? But the man was not fazed. He held onto his grounds, stuck to his guns. Even some economic policies, like the currency swap, which seemed to be hurting the people and reducing the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a possible return, President Buhari stuck to, knowing it was good for the country and a veritable way to clean up our elections.

The first phase of the 2023 elections has been held, to elect a new President, and National Assembly members. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been declared the winner and issued a Certificate of Return. Was it a perfect election? Not so. Electronic transmission of results failed, due to technical glitches, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to resort to manual collation. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union tyrant had been credited with saying: Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything.

Hmmmm. The Devil comes in during collation. Very serious. Did such happen in last Saturdays election? We wait to see, depending on evidences that will be brought forward by those challenging the declared result.

But one thing is definite about President Buhari. He would never be part of any mago-mago or wuruwuru. Just give him unimpeachable evidence of underhand dealings, and he throws you away like a bad habit.

The Presidents first loyalty is to the country. Unflinching. Unassailable. Despite being a loyal party man, and committed to the candidate of his party, whom he went around the country campaigning for, he told Nigerians several times: vote for the candidate of your choice across the parties. Thats the heart of a father, a man beyond partisan considerations, as a democratically elected President.

To prove cynics and septics wrong, the man displayed his ballot paper last Saturday, after voting for APC candidates. Some lawyers have criticized the action, saying it runs contrary to electoral laws. But we know why the President did it. To shut the mouths of conspiracy theorists, who had been trying to establish that he was against the candidate of his party.

There are contentions about the declared results. Yes, it is part of good electoral practices that those who have issues should be listened to. Even the President himself challenged election results up to Supreme Court three times. When he was ruled out the third time, he said God dey. And God eventually showed up. The Almighty is still at work in Nigeria.

President Buhari has provided a level playing field for all contestants in the election. Any other contrary thing was not at his instance or instigation. Couldnt have been. He remains the authentic Nigerian hero, a stickler for integrity, accountability and rectitude.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the breakdown of results for the national assembly elections held on Saturday, February 25.

The electoral body said winners have been declared for 423 national assembly seats while supplementary elections will be held in 46 constituencies.

Yakubu Mahmood, INEC chairperson, said 98 out of 109 senate seats have been declared while in the house of representatives, 325 out of 360 seats have been decided.

In the senate, the All Progressives Congress (APC) controls 57 seats while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now has 28 and Labour Party (LP) has six.

The ruling party also dominates the house of representatives with 162 seats, the major opposition party PDP has 102 and LP controls 34.

The INEC boss also addressed the logistics and technical issues that marred the presidential and national assembly elections.

He said: Do doubt, last weeks national elections raised a number of issues that require immediate, medium, and long-term solutions. The planning for the election was painstakingly done. However, its implementation came with challenges, some of them unforeseen. The issues of logistics, election technology, behaviour of some election personnel at different levels, attitude of some party agents and supporters added to the extremely challenging environment in which elections are usually held in Nigeria.

We appreciate the sacrifice and doggedness of Nigerians and the dignity and maturity displayed by political leaders even in the context of divergent views about the election. A lot of lessons have been learnt. Of immediate concern to the Commission is how the identified challenges can be addressed as we approach the concluding phase of the General Election involving the largest number of constituencies i.e. 28 State Governorship elections and 993 State Houses of Assembly seats.

In last Saturdays elections, winners have also been declared for 423 national legislative seats while supplementary elections will be held in 46 constituencies. In the Senate, 98 out of 109 seats have been declared. So far, seven political parties have won senatorial seats while in the House of Representatives, 325 out of 360 seats have been won by eight political parties.

Mahmood described the 10th assembly as the most diverse national assembly since 1999.

He said certificates of return will be presented to senators-elect on Tuesday at the national collation centre, Abuja, while members of the house of representatives-elect will receive theirs on Wednesday.

The INEC chair said the comprehensive list of all members-elect will be uploaded to the commissions website shortly.
The African Union (AU) has congratulated Bola Tinubu, Nigerias president-elect, for his victory at the polls.

On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election and also issued him a certificate of return.

Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes, Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had 6,984,520, while Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) secured 6,101,533.

In a statement issued on Friday, Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of AU, congratulated Nigerians for demonstrating resilience in their commitment to democratic values by casting their votes for the leaders of their choice.

Mahamat urged Nigerians to uphold peace and the rule of law.

In this regard, the Chairperson urges all stakeholders to uphold peace and the rule of law, and further urges that any post-election dispute or grievance be pursued through the judicial system, as provided for by the law, the statement reads.

The Chairperson expresses his deep gratitude to H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, former president of the Republic of Kenya for his outstanding leadership as head of the African Union Election Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Chairperson also extends his appreciation to ECOWAS and other partners for their fruitful collaboration in support of a peaceful election process in Nigeria.

The Chairperson renews the commitment of the African Union to support the sisterly Federal Republic of Nigeria in her journey to deepen democracy, good governance, sustainable development and consolidate peace, security, and stability in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari is set to depart Nigeria to attend the fifth United Nations conference on least developed countries (LDCs).

Garba Shehu, the presidents spokesperson, in a statement, said Buhari will leave on Saturday for the conference holding in Doha, Qatar capital, from March 4-9, 2023.

He said the visit follows an invitation by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

He added that the president will, during the conference, reiterate Nigerias commitment to support the most vulnerable countries to meet their development challenges, tackle climate crisis as well as poverty.

The conference which is from 5th to 9th March, 2023 under the theme: From Potential to Prosperity holds once in a decade and provides an opportunity to garner the support of the international community for accelerating sustainable development in the LDCs as well as assist them make progress towards achieving prosperity, the statement reads.

In Doha, President Buhari will reinforce Nigerias commitment to support the most vulnerable countries to meet their development challenges, highlighting areas through which the Nigerian government has provided them with various forms of assistance over time.

As most of these countries struggle to find sustainable solutions to challenges of poverty, adverse effects of climate change, food and energy crisis as well as high-debt burden among others, the Nigerian leader will vigorously reiterate the need for sustainable solutions for countries facing these severe challenges.

The Summit will be attended by world leaders, the private sector, civil society and youth organisations. It aims to share developmental ideas and mobilize political will, solidarity, action and solutions to transform the LDCs, by finding sustainable solutions to the challenges of poverty, food insecurity, hunger, weak or non-existent infrastructure, inadequate health facilities, climate change among others as they struggle to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The president will be accompanied by some ministers and top government officials who are expected to use the opportunity to sign some agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the Qatari government.

Buhari is expected to be back in the country on Wednesday, March 8.




The Awka Catholic Diocese has disowned Rev. Fr. Cajethan Obiekezie, a priest of the diocese who preached against the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo during his homily, last Sunday.





The priest in his homily had attacked the governor for standing against the election of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.





The priest had also called on his parishioners to vote against all candidates of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, where Soludo is the partys national leader.





But the Awka Catholic Diocese in a press release by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubuisi disowned the priest, saying he did not have the mandate of the diocese to make such utterances.





He some utterances against the governor of the State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and other politicians within and outside the State. The Catholic diocese of Awka wishes to disassociate herself completely from those utterances. Rev. Fr. Cajethan Obiekezie has no mandate of the diocese of Awka, to do so.





The diocese will take the necessary steps to continue to teach her priests the sanctity of the pulpit and will not hesitate to apply sanctions where necessary.





The Church has inherent right, independent of any human authority to preach the gospel to all people, for it is the Church that Christ the Lord has entrusted the deposit of faith(can.747).





However, this inherent right must be exercised within the laid down rules and regulations. In the context of Mass, the rules of homiletics should necessarily apply(cann.768 &1,2, 769, 772&1).





Therefore, the platform offered by the pulpit cannot be used for personal sentiments and verbal attack, capable of destroying anybodys good name, the diocese stated.




Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the National Leader of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, at the weekend, appealed to other presidential candidates, Peoples Democratic Partys Atiku Abubakar, Labour Partys Peter Obi, among others, in last Saturdays election, to allow the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, to settle down to tackle Nigerias myriads of problems.





Fasoranti urged them not to do anything that would set Nigeria on fire.





He stated this in a congratulatory message, which he signed to Tinubu and made available to newsmen in Akure, the Ondo State capital.





Fasoranti said, l now appeal to all concerned Nigerians and the International Community, who might be aggrieved, one way or the other, not to do anything that will set Nigeria on fire.





We should all go peaceful, take lawful means, and thread legitimate and legal paths to rectify anything that might have, from their own point of view, gone wrong.





Let Tinubu and all concerned settle down immediately to tackle the enormous Nigerian project of tackling insecurity, solving our economic downturn, restructuring the country, and rebuilding a nation never so badly divided into ethnic, religious and corrupt lines.





Atiku and Obi on Thursday declared their resolve to challenge the outcome of the presidential election.





Obi, on Thursday, against the declaration of INEC, said he won the election and would explore all legal and peaceful means to prove that he won at the polls.





Atiku of the PDP advanced to a similar position.




Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, has hailed the supreme court judgment on the naira redesign policy.

Earlier on Friday, the supreme court invalidated the naira policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

A seven-member panel of the apex court held that the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes remain legal tender until December 31, 2023.

While faulting the policy, the court said the timing and implementation were defective.

The CBN had unveiled the new N200, N500, and N1,000 notes on December 23, 2022, and fixed February 10 as the deadline for the use of the old ones  despite a temporary injunction by the supreme court that the old notes were still legal tender.

In a statement issued on Friday, Gbajabiamila said the verdict of the supreme court aligns with the position of the house of representatives.

It has always been the position of the House of Representatives that despite the noble intentions behind the currency swap policy, the design and implementation of the policy has been fatally flawed and contradictory to the ends of law and public policy, he said.

The decision of the supreme court suspending the currency swap policy introduced by CBN and extending the implementation deadline to 31st December 2023 validates the position of the house in its entirety.

Gbajabiamila said the remarkably haphazard implementation of the currency swap policy fell way short of international standards.

It deviated from the prior practice of the CBN without providing any benefits to the Nigerian people or the economy of Nigeria, both of which have suffered significant harm as a result, he said.

The CBN must respect the apex courts judgement and act quickly to give it full effect. This is necessary to reverse some of the damage done to our economy and prevent the continued suffering of the Nigerian people.

Gbajabiamila said while the CBN is expected to take action on the supreme court verdict, the house of representatives will exercise its authority to review the actions and inactions, the failures of law and procedure that set the conditions for this profound failure of public policy.

This is necessary to ensure we take the right legislative actions to prevent future recurrence, he added.




Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to disobey the Supreme Court judgment on Naira redesign.





The party chieftain in Zamfara demands the federal government allow Nigerians to use the old notes concurrently with the redesigned notes.





Shinkafi told newsmen in Gusau that everyone, no matter how highly placed, must recognize the rule of the law.





Since the Supreme Court has ruled, there is nobody in the country who can violate the order, NAN quoted him.





The politician urged Buhari to respect the order and instruct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release the notes back into circulation.





He observed the cashless policy negatively affected many citizens, noting that advanced countries implement such initiatives gradually.





Shinkafi said countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, etc., did not abruptly stop old notes from circulation.





The APC member hailed the governors of Zamfara, Kaduna and Kogi states for challenging the Buhari administration in court.
Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo state, has asked the federal government to obey the supreme court ruling on the implementation of the naira redesign policy.

On Friday, a seven-member panel of the apex court held that the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes remain legal tender until December 31, 2023.

The ruling overturned the Central Bank of Nigerias directive, which President Muhammadu Buhari had backed. The president had maintained that old N500 and N1,000 notes were no longer legal tender, with April 10 fixed as the deadline for N200.

Akeredolu, in a statement issued on Friday, said the decision of the apex court is in tandem with Ondo states position on the issue.

He said Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, and Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), misadvised the president to assume powers of an emperor.

We salute the industry and courage of the Justices of the Supreme Court for the well-considered ruling, Akeredolu said.

The CBN Governor and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice misadvised the President to assume powers of an Emperor answerable only to himself and no other authorities as enshrined in the law.

The governor lamented that small businesses are collapsing at an alarming rate.

We have been regaled with tales of the dehumanisation of ordinary Nigerians who have been forced to strip themselves naked in banking halls weeping to be given their monies kept with the banks. Some have lost their lives, needlessly, for being unable to access their deposits in the banks upon demand, he said.

The Governor of the CBN acted most irresponsibly when he claimed to be exercising powers, which the CBN Act does not invest in his office.

He was quoted as saying that he was fighting corruption, money laundering and vote-buying. He acted, ultra vires, goaded by his political permutations.

The AGF equally misled the President to act beyond the limits of his executive powers. Nigerians have been punished unduly.

As the Supreme Court has pronounced, the law must be allowed to rule. There are statutory functions allotted to bodies in the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

LETTERS OF THE LAW ARE SIMPLE

If those in positions of authority embrace less mischief, Akeredolu said, the letter of the law is straightforward and understandable.

Consequently, he enjoined the federal government to obey the ruling of the Supreme Court immediately as there is no other alternative open to it.

We congratulate the States which challenged this obnoxious policy implementation and hope that our banks will release the deposits of Nigerians in their custody upon demand forthwith as there will be grave consequences for continued seizure of the hard-earned monies of citizens, he said.

There is no gain asserting the obvious. The whole policy may have been well conceived. Its implementation has been politically driven.

The CBN Governor is a partisan of injustice and oppression. Most Governments, perhaps with the exception of a negligible few motivated by the possibility of deriving unexpressed political advantages, cannot meet simple obligations to their citizens. It is most unfortunate.

As we enjoin the officials of the Federal Government who may be directly involved in putting into effect the spirit and the letter of the Supreme Court ruling to do so immediately, the Ondo State Government will not hesitate to proceed against persons and institutions whose activities impede its ability to discharge statutory obligations to the people.

Akeredolu added that there is no justification for the pains to which Nigerians have been subjected for obvious political reasons.
Born in Los Angeles, raised in Columbus, Kat Lopez calls Columbus her hometown. When she went off to college, she didnt think she would return. Life, however, threw her a curveball.

During and after her time at Creighton University, Lopez said, she started working with nonprofits, diving more into being an advocate and social justice, which inspired her to incorporate her major, computer science and I.T. into that field. Upon graduation, she returned to Columbus.

From there I really wanted to continue the advocacy and social justice and kind of giving back to the community and thats how I really developed that passion to continue working through a nonprofit, Lopez said.

Lopez worked with the Heartland Workers Center for a while after her return, she said. Her work there allowed her to interact with nonprofits and the people they serve and made her realize there were other opportunities for her to follow her passion right where she grew up.

When I first came back from school in Omaha, Columbus really wasnt in my plan but it turned out to be for the greater good that I came back because I realized that Columbus was my forever home, Lopez said. I saw the opportunity that arose from coming back home and doing what I love because Columbus allows for that growth and opportunity to give back.

Now, the passion and drive she and others have for making the community come together, she said, is the reason she does what she does. Being able to make change and help others do the same, she said, is what they do at Centro.

Our work really embodies being a collective community whether that be through advocacy, programming, immigration work, community engagement and all those items, but just the collective power to bring to folks in our community and just being a leader in that aspect, Lopez said.

Elizabeth Rodriguez, a friend of Lopezs, already worked at Centro Hispano at the time Lopez started. They were acquainted, but as they worked together and spent more time together, they became good friends. Lopez, Rodriguez said, is exactly the kind of person one wants working at a nonprofit.

Shes a very driven person as well as a very committed person. I think Kat has that characteristic that we all look for, especially when were talking about a nonprofit, Rodriguez said.

Lopezs drive and love for what she does, Rodriguez said, sets her apart in her work and contributes a lot to Centros mission and activities, such as the Back-to-School Bash. Rodriguez added that Lopezs dedication to and passion for her community are what best define her.

When it comes to the community shes very optimistic and at the same time shes really willing to do what it takes to get things done, Rodriguez said. If were talking about as a colleague at a nonprofit organization, a person whos willing to go that extra mile, a person whos willing to not only start something but also to drive it all the way to the end. She has commitment and passion.

Rodriguez said that she sees this commitment and passion for the things Lopez loves in her life outside of Centro as well. Lopez said her one-year-old daughter, Emma, is the biggest motivator in her life and everything she does.

I want her to also be sure of herself that she can also be the change and be a catalyst for the community in whatever position she decides to pursue, Lopez said.

Lopezs desire to make the world a better place through Centro and her personal life, Rodriguez said, makes her especially effective in her role at Centro. Lopez said she hopes to be a catalyst for change in the things she does.

Especially as a young woman and a person of color, we need that energy and those characteristics, so we are able to stand out and make a difference, especially in the work that we do with the community that we work with, Rodriguez said. That helps create a buzz around the work that she does, and it translates into the passion that we need so we can drive things forward.

Beyond her daughter, Lopez said, inspiring others inspires her. Its important to her that she is able to give back to the community and to the people who have given her so much and maybe cause someone else to start making a difference too.

If its not her, its my family and seeing future aspiring leaders come out of whatever work, whether thats nonprofit, corporate. Giving back to the community is really what motivates me because my family and community have done so much for me, its only fair I can do the same, Lopez said.

Lopez said she is especially grateful to her parents for where she is in her career and her mission of advocacy, because they, throughout their lives, have given so much to their children.

My parents are actually my role models and inspiration just because of what they went through and their opportunities that were given for us and how they were able to instill a lot of their great hardworking value, drive, their ambition and really just pushing us to be better people through them, Lopez said. I can never begin to thank them for what they continue to do even today, for always being a motivator, supporting us and really we are who we are because of them and Im thankful God has given us awesome parents.

When she isnt working on Centro activities, Lopez also serves on the Columbus City Council, representing ward two. In a Q&A from Lopez was running for the position, she said she ran for the position to be a fresh voice to elevate the community and outlined two issues she saw in Columbus that she hoped to help solve.

As its been heard time and time again, housing continues to be a top issue for the community. I am open to exploring fresh and innovating housing solutions that have yet to be explored and developed. I would say the second issue would be addressing new and energizing businesses and recreational opportunities for existing and visiting families. We want to continue to make Columbus an attractive community for all who visit and reside, Lopez said in the Q&A.

When shes not doing Centro work or serving on the city council, Lopez said she likes to spend her free time reading, going to the gym or being with family, including her four older sisters and partner, Braulio.

One of my passions is reading whether it be a mystery book or anything like that, Lopez said. If its not that, I do enjoy going to the gym. I know its kind of cliche but (I enjoy) the gym, connecting with people like-minded in that way where theyre keeping in touch with themselves not only physically but mentally, and just hanging out at home especially with family and now Emma, my daughter.

Being from Columbus, Lopez said, she believes what makes the community unique and what made her realize this was where she belongs is the way residents are able to feel belonging and to grow in their careers and passions.

You feel the welcoming or belonging in Columbus, Lopez said. As a lifetime resident, and I know, Ive been here for a very long time, I want to raise my children here with my partner. I think the community itself is so embracing, it allows someone to grow and be in that space.
Candidates who were elected into the Senate and House of Representatives during last Saturdays election are to receive their certificates of return next week.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said this at a meeting with the Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, and the Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, on Saturday.

According to Yakubu, Senators-elect would be given their certificates on March 7, while their House of Representatives counterparts would receive theirs on March 8.

The INEC Chairman also disclosed that winners had been declared for 423 legislative seats, adding that supplementary elections were indicated in 46 constituencies.

It was revealed that 98 out of the 109 Senate seats and 325 out of the 360 House of Representatives seats have also been declared.

Seven political parties won the senate seats; eight parties won the House of Representatives seats.

Senators/House of Reps-elect to receive certificates on 7th, 8th March respectively, the INEC boss said.




Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has said the Labour Party, LP, scored over one million votes in Lagos State.





He also claimed that the people surrounding Tinubu at the moment and rejoicing over his victory will be the ones to chase him away from the office.





The elder statesman asked people not to expect President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver justice at a moment like this, since, according to him, the President entered the office through fraudulent means.





The result in Lagos has not been released. The whole thing was mismanaged. We scored over one million votes in Lagos and they altered all the results that belonged to Obi, he told Arise TV.





Thats why theyve not released it. Why are they reluctant to prove it? You can tell the marine that you won the election and all that. What do you expect Buhari to say?





He himself came into office through a fraudulent election in 2015. Many of you might have forgotten, the electoral commissioner in Kano, who refused to cooperate with the rigging in Kano, was burnt alive with his family and till today no arrest and you want that kind of person to do justice.





He doesnt know justice. He has been living in injustice and all sorts of shenanigans. You want him to come out to say something is unfair? Has he been fair in his administration?





Tinubu will be another Shonekan. Hell be sent away by some of those people rejoicing now. This is not about Yoruba and Igbo.





Is the Presidency about Yoruba and Igbo? Its a national matter Most of them came into the office through rigging. All the governors, how many of them are fair?
Pat Utomi, professor of political economy, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the presidential election results in 10 states.

Utomi is the convener of BIG-TENT, a coalition of political parties, social movements, and civil society organisations (CSOs) in support of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

He spoke at a news conference on Friday in Lagos.

The professor listed the states as Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina, Adamawa, and Akwa Ibom.

Utomi also asked INEC to cancel the election if a review failed and if the courts did not pronounce the true winner after investigations.

We want to urge INEC to show good faith and not wipe their server of activities of the Feb. 25 presidential election in the excuse of having it ready for March 11, he said.

We also want to request that INEC administratively begin a review of the votes in 10 states.

All we seek is sunlight. We accuse none and come with malice toward none but are assured that our children will have better tomorrow if we ensure that sunlight and transparency define our electoral ways.

We ask for an INEC review. If this fails to bring justice then a court process to reverse rigging and call the true winner.

Where that is difficult for the system, we call for outright cancellation of the election of Feb. 25, and ensuring that enthusiasm allowed to flow through to March 11 with assurance of a free, fair and transparent election.

The BIG-TENT convener asked INEC to assure Nigerians that the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) would be functional ahead of the March 11 gubernatorial election.

He said the INEC leadership must be replaced if the commission cannot prove that the guber election would be different, adding that the essence of democracy is respect for the will of the people.

Utomi knocked politicians who use thugs to perpetrate violence on election days, adding that because they go free, election results are continuously doubtful.

Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the presidential election.

LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have, however, challenged the credibility of the results.
Tanko Yakasai, a Nigerian politician and human rights activist has told the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, that politics is not learnt in school but a continuous process.

Yakasai, a former Liaison Officer to former President Shehu Shagari and a founding member of Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, said this after Peter Obi addressed the press in Abuja for the first time after the announcement of the presidential election result by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Wednesday morning.

Obi told the press that he was heading to the court, claiming he has the necessary proof to defend that he actually won the 2023 presidential election and that his mandate was stolen.

Speaking on Arise Television, Yakasai said that Obi must learn to be patient, adding that the former Anambra State helmsman is just new in politics.

He was a banker and now a politician. He is contesting election for the first time and it is in process. I plead with him to be patient enough, he said.

According to Yakasai: You dont learn politics in school. You learn through [the] process and Im sure hell be a good politician and be successful if only he can endure. In this kind of situation, you see people speaking from different perspectives.

If somebody is not happy with the outcome of the election you dont expect him to praise the process but its another matter if you ask another person. Im not surprised.
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The phrase "built from the ground up" is not often literal, but in the case of area developer, business owner and restaurateur Jed Brunken, it very much is. After 35 years, Brunken has turned a spot of bare land into a strip mall and business complex he's proud to call his own.

Brunken grew up with his dad working on the farm and his mother for a grocery store in his hometown.

"My dad was a farmer and I had too many allergies to be a farmer but my mom worked in the grocery store in Creston that I (later) ended up buying so that was always a choice that was in front of me," Brunken said.

Brunken attended Lakeview High School, then Central Community College and later the University of Nebraska. Area high schools' and the college's dedication to entrepreneurism is a serious boon for the community, he said.

Working for Hinky Dinky, an upscale grocery store, all through college, he felt drawn to the grocery industry. When Hinky Dinky sold out, Brunken said he had a choice to make.

"I had my chance to work for three different places and decided to go out on (my) own, buy the little grocery store in my hometown of Creston," he said. "I did that for almost three years but that by itself wasnt enough so I looked for another location."

The spot where Lake Stop is now, by Lakeview High School, was one option, but the other, Corner Stop's current location at 220 23rd St., had more potential, Brunken said.

"The more I looked around, this corner was just screaming for something," Brunken said. "There was a truck stop at the strip mall by Verizon, there was no Dickie Doodles, no gas stations, nothing out here as far as convenience stores or grocery."

On March 2, 1988, Brunken opened what he calls a "hybrid" convenience store and grocery. Convenience stores in the 1980s, he said, were on the rise, but he also wanted to keep the grocery element. In marketing, he called it a "mini-mart."

"When I started here we quickly outgrew the 4,800 square feet I started with and added 2,100 square feet to the north," Brunken said. "It even looked more like a grocery store because it was 2 miles down to Hy-Vee or Super Saver and we didn't have Wal-Mart then."

Over the next nine years, things began to change in the convenience store world, as they began to share spaces with small restaurants. Brunken, picking up on the trend, looked at options, including a Schlotzky's Deli. He wanted a recognizable brand while also bringing something unique to his business. Both A&W and Long John Silvers had a history in town and soon, Brunken added them to his business.

"In this particular area there were a lot of Amigos inside convenience stores and I couldnt just add 100, 150 square feet into the corner, I had to add a 90-seat restaurant because I'm always thinking big," Brunken said.

The now A&W/Long John Silvers combo was originally an A&W/TCBY (The Country's Best Yogurt) from 1997 until Long John Silvers and A&W merged under one parent company in 1999. Brunken became one of the first franchisees to co-brand an A&W/Long John Silvers in 2001.

Being an ambitious individual, Brunken still wanted to do more. Land in the area was still available and with empty space next door and strip malls rising in popularity in the early 2000s, he thought a strip mall was a safe bet. That idea became what is now the Cherry Creek Plaza, opening in 2003, which he built and leased out. The plaza will celebrate its 20th anniversary later this year.

"I noticed a lot of places in strip malls, whenever they became vacant, they filled right away and that told me there was a shortage of strip mall space. I decided that was the best use of the land I had," Brunken said. "That panned out to be a very good choice because within a year we had it built and all eight spaces filled."

Brunken also built the building that is now Big 10, and was landlord there until just recently when the owners of Big 10 purchased it from him. Ever the developer, he recently remodeled Corner Stop.

"I was pretty aggressive in my younger days but now undertaking this remodel project over the last couple years has been a big project, staying open 365 days through a major store remodel where we replaced basically everything from floor to ceiling, made it complement the restaurant." Brunken said.

His entrepreneurial spirit, he said, keeps him active and the updates and renovations keep things interesting for him. Over the years, he has developed a steady clientele and brought on several dedicated employees. Dan Aerni, a regular who grew up in the area and has shopped at Corner Stop since Brunken opened in 1988, said he doesn't come in just for the products.

"Its not what I pick up here, it's the people that work here. They're amazing," Aerni said. "I come here for the people, they always have a smile, and of course I try to make them smile, some have bad days and I try to change that for them."

Gina Sliva, one of Brunken's newer employees, has worked at Corner Stop for almost two years. She agreed that the store itself is not the biggest draw, but the people who make it run every day, coworkers and customers.

"Jeds an awesome person to work for, hes pretty much the best boss I've ever had honestly," Sliva said. "The customers are the best too."

Through all the iterations Corner Stop has seen over the years, Brunken said, he can't help but keep some of the things from his time working in grocery. He tries to keep a solid grocery selection available in his store to this today.

"We still have a grocery aisle if you need a bottle of ketchup or some paper for the bathroom, we've got you covered," Brunken said. "If you need one thing and dont want to go through 200,000 square feet of Wal-Mart and get that we can offer them a friendly service, quick checkout and convenient parking."

The remodel, he said, has been well-received by locals and those from abroad. When the store was in the remodel process, Brunken said, their loyal customers kept on coming in. He hopes with the 23rd Street reconstruction project planned to start this year that they'll continue to do so. He is proud of what the store has become as an independent business.

"We've actually had people stop in from Omaha and ask if this is a new store, thats a real nice compliment to get," Brunken said. "I blew the budget on it, but when you start you just have to keep going."
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low near 45F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Facing declining enrollment and an April deadline to decide which schools, if any, will be shuttered ahead of the next school year, the Jeffer
Before the dozens of speakers could even begin voicing their opposition to a sweeping reorganization plan for Jefferson Parish schools Wednesday night, they got a surprise: The plan had been amended at the last minute, in part to address some of the concerns of the speakers.

The amendments, proposed by School Board member Simeon Dickerson, included keeping Washington Elementary School in Kenner open beyond this school year under certain conditions and renaming Vic Pitre Elementary in Westwego after Isaac Joseph, the system's first black superintendent of schools.

After hearing more than three hours of public input, the board voted unanimously to adopt the amended plan, though member Ricky Johnson said he voted for it only to enable him to bring the matter up for reconsideration at a later meeting.

The amendments drew gasps and applause from the audience, many of whom applauded especially for the measure to rename a school after Joseph, who left office in 2018 and died last year.

In the original plan proposed by current Superintendent Cade Brumley, Washington's students would have been sent to Bunche Elementary in Metairie, and Thibodeaux Elementary's students would have been sent to Pitre.

Under the new plan, Washington and Bunche won't be consolidated until the 2021-22 year and then only if Washington's enrollment remains below 350 students. Currently, it has about 270 students.

+4 Opponents of Jefferson Parish school consolidation say plan would hurt education A sweeping reorganization plan that would close four schools in Jefferson Parish is drawing opposition in Westwego and Kenner, where some pare

Also in the new plan, Thibodeaux's students will still go to Pitre, which will be renamed Isaac Joseph Elementary. But in addition, the students at Ray St. Pierre Academy in Marrero will be moved to the Thibodeaux campus. The changes would involve no alteration of attendance zones.

In addition, Frederick Douglass Elementary in Gretna will be closed and its students split between McDonogh 26 Elementary in Gretna and Johnson/Gretna Park Elementary; and Jefferson Elementary and Riverdale Middle on the east bank will be combined at Riverdale's campus as a pre-K through eighth grade school named Jefferson Elementary.
The Erna R. Badstieber Paws and Claws Adoption Center is holding a large fundraiser in the coming weeks and is asking the community to hold fundraising challenges leading up to the event.

Jordans Way, a charity that hosts special activities at animal shelters throughout the United States, will be returning to Columbus on March 23.

Kris Rotonda started the effort after the passing of his best friend, a shelter dog named Jordan. To honor Jordans memory and help raise money for local animal shelters, Rotonda and his team embark annually on a national tour in all 50 states. They visit local shelters and help raise money through Facebook Live feeds.

Rotonda was last at Paws and Claws in 2021 and will be returning on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the shelter, 2124 13th St.

The event will be a non-stop flurry of activity, livestreamed on social media, filled with games and challenges to build excitement and encourage people to donate.

Activities, which involve employees, volunteers and other supporters, include pies in the face, a dunk tank and ice bucket challenges, Rotonda noted there will be new challenges, such as tortilla slaps.

There are also competitions involving the shelter animals, such as a wiener mania in which, when a goal of monetary donations is met, all of the dogs can have a hot dog.

We do challenges which is (where) we'll cover the entire adoption fees for all the dogs in the shelter if we get a certain amount of money, Rotonda said, adding another one is raising the amount it costs to feed shelter dogs for one year.

This year, Jordans Way is hitting more than 300 shelters across the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. Earlier this week, the team visited 20 shelters in Utah, Colorado and Kansas. They are taking a two-and-a-half-week break before heading to Nebraska and North and South Dakota.

Paws and Claws Manager Cheri Vetick said the goal is to raise $20,000 this time around.

When Kris comes and does this for us, he really highlights our adoption center, he highlights the animals that we have up for adoption, Vetick said. It's a fun time, there's just a lot of things going on.

Being a nonprofit organization, Paws and Claws relies heavily on donations of all kinds, whether its monetary gifts, food, supplies or volunteers, Vetick said.

All of this takes money and effort on everyone's part, she added.

Vetick said they are challenging community members to raise money through their own competitions at work or between businesses or schools. Donation jars can also be set up at businesses.

We're really trying to reach out to, not only the ones that give to us a lot all the time, maybe (reach more) people, she added. It doesn't have to be a lot of money. It can be anything that you choose to give because we always welcome whatever the amount is.

A donation page, available on Facebook, has been set up and can be found at bit.ly/3lYxvGG. Facebook takes care of the donation processing so there wont be fees for that service.

Rotonda noted this should be a good event for the local animal shelter. With it being the second time Paws and Claws is having the fundraiser, shelter staff will know what to expect this year, he added.

This year, we have a lot more people coming out, Rotonda said. With a lot of the shelters I come to, the second year they usually either double what we did the year before or even triple it.

Jordans Way, Rotonda added, encourages shelters to use their 501(c)3 status to offer community service hours to local high school and college students, in hopes of getting more people involved.

The more people that come to the fundraiser, the more they have the potential to raise, Rotonda said. The social media fundraiser, if you bring high school and college kids out there, they know how to work their phones better than any of us.

Animal shelters around the country are often underfunded, he said, and they can see high turnover rates in terms of staffing.

People don't realize the selfless work they do, and it's not something that pays six figures, Rotonda said. They need all the support they can get, whether it's tangible donations, regular donations, volunteers, fosters

Vetick added the public always comes through when Paws and Claws is in need of supplies or monetary donations for an animals medical procedure, so they are trying to reach out for this big fundraiser.

This is a community-based building and we want to be part of the community, Vetick said. We want you to take pride in us here and know that we do offer good homes (for animals) to people that want to come in and adopt. It is a place that you should be proud of and that you hopefully would recommend it to other people as well.
Feature: Traditional Chinese medicine draws attention of medical talents in Cambodia

Xinhua) 14:02, March 04, 2023

This photo taken on March 3, 2023 shows the opening ceremony of a seminar at the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Held in a hybrid format, the seminar is part of a project carried out by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to train senior talents of acupuncture and Tuina remedial massage in developing countries. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Hem Sreynet, a 21-year-old nurse at the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital, pricked up her ears when traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experts delivered a presentation on acupuncture and Tuina remedial massage here on Friday.

Sreynet is one of 20 medical personnel at the hospital taking part in a three-week seminar for senior talents of acupuncture and Tuina remedial massage, held at the hospital's Chinese Medicine Clinic in Phnom Penh.

"I want to learn about traditional Chinese medicine for a long time and now I have a chance to study it," she told Xinhua while attending the seminar on the first day. "I hope to gain a better insight into the acupuncture and Tuina remedial massage after this seminar."

She said the TCM has been used to diagnose, cure and prevent illness and it also reduces the use of modern medicine.

"It is efficacious to treat patients because there has been a remarkable increase in the number of patients coming for TCM treatment, and many of them have recovered," Sreynet said.

Held in a hybrid format, the seminar is part of a project carried out by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to train senior talents of acupuncture and Tuina remedial massage in developing countries.

Koeurng Raksmiy, a Cambodian doctor at the friendship hospital's Chinese Medicine Clinic, said the TCM could heal a number of diseases such as osteoporosis, insomnia, infertility, pain, chronic cough, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and interstitial lung disease.

"The TCM, which includes therapies such as gua sha massage treatment, acupuncture and cupping, is very useful in curing diseases," he told Xinhua. "Through this seminar, we expect to gain an insight into TCM treatment methods, particularly acupuncture techniques."

Raksmiy said since it was launched in March 2022, the friendship hospital's Chinese Medicine Clinic has received more than 6,000 patients.

"In general, they have recovered, and some patients said that the TCM treatment has helped them reduce the use of modern medicine," he said.

Wu Zhaomei, a member of the TCM anti-COVID-19 pandemic team in Cambodia, said the seminar focused on basic theories and operational methods of acupuncture, moxibustion and Tuina, as well as TCM nursing techniques.

"We are very happy to find that doctors and nurses in this hospital are interested in the TCM, that's why we want to improve their knowledge and technology of practicing in the TCM," she told Xinhua.

Wu said more than a dozen of TCM experts, who are experienced in both clinic and teaching, would give lectures during the three-week seminar.

"The TCM treats many common diseases effectively, and we want to share this with them," she said. "We expect that doctors and nurses at the friendship hospital can learn more about how to practice in acupuncture and Tuina, as well as nursing techniques."

She said the trainees will also have chances to visit the Chinese Medicine Clinic, where they can not only observe, but also practice after learning theories.

Cambodian medical personnel attend the opening ceremony of a seminar at the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on March 3, 2023. Held in a hybrid format, the seminar is part of a project carried out by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to train senior talents of acupuncture and Tuina remedial massage in developing countries. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
For Linda Larson, it all started in high school.

Thats when the Carlisle stenographer won three state typing tests in Wisconsin, prompting her guidance counselor to recommend a career in court reporting.

Larson took his advice and is celebrating 40 years since graduating from court reporting school in 1983 and 20 years as a court reporter and manager of Premier Reporting LLC in Carlisle, with freelance work in between.

On any given work day, she can be found behind her Stenograph writer at township hearings, depositions, arbitrations, school district hearings, preliminary hearings and, of course, courtrooms.

Stenograph writers allow users to type in syllables rather than letters, so a three syllable word would be three strokes, making it faster to write with than a traditional keyboard.

Larsons passion for court reporting has led her to participate in several committees with the National Court Reporters Association, including serving as the chair of the Freelance Community of Interest. She has also been the president of the Maryland Court Reporters Association and president of the Pennsylvania Court Reporters Association. Her involvement with court reporting has taken her to places like Russia, China and Brazil.

The Sentinel spoke with Larson about how she manages to write everything down and what a typical day of work could include:

Q1: What functions require the work of a stenographer and why is that important?

A: A stenographer is used whenever a verbatim record is necessary so it can be analyzed and studied later, in a transcript, by an attorney, judge, board or anyone needing a record of a proceeding or what was said.

Q2: How do you manage to write everything down?

A: We work very hard to have the necessary speed. In order to graduate from college, not only do you need the speed but you need to have 95% accuracy. I strive to write every word, but were not perfect and sometimes miss words or have a hard time reading a word we wrote, especially names and technical words. Since weve had audio synchronization the past 20 years, its much easier to fix an error if you miss a word or are unsure of a word.

Q3: Can you explain from start to finish what a typical day of work looks like for you?

A: I love what I do because every day is different. There is absolutely no typical day. One day I will work on transcripts. Another day I go to a hearing or deposition during the day and may have a township hearing or school district hearing in the evening. Some hearings are long and some are short. On occasion a deposition or hearing goes longer than planned and could interfere with another hearing. I have to be very flexible and keep a very accurate calendar.

Q4: What skills do you believe are most important to have in stenography and why?

A: Good at typing, grammar, and spelling. Court reporters need to have an ability to focus for long periods of time, because it takes quite a bit of concentration to listen and write down what is said. The ability to memorize is helpful for hearings with several people and lots of names to remember.

Q5: What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your job and why?

A: I would say the most challenging aspect of my job is speakers who do not speak clearly and are hard to understand. It can take even more concentration to figure out what they are saying and sometimes I have to ask them to repeat what they said. The most rewarding aspect of court reporting is knowing that my work is helping other people solve their problems.

Close An Inside Look: Photos of the Cumberland County Historic Courthouse An Inside Look, a new series from the Sentinel, aims to take readers into the curious places Cumberland County has to offer from the comfort of their living rooms.
Pense Brothers Drilling Company, based in Fredericktown, has employed thousands of locals over its 60 years in operation. These employees, along with the support of the community, made the company known around the country for its success in the drilling industry.

Unfortunately, with land drilling in the United States decreasing drastically since 2015, it is with heavy hearts the owners made the difficult decision to close the doors.

The company was founded by Ronald and Clifford Pense in October 1962, with just the two of them and one cable-tool rig. Over the years, the business grew to become one of the biggest employers in Madison County, at its peak employing more than 250 people and running more than 20 rigs.

Pense Brothers Drilling Companys success can be attributed to the brothers hard work, tremendous foresight, and the dedication of their employees.

In the early years of the company, Ronald and Clifford did exploration drilling in the southeast Missouri lead and zinc fields. They drilled exploratory holes for mining companies in the New Lead Belt, the area from Viburnum into Reynolds County. By the mid-1960s, the company had five drill rigs and 10-12 employees.

In the next ten years, it continued to grow, and so did the workforce. The company began serving the Arkoma Basin of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas in the mid-1970s and opened an office in Oklahoma in 1978. The company managed to get more and more work out of state due to its association with area mines.

The shop in Fredericktown, on Newberry Street, opened in 1980, and as it expanded over the years, so did its business interests. The company purchased Madison County Oil in 1982 and B&W Machine Shop in September 1988. Then, in 1990, operations expanded into Utah and Colorado.

In August 1991, an office was opened in Alabama, and since 1992, Pense Brothers had been drilling methane gas wells in Colorado and New Mexico, adding Indiana to the list in December 1995.

Over the years, Pense Brothers Drilling Company has become renowned for its modern equipment and cost-effective drilling methods. Its operators have developed a time-saving technique for recovering coal samples.

With services including vent holes, core drilling, monitor wells, and more, some of the largest oil and gas producers in the United States have used Pense Brothers services.

The owners of the company credit their success to their many dedicated employees, some serving more than 40 years with the company, who, in the words of Ronald Pense, get the job done.

Pense Brothers has always been a family-operated business, with Clifford and Ronald employing three generations of family working below them. Clifford and Ronalds brother, Robert Pense, also worked alongside his brothers until he passed away in 1980.

Since the announcement was made in October, the company has held on to as many employees as it could, with several wanting to hold on until the last piece of equipment is gone.

The owners said the employees are, and always will be, the greatest asset of Pense Brothers Drilling. When the decision to close down operations was finalized, the biggest concern was the livelihood of the people who mean the most to them.

It has been reported that many of the employees have already found new employment or have received offers.

The owners said all of its employees are high-quality candidates with a strong work ethic, something which is always in demand. They are happy to see so many find employment locally.

The company has been a local success story, and its closure is a significant loss to the community.

The legacy of Pense Brothers Drilling Company will live on in the memories of the people it has served and the employees who have dedicated their lives to the business. Ronald and Clifford Pense built an empire, providing jobs for many generations of their family, and helping to put Fredericktown on the map. Unfortunately, the brothers have passed, but to this day their hard work and dedication have made a lasting impact on the world of drilling.
A committee has proposed new names for Charlottesvilles Burnley-Moran and Johnson elementary schools.

The group has suggested Burnley-Moran be renamed Blue Mountain Elementary, for the nearby mountain range, and Johnson be renamed Cherry Avenue Elementary, for the street it sits on.

We want to do this in a way that does not disparage anybody, Charlottesville School Board Member Sherry Kraft said at the Thursday night meeting where the names were presented.

Burnley-Moran and Johnson are the second pair of schools to undergo the name review process as the Charlottesville school division proceeds with its plan to review every school name based on modern standards and values.

In January, Clark Elementary was renamed Summit and Venable Elementary was renamed Trailblazers.

During the review, the renaming committee considers whether a school needs to have its name changed and consults with students, staff and each schools community to come up with a new name.

For Burnley-Moran, 61% of respondents to a January community survey expressed some level of support for changing the schools name. Changing Johnsons name received less support: 50% of survey respondents said the name should change, while 30% said it should not.

Sarepta Moran, one half of Burnley-Moran, was one of the first two women to lead a Charlottesville school, having served as the principal of Venable Elementary. She was also an active member in the Albemarle chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Carrie Burnley, the other half, was also among the first female leaders of a Charlottesville school, serving as principal of the former McGuffey School. Burnley was also a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. As principal of McGuffey, she invited students to decorate the since-removed statues of Confederate generals in downtown Charlottesville.

Johnson Elementary was named after James G. Johnson, who served as the superintendent of city schools from 1909 until 1946, while the division was racially segregated.

Chuck Moran, a descendant of Sarepta Moran, said he didnt like how the survey described some of United Daughters of the Confederacys activities.

The group  founded to tell of the glorious fight against the greatest odds a nation ever faced, that their hallowed memory should never die  helped promote the Lost Cause myth that the Civil War was not fought over slavery.

I dont think schools should be named after anybody, city School Board Member Lashundra Bryson Morsberger said on Thursday. Everyone has problematic things in their past.

The school board is expected to vote on new names for Burnley-Moran and Johnson on April 13.
Overall steel imports declined by 2% last year and finished steel imports rose by nearly 11%, according to preliminary U.S. Census Bureau data.

The United States imported 30.8 million tons of steel in 2022, including 25.2 million tons of finished steel that would not need to be further processed by American workers, such as those at steel companies at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor.

Finished steel imports grabbed 24% of the market share last year and 23% in December, according to the Census Bureau.

U.S. steelmakers, like the mills around the lakeshore in Northwest Indiana, made 88.775 million net tons of steel last year, down from 94.5 million the previous year.

According to the Washington D.C.-based American Iron and Steel Institute, the United States imported 2.8 million tons of steel in December, which was up 8.6% as compared to the previous month. Finished imports totaled 1.84 million tons in December, which was down 4.8% compared to the previous month.

In December, imports of line pipe were up 73%, ingots and billets and slabs 36%, sheets and strip all other metallic coatings 30%, oil country goods 27% and sheet and strip hot dipped galvanized 26%.

Last year, imports of line pipe were up by 47%, oil country goods by 44%, standard pipe by 44%, heavy structural shapes by 36% and wire rods by 30%.

In 2022 the largest exports of steel to the United States were from Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Brazil and Japan. Imports fell 2% to 6.8 million tons from Canada and 41% to 2.56 million tons from Brazil.

Imports rose 11% to 5.3 million from Mexico, 3% to 2.81 million tons from South Korea and 16% to 1.26 million tons from Japan.
A LaPorte man ordered to serve three consecutive 50-year sentences after being convicted of three counts of child molesting received a fair trial and is entitled to no reduction in his 150-year prison term, according to the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Brian Eskridge, 48, was convicted last year of three Class A felonies by a Porter County jury for engaging in vaginal, anal and oral sex between 2005 and 2010 in Valparaiso with an intellectually disabled child who was under the age of 14.

Among other claims, Eskridge argued in his appeal the state failed to prove at trial the child was under 14 when he molested the child.

In a 3-0 ruling, the Court of Appeals said the jury weighed the testimony of the child, who said the unlawful sex acts began when the child was 13, and found the child sufficiently reliable to warrant convicting Eskridge of one of the most severe crimes in Indiana law short of murder.

"While the evidence is not entirely free of conflict, any conflict was for the jury to resolve, and Eskridge merely asks that we reweigh the evidence, which we cannot do," said Appeals Judge Elizabeth Tavitas, a Lake County native.

Eskridge also claimed it was inappropriate for Porter Superior Judge Michael Fish to sentence him to the 50-year maximum for each count of child molesting, as well as to impose consecutive sentences for Eskridge's three convictions.

The appeals court was unpersuaded. It concurred with Fish's finding that Eskridge is "one of the worst offenders" who "violated the child's body in every possible way" numerous times, and noted Eskridge never apologized or expressed remorse for his offenses.

"While all crimes against children are particularly contemptible, Eskridge selected a victim who, not only was he in a position of trust with, but also, due to (the child's) disability, was especially vulnerable," Tavitas said. "We find that Eskridge's arguments are without merit."

Eskridge still can ask the Indiana Supreme Court to consider reviewing and reversing his criminal convictions, or seek a reduced prison sentence.

Otherwise, his earliest possible release date from prison, assuming good behavior, is Jan. 13, 2097, at age 121, according to the Indiana Department of Correction.

Gallery: Take a virtual tour of Indiana's state parks Brown County State Park Chain O' Lakes State Park Charlestown State Park Clifty Falls State Park Falls of the Ohio State Park Fort Harrison State Park Harmonie State Park Lincoln State Park McCormick's Creek State Park Mounds State Park O'Bannon Woods State Park Ouabache State Park Pokagon State Park Potato Creek State Park Prophetstown State Park Shades State Park Shakamak State Park Spring Mill State Park Summit Lake State Park Tippecanoe River State Park Turkey Run State Park Versailles State Park White River State Park Whitewater Memorial State Park
Public Safety Town Hall Meeting Mayor Jerome Prince (at podium) introduces Gary's public safety officials at a town hall meeting Thursday at the Gary Police Department: (from

GARY  Maj. Chief Jerry Williams phrase of the evening: force multiplier.

Williams emphasized a need for community focus to accomplish public safety goals Thursday at a public safety town hall meeting at the Gary Police Department. Police and fire officials listened to questions and concerns from residents and discussed the programs and potential changes that would help the city promote safety and protect the people who live here.

Mayor Jerome Princes Office of Constituent Services convened the forum as part of his 2023 Community Engagement series. Prince told the audience he continues to hold public safety in the highest regard.

Williams shared that Gary police have increased patrol capacity over the past six weeks to monitor high-crime areas. Numbers have increased from an average of four officers on a patrol shift to more than eight. He was accompanied by police Cmdr. James Bond, Capt. Mark Davis and Capt. Sam Roberts.

It is not a small task to rearrange how we do business, Williams said. These men and women are out there doing that every day.

When prompted by a question from a resident, Williams said officers will increase patrols in the area of the Genesis Convention Center, which has sustained an increased amount of vandalism in recent months.

Williams, who was appointed chief in January, has been working out of the department since April as part of a partnership with Indiana State Police. Williams was brought in to re-examine standard operating procedures, internal organizational structure, investigating procedures, training, evidentiary inventory and fiscal accountability.

Were really taking a deep dive into why we do what we do, Williams said, and if there is opportunity to do something different.

Williams said officials are working on updating the departments website to make it more accessible for community members to report crimes and to engage with the work police are doing.

The website technology will complement Operation Safe Zone and other initiatives to curb and monitor crime in Gary. Through Operation Safe Zone, residents can register their outdoor security cameras with the city and livestream the footage to the Gary Police Department.

Williams said use of footage from the cameras has already helped detectives solve multiple crimes.

We have to think of ways to use technology to help us not only react to crime, but more important how to proactively address crime before it happens, he said. And thats where that collaboration between police and the community is going to be so vitally important in getting ourselves to that point.

Gary Fire Chief Sean ODonnell said his department is reaching out to the community by offering a new emergency medical technician training class for high school students. The program is part of a partnership with the Gary Community School Corp.

One of the things that is big is trying to hire from within the community, he said. These young men and women will be able to come out [of high school] with a certification as an EMT, and the goal is to give them first priority to be hired at the Gary Fire Department.

All firefighters must complete the fire academy and emergency medical training to become a certified firefighter, ODonnell said. Students at West Side High School and the Gary Career Center can participate. The program will start during the 2023-24 school year.

The floor then shifted to the public, and many had questions and comments.

Were not gonna get much done here until we clean this place up, a woman sitting in the front row said. Trash is blowing, trash is in everybodys yard. It bothers me.

Another woman mentioned the possibility of issuing tickets to those who litter. Williams said police are working on an incident-reporting system for similar incidents because they have received similar complaints.

Prince referenced All-In Gary to help clean up the city. The program is run two or three times a year, garnering about 1,000 volunteers.

I implore anybody listening to this to continue your efforts, he said.

The idea for All-In Gary was developed in 2021 by Princes administration. Since he took office in 2020, Prince has said his priorities are public safety, cleaning up the city and improving customer service for residents and visitors.

While the meetings focus was public safety, the panelists encouraged residents to support and encourage the work city government and public safety officials are doing.

You need to be excited about your Gary Police Department and your public safety, Williams said. We can still be a community and make this city what it was when I grew up here 50-plus years ago.
MUNSTER  The lesson plan for Mrs. Zabrecky's third grade math class at James B. Eads Elementary School Friday was fractions. Students were learning how to match equivalent fractions represented by different numbers  for example, finding out that two fourths is the same as one half.

However, one of the students was a little bit taller than the others. Sitting amongst the third graders was Munster Superintendent Bret Heller.

Heller was there shadowing third-grader Tommy Rucker. He followed Rucker throughout the day. When Rucker did a math worksheet, Heller did that math worksheet too. When Rucker went to get his lunch at the cafeteria, Heller followed him.

"We do this work to be all about kids and doing what's best for the kids," Heller said. "And its good as a superintendent to actually have a chance to spend a day in the life of a kid, walking through their shoes, doing everything they do."

It's something Heller's been doing at schools across the district to get a ground-level look at what's going on in the classroom, and Friday was the fourth time he's done this. He has now shadowed a student at every elementary school in the district as well as Munster High School, and he plans to shadow a student at Wilbur Wright Middle School in April.

"I think its important when we say 'Everything we do is about the kids,' that we don't lose sight of actually what it's like to be a kid," he said. "And what it's like to be a teacher everyday in the building."

Heller joined the district in July, and as a new superintendent, he said this has been helpful to get to know the district.

"For me when I do this, I get to know teachers more," he said. "I get to get a better sense of the culture in the building. I get a sense of the feel. You can walk through a building when it's empty. You can talk to people one-on-one. But when you spend a day in the school, with teachers, with kids, you get to get a feel for everything about that campus."

Friday was a unique day. Because of the snow storm forecast across Northwest Indiana, the school released early. This, Heller said, helped him learn how those early release days actually play out in the school, something he said will be helpful for him to consider as he and his administration makes decisions on closures and early releases in future weather scenarios. He noted that teachers had to reconfigure their lesson plans for a shorter day and that students could get a little antsier with excitement.

"It's always good to just make sure to know, when you make decisions about weather or schedule, that it has all these other impacts," he said. "It has ripples."

Heller said the day gave him a good idea of what it's like in the building, and he got to see the English-language-learners and special education students, who joined their peers for portions of the day.

"I also learned that we have some really good math students in that third grade classroom," he said. "Because they were able to do some really cool things with math today."

Heller also said the day reminded him how great the district's teachers are.

"Mrs. Zabrecky does a phenomenal job," he said. "Just watching the structures and the things she puts in place to make sure the kids are engaged from start to finish."

Traci Zabrecky, who has taught the class Friday, said Heller was a good student. She was surprised with just how much of the student's work he did.

"He was right with them," she said. "It was awesome."

Zabrecky said she hopes Heller saw how hard the kids work and how good of students they are.

"I think it's important to see the students work through their learning," she said. "I just hope he takes away that the kids are learning, they really are. And they might have some challenges, some stumps, but they get through it and they help each other out."

Zabrecky said the fact that he's doing this is emblematic of what she likes about her new superintendent.

"I love that he wants to be part of the schools," she said. "And he's visible. We see him all the time. Maybe he's not in all of our classrooms or we're not having a meeting with him, but it's really nice that he is going to each school, and really learning about each school and how they're different."

In addition to the math lesson, Heller did a writing exercise with the students and helped them do historic research on the earliest European explorers of the Americas. Zabrecky said he was paying close attention to what students were saying and how they were reacting to the teaching.

Rucker said it was cool to have the superintendent shadowing him, but like every day at school, he was challenged. He described the day as "stressful and exciting."

Heller, on the other hand, said that Rucker did a great job teaching him how to be a third grader.

Close Munster Superintendent Bret Heller sits beside third grader Tommy Rucker during math class at James B. Eads Elementary Schools. Heller spent the day shadowing Rucker in an effort to get to know what it is like to be a student at the school. Bret Heller watches on as a student completes a math exercise in front of the class. Teacher Traci Zabrecky teaches a math lesson at James B. Eads Elementary School Friday. Amongst her students is Munster Superintendent Bret Heller who spent the day shadowing a student. Munster Superintendent Bret Heller banters with third grader Tommy Rucker during math class at James B. Eads Elementary Schools. Heller spent the day shadowing Rucker in an effort to get to know what it was like to be a student at the school. Munster Superintendent Bret Heller spent the day Friday acting like a student in an effort to learn what the district's schools are like at a ground level. Bret Heller completes a math worksheet. Bret Heller stands in line with the third graders waiting to be sent to the cafeteria for their lunch. Tommy Rucker shows Munster Superintendent student artwork that is on display in his classroom. Heller was shadowing Rucker Friday in an effort to get to know what its like to be a student at James B. Eads Elementary School. James B. Eads Elementary School third grader Tommy Rucker is on his school's safety patrol, meaning he helps his classmates get to their car safely during dismissal at the end of the day. Here, he fulfills his safety patrol duties standing next to Munster Superintendent Bret Heller, who spent the day at the school. PHOTOS: Munster superintendent shadows Eads Elementary Student Friday, Munster Superintendent Bret Heller spent the day shadowing Tommy Rucker, a third grader at James B. Eads Elementary School. In order to get to know what it was like to be a student at the school, Heller followed Rucker throughout the day. When Rucker did a math worksheet, Heller did that math worksheet too. When Rucker went to get his lunch at the cafeteria, Heller followed him. Munster Superintendent Bret Heller sits beside third grader Tommy Rucker during math class at James B. Eads Elementary Schools. Heller spent the day shadowing Rucker in an effort to get to know what it is like to be a student at the school. Bret Heller watches on as a student completes a math exercise in front of the class. Teacher Traci Zabrecky teaches a math lesson at James B. Eads Elementary School Friday. Amongst her students is Munster Superintendent Bret Heller who spent the day shadowing a student. Munster Superintendent Bret Heller banters with third grader Tommy Rucker during math class at James B. Eads Elementary Schools. Heller spent the day shadowing Rucker in an effort to get to know what it was like to be a student at the school. Munster Superintendent Bret Heller spent the day Friday acting like a student in an effort to learn what the district's schools are like at a ground level. Bret Heller completes a math worksheet. Bret Heller stands in line with the third graders waiting to be sent to the cafeteria for their lunch. Tommy Rucker shows Munster Superintendent student artwork that is on display in his classroom. Heller was shadowing Rucker Friday in an effort to get to know what its like to be a student at James B. Eads Elementary School. James B. Eads Elementary School third grader Tommy Rucker is on his school's safety patrol, meaning he helps his classmates get to their car safely during dismissal at the end of the day. Here, he fulfills his safety patrol duties standing next to Munster Superintendent Bret Heller, who spent the day at the school.
The world-renowned Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters performed at the University of Virginia on Friday in celebration of Liberation and Freedom Day, a Charlottesville holiday that commemorates the day in 1865 Union Major General Philip Sheridan and his troops arrived in the city and liberated more than 14,000 enslaved Black people.

More than 50 people came out of the rain and into a ballroom to celebrate the holiday with a Geechee Gullah performance and history lesson.

The Shouters used the traditional Gullah ring dance to tell stories that described the way of life for Geechee Gullah people through storytelling, mainly using the cultural English-Creole dialect that combines English, Native American dialects and West African languages.

The Geechee Gullah people are descendants of Africans who were enslaved on rice and cotton plantations in coastal North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, often on isolated coastal islands. In part because of their isolation, they developed unique language, music and culture that has been preserved and passed down over the centuries.

Through ring shouting, the group told the origin story of one of the most widely recognized spiritual songs in the Black American community: Amazing Grace. It is just one example of widely known tunes with Gullah Geechee origins.

The group also shared the history behind another widely known song.

One sound, perhaps every one of you knows, Im thinking people all over the world know, but most people dont know that it originated from a Gullah Geechee song many years ago, one Ring Shouter said. Were going to give you the real version of the sound you know as Kumbaya. 

Ring shouting is a traditional Gullah dance in which a group of people moves counterclockwise in a ring while singing in call-and-response singing and percussion through drums and clapping. This tradition can expand to several rings, depending on the size of the group.

The Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at UVa was inspired by the tradition, as it sits on Central Grounds with one ring inside of the other.

The Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters have performed around the world and have appeared in documentaries including Netflixs High on the Hog and the 2016 Roots movie. Next, the group will travel to counties throughout Africa to perform and educate audiences on the Gullah ring shouting tradition.
HOBART  Driving though Hobart could get a little tricky in coming months: Several major road projects are planned this construction season.

This summer is going to be miserable, City Engineer Phil Gralik told the City Council on Wednesday.

Gralik said the Indiana Department of Transportation could seek bids this month for a project to take Colorado Street over the railroad tracks near 69th Avenue.

He said a contract could be awarded in May for the overpass work, and a crew would then start mobilizing at the site.

Colorado Street will close at that time, Gralik said.

During a community meeting about the project last year, officials said they anticipate a 12- to 18-month construction period for the overpass.

When finished, the overpass is expected to bring a variety of enhancements, including preventing trains from blocking traffic on Colorado Street. Officials said the overpass also is needed as more development comes to Hobart.

Another INDOT project could start next month around the Colorado Street-U.S. 30 intersection, Gralik said. Improvements are planned for Colorado Street from the back of Sams Club to the Home Depot entrance.

The road will be restricted to one lane throughout the project, which is expected to take most of the construction season, he said.

He said INDOT is expected to seek bids next month for the replacement of the Ind. 51 bridge over Deep River. The bridge is south of St. Mary Medical Center on 61st Avenue.

Gralik said the road could close there in late June or early July and reopen around Thanksgiving.

In addition to that bridge, Hobart is collaborating with Lake County to replace the Wisconsin Street bridge. That work could start in the fall.

When theyre done with the bridge, it will be spring of next year, Gralik said.

The city initially intended to start construction this year for a roundabout at 61st Avenue and Marcella Boulevard, but that has been delayed because of the other roadwork in coming months.

We moved heaven and earth almost to move (the roundabout) project back a year, Gralik said.

City Councilman Josh Huddlestun expressed concerns about getting around Hobart when several main roads are closed.

Gralik suggested that motorists use Mississippi Street or County Line Road to travel north and south in the community during the roadwork closures.

Huddlestun said using County Line Road could become challenging around the fall, when many people visit the County Line Orchard.

The city is expected to post updates about upcoming roadwork at hobartimprovements.com.
LAPORTE  A goal has been set for the workforce in LaPorte County government to reflect the racial make-up of the countys population.

The LaPorte County Council Monday night unanimously adopted a resolution asking that minority job applicants be actively pursued so the racial makeup of county government employees equals the racial composition of the county.

Specifically, the request is being made to the county commissioners, department heads and human resources personnel who play roles in filling job openings.

According to the resolution, 11.4% of LaPorte County residents are black but make up only 8.5% of the county government workforce.

Hispanics make up 7.4% of the population and 1.9% of county government workers, according to the resolution.

About 750 people are employed by LaPorte County government in a county with just over 112,000 residents.

The resolution was presented by Councilman Randy Novak, who said the measure is not a mandate but something in writing to work toward.

Hopefully, it starts the dialogue and we get things moving forward and put this item behind us," Novak said.

In 2023, we shouldnt be having this conversation, he said.

Councilman Mark Yagelski said the minority hiring numbers have gone up some, but theres still work to do.

To get there, he said, whats needed most is no longer requiring a high school diploma for certain positions in areas such as maintenance, or by turning away job applicants deemed over-qualified.

Yagelski said he has referred people simply wanting to switch from a high demand to a less stressful job for a few years before retiring, but they were rejected.

How in the world can somebody be over-qualified for a job? It just irritates me, Yagelski said.

Councilman Earl Cunningham also expressed a need for minorities in more positions with duties out in the public to show the hiring practices are not so negative.

Cunningham said most of the minority workers here are behind the scenes in places like the county jail, community corrections and juvenile services center.

Most people would be shocked to realize that were as close as we are. Theyre just not in places that are highly visible and we need to improve that considerably, he said.

Novak noted the council doesnt perform the hiring, but adopted the resolution to have some influence in closing the racial gap.

Its a way of opening a better dialogue with other elected officials in the county and trying to just better represent all of the residents of LaPorte County, he said.
Its been 50 years since Michael Lesys influential cult classic Wisconsin Death Trip was published. A documentary text of found material, the book gathered prosaic historical photos of Wisconsin residents from the turn of the 20th century and paired them to haunting effect with fragmentary newspaper archives from the same time period reporting on often garish deaths  what our critic Dwight Garner, evaluating the book for its anniversary, called horrific local news items that point, page by page, toward spiritual catastrophe. Nearly every person in it looks as if they are about to be struck by lightning.

Garner appears on the podcast this week to talk with the host Gilbert Cruz about Wisconsin Death Trip and the resonance it still holds in the culture.

It evokes what long nights felt like in America, he says, before there was electricity and radio, and before  if your child was very sick, there were no antibiotics. And maybe your child was dying. And anxiety of course could not be treated then by antidepressants or other kinds of pills. And people quote-unquote went mad more often than wed like to think. And there were bankruptcies, people threw themselves in front of trains. There are all kinds of suicides in this book. And it just makes you wonder what was happening, what kind of spiritual crisis was going on in Wisconsin in the 1890s.

Garner is a fan of unusual documentary literature, he tells Cruz, and in Wisconsin Death Trip he sees not only a portrait of a vanished small-town America but also a portrait of vanished journalism. Newspapers in America have been gutted out, he says. You dont have small-town papers like this in many places anymore, that have real staffs who report on this stuff. Theres a kind of reporting in this book that is sort of the crazy death that we dont read about anymore: the person at the sawmill who gets tangled up. Maybe youll read about it somewhere. But it was more of a staple of small-town news reporting then. Even papers like The New York Times did a lot of that.  But in general what Lesy is after is stuff that almost suggests, as I said before, a kind of spiritual crisis. So many people having breakdowns. And it just makes you realize that our nostalgia for the good old American heartland, theres a real dark shadow there. And in many ways its false nostalgia. And this book is one of those correctives that puts you in touch with the night side of life in this way that few books of documentary that Ive read actually do.
SATURDAY PUZZLE  This is Ryan McCartys 20th Saturday construction for The Times. As always, its smooth and full of artful deception and interesting trivia. I had the most trouble with the eastern third of the grid, where every entry to the right of 22-Down was hard fought and befuddling at first. More than one entry took extra thought even after every letter had been filled in, and one three-letter entry took a Google search  but it turned into something interesting, so no hard feelings.

Tricky Clues

9A. Such a nasty clue, disguised as a nicety! A good word for giving? refers to what you might say to indicate I give up!  like I did in this corner of the puzzle. The word is UNCLE.

19A. This is the kind of factoid that I find the most satisfying  a clue thats impossible to believe until you solve it. Over 95% of its residents live near a riverbank made me think of a city at first  Paris, perhaps?  but the clue refers to the large and populous nation of EGYPT, where nearly everybody resides close to the Nile.

42A. Leading position solves to VAN in this puzzle, and I couldnt pull up vanguard in my mind for the life of me. I had to look up this definition and, sure enough, its perfectly acceptable. The first time VAN appeared in a Times Crossword, in 1943, its clue was Leading unit in battle  although clues like Covered wagon and Truck soon followed. (As clued in this puzzle, VAN as an attenuated vanguard is rooted in the French avant-garde. When VAN is short for caravan, it draws from the Persian karwan, a group of travelers, or possibly the Sanskrit word for camel, karabhah.)
We have an employee we would like to have fired months ago because of his lack of reliability and poor work ethic. He has been with our company for almost a decade  since he graduated from college  but his productivity and commitment have been declining for a long time. We knew his father was dying of cancer and therefore decided not to fire him during this difficult period. The problems with his work ethic, however, long predated that illness. His father has now died. How long do we need to wait before we can let him go?

We have no reason to believe that his poor work performance had anything to do with his fathers illness and no reason to believe that it will improve. We care about him as a person and dont want to be callous, but I truly believe that the best thing we can do for him is to let him go; he could find a place thats a better match. I should also point out that with his off-the-charts intelligence and tremendous experience, it should be easy for him to find another job in our industry.  Name Withheld

From the Ethicist:

The central role of employment in a modern life means that people shouldnt be fired without sufficient reason. As the philosopher Elizabeth Anderson has argued, a company has duties to its employees that derive from the fact that it exercises power over them, just as a state has duties to its citizens that derive from the fact that it exercises power over them. That is whats wrong with the default legal assumption in almost all U.S. states that employment is at will and that, in the absence of a contract, we can be let go without any reason. (There are, to be sure, a medley of legally impermissible reasons for firing people  pregnancy, race, gender, religion, disability status, refusal to break the law, for example  though the details vary by state.)
Roberts emerges as a Shakespearean figure of forceful magnetism who fights mightily against being viewed as a walking metaphor for the Hollys struggles. His fearlessness is both heroic and tragic, though Rubinsteins sometimes foggy explanations of community politics make the film feel as if it might vanish into the night at any moment. (The director, a journalist, partly shot the movie while writing a more detailed book with the same title.)

Its all a heady brew that leaves one wanting to know even more about Roberts, who is now running for mayor in Denver. The movie resists encapsulating him, or perhaps he escapes its directors full understanding.

The Holly

Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 43 minutes. In theaters and available to rent or buy on most major streaming platforms.
The fatal overdoses of two men who died and were robbed after leaving gay bars in Manhattan last year were ruled homicides on Friday by the New York City medical examiners office.

The determination came about 11 months after the body of the first victim, Julio Ramirez, was found abandoned in the back of a taxi on the Lower East Side. The second man, John Umberger, was found dead in an Upper East Side townhouse about a month later.

After their deaths, the mens families discovered that thieves had drained the victims bank accounts using the facial recognition technology on their phones. The nature of the deaths drew wide attention to a problem that has long haunted New York City nightlife: the use of easily acquired drugs to incapacitate and rob people, some of whom die of overdoses.

The homicide rulings could pave the way for indictments in the two fatal overdoses. A Police Department spokesman said in a statement that the deaths were currently under investigation as part of a series of several incidents where individuals have been victims of either robberies or assault.
You lend a friend $1,000 and tell him to pay you back when he gets back on his feet. Of course, he says. A year goes by, then two, then three. He seems to be back on his feet, but the money isnt back in your pocket. And now if you ask what happened to your thousand bucks, you seem like the bad guy.

I think this psychology explains at least a small part of the anger that many student borrowers are feeling now that the Biden administrations plan to wipe out $400 billion in student debt appears at risk of being stopped by the Supreme Court.

Payments on federal student loans have been paused since the early days of the pandemic, nearly three years ago. Debtors have gotten out of the habit of making monthly payments. Some who incurred debts after the pause began never even started paying back what they owe. Any sense that they were getting a special break has faded, replaced by the stronger sense that someone is trying to take something away from them.

Once you get used to something, its hard to switch, Maria Douneva, a behavioral scientist and corporate trainer in Berlin, told me. People get used to new situations quite quickly, and that becomes the new default. For a while it was normal that you had to pay back your debts. Then the new normal became that you dont.
WALTERBORO, S.C.  A judge sentenced Alex Murdaugh to life in prison on Friday for the murders of his wife and son, condemning the once-wealthy and influential Southern lawyer to spend the remainder of his life behind bars, a powerful rebuke from the rural South Carolina legal system that his family dominated for more than a century.

Judge Clifton Newman handed down the sentence after berating Mr. Murdaugh for nearly 20 minutes, urging the lawyer he had previously encountered in courtrooms to come clean about the shocking crime and the lies he said Mr. Murdaugh had told to cover it up.

His shifting stories, the judge said, necessitated more lies, a pattern that kept repeating itself. Where will it end? Its already ended for many who have heard you and concluded that itll never end, he said. But within your own soul, you have to deal with that.

Mr. Murdaugh, 54, maintained his innocence as he stood in handcuffs and a tan jail jumpsuit in place of the blazers and dress shirts he had worn during the six-week trial. I would never hurt my wife, Maggie, and I would never hurt my son, Paul-Paul, he said, using a nickname for his slain son. The sentence came a day after jurors decided that Mr. Murdaugh had fatally shot his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and their younger son, Paul Murdaugh, 22, at the dog kennels on the familys rural estate in June 2021.
Record snowfall and freezing temperatures have altered the landscape and lives of millions of people in California in recent weeks. The mountains behind the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles are dusted in white. Yosemite National Park is closed to the public, and mountain roads are coated with black ice.

Vineyards in Napa Valley were dusted with powdery snow. Snow met the sand on a beach in Santa Cruz.

In the Greater Lake Tahoe area, which includes the city of South Lake Tahoe, a winter storm warning will be going into effect Saturday morning through Monday morning, the National Weather Service said. Heavy snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet, and up to 4 feet in higher elevations, are expected still.

If you come to the Sierra this weekend, you may not be able to leave for a while, the Weather Service said.
A school counselor in New Mexico has been arrested after it was discovered he was wanted in Albemarle County for the rape of a teenage girl.

Darren Wade Powell, 52, of La Luz, New Mexico, was arrested last week on a warrant issued by Albemarle County for the criminal sexual penetration of a minor, according to the county police department.

The police department of Tularosa, New Mexico, contacted the New Mexico State Police on Feb. 23 to say the department had reason to believe that a Tularosa Public Schools counselor had a felony warrant out of Virginia, police said.

Powell was booked into the Otero County Detention Center before extradition to Virginia, according to New Mexico police.

Albemarle County Police Department spokeswoman Bridgette Butynski told The Daily Progress he had not yet been extradited as of Friday evening.

Powell stands accused of the repeated rape of a 15-year-old girl in 2004. At the time, he was the girls court-ordered counselor.

Powell was a social worker at Tularosa High School in New Mexico at the time of his arrest.

Butynski said Powell was not employed by a school division of any kind in Virginia at the time of the reported crime.

The alleged victim reported the 2004 rape to Albemarle County police in March of last year.

She told police Powell was her court-ordered counselor and their sessions quickly turned into grooming and then a sexual relationship, according to records filed in Alamogordo Magistrate Court.

Powell ended the counseling part of the relationship with the teen at the end of 2004, according to records, telling her it was inappropriate for them to have sex while he was her counselor. The sexual part of the relationship continued until Mr. Powell left for New Mexico.

This is an active and ongoing case, according to an Albemarle County Police Department statement.

Anyone with any information regarding this or other incidents related to Powell is encouraged to contact Detective Michael Schneider with the departments criminal investigation division at (434) 296-5807. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Stoppers tip line by phone at (434) 977-4000 by email at crimestoppers@albemarle.org.
WASHINGTON  President Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany on Friday showed a united front on the war in Ukraine, vowing to keep Western support intact amid mounting concerns that China could move to supply weapons to Moscow.

Speaking to reporters before a private meeting in the Oval Office, Mr. Biden said that both leaders would work in lock step for as long as it takes to provide military support to Kyiv.

As NATO allies, were making the alliance stronger and more capable, Mr. Biden said, more than a year into a Russian offensive that has persisted despite bruising losses on the battlefield and ongoing economic isolation.

With a series of in-person meetings and calls  they spoke several times in January alone  Mr. Biden and Mr. Scholz are trying to show the world that they are the stewards of a strong NATO alliance against Russian aggression and Chinese interference.
John Radleigh thought he was ready for the snowstorm that pounded the mountains in Southern California for a week. A general contractor who has lived for more than five decades in Lake Arrowhead, a vacation hamlet, he had a backup generator and gas for his snowblower. He had enough food to hunker down with his family and chains for his car tires.

And yet, he said, he found himself in a kind of Sisyphean struggle each day. Every time he cleared the snow from his driveway, it would just pile back up.

Its a little discouraging, Mr. Radleigh, 63, said. Its so much  the most Ive ever seen since Ive been out here.

In the aftermath of a blizzard that left parts of Southern California buried under as much as 10 feet of snow, emergency workers and volunteers were still scrambling on Friday to help scores of residents and tourists who were unaccustomed to the sheer amount of precipitation  and all of the problems that come with it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new report this week urging parents and caregivers to carefully clean and sanitize breast pump equipment, after an infant died last year from a rare bacterial infection linked to a contaminated breast pump.

The baby, who was born preterm, was infected with Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that can cause fatal meningitis and sepsis in young infants, and that sparked a nationwide infant formula recall last year.

At the time he became ill, the infant was being treated in the neonatal intensive care unit, though he was stable and growing well on a combination of expressed breast milk and liquid human milk fortifier (which adds extra nutrients).

Evidence of the bacteria was found in breast pump parts that were being used in the family home. They were cleaned in a household sink, sanitized and sometimes reassembled while still moist.
The commander of Ukraines ground forces visited soldiers in Bakhmut for the second time in less than a week on Friday, a reflection of the precarious position Ukrainian forces find themselves in as they cling to their positions in the battered city.

Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander, warned in a statement that Russia was throwing the most prepared units into the fight and said that he was assessing problematic issues related to increasing the defense capability of our units on the front line.

Russia launched its offensive to take Bakhmut in August, and the fighting has rarely relented since. Though Ukraine has put up a stiff defense, in recent weeks Moscows forces have made gains that put the critical roads in and out of the city in jeopardy.

Those roads are vital to resupplying the troops, but also for a retreat if needed.

For the moment, commanders say they have pushed Russian troops back a bit, reducing the threat of artillery fire on a main highway that leads southwest out of the city.
Patients in the Abbott study have now been followed for at least one year. The clip did not extend life but, said Dr. David Adams, cardiac surgeon in chief at Mount Sinai Health System and co-principal investigator for the study, we would never see a mortality difference  one year was not enough time.

This is a huge win, said Dr. Kendra Grubb, a heart surgeon and director of the structural heart center at Emory University who was not involved in the study. Dr. Grubb, who is on an advisory board for Abbott and is a speaker for Edwards, added that although doctors have been able to keep patients alive with medical therapy, its a miserable way to live.

The clinical trial by Edwards is testing a different method. It replaces the tricuspid valve by threading a new valve into the heart, pushing aside the old in a manner similar to a method called transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The aorta controls blood flow from the heart, and the TAVR method has been used to replace the valves of hundreds of thousands of patients.

The developments come after years of inattention to the tricuspid problem. The valve was long known as the forgotten valve. Cardiologists had assumed that if they fixed problems on the left side of the heart  like a leaky mitral or aortic valve  the tricuspid valve would fix itself.

Their assumption was wrong.

Patients and cardiologists have long sought an effective treatment for tricuspid leakage. The only medical treatment today is with drugs called loop diuretics. They flush excess fluid out of patients body, but only temporarily. As the diuretic treatment is repeated, patients fluid retention gets worse and worse until the kidneys fail and eventually even the tricuspid valve itself gets engorged with fluids.
Theres an undeniable feeling of excitement when you turn your daily credit card swipes at Starbucks into first-class airfare or a weekend jaunt to Costa Rica. Thanks to mobile banking and the ease of autopay, you can scrupulously avoid any additional costs by paying your monthly bill in full. Free flights and exclusive discounts abound.

Something for nothing, right?

Not exactly nothing. Credit card perks for educated, usually urban professionals are being subsidized by people who have less. In other words, when you book a hotel room or enjoy entry to an airport lounge at no cost, poor consumers are ultimately footing the bill.

Demand for rewards is only going up. In 2016, Chase launched its Sapphire Reserve card. The card comes with perks, bonuses and points multipliers that for big-spending travelers and diners are worth far more than its steep $550 annual fee. There was so much initial demand that Chase ran out of the metal slabs it prints the cards on. Sapphires enormous success set off a credit card perks war, with numerous banks flooding the market with sign-on bonuses worth thousands of dollars.

In 2022, the Federal Reserve published data showing that the cost of rewards, as a share of total transaction volume on credit cards, increased 25 percent from 2015 through 2021. This bonanza has helped affluent professionals flood Instagram with envy-inducing shots of white sand beaches, hotel suites and plush airport lounges.
Under the bill, a public figure would no longer need to show actual malice to win a defamation case if the allegation against the figure wasnt related to the reason for the persons public status. So if a person is publicly known for being elected president or governor, and a news organization publishes an investigation about that persons private or business life unrelated to elected office, that report would not get the special liability protection provided by the Sullivan decision.

The bill goes much further than this attempt to hobble the press. It makes it clear that the new defamation rules would also apply to any single utterance on the internet, which could mean a tweet or a Facebook post written by anyone, or any one presentation to an audience, which could include statements made at school board hearings and other public meetings.

In a direct attack on a key aspect of free expression, it says that whenever someone is accused of discriminating against others on the basis of race, gender or sexual orientation, that accusation is automatically considered enough to sue for defamation. Any person accused of bigotry based on sexual orientation or gender identity could file a defamation lawsuit and be virtually guaranteed of winning by saying the discrimination was based on personal religious or scientific beliefs. The penalty for calling someone a bigot would be a minimum of $35,000.

Mr. DeSantis, who appears to be preparing for a 2024 presidential campaign, has been railing against press freedoms for several years in a clear appeal to likely Republican primary voters. The bill was recently introduced in the Florida House by one of his allies and has a strong chance of passage; a similar if slightly milder version was filed in the State Senate.

If enacted, the House bill would almost instantly be challenged in court, but its backers are counting on that. In public statements, they have said they want the bill to be used as a vehicle to get the Supreme Court to overturn New York Times v. Sullivan and have noted that two justices, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, have called on the court to reconsider that decision. The current court has repeatedly demonstrated that it cant be counted on to respect long-term precedents that are widely supported by the public.
Since James Watson and Francis Crick first described the structure of the DNA double helix, scientists have debated the potential for creating genetically modified babies. In 2018, a Chinese scientist named He Jiankui announced he had actually done it: He used a gene editing tool called CRISPR to edit the embryos of twin girls in hopes of making them resistant to H.I.V.

Chinas laws governing reproductive medicine and gene editing were ill defined at the time. But outrage among scientists and the public led to Dr. He being sentenced to prison for three years on charges of illegal medical practice, under a broad statute, and denounced as pursuing personal fame and profit. China has since tightened its laws governing gene editing and fertility medicine. Dr. He moved too quickly, and failed to demonstrate that he actually protected the twins from H.I.V. Governments and the scientific community should develop clear legal frameworks to prevent rogue scientists from following in his footsteps.

I wrote a book about Dr. Hes experiment, and Ive been speaking with him regularly since he was released from prison in March 2022. Reflecting on this criticism has given me new insights, he told me. Yet Dr. He recently started new biotechnology ventures that show signs of repeating his earlier ethical missteps. The controversy offers an opportunity for more robust discussion over the future of gene editing technologies in fertility clinics.

Dr. Hes story illustrates an unresolved problem with the innovation economy. Market values  prioritizing speed, profit and breakthroughs  are colliding with more fundamental values related to human health, equity and diversity.
To the Editor:

Re Journalists Cant Discard Objectivity, by Bret Stephens (column, Feb. 10):

I agree with most of Mr. Stephenss points, but I wish he hadnt advocated objectivity as the way to journalistic reform.

We journalists are human beings before were reporters and editors. Were not recording machines, detached and disinterested. We have values, instilled by the culture and shared by our audience. Our reports are grounded in these values.

Mass shootings are bad, for instance; relief for earthquake survivors is good. We dont report on child abusers with the empathy we grant their victims, and if we did, readers and viewers would recoil. Objectivity, as defined in Mr. Stephenss column  using facts without distortion by personal beliefs, feelings or prejudice  is a pipe dream.

What we can be is fair. We can present the facts evenhandedly; we can question both sides in any debate; we can try hard to set aside our own beliefs, feelings and prejudices. We can try to separate fact from opinion. But we must always be aware of our own fallibility, and this is impossible if were under the delusion that were being objective.
On a cold night in late February, a group of Venezuelan migrants huddled for warmth near a dumpster in the middle of nowhere, just a few hours outside Mexico City. They were waiting for La Bestia, the freight train migrants use to get from southern Mexico to the United States border.

When it finally appeared a little after midnight, everyone made a run for it. Families had priority for the boxcars that had a metal platform where they could sit or stand. I climbed atop a boxcar with two guys I had met a few hours earlier who called themselves Oriente and El Niche. Oriente had crossed into El Paso weeks earlier, but was detained trying to help friends cross the border and sent back.

We were so cold that we were trembling. We realized that we needed to jump off soon as the train slowed down. As the wheels ground over the tracks, and we struggled to hold on, I reflected on how we got here.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is investigating a reported, slow-moving rock slide on U.S. 29 just west of Charlottesville.

The sliding rocks were spotted near the Fontaine Avenue Extended ramp along U.S. 29 North.

The department said it had received a work order this week from someone claiming the rocks had been moving for a few months, but made significant progress this past weekend.

Had there been an incident, we wouldve known about it, VDOT spokeswoman Sharon Ketcham told The Daily Progress.

Ketcham said that Mark Shifflett, the maintenance operations manager for the Charlottesville residency for VDOT, was scheduled to examine the rock slide on Thursday.

It is unclear if he made it there to do so.

If its something that is immediately dangerous, they get on it right away, Ketcham said. I know that because I make the traffic alerts.
Several years ago, I edited a story by the historian Alexis Coe about the different ways literary husbands and wives publicly acknowledge each other in their books. To summarize and perhaps oversimplify: Husbands tend to thank their wives for their actual labor, like editing and research help, while wives tended to thank their husbands for their emotional support, possibly suggesting that men were less likely to offer practical assistance.

Books are obviously a lofty space, Coe rightfully notes, so she asked a sociologist friend to explain how the difference in acknowledgment plays out in day-to-day life for heterosexual couples who arent published authors. The sociologist responds with an anecdote:

In her home, she struggles to find the right words to recognize her husbands efforts. I dont mean to say that Im not grateful for you, she tells him, but I really hate that Im expected by society to be super-grateful for the fact that youre not totally worthless around the house.

I was reminded of this when I read Carmela Ciurarus utterly delectable new book, Lives of the Wives: Five Literary Marriages, which is equal parts highbrow literary analysis, deep relationship insight and juicy gossip. Ciuraru writes that her project is to reposition the wife, in the lives of five famous authors: Roald Dahl, Kingsley Amis, Kenneth Tynan, Alberto Moravia and Radclyffe Hall.

The wives in question are Patricia Neal, who was a genuine movie star before she met Dahl; Elizabeth Jane Howard, who had to divorce Amis to get any time back to work on her novels; Elaine Dundy, a best-selling novelist who was a faithful assistant to her husband, Tynan, as he worked on a variety of literary projects; Elsa Morante, an Italian novelist who had the closest thing resembling a true partnership of the five couples; and Una Troubridge, who devoted her entire life to the care and feeding of Hall, a life of watching, serving and subordinating everything in existence to a literary inspiration as she put it. (Hall and Troubridge were a lesbian couple that never officially married. Though Hall used female pronouns, she called herself John with her intimates, dressed in a masculine style, and, according to Ciuraru, very much saw herself as a husband.)

Ciuraru writes: The ideal wife of a famous writer has no desires worth mentioning. She lives each day in second place. Rather than attempt to seize control of her own fate, she accepts what she has been given without complaint. Her ambitions are not thwarted because she doesnt have any. But the women she features all do have ambition, and they were all made unhappy to varying degrees by having to subsume their talent and energy.
ATLANTA  When construction crews rolled into a patch of pine and maple trees southeast of Atlanta last month, the scene had more in common with a military incursion than a municipal building project in the suburbs. Police officers in armored trucks escorted construction workers as they cleared a pathway for heavy equipment and installed anti-erosion fences.

For 18 months, this parcel of woodland  once a prison farm for low-level convicts, now mostly reclaimed by the surrounding forest  has galvanized both environmental advocates who want to preserve one of the regions largest remaining green spaces and activists concerned about the increased militarization and aggressive tactics of police forces.

Mounting protests and scattered violence culminated in January in what the police described as a shootout that left a protester dead, a state trooper seriously wounded and Georgias governor authorizing the National Guard to intervene. Now, with organizers staging mass demonstrations starting this weekend  hundreds of activists gathered on Saturday near the training site to protest the development  officials worry that confrontations may resume, and that the conflict could escalate.
Hours after a gunman stalked the campus of Michigan State University last month, killing three students and injuring five others, fund-raisers in the names of the victims began to proliferate. Not all of the initiatives were legitimate, the university later informed the Michigan attorney generals office.

Experts say it is part of a troubling pattern that plays out over and over again in the United States: Where mass shootings happen, fraud often follows.

Con artists are going to strike when the iron is hot, so when theres an emotional moment  a disaster, a horrific shooting, an earthquake  theyre going to see it as an opportunity to siphon off hard-earned dollars to their ends, said Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of the Better Business Bureaus Wise Giving Alliance.
A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago and whose family believed she was dead has been found alive in Puerto Rico, resolving a decades-long mystery, the authorities said on Friday.

The woman, Patricia Kopta, now 83, was found on the island after she shared tidbits about her past to nursing home employees who had been taking care of her for years, Chief Brian Kohlhepp of the Ross Township Police Department said at a news conference.

The nursing home contacted the department last year, telling investigators that they had perhaps been taking care of a woman with dementia who might have disappeared from the Pennsylvania township near Pittsburgh in 1992. It was not clear what details Ms. Kopta shared that prompted the nursing home to contact the authorities, or how she had gotten there in the first place.

Ms. Koptas younger sister, Gloria Smith, who attended the news conference on Friday, summed up how she felt when the police determined through DNA evidence this week that her sister was indeed in Puerto Rico: Shock. I didnt believe it. It was total shock.
Mr. Conway replied, telling the president that he was looking forward to seeing you in New York at E. Jeans trial next month! Hugs and kisses, a reference to the writer E. Jean Carroll, who has accused Mr. Trump of raping her in the mid-1990s and filed suit against him last year under a New York law giving a one-time extension of the statute of limitations in such cases.

Mr. Conways critical posts on Twitter seemed to particularly get under Mr. Trumps skin. When Mr. Trump was president and his tweets still dictated news cycles, their testy exchanges helped elevate the Conway drama in a White House that often revolved around personalities and personal disputes. Mr. Trump once logged onto Twitter to refer to Mr. Conway as a stone cold LOSER & husband from hell! and railed against him as someone who was VERY jealous of his wifes success.

Mr. Conway has long dismissed the idea that he somehow capitalized off his wifes reputation and has said that in the course of a long marriage, it is hard to separate out which partner is responsible for the others fortune or fame. He has told friends that he felt he had no option but to put everything on the line to fight Mr. Trump, motivated at least in part by a sense of guilt by association.

The way we structured our lives before the campaign, it enabled her to build her business so she could become the campaign manager, Mr. Conway, who was previously a partner at the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, said in an interview in 2019. I helped in ways that enabled her to go off and be the campaign manager, and go off to the White House in the spring of 2017.

When Ms. Conway finally left the White House in August 2020, she said it was to spend more time with her teenage children. For now, and for my beloved children, it will be less drama, more mama, she said.
WASHINGTON  When the self-help author Marianne Williamson made her last run for president, she was a curiosity on the fringe of a field of more than two dozen candidates.

Now shes trying to get people to take her seriously.

Since ending her 2020 campaign weeks before the first votes were cast, Ms. Williamson, a onetime spiritual guru to Oprah Winfrey and others, has moved to Washington and tried without much success to inject herself into the capitals political consciousness. On Saturday she announced herself as the first Democratic challenger to President Biden  who hasnt said himself that hes running again.

In her campaign kickoff speech, Ms. Williamson, 70, made no talk of exorcising the dark psychic force of the collectivized hatred in American politics or of calling New Zealand as her first act in office. Instead, she sounded more like a Bernie Sanders-style liberal, focused on economic justice, corporate power and what she called the intentional blindness of powerful federal government officials to poverty in America.

Some people in this city dont have the spine or the moral courage to fix it, Ms. Williamson said, lowering her voice two octaves for effect. Ladies and gentlemen, let me in there.
On Saturday, Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made his first visit to Syria in that role, traveling to this Kurdish-controlled territory to assess the state of Americas nearly eight-year-old military mission. For General Milley, the unannounced trip was a chance, he said, to figure out firsthand what value the mission in Syria still holds for American security.

He said he believed that U.S. troops and their Kurdish Syrian partners were making lasting progress toward ensuring that the Islamic State did not reconstitute itself.

I also wanted to check on force protection, General Milley told reporters traveling with him, because we have soldiers and Marines and airmen who are distributed along the northeast section of Syria and theyre exposed to indirect fire attack.

For the Biden administration, it is a balancing act. The president has made clear that he has no interest in continuing the so-called forever wars that were part of the national psyche for the first 20 years of this century. He withdrew American troops from Afghanistan, has kept them out of Ukraine, and has instructed Pentagon planners to focus on Asia and the potential for great-power conflicts with Russia and China. Those long conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan, the administration maintains, are a thing of the past.

Except for here in Syria, where American troops are consistently in harms way, military officials said, with dozens of attacks launched at or near bases in the past year alone. U.S. and partner forces with a coalition that includes the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces have been working together to keep pressure on Islamic State militants and to ensure that detained fighters do not end up back on the battlefield.
Former President Donald J. Trump has filed a motion asking a federal judge to prevent his former vice president, Mike Pence, from testifying to a grand jury about specific issues that Mr. Trump is claiming are protected by executive privilege, a person briefed on the matter said.

The filing is unsurprising  Mr. Trumps lawyers have repeatedly sought to assert executive privilege over former aides as a means of blocking testimony  but it underscores how much the Justice Departments attempts to get Mr. Pence to testify in the investigation into Mr. Trumps efforts to cling to power may be drawn out.

The sealed filing was made on Friday, according to the person briefed on the matter. Its existence was reported earlier by CNN. A spokesman for Mr. Trump did not respond to a request for comment.

Mr. Pence was recently subpoenaed for grand jury testimony after negotiations between his team and the Justice Department over his appearance came to an impasse, people briefed on the matter said. Mr. Pence is a key potential witness in the investigation, as the person Mr. Trump pressured repeatedly to thwart the certification of Joseph R. Biden Jr.s Electoral College victory by Congress.
Chinas leaders are set to use a gathering of the top legislature starting Sunday to outline plans to restore public confidence and bolster economic growth after a year of uncertainty, disruption and discontent around the governments Covid restrictions.

The annual session of the largely ceremonial National Peoples Congress in Beijing is aimed at conveying the ruling Communist Partys confidence and inspiring national unity. For the countrys top leader, Xi Jinping, this years event will also be key to reinforcing his authority after his signature zero Covid policy, now abandoned, drew widespread protests in November and worsened an economic slowdown.

The leadership will lay out its agenda for addressing challenges such as mounting local government debt, unemployment, a housing slump, weak exports and a shrinking population. Delegates are expected to rubber-stamp decisions made in advance, behind closed doors, by leaders of the party who hold ultimate authority.

At the end of the gathering, which runs for nine days, Mr. Xi is all but assured to be appointed to another five-year term as president after securing a groundbreaking third term as party leader in October. He is also expected to appoint his loyalists and allies to key government positions.
MANILA  Armed men in military gear attacked a provincial governor in the central Philippines on Saturday, killing him and several other people, according to the police. Hours later, three were arrested in connection with the case.

The motive for the killing, the latest in a series of deadly attacks on political leaders, was not immediately clear. Initial police reports said that the governor, Roel Degamo, had been at home in the town of Pamplona, in the province of Negros Oriental, when the attack took place.

At least five other people present were also killed. They were described as citizens who had been meeting with Mr. Degamo to seek aid from the governors welfare program.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calling for a speedy investigation, vowed that the killers would be caught.
The recently confirmed University of Virginia Board of Visitors member who disparaged administrators and student groups in a series of text messages published in the Washington Post has apologized to his colleagues on the board. Students, he said, should not be expecting their own apology.

Bert Ellis addressed himself as the elephant in the room at the boards Friday meeting, its last of the academic year and Ellis first as a confirmed board member.

To all my colleagues, I offer my apology, Ellis said. Those were private and confidential messages but were still out of place. I am emotional and I have the occasion to do things that I would never expect to be on the front page of the Washington Post.

When asked if he would apologize to the students and student groups he had targeted, Ellis said only, No, that was fine.

In text messages dated July 22 that he sent to fellow new members Stephen P. Long and Amanda Pillion, Ellis referred to members of the UVa Student Council and staffers at the Cavalier Daily student newspaper as numnuts and promised a battle royale for the soul of UVa.

Richmond-based author Jeff Thomas requested the texts via the Freedom of Information Act last August but did not receive them until he sued the university after it withheld the texts for months. Earlier this month, a Richmond judge ordered the university to turn over the messages, according to the Washington Post, which published their contents on Feb. 23.

Ellis and other board members were aware that their private correspondences regarding the university could be requested and published.

At the current boards first meeting in August of last year, which Ellis was present for though not yet confirmed, the board was provided an overview on the status of UVa academics, sports, finances and health system  in addition to a presentation on board member responsibilities. As part of that presentation, they were told the Freedom of Information Act requires board members turn over electronic mentions of UVa, the Board of Visitors and any subsidiary of the university if anyone from the public requests them.

I have learned my lesson about FOIA, Ellis told the board on Friday. I cant put the genie back in the bottle, so all I can say is Im sorry.

Both Long and Pillion, who were in attendance Friday, declined an interview request from The Daily Progress.

Ellis is one of four new members to the board appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The majority of the board, whose member serve staggered terms, was appointed by prior Democratic administrations.

Among them is Whittington W. Clement, who was appointed to the board by then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe in 2015 and serves as its rector. Clement was also targeted in Ellis texts.

In texts sent on July 20, also published by the Post, Ellis attacked a letter Clement had written to former board members.

Have you read Whitts letter to the Visitors Emeritus? Ellis wrote to Pillion and Long. What a damn whitewash. Not even a mention of the decline of the honor system  under his watch, I might add. No mention of the crap from the university guides. Its all good, Dorey, thats how he and the rest of the gits in Ryans office see things. We have to change that.

At the start of Fridays meeting, Clement said that he had read the Posts story on Ellis texts and doubted the Jeffersonian values of the man who wrote them.

The rhetoric of those messages, particularly ones that disparage students, faculty and staff, really run contrary to the values that Thomas Jefferson sought to instill in this community and which we as members of the universitys governing board, in turn, try to impart on our students, Clement said.

Ellis, who earned his bachelors and masters degree from UVa, is also president and co-founder of the Jefferson Council, a conservative alumni organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the Lawn, the Honor Code, and the intellectual diversity one would expect from Mr. Jeffersons university, according to the organizations website.

He is also a wealthy businessman: the head of Ellis Capital in Atlanta, a founding investor and board member of the WebMD platform, the owner of Los Angeles television station KDOC-TV and the part-owner of the White Spot burger restaurant on the Corner in Charlottesville.

Ellis appointment has faced pushback from students, faculty and staff at UVa.

Since last July, the Cavalier Daily, Student Council, Faculty Senate, United Campus Workers of Virginia union and University Democrats at UVa have all stood in opposition to Ellis joining the board, all citing the same 2020 razor blade incident.

Ellis sparked a public outcry in 2020 after traveling to university Grounds with a razor blade in hand. According to his own account, he intended to use the blade to remove a sign that read Fk UVA that had been posted on the Lawn room door of a student.

That incident also compelled state Sen. Creigh Deeds, a Democrat who represents UVa in the upper chamber of the General Assembly, to introduce a resolution that would have removed Ellis name from the list of Youngkins nominations to the Board of Visitors. The amendment would have required the General Assembly to vote on Ellis appointment separate from the other appointments, but it failed to gain enough support to pass.

Ellis has defended his actions in 2020 as free speech, while arguing that the notion the sign was protected as free speech is incredibly stupid.

At Fridays meeting, Ellis nodded along as UVa President Jim Ryan read from the Virginia Council of Presidents Statement on Free Speech, which promotes diversity of research and intellectual perspectives while serving as a pledge to promote inclusivity, academic freedom, free expression and an environment that promotes civil discourse.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

The UVa Board of Visitors is the ruling body of the university. The board makes decisions about tuition, property changes, academics and the health system and holds the authority to hire and fire the president of the university.

The board consists of 17 governor-appointed voting members who serve four-year terms, as well as nonvoting student and faculty representatives who serve one-year terms. Appointed board members are allowed to serve two consecutive terms if reappointed by the sitting governor.

Ellis, who began his term on June 30 of last year, will serve until the same date in 2026.

As the only person with the political power to appoint board members to public universities, the sitting governor of the commonwealth is the only person who can remove a sitting board member.
But the issue flared up on Feb. 17 when The Globe and Mail published an article it said was based on secret and top-secret reports prepared by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the agency most English-speaking Canadians know as CSIS.

According to the article, the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party did not want a Conservative government to win the 2021 election because it feared it would take a hard-line approach to China. The Chinese leadership, however, wasnt entirely happy with the Liberals, either, and wanted to hold them to a minority government. While that ultimately was the result, its difficult to see how any outside government could engineer such an outcome.

The documents, as reported by The Globe, laid out a variety of strategies, not all of them obviously feasible. China asked its diplomats in Canada to swing the vote in favor of the Liberal candidates in constituencies with large Chinese populations. And the documents the newspaper cited included boasts some of those diplomats conveyed back to Beijing that they had successfully defeated Conservative candidates, although there is nothing to back their claims.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, citing secrecy laws, has not addressed any of the specific allegations, but he has criticized the article and other reports for containing inaccuracies, without elaborating.

The Conservatives, who of course were the target, swiftly demanded a public inquiry, and Pierre Poilievre, their leader, charged that Mr. Trudeau was covering up Chinas actions.
The Greek station manager accused of putting a speeding passenger train into the path of an oncoming freight train was expected in court on Sunday to face manslaughter charges in the deadliest rail disaster in Greek history.

But as Greek officials described the crash as a tragic case of human error, public opinion was galvanizing against the government for years of safety neglect  not against a man who fellow rail workers and protesters say is being scapegoated.

They want to say its one mans fault, said Antonis Bompotis, 26, who was among hundreds of protesters who gathered on Friday in Larissa, a city near the crash site. But its a government of murderers.

Outside the Larissa courthouse on Saturday, Vassilios Noulezas, a lawyer who represents a victims family as well as two survivors, said that he intended to bring to court several current and former government officials.
As the European Unions ambassador to London, Joao Vale de Almeida had a ringside seat for the chaos overwhelming British politics last year, when all eyes were on the missteps, scandals and resulting downfalls of two prime ministers in quick succession.

Under either of the ousted prime ministers, Mr. Vale de Almeida indicated, prospects were dim for resolving one of the most serious conflicts contributing to rocky post-Brexit relations between Britain and the European Union: the trade status of Northern Ireland.

But the relationship has shifted significantly with the rise of a new prime minister, Rishi Sunak, Mr. Vale de Almeida said, culminating on Monday when Mr. Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the E.U.s executive arm, the European Commission, struck a deal to resolve their Northern Ireland dispute.

That breakthrough, Mr. Vale de Almeida said, opened a path to greater cooperation not only between Brussels and London, but also between Europe and the United States, in confronting common challenges like Russian aggression and rising tension with China, where Western cooperation is essential.
On a snowbound field, three Soviet-era helicopters were being readied for battle. Pilots and crew checked the flight plan for their next target, while technicians loaded slim gray rockets into launcher pods and stacked flares into racks behind the exhaust.

One year into the war, against all the odds, Ukraines helicopter brigades are still operational. Every day of the week, multiple times a day, they go into battle against enemy forces, launching rocket attacks along the front lines in support of ground troops and occasionally slipping under Russian air defenses to fly covert missions into enemy territory.

Far from being knocked out in the first days of the invasion, Ukraines helicopters and jets have kept flying, remaining an inspiring and useful element of the war effort.

In a rare opportunity, the 18th Sikorsky Brigade, the foremost of Ukraines four helicopter brigades, gave reporters access to a combat unit for two days recently. Officers and pilots described how the Ukrainian brigades moved their aircraft at the onset of the war to evade Russian strikes, and how they adapted their tactics to fighting a much more powerful and better equipped adversary.
KYIV, Ukraine  Ukrainian forces repelled multiple Russian attacks on Saturday in fighting around the partly encircled city of Bakhmut, which has come down to a yard-by-yard battle for vital roads that supply the citys defenders.

But the Ukrainian military acknowledged that soldiers inside the city were now encircled on three sides by a combined force of the Russian Army and the Wagner private military company, which includes fighters recruited from prisons.

On Friday, the companys owner, Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, taunted President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine in a video, saying that only one road remained open to the west of Bakhmut, a city in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian commanders say that a counterattack this past week pushed Russian forces away from at least one of the embattled roads into the city, for the moment easing resupply for troops inside.
After a violent uprising by Palestinians against Israel subsided nearly two decades ago, Abu Abdallah, then a leader of a Palestinian militia, stashed away his assault rifle and later became a civil servant in the West Bank city of Nablus.

When Israeli troops raided Nablus late last month, Abu Abdallah, now 42, lent that rifle to a group of Palestinian gunmen 20 years younger who were locked in a four-hour gun battle with the soldiers in the Palestinian city. That made him a party to the conflict for the first time in years  one of several former fighters who returned to the fray that day, he said.

We have this feeling that we need to do our duty, said Abu Abdallah, who asked to be identified by his nom de guerre in order to avoid legal repercussions.

For years, the Palestinian Authority, the semiautonomous body that administers cities in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, like Nablus, worked with Israel to keep Palestinian militias in relative check. The authority had hoped that building enough trust with Israeli leaders would persuade them to allow the formation of a Palestinian state.
The New York Times News Quiz, March 3, 2023

Did you follow the news this week? Take our quiz to see how well you stack up with other Times readers.
A man who is awaiting sentencing in connection to a violent street brawl in Longford town last year has been charged with a separate violent disorder incident just five days later.

Polish national Patryk Mikitow (36) 39 Alderfield, Farnagh, Longford was not present in court last week to hear how a book of evidence will be served on him in March for an alleged offence at Camlin Mews, Longford on May 6, 2022.

He was only before a sitting of Longford Circuit Court at the end of last month where details of what Judge Keenan Johnson described as as a very violent street fight involving three other co accused individuals were relayed before the court.

All four, including Mr Mikitow, were told they are likely to incur the maximum term of 240 hours of community service when the case is due to be finalised in May.

Mr Mikitow had been due to appear before last week's District Court sitting to face a number of separate charges.

They included a charge that on May 6, 2022 at Camlin Mews, Longford, Mr Mikitow with five other men, committed violent disorder.

On the same date and during the same incident, the factory worker stands accused of being armed with a black metal pole which was approximately 60cm in length.

In defence, solicitor Fiona Baxter said her client was not present in court owing to work commitments.

He has had to take a lot of days off work due to court and probation services (appointments), she said.

Ms Baxter also said a reasonably positive probation report was before the court for consideration.

The case was ultimately put back to a sitting of Longford District Court on March 14 when Mr Mikitow is due to be served with a book of evidence in connection to the alleged incident.

Mr Mikitow is also before the courts in relation to two alleged public order incidents at his home address on November 6 last year.

On that date, Mr Mikitow is alleged to have been found drunk in public and of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.

Like the alleged violent disorder incident, the matter was put back to a sitting of Longford District Court on March 14.
A woman accused of money laundering will return before Longford District Court in May to find out if Judge Bernadette Owens will accept jurisdiction of her case.

In the jurisdiction hearing of Andrea Kalejova (34) of 45 The Glen, Waterford, County Waterford the court heard the defendant is facing 24 charges.

At last weeks court sitting Judge Owens was assessing whether she should accept jurisdiction over the case where the defendant is accused of engaging in the converting /transferring /handling /acquiring /possessing or using the proceeds of crime (a Covid 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of 350) while knowing that the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

The 24 charges relate to 12 different dates. Sergeant Mark Mahon said it's alleged by the prosecution that Ms Kalejova allowed her bank account to be used by her brother and step brother who are not resident in this country to receive a PUP payment during the Covid pandemic. Sgt Mahon said the alleged loss to the State was 6,048.

Solicitor John Quinn agreed with Judge Owens that clarification on who was the benefactor of the money was at the heart of the case. Sgt Mahon said it will be alleged the defendant allowed the money to be lodged in her account after the application was made online.

Sgt Mahon explained that the Garda investigating the incident is based in Wexford and he would need some time to make arrangements to bring him before the court. Judge Owens said: I need to know who is the mastermind behind this for the purpose of jurisdiction.

The judge then adjourned the matter to May 16 to allow the investigating Garda to be present, at which time a Czech interpreter will also attend court.
A TOTAL of 64 modular homes are to be constructed to accommodate refugees from the war in Ukraine on a site at Clonminch in Tullamore.

The houses will be built as part of a Government approved modular home project which will see 700 homes built and completed by July throughout the country.

Houses are due to be delivered from Easter and through April, May, June and July.

Each unit measures in the region of 45 square metres in area and costs approximately 145,000 to construct.

The homes will include a kitchen-dining-living area combined, a bathroom, a small bedroom and a large bedroom

The development is being managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and a meeting has taken place in recent weeks to brief local councillors and officials of Offaly County Council on the roll-out of the programme in Tullamore.

There will be further local engagement as work on the site proceeds a spokesperson for the OPW told the Tribune this week.

The spokesperson revealed the site at Clonminch was offered to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) and the OPW.

The site was offered as a potentially suitable one to accommodate 64 units for families of four Ukrainian nationals per unit

The OPW has been asked by Government to develop the programme of rapid build modular homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who is the Approving Authority for the programme.

The OPW is the sponsoring agency for the purposes of rolling out the programme, with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage identifying sites that might be suitable.

Once sites are offered an assessment is carried out in terms of location and access to local facilities

The OPW then undertakes the necessary technical site assessments.

When sites are identified as suitable, a programme of engagement is carried out by DCEDIY which involves meeting with councillors and officials of local authorities, service providers, community groups etc.

The OPW is responsible for site preparation and the acquisition and installation of the homes onto the sites.

Specific planning regulations in place for emergencies such as this allow for the development of rapid build accommodation quickly.

However the sites can only be used for this purpose for a maximum of three years, after which a full routine planning process must take place to determine the future use of the sites.

All the sites will have roads, footpaths, street lighting and community facilities, including a play area and green spaces in line with local authority planning guidance.

The homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60 year lifespan and the development of the sites will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area.

Construction disruption will be limited as the units are manufactured off site.

DCEDIY will provide for the management and maintenance of the homes and sites once they are completed.

DCEDIY is working with other departments and agencies regarding availability of services.

The building of modular homes for Ukrainian refugees was raised with senior Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth officials at a meeting of the Dail Public Accounts Committee recently. The meeting was also attended by Ciaran O'Connor, OPW State architect.

Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley is the chair of the Committee which monitors the spending of public money by Government Departments.

Under questioning from Deputy Stanely on the use of the semi-detached prefabricated accommodation, Mr O'Connor outlined a possible future use.

He said the buildings, which are 45 sq metres, could be reconfigured by merging two together, to give one full-sized social house.

Mr O'Connor said there is another potential use. "We were cognisant of possible future use. It can be lifted and sent off to Ukraine as part of Ireland's aid to Ukraine later. It is a lift-and-plug house," he said.

The architect told Deputy Stanley that the homes would include a kitchen-dining-living area combined, a bathroom, a small bedroom and a large bedroom. He said up to four people could live in the semi-detached homes which have an option for a pull-out sofa bed in the dining area.

He told the Committee that the buildings have a lifespan of a minimum of 60 years and the cost varies between five suppliers. The average build cost is 145,000.

TDs were also told that it is envisaged that approved housing bodies would manage maintenance.

The Department's Secretary General Mr Kevin McCarthy said there is "a good communications plan" in respect of the modular housing programme.

"We have people on the ground engaging with communities and speaking to their representatives and their local public representatives," he said.

However, Deputy Stanley disagreed. "The point is that there has been zero communication. In this vacuum, the rumour mill gets going," he said.
Offaly student Anna Jolly, from Tullamore, was among the students from Trinity College Dublin to receive scholarships at a ceremony held at Trinity College Dublin campus.

The Award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Manufacturing and Design. This is the inaugural year of the programme being offered to Trinity College students. Each recipient will receive a student award, industry mentoring and leadership training, along with the opportunity to attend career workshops, visit Johnson & Johnson sites and participate in WiSTEM2D events designed to support them with pursuing future STEM careers.

The Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D programme fuels the development of the female STEM2D talent pipeline by awarding and sponsoring women at critical points in their educational experience and their careers, in STEM disciplines. The Undergraduate programme was first introduced at University of Limerick in 2016, and extended to University College Cork and University of Galway in the intervening years, supporting more than 400 students to date. This year, the programme has been expanded further to include Munster Technological University and Trinity College.

The Trinity College Dublin students selected to receive the scholarships are:

Anna Jolly; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Aoife Mary Morris; Chemical Sciences; Midleton, Co. Cork

Eva McDonnell; Pharmacy; Ballintemple, Co. Cork

Keela Duffy Naughton; Engineering with Management; Irishtown, Dublin

Lydia Politi; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Dublin

Makua Ifediora; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Mountmellick, Co. Laois

Mirela Sofia Mucenic; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Bucharest, Romania

Naomi Adeniji; Engineering; Clondalkin, Dublin

Raea Michie; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Berlin, Germany

Sarah Sheridan; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Swinford, Co. Mayo

The faculty of STEM at Trinity College has a long-standing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). All 8 of its schools have established EDI committees. Seven schools hold Athena SWAN Bronze awards as a mark of their commitment to promote EDI work practices at a local level, including for example, the visibility of female role models (as speakers at research seminars, as external examiners, on websites), gender representation on decision-making committees and the adoption of family-friendly meeting policies.

Dr. Thorsten Giesecke, General Manager, Commercial Business at Janssen Sciences Ireland said: Congratulations to the Trinity College Dublin students who have been selected to receive the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D award. They will now benefit from a range of opportunities, which will provide them with the tools, resources & opportunities they need to excel in their careers. Through the programme, Johnson & Johnson aims to inspire and support more women to pursue a career in STEM after university and increase female representation in the STEM2D workforce.

Professor Sylvia Draper, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Trinity College Dublin said: 'I am delighted to support and promote this initiative which seeks to raise awareness of, and the need for, diversity and inclusion in STEM disciplines and technologies. These J&J WiSTEM scholarships will provide financial support and also career mentorship and guidance for ten Senior Fresh undergraduates in STEM. It is never too early to start identifying your own unique skill sets, to understand what makes you different and know what is important to you. With this knowledge you can create an environment in which you and everyone around you can flourish. It is the first step in making our world a better place'.

The awards ceremony, held at the Trinity College Dublin campus, was attended by Fergus Sharpe, Government Affairs & Policy Manager, Janssen Sciences Ireland; Brid Seoighe, Director of Medical Affairs, Janssen Sciences Ireland; Dr Lorraine Byrne, Executive Director of the AMBER Centre; Katie OBrien, GOLD Associate, Janssen Sciences Ireland; and Anna Rafferty, Director of Strategy, Johnson & Johnson Campus Ireland. Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award scholarship were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork created by Fermoy-based artist, Suzanne OSullivan.
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks are an Australian professional rugby league club based in Cronulla, in the Sutherland Shire, Southern Sydney, New South Wales. They compete in the National Rugby League (NRL), Australasia's premier rugby league competition. The Sharks, as they are commonly known, were admitted to the New South Wales Rugby League premiership, predecessor of the Australian Rugby League and the current National Rugby League competition, in January 1967. The club competed in every premiership season since then and, during the Super League war, joined the rebel competition before continuing on in the re-united NRL Premiership. The Sharks have been in competition for 56 years, appearing in four grand finals, winning their first premiership in 2016 after defeating the Melbourne Storm at Stadium Australia.
The United Nations is bracing for a further increase in the number of refugees this year, as last month's earthquake in Turkiye and Syria adds to a series of crises that has the world looking to Canada for more help.
The former US president said the Fox News chairman had betrayed his television hosts in recent legal testimony over the 2020 election.
Estonia is holding a general election Sunday that will determine whether it can sustain its high level of support for war-torn Ukraine. The small Baltic nation provides Kyiv with more weapons than any other country relative to the size of its economy. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who has emerged in the past year of war as one of Europes most outspoken supporters of Ukraine, is seeking a second term, with her standing enhanced by her international appeals to impose sanctions on Russia. The 45-year-old Kallas belongs to a generation of young female leaders who have risen to the top of international politics and been strong voices for Ukraine. Her main challenger is Martin Helme, head of the nationalist EKRE party.
Alex Murdaugh, who was sentenced to life Friday morning, already has a different look as he heads to prison ... with a completely shaved head. The new mug shot was taken just a few hours after he was in a South Carolina courthouse to hear his
The French president is back in Africa trying to fend off challenges from Russia and China.
Fairfax County police have released few details about what prompted officers to fire at Timothy Johnson, a suspect in a shoplifting who had run from officers.
Russia's Defense Ministry said that Sergei Shoigu had met with soldiers on the front line in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the UK has warned Ukraine's hold on Bakhmut is under pressure. DW has the latest.
Australian police have intercepted $1bn Australian dollars worth of cocaine from entering the west of the country, in what is..

Sky News 04 Mar 2023
Walgreens says it will not start selling an abortion pill in 20 states that had warned of legal consequences if it did so.



The drugstore chains announcement Thursday signals that access to mifepristone may not expand as broadly as federal regulators intended in January, when they finalized a rule change allowing more pharmacies to provide the pill.



Heres a closer look at the issue.



ABOUT THE ABORTION PILL



The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved mifepristone in 2000 to end pregnancy, when used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol. The combination is approved for use up to the 10th week of pregnancy.



Mifepristone is taken first to dilate the cervix and block a hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken a day or two later, causing contractions to empty the uterus.



More than half of U.S. abortions are now done with pills rather than with a procedure, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. In rare cases, the drug combination can cause excess bleeding, requiring emergency care.



WIDENING ACCESS



For more than 20 years, the FDA limited dispensing of mifepristone to a subset of specialty offices and clinics due to safety concerns.



The agency has repeatedly eased restrictions and expanded access, increasing demand even as state laws make the pills harder to get for many women.



In late 2021, the agency eliminated an in-person requirement for getting the pill, saying a new scientific review showed no increase in safety complications if the drug is taken at home. That change also permitted the pill to be prescribed via telehealth and shipped by mail-order pharmacies.



Earlier this year, the FDA further loosened restrictions by allowing pharmacies like Walgreens to start dispensing the drug after...
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida plans to visit India later this month for talks with his counterpart Narendra Modi, a government source said on Friday, even as Tokyo holds the presidency of the Group of Seven nations this year, the Nikkei Asia reported.
The young man is accused of severly beating another man outside of a nightclub in Manhattan in February.
North Korea's state news backed an impartial investigation, saying the world needs to be aware of the "vicious coerciveness, war and conspiracy maneuvers of the United States."
Unison and GMB unions call off industrial action after being told money was available for potential pay rises
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Hundreds of Israeli settlers attacked different towns and villages near the West Bank city of Nablus on February 26. At least one Palestinianidentified as 37-year-old Sameh Aqtashwas killed, and more than 100 were injured, according to WAFA. Around 65 Palestinians, including 13 children, have been killed in 2023 by Israeli...
On February 20, the European Union announced a sixth round of sanctions on nine individuals and seven entities in military-ruled Myanmar in light of the continuing escalation of violence, grave human rights violations and threats to the peace, security and stability in Myanmar/Burma two years after the February 1, 2021,...
On Wednesday, March 1, the extremely hot power couple found themselves aboard Lufthansas slightly ill-fated flight 496 traveling from their home in Austin, Texas to Frankfurt Germany.
Warm hubs have sprouted across Britain by the thousands this winter as soaring food and energy prices drive millions to turn down the thermostat or skimp on hot meals. Research by the opposition Labour Party counted almost 13,000 such hubs, funded by a mix of charities, community groups and the government and nestled in libraries, churches, community centers and even a tearoom at King Charles III's Highgrove country estate.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia was not the aggressor in the Ukraine war, but that his country was simply trying to defend itself, to which the crowd laughed and groaned.
Tamworth Herald 04 Mar 2023

Several subscribers to Disney Plus have complained after trying to watch the Made in Chelsea star's new documentary on the app
China promotes world peace, calls for true multilateralism: foreign ministry

(People's Daily App) 15:22, March 04, 2023

Minister Qin offers three key messages: First, faced with a volatile international situation and rising global challenges, the G20 must rise to the occasion, enhance cooperation and contribute its share to global development and prosperity. Second, we need to practice true multilateralism and follow the principles of dialogue on an equal footing and consensus-building through consultation. No one should engage in power politics or even bloc confrontation. Third, we need to promote the sound development of globalization, reject unilateralism, protectionism and attempts to decouple or sever supply chains, and make global development more inclusive, resilient and beneficial for all.

Minister Qin also proposed enhanced macro-economic policy coordination, improved global economic governance and bolstered international development cooperation. He said that China would continue to take an active part in the G20 agenda and contribute more to promoting world peace and development, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
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Photo: (Photo : Getty Images/ John Moore)

Parents in Washington, DC, are speaking up against schools' unreliable bus services that are causing harm and inconvenience to them and their children with special needs.

In a Council of the Whole Performance Oversight Hearing, hundreds of parents and caregivers of kids with special needs, school administration, and advocates gathered to talk about the school's bus service that has been undependable since the school year started.

Parents expressed their disappointment, claiming that it is unfair how they are not receiving the benefits, comfort, and protection they paid for. They demanded that they deserve much better, WUSA 9 reported.

Bus service unreliable for eight to ten years already

Parent Camille Tate stated that despite paying for the school bus services, her son had not been picked up by the school bus for the entire school year.

She further emphasized how big a problem this is, especially for an autistic child who does not get to school properly on time, as a change in their routine can throw off their whole schedule.

Another parent, Amy Dunn, reported an incident days ago when her son's bus required police and ambulance assistance primarily because there were too many students with special needs on a single bus together.

Other parents were complaining about how it was inconvenient for their special children and them. Parent Renice Robertson stressed how parents are also late for their jobs because the school bus was late or did not arrive without any prior announcement or communication to the parents.

Single mom Dina Tomic pointed out how her job is in "jeopardy" due to inconsistent childcare and transportation.

These and more parents stated their frustration on school buses that have had problems for eight to ten years already. The Washington Post featured this same problem in 2018, reporting that the buses either do not show up or arrive late.

Until now, when parents called and filed a complaint, they would receive an apology, stating that they were short of drivers, who are already doing double shifts, Tate declared.

Robertson expressed that the situation is "unacceptable," and parents and students "deserve better."

Read More: Buffalo Parents Who Drive Their Kids to School Might Start To Get Paid After Winning Key Approval

Parents promised that solutions are in the works

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSEE) is the department that provides buses for children with special needs.

Last January, WUSA9 covered the bus route and schedule and discovered 87 routes off schedule in just a day. OSSE blamed it on staffing shortages and callouts.

In a statement released by OSEE Superintendent Dr. Christina Granttold, she stated that addressing the problems the parents highlighted is already in the works with 125 new drivers being currently processed, a new $2,500 employee attendance incentives, a tracking website for parents to know the location of their kids as well as daily morning and afternoon updates regarding bus schedules and a 125 percent increase in the parent reimbursement rate.

"A nationwide bus driver and attendant shortage coupled with an average of 100 staff callouts per day have required the Office of the State Superintendent of Education Division of Student Transportation (OSSE DOT) to make complex decisions to serve as many students as possible. These decisions include combining routes, sending drivers and attendants out to complete multiple routes consecutively, and dropping and not servicing some routes as a last resort," Granttold said.

She further explained that when drivers and attendants are not enough to cover daily bus routes, they make do with over 500 buses to serve 3,800 students.

OSEE has addressed the problems, though not totally yet, and understands that both parties still face challenges such as late pick-ups, longer ride times, and the need for families to arrange their travels separately. They assured parents, however, that they know how the challenges negatively impact parents and students. Thus, they are "doing everything" in their power to find solutions.

Another hearing is scheduled on Friday, where education leaders, including OSEE, will testify.

Related Article: Recent Poll Finds Boston Public Schools Failing Parents' Satisfaction
Photo: (Photo : Christof Stache / Getty Images)

A Texas mom called for parents to keep water beads away from their children.

Ashley Haugen, 32, a mom of two, woke up one night to find her young daughter, Kipley, vomiting excessively. She immediately knew something was wrong with her baby and took her to the hospital.

Little did she know her 10-month-old daughter would undergo emergency surgery after doctors were left with no other options.

Texas mom shares terrifying experience from water beads

According to TODAY, the Texas mom is on a mission to raise awareness about the hazards of "water beads," small gel-filled balls often used as sensory toys for young children.

Doctors could not determine the cause of Kipley's illness despite performing tests and scans. Surgery was suggested as a last resort. Following the procedure, the surgeon presented Kipley's family with a photograph of the foreign object he removed from Kipley's digestive tract.

To Ashley's horror, she recognized it as the water beads the family had purchased as a birthday gift for their six-year-old daughter, Abigail. The beads had been intended for adult-supervised play only.

When doctors found the water beads lodged in Kipley's small intestine, they attempted to remove them, but some broke apart during the process.

The surgeon informed Ashley that his instruments could not penetrate the waterproof material, so they had to perform a full abdominal incision to remove it.

UC Davis Children's Hospital also issued a warning about the dangers of water beads.

The sensory toys are often used to develop fine motor skills and for sensory play, but they pose a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if accidentally ingested.

Despite the potential hazards, water beads are still widely used as sensory toys for young children.

Read Also: Child Labor in the US: Labor Department Announces New Measures to Combat Exploitation

The dangers and toxins in water beads

Kipley, the 10-month-old girl who ingested water beads and had to undergo surgery to remove them, had to spend about a week recovering in the hospital.

However, after returning home, her mother noticed her daughter was not acting like her usual self. Over the course of a few weeks, it became clear to Haugen that something was wrong with Kipley.

Concerned for her daughter's health, the Texas mom sought out another pediatrician to help them.

Kipley was diagnosed with toxic brain encephalopathy caused by acrylamide monomer exposure. A developmental pediatrician made the diagnosis sometime after her daughter's emergency surgery.

Dr. Elizabeth Friedman, the medical director of environmental health at Children's Mercy in Kansas City, explained that acrylamide is a neurotoxin that is supposed to be neutralized when polymerized.

The Water Bead Lady, a website dedicated to educating people about the potential dangers of water beads, confirmed that Haugen's daughter was severely injured and poisoned by the beads.

Since 2017, Haugen, along with her husband Jonathan and their daughters Abigail and Kipley, have made it their mission to prevent this tragedy from happening to other families.

Related Article: Mississippi Mom and Babies Thriving After Rare Quintuplet Birth
Photo: (Photo : Getty Images/ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP)

When this new GOP bill is approved, parents will be given new power and rights over their children's education.

House Republicans led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gathered in the Rayburn Room with parents, families, and activists as audience to introduce The Parents Bill of Rights, a new bill that they say can provide parents "more insight and power into their children's education."

According to Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., the new bill will allow parents to have a copy of revisions to state education standards and a list of books and reading materials available in the school library. It will also require school districts to post curriculum information for parents. All these and more are what the new bill promises.

House Speaker McCarthy stated the bill would ensure that parents will "have a say" in their kids' education, without the school or government telling them what their children should be learning or what to do.

Parents to be given the right to transparency

"We are going to fight to make sure that our voices are heard, that we have a right to have a seat at the table when it comes to our children's education," Letlow declared.

The representative further stated that the new bill would give parents the right to address their local school board on issues and concerns that might impact their students' education. They will be given the authority to be updated in schools' privacy policies, ABC News reported.

On the other hand, schools will be instructed to practice transparency, especially in decision-making, encouraging parents and community feedback. And, more on transparency, the new bill is pro-parental consent in terms of medical exams that the students will be undertaking, be it about mental health or screening for substance use disorder. School administration will also be required to inform parents about any violent activity in school.

Read More: New Ohio Bill Allows Parents To Review School Lessons of Their Children

The new bill brings division, activists say

Despite a similar bill drafted by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo, failing to get congressional approval in 2021, House Republican Conference chair Elise Stefanik is confident that this bill "will pass" later this year, with 73 republican co-sponsors and a GOP-led House.

McCarthy showed the same confidence, stating that he could not imagine people opposing the Parents Bill of Rights as it is what every parent needs - a guarantee to know what their kids are being taught, where their money is going, and if there is any activity or program in school that could harm their children.

However, the largest labor union in the U.S., the National Education Association (NEA), boldly disagreed with Stefanik and McCarthy.

The organization that represents educators and school faculty expressed that the new bill is tearing apart educators and parents that should have been partners and working together to ensure that all students, regardless of race and background, are presented with the opportunity to succeed in their education and life.

Becky Pringle, NEA President, declared in a statement that instead of electing leaders that should be focused on providing students the individualized support needed, keeping guns out of campus, and solving teacher shortages, the elected officials, like McCarthy, "would rather seek to stoke racial and social division," and distract the society with what students need to thrive in - "an inspiring, inclusive, and age-appropriate curriculum that prepares each and every one of them for their future."

Related Article: Parents vs. School Policies: Kentucky Bill Passed Giving Parents Rights to Challenge School Instructional Materials
Photo: (Photo : Pexel/cottonbro studio)

A growing number of Black families are choosing homeschooling over the traditional school as national debates on teaching racism and Black history in the classroom continue, advocates say.

More black parents are deciding to educate their children in the safety of their homes - safety against racism, disinformation, politics, and violence. They would want more control over what their children are being taught and how they are treated, especially with the ongoing disparity that cannot be denied.

The majority of Republicans have pushed for the past years to ban critical race theory (CRT) in the school curriculum for the past years. According to Brookings, the said theory was removed by the opponents' fear that CRT labels all white people as oppressors while identifying all Black people as hopeless victims of oppression. The fears have prompted school boards and state legislatures nationwide to ban teaching racism in the classrooms.

Aside from that, widespread efforts by lawmakers, parents, and school boards are also happening to ban reading and instructional materials about race, gender, and sexuality. And to top it all, the Department of Education in Florida just recently rejected an Advanced Placement African American studies as part of college courses.

A form of resistance?

The jump to homeschooling by Black families started during the pandemic, with a 16.1 percent increase in the fall of 2020 from only 3 percent at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the largest switch of any racial group as reported by census data in 2021.

As per the U.S. Department of Education report, children under homeschooling almost doubled from 3 percent before the pandemic to nearly five and a half percent in the school year from 2020 to 2021.

A professor in elementary education at the University of Georgia, Cheryl Fields-Smith, pointed out various reasons behind the shift of Black parents to homeschooling.

Disproportionate rates of discipline against Black students. Resegregation of schools. Denied access to gifted education in Black and brown communities. Bullying plus other school safety concerns.

Fields-Smith stated that while these issues are faced separately, many Black families are struggling with them all at once, which is overwhelming. Thus, these Black families have decided to craft their own learning routines that will fit their children's needs and form their own homeschooling co-op community with other families where the kids can learn together and socialize. All these, away from racism and disparities.

"I conceptualize it as a form of resistance. Instead of accepting the status quo, families are resisting what's happening in their schools," she declared.

Read More: A Changing Texas Town Contends a Conservative Revolt Over Schools

Confidence in their Black identity

CNN was able to talk to some Black families that opted to do homeschooling and found that some did because they were residing in school districts where the majority were white students and teachers. Parents who made the switch want to ensure that their children are taught to have confidence in their Black identity.

Others wanted to protect their kids from America's "polarizing racial climate."

Tracie Yorke made the switch when she started questioning the quality of education her son was receiving during remote learning at the height of the pandemic. Observing from the background, she saw how her child's Zoom classes were "chaotic," with teachers not trained to teach virtually.

Moreover, the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis began a national racial reckoning. Having only one Black teacher in her son's school, her son Tyce had no one he could relate to, making her think the school environment was unhealthy for her kid.

Yorke has been homeschooling Tyce for three years now, with a curriculum that meets his specific needs and teaches him about African American history and race without any political interventions and drama, she stated.

Related Article: Pandemic Pods: Grants Rise to Help Support Black Families
Photo: (Photo : ROBYN BECK / Getty Images)

Walgreens declared that it would not sell abortion pills through the mail in 20 conservative states.

This decision exemplifies the significant differences in abortion accessibility between states in the post-Roe v. Wade United States.

The announcement was a response to a warning from Republican attorneys general in those 20 states, who threatened legal consequences for CVS and Walgreens if they provided abortion pills by mail.

Walgreens' abortion pills will not be sold to conservative states

According to ABC, in February, nearly two dozen Republican attorneys general wrote to Walgreens, warning the company that it could face legal consequences if it continues distributing abortion pills through its pharmacies.

The attorneys general argued that the pills were not safe and that they could harm women who used them. The letter put pressure on Walgreens to respond.

As a result, Walgreens, the second-largest pharmacy chain in the United States, said it would not sell abortion pills in several states where they remain legal.

This in response to the shifting policy landscape, threats from state officials, and pressure from anti-abortion activists.

The company has since responded to all the officials, assuring them that it will not dispense abortion pills by mail or at its brick-and-mortar locations in those states.

In certain states, Walgreens will not dispense mifepristone, one of the most popular methods for ending a pregnancy.

Included in the list were several states where abortion in general and the medications specifically remain legal, such as Montana, Iowa, Alaska, and Kansas.

However, Walgreens' senior director of external relations, Fraser Engerman, has noted that there is currently complexity around this issue in Kansas and elsewhere.

Engerman added that the company will now only sell abortion pills in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so if they are certified.

Read Also: Pro Life Lawmakers in Conservative States Are Revisiting Exemptions on Abortion Ban

Abortion pills might be sold, but only with certification and legal rights

Reuters reported Walgreens' recent decision came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized retail pharmacies to distribute mifepristone pills, including by mail, if they were certified under special safety regulations.

This rule will make medication abortion, which accounts for over 50 percent of U.S. abortions, more accessible in states where abortion is still legal.

For over two decades, the FDA restricted the dispensing of the drug to a subset of specialty clinics and offices because of safety concerns.

However, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the FDA has eased restrictions by eliminating the in-person requirement for the pill and allowing brick-and-mortar pharmacies to distribute it.

According to Politico, the group of Republican attorneys general wrote to Walgreens in February, and other retailers like Kroger, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Albertsons, and Costco, demanding that they refuse to distribute abortion pills.

This decision highlights how the availability of abortion services can significantly differ from state to state in post-Roe America.

Even in places where no bans are in effect, elected officials, activists, and corporations can still clash with the federal government to block access to these services.

Related Article: 13th Amendment Protects Right to Abortion: Federal Judge Challenges Supreme Court Ruling
Photo: (Photo : Getty Images/Phillip Faraone)

The TV host spoke about her relationship with her in-laws and revealed how they get along.

Morgan Stewart McGraw undoubtedly loves her in-laws, and she's getting the same love back.

On the latest episode of Just B with Bethenny Frankel, the reality star talked to host Bethenny Frankel about how the family dynamic with in-laws Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw has grown stronger and only improved after she married their son, musician Jordan McGraw in 2020.

The model expressed that she is "obsessed" with her relationship with her in-laws, especially with her mother-in-law, who, from the moment she met, had already sparked a connection. She even stated that they had their own thing.

She added that they "vibe" and that she's blessed that the relationship is just "seamless."

Grandparents respect the boundaries

She even pointed out how her own mom and mother-in-law, 69, have created a friendship of their own, which she described as "so normal." She shared that they would occasionally email each other and even get together for drinks.

When asked about her boundaries for grandparent visitation at home, she joked that her mother is the one "neurotic" about wanting to visit grandkids, two-year-old Row Renggli and one-year-old Grey Oliver. However, her in-laws respect the boundaries she has placed, and it is healthy for all parties involved.

The TV personality shared how her mother-in-law always prioritized her convenience and asked what worked for her. She further said they "totally get" that the grandparents cannot come and visit every second or any time of every day.

Just recently, Morgan took to Instagram and posted a photo of her, Jordan, and their two kids during the "magical" floral & dinosaur-themed soiree for both children's birthdays.

In that post, Robin cannot contain her happiness for being part not only of the celebration but also of the planning.

"OMG!!!! I have not quit thinking about all the precious friends that came to celebrate my adorable grandchildren turning the most momentous ONE and TWO YEARS OLD!!!!!! It was a day I will never forget!!! JORDAN AND MORGAN....YOU BOTH KNOW HOW TO THROW A PARTY!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING POPS AND GRANDMA TO BE A SMALL PART OF THE PLANNING!!!!! We had a ball!!!!! Herb and Susan and Pops and I all feel like it was the best day ever," the mother-in-law commented.

She even concluded that she and Morgan's mom "need to move in together."

Read More: Meghan Markle's Dad Plans Legal Action To See Grandchildren

She 'picks her father-in-law's brain'

Regarding her relationship with the famous Dr. Phil, the former E! Host admitted to taking advantage of her father-in-law's brain, especially when it comes to her career, which often intimidates her but in a good way.

She also shared that she texts and calls him, and "he loves it," People reported.

Morgan and Jordan got engaged in July 2020 and said their "I Dos" in December of the same year. They welcomed their first daughter, Row, on Feb. 16, 2021, and then their second, a baby boy, Grey, on Feb. 17, 2022.

After the birth of their second child, Morgan revealed that they are done with having kids with Jordan having a vasectomy.

Related Article: Pregnant With Jesus: 19-Year-Old Claims She's Giving Birth To Jesus, Mom Reaches Out For Help From Dr. Phil
Photo: (Photo : Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash)

Being a woman, or mom for that matter, isn't easy. Which is why Women's Day is a great time to celebrate all the struggles, trials and tribulations that the fairer sex go through. If you're a mom, you know that sometimes those "tribulations" just mean keeping your head above water, and maybe getting those rare moments of rest and pampering you deserve.

With a tiny human to take care of, it's all too easy to forget about your own well-being. But nowadays, millennial parents are finding ways to prioritize self-care- through what they wear. From the gym to the office and from the office to happy hour, millennials are starting to forego the usual stylish threads for something more comfortable. This change has been largely fueled by millennial moms, that have led the charge for more relaxed dress codes in the office and other social settings in recent years.

Pregnancy and early motherhood bring with it a lot of changes to your body, none of which feel particularly good. So sometimes self-care for moms can be distilled to something more simple: Comfort.

Recently recognized as a Top 3 Best Seller on Amazon, Momcozy's Breastfeeding Seamless Wireless Nursing Bras was designed to meet the growing demand for comfort. The bra's material may remind you of another famous self-care-oriented yoga brand, Lulu Lemon. Having a bra that lets your breasts, well, breath, is oh-so important for a nursing mom. From engorged breasts and clogged nipples, to painful mastitis or general soreness, a bra that constricts that blood and milk flow, or digs into your skin, only multiplies the misery of lactation issues. With 58.4% Nylon and 41.6% Spandex, the fabric conforms smoothly and naturally, making it ideal for moms seeking comfort. Likewise, the fabric is OEKO-TEX certified, which means every component of the material has undergone rigorous testing against a list of 250 toxic chemicals to ensure its safety.

As a new or soon-to-be mom, you probably know though that for true comfort, softness and breathability is only half the battle. To keep up with your breasts' constant changes to feed your little one, they also need constant support. Any mom can also tell you though that finding the right amount of support is a fine balance, as too much support can make the bra too rigid, not allowing your breasts the freedom they need. Momcozy's Nursing Bra successfully walks that tightrope between support and freedom. Its 3D molded cups and underside "W" structure provides great lift and support for preventing soreness and sagging, while the flexible material offers comfort and support as mom's body changes throughout her nursing journey.

The bra also stays comfy while you nurse- With a one-handed nursing clasp and adjustable wide-banded shoulder straps, Momcozy's Seamless Nursing Bra allows for comfortable nursing all day long without the straps digging into your shoulders.

Overall, Momcozy's bra's level of comfort is enough that moms have even left feedback on Amazon stating their temptation to wear the bra for everything from maternity, as a sleep bralette, or even everyday use. After all, why limit your comfort to just nursing?

Moms shouldn't have to worry about making grand gestures to celebrate Women's Day. After all, you already have enough on your plate. Instead, celebrate your womanhood by giving yourself the comfort that you deserve.

Learn more about Momcozy's seamless bra collection
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The Interpreter Foundation continues to flourish, much to the disgust of at least a few vocal critics:

Nephis Bountiful: Contrasting Both Candidates, written by Warren P. Aston

Abstract: In May 2022, George Potter published an article that makes the most comprehensive case to date that Khor Rori in southern Oman is the most likely location for the place Bountiful described by Nephi. However, despite its many positives, there are a number of reasons to question the suitability of Khor Rori and to favor the other major candidate for Bountiful, Khor Kharfot. I propose that a careful reading of Nephis account coupled with recent discoveries based on field work show Khor Kharfot to be a superior candidate meeting all criteria we can extract from the text. To support a thorough comparison, aspects of both candidates are weighed, including pictorial comparisons of key features. I am in full agreement with Potter that with the entire eastern coast of Arabia now explored, only two candidates for Bountiful remain in contention  Khor Rori and Khor Kharfot. No other location still merits serious consideration.

Interpreting Interpreter: Comparing Bountifuls, written by Kyler Rasmussen

This post is a summary of the article Nephis Bountiful: Contrasting Both Candidates by Warren P. Aston in Volume 55 of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. An introduction to the Interpreting Interpreter series is available at https://interpreterfoundation.org/interpreting-interpreter-on-abstracting-thought/. The Takeaway: Aston provides a detailed comparison between Khor Rori and Khor Kharfot as candidates for Nephis Bountiful, and suggests that, though questions remain about the suitability of Khor Kharfot, its access to wild fruit, its distinctive nearby mountain, and its easier access to potentially useful timber (among other details) make it the best available candidate.

Conference Talks: Prayer with Uplifted Hands. delivered by Stephen D. Ricks

This paper was presented at the Interpreter Foundations 2014 Temple on Mount Zion Conference on Saturday, 25 October 2014. Among other things, Professor Ricks is the co-author, with Paul Y. Hoskisson, Robert F. Smith, and John Gee, of Dictionary of Proper Names and Foreign Words in the Book of Mormon. He is also the recipient of Donald W. Parry, Gaye Strathearn, and Shon D. Hopkin, eds., Seek Ye Words of Wisdom: Studies of the Book of Mormon, Bible, and Temple in Honor of Stephen D. Ricks.

Call for Papers: Anthology of Latter-day Saint Speeches

Professor Richard Benjamin Crosby and Isaac James Richards are currently soliciting contributions for an anthology of speeches from Latter-day Saint history. Any scholar with a sufficient background in the humanities is welcome to submit; we invite contributions from those interested in Mormon studies, American history, rhetoric, literature, religion, theology, philosophy, textual analysis, political science, cultural studies, etc.

According to the Book of Mormon, among the acquaintances of the prophet Lehi in Jerusalem was a man named Ishmael. When Lehi took his family into the wilderness, he eventually had Ishmael and his family come down and join them. The daughters of Ishmael eventually married the sons of Lehi, but the sons of Ishmael aligned themselves with Laman and Lemuel in their rebellion against Nephi and Lehi. According to 1 Nephi 16:34, Ishmael died in the wilderness and was buried at a place called Nahom.

With that in mind, did you miss this 2021 article in Interpreter?

An Ishmael Buried Near Nahom, written by Neal Rappleye

Abstract: Latter-day Saint scholars generally agree that the place called Nahom, where Ishmael was buried (1 Nephi 16:34) is identified as the Nihm tribal region in Yemen. Significantly, a funerary stela with the name y s1ml  the South Arabian equivalent of Ishmael  was found near the Nihm region and dated to ca. 6th century bc. Although it cannot be determined with certainty that this is the Ishmael from the Book of Mormon, circumstantial evidence suggests that such is a possibility worth considering.

I was reminded of Brother Rappleyes article by something that I read in the current issue of the Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR):

It seems that, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), a papyrus inscribed with an Old Hebrew (Paleo-Hebrew) text and dating to the First Temple period has been discovered. (If it authentic  and, unfortunately, its unprovenanced and may have surfaced on the antiquities market, which isnt very helpful  it is only the third Hebrew papyrus from that period that has ever been found.). Damaged, and containing just four lines of text, it is plainly part of a letter that contained instructions to its recipient: To Ishmael, send . . . 

Ishmael, the BAR article says, may have been an administrative official in the Kingdom of Judah. The request to him seems to have asked that he send commodities to the author of the letter, which initial paleographic and radiocarbon analyses date to somewhere between the late seventh century BC and the somewhere in the sixth century BC  in other words, to the very period of the Book of Mormons own Ishmael.

Im not saying that this is the Ishmael of the Book of Mormon. Thats possible, I suppose, but unlikely. I just think it interesting to see the name attested in Judah in a document from the very time of Lehi and Ishmael.

See Rare Old Hebrew Papyrus? in Biblical Archaeology Review 49/1 (Spring 2023): 15.

Finally, here are some horrors that I may or may not already have shared with you from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File:

Church helps give aid to refugees in Democratic Republic of the Congo: Funding from the Church helps Catholic Relief Services and Caritas support thousands of displaced people  primarily women and girls  in war-torn province of North Kivu

Church sends emergency aid after heavy rains, landslides in Brazil: Donated supplies and service will help victims on the north coast of Sao Paulo

BYU study examines how missionary service helps female students find strengths, make informed career decisions

Churchs aid to Turkey, Syria totals more than $5 million: The Church is working with several organizations to send food, tents, medical supplies and clothing to earthquake victims

How recent research out of BYU shows its scholarship is both wide and deep: From exercise to icebergs and leopards to social media, take a look at some of the research coming out of BYU

Church Supports New Zealand Cyclone Relief: Humanitarian funds and supplies being sent to partner organisations to assist impacted communities

It would obviously be better if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had no financial resources.
Enso Verde: Considering a Zen Inspired Retirement Community

Yesterday, Jan & I attended one of the inaugural orientation sessions for Enso Verde in Simi Valley.

And we are excited. Beyond excited. We think we may have seen our future

We have been exploring the possibilities for Continuing Care Residential Communities, increasingly called Life Plan communities for the past several years.

Over the past thirty or so years Jan & I have been of assistance to my mother and my auntie. Auntie lived with us for almost a quarter of a century. And now were spending four nights a week at Jans moms, and almost certainly will move in with her within a year. Both my mother and auntie were able to die at home. Our hope is the same for Jans mom.

And. Were acutely aware that there is no one behind us to do what weve been able to do for them.

With that realization some time ago I launched on a grand tour of retirement possibilities. We explored mobile home parks (can be a great idea, although generally it might be wise to look at resident owned parks), we looked at co-housing, we even considered some international possibilities. Shove came to push we realized what would be best for us is Life Plan. One buys in, think the price of a house, and then theres a monthly fee. These rates vary quite a bit depending on accommodations and geography. We found one we can afford and could genuinely enjoy living in, in North Carolina and another in Ohio. We found another in New Mexico and one in Washington State that maybe we could afford, but it would be tight.

But the one that Ive thought most about for the longest time was a collaboration between the San Francisco Zen Center and Kendal, a Quaker rooted nonprofit that starts up and manages Life Plan communities. A dream community for me. Enso Village is in Healdsburg, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco. It is nearly fully enrolled, and will actually open later this year.

The vision for Enso is meeting a need for a significant segment of the aging population that up until now has not been met. Enso is a Zen image, a circle. Sometimes closed. Often made with a brush where the ends dont quite meet, or slightly overlaps. It speaks to the grand unity, and for the connections between life and death. A perfect image for a conscious retirement community.

Zen Inspired is the shorthand for the vision.

And Zen is the direct inspiration. But the broader intention is meeting that part of our aging population that has been informed by the spiritual revolutions beginning in the middle of the twentieth century. Enso is aimed at serving the spiritually aligned and especially meditators. People whose spirituality is rooted in practices of presence. Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Muslims, the earth-centered. People whove never found a particular religion, but are called to a sense of the sacred in life. In short, it is aimed at the spiritually curious; people who move in those circles whatever formal affiliations they may or may not have.

This impulse often has consequences. Contemplation often leads to action. This has been a feature of my life. So, for many of us a need to serve in some way follows like a kiss and a hug. Perhaps engaging in politics, perhaps in other projects. Small and large. The idea is to be among people who see connections and want to be of some use in tangible ways for as long as possible. Without, of course, any hard requirements. One way or another. Old is, after all, old. And part of the deal is to be done with the things one feels done with.

That crowd. My people.

The initial impulse was to serve Zen, and Insight, and Vajrayana practitioners. But the cohort for this really is much larger. Meeting Quakers are obvious fellow travelers. Christians and Jews who have embraced contemplative practices as part of their lives are a significant part of this cohort, as well. Many Yoga practitioners embrace the spiritual aspects of that tradition, and they could easily fit. I believe the majority of Unitarian Universalists would find this a very attractive option.

Actually with Zen inspired at the beginning, the possibilities are expansive and inclusive. And absolutely, those who have not been able to devote themselves to the practices of contemplation, but who have found inspiration in the writings of contemplatives of the worlds faiths.

Now. A harsh fact. Life Plan is expensive. Period. The price of a house and a monthly fee. It does not, and cannot serve everyone. I am glad there are people thinking about these things. And there are lots of experiments and small scale gatherings. Life Plan assumes a solid middle class financial base. That house and that income stream.

However, Enso Village reserved spaces for twenty senior Zen Center teachers, priests and householders. The Zen Center picking up the cost for their continuing care. For Enso they become a spiritual core in a non-sectarian, but contemplative friendly environment. I see this sub set of the community as a spiritual leaven in the larger retirement community. And it means there is a place for at least some whove given a significant part of their lives to the spiritual quest. In this case people whove come to be seen as senior members of that crowd, teachers of the contemplative ways. A few.

I watched from afar and wished there were something like that, but maybe a little broader based than the San Francisco Zen Center focus. Lovely people at SFZC. Some of my dearest beloveds are members and practitioners within that community. But we are in Los Angeles where we have extended family and Jans and my Zen is related to theirs, but in a different lineage and with somewhat different focus.

And so we continued to look.

Then a while back we were informed that there was going to be a second Enso. It would be near Los Angeles. And, for me especially interesting was that they want a similar leaven of senior meditation teachers. But this time from other Zen, and even other meditation disciplines. Think insight. Think yoga as a meditation discipline. Think Tibetan practices. The reserved spaces, those twenty units, would be partially supported by the community.

Taken together, the intention is to create something kind of wonderful.

Pricing for the community has not yet been worked out. They expect to announce all that by the beginning of 2024. At the latest. Enso Verde is accepting refundable deposits for those interested in the larger community right now. Senior meditation teachers who hope for the underwritten slots will be invited to fill out an application form. The document has not yet been composed. As they say, follow this space. In either case that deposit, a (refundable) thousand dollars cements your serious interest.

So, where is all this happening?

Simi Valley is a bedroom community just above the San Fernando Valley, an easy train ride into downtown Los Angeles.

A major feature of Enso Verde is its easy access into Los Angeles to the south and to all that Californias central coast offers to the north. The site is nestled at the northeastern foot of the Simi Hills, next to the Brandeis-Bardin campus, retreat, and conference center of the American Jewish University. Enso is twenty acres, the AJU campus is 2,700 acres, riddled with hiking trails. And it all opens to the north into a nice little city. While in Ventura county, Simi Valley is considered part of greater Los Angeles.

Enso Verde is much closer to city possibilities than Enso Village, while still feeling rural, that opening into the Verde Hills.

Enso Verde is scheduled to open its doors in 2027, four years out.

So. It isnt too soon to start learning more.

And, maybe its time to sign up.
The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has taken note of a roughly 600,000 barrels crude oil consignment that arrived at the Tema port on Friday, 26th February 2023 aboard the vessel MT Theseus, which Bloomberg reports as Russian Oil to be stashed in Ghana as pool of buyers shrinks.



Documents intercepted by the IES suggest that Planton Gas Oil Ghana Limited is the importer, and has requested for a crude oil storage space of approximately 80,000 metric tonne (MT), equivalent to 600,000 barrels from the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), after nominating the facility as the discharge destination.



The IES can confirm that the vessel in question is presently at the Tema port anchorage and has issued notice of readiness (NOR) to the importer, awaiting to berth at either the Single Point Mooring (SPM) system or the Tema Oil Jetty for onward discharge into storage tank(s).



The Institute can also confirm that samples of the crude has been taken for laboratory testing by nominated Inspectors and Agents, with the support of staffs at the TOR facility.



The IES can also confirm that the vessel is free from any interception and is only awaiting clearance from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to berth, and start discharge into TORs crude oil tanks.



This the IES finds as troubling given that few days ago, NPA the regulator of the downstream petroleum sector had given a strong indication that should the MT. Tedeus crude oil vessel in question enter Ghana waters it will cause the interception of the cargo. Instead the vessel MT. Theseus sits free, receiving the cooperation of state actors, and likely to discharge into a national oil facility.



More troubling is the fact that Platon Gas Oil Ghana Ltd processing and distribution capacity is a very small, for a size of 80,000 MT crude cargo. The IES finds that between January and December 2022, Platon could on process and distribute just 2,849 MT of Residual Fuel Oil (RFO) and Gasoil, representing just 3.6% of the crude oil consignment under discussion. This raises eyebrows, and the IES is tempted to think that the named receiver of the crude cargo Platon Gas Oil Ltd. is only a frontal.



Ghanaians can recollect that in late December 2022 the Deputy Minister of Energy, Andrew Egyapa Mercer gave another assurance that the Tema Oil Refinery will commence full operation by end of February 2023. Could this crude cargo aboard MT. Theseus be the first parcel of crude for TOR to start full operation, after 2 years of shutdown? Could this crude oil consignment be an extension of governments Gold for Oil Program?



To clear doubts in the minds of Ghanaians and industry watchers, the IES calls on government to speak and clarify issues surrounding the arrival of the crude vessel into the country. Government must let Ghanaians know why it failed to block the vessel as suggested by the boss of NPA Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, few days before the arrival of the cargo.

















Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ecobank Ghana and Bolt have signed a partnership agreement to offer discounts to Ecobank customers who patronise Bolt services and pay with Ecobank cards.



Under this partnership, Bolt riders will enjoy a high 50% discount on their first ride and a 5% discount on subsequent rides for the next 3 months, provided the rider pays with an Ecobank debit or credit Card.



The partnership agreement was signed at a brief ceremony held at the Ecobank Head Office in Accra.



Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Edward Botchway, Executive Director and Head of Consumer Banking at Ecobank Ghana said: We are committed to providing our clients and the larger Ghanaian public with the safe, convenient, reliable and accessible mode of payments. It is in this respect that we are entering into this partnership with Bolt to provide our customers with the right platform to facilitate payments for their intracity transportation rides on Bolt.



According to him, the offer discounts are intended to reduce the financial burden of the banks customers, as they commute daily from place to place.



Dr Botchway also intimated that Ecobank will continue to explore further avenues to bring great excitement to its customers, as they work to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.



He urged all Ecobank cardholders to take advantage of the package on offer since every ride they take enables them to make substantial savings.



On his part, Kwaku Ampadu-Manu, Country Manager, Bolt Business, expressed his optimism that riders will take advantage of this offer.



He said that: "Not only will our riders have the possibility of cashless payments, but we are also offering cash incentives to them. Riders who are Ecobank customers will receive a 50% discount on their first trip paid for with their cards, as well as 5% off subsequent rides for the next three months. Also, our drivers will enjoy cashback bonuses when the riders pay with their Ecobank debit or credit cards.



Presently, drivers receive GHS2 extra on each card ride they complete. The incentive offer from this partnership is, therefore, a testament to the fact that we at Bolt are constantly crafting innovative means to create more demand for their service in a bid to improve driver earnings on the platform, he added.



Present at the signing ceremony were senior officials of both Ecobank Ghana and Bolt Ghana.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF) has revealed plans to support the development of the salt industry in Ghana with the Ada Songhor Lagoon as the utmost priority.



This followed a working tour by the Board and Management of MIIF and officials of the Ghana Stock Exchange. The Ada Salt pans on the Songhor Lagoon have the potential to be the largest salt producing area in sub-Saharan Africa.



The CEO of MIIF revealed to reporters that, MIIF is far advanced with plans to invest in the Ada Songhor salt project towards developing it to be the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Ultimately this investment seeks to ensure that Ghana benefits from the many uses of salt, especially as a core input to support the industrialization agenda of the Government of Ghana.



The Ada Songhor pans which sits on some 41,000 acres straddling at least thirty-three (33) Ada Communities is larger in acreage than Walvis Bay of Namibia which is about 16,700 acres and is the largest in sub-saharan Africa. According to officials of Electrochem Ghana Limited which is the Ghanaian company developing the salt pans, the Songhor has the potential to produce more than 5 million MT at capacity with an estimated 650,000 metric tons (mt) of industrial salt in 2023 and circa 1.5 million MT over the next five years with a 99.99% purity.





MIIFs Salt outlook and Investment



MIIF has declared salt as a priority mineral in Ghana in line with its investment strategy of generating downstream to upstream value from every single mineral. According to Professor Douglas Boateng, the Board Chairman of MIIF, the Fund is targeting investments across the producing areas in the Greater Accra and Central regions of Ghana.



The CEO of MIIF, Mr. Koranteng further stressed that Salt is an infinite resource with over 14,000 uses. At full potential and with such expansive usage, salt in Ghana has the potential to earn circa $500 Million a year in foreign exchange with Nigeria and the sub-region as priority markets. Salt as a raw material covers the pharmaceuticals, food processing, oil and gas, food preservation, production of caustic soda, the textiles industry, mining, road maintenance, hospitals and hospitality sectors which all require high grade salt to support the manufacturing of inputs or processing.



This is the reason why MIIF is excited about this opportunity for Ghana and is currently working on a broad based investment which would include a listing of the project on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The scale of the Ada Songhor salt project also presents opportunities for two export jetties to facilitate export and other lake transport opportunities, create massive employment in the producing areas and substantially revitalize the local economies.



MIIF Investment and the intended Listing of Electrochem on the Ghana Stock Exchange



In accordance with MIIFs investment strategy to ensure that, all major investments are listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, the Chief Executive Officer of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng confirmed that Electrochem has agreed to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange as a condition to MIIFs investment. Mr. Koranteng stated that, Investing in salt is part of our mineral diversification strategy in line with President Nana Akuffo Addos charge to MIIF, to ensure that we create Ghanaian business champions while at the same time creating opportunities along the value chain and on the capital markets for Ghanaians to directly have the chance to invest in such companies.



The Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange Ms. Abena Amoah who is also a member of the Investment Advisory Committee ( IAC) of MIIF said;  What I have come to see here, really warms my heart. A great company is underpinned by the quality of the asset. We can become Africas number one salt producer, the sea never dries, the technology exists to mine the salt, the market for salt is not in doubt and with some ringfencing and great risk management, the investment in Electrochem and its listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange will be a win-win for all Ghanaians.



About Ada Songhor



Constructed in the 1970s, the Ada Songhor Salt Project by acreage is the largest in sub-saharan Africa. It has run into several challenges over the years including lack of investment and was vested in the Government in 1992. Following a five-year investment endeavour which required garnering and courting community support, Electrochem Ghana Ltd finally obtained a long term lease in 2021 to manage the salt pans and to quickly put a plan of development in place. The plan has seen a total investment of $80 Million so far which has gone into rehabilitating the pans which had become decrepit and overly silted and the restoration of the Songhor Lagoon which had dried up for eight years.



All the work done from scratch has been with our technical partners, Serra Process of Spain. Their advice and expertise gleaned from years of experience as a major global player in Salt is responsible for the successes chalked on this project says Dzigbordi Kwaku-Dosoo, the Business Consultant on the project for Electrochem.. We are excited about the Ada Songhor project because it has restored the balance between the business and ecology of the area. As a Ramsar site (wetland reserved for international environmental purposes), the birds have started coming from all over the world and on the economic front, more than 1500 young people have been employed on the mine, through a micro-credit facility developed by Electrochem, the women in the various communities have interest free loans for their businesses and fishing is back in full force on the lake, Dzigbordi Kwaku-Dosoo said.







The current status of the Ada Songhor Salt Project



Electrochem has outlined four major steps for the development of the Salt pans in Ada. The First is the restoration of the lake and the pans which have been completed. The expansion of infrastructure and importation of evaporators are ongoing with the company currently at circa 12% production.

The construction of an industrial bay to support the logistics management and export which has been completed. This is now the largest in Africa.



The firm plans to also build a jetty to facilitate sea exports and has already obtained the permits for the project. Further to the above, Electrochem plans to construct a refinery to support the production of domestic consumption of salt or retail use.



The Chairman of Electrochem, Daniel Mckorley said  We have invested our toil into this project but we recognize that we still have someway to go. We are going to be Africas number one producer of Salt both for industrial and domestic use. Our plan is to make the activities of Songhor Salt benefit the people of Ada and the people of Ghana. My philosophy is simple. If we cannot use the minerals God has given us to make our people wealthy, then we would have failed God completely.



About MIIF



The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) is Ghanas minerals sovereign fund. MIIF was established pursuant to the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (Act 978) as amended to receive royalties payments from mineral production activities in Ghana and to manage Government of Ghanas equity interest in mining companies.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Maternity unit of the Tema Polyclinic can now breathe a sigh of relief because an ultrasound scanning machine has been put in place.



The top-of-the-line equipment, which was paid for in full by Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited in response to a request from the hospitals management, will help lower the rate of maternal deaths.



According to the management of the Tema Polyclinic, the maternity unit of the facility, which has a daily visit of not less than 40 to 50 patients, has been under so much pressure for the past years due to its inability to run scans for pregnant women who visit the facility.



According to them, this has contributed to low revenue generation because most pregnant women will choose other health facilities for their scan and antenatal over the Polyclinic, and in some cases, pregnant women during their antenatal will prefer to sit at home until their due date, which can be a major problem when it is their due date.



After the hospitals management asked Tobinco Pharmaceutical Limited for help, the company gave the hospital a multi-purpose ultrasound scanning machine for its 60th anniversary.



Dr. Christopher Mensah, Deputy Managing Director-Marketing at Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited, said that while the company had supported the polyclinics anniversary celebrations, the donation of an ultrasound machine to the facility was to consolidate their existing relationship and to reiterate the values and tenets of Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited under the leadership of Elder Nana Amo Tobbin I.



Receiving the ultrasound machine on behalf of the hospital, the Medical Superintendent of the Polyclinic, Dr. Lenusia Ahlijah, who was beaming with smiles, could not hide her excitement at the gesture from Tobinco Pharmaceuticals.



She said the facility has been struggling for years now without a multi-purpose ultrasound scanning machine, adding that the support from Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited will not only help the facility generate more revenue but will also improve healthcare delivery at the polyclinic.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, on Thursday, described the victory of APCs Bola Tinubu in the just concluded presidential election as the will of God.



Mrs Buhari said this when she received the wife of the President-elect, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, and the wife of the Vice President-elect, Hajiya Nana Shettima, on a thank-you visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.



She said: Regardless of our interests and diversity, we should all accept it as a will of Almighty God; we wouldnt have done it without his grace.



It is a victory for all Nigerians. I am optimistic that the President-Elect will not betray the trust and confidence that Nigerians reposed in him. It is now time to move on and focus on the path of 'a renewed hope for Nigerian women and youths.



So, my sister we count on your experience and interest in promoting the cause of women, youths and girl-child education, she said.



She however reminded the wife of the president-elect of the challenges ahead and prayed for God`s guidance and direction as she prepare to take over the affairs of the Office of First Lady of Nigeria.



The task is arduous but with your determination I believe is surmountable. I pray that come May 29, your position as first lady will be marked with joy and continued success.



We look forward to the advancement of Nigerian women and their inclusion in the affairs of our nation`s development, Mrs Buhari said.



Sen. Oluremi Tinubu had earlier informed the gathering that they were at the Presidential Villa on a thank you visit to appreciate the support and wise counselling of the first lady towards the success of APC at the presidential election.



We want to thank you sincerely for how youve been able to bring us together as a campaign team for the APC, especially the women presidential campaign team. You really showed a lot of wisdom, dexterity and courage in the way you put us together.

Source: Vanguardngr









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Kenyas President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have united in their criticism of last weeks Supreme Court ruling which allows the LGBT community to register lobby groups in Kenya.



President Ruto has sworn that he will never allow gay marriage in Kenya, which he said "goes against the countrys cultures and religious beliefs".



Its the latest and highest-profile attack on the judgement, which many have wrongly suggested gives the LGBT community freedom to get married in Kenya.



Last Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the decision of Kenyas NGO board to decline the registration of the National Gays and Lesbians Human Rights Commission - or any other group with the words gay and lesbian in it, was unconstitutional.



The court said that denying the group registration purely on the basis of their sexuality was a violation of their constitutional rights to association and freedom from discrimination.



However since then, there has been outrage from the public, parliament, the religious community, powerful state officers including the speaker of the national assembly, and now the president himself.



On Wednesday parliament discussed the judgement at length, and many members who spoke wondered why the court had made the judgement to grant freedom of association to what they described as an illegality.



Kenyas constitution only provides for marriage between members of the opposite sex, while the penal code punishes sex "against the order of nature" with up to 14 years imprisonment.



These are the provisions upon which Kenyas legislators have faulted the judgement.



On Thursday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said registering a group which fights for the rights of gay people to get married was an attempt to legitimise LGBT actions in Kenya, which was against the country's way of life.



President Ruto - to cheers from the crowd - suggested there was a campaign by foreigners to introduce "alien practices" in the country, which he swore not to allow in Kenya.



And opposition leader Mr Odinga has also been quoted as saying that it was not the role of the judiciary to make laws.



In recent weeks, there has been escalating anti-gay sentiment in Kenya and the region, with hundreds of hostile social media posts drowning out any attempts to balance the discussion.



On the day of the judgement, Kenyan legislator Peter Kaluma filed an official notice seeking to amend the law to give life imprisonment to people convicted of homosexuality or the promotion of it.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The judge hearing the trial involving Dr Stephen Opuni, a former Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, and two others, has asked the High Court registrar to forward the case docket to the Chief Justice to assign a new judge.



In a ruling on Wednesday, Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga, a Justice of the Supreme Court sitting as an additional High court judge, upheld the Attorney-Generals submission which advised him to refer the case to the Chief Justice for the appointment of a new judge.



I must state that it is refreshing that the Attorney-General who initiated the Criminal proceedings against the accused persons has submitted through the Deputy Attorney-General that this case be referred to the Chief Justice due to the limited time at my disposal.



Indeed, due to the limited time accorded me by the Chief Justice to continue to hear this case, it is crystally clear that it is impossible for me to conclude and determine this case with DW7 in the box. In the circumstances, I will uphold the submission of the Deputy Attorney-General and hereby grant the application under Section 105 of the Court's Act 1993 Act 459 as amended.



It is hereby ordered that the pendency of this case be reported to the Chief Justice for his directions. Accordingly, the Registrar of this court is to carry out this order forthwith, Justice Honyenuga said in his ruling on Wednesday.



Prayer



The Attorney-General (A-G) had on Thursday, February 23, this year, prayed Justice Honyenuga to refer the matter to the Chief Justice for a new judge to be appointed.



Justice Honyenuga had been presiding over the trial since March 2018.



He reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 in September 2022.



However, in accordance with Article 145 (4) of the 1992 Constitution, the Chief Justice gave Justice Honyenuga a six-month extension to enable him to conclude all the cases he was handling, including the trial of the former COCOBOD boss.



When the case was called yesterday, a Deputy A-G, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, said the six-month extension granted to Justice Honyenuga by the Chief Justice would be due in March this year.



According to the Deputy A-G, it would be impossible for the trial to be concluded with the limited time left, especially as the second accused, Seidu Agongo, was yet to open his defence.



Considering the time left, it is practically impossible for this matter to be concluded within that time. In the circumstance, we respectfully pray that my Lord refers this matter to the Chief Justice for this court to be reconstituted. This is being made in the interest of justice and fairness, the Deputy A-G said.



Article 145(4)



Article 145 (4) of the 1992 Constitution stipulates that notwithstanding the fact that a Justice of the Superior Court has attained the retirement age, that person may continue in office for a period not exceeding six months after attaining the age, as may be necessary to enable him to deliver judgment or do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before him previous to his attaining that age.



The six-month extension granted to Justice Honyenuga by the Chief Justice has generated controversy in the trial.



Dr Opuni challenged the decision at the High Court claiming that the Chief Justice was not clothed with the power to give a Justice of the Superior Court an extension after retirement.



Lawyers for Dr Opuni argued that since it was the President who appoints Justices of the Superior Court, it was only the President, and not the Chief Justice, who could grant such extensions to a retired Justice.



The case was dismissed by the High Court.



Dr Opuni challenged the decision of the High Court at the Supreme Court, which was also dismissed.



Not guilty

Dr Opuni is standing trial with Seidu Agongo, the CEO of Agricult Ghana Limited, an agrochemical company.



State prosecutors have accused the two of causing financial loss of more than GH271 million to the state in a series of lithovit foliar fertiliser transactions.





It is the case of the prosecution that the fertiliser was substandard, and has accused Agongo of allegedly using fraudulent means to sell the fertiliser to COCOBOD for onward distribution to cocoa farmers.

Source: graphic.com.gh









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Apostle Samuel Amponsah Frimpong, the outgoing General Secretary of the Christ Apostolic Church International, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Church.



He polled 676 votes out of the 1084 ballots cast to beat his contender, Reverend Augustine Bugyei, who had 308 votes.



A statement to the Ghana News Agency said the newly elected Chairman succeeded Apostle George Yeboah.



Apostle Samuel Addai- Kusi, the outgoing Missions Director of the Church, who contested for the position of General Secretary, garnered 633 votes as against Rev Augustine Ekuban, who had 343 votes with one rejected ballot.



Rev. Asumadu Kyeremeh won the Christian Education Director position with 663 votes, while Rev. David Biney had 322 votes.



Apostle Prosper Agbagblo, the incumbent Evangelism Director, retained his position with 908 votes over Apostle D. H. Okyere, who got 72 votes with one spoilt ballot.



Apostle George Peter Derry won the position of Missions Director with 632 votes, whiles Rev. Emmanuel Awotwe had 345 votes.



Rev. Samuel Kpeli Mensah is the new Prophetic Director elect. He had 507 votes, with 471 for Rev. Baffour Awuah.



Under Article 9 Section 2 of the 2019 Constitution of the Christ Apostolic Church International, eligible and accredited representatives for the exercise include all members of the Executive Council, full time Ministers, Territorial Administration Members, three representatives from each area, as well as representatives from selected missionary areas in Ghana and foreign missions.



Others are departmental heads at the General headquarters, two Representatives from the Good Women Ministry National Management, Youth/Casa National Management, Mens Ministry National Management, and Childrens Ministry National Management.

Heads of subsidiaries or representatives are allowed as observers.



The elections were supervised by the electoral commission of the Church.



The Christ Apostolic Church International, founded by Apostle Peter Newman Anim, said to be the father of pentecostalism in Ghana, is the first and mother of pentecostal churches in the then-Gold Coast, now Ghana, from which the Church of Pentecost, Apostolic Church Ghana, Ghana Apostolic, Assemblies of God, and many others emerged.



The Church and nation await the induction, swearing-in, and handing over ceremonies of the executives elect and their plans for the years ahead.



The 66th Ministerial and General Council Meeting, which saw the election of the new executives, took place from Monday, February 20 to Thursday, February 23 at the National Theatre in Accra.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The police have arrested over 250 motorbike riders for jumping red lights traffic in Accra.



The move is part of the Police Action Against Rider Indiscipline (PAARI) programme, a road safety intervention to check indiscipline among motorcycle users on Ghanas roads.



Launched in April 2023, motorcycle users who were arrested in violation of road traffic regulations and other traffic offences within the period were sensitised and taken through some road traffic education and subsequently cautioned to be law-abiding.



A press statement issued by the Police Service on Friday, March 2023 said Following the introduction of the initiative, it has been observed that a good number of riders are now obeying traffic regulations, especially in the areas of not jumping the red light, avoiding riding on pedestrian walkways and facing oncoming traffic.



The benefit of Operation PAARI is reflected in available data on road traffic accidents in the country which indicates that for the first time in a long while, road traffic crashes involving motorbikes have reduced significantly.



While we commend all law-abiding riders for adhering to road traffic regulations, we would like to caution recalcitrant riders against the blatant disregard for traffic regulations since the law will definitely catch up with them", it added.

Source: graphic.com.gh









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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MTN Group and Huawei signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 27 February at MWC Barcelona 2023 to strengthen strategic cooperation in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).



During a summit held by the two parties at MWC Barcelona, the MoU is aligned with MTNs business strategy Ambition 2025 and Huaweis Corporate Sustainability Development (CSD) strategy, including its TECH4ALL initiative.



Leading digital solutions for Africas progress can only be achieved through the power of partnerships, said MTN Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo. Working with companies like Huawei, we can pool our technologies and expertise to drive greater access to connectivity, digital skills and greener and more sustainable solutions to the benefit of all.



"We believe that digital technology will become an important force driving social development and making the world more inclusive and sustainable." said Guo Ping, Chairman of the Huawei Supervisory Board.



In the area of digital skills training, the Huawei DigiTruck project provides free training in digital skills for those in need, including those in rural communities, the elderly, the unemployed, and girls and women. Converted from a used shipping container mounted on a truck, DigiTruck is a solar-powered mobile classroom equipped with laptops, smartphones and 4G connectivity.



Another project in the digital skills training area is Huawei ICT Academy. It trains university students in ICT skills such as 5G, cloud computing, and AI. There are 1,900 Huawei ICT Academies in 110 countries, serving around 150,000 students a year.



MTNs Skills Academy seeks to enhance the link between digital skills training and job market requirements to benefit producers, consumers, and innovators of digital technologies. The partnership seeks to accelerate efforts to reach even more rural and remote communities and to broaden the portfolio of available digital skills training.



With a significant portion of Africas population living in rural areas, MTN is committed to expanding its network to underserved communities and has set a target of 95% rural broadband coverage by 2025. MTNs partnership with Huawei gets the company closer to its goal. The company intends to expand the number of collaborations and the types of partnership models it has in place.



MTN and Huawei are collaborating on deploying RuralStar, an affordable connectivity solution for providing online access to remote and rural communities. The solution overcomes traditional barriers that make network connectivity in such scenarios unviable for carriers and will extend collaboration between the partners, following in the footsteps of the completion of the worlds first RuralStar proof-of-concept in Ghana in 2017.



In terms of reducing carbon emissions, Huawei will support MTN's commitment to minimize its impact on the planet and achieve net zero by 2040. The partners will work on decarbonizing the operators telecommunications infrastructure, spanning Radio Access Network (RAN) sites, transport networks, storage, and data centers. This achievement of network decarbonization will be done via a mix of energy efficiency technologies and application of innovative green solutions.



MWC Barcelona 2023 runs from February 27 to March 2 in Barcelona, Spain. Huawei showcases its products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1. Together with global operators, industry professionals, and opinion leaders, we dive into topics such as 5G business success, 5.5G opportunities, green development, digital transformation, and our vision of using the GUIDE business blueprint to lay the foundation for 5.5G and build on the success of 5G for even greater prosperity. For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2023.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Parliament has passed the National Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The object of the bill is to exclude the Police Service, the Immigration Service, the Prisons Service, the security and intelligence agencies and the Ghana National Fire Service from the unification pensions.



The bill seeks to amend the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766) to exclude the security services from the pension unification process envisaged under section 213 of Act 766.



If assented to by the President, the bill will exclude the security agencies from the unification of the process to pave the way for establishing a separate regime to govern pensions in the security and intelligence sector.



The bill was presented to Parliament and read for the first time on December 10, 2021, by the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.



The bill was referred to the Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises for consideration and report.



Observations



Per a report, the committee was informed that subsection (2) of section 213 of Act 766 mandated the board of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to ensure the unification of all pension schemes and the full operationalisation of the three-tier pension scheme for all public sector workers, excluding the Ghana Armed Forces.



The committee noted that the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations established a Joint technical committee on the unification of pensions to develop the required technical instruments for the unification process.



The committee, the report said, noted that although officers in the Police Service, Immigration Service, National Fire Service, Prisons Service, and other security and intelligence agencies faced the same or similar risks just as their counterparts in the Ghana Armed Forces, they were not excluded from the pension unification process and were treated the same way as other public sector workers.



The committee was informed that an attempt at the unification of pensions during the payment of lump-sum benefits to the first batch of retirees from the security services under Tier 2 of the Three-Tier Pension Scheme in 2020 was fraught with massive employee data verification challenges, which stalled the entire unification process.



As a result of the challenges that emerged during the pension unification exercise and the unique nature of the security services in general, the Employment Ministry recommended excluding the security agencies from the unification process to pave the way for establishing a separate regime to govern pensions in the security and intelligence sector, it said.



Reinstatement



Per the report, the committee observed that the amendment would automatically reinstate the previous occupational pension schemes of the security services under CAP 30, which was the source of inequities in the delivery of pensions in Ghana. They, therefore, seek to reinstate the enactment and schemes which ceased to be in force under Act 766.



It named them as the Ghana Police Pensions Act, 1985 (PNDCL 165), Immigration Service Pensions Act, 1986 (P.N.D.C.L. 226), Prisons Service Pensions Act, 1987 (P.N.D.C.L. 168), Section 34 of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 1996 (Act 526); and Section 27 of the National Fire Service Act, 2000 (Act 537).



Background



In 2004, a Presidential Commission on pensions was established to examine existing pension schemes in Ghana and recommend a sustainable pension scheme that would ensure retirement income security for the Ghanaian worker.



The establishment of the commission was occasioned by agitations within the labour front concerning identified inequalities and disparities within the pension regime for public sector workers.



Under the same public sector employer, some people were contributing to the pension scheme while others were not contributing.

The commission also conducted an actuarial valuation of the Pensions Ordinance No. 42 of 1950 (CAP 30) pension scheme to ascertain its impact on the Consolidated Fund.



The actuarial assessment conducted by the 2004 Presidential Commission on Pensions proved that the CAP 30 was unsustainable, inequitable, and exerting tremendous pressure on the Consolidated Fund.



The 2004 Presidential Commission on pensions, therefore, recommended that the CAP 30 be phased out.



The acceptance by the government of the proposed reforms culminated in the enactment of the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766), which introduced the Three-Tier Pension Scheme and established the National Pensions Regulatory Authority as the main vehicle for enforcement.



The object of the Act 766 was to provide pension benefits to ensure retirement income security for workers, ensure that every worker receives retirement and related benefits as and when due, and establish a uniform set of rules, regulations, and standards for the administration of pensions and related benefits for workers in the public and private sectors.



Subsection (2) of section 213 of Act 766 mandates the board of the NPRA to ensure that pension schemes in the country are unified in accordance with Regulations made under the Act within four years after the commencement of the Act.





The government was expected to institute measures to migrate beneficiaries of the associated public pension schemes onto the Three-Tier Pension Scheme by the expiration of the transitional period in 2014.



However, by January 1, 2015, the government had not put in place adequate measures for the unification of public sector pensions.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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Former President John Dramani Mahama says next National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will embark on sweeping reforms at the Bank of Ghana (BoG).



According to him, his priorities as he seeks to form the new government in 2025 is to restore stability and inclusive growth to the economy.



He said they will do this by bringing the various indicators under control to relieve Ghanaians of their suffering.



We will strictly enforce prudence and responsibility in the management of public finances by cutting out waste and ostentation, which have become commonplace under this administration. Together, we will build the Ghana we want. We shall restore faith in our almost collapsed financial system and embark on sweeping reforms at the Bank of Ghana.



We shall actively pursue policies to ensure robust local participation in our banking, financial, telecommunications, mining, agriculture, agribusiness and manufacturing sectors. This will be anchored on our plan to grow the economy and create sustainable employment for our youth, Mr Mahama said during his campaign launch to contest in the flagbearer elections of the NDC, in Ho on Thursday, March 2.



He added We will make investments in productive sectors of the economy like agriculture, industry, technology, digitilisation and tourism to spur growth and generate jobs for the teeming youth who continue to lose hope by the day.



With the limited fiscal space, we are likely to inherit because of the mismanagement of the economy under NPP, a new NDC Government will give priority to continuing and completing abandoned and ongoing projects rather than rushing to commence new ones. I shall assemble and operate the leanest but most efficient government under our fourth republic. We will reduce, significantly, the size of government.



As I announced in my Ghana We Want address at UPSA late last year, I will form a government of less than sixty (60) ministers and deputy ministers of state. I will initiate and undertake the most far-reaching constitutional, political and governance reforms under the fourth republic aimed at restoring confidence in our democracy and governance systems while making life easier and better for our people.



In response to the concerns and calls from many of you, I will initiate and undertake the most far-reaching constitutional, political and governance reforms aimed at restoring confidence in our democracy.







Source: By Vincent Kubi/Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Presidential candidate of the Labour party, Peter Obi, has said he and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed won the February 25, 2023, presidential election and will be going to court to retrieve their mandate.''



Obi in a press conference in Abuja yesterday, March 2, said he won the elections and will prove it in court. Speaking during the press briefing, Obi said;



The election that we just witnessed had been conducted and results announced as programmed. It is a clear deviation from electoral rules and guidelines as we were promised. This election did not meet the minimum standard expected of a free, transparent, credible and fair election. It will go down as one of the most controversial elections ever conducted in Nigeria. The good and hardworking people of Nigeria have again been robbed by our supposed leader whom they trusted.



The process in which people come into office is far more fundamental and more important than what they do thereafter. It is my belief that if you must answer his excellency, the process to which you arrive office must be excellent.



Let me assure you that we will explore all options to reclaim our mandate. We won the election and will prove it to Nigerians. Please do not despair'.'



He appealed to all Nigerians to be peaceful and law-abiding as he goes to court to retrieve his mandate.''



Watch a video of him speaking below

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial)









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Editor-in-Chief of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt has asked those who claim that Ghana's multi-party democracy was originated by the National Democratic Congress under the leadership of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings to refrain from making such statements.



Ghana is often touted as a beacon of democracy and multiparty politics in Africa, since the Constitution came into effect on 28 April 1992, it has successfully organised eight successive presidential and parliamentary elections allowing the peaceful exchange of power between the two major parties.



Ghana's political history since independence was full of "cases of alternations between authoritarianism and democracy". Often-times, military takeovers truncated democratic rule making Ghana's political history a chequered one. But as things have turned out, the Fourth Republic of Ghana is standing out clearly as a true democratic transition in Ghana.



For one thing, it marks the transition from a long period of military rule and dictatorship to democracy. Most significantly, however, it has witnessed a historic transfer of power from one democratically elected government to another. In the light of this some people refer fondly to the Fourth Republic as the 'second independence of Ghana'.



Setting the record straight on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Kwesi Pratt stated categorically that people fought with their lives for Ghana to have multi-party democracy and that it is an error for any person to credit the NDC or the late President Rawlings.



"I get infuriated when I hear that multi-party democracy originated from the NDC. This multi-party democracy we have attained, some people lost their lives for us to arrive here. The sitting government, if it was happy with the restoration of multi-party democracy, no person would have died. No person would have been arrested", he averred.



He added that he knows "people who died because they advocated multi-party democracy. I know people who were arrested because they advocated multi-party democracy. Today, we have multi-party democracy because of the collective struggles of hundreds of thousands of people. It wasn't Jerry Rawlings who gifted us multi-party democracy; stop saying this!"



"I think it's an insult to the memory and the gallantry of those who fought for the restoration of multi-party democracy. Let's stop making such statement; it has no basis in our history!", he snapped.













Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Local Government Services at the Office of the President, has fired at former President John Dramani Mahama over his bid for another term in office.



Former President John Mahama has launched his campaign and promised to effect major changes if elected President of Ghana during the 2024 elections.



During the launch of his campaign which took place in the Cedi Auditorium at the University of Health and Allied Sciences at Ho in the Volta Region on Thursday, March 2, Mr. Mahama promised to scrap the payment of ex-gratia under Article 71 to members of the Executive saying the payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive will be scrapped. The necessary Constitutional steps to take this will start in earnest in 2025. We will also persuade members of the other arms of government to accept its removal.



He also promised to restore trust in State institutions by addressing issues pertaining to the exercise of powers of the President, proper separation of powers, strengthening of Parliament, restoring the independence of the judiciary, independent and quasi-state institutions and depoliticizing them".



John Mahama argued that Ghanas current situation requires a leader with experience like him.



Ghana needs experience and not experiment. Ghana needs a leader who will hit the ground running on 7 January 2025", he said, adding "Ghana needs a leader who will not be given an orientation and excursion through the Flagstaff House  the seat of government. Ghana used to be the shining light on the continent of Africa and I am of the strongest conviction that we can attain those heights again. I believe it and well lead by example.



But Dennis Miracles is least enthused about the seeming second coming of John Mahama.



He reminded Ghanaians of Mr. Mahama's track record, alluding to when he refused to pay nurses and teacher-trainees' allowances, the era of dumsor and the return of cash and carry system in the health sector under the Mahama leadership among other things that plunged Ghanaians into abject sufferings and hardships.



"Our health insurance was destroyed. In this country, they threw the card somewhere when you go to the hospital. Everybody knew about it. Are we going to pretend? You left a health insurance bill in excess of about 2.5 billion in this country. Are we going to pretend that it wasn't so? In the midst of dumsor when we had no lights, you increased electricity bills. Are we going to pretend?", he exclaimed on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.



He continued; "This is even not what worries me a lot. What disturbs me is when, in our difficult times when we shared our concerns, you insulted us by telling us that you are a dead goat. In fact, there was a particular time you told us that even if you will go into opposition for doing the things you are doing, you will do it and go into opposition. You never cared about us. You never bothered about us. You were never worried about the people. People died. People lost their jobs."



He asked Ghanaians not to make a mistake to bring back John Mahama because, to him, he is "the person we are not sure about how you are going to treat us. So, you, John Dramani Mahama is the experiment".





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, has insisted that the current draft Constitutional Instrument (CI) with its provisions  including the use of the Ghana Card as the sole source of identification for voters  remains relevant to Ghanas electoral process.



In a presentation on the draft CIs status to parliament on Tuesday, February 28, the Chairperson maintained that the proposal seeks to promote a continuous registration of new voters, as well as cleanse the electoral system of unqualified persons.



The CI before parliament seeks to promote the continuous registration of voters and advocates for all-year-round registration of eligible voters at district offices of the EC. It is a clear departure from the previous system wherein voters registration was done for a limited period.



Like its name, under the Limited Voters Registration Exercise, the registration of new voters was only done for a limited period. It was not all year round. As such, persons who turned 18 years old after the registration period, as well as persons who had not previously registered to vote, could not do so when the time set aside for registration, usually 3-4 weeks, elapsed.



Another significant feature of this draft Constitutional Instrument is the proposal to adopt the Ghana Card as the sole source of identification for any person who wishes to register as a voter. This implies that the guarantor system which hitherto allowed a registered voter to vouch for the citizenship and age of prospective applicants will no longer be relied upon as part of this new Constitutional Instrument, Mrs. Mensa stated.



However, the Minority in Parliament rejected the ECs justifications for a new CI seeking to make the Ghana Card the only identification for voter registration  saying it is prudent to also use the guarantor system.



The Chairman for Subsidiary Legislation Committee, Dr. Dominic Ayine, argued that there is no need for a new CI since the existing one used for the 2020 registration is still very potent.



Bolgatanga Central MP, Isaac Adongo, also asked the EC to wait for the National Identification Authority (NIA) to issue cards to every qualified Ghanaian before tabling the idea of a new CI.



Addressing the media, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson noted that making the Ghana Card the sole document of identification is unacceptable; adding this position has a tendency of disenfranchise potential voters.



Clearly, the proposed CI that makes the Ghana Card the sole requirement for voter registration serves as a restraint on citizens right to register and exercise their franchise in elections.



The National Identification Authority (NIA), which is responsible for issuing the Ghana Card, has admitted that there is a backlog of millions of Ghanaians who are yet to be issued the Ghana Card. It is also a fact that the registration process for the Ghana Card has been characterized by several difficulties, including logistical constraints.



The National Identification Authority has further admitted that issuing the Ghana Card is a continuing process, and therefore cannot be completed at any point in time. Therefore, making the Ghana Card the sole requirement for voter registration cannot be accepted as it will deny millions of Ghanaians their right to register and vote, the Minority Leader said.



The Guarantor System



The guarantor system, in the past, allowed citizens to guarantee and vouch for persons to also register to vote.



This system, which is being touted by the Minority, according to the EC Chair is problematic  as it allows for people guaranteeing unqualified voters to be enrolled on the voters register.



She noted that the EC was compelled to use the system because, in the past, there was no national identification document such as that Ghana Card.



Over the years, the guarantor system has presented us with several challenges. Unfortunately, we were unable to discard it much earlier due to the absence of a national identification document such as the one issued by the NIA. The challenges with the guarantor system are two-fold: it opens the door for registered voters or guarantor contractors to guarantee and vouch for persons who are less than 18 years. Secondly, it allows the guarantors to vouch for persons who are not citizens. Such unqualified persons use the guarantor system door to try to get onto the register.



Truth be told, the guarantor system was not the best under any circumstances; but we did not have other options since a significant number of persons did not possess the Ghana Card at the time of registration in 2020.



Mrs. Mensa further indicated that in 2020 it cost the EC to rid the register of minors and foreigners, by establishing District Registration Review Committees (DRRCS) which worked several days and weeks in all districts to expunge the names of 40,000 minors and foreigners from the register.



Using the Ghana Card as the sole means of identification will prevent foreigners and minors from getting onto our Voters Register. More especially, it will prevent unqualified persons from influencing our elections and having a say as to who should govern our country. This is an issue that borders on the sovereignty of our nation. We do not believe that we will disenfranchise persons by enforcing the policy requirement of using the Ghana Card to prove ones eligibility, she maintained.



Ghana Card will not be used to vote in 2024



Meanwhile, the EC Chair has also clarified that the Ghana Card is only a mode of identification, and not the card that will be used for voting in the upcoming elections next year.



I wish to emphasise that the Ghana Card will not be used to vote in 2024. The Ghana Card is only a requirement to register as a voter. Once you present your Ghana Card and successfully register as a voter, you will be issued a Voters Identification Card that bears the code of your region, district, electoral area, and polling station. The Ghana Card does not have these features. It will not be used to vote in the 2024 General Elections, she stated.



Holders of the Ghana Card



According to the EC Chair, some 17 million Ghanaians have registered for the Ghana Card, with 16 million Ghanaians currently in possession of the card.



On the strength of these numbers, we are convinced that the 1.5 million applicants we are expecting to register by the end of 2023, following the last registration exercise in 2020, are likely to already possess the Ghana Card, the EC Chair added  encouraging those who do not have the card to begin the process of acquiring it to enable them register as voters.



Additionally, since the card is acquired at the age of 15, Mrs. Mensah also encouraged persons who will turn 18 in 2023 or 2024, and are interested in voting in the countrys elections, to visit the nearest NIA registration centre and register for the Ghana Card to enable them also register as voters when they become eligible.



She also called on the NIA to accelerate the pace of printing Ghana Cards to make it easy for anyone who is interested in registering with the EC so.



NIAs readiness



The Executive Director of NIA, Professor Kenneth Attafuah, in his presentation to parliament reiterated his outfits readiness to print more Ghana Cards.



His position however came with conditions, urging the Ministry of Finance to fulfil its mandate of providing adequate funding to facilitate the NIAs work.



The NIA has the technical and operational competence to print and issue the cards. We are ready to deliver on this important mandate.



However, the attainment of this goal also depends on the fulfillment of a number of conditions precedent.



With respect to the integration of NIAs database with the EC, Prof. Attafuah further told the House that using the Ghana Card in the voting process will, among other benefits, help eliminate the cost of periodic voter register compilations; eliminate concerns of voting fraud; eliminate duplication of voter IDs; and cleanse the register of deceased persons.

Source: B&FT









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Construction continues on West 61, a luxury townhouse development on West Kelownas Shannon Lake with units starting at $799,000. West Kelowna is looking to increase density in two urban centres and infill existing neighbourhoods to create more housing options for the citys growing population.
Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca steps off the stage after stepping down as party leader on election night in Vaughan, Ont., Thursday, June 2, 2022. Ontario Liberals are gathering this weekend for another attempt at party renewal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Without physical presence in Vietnam, Netflix gets away with dodgy content

The Netflix app on a smartphone. Photo by VnExpress/Khuong Nha

Streaming platform Netflix is a serial violator of local laws but has escaped penalties simply because it is not a legal entity in the country.

Last October it was criticized for showing the movie "Little Women," which falsifies Vietnamese history. The Ministry of Information and Communications instructed Netflix to stop showing the movie immediately, but it took three days to comply.

Other movies such as "Pine Gap", "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" and "Madam Secretary" contained wrong depictions of the Vietnamese map.

Le Quang Tu Do, director of the Ministry of Information and Communications' broadcasting, television and electronic information department, said the films violated both the Journalism Law and Cinema Law.

However, Netflix again got away without being sanctioned.

The government announced new policies that came into effect this year that require providers of cross-border over-the-top television services to have an office in the country. But two months later Netflix has yet to comply.

Tran Van Uy, chairman of Vietnam Pay Television Association VNPAYTV, said: "Content that falsely depict Vietnamese customs and its lifestyle and map is not allowed on local television channels but is broadcast by Netflix."

Huynh Long Thuy, general director of streaming site VieOn, said cross-border OTT platforms show content that falsifies Vietnamese history and sovereignty and only removed it when instructed by authorities while domestic platforms are fined for the same offense.

Nguyen Ha Yen, deputy director of Broadcasting and Electronic Information Department said: "Authorities are considering blocking Netflix just like pirated film websites. The Ministry will monitor and encourage cross-border OTT services to join the association to resolve this problem."

Currently two American and three Chinese enterprises provide cross-border television services in Vietnam.

"If a cross-border television service provider does not have a representative legal entity in Vietnam, the Ministry will block their access to Vietnam."

However. the ministry has not announced a road map for the ban.

The tightening of regulations is meant to ensure fairness in the paid television service market.

Netflix has not commented on the matter.

Last week Reuters reported that the platform is planning to open an office in Vietnam at the end of this year.

According to ministry statistics, revenues from OTT television services in Vietnam stood at VND1.55 trillion ($65.68 million) in 2022, up 27.2% over 2017.

The number of OTT television subscribers has gone up to 5.5 million, a 26.2% increase in five years.

There are currently 22 local and foreign pay television service providers in Vietnam.

Netflix, which has more than 200 million paid subscribers globally, remains the dominant player.
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Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) said that Democrats on the Judiciary Committee and Jim Jordans select committee had formed a truth squad to combat his lies.

Video:

Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) says Jim Jordan is not being an honest broker, "So it is necessary for us to ensure we said that we are the truth squad." pic.twitter.com/r9qG5sY9yc  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) March 4, 2023

Plaskett said on MSNBCs All In with Chris Hayes:

Because Jim Jordan is not being, as I said earlier this week in a letter, hes not being an honest broker. Never mind being a colleague. And in anywhere acting as who would in the House with sharing information.



They have not been interested in sitting down and talking with us. They have been very secretive about who they are meeting with. And when they do put the information out there, putting it to the media, and including in a way that is not truthful and is not giving the full picture to the American people. So it is necessary for us to ensure we said that we are the truth squad and were going to continue making sure, not only that the work that the American people that sent us to Washington is being done, but also in fact that the truth is going to be pulled up each and every time when they are not telling the truth.

The first effort by the truth squad was a very effective report revealing that Jim Jordans whistleblowers arent whistleblowers.

Democrats appear to have learned a great deal since 2016, when House Republicans were able to use their majority to attack and smear Hillary Clinton. Democrats are ready for Jordan, and they are fighting back. Rep. Jordan isnt going to get away with injecting lies and disinformation into the media. One of the best ways to protect democracy is to make the truth available to the American people.
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Special Counsel Jack Smith is investigating Rudy Giuliani for the fake elector scheme and other Trump lawyers for the classified document scandal.

The Washington Post reported:

Federal prosecutors investigating efforts to overturn the 2020 election have asked witnesses extensive questions about the actions of Rudy Giuliani, a lawyer for former president Donald Trump  including where he got his information about alleged fraud, what he did in the days around Jan. 6, 2021, and what he knew about the actions coming that day, people who have appeared in front of the grand jury say.



And prosecutors have repeatedly sought information on the actions of yet another Trump lawyer, Boris Epshteyn, in connection with both classified documents and Trumps false electors scheme, three people said. They have quizzed multiple Trump attorneys involved with the documents case, including Christina Bobb, Alina Habba and Jesse Binnall, according to the people familiar with the investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss it.

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Trumps lawyers are becoming witnesses and investigative targets. The crime-fraud exemption means that attorney/client privilege doesnt apply when criminal activity is involved. The reason why the special counsel investigations into Trump appear to be taking so long is that there is a complicated and complex web and actions to unravel.

It almost seems like is nobody clean in Trumps orbit, and he is running a political crime operation. Attorney General Garland appears to have appointed the right person for the job in Jack Smith. Special Counsel Smith isnt dithering or deferring to the failed former president. He is coming straight for Trump and his entire network with the resources and abilities of the Department of Justice.
Lee Hsien Yang, son of former leader Lee Kuan Yew, delivers his eulogy during the funeral service at the University Cultural Centre at the National University of Singapore March 29, 2015. Photo by Reuters/Edgar Su

The estranged younger brother of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is under investigation over allegations of providing false evidence regarding the will of their late father, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean said in a document sent to the parliament made public Thursday that Lee Hsien Yang and his wife, Lee Suet Fern, were being investigated over allegations of lying under oath by a panel of three judges and a disciplinary tribunal regarding the will, AP reported.

"The police have advised them to reconsider participating in investigations, but they have since left Singapore and remain out of the country," Teo Chee Hean wrote, AP reported.

Lee Hsien Yang and his prime minister brother have long been at odds over the will of their father Lee Kuan Yew, who ushered Singapore through independence from Britain.

Following his death in 2015, the siblings clashed over a clause in his will indicating a family bungalow where Lee Kuan Yew lived for most of his 91 years should be demolished rather than become some kind of tourist attraction.

Lee Hsien Yang and his sister Lee Wei Ling have accused their brother Lee Hsien Loong of instead preserving the house to "enhance his political capital" as a "visible symbol" of their father, AP reported.

Yang, a former chief executive of Singtel who has lived in self-imposed exile in Europe for months with his wife, told AP on Friday that the new investigation was "a further attempt to discredit and attack me," and "it is not safe for me to return" to Singapore.

In a post on Facebook, he said: "The persecution of my family by the Singapore Authorities continues unabated."

The Singapore government has said the police investigation was an opportunity for Lee Hsien Yang and his wife to vindicate themselves and their refusal to participate raises questions, Bloomberg reported.
An Aiken man is facing five charges after allegedly presenting a firearm while attempting to run from a New Ellenton police officer March 2.

South Carolina Highway Patrol Officers arrested Brandon Odairy Williams, 36, of Aiken and charged him with first-offense driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level less than 0.10%, driving while suspended third or subsequent offense, failing to stop for a blue light and unlawfully carrying a firearm, according to Aiken County detention center records.

Failing to stop for a blue light carries penalties of between 90 days and three years in prison, a fine of up to $500 and a driver's license suspension of at least 30 days.

Unlawfully carrying a firearm carries penalties of up to one year in prison, a $2,000 fine or both.

Driving while suspended third or subsequent offense carries penalties of up to 90 days in jail or home confinement (none of which can be suspended) and a fine of $1,000.

First-offense driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level less than 0.10% carries penalties of 48 hours to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $400 and a six-month driver's license suspension.

Williams also faces permanent loss of his driver's license as he is also charged with being a habitual traffic offender.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division officers William R. Padgett Jr. and Jeffrey Michlovitz said Williams was arrested after a car chase and foot pursuit that began at 1:14 p.m. on Eagle Road near its intersection with Cypress Boulevard.

Michlovitz said the man driving a blue 1997 Ford Crown Victoria refused to stop when a New Ellenton police officer attempted to stop him for an unspecified traffic violation. He said the car chase ended when the driver struck a road sign at the intersection of South Main Street and Sizemore Avenue and the car came to rest in the yard of a nearby residence and the driver fled on foot.

Michlovitz said the driver was apprehended near the residence and identified Williams by his South Carolina driver's license.

Padgett added the suspect was carrying a 9 millimeter Glock 43 handgun in his waistband and presented the weapon while attempting to flee on foot.

A New Ellenton police officer fired his service weapon during the sequence of events.

A SLED news release said no one was injured when the weapon discharged.

Williams' bond was set at $5,000 by Aiken County Magistrate Lauren Maurice on March 3 on the failure to stop for a blue light, $1,000 each on the unlawful carrying, habitual traffic offender and driving while suspended charges and $992 for the driving under the influence charge.

The case will be prosecuted by the officer of Second Judicial Circuit Solicitor Bill Weeks.
If Republicans are to regain control of the United States Senate in 2024, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C, will likely be one of the reasons why.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee announced Thursday that Graham, who won reelection in 2020, will lead an effort to raise funds for the Republican nominees in the 2024 Senate elections in Montana, Ohio and West Virginia.

Those three seats are considered to be the likeliest places where the Republicans can gain Senate seats in the 2024 elections.

Democrats Jon Tester, Sherrod Brown and Joe Manchin III each won reelection in 2018  Senate seats are up every six years  but Montana, Ohio and West Virginia have moved to the right since those elections.

In the 2020 presidential election in Montana, Republican incumbent Donald Trump gained three-fourths of a percent of the vote compared to 2016, And Republicans gained three Montana Senate seats and a Montana House of Representatives seat in the 2022 elections.

Trump secured a little less than 2% more the vote in Ohio in 2020 than he did in 2016. Also, Republicans gained one Ohio Senate seat and two Ohio House of Representatives seats in 2022.

Trump carried West Virginia by nearly 39% in 2020 which was a slight decrease from the 42% he won the state by in 2016. However, in 2022, Republicans gained eight West Virginia Senate seats leaving only three Democrats in the 34-member chamber. Also, Republicans gained 10 seats in the West Virginia House of Delegates, leaving only 12 Democrats in the 100-member chamber.

Graham said in a statement Republicans can't take back the Senate if the party's candidates are "swamped" by money from the Democrats.

Battling against the Democrats is something Graham knows well. In the 2020 South Carolina Senate election, Democratic nominee Jaime Harrison raised over $130 million compared to the $108 million Graham raised. But, Harrison only received 44.2% of the vote and lost the race by 10%.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 53F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
A recently completed Summerville-area apartment complex is under new ownership.

Terwilliger Pappas Multi-Family Partners of Raleigh and Charlotte recently sold the 320-unit Solis Nexton complex at 6000 Front St. in the Nexton development for $78.4 million, according to Berkeley County land records.

The new owner of the one- to three-bedroom units in nine three- and four-story buildings near Flowertown is West Shore Nexton LLC of Boston.

The 11-acre site sits on the southwest corner of Pace and Front streets between Sigma Drive and Brighton Park Boulevard.

Changing hands

A vacant parcel near a high-traffic intersection in Goose Creek is slated for new commercial development.

Mims Amusement Co. recently sold a 2.1-acre tract at 108-112 Red Bank Road to JMCS Holdings Inc. for $1 million, according to Jack Owens with the commercial real estate firm NAI Charleston, which represented the seller. Lawrence Richard of Carolina One Real Estate represented the buyer.

JMCS is registered to Michael Scarafile, president of Carolina One Real Estate. He said the Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County ReStore, currently across the street at 1 Belknap Road, plans to relocate into a new building on part of the recently acquired parcel.

A brewery-type restaurant with outdoor space is planned on the rest of the land. The tract is between a graffiti park and Gary Street, not far from U.S. Highway 52, also known as Goose Creek Boulevard.

Construction on the Habitat store could begin in three to six months with work on the restaurant/brewery business afterward, according to Scarafile.

Taking shape

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Development is beginning to take shape on a new multifamily complex five years after plans were first submitted to Charleston.

Property owner Hawthorne at Daniel Island Apartments LLC recently cleared about 10 acres at 2800 Clements Ferry Road near Interstate 526 to build the 210-unit Hawthorne at Clements Ferry rental housing structure.

The Greensboro, N.C.-based firm bought the marshfront tract near the Cooper River marsh in 2018 for about $2.6 million, according to Berkeley County land records. The site is directly across from the I-526 eastbound on-ramp to Mount Pleasant. The development will include two five-story buildings, one with 111 units and one with 99 units, according to plans submitted to the city of Charleston.

New homes

Mungo Homes plans to build more houses in the Long Savannah development in West Ashley.

The Irmo-based builder recently submitted plans to the city of Charleston to build 237 houses on about 56 acres at the end of Barons Drive. Part of the development would border the backside of the houses on Blue Dragonfly Drive in the Hamilton Grove at Grande Oake neighborhood.

The builder paid $11.75 million for the land off Bees Ferry Road last March, according to Charleston County land records.

Partnering

A Charleston-area real estate firm has joined forces with a Lowcountry homebuilder to market a new development in coastal North Carolina. Carolina One New Homes will handle sales for Johns Island-based New Leaf Builders' waterfront Riverlights community in Wilmington.

The master-planned community is along the Cape Fear River.

Locally, New Leaf builds homes in Daniels Orchard in Summerville, Nexton near Summerville, Middleborough at Shadowmoss Plantation in West Ashley and Hayes Park on Johns Island.
The dangling strands of Spanish moss commonly found hanging from live oak and crape myrtle trees in the Southeast are so alluring that some might want to bring it indoors to decorate.

But scientists urge against removing the plant from trees, because it's more important to the region's ecosystem. Instead, they are encouraging people to consider the abundance of artificial alternatives available for an inside seasonal spruce-up.

The gray strings of Spanish moss  often seen draped over pines, oaks and powerlines in the Lowcountry  are called epiphytes. That means they grow on the surfaces of other plants, typically trees.

Insects, boll weevils, bats, frogs, lizards and other critters use the plant for food, sometimes even overwintering in the twines or using them as temporary shelter for nesting and roosting.

"It's almost like the Gotham City in the insect world," said Bob Polomski, an environmental horticulture and arboriculture specialist at Clemson University.

"With all those critters inhabiting that Spanish moss, it's very difficult to see that," he added.

So those who take the plant inside could carry critters indoors along with it, while at the same time interrupting the habitat of those that remain in the wild.

Spanish moss is a "very opportunistic" plant in that its seeds can simply blow onto tree branches, germinate and grow into long, gray strands. It's random where it finds a host. Besides oak trees, they can be spotted in smaller growths, such as a tea olive plant.

Polomski said he is not aware of many who want to move an outdoor plant like Spanish moss into a home, especially when it has created relationships with a number of organisms.

"I really feel that they've (the critters) got priority over my indoor floral arrangements because of the value that they have in the Spanish moss," Polomski said.

He has a friend who is a floral designer who learned about the critters the hard way. She was visiting South Carolina from Virginia and took a lot of Spanish moss back home with her with the intention of enlivening a vase of cut flowers.

"She couldn't believe the amount of critters that were just spilling out of that Spanish moss," Polomski said.

He said he hopes the plant's importance to the ecosystem would encourage people to leave it in its natural habitat.

If the plant is still alive, there's a chance the critters that are still living there will move inside, too.

Microwaving the moss before adding it to arrangements is a common method for debugging it. But Polomski doesn't recommend that step because of the possibility of igniting a fire.

Another thing to consider is longevity. It is unclear whether the plant would thrive long indoors.

Spanish moss requires high humidity and moisture at its stems.

Air conditioning could dry out the moss and accelerate its death. The plant eventually turns brown when it dies.

To avoid all of these obstacles, scientists instead recommend people decorate with alternatives or plant look-alikes.

For example, Charleston-based design firm Megan Molten uses faux Spanish moss in its arrangements, said marketing manager Meghan Ganaway.

Polomksi said he has even seen sphagnum peat moss in big box stores.

"I really feel that it's just one of those outdoor landscape ornaments that should really festoon our trees rather than being used to improve, let's say, the appearance of some of our floral arrangements," Polomski said.
Sometimes, unfathomable depths of history can be poured from a small teapot.

And sometimes that teapot is unearthed in smaller sherds. At Drayton Hall, such scant pieces of ceramic were for centuries buried underneath a stretch of grass near the main house. Today, the earthenware bits gleam in their tin-glazed black, which still pops vibrantly in hues of vermillion and cobalt blue that colors its decorative touches, perhaps in the way of flowers and plump cherubs.

For the archaeology team at Drayton Hall, the remnants of a rare black delftware teapot have enriched the story of the lands early Charleston denizens  while shedding light on their tastes to reserves of wealth, too.

Nicole Houck, a staff archaeologist at Drayton Hall, has slipped on a pair of white gloves to show off some marvels. They are resting in boxes on a table in the conservation lab that is set up at the visitors center.

If you go WHAT: The Charleston Show WHEN: March 17-19, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: Charleston Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain Street PRICE: $17 online, $20 at the door MORE INFO: thecharlestonshow.com

The miniscule major finds are set to take the spotlight at a ceramics exhibit at The Charleston Show, for which Drayton Hall Preservation Trust is exhibitor.

Formerly known as the Charleston Spring Antiques Show, The Charleston Show will take place at Festival Hall in downtown Charleston March 17-19. A preview party will be held on March 16 to benefit Drayton Hall.

Purity in preservation

Ceramics, after all, are a particularly durable keeper of history. While decorative pieces made from materials like wood or fabric fall prey to the elements, ceramic goes the distance, often still ablaze with the glazes and patterns.

And it also helps tell the story of Drayton Hall, a former plantation that in 1974 was sold by the family to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Its steward, Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, has long been focused on preservation rather than restoration. Its iconic blue-green interior receives no fresh coat of paint and rests sedately in elegant distress. Its empty walls reveal the squares where framed artwork or mirrors once hung. Its bare floors are devoid of a stick of their once-grand furnishings.

According to President and CEO Carter Hudgins, that purity of purpose can present challenges when it comes to showcasing Drayton Hall as a significant historic destination.

That is one of the things for years weve been confronted with. You have Drayton Hall, which is one of the finest examples of architecture from the colonial period surviving, he said of the empty, if highly decorative, house. People want to see the stuff that came from the house.

The May 2018 opening of Drayton Halls sleek new Sally Reahard Visitor Center, designed by architect Glenn Keyes, was a moment largely obscured by the pandemic on its heels.

But Drayton Hall is now ready and able to tell more of its story in its climate-controlled museum galleries. The current focus is on the beginning of Drayton Hall, which was purchased in 1738 by John Drayton, who owned 100 commercial plantations facilitated by enslaved labor.

The partnership with The Charleston Show offers an opportunity to share the many layers of history with the public, history that is often found layer by layer in its soil.

Digging up history

Getting elbows-deep in history is a literal proposition at Drayton Hall. Digs are a frequent activity on-site, with over a million artifacts unearthed by the current and previous teams there.

Its dirty business, naturally, breaking soil and sifting around in it at various places on the property. The digs are often connected with structural needs, such as the recent fortifying of a cellar stairwell, which lead to the discovery of 106 artifacts.

Hudgins and archaeologist and curator of collections Sarah Stroud Clarke are both archaeologists, and are eager to break ground whenever possible.

There is no other historic site in the Southeast that has a full-time, sustainable archeology program," he said. "Drayton Hall now does. There are things that have never been seen in North America, but theyre showing up below the ground at Drayton Hall."

The team is always ready to learn what awaits them beneath bluestone tiles or grassy turf. The property is teeming with untold treasures, layered in pits that reveal with each deeper level earlier and earlier Lowcountry dwellers who ate and drank and played and prettified their lives.

There are massive wine bottles, intricate Chinese porcelain pieces, flower vases and brass hardware. There is the Colonoware made and used by enslaved African Americans, with its fire-burnished, unadorned clay in reds and browns. There is the earthenware of Native Americans that bears the patterns of the Spanish moss used in the process. There are childrens toys: a wee tiny childs cannon and many a marble.

In a recent historic revelation, they found blue and white delft tiles that are just like those discovered at 2 Ladson St. in downtown Charleston  proof positive Drayton had built the home as had been suspected.

Later, at Drayton Hall, Houck takes me to a spot near the central mound in front of the main house, where she points out the South Flanker Well, which was excavated in 1979 and yielded 50,000 artifacts.

That dig only went to a little more than 3 feet, and not down to the underlying water, which helps to preserve materials. She is sure there is bounty still to retrieve. Does it drive her crazy not knowing what more is underneath there? Yes, it does, she chuckles.

Less than 1 percent of the grounds has been dug.

Tempest in a teapot

In the book Ceramics in America, collector Joseph P. Gromacki, who collects items in tandem with pre-1800 archaeological digs at places like Drayton Hall, describes his hunt for the teapot that has become the poster ceramic of sorts for the show.

Clarke found four fragments on a dig in 2009, adding to the previous two found in the 1980s. These include part of its foot rim, its handle and body.

Then came the quest for knowledge.

The fact that I could not identify it really set off my spider senses, Clarke said.

She started asking around, and no one else could either. Finally she came across a book at William & Mary with an article on black delftware.

A colonial agent, Yonge would have traveled to London, where he likely acquired it. In the book, Gromacki observes, In the early 1700s, when the Drayton Hall teapot (now in fragments) was produced, procured, and brought to America, presumably by Francis Yonge, it would have been considered an expensive and rare luxury item.

It was then determined the teapot was Dutch and its design a response to the popularity of exports from China and Japan, particularly black lacquer, done as a more obtainable knock-off of sorts.

Black-glazed delftware undoubtedly was inspired by these Chinese famille noire porcelains of the Kangxi period (1622-1722), Gromacki writes, demonstrating that it was very difficult to make.

The hunt was on, with the team ultimately learning that there were only about 70 examples of the rare, historically significant black delftware surviving.

Gromacki located a similar one that was marked PAK, or Pieter Adriaensz, Kocks, who was active from 1701-03, and made by The Greek A Factory, Delft. Then another was found in a private collection, closer in character to the fragments. The collector then determined to acquire it.

It was a thrilling moment and I believe that all present shared in the excitement, he writes.

Ceramics at The Charleston Show

On a recent afternoon, I joined Hudgins and Clarke in the downtown Charleston parlor of board member Ben Lenhardt. There Clarke paced me through the details of the coming exhibition, which will take place in the entrance hall of The Charleston Show, leading into the rows of antique dealers.

The idea came from the diaries of Charles Drayton, the third son of John Drayton and second owner of Drayton Hall. In a March 1802 entry, he chronicled with seeming zeal the arrival a Barbarini vase designed by Josiah Wedgwood.

The archeological examples will be displayed alongside intact examples from private collections, among them the teapot acquired by Gromacki.

This is just phenomenal for us, and I think for Charleston as a whole and the antique show, that we will have one of these intact vessels on display, Clarke said.

There is also a replica of the storied Wedgwood Barbarini or Portland Vase, done in ceramic rather than its original glass.

And there is the white, salt lace stoneware Aesops Fables teapot, a popular ceramic at the time John Drayton had its house built and ubiquitous at that time.

The show includes new finds from the recent excavation under the houses stairwell, too. Two delft flower vases will be showcased alongside reproductions that have been created by renowned ceramic artist Michelle Erickson. There is a gilded porcelain teacup, a Virginia 1773 halfpenny and the working brass toy cannon.

What were able to do  taking that knowledge of what was at Drayton Hall on the tabletops thats now below ground, and connecting that with collectors its a great cross section of archaeology, research and collecting, Hudgins said.

And theres much, much more where that history came from, just waiting for soil to meet shovel, for those ever-ready archaeologists to find and show and tell us all.
This time of year Lowcountry residents stricken with the first heavy descent of spring pollen are preparing for a less than enjoyable allergy season, stocking up on antihistamines at local drug stores.

And while allergy season is a primary concern for families across the region, students at The Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine are reminding parents to think about sun safety for kids of all ages, especially newborns.

In the fall of 2022, a group of students who are part of a dermatology interest group partnered with IMPACT Melanoma, a national nonprofit that works to reduce the rates of the severe skin cancer, to bring the organization's No Sun For Babies initiative to parents in Lowcountry.

The effort started in May 2019 after researchers from IMPACT Melanoma found that a sunburn during childhood can nearly double a person's chance of developing melanoma.

After reaching out to representatives from the organization, students secured grant funding to purchase 100 drawstring bags filled with sun protection blankets and reminders about risks associated with sun exposure and newborn infants.

"Our goal was to address the gap," Laura Andrews, a fourth year College of Medicine student at MUSC, said. "Parents are given lots of tips on safe sleep and healthy eating. But oftentimes, the risk of sun exposure and sunburn in babies and young children isn't focused on."

Dr. Lara Wine Lee, an associate professor of dermatology at MUSC, assisted the student-led interest group. Wine Lee specializes in pediatric dermatology.

"Sunburns in children are major risk factors for all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, but also contributes to other problems with long-term skin health," Wine Lee said.

Another four-year medical student, Chelsea Shope, said the sun protection blanket, also known as ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) blanket, is a great way to protect newborns from UV ray exposure both inside and outside.

"Most people associate sun and UV exposure with just being outside," Shope said, "but UV rays are able to penetrate window glass."

Shope added that parents often sit, rock or feed their babies in a spot in their nursery or homes next to a window receiving a lot of ambient light.

"Try to keep the baby covered up," Shope said.

So far, the group has distributed nearly 100 free bags to families with newborns at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital.

Now, having gifted nearly all of the UV protective blankets, Andrews and Shope said the group plans to use more grant funding to distribute car window shades throughout the summer.

Shope and Andrews also educate parents about when and where to apply sunscreen on their babies, despite common misconceptions that sunscreen shouldn't be used for babies less than six months old.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has said that using sunscreen on babies around that age is acceptable to apply minimally to the sun exposed areas. The AAP also suggests parents use mineral based sunscreens that include elements like zinc, oxide or titanium dioxide along with one that has a broad spectrum of UV coverage.

After six months of age it is okay to apply sunscreen more liberally,

Other suggestions for parents to keep in mind include keeping babies and children properly hydrated and investing in other pieces of clothing or blankets with UPF protection built in.

Wine Lee suggest parents reach out to their pediatrician to address any questions or concerns they have regarding sun safety.

To learn more about IMPACT Melanoma and tips on sun safety visit www.impactmelanoma.org/no-sun-for-babies/.
MOUNT PLEASANT  State legislation proposed by a former Town Council member would allow towns and cities to annex properties without the owners' consent, a prospect that has horrified residents of historic Black settlement communities.

It's not the first time lawmakers have considered a "doughnut hole" bill that would allow municipalities across South Carolina to annex any unincorporated areas within their footprint.

Such a rule would mean, for example, that Charleston could annex West Ashley properties that are home to more than 20,000 people. Mount Pleasant could annex all the historic East Cooper settlement communities that were created after the Civil War by Black residents.

"The settlement communities were here first," said Hattie Horry, a Snowden resident.

A small village as recently as the 1950s, Mount Pleasant has grown explosively to become the state's fourth-largest municipality, extending the town's boundaries north to Awendaw. The town now surrounds many unincorporated properties, including the predominantly Black settlement communities of Four Mile, Six Mile, Snowden, Ten Mile and Phillips, and notable properties such as Boone Hall Plantation and the State Ports Authority's Wando Terminal.

"Don't take away my rights," said Richard Habersham, a community leader in Phillips, located off S.C. Highway 41. "If I want to go into the town, that's my choice."

"We think we have a better chance with the county than the municipality," he said.

Former Town Council member Joe Bustos introduced the annexation bill this year. A second former council member, Kathy Landing, is a co-sponsor. Both now represent parts of Mount Pleasant in the General Assembly.

Bustos said unincorporated properties have different rules and regulations set by counties that can cause conflicts in towns and cities.

In particular, he cites an unincorporated property in Mount Pleasant where the owner maintains a shooting range adjacent to a residential neighborhood and not far from Jennie Moore Elementary School.

"I'm getting a lot of calls from residents who are disturbed at night or during the day by gunfire," said Bustos. "The county allows shooting in the county, but that little pocket of the county is in the middle of Mount Pleasant."

He has also introduced a bill to prohibit outdoor shooting ranges within 150 yards of a school or residential neighborhood.

Charleston County Council voted 6-1 on March 2 to approve a resolution opposing the legislation. Councilman Joe Boykin referenced the East Cooper shooting range dispute as a motivator.

"This is an isolated incident, and we're going to change state law across all 46 counties?" he queried.

Councilman Larry Kobrovsky cast the lone vote against the resolution opposing the annexation bill, saying the legislation would help Mount Pleasant manage growth and development.

Settlement community residents fear the opposite  that annexing into Mount Pleasant would bring development pressures that could change their way of life.

"It's almost as if it's our fault that they (the town) ran out of space," said Pleshette Grant, president of the Snowden Community Civic Association.

County Council Chairman Herb Sass, a Mount Pleasant resident, said he has also received complaints about the private shooting range.

We do not have an ordinance that says he cant do that, and we cant have an ordinance that prohibits shooting in the whole county," he said. The real problem is that a lot of these doughnut holes  and in Mount Pleasant a lot of them are settlement communities  do not want to be in the town and dont trust the town.

Im a private property rights person," said Sass. "I dont think they should get annexed unless they want to be annexed.

Legislation to broadly allow involuntary annexation has long been a priority of the S.C. Municipal Association. The measure is proposed regularly but has failed to muster support. The idea is opposed by many counties, public service districts and unincorporated communities.

Scott Slatton, the municipal association's director of advocacy and communications, said it's unlikely Bustos' bill will pass this year.

Its a question of what is in those doughnut holes, and some people say the answer is 'freedom,'" Slatton said.

He said many residents in those enclaves benefit from municipal services without paying for them through property taxes. And the duplication of services, including fire and police protection, can be costly and disruptive.

In Mount Pleasant, when word spread about the legislation Bustos introduced, opponents turned out at a recent Town Council meeting.

Snowden and all the other Black and African American communities boundaries have not changed in 100 years," Snowden resident Michael German told Town Council members at a Feb. 14 meeting. "We do not want to be a part of your town."

The way Mount Pleasant, Charleston and other municipalities see the issue is, people who live in unincorporated areas surrounded by a municipality are benefiting from municipal spending on roads, parks and services without paying property tax to the municipality.

"Doughnut holes aren't in anyone's interest, including the citizens who own a home in one and as a result can't vote for the local officials who have the most direct impact on their neighborhood," Charleston spokesman Jack O'Toole said. "The city supports MASC's ongoing efforts to find a legislative solution that leads to stronger representation and more efficient services for residents."

Taxes and fees aren't always the main issue. Some property owners would pay less if they did annex into their neighboring municipality.

Typically, unincorporated areas pay property tax to a public service district or fire district, and pay twice as much for sewer service as they would in a municipality.

Most large towns and cities in South Carolina have unincorporated areas within their boundaries. With some notable exceptions, such as Daniel Island's annexation by the city of Charleston, properties are typically annexed into towns and cities individually and by the owner's request.

Annexation is how towns and cities grow in South Carolina, and it's often controversial.

Charleston became South Carolina's largest city in this century largely thanks to annexation. The city was once limited to the Charleston peninsula but annexed properties across Daniel Island and the Cainhoy peninsula, West Ashley, James Island and Johns Island.

The Town of James Island was created largely to thwart further annexations by Charleston. Meanwhile, North Charleston has used annexation to extend that city's boundaries across the Ashley River, prompting litigation with Charleston.

Often, when towns and cities grow through annexation they grow around properties whose owners don't ask to be annexed. Naturally, towns and cities would like to be able to annex all those "doughnut hole" properties, in order to tax and regulate them.

The public service districts and counties that serve unincorporated areas have the opposite view, as do presumably all the property owners who could choose to annex but have not done so.
Charleston officials gave the Dockside Condominiums owners association a three-week extension to prove the city's tallest building is safe enough for residents to remain during a fire or emergency.

If they cant do that, the 19-story building will have to be evacuated until deemed structurally safe by an engineer.

More than half of the building's support columns  about 350  have been identified by structural engineers as in need of repair. Initially, 39 of those columns deemed needing an immediate fix had been shored up without a permit from the city.

Last week, city officials issued a letter to Dockside property owners after engineers hired by the building's management could not convince fire marshals the building could withstand the weight of firefighting crews in the event of an emergency. Docksides structural engineers have already recommended limiting the number of people in any of the 135 condos to no more than 10 at a time.

Last week's letter set out numerous mandates for the property owners, including: hiring an engineer to certify the building can remain occupied, producing a plan to remove asbestos and engaging a fire protection engineer to ensure the building is safe for first responders.

If these mandates were not completed, city officials said last week, they planned to vacate the building.

Dockside replied by asking for an extension of time before an evacuation, arguing it is in the process of fixing many of the requirements.

In a March 3 letter to Dockside leadership, the city gave them until March 27 to provide an engineering report regarding the structural safety of the building during an emergency situation.

This comes after the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control gave Dockside the go-ahead to reduce the number of columns needing asbestos removal. It also allowed Dockside to begin the process of shoring 78 columns  57 of which are expected to be partially reinforced by next weekend.

Since February, Dockside has also engaged Wiss, Janney, Elster Associates Inc.  a construction engineering company  which is providing a structural engineer and a fire protection engineer. They will work with Dockside to conduct visual inspections of the building and identify any live load restrictions, according to the city's letter.

The city is requiring that any signs of distress found during these inspections, such as cracks in concrete, be reported to them.

The letter also lays out deadlines that must be met throughout the month. Dockside leadership must provide the city with their evacuation plan by March 15 and a summary of a seismic and wind event modeling report by March 6.

City officials and Dockside leadership have been in close communication about the status of the building.

We recognize the strides that you have made over the last two weeks to move this project in a positive direction, specifically, the increase in shoring to the immediate points of concern to help return confidence in reinstating load capacity in these areas until further assessments can be made, said a letter signed by Chief Building Inspector Ken Granata and Chief Fire Marshal Michael A. Julazadeh.

However, to ensure that we help you maintain a safe environment for your residents and our first responders, it is necessary to move forward with the above action items immediately, he added.

Anne Summer, president of the Dockside board of directors, issued a statement March 3 saying the safety of Dockside residents, staff and visitors  including first responders  is the board's top priority.

"Since May 2022, when we proactively started this process by hiring a structural engineer to evaluate our building, we have been engaging with the City of Charleston, S.C. DHEC, engineering firms, and contractors," she stated. "We are thankful for the positive working relationship with the City and are in the process of resolving our building needs quickly and safely within the timeline outlined by the City."

In November, SKA Consulting Engineers  a structural consulting firm hired by Docksides owners association  issued a report on the health of more than 600 support columns in the 19-story harborfront building. More than half of those columns were found to probably or most likely have structural issues.

Fabio Matta, graduate director of civil and environmental engineering at the University of South Carolina, reviewed the structural consultants' report on behalf of The Post and Courier. He said because the report is preliminary and does not account for seismic activity, he couldn't make an overall determination on the health of the building.

But he said that generally when steel in coastal buildings is exposed to salt, the steel expands and can cause tension onto surrounding concrete. This is why you might see small pieces of concrete fall off of tall buildings, because the concrete does not work well with tension.

The report said the estimated concrete strength was about 2,500 pounds per square inch. That seemed low, Matta said. For a building of that age and height, he would expect a strength of around 4,000 psi. But he acknowledged that the size of concrete samples taken for the study may not have been enough to give a thorough assessment.

Matta said the 1970s-era building is of the generation that will see deterioration. Addressing any structural problems as early as possible is money well spent for the purpose of safety.

"We just have to suck it up and accept the fact that buildings cannot go on maintenance free. For the simple reason that they are exposed to environments that we know, and in the business we consider, to be aggressive environments, he said.

The structural stability of many oceanfront high-rises became a nationwide concern two years ago when 98 people died in the collapse of a Florida coastal condo tower. The concern heightened in South Carolina four months ago when the 22-story Renaissance Tower just south of Myrtle Beach was ordered to be immediately evacuated after the discovery of severe corrosion to reinforced concrete support columns beneath the building.

Residents were allowed back inside Feb. 25 after installation of $1.3 million worth of temporary supports.

These events prompted the city of Charleston to conduct a survey of all buildings of six or more floors. The survey found 52 such buildings.

Concern over structural integrity generally has been focused on oceanfront or near-oceanfront tall buildings since the June 2021 fatal collapse of the 12-story Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Fla. However, earlier this year, a three-story, College of Charleston parking garage was ordered closed because of extensive corrosion to the 40-year-old reinforced concrete structure. Some older city-owned parking garages also were found to need repairs, but none serious enough to require closure.

Dockside has had a history of problems. In 1982, building owners were sued for leaks coming through the roof and balcony. In 2001, residents sued the building owners for failure to maintain the structural integrity of the building.

South Carolina has no law that requires structural re-inspection of a building after it receives the certificate of occupancy.

Late last year, Rep. Wendell Gilliard re-filed a bill to create a Coastal Structural Stability Committee. If it passes, this committee will study commercial buildings six stories and taller and examine them for their structural soundness.

Gilliard, D-Charleston, emphasized the importance of taking action before its too late.

My God, how many Docksides are there along the Atlantic Coast? he said. Why would we wait until something happens?

John Ramsey and Doug Pardue contributed to this report.
Tourists walk along old houses in Hoi An in January 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Xuan Phuong

Hoi An ancient town has been listed in the top 10 towns that offer a true taste of local culture and history for travelers.

Canadian publication The Travel has listed 10 locations for travelers who enjoy local warmth and unique cultures and the only representative from Vietnam is Hoi An, about 30 km south of Da Nang.

"If you go to Hoi An, you can experience good people, lovely sand beaches, and a unique old town that still shows many of the traditional buildings and ways of doing things from before," the magazine said of the town that was designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.

Hoi An culture is influenced by French and Chinese elements, and one can learn about it through its artisan crafts, such as pottery and reed mats, which are still made in the traditional way, or by trying local food.

International travelers also left comments praising the destination as "a wonderful city full of colors, nice people and relaxing." Visitors are particularly awed by Hoi An's brilliant lanterns at night.

Some other destinations also on the list are Medellin (Colombia), Matera (Italy), Oaxaca (Mexico), and Monte Verde (Brazil).
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Sunshine early followed by mostly cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Low around 55F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Were glad to see that North Charlestons leaders are, as Mayor Keith Summey puts it, concerned about the number of failing schools that we have and what we can do to generate more opportunity for the kids coming up in North Charleston.

Were concerned too, which is why we supported efforts by then-Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait to improve those schools, too often despite opposition from the school board members who went on to pay her half a million dollars to leave as head of the Charleston County School District. Its why we support the districts current efforts to improve underperforming schools through what it calls its Acceleration Schools initiative, whose focus is disproportionately on schools in North Charleston.

But the idea of splitting off North Charleston schools into their own separate school district is not helpful. The idea of putting the mayor in charge of that district  whether that's Mr. Summey or his successor  makes the idea even worse.

As The Post and Couriers Rickey Ciapha Dennis Jr. reports, Mr. Summey told reporters last week that the citys legal department had begun researching what it would take for the city to form its own school district and run it as a city department. If it took the department more than about 5 minutes to give him an answer, he needs to stop wasting taxpayers money on those lawyers.

In fact, one of the many people who has been sounding increasingly like hes vying to succeed Mr. Summey, S.C. Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, could easily provide the answer for free, because hes already pledged to take the first step: filing a bill to make it happen.

This, you see, is South Carolina, where the Legislature decides the physical and legal contours of school districts, largely unencumbered by any grand governing principles. The Legislature has been moving slowly over the past several decades to consolidate school districts, not split them in two, and thank goodness for that. But if the Legislature wanted to reverse course and split a district, it alone has the power to do that.

Likewise, theres no modern precedent for a S.C. municipality to run a school district, but thats not a problem if the Legislature wants it to happen. And if the Legislature doesnt want that to happen  well, all the legal research in the world wont change that.

Mr. Summeys two-fold argument for splitting the school district in two and taking over the new smaller district is that the kids in the district arent getting a good-enough education (which is true) and that we contribute more than were getting from the school district, which is decidedly not true. Last year, when the mayor first floated the idea, a big part of his argument was that 21% of the Charleston County School Districts property tax revenue comes from North Charleston. But as we noted in an editorial at the time, around 30% of the students in the district live in the city.

Beyond that, the school district notes, those 30% of students are receiving nearly 36% of the districts funding, and the per-pupil spending in North Charleston schools is $16,645  compared to $14,171 in the rest of the district. In other words, the rest of the district is actually subsidizing the citys children.

So the result of making North Charleston its own school district would be less money per student. It also would be higher overhead costs on a per-student basis. And fewer students would make it more difficult for the new district to offer the richer curriculum and other opportunities that only large districts have the student population to justify.

Traditionally, decisions about whether to split or combine school districts, how to elect school board members or even whether to elect school board members are made by the legislators who live in the county in question, and the legislators from the 45 other counties defer to the local lawmakers.

Thats a bad way to make school decisions under normal circumstances, given that the S.C. Constitution vests the duty of providing a decent education to all children with the Legislature, not school districts. It would be worse in this case because of the nature of the request Mr. Summey conveniently floated again last week as the City Council was voting to give itself and the mayor a nearly 13% raise.

If for some reason Charleston County legislators get behind this idea, the rest of our legislators should break tradition and quash it. Because we need fewer school districts, not more. And if school districts must be overseen by locally elected officials, they should be officials whose job is overseeing schools, not overseeing the wide and varied operations of the states third-largest city, with schools thrown into the mix.

Of course, Charleston County legislators also should reject the idea. So should the people of North Charleston, because if Mr. Summeys dream were to become a reality, the biggest losers would be the students who live in North Charleston.

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SPARTANBURG  Norris Ridge apartments will be demolished by the end of 2023 after the remaining residents have moved into the new Robert Smalls Townhomes at Midtowne Heights on Wofford Street.

A majority of the residents at Norris Ridge apartments agreed to move into the new development. The new Robert Smalls development is subject to a Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment Contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which covers 100 percent of the units and provides rental assistance payments to residents.

Construction on the 190 townhomes at Robert Smalls has been completed with utilities still be connected to the most recently completed units. The $30 million project was built on 20 acres and includes a clubhouse, community center, greenspace and a recreational trail.

EquityPlus is the lead developer. The developer also plans to redevelop the Norris Ridge apartment site at 350 Norris St., with 110 new townhomes, a total investment of $30 million.

Ralph Settle, principal partner for Equity Plus, told The Post and Courier 40 residents have moved into the Robert Smalls development with 80 more people scheduled to move in over the next few months.

"Once we get all the people moved in we will start tearing down Norris Ridge," Settle said. "It's going to happen in 2023. The Highland neighborhood master plan calls for less density so we will take the units at Norris Ridge down by half."

Settle said when people were moved from Norris Ridge the windows on the apartments were covered with plywood to prevent vandalism inside the units. Of the 190 units at Norris Ridge, 110 are no longer occupied.

Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice said the new Robert Smalls development near the city's Northside Neighborhood will offer positive change for the former residents of Norris Ridge.

"Norris Ridge was a hot spot for crime not from the residents living there but from outsiders coming in to commit crime," Rice said. "We are getting that negative aspect out of there and making it a more vibrant spot with new development based on the Highland Transformation Plan. It's going to provide people with a better quality of life."

The Robert Smalls development includes a mix of floor plans including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units. Each unit includes a front porch, back patio and kitchen appliances. The 3,000-square-foot clubhouse includes a computer lab and space for community events. All of the units are equipped with sprinkler systems for added safety.
Vietnamese tourists dressed in traditional Thai costumes take a selfie at Wat Arun temple ahead of the Lunar New Year in Bangkok, Thailand, January 18, 2023. Photo by Reuters/Chalinee Thirasupa

Warm hospitality, convenient visa policies and modern infrastructure make Thailand a top outbound destination among Vietnamese tourists, some of whom call it their "second home."

Tran Le Ngoc Thang from Hanoi has traveled to Thailand 10 times.

Three of those trips have come since Thailand  the country of golden pagodas  reopened for tourism post-lockdown in mid-2021.

"It felt as if I had been visiting my second homeland," Thang said.

He said a trip to Thailand only costs VND5-7 million ($211-296) because he hardly buys anything.

"I usually look for cheap air tickets three to four months before my departure. When I arrive in Thailand, I travel by public transport to save money," Thang said.

Ngoc Thang (L) with his family in a trip to Thailand during the Lunar New Year, January 2023. Photo courtesy of Ngoc Thang

Tanes Petsuwan, deputy director general of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said at the "Amazing Thailand Festival 2023" event held in Ho Chi Minh City last week that Vietnam was one of Thailand's six biggest tourism markets.

Last year, Thailand received 470,000 tourists from Vietnam, nearly half of the pre-pandemic figure.

Cheap air tickets, simple immigration procedures, hospitality and modern transport infrastructure make Thailand ideal for Vietnamese tourists, Petsuwan added.

In order to retain international tourists, Thailand has adopted policies to upgrade the quality of tourism services while ensuring revenue.

Thailand currently offers visa exemptions for over 50 countries, including the United States and European countries, for stays of up to 45 days.

Southeast Asia's second largest economy last year launched its Long Term Residence Visa, which allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to 10 years with multiple entries.

The abundance of direct flights connecting Vietnams tourist hotspots with Thailands major cities is also a major draw.

Currently, Vietnamese tourists can fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Nha Trang to Thailands Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

This year, the total number of direct flights between the two countries each week is about 285, equivalent to 53,000 seats, an increase of about 24% compared to 2019.

Some tour operators in Vietnam also said Thailand was Vietnam's most important outbound tourism market.

Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy general director of tour operator Vietravel, said that the company now serves two to five groups of tourists traveling to Thailand every day.

Do Tran Hoang An, deputy director of Ben Thanh Tourist Retail Travel Center, said the number of tourists booking Thai tours at his company is the highest among all markets, usually about four to eight groups per month.

With an average growth rate of 13% per annum since 2010, and a contribution of around 15% of GDP, tourism has become an important engine of growth for the Thai economy.

Thailand targets 30 million foreign arrivals this year, after recording a strong recovery post-reopening, with 11.5 million last year.
Famous Zimbabwean Prophet Passion Java is not backing down, despite the threats he received for prophesying the outcomes of Nigerias election.

On Sunday, Mr Java, who is the founder of the Kingdom Embassy church, prophesied that he had seen the results of the election.

The prophet, also an associate of the Zimbabwean president, Emerson Mnangagwa, who promised to storm Nigeria with fire in 2023, was diplomatic with his prophecies, but Nigerians didnt take it lightly.

Although he did entirely mention a name, he pointed out that the winners name began with a T, which most people deciphered to be APC candidate and now President-elect Bola Tinubu.

In Nigeria, we already saw the elections. When I prophesied on the International Day of Prophecy, I saw this man with glasses, whose name was like T. I saw him walking into power this February.

In a recent interview, the controversial prophet claimed he had received another vision from the realms of the spirit.

According to the 35-year-old prophet, in his vision, he was instructed to tell Nigerians that Mr Tinubu should be adhered to and his opponents should join forces with him.

He said, The Lord said to me last night, they should listen to this Tinubu guy, they would try to fight him not to be inaugurated, but he would be inaugurated.

When he is inaugurated, he will offer these men to join forces and work together to build the nation of Nigeria; the lord said they should take this offer because God is sending this man to raise the economy and make a better Nigeria.

READ ALSO:

He also revealed that his vision showed that Mr Tinubu might not finish his term due to his health.

Lastly, the Lord said to pray for his health because the enemy would challenge his health, and he might not finish his term. So Pray for him.

He acknowledged some might not like it, but they should join forces and build the nation of Nigeria.

Reactions

From his previous prophecy, he received significant backlash and threats from Nigerians who condemned his visions.

More Nigerians have also flooded the comment sections to reject his prophecies.

AmazingKlef wrote that the prophet was speaking based on obvious facts and not spiritual visions and also stated that the prophet thought he was dealing with fools.

Another user, KcPozzy, pointed out that he must have been bribed- This guy don collects money.

Another user, Iamdonclef, pointed out that he was trying to stay relevant so Mr Tinubu could invite him over.

The Zimbabwean prophet is one of his countrys most controversial prophets.

His church, at different points, has been called out for announcing false prophecies and recently, it was alleged that he ordered his mistress, Yolanda Makaya, to abort an eight-month-old pregnancy.

The flamboyant preacher was also said to have blown half a million rands on a custom Gucci suit!

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Nigerians have elected a new leader to assume the office of the president on May 29. Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the presidential election Wednesday, extending the APCs rule in Africas largest democracy.

As he thanked his supporters, Mr Tinubu appealed for reconciliation with his rivals, who are already demanding a cancellation of the poll which they said was marred by voter suppression and the failure of INEC to upload polling unit results from the over 176,000 polling stations to a web portal as stipulated in its guideline.

In the election held on Saturday, Mr Tinubu, 70, scored 8,794,726 votes, the highest of all the candidates, finally achieving a goal he called lifelong ambition in January 2022.

He also scored over 25 per cent of the votes cast in 29 states, more than the 24 states constitutionally required.

His closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored 6,984,520 votes to emerge second in the election. Labour Partys Peter Obi got a total of 6,101,533 votes while Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP came fourth with 1,496,687 votes.

Outgoing president Muhammadu Buhari said the results reflected a major shift in Nigerias electoral map. The results reveal democracys ripening in our country. Never has the electoral map shifted so drastically in one cycle, he wrote on Twitter.

While Mr Tinubu did better than his opponents in the 2023 election, official data suggest that based on election results, he is the most unpopular president-elect since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 after several years of military rule.

Lowest percentage of total votes

Mr Tinubus win in Saturdays election marks one of the lowest thresholds secured by an elected president in Nigerias Fourth Republic, which began in 1999. The former Lagos governor secured 37 per cent of the total votes cast in the election. No other president-elect scored less than 50 per cent of the votes cast.

President Buhari got 55.6 per of the votes in the 2019 election which gave birth to his second and final term in office. More than 15 million Nigerians voted for Mr Buhari in the election that saw PDPs Atiku also finish second.

Mr Buhari scored 53.9 per cent to defeat a sitting president Goodluck Jonathan in the election that brought him to office in 2015. His predecessor, Mr Jonathan, got 56 per cent of the votes in 2011.

Meanwhile, in the first election that led to the first handover of power from one civilian leader to another, President Umaru YarAdua secured a record 69.8 per cent of total votes cast in 2007.

President Olusegun Obasanjo got 61.8 per cent and 62.8 per cent of votes in the 2003 and 1999 elections respectively.

Lowest number of total votes

Unlike his predecessors, Mr Tinubu also won the presidential election with the least number of votes (8.7 million). Between 1999 and 2023, Nigeria held seven election circles. All former presidents won their elections with at least 15 million votes in the last six election cycles.

The 2023 election was seen as Nigerias most technologically advanced, with INEC deploying an electronic voter accreditation system and results-viewing portal that enhanced transparency and accessibility.

In 1999, the first election after military rule, Mr Obasanjo won with a landslide 18.7 million votes, defeating his kinsman Olu Falae who scored 11.1 million votes.

By 2003 when Mr Obasanjo sought re-election, he won the polls with 24.1 million votes to defeat current President Buhari who contested under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) at the time. Mr Buhari only managed to secure 12.9 million votes.

Then in 2007, Mr Obasanjos handpicked candidate, Mr YarAdua, won his election with 24.6 million votes. The April 2007 election was judged by most observers to fall a long way short of the standards for credible, free and fair elections and to be the worst in Nigerias post-independence, electoral history.

Thus far, elections have served the interests mainly of the powerful elite and have had little, if any, significant impact on deepening representative democracy, let alone transforming peoples socio-economic livelihoods in a positive manner. The reports of domestic and international observers provide confirmation that all stages of the elections were fundamentally flawed, said the Department for International Development in a post-election report.

The final results of the 2011 election gave 22.4 million votes to former President Jonathan, a former governor of south-south Bayelsa state. His nearest rival in the polls, Mr Buhari, got 12.2 million votes.

Then in 2015, the results changed when Mr Buhari defeated Mr Jonathan by more than 2.5 million votes to take his seat. The former military ruler got 15.4 million votes in the 2015 election while Mr Jonathan gained 12.8 million votes.

By 2019, Mr Buhari was re-elected for a second term defeating former vice president Atiku. He got 15.2 million votes while the PDP received 11.3 million.

Lowest number of states won

The 2023 election is considered the most wide-open presidential election Nigeria has seen since 1979. In addition, the election was the most competitive and held at a time there is rising tension in the country.

Mr Tinubu won 12 states of the federation. His two closest opponents, Mr Abubakar and Mr Obi also won 12 states each.

The dynamics of this election and voting patterns proved to be the most unique once INEC announced the results. For instance, Mr Tinubus APC became the first opposition party to win in oil-rich Rivers State since 1999. Kwara State got a boost once more to say nobody became a president without winning the north-central state.

Labour Partys flag-bearer, Mr Obi, won in Mr Tinubus Lagos State, along with Nasarawa and Plateau states, the home states of the APCs chairman Abdullahi Adamu, and the Director-General of APCs Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Simon Lalong, respectively.

Overall, the 12 states Mr Tinubu won are Benue, Borno, Ekiti, Jigawa, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, and Zamfara states.

READ ALSO:

The 12 states Mr Tinubu won is the lowest number of states won by a president-elect.

For his second term election in 2019, Mr Buhari won in 19 states to defeat his closest challenger, Mr Abubakar who won in 18 states. Mr Buhari gained in Bauchi, Borno, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states.

Similarly, in 2015, Mr Buhari won 21 states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara state.

In 2011, Mr Jonathan won in 23 states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, and Rivers states.

For 2003, Mr Obasanjo won 27 states: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Imo, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, and Taraba states.

In 1999, Mr Obasanjo won in Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, and Taraba states.

Lowest in 25 per cent threshold

To win a presidential election, the Nigerian constitution requires candidates to win 25 per cent of votes in at least 24 states and the FCT.

In the just-concluded election, Mr Tinubu won 25 per cent of the votes in 29 states of the federation. Outgoing President Buhari got 25 per cent in 33 states in the 2019 elections and 25 per cent in 27 states in 2015

In 2011, Mr Jonathan, Buharis predecessor, got the 25 per cent threshold in 34 states. Former president Obasanjo won 25 per cent of votes cast in 33 states in 1999 and 2003 respectively.

Continued trend of low voter turnout

One factor that may have worked against Mr Tinubu in terms of total votes scored (although not in the other criteria) is the low turnout in this election.

At 27 per cent, the 2023 elections have the lowest recorded turnout of any presidential election since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, despite being the most expensive. Ahead of the election, INEC data shows that 87.2 million Nigerians collected their PVCs and were eligible to vote and only 24.2 million people cast their votes. In effect, this means, for every ten eligible voters, less than 3 people determined who won the 2023 election, the lowest presidential election turnout Nigeria has recorded since independence.

Commenting on the development, Carlos Lopes, an honorary professor at the Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town, described the low participation as astonishing and problematic.

Nigeria has a population of 220 million, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data, he wrote on Twitter, adding, Bola Tinubu will govern 211.3 people that have not chosen him, including obviously those who did not qualify.

There has been a consecutive decline in election turnout since 1999, although turnout increased from 52 per cent to 69 per cent between the 1999 and 2003 elections, data from the Dataphyte showed. But after the 2003 presidential election, participation in subsequent elections has continued to decline, first to 57 per cent in 2007, then to 54 per cent in 2011, before dropping to 44 per cent in 2015.

This would further plummet in the 2019 presidential election as only 35 per cent of registered voters actually voted, data from INEC showed.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the breakdown of seats won by political parties in the National Assembly.

The commission conducted the presidential and National Assembly elections on 25 February.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, in his remarks during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioner (RECs) in Abuja on Saturday, said eight political parties produced lawmakers in the election.

The parties are the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) African Democratic Party (ADC) Young People Party (YPP).

There are 18 recognised parties in the country.

According to Mr Yakubu, election into 423 out of 469 national legislative seats have been concluded and results declared.

He said in the Senate, 98 out of 109 seats have been declared while 325 out of 360 seats have been declared for the House of Representatives.

He said APC won majority in the Senate with 57 seats while the PDP got 29 seats.

While LP has six seats, NNPP and SDP have two seats each, APGA and YPP have one each.

Mr Yakubu said in the House of Representatives, the APC has so far won 162 seats out of the 325 seats declared while PDP won 102.

He said LP and NNPP have 34 and 18 seats respectively, APGA four seats, ADC and SDP two each while YPP got one seat.

With 57 seats in the upper chamber, the APC has formed the majority though it has yet to achieve that in the lower House. A party requires 180 seats to form majority in the House.

Mr Yakubu disclosed that supplementary elections will be held in 46 constituencies to complete the National Assembly seats. He did not however give the date for the exercise.

The INEC boss also disclosed that certificates of return will be presented to senators-elect on 7 March at the International Conference Centre in Abuja while the House of Representatives-elect will receive theirs on 8 March. at the same venue.

The commission had, on Wednesday, declared the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, winner of the presidential election held on the same day with the National Assembly elections.

The candidates of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, came second while that of the LP, Peter Obi, and NNPP Rabiu Kwankwaso, came third and fourth respectively.

INEC has presented Mr Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, with certificates of return even as Messrs Atiku and Obi vowed to challenge the process in court.

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Nigerias electoral commission, INEC, has acknowledged challenges that dented last Saturdays presidential and National Assembly elections.

Chairman of the commission, Mahmood Yakubu, at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners on Saturday, acknowledged the challenges but said it would work harder to overcome them in the coming gubernatorial and States Houses of assembly elections scheduled for 11 March.

The logistical challenge, which included the late arrival of voting materials to polling units and failure of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machine to upload results of the election were widespread during the election last week, resulting in Nigerians questioning the credibility of the polls.

Three of the four major political parties in the presidential election the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)  have rejected the results and called for the conduct of another election under a new electoral chair.

Only the All Progressive Congress (APC) whose candidate, Bola Tinubu, was declared winner, commended the process.

The PDP and LP have already been granted access to inspect all materials used for the election as they prepare to challenge the conduct of the elections and Mr Tinubus victory in court.

Preliminary observations reports of several observer groups have also noted that the commission performed below citizen expectations.

BVAS to be deployed, IREV uncertain

While Mr Yakubu stated that the BVAS would be deployed for next Saturdays gubernatorial elections, he avoided the mention of whether the results will immediately be transmitted to the INEC elections viewing (IReV) portal before collation of results.

INECs failure to upload the results on IReV before it continued with the collation of results was the first alleged breach noticed by agents of the PDP and LP who later staged a walk out of the collation centre in Abuja on Monday.

The PDP Agent, Dino Melaye, said the commission had on multiple occasions promised Nigerians an electronic transmission of results.

Mr Yakubu only told the RECs that the deployment of BVAS has sanitised voter accreditation as seen from the result of recent elections.

Since last week, the Commission has intensified the review of the technology to ensure that glitches experienced, particularly with the upload of results are rectified. We are confident that going forward the system will run optimally, he said.

Mr Yakubu also claimed that the commission planned well for the election but the implementation came with challenges, some of them unforeseen.

He added, The issues of logistics, election technology, behaviour of some election personnel at different levels, attitude of some party agents and supporters added to the extremely challenging environment in which elections are usually held in Nigeria.

A lot of lessons have been learnt. Of immediate concern to the Commission is how the identified challenges can be addressed as we approach the concluding phase of the General Election involving the largest number of constituencies i.e. 28 State Governorship elections and 993 State Houses of Assembly seats.

The INEC Chairman has, therefore, directed that all election logistics must be handled by the electoral officers at the local government levels, and must be finalised a day before the elections.

He said while that has been the commissions standard practice, centralising the process in some states resulted in delayed deployment of personnel and materials and late commencement of polls.

Mr Yakubu said RECs will be held responsible for any tardy arrangement or the failure to deploy electric power generators to collation centres or polling units where such facilities are needed.

The Commission has enough facilities in all the states of the federation. Failure to deploy them is simply inexcusable, he said.

As we approach the Governorship and State Assembly elections, we must work harder to overcome the challenges experienced in the last election. Nothing else will be acceptable to Nigerians.

All staff found to be negligent, whether they are regular or ad hoc officials, including Collation and Returning Officers, must not be involved in forthcoming elections. RECs must also immediately initiate disciplinary action where prima facie evidence of wrongdoing has been established.

Mr Yakubu appreciated Nigerians and election observers for their support, saying he looks forward to receiving their comprehensive reports on the election.

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MONROVIAAt Thursdays appeal hearings for Gibril Massaquoi, the commander of Sierra Leones Revolutionary United Front, (RUF) standing trial for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Liberias first civil war, all three prosecution witnesses, who came from Lofa County, Liberias northwestern region provided harrowing testimonies, claiming he and his soldiers killed residents in a town called Kamatahum.

At the heart of the trial, prosecution witnesses told the Tampere District Court, which acquitted Mr Massaquoi because prosecutors did not prove his alleged crimes beyond a reasonable doubt that he set fire to houses and burnt people, including men, women, and children alive, or directed his soldiers to do so allegations also corroborated by Thursdays witnesses.

I can never forget that name Gabriel Massaquoi until I die, said Civilian 43. Because he damaged my entire life. It was his group that came to our town. They captured us and killed my mother and my father, then put us on a long rope and tied our hands to each other.

She said that day in Kiatahum (where they were arrested and taken Kamatahum), Mr Massaquoi and his troops lined them up in circles, with Mr Massaquoi introducing himself in a fierce tone. Civilian 43 said since that day, his name has stuck into her head, especially so because of what he allegedly did to her parents when she was a child.

Civilian 43 said Mr Massaquoi also called his infamous name to them.

He said I am Gibril Massaquoi, I am next to God.

Like Civilian 43, many prosecution witnesses have claimed Mr Massaquoi disclosed the name to them before he could allegedly kill civilians or fellow soldiers or order their killings. The name has become a key part of these appeal headings.

She said the chances of anyone surviving when he had given an order was almost impossible.

Most of the victims were innocent civilians who committed no crimes, she claimed.

Mr Massaquoi, who has denied the allegations has been following the hearings from the district court by a video link. He moved there in 2008 as part of an asylum agreement with the UN then backed-Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he served as a protected witness in the war crimes trial of former Charles Taylor, a former Liberian President. His testimony was said to be key to the convictions of Mr Taylor and other former RUF commanders.

But Civitas Maxima, a Swiss-based justice organisation working in collaboration with the Global Justice and Research Project, its Liberian partner, presented to the Finnish Attorney Generals office what they claimed was evidence of his alleged crimes in Liberia.

They accused him of violating safe house rules of the special court and coming to Liberia to commit the crimes, including aggravated rape and aggravated murder, charges he was acquitted of.

The RUF soldiers used to be hunting for us, said Civilian 36. They used to climb up in the palm tree and anywhere they saw smoke they will come there and capture everyone.

Civilian 50, corroborated the testimonies of the witnesses before him.

He broke down in tears, while talking about his experience of the war to the three-judge panel.

Every time you call us here to come and talk is like, you have a sore (wound), said Civilian 50. And someone takes a stick and pushes it into that sore.

He claimed on the day he and other citizens were taken to Kamatahum as captives by Mr Massaquois soldiers, he was the only one who survived that massacre because they realised that he could read and write, so they took him out of the line to be their secretary.

One by one, all of us who were captured from Kiatahum, they put everyone in the house. That was how I was not among those that they burnt in that house.

Civilian 50 claimed he watched the house going up in flames. Cries of the captives went out aloud, but they were all burnt to death, he told the court.

He claimed it was in Katamahum that he met Mr Massaquoi for the first time.

On 13 April, 2001, Civilian 50 said he had gone to bury his son when Mr Taylors fighters mixed with RUF rebels attacked their village and took them into captivity, killings dozens of civilians in Kamatahum.

As Thursdays proceedings came to a close, defence lawyers became tougher on Civilian 50 for claiming he could list the people who allegedly died in the Kamatahum house fire massacre by Mr Massaquoi and his solders when he didnt do so during his testimony to the district court.

But in defence of the witnesses, Matias Loneen, one of the prosecutors told Frontpage Africa/New Narratives that hearing the witnesses for the second time gives them a clearer picture of the alleged accounts of situations of the war.

I can say that we find the situation perhaps clearer this time than the last time because we are being able to put the questions in the right way, said Lonnen.

The hearings continue on Friday.

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of its West African Justice Reporting Project.

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President-elect Bola TInubu has congratulated renowned journalist, administrator and politician, Liad Tella, on his 75th birthday.

Mr Tinubu commended Mr Tella not only for his immense contributions to the journalism profession but also for his useful role in the propagation of Islam and religious harmony in the country.

In a statement by the Office of the President-elect signed by Tunde Rahman, Mr Tinubu described Mr Tella as an excellent man and good advocate of Islam.

The President-elect said: I congratulate and rejoice with astute journalist and administrator, Alhaji Liad Tella, on turning 75 on March 3.

I first encountered Alhaji Liad Tella within the media space before our paths crossed during the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria during which he made valuable contributions.

Liad Tella is a fine journalist and important media leader. After a long stint at the National Concord, leaving the stage as General Manager, he rose to the pinnacle of the profession as Managing Director of Monitor Newspaper.

His deep involvement in the propagation of Islam and promotion of religious harmony in the country is also worthy of note.

I commend Alhaji Liad Tella for all he has done for nation-building through the media profession and for being a role model for the younger generation.

At 75, my prayer for the Asiwaju Musulumi of Iwoland is that Almighty Allah grant him many more years, the grace and wisdom to continue to impact the lives of many more in our country.

Office of The President-elect,

Tunde Rahman

March 04, 2023.

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The Agro-Commodity Directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council of the APC has asked the federal government to compensate farmers for losses incurred due to the Naira policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The directorate made this plea on Saturday during a press briefing in Abuja.

Shehu Muazu, a member of the PCC and National Coordinator for Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, stated that farmers incurred losses during the implementation of the policy.

He noted that action must be taken by the current administration to cushion the effect of the policy on the farmers.

On our side, we have a president-elect, who is yet to be in office. However, the directorate wants to call on the president and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buharinow that the Supreme Court has spoken and we all know the consequences of that hardship.. we are not saying anybody should be punished, we should be forgiving as we have been directed by our principal. However, we call on the federal government of today to put in place policies that will help to alleviate the losses incurred by farmers, he said.

Naira redesign

The CBN had last year announced the redesign of 200, 500 and 1,000 naira notes, and planned to end the use of the old notes by 10 February.

The implementation of the policy generated an acute shortage of cash which prompted three state governments  Kaduna, Kogi, and Zamfara  to approach the Supreme Court for intervention.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how several members of the ruling party, including the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, opposed the policy and called on Mr Buhari to act.

However, Mr Buhari refused to comply with the order of the Supreme Court and instead offered a compromise to allow the old N200 notes to continue to exist alongside the new notes till 10 April.

On Friday the Supreme Court finally extended the validity of the N200, N500, and N1,000 Naira notes till 31 December.

Well mobilise farmers for gubernatorial race

In his remarks, the coordinator of the directorate for North-west, Bello Abubakar, said the campaign council will mobilise farmers across the country to vote for APC governorship candidates across the country.

We urge all farmers to come out en-mass for the governorship and house of assembly election expected to hold on the 11th of March 2023 and vote massively for APC candidates in the election across the country. Please note that every farmers vote is important and farmers must deliver.

READ ALSO:

Rural farmers are the APC primary constituency and we must show this by voting for APC candidates in the upcoming elections to help H.E Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and H.E Senator Kashim Shettima deliver on their mandate to the Nigeria people, he said.

The governorship elections are scheduled for 11 March in 28 states.

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Nigerian author Onyeka Nwelue has had his Academic Visitor status at the University of Oxford terminated, a Cherwell investigation revealed.

The investigation revealed he was dismissed for misusing university logos and premises for commercial purposes. Mr Nwelue is also facing complaints of misogyny towards students and the spread of racist, classist, and sexist content online, the independent student newspaper revealed.

The filmmaker and author held an Academic Visitor status at Oxfords African Studies Centre from 2021 until his dismissal in early February this year.

During this time, Cherwell said, he represented himself as a professor at both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge but has been unable to provide evidence of an academic PhD.

Both universities confirmed to Cherwell that he was never conferred with a professor title throughout his time with them.

On 31 January 2023, Mr Nwelues Instagram bio described him as Prof of African Studies & Academic Visitor at the University of Oxford & University of Cambridge and on 1st February 2023, his Twitter bio said Professor + Academic Visitor, tagging the accounts of both universities.

He also tweeted: I am a university professor, attached to two of the top best universities in the world, along with many other tweets where he referred to himself as a professor.

However, when asked to clarify his academic affiliations in light of this, Mr Nwelue told Cherwell, I have never ever posed as a professor at Oxford and Cambridge. My card says I am an Academic Visitor and that is exactly what I tell people. The accusation that I say I am a professor at Oxford is baseless.

At Oxford, Academic Visitorship is set up on terms agreed upon between an individual and the university. The university confirmed that it does not employ Academic Visitors  they do not get paid, and are not expected to undertake duties for the university.

Additionally, Mr Nwelue has also described himself as a Research Associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, but SOAS confirmed to Cherwell that he is not listed as one of its Research Associates.

I have the equivalent of a Masters as a filmmaker. I also have an Honorary Doctorate. I have been a Visiting / Research Fellow in other universities. Prior to Oxford, I made award-winning films and published a lot of books, he said when asked to provide further details of his academic certifications.

At least 22 books have been published in Mr Nwelues name. Twenty of his books were either self-published or published by his companies. Nine of these have been published since 2021, and of the 17 listed on Amazon, 13 have no consumer reviews, the newspaper reported.

Discriminatory tweets

During his time as an academic visitor at Oxford, Mr Nwelue posted content on Twitter which were considered racist, classist, and misogynistic.

These include tweets where he stated: being raised in a poor family chains you mentally to be stupid.; no poor person has any value; African women look like masquerades when they wear wigs and make up; Arabs are known to relish slavery and servitude; China is poor, filthy (smells a lot!) and overpopulated; Eastern Europeansonly produce pick-pockets and scammers.

When asked about these tweets, he told Cherwell: It was a social experiment to get feedback for a book I was working on. Apologies that they came off wrongly. He denied being racist, misogynist, or classist.

The University of Oxford did not confirm whether any background checks were carried out on Mr Nwelue before he gained status as an Academic Visitor.

What led to Mr Nwelues dismissal

According to Cherwell, a recent book launch where he (Mr Nwelue) hosted the controversial Nigerian journalist and author, David Hundeyin, in affiliation with the James Currey Society, led to the latest controversy.

The James Currey Society was founded by Mr Nwelue and incorporated as a for-profit company in May 2022, under the name of James Currey International.

It is named after the South African book publisher James Currey and has sponsored African authors to attend both Oxford and Cambridge, through awards of the James Currey Fellowship.

While Mr Nwelue told Cherwell that the society was established in partnership with the University of Oxford, the university clarified that fellowships at the society are not awarded, funded, or run by the university.

Mr Hundeyin is a 2023 holder of the James Currey Fellowship at Cambridge.

Cambridge told Cherwell Mr Nwelue and Mr Hundeyin are no longer associated with the University of Cambridge. Their connections were terminated following an investigation into their conduct.

The book launch

On 31 January, the duo held a book launch together on the universitys premises for Mr Hundeyins most recent book, also published with Abibiman Publishers.

According to Cherwell, the book launch was marketed through the James Currey Society and tickets were priced at 20 for Oxford students which according to one of the students who spoke to the newspaper is usually free. Mr Hundeyins book was also on sale at 20.

Attendees of the event told Cherwell that misogynistic remarks made by its organisers and other audience members made them feel incredibly uncomfortable.

When asked about the event, Mr Nwelue told Cherwell, I am very sorry if the students felt uncomfortable. About sexism and misogyny, I will never condone that. I am apologetic if that happened. Really sorry.

On 20 February, he stepped down as Director of the James Currey Society, announcing his replacement as the Zimbabwean actor Charmaine Mujeri.

ALSO READ: Oxford University introduces Igbo language course

He confirmed to Cherwell that he resigned following the termination of his Academic Visitorship, so that his personal affiliation with the University of Oxford can end there.

It is unclear if the James Currey Fellowships at Oxford and Cambridge will continue or be awarded again in future.

Mr Nwelue has also written a letter to Oxfords Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracy, seen by Cherwell, in which he unsuccessfully appealed the termination of his Academic Visitorship.

On Thursday, he locked his Twitter account after tweeting: I am leaving social media this evening. It will be for a long time. I might delete all my accounts as well. Bless you all!

Investigations into Mr Nwelues conduct during his time at Oxford University are ongoing, Cherwell said.

Mr Hundeyin reacts

David Hundeyin in a tweet said the newspaper reached out to him and I had informed them that my Fellowship was not terminated, and I showed them the letter above as proof.

They, however, ran the story quoting an anonymous source, he said.

He said the society was founded at Oxford but has established a relationship with Cambridge University.

Thus it was only natural to schedule some of my activities for @AfricaOxfordUni, one of which was my workshop and book launch event on Jan 31, he said.

Mr Hundeyin then went on to blame Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State for what he referred to as a maliciously-worded hack story filled with ad hominem and unbacked claims.

A few days to the event, the African Studies Centre suddenly developed cold feet about hosting the event. No explanation was given, but we heard unofficially that Nasir El-Rufai was unhappy about my presence, he narrated.

The venue had to change at the last minute, and at some cost, Mr Hundeyin said, describing himself as the most internationally decorated investigative journalist of his generation in Nigeria.

Apparently, Dr Nwelue uploaded a video of me at my introduction to the centre on his Twitter handle, without getting permission from two people who appeared in the video, Mr Hundeyin said.

He was asked to stay away until the end of my Fellowship, he added.

Their next trick was to get a student newspaper which uses an @gmail.com address to write a maliciously-worded hack story filled with ad hominem and unbacked claims, which described my book launch  for some reason  as fraudulent, he added.

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BRIGHAM CITY, Utah  The suspect in the disappearance of Dylan Rounds, who vanished near the Utah-Nevada border last year and whose body still has not been found, has now been charged with murder.

James Brenner, 59, was charged Friday in Utah's 1st District Court with aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; and abuse or desecration of a dead body, a third-degree felony.

Rounds, 19, was reported missing last May while he was farming in the desert town of Lucin, in Box Elder County. His grandmother spoke with him on May 28, marking the last time anyone heard from him, according to family. Several months later, still there had been no sign of Rounds anywhere and no activity on his cellphone or bank account, his parents said.

On Friday, in a statement his parents thanked the community "for the support you have shown us as we focus on finding answers in the disappearance of Dylan."

"The charges are based on solid evidence that has been released by Box Elder. We ask you continue your thoughts and prayers for justice for Dylan and that we can bring him home," the family said.

While searching for Rounds on his property after he was reported missing, deputies discovered a pair of boots that belonged to Rounds, one of which had a blood stain confirmed through DNA analysis to belong to the missing man.

"The victim's phone records were also obtained, which showed movements on the day of his disappearance on a remote property in Lucin where (Brenner) was squatting. Phone data showed that the last signal from the victim's phone was at the Lucin pond and a search of the pond led to the discovery of the victim's phone," the charges state.

Investigators performed a digital forensic download of the phone and discovered a time-lapse video with a time stamp at the time of Rounds' disappearance, police said. The video "showed (Brenner) with blood stains on his arms and shirt as he is cleaning a gun," according to the charges.

The shirt Brenner was wearing in the video was analyzed and investigators say they found Rounds' DNA on it.

"(Brenner) was interviewed and made several claims that corroborated forensic evidence in addition to making numerous demonstrably false statements. Despite a thorough investigation and extensive search, the victim's body was not recovered due to (Brenner) removing and concealing it," court documents state.

Brenner has been described as a "squatter" who was living near Rounds when he disappeared. Brenner, who is considered a "family friend" of Rounds, was interviewed by law enforcement on June 7. On June 11, the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the FBI and Davis County Sheriff's Office. Five days later, law enforcers served a search warrant on Brenner's trailer.

Brenner was later charged in the U.S. District Court of Utah with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was also charged in 1st District Court on June 23 with three counts of being a restricted person in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony.

During the search of his trailer, "ball ammunition, ignition caps, black powder, and speed loads, all related to 'muzzle loading' were located and photographed in the trailer, but the items were not seized at this time," according to those charges

On June 20, another neighbor was interviewed and told investigators that after Rounds went missing and before Brenner was questioned on June 7, "Brenner brought three black powder guns over to (the neighbor's) residence and asked him to 'safekeep' them. When (the neighbor) asked why, Brenner stated that he needed to do this for 'his own safety' and that 'the last time he had trouble with the law they took everything from him, and he did not want the things he had left to be taken again,'" the charges state.

Brenner previously served 2 years in federal prison after a 2012 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Friday marks the first time formal charges have been filed in Rounds' disappearance.
Seven state governments under the control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have discontinued their suit seeking a review of the results of 25 February election by the Supreme Court.

The state governments  Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Taraba and Sokoto  had sued the federal government at the Supreme Court over the 2023 presidential and National Assembly election.

The attorneys-general of the states had filed the suit asking the Supreme Court to intervene in the just concluded general elections. They based their claims on a potential breakdown of public order and civil disobedience.

Their suit challenged the declaration of Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as president-elect.

But Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who filed the suit on behalf of the seven states, filed for discontinuance of the case on Friday.

In a text message he shared with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Ozekhome explained that the suit was filed during the flawed manual collation of results contrary to the clear provisions of the Electoral Act, the INEC Guidelines and Regulations and the manual for INEC officials.

He said the suit had to be discontinued due to the fact that the flawed results have already been announced and a President-elect declared, albeit illegally and unconstitutionally.

He said, with the declaration, the case had been overtaken by events and it will now be a (election petition) tribunal matter.

Take notice that the plaintiffs doth hereby wholly discontinue this suit against the defendant herein, the notice of discontinuance sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday night read.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how both Atiku and Peter Obi commenced their legal challenge of the outcome of the election on Friday.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday granted the two opposition candidates access to inspect electoral records of the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mr Tinubu as the winner of Nigerias presidential election.

Mr Tinubu who was a presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeated Atiku of the PDP and Mr Obi of Labour Party in the 25 February presidential election.

But Atiku and Mr Obi are contesting the outcome of the presidential poll. They accuse INEC of failure to upload the election results in real-time from polling units to its portal.

Suit

In their discontinued case filed at the Supreme Court, the PDP states  Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Taraba and Sokoto  states sued the federal government at the Supreme Court, questioning INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubus declaration of Mr Tinubu as president-elect.

The plaintiffs named the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as defendant on behalf of the federal government.

They urged the Supreme Court to declare that the presidential poll breached provisions of the Electoral Act and the constitution.

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A US senator representing Idaho, Jim Risch has asked the Joe Biden-led government to exercise restraint in embracing the just concluded presidential elections in Nigeria.

The ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a statement on Thursday said, it is disappointing to see the administration rush to embrace the result while the full picture of what occurred during this electoral process is yet to be seen.

The ongoing electoral process in Nigeria is widely viewed as deeply flawed by election observers and many Nigerians, Mr Risch said.

On Wednesday, US Department of State spokesperson, Ned Price, congratulated Nigerias president-elect, Bola Tinubu, and all political leaders on the results of the presidential election.

He, however, acknowledged that many Nigerians and some of the parties have expressed frustration about the manner in which the process was conducted and the shortcomings of technical elements that were used for the first time in a presidential election cycle.

Mr Risch added that he has expressed similar concerns in other areas of US-Nigeria relations.

I worry this rush to judgement will undermine our ability to be an effective partner to all Nigerians, especially given their longstanding desire for democracy, he said.

With Nigeria heading into gubernatorial elections by 11 March, the senator asked the US to be more concerned with supporting the Nigerian people and their democratic aspirations than embracing the Nigerian government.

Grievances

The PDP and the LP vehemently rejected the results of the elections asking the electoral commission, INEC, to cancel the elections.

The election results as announced by INEC showed Mr Tinubu garnered a total of 8,794,726 votes to beat Atiku who scored a total of 6,984,520 votes, and Mr Obi who came third with a total of 6,101,533 votes.

Both parties held press conferences to make their case and challenge the declaration.

They have commenced separate legal actions to challenge the outcome of the elections at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The Court of Appeal acts as the Presidential Election Petition Court where the outcomes of presidential elections are challenged by aggrieved candidates.

They have both filed separate ex parte applications, praying to be granted access to inspect sensitive materials that INEC used for the conduct of the presidential poll last Saturday.

The Labour Party on Friday, secured leave of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to have access to all the sensitive materials the INEC deployed for the conduct of the presidential election held on 25 February.

Joseph Ikyegh, who led a panel of the appellate court, ordered INEC to allow Atiku and Mr Obi to inspect the electoral materials.

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The African Union and the governments of Ghana, The Gambia and Sierra Leone have congratulated Nigerias president-elect, Bola Tinubu.

Mr Tinubu defeated 17 other candidates to win last Saturdays presidential election.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Mahamat, in a statement warmly congratulated Mr Tinubu for being proclaimed winner of the presidential elections.

He also congratulated Nigerians for demonstrating resilience in their commitment to democratic values by casting their votes for the leaders of their choice.

Mr Mahamat asked stakeholders to uphold peace and the rule of law while urging aggrieved parties to pursue grievances through the judicial system, as provided for by the law.

He thanked Uhuru Kenyatta, former president of the Republic of Kenya and head of the African Union Election Mission to Nigeria, ECOWAS, and other partners for their fruitful collaboration in support of a peaceful election process in Nigeria.

The Chairperson renews the commitment of the African Union to support the sisterly Federal Republic of Nigeria in her journey to deepen democracy, good governance, sustainable development and consolidate peace, security, and stability in the country, the statement said.

The President of Ghana, Nana Afudo-Addo, in a tweet wrote, on behalf of the Ghanaian people and their Government, I extend warm congratulations to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory in the Nigerian presidential election of Saturday, 25th February.

READ ALSO:

He said Mr Tinubus victory has ensured that the ruling APC government has been given four more years to continue in office, which he is hopeful will go a long way to enhancing the quality of governance, the rule of law and the performance of the Nigerian economy.

Mr Akufo-Addo commended the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, for their vigorous, well-fought campaigns.

I am confident that their reactions to the results of the election will reinforce the boundaries of Nigerian democracy, and consolidate the peace and stability of Nigeria, Africas giant, he said.

The Ghanaian leader said he expects that Mr Tinubu would continue the efforts of past Nigerian leaders to deepen the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, which has been based on a shared agenda of freedom, development, security, progress and prosperity.

Also, the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Bio, in a tweet congratulated Nigerias president-elect on behalf of the Government & people of Sierra Leone.

I wish to congratulate the President-Elect of #Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT on his victory in the election. Nigeria has again set a shining example for the region as a beacon of hope in advancing democracy, he tweeted.

Mr Boi wished Mr Tinubu the best as he maps out his national development strategy to build an enduring legacy.

Im looking forward to working together towards advancing Sierra Leone-Nigeria relations, he tweeted.

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia in a tweet said the announcement by @inecnigeria, I congratulate @officialABAT and the people of the Federal Republic of #Nigeria for a successful election.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has departed the Umar Musa YarAdua International Airport, Katsina, for Doha, Qatar, for the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LCDs).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State and some other governments officials were at the airport to bid the president farewell.

A statement by the presidents media aide, Garba Shehu, revealed that Mr Buhari was invited to the conference by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The conference will be attended by world leaders, the private sector, civil society groups and youth organisations.

It aims to share development ideas and mobilise political will, solidarity, actions and solutions to transform the LDCs, by finding sustainable solutions to poverty, food insecurity, hunger and weak or non-existent infrastructure.

The conference will also address inadequate healthcare facilities and climate change in LCDs as they struggle to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

In the presidents delegation are some ministers and other government officials.

The Nigerian leader is expected to return to his country home, Daura, Katsina State, on 8 March, in readiness for voting in the March 11 Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.

Mr Buhari had, on 25 February, in Daura, Katsina State, during the Presidential and National Assembly elections, voted the Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, who emerged the winner at the end of the exercise.

(NAN)

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The Lagos State Government has responded to the alleged plans to exhume the corpse of Whitney Adeniran, a 12-year-old student of Chrisland Schools, Lagos, who died during an inter-house sports, in February.

The government said it would oppose any request for the exhumation, adding that it doesnt want to further traumatize the deceaseds family.

This was disclosed in a statement signed Saturday by the Director of Public Affairs of the states Ministry of Justice, Grace Alo, noting that in any event, the circumstances for exhumation under the Coroners Systems Law, 2015 do not arise in this case.

The rumour had gone viral after the mother of the deceased student, Blessing Adeniran, alleged that Chrisland School requested another autopsy for the deceased who was buried Thursday.

She wrote on her Instagram account, CHRISLAND!!! Play all your games!!! They just called the police that they want a repeat autopsy. They want to exhume my daughters body for another butchering. These people are a bunch of jokers!

Autopsy report

The Lagos State Government earlier confirmed that the post-mortem report dated 1 March and issued by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital revealed that the student died from asphyxia and electrocution.

It also reassured Lagosians that anybody found culpable would immediately be charged to court.

The government in the new statement said it is now working closely with the police who have given their reassurance that the duplicate case file would be forwarded on Monday, 6 March 2023 to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to aid the speedy issuance of Legal Advice.

In response to the controversies surrounding the students death, the government also ordered the indefinite closure of the school.

Background

Following the death of the student, the deceaseds parents accused the school management of negligence.

They took to social media to seek public intervention to unravel the circumstances that may have led to their daughters sudden death while taking part in the sporting events held at the Agege Stadium in Lagos.

The parents insisted that the lack of an ambulance or first aiders at the venue of the sporting events contributed to the students death.

In reaction, the Chairman of the schools Advisory Board, Ike Ofuokwu, noted in a statement that the 12-year-old deceased slumped in public view and not under any hidden circumstances.

Our immediate response was to take advantage of proximity by identifying the nearest medical facility to take her to, where the doctor on duty administered oxygen and every aid possible on her, said Mr Ofuokwu.

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In the Nigerian context, is the personal political because women have taken the time to study the manifestos of the candidates running for various offices to determine if their vision is transformative towards women and promotes gender equality or is the personal political because their husbands and partners have said so?

Advocacy around increasing womens participation in politics in Nigeria is popular and quite widely accepted. I mean, womens representation in political leadership is a right enshrined in key international and regional human rights frameworks like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, both of which Nigeria has signed and ratified.

Granted that the most important matrix for womens substantive participation in politics is enfranchisement, it is important to note that women have always been important players and contributors to nation building-politics, being a component of this broad domain. Women in Nigeria began to get enfranchisement in 1954 with the Universal Suffrage provision of the Lyttleton Constitution. When I put it this way, it connotes that suffrage was a progressively realised right among Nigerian women because the dynamics of regional politics heavily influenced its actualisation. Women in the East were the first to be enfranchised in 1954, followed by women taxpayers in the West in 1955. Down South, women got enfranchised in 1959, while in the North, women gained the right to vote at a much later time of 1979.

Of course, the timeline for womens enfranchisement reveal that the political, social and cultural mechanisms in each region were characterised by certain peculiarities, which limited womens voting realities. It is also true that cultural ideals and expectations are the foundations upon which womens social behaviour rest.

In the Eastern and Western polities for example, it was not unusual for women to participate in public life, especially through organising and unions. In addition, the status of the Obi (male monarch) was equivalent to that of the Omu (female monarch) in Eastern Nigeria. Likewise in the West, women held significant positions within the society as Iyalode(s), Queen Mother, village chiefs and chief priestesses; and in more religious or metaphysical dimensions, as gods, deities and spirits.

The case in the North was very different and this greatly impacted womens participation in public life. Womens mobility was revoked during the Sokoto Jihad of 1804 to 1812 and their social and political activities were extremely curtailed. Even though some women like the Queen Amina of Zazau in the pre-colonial period and Hajia Gambo Sawaba of the colonial and post-colonial times stood out as great examples of leaders, women in the North remained largely marginalised in politics and public life. In 1979, the efforts of women like Hajia Sawaba paid off in the eventual enfranchisement of Northern women.

I acknowledge that women have made improved efforts at realising their political capabilities by contesting for office and this signifies that women have some measure of agency in political and public life. I am however inclined to introduce another dimension of womens agency that might be significantly responsible for the low output of womens efforts in electoral politics.

Certainly the enfranchisement of Nigerian women is a very important matrix for evaluating their political rights, so is womens representation in political office as elected and appointed officials. Womens efforts in electoral politics in Nigeria have garnered increased momentum over the years. A significant number of women have run for positions at the different levels of political governance and, as at today, the total number of women contesting in the 2023 elections stand at 1,524, out of a total of 15,336 candidates  precisely 9.9%. One woman among 18 candidates contested for the office of the president and one woman is in the race for a gubernatorial seat; noting that there is yet to be a female governor in the federation. It goes without saying that the representation of women in politics leave much more to be desired.

The factors responsible for womens abysmal performance in the political domain are rooted in and sustained by a deeply patriarchal system that considers womens leadership a taboo. Women are confronted with financial barriers, threats of physical harm and a very strong ideological resistance towards their visibility and leadership in the public space. Ironically, womens visibility is not resisted when it comes to their performative contributions in terms of singing and dancing to support male candidates. Women continue to be used as tools for mens political ambitions and, at best, as appendages to mens leadership as vices or deputies.

I acknowledge that women have made improved efforts at realising their political capabilities by contesting for office and this signifies that women have some measure of agency in political and public life. I am however inclined to introduce another dimension of womens agency that might be significantly responsible for the low output of womens efforts in electoral politics. This dimension of agency, though very complex, is instrumental to dismantling misogynistic structures and ideals ingrained in and internalised by women themselves.

A few weeks ago, Iyabo Ojo, a well-known Nigerian actor, made her choice of presidential candidate public on social media and this generated mixed reactions. In one of the reactions, it was insinuated that her choice was influenced by her romantic relationship along supposedly ethnic lines and that had she not made the choice, she would be chased out of her partners house. She responded by stating that she is rich and comfortable, such that her support for any political party cannot be determined by anyone, including her partner.

This exchange and especially the expectation that Iyabo should support who her partner chooses to support made me question the real status of womens agency in political decision making. Do women really have the agency of choice, even if they have the agency to vote or are they still tools in the hands of partners and husbands? Iyabo was apparently to exercise her agency of choice because she is rich and comfortable. What about women who are not rich and have no means? Can they make their choice and stand by it without retribution, especially in their personal relationships?

I do not think that the choice of who to vote for is detached from an individuals values and ideals. I also do not particularly believe that because two people are partners, they will always have the same values in all circumstances. If it comes to it that values are not aligned in this context, does the burden rest on the woman to abandon hers because she considers the man the head or will both their values co-exist

The agency of choice is so critical to womens lives because it determines whether or not candidates who represent the interests of women are elected into office. What further makes the agency of choice so complex is the expectation for women to be obedient and submissive, especially in the context of matrimony in the Nigerian society. Would it be an act of rebellion if women declared support for different candidates than their partners and husbands?

When Carol Hanisch declared in 1969 that the personal is political, it was a call for political mechanisms and agents to give priority to the conditions in which women lived that deprived them of opportunities to pursue other interests that were different from those they had been stereotyped into as mothers, wives and home makers. In the Nigerian context, is the personal political because women have taken the time to study the manifestos of the candidates running for various offices to determine if their vision is transformative towards women and promotes gender equality or is the personal political because their husbands and partners have said so?

This question is not to belittle the mental and emotional intelligence of women in any way, instead it is to question if the infusion of religious, cultural and social norms of obedience, submission and strict acquiescence to the dictates of men has filtered into the decisions that women make at the polls. Is a womans vocal admission of her preference for a candidate respected or met with resistance in informal discussions and debates around elections? Do women have the resolve to cast their votes for their preferred candidates  an exercise performed with utmost confidentiality without the conditioning of obedience and submission interfering?

I do not think that the choice of who to vote for is detached from an individuals values and ideals. I also do not particularly believe that because two people are partners, they will always have the same values in all circumstances. If it comes to it that values are not aligned in this context, does the burden rest on the woman to abandon hers because she considers the man the head or will both their values co-exist as an indication of the womans absolute agency to make this critical choice as an agentic entity?

This makes me question the position of womens values. Do women continue subscribe to retrogressive notions about women in politics and leadership? Think about it; the mere thought that a woman is capable of leading as president is itself a strong position against sexist politics, misogyny and the marginalisation of women. Going by my logic, we ought to have more women in political leadership if women basically subscribed to the idea that they should be substantially represented in nation building and governance. Women can exclusively ensure that the 35% quota is attained and surpassed if women vote for female candidates. What exactly has stopped women from doing this? Do they not want to be chased out of their homes, as in the case of the fate that could have befallen Iyabo Ojo? Do women equate their divergent positions to rebellion against the God ordained authority over them in the person of their husbands or men in general? Is the personal political because their partners say so? Do women have the agency of choice, even given the orientation they have been raised with  one whereby women must follow while men lead? These are questions worth answering at this crucial season of Nigerias elections.

Oluwatoyin C. Olajide is a gender and development scholar and practitioner.

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International observers come, make their observation and fly out, leaving the locals to their fate; many are birds of passage who perch for some days and fly away to other areas of interest Africans should welcome international election observers, but not as missionaries like in the pre-colonial days, but as interested parties from whom we have nothing to hide.

The 2023 Nigeria presidential and National Assembly elections were contentious and controversial, with some calling for their outright cancellation. While we all have our views, none of which should be discountenanced, I find it curious that some quote the reports of international election observers, as if they contained the gospel truth. As one who has officially and unofficially observed elections in Africa, Europe and Latin America, I suggest to those relying on such reports to do so with the consciousness that observing elections is not value-free.

International election monitors or observers are not tourists interested in wildlife, sunbathing or visting historic or iconic sites; they are politically conscious people on a mission. They are educated people who can observe the same events but have different interpretations and conclusions, depending on their motives.

Sometimes, as in the Nigerian election, some observers behave like active actors who feel entitled to magisterial declarations and actions. For instance, the European Union Election Observation Mission, which had 110 observers from 25 member states, Canada, Norway and Switzerland, suggestively, titled its preliminary report: Elections held on schedule, but lack of transparency and operational failures reduced trust in the process and challenged the right to vote. It virtually wrote off the elections for an alleged lack of transparency.

Internationally, national electoral bodies announce election results, which are the only results permissible, unless otherwise decided by the courts. In emphasising this a day after the elections, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, said on television that all organisations should draw their figures (election results) only from the official results released by the commission as the only body constitutionally responsible for releasing official election figures.

But the EU would not obey such a basic rule. One day after Yakubus statement, and two days before INECs official results were announced, the EU, in its public report, announced that: Yiaga (a local observer group) is conducting a parallel vote tabulation for the presidential election. In line with this announcement, YIAGA announced its own presidential election results different from those of INEC. After INEC announced that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu scored 36.6% or 8.79 million votes; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar scored 29.1% or 6.98 million votes, and the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi scored 25.4% or 6.1 million votes, YIAGA cheekily announced its own results. It declared that: Yiaga Africas statistical analysis shows that the All Progressives Congress, APC, should receive between 34.4 per cent and 37.4 per cent of the vote, Labour Party, LP should receive between 24.2 per cent and 28.4 per cent of the votes, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, should receive between 4.6 per cent and 6.4 per cent of the vote, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, should receive between 28.3 per cent and 31.1 per cent of the vote, while no other political party should receive more than 0.3 per cent of the vote.

The Commonwealth Observer Group led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, followed a different approach from the EU. It said: Notwithstanding the shortcomings identified in these elections, Nigerians were largely accorded the right to vote. We call on all those with grievances to address disputes through prescribed legal channels.

The AU report reflected what we witnessed in the field. So also did that of the Nigerian Electoral Mission headed by former Head of the Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan. But the Commonwealth Observer Mission, headed by former Military Head of State, retired General Abdulsalam Abubakar, issued a contrary report. It was one that must have been written before the elections, in accordance with the Commonwealth decision to use it as an excuse to expel Zimbabwe from its membership.

In contrast to the Commonwealth, the joint report of the American International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) contained blistering attacks: the elections still fell well short of Nigerian citizens legitimate and reasonable expectations. Failures of logistics, challenges with voter registration and voter card distribution, inadequate communication by INEC, lack of transparency in the publication of election data, and unchecked political violence before and during the elections overshadowed incremental administrative gains achieved in the pre-election period, and impeded a substantial number of citizens from participating in voting.

The joint report of the AU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a contrast to that of the Americans. They called on: political parties and their candidates to settle electoral disputes through peaceful means and dialogue, in accordance with the law.

These reports remind me of the 2002 Presidential Elections in Zimbabwe, in which I was part of the AU Election Observer Team. Daily, we went out with other international observers and in the evenings, compared notes. We all had the same reports, which showed that there was no voter intimidation, no violence, the elections were smooth and reflected the will of the Zimbabwean people. Where the opposition felt that there were some voters left out, it went to court in the evening of the elections and a judge added one extra day of voting, with which the electoral body complied.

The AU report reflected what we witnessed in the field. So also did that of the Nigerian Electoral Mission headed by former Head of the Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan. But the Commonwealth Observer Mission, headed by former Military Head of State, retired General Abdulsalam Abubakar, issued a contrary report. It was one that must have been written before the elections, in accordance with the Commonwealth decision to use it as an excuse to expel Zimbabwe from its membership. Reading this body language, Zimbabwe under President Robert Mugabe decided to leave the Commonwealth.

Generally, there are security implications in observing elections because accredited persons would have access to voting areas and, possibly, collation centres where a people would be defining or determining the future of their country.

So, should countries like Nigeria simply stamp the passports of election observers or would it be democratic to screen them and decide which should be given visas and whose visa applications should be rejected?

We should ask ourselves why countries or organisations would decide to invest in our elections. Perhaps the AU coming to observe Nigerian elections would be like some peer review mechanism. It can be understandable for the ECOWAS to send an observer team as solidarity with the Nigerian state. But why would numerous observers travel from across the world to observe Nigeria elections  as guardians of democracy?

We should ask ourselves why countries or organisations would decide to invest in our elections. Perhaps the AU coming to observe Nigerian elections would be like some peer review mechanism. It can be understandable for the ECOWAS to send an observer team as solidarity with the Nigerian state. But why would numerous observers travel from across the world to observe Nigeria elections  as guardians of democracy?

Why would they spend huge sums of money funding multiple local groups to observe the same elections they are coming to observe? It cannot be that they do not trust the locals they are funding.

We should also be curious why countries like China and India, who make up 36% of world population are not so active in observing elections, at least in Africa.

International observers come, make their observation and fly out, leaving the locals to their fate; many are birds of passage who perch for some days and fly away to other areas of interest.

Africans should welcome international election observers, but not as missionaries like in the pre-colonial days, but as interested parties from whom we have nothing to hide.

Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author.

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The poser about how the brain drain can also be a brain gain is among the issues that will feature at the Business School Netherlands (BSN) free webinar this Saturday 4 March, 2023. The meeting which will hold online via zoom will start at 12 pm West African Time (WAT). The webinar discussions centre on the Growth opportunities exist for individuals and organisations in this era of mass relocation of talents. Begin your plan for the March BSN MBA 2023 intake. Application closes on 12 March 2023.

About the BSN MBA

Duration of the MBA: 24 months

Very flexible payment is available

No geographical limitation with our real-time virtual classes

Travel to the Netherlands for Graduation (optional)

5% additional scholarship on a one-off payment

And so much more!

Find out more about the webinar from BSN and register for FREE to learn more:

Brain Drain or Brain Gain?

Hello,

Growth opportunities exist for individuals and organisations in this era of mass relocation of talents. This Brain Drain can also be a Brain Gain.

Register for the FREE webinar from BSN to learn more.

Date: Sat. 4th March 2023

Time: 12 pm (WAT)

Online: Zoom

Dont keep this to yourself; share with others.

Click here to Register

About the BSN MBA

Duration of the MBA: 24 months

Very flexible payment is available

No geographical limitation with our real-time virtual classes

Travel to the Netherlands for Graduation (optional)

5% additional scholarship on a one-off payment

And so much more!

Click here to Register

About the BSN MBA

Duration of the MBA: 24 months

Very flexible payment is available

No geographical limitation with our real-time virtual classes

Travel to the Netherlands for Graduation (optional)

5% additional scholarship on a one-off payment

And so much more!

BSN 2022 Graduation Ceremony in The Netherlands

BSN 2022 Graduation Ceremony in The Netherlands was a success with beautiful memories!  

HAVE A PEEP BELOW.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers has released winners of the National Assembly election conducted on Feb. 25 in Rivers.

INEC announced the results in a statement by its Public Affairs Officer, Geraldine Ekelemu, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

The commission announced the winner of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District as Mpigi Barinada of PDP with 53,734 votes to defeat his closest APC rival, Ngofa Nyimenuate, who polled 24,123 votes.

INEC said the Rivers West Senatorial District was won by PDPs Banigo Harry who scored 67,668 votes to beat APCs Asita Asita who netted 32,572 votes.

The commission also announced that PDPs Onyesoh Allwell clinched the Rivers East Senatorial seat with134,283 votes to floor LPs Benjamin Okwuwolu who scored 74,725 votes.

READ ALSO:

Similarly, INEC released the list of the House of Representatives members from Okrika/Ogubuolo, Etche/Omuma, Ikwere/Emohua, Ahoada West/Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru, Eleme/Tai/Oyibo, Abua-Uduah/Ahoada East, Andoni-Opobo/Nkuru, Degema/Bonny, Obio/Akpor, and Port Harcourt 1, while the result of Port Harcourt 2 remain suspended.

The results showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won only Okrika/Ogubuolo seat, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won nine seats and Labour Party also won only one seat for Port Harcourt 1 federal constituency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rivers has 12 members in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

NAN recalls that the INEC state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Johnson Alalibo, had earlier told newsmen that the results of Port Harcourt 2 federal constituency would be suspended and reviewed due to reports of irregularity.

(NAN)

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Cambodia welcomes 1st Chinese flight, tourists to Siem Reap

Xinhua) 17:41, March 04, 2023

PHNOM PENH, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has welcomed the resumption of China Eastern Airlines flights to its Siem Reap cultural province, the country's Ministry of Tourism said in a press statement on Saturday.

China Eastern Airlines flight MU2091, carrying some 132 Chinese tourists, arrived at the Siem Reap International Airport from Shanghai Friday night and received a warm welcome from Cambodian tourism officials, local authorities and tour and travel operators, the statement said.

The Ministry of Tourism's Secretary of State Top Sopheak, who greeted the tourists upon their arrivals, said that China Eastern Airlines would operate direct flights between Shanghai and Siem Reap on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday weekly.

"The return of Chinese tourists and investors is a good sign for Cambodia's tourism and economy in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era," he said.

Sopheak said the Southeast Asian nation is expected to attract 4 million international tourists, including 800,000 to 1 million Chinese tourists, in 2023.

China was the largest source of foreign tourists to Cambodia in the pre-pandemic era, a Ministry of Tourism's report said, adding that the kingdom received 2.36 million Chinese tourists in 2019, accounting for 35.7 percent of total tourist arrivals to the country and generating about 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in revenue.

Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, said the comeback of Chinese tourists gave "high hopes" for the country's tourism industry and economic growth in the post-pandemic era.

"I think the famed Angkor archaeological park in Siem Reap and coastal areas in Sihanoukville will remain the most attractive destinations for Chinese tourists," she told Xinhua.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy. The country attracted up to 6.61 million international tourists in 2019, generating a gross revenue of 4.92 billion dollars, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Solutions enable care teams to enhance cross-specialty provider workflows leading to decreased time to treatment and improved transfers

NEW YORK, March 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aidoc, the leading provider of healthcare AI solutions, today launched its premier, first-of-its-kind cardiovascular AI solutions package during the opening of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2023 annual meeting in New Orleans. Aidoc's cardiovascular solutions automatically consolidate data, utilize AI to generate clinical insights for more effective diagnosis, and streamline communication to help prevent patients from being lost to follow-up, enabling a possible increase in downstream procedures.

With continued challenges in health systems due to the provider labor shortage and rising costs, providing more cost-effective quality care through earlier, faster treatment and more accurate interventions is imperative. Aidoc's AI improves clinician efficiency, decreases the length of stay, and reduces the turnaround time to mitigate average hospital costs, rising 15-25% since 20201.

"Tremendous pressure exists within the healthcare industry today. Leaders need to find new ways to deliver on outcomes while balancing continued challenges from revenue leakage to staffing concerns," shared Elad Walach, CEO at Aidoc. "We help address these challenges by developing a system of intelligence that connects the dots across the health system. Our solutions analyze information, find valuable insights and deliver them to the right physician. The cardiovascular setting is crucial to care in acute and non-acute settings, so helping cardiologists and cardiovascular proceduralists get the right insights based on a patient's data is critical."

Every 34 seconds, someone in the United States dies due to cardiovascular disease2. Aidoc's cardiovascular product offering includes AI solutions for cardiovascular diseases that are both prevalent and benefit the most by having AI applied to hospital workflows. Aidoc's cardiovascular offering includes products for:

Aortic Care

- Aortic Dissection (image based)

- Abdominal Aortic Measurements (image based)*

V enous Thromboembolism

- Pulmonary Embolism (image based)

- Incidental Pulmonary Embolism (image based)

- Right Heart Strain (image based)

- Deep Vein Thrombosis

- Inferior Vena Cava Filter

Coronary Artery Disease

Structural Heart

Echocardiography in partnership with Us2.ai

Delivered through the company's exclusive aiOS, Aidoc overcomes challenges common to AI implementation, including unstructured data, staff capacity, ROI measurement and siloed organizational structures to ensure facilities see value on day one of implementation.

Aidoc's solutions and workflows are tailored based on a facility's unique needs and native systems. The enterprise platform includes products to manage touchpoints within the patient care continuum:

Aidoc CareCo - Mobile app for PERT, Aortic and Structural Heart care teams with real-time notification of time-sensitive cases and mobile imaging viewer; automatically fed EMR data and facilitates cross-department communication.

Aidoc Infinity - Identify patients needing follow-up, like those with untreated or undertreated Coronary Artery Disease, with integrations to track follow-up adherence, provide clinical pathway steerage and automate outreach to patients, primary care physicians or clinics.

Aidoc Rad  Radiology product line that includes seamless, image-based triage and quantification connecting to 13 organic FDA-cleared algorithms and eight more third-party FDA-cleared algorithms.

Aidoc Enroll  AI-driven automatic patient identification for clinical trial enrollment.

"Technology like Aidoc's cardiovascular solutions enables providers to identify patients who require timely intervention with AI and ensure physicians receive the necessary information at the right time, providing options across the entire care spectrum," said Dr. Yair Lev, Co-Director of Inpatient Cardiology and Director of Quality and Safety for the Division at Jefferson Health. "Obstacles within healthcare systems turn preventable conditions into life-threatening ones. For example, many ED patients undergo diagnostic imaging with incidental findings detected, like coronary artery disease. With the help of advanced AI technologies, we can identify these patients at an earlier stage, before their first major cardiac episode, and provide the right care to help save lives."

Learn more about Aidoc's cardiovascular solution here.

About Aidoc

Aidoc is a pioneering force in clinical AI. We focus on aiding and empowering healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes, which results in improved economic value and clinical outcomes. Our clinically proven AI solutions eliminate silos, increase efficiencies, and improve outcomes by delivering critical information when and where care teams need it leading to immediate collective action. Built on Aidoc's exclusive aiOS, we analyze and aggregate medical data to enable care teams to operationalize the unexpected and work seamlessly with a continued focus on the patient. Aidoc AI is always on, running in the background to change the foreground.

*510k pending

1.https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-andReports/NationalHealthExpendData/NHE-Fact-Sheet

2.https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#:~:text=Heart%20disease%20is%20the%20leading,groups%20in%20the%20United%20States.&text=One%20person%20dies%20every%2034,United%20States%20from%20cardiovascular%20disease

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015772/Aidoc_Always_On_AI_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Aidoc Medical LTD
DUBLIN, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Breast Cancer Therapeutics Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, 2017-2027 Segmented By Therapy, By Chemotherapy Drugs, By Hormone Therapy, By Targeted Therapy, By End User, and By Region" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.





The global breast cancer therapeutics market is expected to grow at an impressive CAGR in the forecast period, 2023-2027

The growing geriatric population who are more susceptible to several chronic illnesses such as cancer is propelling the growth of the global breast cancer therapeutics market.



The rising incidences and high prevalence rate of breast cancer across the world are expected to augment the global breast cancer therapeutics market. With this, extensive investment in research and development activities and technological advancements in cancer biology and pharmacology promote breast cancer therapeutics.

Continuous upgrades help increase understanding of breast cancer at the molecular level, and the introduction of novel solutions has assisted in lowering the breast cancer mortality rate over the past few years.

Newly developed therapeutics efficiently slow down the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells, which is projected to boost the global breast cancer therapeutics market in the upcoming years.



Rise in Cases of Breast Cancer Augments the Market Growth



The growing prevalence of breast cancer across the globe and the escalating demand for effective treatment for a large number of patients are expected to stimulate the growth of the breast cancer therapeutics market. Breast cancer is considered one of the prevalent forms of cancer across the world, and enhanced diagnostic solutions are expected to propel market growth.

The escalating demand for preventive care and early treatment due to its numerous benefits led individuals to go for diagnostic procedures, further driving the global breast cancer therapeutics market growth.



Launch of Awareness Programs by Government Stimulates the Market Growth



The breast cancer screening initiatives by government bodies and supportive programs introduced by public organizations are anticipated to stimulate the growth of the global breast cancer therapeutics market.

According to the WHO report, early detection of breast cancer assists in minimizing the breast cancer mortality rate and accelerates the survival rate among patients who have breast cancer. Numerous government bodies across the globe encourage people to undergo breast cancer screening, especially women aged 50 and over.

The screening initiatives and awareness programs are projected to propel the utilization of drugs for the effective treatment of breast cancer, driving the global breast cancer therapeutics market growth over the forecast period.



Escalating Demand for Targeted Therapy Supports the Market Growth



Treatment for breast cancer across the globe is a challenging task for any medical oncologist. The availability of treatment and choice varies from patient to patient. Targeted therapy is preferred over any other therapy as it precisely targets the breast cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy cells.

The targeted therapy aids medical professionals in overcoming numerous limitations posed by traditional treatments. Targeted therapy also helps oncologists focus more on preventive care than reactive care. This therapy enhances the treatment efficiency in patients diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer, which further contributes to the growth of the global breast cancer therapeutics market.

Competitive Landscape



Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in global breast cancer therapeutics market.

Novartis AG

Pfizer Inc.

Eli Lilly & Company

Merck Co. & Inc.

GlaxoSmithKline, Plc.

AstraZeneca Plc.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Halozyme Inc.

Eisai Co., Ltd.

Fresenius Kabi AG

Report Scope:



Breast Cancer Diagnostics Market, By Therapy:

Chemotherapy

Anthracyclines

Taxanes

Antimetabolites

Others

Hormone Therapy

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

Aromatase Inhibitors

Others

Immunotherapies

Targeted Therapy

Monoclonal Antibodies

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

Herceptin

Others

Others

Breast Cancer Diagnostics Market, By End-User:

Hospitals

Specialty Clinics

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Others

Breast Cancer Diagnostics, By Region:

North America

United States

Canada

Mexico

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Australia

Europe

Germany

United Kingdom

France

Italy

Spain

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Colombia

Middle East & Africa

& Saudi Arabia

South Africa

UAE

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bh2w1v

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.



Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
SHENZHEN, China, March 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Briocean, the world's leading distributor of electronic components, celebrated its Annual Gala ceremony, a key milestone in its successful journey since its establishment in 2008. The event, which was attended by over 500 staff members including colleagues from other Asian countries, was a celebration of the company's remarkable growth and global success.

Briocean has seen tremendous growth over the years, with a 300% growth in 2022. This success can be attributed to the company's expertise and commitment to delivering quality assurance to clients from various industries worldwide. Moreover, Briocean takes pride in their strong supply chain network, offering clients with a 5-year warranty and flexible payment plan to overcome their electronic component needs within a short lead time. In addition to its global presence, the company is also planning to expand its operations in the Asia-Pacific region, recognizing the development potential in the region. This expansion will enable Briocean to better serve its customers in the region and strengthen its position as a global leader in electronic components distribution.

"The company's exceptional supply chain services are a significant factor in its success," said Sharon, CEO of Briocean. "We have upheld the values of Integrity, Professionalism, Conscientiousness and achieving a win-win situation since our inception, and we will continue to do so together as a team to work towards our shared goals and overcome all challenges ahead."

At the gala ceremony, Sharon reiterated the company's commitment to delivering value and trust to our clients by offering services such as quality assurance through strict testing procedures, cost reduction on electronic components, shortage sourcing for clients on difficult parts, small-batch kitting, and excess inventory management. Briocean's services are tailored to meet the specific needs of clients, and the company works closely with our strong network of trusted suppliers to ensure all our clients receive reliable, timely and cost-effective solutions on their electronic component needs. As Briocean looks to the future, it remains committed to its values and mission, recognizing that they are the key to its success.

About Briocean

With over 4,000 global suppliers as partners, a rigid supplier management system, and strict quality processes, Briocean's expertise and commitment to quality service has earned the company a reputation as a trusted partner for electronic component distribution.

Briocean's services include:

Cost reduction on your components, providing customised cost saving solution

on your components, providing customised cost saving solution Shortage sourcing on your required components within a short lead time

on your required components within a short lead time Small-batch kitting , giving you flexibility on small production runs

, giving you flexibility on small production runs Excess inventory management to minimise your inventory turnover

For more information about Briocean and its services, visit www.briocean.com to learn more.

Follow Briocean's social media for the company's latest update and happenings:

LinkedIn: @BrioceanTechnology

Facebook: @BrioceanTechnology

Twitter: @BrioceanTech

Media Contact EMAIL:

(1) [email protected] (2) [email protected]

SOURCE Briocean Technology
BEIJING, March 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In one proposal by members of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body, efforts had been urged to consolidate poverty eradication results through the drive to realize rural revitalization.

Such proposals had played an active role in the country's winning the battle against absolute poverty and accomplishing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, a historic achievement made in 2021.

That achievement, along with how the country's political advisors have help contributed to policymaking, was unveiled on Saturday, when the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC started in Beijing.

When delivering a work report to the session, Wang Yang, chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, said the CPPCC carried out research, consultations and deliberations on a wide range of issues. Some were related to China's economic and social development, such as the establishment of a new pattern of development, developing the real economy and ensuring food security, while others concerned people's immediate interests, like how to cope with an aging population and improve basic cultural services in rural areas.

Wang hailed the progress the consultative body has achieved in the five-year term, and vowed new contributions in the future.

Proposals that have worked

Over the past five years, a total of 29,323 proposals had been submitted by the CPPCC National Committee members and 23,818 filed, said Shao Hong, vice chairperson of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, at Saturday's opening meeting.

By the end of February this year, 99.8 percent had been handled, said Shao.

After conducting in-depth consultations with relevant parties, the CPPCC has seen many of those proposals reflected in policy planning and measures, he said.

The advantages and roles of CPPCC proposals in developing China's whole-process people's democracy and promoting the country's economic and social development have been given full play, added Shao.

New contributions

2023 marks the first year for China to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in last October, when the central task of advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization was underscored.

At Saturday's opening meeting, Wang, the top political advisor, called on all CPPCC members to make high-quality proposals on a series of China's strategic plans for building a modern socialist country in all respects.

To that end, efforts should be made on selection of proposal topics, field research, and targeted consultations, he added.

"The CPPCC will fulfill its duties, practice the whole-process people's democracy and promote the great unity among all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation to make new contributions to the realization of the goals and tasks set by the 20th CPC National Congress," said Wang.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-03-04/How-CPPCC-proposals-contribute-to-China-s-policymaking-1hUap8kZAfS/index.html

SOURCE CGTN
NEW ORLEANS, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Danimer Scientific, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: DNMR).

Since 2020, the Company has sold polyhydroxyalkanoates ("PHAs") under the "Nodax" brand name for a wide variety of plastic applications, which it represented as a "100% biodegradable, renewable, and sustainable plastic . . . certified as marine degradable, the highest standard of biodegradability, which verifies the material will fully degrade in ocean water without leaving behind harmful microplastics." However, in March to May 2021, various news media outlets reported that the Company's claims regarding Nodax were exaggerated and misleading and that its production figures, pricing, and financial projections were overstated.

The Company has been sued in a securities class action lawsuit for failing to disclose material information during the class period, violating federal securities laws, which remains pending.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Danimer's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Danimer shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-dnmr/ to learn more.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

[email protected]

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 960

New Orleans, LA 70163

SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Late-breaking data presented at American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions (ACC.23) and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrate TriClip was superior to medical therapy with significant improvements in quality of life and tricuspid regurgitation (TR)

demonstrate TriClip was superior to medical therapy with significant improvements in quality of life and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) Findings show TriClip, an investigational device in the U.S. to treat a leaky tricuspid valve, demonstrated safety and met the primary endpoint

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced late-breaking data for the TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system, a first-of-its-kind minimally invasive device designed specifically for tricuspid heart valve repair. The TRILUMINATE Pivotal study evaluates the superiority of TriClip compared to medical therapy in treating patients with severe, symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) who are at intermediate or greater risk for open-heart surgery.

The results were presented at the American College of Cardiology's 72nd Annual Scientific Session together with World Congress of Cardiology (ACC.23/WCC) held in New Orleans (March 4-6, 2023). These data were simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Key Findings From the TRILUMINATE Pivotal Study

The trial met its composite primary endpoint demonstrating superiority of the TriClip system compared to the control group (win ratio 1.48, p=0.02), primarily driven by improvement in quality of life. Mortality or tricuspid valve surgery and heart failure hospitalizations did not appear different between the groups at one year. Other positive findings include:

Significant reduction in TR grade. Significant reduction in TR to moderate or less (grade < 2) was achieved in 87% of patients with the device at 30 days vs. 4.8% in the control group, with TR reduction sustained and durable at one year.

2) was achieved in 87% of patients with the device at 30 days vs. 4.8% in the control group, with TR reduction sustained and durable at one year. Significant improvement in quality of life. 50% of patients who received the device achieved at least a 15-point improvement in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score (a self-assessment of social abilities, symptoms and quality of life) at one year vs. 26% in the control group.

A strong safety profile. At 30 days, only 1.7% of patients who received the device experienced major adverse events, with no urgent surgery or endocarditis. There were no occurrences of device embolization or device thrombus.

"These TRILUMINATE Pivotal trial results are promising because there have historically been very few treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation, and patients with this condition are often not eligible for open-heart surgery due to multiple co-morbidities or other factors," said Paul Sorajja, M.D., the Roger L. and Lynn C. Headrick Family Chair of the Valve Science Center for the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and director of the Center for Valve and Structural Heart Disease for the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. "The trial data and real-world use in Europe from the bRIGHT post-approval study show TriClip's ability to safely and effectively repair the tricuspid valve in patients and improve their quality of life."

"These TRILUMINATE Pivotal data show TriClip is the first minimally invasive device therapy for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation to provide durable improvements in TR severity and quality of life that go beyond taking medication to manage symptoms," said Michael Dale, senior vice president of Abbott's structural heart business. "When left unaddressed, TR can be debilitating and life-threatening. By repairing the damage caused by structural heart disease, TriClip G4 and our latest technological innovations are helping people reclaim their lives so they can get back to doing what they love."

Abbott will also be presenting at ACC late-breaking five-year results from its landmark COAPT trial of the MitraClip TEER device for functional mitral regurgitation in heart failure.

About the Abbott TRILUMINATE Pivotal Trial

The TRILUMINATE Pivotal trial is the first randomized, controlled clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter repair with the TriClip system compared to medical therapy in people with severe TR.

The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or tricuspid valve surgery, heart failure hospitalizations, and quality-of-life improvement measured by the KCCQ score.

For U.S. important safety information on MitraClip, visit http://abbo.tt/MitraClipG4ISI.

TriClip is approved for use in more than 50 countries, including in Europe and Canada, and is an investigational device in the U.S.

About Abbott:

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

SOURCE Abbott
SPOKANE, Wash., March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Phat Panda  the Spokane-based vertically-integrated cannabis company currently ranked #1 in Washington State sales and known for their house of brands including Dabstract, Hot Sugar, Snickle Fritz, and Phat Panda, has announced a continued partnership in California with Sweetleaf Collective, a 501c3 non-profit that helps low-income medical patients and veterans access free medical cannabis.

The partnership includes the donation of Phat Panda pre-rolled joints in conjunction with various dispensary partners.

Phat Panda and Sweet Leaf Collective Announce Partnership

This Saturday, March 4th, Phat Panda will be a sponsor for the Sweetleaf Collective event at Kannabis Works in Santa Ana. Proceeds from the sales of Phat Panda's products will go to Sweetleaf's network of nearly 2,000 medical patients and veterans.

"For every dollar we raise, our network is able to access one free gram of medical cannabis," said Sweetleaf Joe, Founder of Sweetleaf Collective. "With thousands of joints being donated, we're creating access for people that really need it. Together we're saving lives with free cannabis from partners who are willing to help patients and veterans."

"We are proud to be a part of our community and want to do everything we can to ensure we are always giving back and supporting, like working with Sweetleaf." said Laniakea Evans, General Manager at 365 Recreational in Santa Rosa.

"Phat Panda is committed to compassion and giving back to our community, one way we've been able to accomplish this is through our strategic partner program." said Dre Ramirez, Director of Sales at Phat Panda (CA). "It's also great to work alongside our retailers as we expand communities."

Phat Panda's award-winning products are available in licensed and legal retailers throughout Washington and California.

About Phat Panda:

Phat Panda has positioned itself in the market as the leading contender of top-shelf cannabis with affordable pricing. The brand has garnered multiple industry awards and has cultivated a cult following for both the high-quality strains and for iconic branding. Phat Panda strives to redefine high standards and continues to challenge the status quo through exclusive crosses, state-of-the-art grow methods, and branding with an unmistakable attitude.

About Sweetleaf Collective:

Founded in 1996, Sweetleaf Collective has helped thousands of low-income terminally ill patients, veterans, the LGBTQ community, and people of color access millions of dollars of free medical cannabis.

Contact Information:

Andres Ramirez

Director of Sales @ Phat Panda

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Phat Panda
NEW ORLEANS, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Polished.com, Inc. f/k/a Goedeker Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: POL).

In August 2022, the Company disclosed that it would not timely file its "quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 within the prescribed time period" because it required additional time to complete a newly announced investigation and that it was no longer in compliance with NYSE regulations due to that failure. Then, in October 2022, the Company disclosed that its Chief Executive Officer and President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, had resigned from the Company effective immediately.

The Company has been sued in a securities class action lawsuit for failing to disclose material information during the class period, violating federal securities laws, which remains pending.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Polished's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Polished shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-pol/ to learn more.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

[email protected]

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200

New Orleans, LA 70163

SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
VANCOUVER, BC, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. (the "Company" or "Prospect Ridge") (CSE: PRR) (OTC: PRRSF) (FRA: OED) Prospect Ridge announces that it has granted an aggregate of 900,000 stock options exercisable at a price of $0.20 for a period of 5 years to directors and consultants.

About Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.

Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. is a British Columbia based exploration and development company focused on gold exploration. Prospect Ridge's management and technical team cumulate over 100 years of mineral exploration experience and believes the Knauss Creek and the Holy Grail properties to have the potential to extend the boundaries of the Golden Triangle to cover this vast under-explored region.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, positive exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects and the Company's use of proceeds from the Private Placement. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that future exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects will not be as anticipated and that the Company will use the proceeds from the Private Placement as anticipated.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that future exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects will be as anticipated and that the Company will use the proceeds from the Private Placement as anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

SOURCE Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.
NEW YORK, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Allianz SE ("Allianz" or the "Company") (OTCMKTS: ALIZY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Allianz and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On February 17, 2022, during market hours, Allianz announced that it had booked a provision of 3.7 billion with regards to "the pending court and governmental proceedings in the U.S. in relation to the Structured Alpha Funds". Then, on May 17, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a press release announcing that it had charged "Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (AGI US) and three former portfolio managers with a massive fraudulent scheme that concealed the immense downside risks of a complex options trading strategy they called 'Structured Alpha'". That same day, the U.S. Department of Justice also issued a press release providing further information about the alleged fraudulent scheme.

On this news, Allianz's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") fell $0.98 per ADR, or 3.8%, to close at $24.33 per ADR on May 18, 2022.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Catalent, Inc. ("Catalent" or the "Company") (NYSE: CTLT). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Catalent and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 29, 2022, Catalent disclosed that demand for its COVID-related products was facing substantial headwinds.

On this news, Catalent's stock price fell $7.42 per share, or 7.4%, to close at $92.29 per share on August 29, 2022.

Then, on September 20, 2022, a Washington Post report exposed that the release of COVID-19 vaccines produced by Catalent had been delayed by regulators due to improper sterilization at one of Catalent's key facilities.

On this news, Catalent's stock price fell $8.09 per share, or 9.3%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $79.06 per share on September 22, 2022.

Finally, on November 1, 2022, Catalent revealed that its quarterly earnings had declined to zero and lowered its financial guidance, indicating falling demand. The Company also disclosed that regulatory issues at key facilities were negatively impacting its financial results.

On this news, Catalent's stock price fell $20.83 per share, or 31.7%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $44.90 per share on November 2, 2022.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Southwest Airlines Co. ("Southwest" or the "Company") (NYSE: LUV). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Southwest and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On December 26, 2022, Business Insider published an article entitled "US Department of Transportation says it plans to look into Southwest Airlines following the airline's 'unacceptable' holiday flight cancellations." The article stated, among other things, that the "U.S. DOT tweeted Monday it will examine whether Southwest is abiding by its customer service policy[,]" and "Southwest cancelled nearly 3,000 flights on the day after Christmas, the most of any U.S. airline."

On this news, Southwest's stock fell $2.15 per share, or 5%, to close at $33.94 per share on December 27, 2022.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
Washington, March 4 : Former US lawyer Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of his wife and son.

The sentencing on Friday came less than a day after a South Carolina jury found the disbarred attorney guilty of slaying Maggie and Paul Murdaugh.

Jurors found Murdaugh, 54, guilty of using a shotgun to kill his son Paul, 22, and using a rifle to kill his wife, Maggie, 52, at the family's home on the night of June 7, 2021, Xinhua news agency reported.

"This has been perhaps one of the most troubling cases," Judge Clifton Newman said before announcing the sentence at a hearing in Walterboro, South Carolina.

"That was especially heartbreaking for me to see you go in the media from being a grieving father who lost a wife and a son to being the person indicted and convicted of killing them," Newman added.

Murdaugh, once an influential personal injury attorney in South Carolina, claimed that he was "innocent".

Murdaugh came from a family of lawyers, several of which served as prosecutors in the state.
Tunis, March 4 : Arab Interior Ministers called for strengthening the fight against cybercrime as the 40th session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council concluded, according to an official statement.

During the conference, the Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior decided to strengthen its efforts to combat cybercrime and respect for human rights.

It also highlighted the importance of activating mechanisms to combat drug trafficking to contain its serious repercussions on the Arab world, Xinhua news agency reported.

"These mechanisms include the establishment of a working group for the immediate exchange of information on drugs and psychotropic substances," said the statement on Friday.

The 40th session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council, which opened in Tunis on Wednesday, was attended by Arab Interior Ministers, high-level Arab security delegations and representatives of Arab and international organisations.
Jakarta, March 4 : A fire broke out in Indonesia's fuel storage station in North Jakarta, leaving 14 people dead and several others wounded, police and rescuers said.

Head of Police Office for North Jakarta Senior Commissioner Gidion Arif Setiawan said on Friday that a search for other victims is being carried out at the spot. The incident took place on Friday evening.

The victims have been rushed to several nearby hospitals, the officer told reporters.

The fuel storage station is operated by the state-owned oil and gas firm PT Pertamina, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Currently, PT Pertamina is focusing on the efforts to stop the fire and evacuate workers and residents in the area to safe places," a statement from PT Pertamina said.

Spokesman for the National Search and Rescue Office Yusuf Latief told Xinhua that several personnel of the local search and rescue office are being involved in the rescue operations.
Dhaka, March 4 : Atleast two persons died and 100 others were left injured in an attack led by an angry mob of several Islamist organisation leaders against the Ahmadiyya community in Panchagarh district in northern Bangladesh.

Of the 100 persons injured included nine policemen and two journalists. More than 30 houses belonging to the Ahmadiyya community members were set ablaze during the attack as well as a traffic police office was also torched. As many as 17 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Panchagarh city area to prevent further clashes, says BGB officials to IANS.

Twenty-three-year-old Zahid Hasan, from the Ahmadiyya community, was hacked to death by militants in Panchagarh. The deceased victim Zahid lived in Banpara area of Natore.

Ahmed Tabsher Chowdhury, the Convenor of 'Salana Jalsa' of the Ahmadiyya community, confirmed to IANS that the Islamists, protesting the three-day congregation forced to take Zahid beside the Karatowa river and hacked him to death.

In Panchagarh, there was a massive attack by the Islamists demanding the closure of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat's a three-day congregation, which began on Friday, named 'Salana Jalsa'.

Arifur Rahman (28) was killed in the attack by the Islamists, which lasted for nearly six hours, blocking the Korotoa bridge. However, the district authority and police announced to postponed the congregation.

The clash broke out between police and the Islamists in Panchagarh,after the brutal attack and looting the shops and homes of the Ahmadiyya community. The militant leaders of the qwaomi organised a mob to attack the Ahmadiyya community.

.A rally of the Islamists led the attack with angry mob demanding a halt to the gathering of the Ahmadiyyas, a sect of Islam formed by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad .

.

Majedur Rahman Chowdhury, the Councillor of ward-2 of the municipality, confirmed to IANS that the deceased, Arifur Rahman, is a resident of Masjidpara area of Panchagarh municipality.

A clash broke out between police and the devotees in Panchagarh as the latter carried out a rally demanding halting the gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslims.

The clash ensued on Friday at around 2 p.m. at Chowrangi intersection of Panchagarh city and lasted for several hours. Police detained several people from the scene, but the exact figure could not be known immediately.

S.M. Sirajul Huda,the Superintendent of Police told IANS that the police have brought the situation under control. Police urged the Ahmadiyyas to halt their congregation to evade clashes. However, they (police) couldn't confirm the death of anyone in this clash.

Islamists from different mosques gathered at Chowrangi intersection after the afternoon prayer. Following this, they carried out a rally and tried to move towards Ahmednagar village, around two kilometre away from the city. At that time police intercepted their movement, leading to a clash between both parties.

The Islamists pelted stones at police.The militant leaders led the mob and looted the shops at city area and set them on fire. Apart from this, they torched an office of traffic police and at least 50 houses of Ahmadiyyas at Ahmednagar village.

Ahmadiyyas organised a three-day congregation, which began on Friday and continued till Saturday and Sunday.

Earlier on Thursday morning, different groups of the Islamists staged to block the Ahmadiyyas, calling them as ' non-Muslim' at Chowrangi intersection and blocking the highway in demand of suspending the gathering.
Washington, March 4 : A cancerous skin lesion had been removed from US President Joe Biden's chest, White House physician Kevin O'Connor said.

O'Connor wrote on Friday in a memo that the tissue was removed as part of Biden's health assessment at a military hospital last month and sent for a traditional biopsy.

"As expected, the biopsy confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma. All cancerous tissue was successfully removed," O'Connor added.

"No further treatment is required." Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Basal cell carcinoma lesions do not tend to "spread" or metastasize, O'Connor said, adding that "they do, however, have the potential to increase in size, resulting in a more significant issue as well as increased challenges for surgical removal".

"The site of the biopsy has healed nicely and the President will continue dermatologic surveillance as part of his ongoing comprehensive healthcare," the White House doctor noted.

Biden, 80, had his annual physical exam two weeks ago. O'Connor announced later that he "remains a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male" who is fit to carry out the duties of the presidency.
Dragon Ball fans can now watch for the first time or relive the experience of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, the latest movie in the series, from the comfort of their own homes.

Where to watch 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero'?

The movie, starring Gohan and his master, Piccolo, can be viewed on Amazon or Vudu, starting at $13. Fans who want to purchase this adventure can get it in a Standard Definition (SD) version for the aforementioned $13, or a High Definition (HD) version for $15. These versions are available with both English and Japanese audio. It is worth noting that once you purchase this version, you can watch it as many times as you want on a smart TV, smartphone, console, or web browser. For now, this is the only way to legally watch the movie from home.

What other options are coming in the future?

For those who want to get Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero at a cheaper price, you'll have to wait. For now, it is known that a rental version will be available starting March 28, where we will have the movie at our disposal for 48 hours after pressing play.

It is also expected that the movie will be available on Crunchyroll. In addition to being the distributor of the movie in North America, the official Dragon Ball Super Instagram account announced in mid-December that Crunchyroll would be in charge of the home video release of the movie. However, aside from pre-ordering the Blu-ray version for March 14, there has been no mention of its arrival on the streaming service. Taking this into account, its arrival could come so as not to take away strength from the sale of the physical format of the movie.

What is Super Hero's place in Dragon Ball?

Coinciding with the release in Japan of the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero anime comic -the usual comics that adapt the anime through screenshots of the movies themselves-, Akira Toriyama himself, the creator of Dragon Ball, has clarified the chronology of that movie. The movies up to now have followed major episodes in the ten years between the original mangas Majin Buu arc and the final chapter. Super Hero is a story right before the final chapter, shared Toriyama.
Jammu, March 4 : Seven kg of heroin, cash worth Rs 2 crore, $15,000 and a pistol were recovered from the house of a drug peddler in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

ADGP (Jammu), Mukesh Singh told reporters that a major narco-terror module was busted in the border district of Poonch late Friday evening.

The recovery was made from the house of a notorious drug peddler, Rafi Dhana alias 'Rafi Lala', who was recently detained under the Public Safety Act.

He belongs to Danna Doyiyan village in Mandi area of Poonch district.

Poonch Police along with personnel of the National Crime Agency and the CRPF raided the house of the drug peddler near the line of control (LoC) on specific information leading to the recovery of seven kg of heroin, more than Rs 2 crore as cash, $15,000 and a pistol with one magazine, 10 pistol rounds and seven rounds of self-loading rifle.

"The searches are still going on in presence of the magistrate and prominent citizens. The nexus of this module with Punjab-based narcotics smugglers is being investigated," the ADGP said.

He also added that there have been reports that drugs smuggled from Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) through the LoC and international border were being smuggled to Punjab and proceeds generated from the illegal trade used for spreading terrorism in the Valley and other parts of the union territory.

Police is trying to ascertain the source of cash and the persons for whom it was meant. A case has been registered at Mandi police station in Poonch district and further investigation is going on, Singh said.
New Delhi, March 4 : The former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam, will be produced before the Rouse Avenue District Court after the expiry of his custodial remand, sources said.

The source said that Sisodia will be produced by 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The sources have also claimed that they would further seek the custodial remand of Sisodia.

The CBI sources have claimed that the former Aam Aadmi Party Minister was still evasive and was not cooperating.

The central probe agency sources said that in January they seized a computer from the office of Sisodia. Later, it was learnt that files and other data were deleted from the computer. The CBI then sent the computer to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to retrieve the deleted files. Now the FSL has given them a report and retrieved the whole file deleted from the computer.

Apart from this, Sisodia was also confronted with the statement of an IAS official, who turned approver against him and got his statement recorded under section 164 of the CrPC.

A day after his arrest Sisodia resigned from his post. Satyendar Jain, who is currently in jail and was holding the Delhi Health Minister's post also resigned along with him.

The CBI has alleged in the remand paper that Sisodia played a crucial role in the Delhi excise policy scam.

"The report of the expert committee in connection with excise policy was changed by Sisodia only to benefit a few liquor businessmen. This was also done as through accused Vijay Nair, they had collected Rs 100 crore from South Group being controlled by South India-based liquor businessmen and politician. They would be more benefited through the policy. Payment of Rs 100 crore was done through hawala channel, which we have traced. We have learnt that between September and October 2021, Sisodia changed around 14 cellphones and four SIM cards. The purpose of changing the cell phone was nothing but to destroy the evidence. Devender Sharma, the secretary of Sisodia, had provided all these mobile phones, we have his statement in this respect," said the source.

The CBI has already filed a charge-sheet against seven persons and they are all set to file a supplementary charge-sheet in the case.
New Delhi, March 4 : Stressing that successive governments have committed the mistake of looking at Kashmir in black and white, without bothering to understand the nuances and improvise with the change in ground reality there, former RAW Chief AS Dulat feels it would do good for politicians in Delhi to realise that nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to the Valley.

"You just cannot predict anything in that region, things change overnight. There has to be enough flexibility in approach to ascertain that the situation remains balanced," he tells IANS in a special interaction.

Stressing that most Kashmiris do not live in utopia and understand that Section 370 is not coming back, Dulat, who served in Kashmir as Joint Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from 1988 to 1990, arguably the most troublesome time in the Valley, however, emphasises on the need to revive the political and democratic process there.

"There has been enough of the Governor's rule, it is now time to for an elected government that the people in the Valley can call their own. A certain sense of 'normalcy' needs to be interjected. Elections are bound to lead to optimism. The local leaders there have an important role to play, it is a different debate about how they were treated when the article was abolished. Elections will give the people hope and empathy. At least they will have dignity," he says.

Dulat, whose book, 'A Life In The Shadows: A Memoir' (HarperCollins), completed in 10 months, recently hit the stands, which also has a chapter on the former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, says he owed him.

"In fact, I knew him extremely well and wanted to write a book on him. There is one on the current NSA Ajit Doval too -- someone I worked with, and I feel I have really praised him." Stressing that he put his "sharp memory" to use to recall different incidents in his professional life, Dulat assures he has not concealed anything.

"Of course, some matters of intelligence cannot be put in fine print," says the former RAW Chief, who feels no Prime Minister supported the intelligence agencies as much as the late Rajiv Gandhi. "He was quite fascinated by our work," he recalls.

On his widely reported statement that Prime Minister Modi may "bail out Pakistan", Dulat says what he really wanted to convey was the fact that by the end of the year, the PM may reach out to Pakistan. Adding that with respect to Kashmir, the Pakistan factor is not completely out, he says both sides are being kept in dialogue though it is not in the open.

"People do not stop talking. It may be happening quietly, but it is always on. Pakistan is in a mess right now and we need to watch it very carefully as it will have an impact on Kashmir. The TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) factor has to be taken very seriously." Talk to him about former NSA MK Narayanan, who headed the IB from 1987 to 1990 before heading the Joint Intelligence Committee, and Dulat says, "He was a big man in the true sense of the word. While he was an expert on communism, he had a broad world view. We would always say that Rajiv Gandhi could not function without him," says the spymaster whose book was recently launched in Chandigarh by 'Novel Bunch'.

Dulat, who has been producing books regularly ( 2015, 2018, and now in 2022), smiles that he would need another four years to write a new one.

"Ever since the pandemic, I have been reading a lot -- three-four at a time. And I still remember all the important things, so why not?" he concludes.

(Sukant Deepak can be reached at sukant.d@ians.in)
Stockholm, March 4 : The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has de-escalated three Covid-19 lineages from its list of 'variants of concern' (VOC).

Variants BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 were de-escalated "as these parental lineages are no longer circulating", Xinhua news agency quoted the Centre as saying.

In November 2021, the ECDC categorized Omicron (B.1.1.529) as "the most highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variant to-date".

It quickly became dominant globally and resulted in a surge of Covid-19 cases.

Subsequently, a number of Omicron sublineages have emerged (BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4 and BA.5).

Currently, the BA.2 and BA.5 descendent variants are circulating, whose properties differ from their parental lineages and which require individual assessment, the ECDC said.

The ECDC currently lists the most prominent of these under the categories of "variant of interest" and "variant under monitoring".

The absence of SARS-CoV-2 variants categorized as "of concern" reflects the current stable epidemiological situation in the European Union and the European Economic Area, the ECDC said, emphasizing, however, that "it does not signal the end of the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2 and possible future variants that may emerge".

The centre encourages countries to remain vigilant by reinforcing their surveillance systems, sequencing capacities and reporting practices.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Srinagar, March 4 : The Jammu- Srinagar Highway stands closed due to maintenance work at Shalgidi, officials said on Saturday.

The road was closed for vehicular traffic between Jammu and Srinagar on Friday after the administration declared March 3 and March 10 as Traffic Dry Days for carrying out maintenance and repair work on the National Highway.

"Jammu Srinagar Highway is still closed due to maintenance work is in progress at Shalgadi, it will take some time. People are advised to co-operate," Jammu and Kashmir Traffic police said.

The highway is the lifeline of Kashmir valley and the main road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.

Kashmir-bound trucks laden with essentials and other vehicles pass through the highway and fruit carrying trucks from Kashmir head for rest of the country through this road.
Chennai, March 4 : A Scheduled Caste Panchayat president of Palaiyur in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu lodged a complaint to the State Chief Secretary and District Collector that she was harassed by upper caste people due to her being from an SC community.

The panchayat president, S.Vidhya in a complaint to the Chief Secretary said that the police have yet to take a case of human excreta found in a drinking water tank in an area dominated by upper caste people.

Vidhya said that the complaint on human excreta in the water tank was raised in December 2022, but the police did not register a case citing lack of evidence.

The panchayat president also stated that Palaiyur panchayat has three villages - Karisalpatti, Kattarapatti and Palaiyur. Vidhya pointed out that while Palaiyur village has more SC community people, both the other villages are dominated by upper caste and minorities.

She said that the water tank was deliberately contaminated by someone to tarnish her image as she belong to the SC community.

Vidhya while speaking to IANS said: "After becoming panchayat president, I've faced several issues. There were instances wherein human excreta was found when I entered my office room. There were also instances when human excreta was mixed with drinking water and I had lodged complaint but no one was brought to book." She said that after she assumed office, a compound wall was constructed around the panchayat building and after that, many incidents of throwing human excreta on the walls of the office stopped.

Madurai district collector Dr Aneesh Shekar said that a detailed inquiry is being conducted based on her complaint. The district police superintendent also said that investigation is on regarding the complaint on human excreta in water tank.
Kochi, March 4 : Around 30 members of SFI -- the student wing of CPI(M) -- barged into the office of Asianet TV here and intimidated the staff, sources said on Saturday.

They pushed aside the security and trespassed into the news room.

Raising slogans, the activists allegedly threatened the employees of dire consequence if they did not "mend their ways". Later, they put up a banner inside the office also.

According to the sources, surprisingly, the SFI activists had been camping near the office located at a busy part of the commercial city for a long, but there were no efforts by police to remove them.

Reacting to the incident, Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan said it reflects the arrogance of Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan. Such undemocratic acts have started ever since he got a second term in 2021.

"The anti-social elements get emboldened as they get full support of Vijayan and his government. We strongly condemn this dastardly act unleashed by the state government which has become jittery as it is under close scrutiny from the media.

The media has the right to do their job and they criticise not just the government, but also the opposition. This is sheer intolerance of Vijayan, who often speaks of media freedom, but now it seems that's not applicable for them, but for all others. This is the routine hypocritical stand of Vijayan and the CPI(M)," said Satheesan.

Asianet TV, of late, has come under duress from the CPI(M) and its leading news anchor, Vinu V.John was asked to appear before the police in the state capital city, last month for a statement he made against Elamaram Kareem, the Rajya Sabha member of the CPI(M).

Meanwhile, various bodies of journalists have condemned this act unleashed by the SFI and have called for a state wide protest.

Ruling Left Democratic Front convenor E.P.Jayarajan, a very senior CPI(M) leader and a former State Industries Minister said that he is not aware of what has happened.

"Let me study what happened," said Jayarajan.

AICC general secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said this is exactly what one gets to see in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gags those who speak against him "Both of them travel on the same track," said Venugopal.

The Kochi police have registered a case against several SFI activists for this protest which is yet to take any action.
Islamabad, March 4 : An unspecified number of Pakistani companies have been added to a list of 14 entities put on a US trade blacklist for their alleged involvement in missile and nuclear activities, the media reported.

The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) added 37 entities to its Entity List (blacklist) for allegedly contributing to Russia's military and/or defence industrial base, supporting China's military modernisation, and facilitating or engaging in human rights abuses in Myanmar and in China, Dawn reported.

The list includes a separate category titled, "Ballistic Missile and Unsafeguarded Nuclear Activities".

The statement said that "fourteen entities based in China and Pakistan are being added to the Entity List for contributing to ballistic missile programs of concern, including Pakistan's missile program, and for involvement in unsafeguarded nuclear activities".

"We act to stand against proliferators, oppose military aggression in the case of Russia and China's military modernisation, and protect and advance human rights," US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves said in a statement issued with the list, Dawn reported.

"The US will not allow diversion of peaceful trade in ways that undermine our values and weaken our security. That's exactly what we are saying today," added Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan F. Estevez.

Thursday's listings include three entities in Russia, Belarus, and Taiwan added to the list for their allegedly significantly contribution to Russia's military and/or defence industrial base.

Eighteen entities based in China were added to the list for acquiring and attempting to acquire US origin items in support of China's military modernisation efforts, and for supplying or attempting to supply a sanctioned entity in Iran, Dawn reported.

Six entities based in China and Myanmar were added for violations of human rights.

The statement claimed that Chinese entities had engaged in the collection and analysis of genetic data, which posed a significant risk of contributing to monitoring and surveillance by the Chinese government, including the targeting, detainment, and repression of ethnic minorities in China as well as diversion of such information to the Chinese military programmes, Dawn reported.
New York, March 4 : An Indian-American Sikh is undertaking a 2,700-mile motorcycle ride to mark the 11th anniversary of a 2012 attack on a Gurdwara in Wisconsin that left seven people from his community dead.

Gurdeep Singh Saggu, 37, along with Motorcycle Club USA, has planned the week-long ride to Oak Creek Gurdwara to raise awareness about their culture and faith, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The ride that would end on August 5 in Oak Creek, will pass through states like Arizona, where a Sikh man, mistaken for a Muslim, was killed in a hate crime four days after 9/11.

Earlier, Saggu, who is a supervisor at a shipping company, hesitated to leave his family for the fear that they could be attacked for their religion.

He had dealt with a co-worker in the past who accused him of belonging to a terrorist group due to his beard and turban, The Los Angeles Times reported.

His ten year-old son Akaaldeep, who was bullied at school because of his turban and came home crying every day, begged him to stay home.

But after Akaaldeep heard an FBI agent at Stockton Sikh Temple prayer hall recount how a white man strode into a Sikh temple shooting innocent people, he hugged his father, saying, "Daddy, now I want you to go." Hugging his son in the prayer hall, Saggu then told himself: "I have to do this," The Los Angeles Times reported.

On August 5, 2012, the Sikh community of Oak Creek came under attack when white supremacist Wade Page stormed a Gurdwara in Wisconsin and gunned down six worshippers, before shooting himself dead.

A seventh person who was severely paralysed died from his injuries in 2020.

There are more than 100,000 Punjabis living in California and as many as 500,000 nationwide, the report said.

Sikhs have long been victims of hate and racial crimes in the US, and things took a turn for worse after September 11 attacks when they were mistaken for Muslims due to their long beards.

Balbir Singh Sodhi, a 49 year-old Sikh businessman was the first victim of a hate crime linked to 9/11.

According to recent statistics revealed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a total of 1,005 hate crimes related to religion were reported in 2021 in the US with Sikhs being the most targeted religious groups.

The largest categories of religion-based crime included anti-Jewish incidents at 31.9 per cent followed by anti-Sikh incidents at 21.3 per cent, the FBI revealed.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 4 : People in black masks and umbrellas were denied entry at a function being presided by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, yet again contradicting his claims of "no aversion" to the colour.

The incident took place in Calicut University on Saturday, when people with black masks and umbrellas were refused entry by the police.

According to sources, when a few people resisted it, the policemen on duty quietly informed them that they were just following the instructions issued by the CM's office.

Just before Chief Minister Vijayan's arrival, three female and two male students dressed in a black were taken into preventive custody.

Meanwhile, a group of Youth Congress workers dressed in black were seen protesting against Vijayan away from the venue.

Vijayan has come under duress from protests from the Congress-led opposition (UDF) workers ever since the state budget decided to levy a Rs 2 cess on fuel products.

Though Vijayan doesn't like black colour , he travels in a black car.
A Cambodian expert says China's governance philosophy and experience have meant a lot to Cambodia's development.

Click here to watch the video.
New Delhi, March 4 : Personnel of the Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force and CRPF have been deployed outside the CBI headquarters here ahead of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's appearance before the Rouse Avenue District Court on Saturday following the end of his five-day custody.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26 in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam.

A senior police official said that Sisodia will be produced the court by 2 p.m.

CBI sources have claimed that they would further seek the custodial remand of Sisodia as he was still evasive and was not cooperating.

The central probe agency sources said that in January they seized a computer from the office of Sisodia. Later, it was learnt that files and other data were deleted from the computer.

The CBI then sent the computer to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to retrieve the deleted files.

Now the FSL has given them a report and retrieved the whole file deleted from the computer.
Los Angeles, March 4 : Hollywood star Idris Elba created a tizzy on social media in February after he said that he stopped calling himself a "Black actor" because it created limitations for his career.

The Luther actor was immediately accused of renouncing his blackness, although actors such as John Boyega came to his defence and argued that critics weren't paying attention to his message about damning Hollywood stereotyping, reports Viral.

"I feel as I get older - I'm 50 now - we all have fears of saying too much, oversharing and whatnot," Elba now told The Guardian in a new interview.

"And in this day and age, it's really difficult to have an opinion if you're in the public eye because it gets overly scrutinised, taken out of context, thrown into some sort of bullshit, zeitgeisty social media argument." Elba pointed to the controversy around his "Black actor" comment as proof that social media is a "conflict incubator," adding, "Me saying I don't like to call myself a Black actor is my prerogative." "That's me, not you. So for you to turn around and say to me, I'm 'denying my Blackness', on what grounds? Did you hear that? Where am I denying it? And what for? It's just stupid. Whatever." In his Esquire U.K. interview, Elba noted that "as humans, we are obsessed with race and that obsession can really hinder people's aspirations, hinder people's growth. Racism should be a topic for discussion, sure. Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it's only as powerful as you allow it to be." "I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realised it put me in a box," the actor said.

"We've got to grow. We've got to. Our skin is no more than that: it's just skin. Rant over." As Elba's detractors accused him of renouncing his Blackness, Boyega took to Twitter to re-direct the discourse to the kind of stereotyping that Elba was calling out in the first place.

"I think we should fixate on who is typecasting and putting actors in boxes because of this," Boyega wrote. "Not on making weird adjustments for them. We continuously focus on what we have to do so they don't do this or that. Very worrying. We BLACK and that's that." Elba took to Twitter after his Esquire interview to tell off his detractors, writing: "There isn't a soul on this earth that can question whether I consider myself a BLACK MAN or not. Being an 'actor' is a profession, like being an 'architect,' they are not defined by race. However, If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Perogative."
New Delhi, March 4: Tensions are building up between Afghanistan and Pakistan over the harsh treatment being meted out to Afghan refugees recently. Pakistan is reportedly detaining Afghans who hold official UNHCR refugee status along with illegal entrants.

Rahul Kumar New Delhi, March 4: Tensions are building up between Afghanistan and Pakistan over the harsh treatment being meted out to Afghan refugees recently. Pakistan is reportedly detaining Afghans who hold official UNHCR refugee status along with illegal entrants.

Recently, the consul of the Afghan government in Karachi, Abdul Jabar Takhari, said that many Afghan refugees suffering from illnesses are being held in the Karachi prison. Calling upon Pakistan to release the Afghan refugees, he said that one Faiz Mohammad has died from illness in the jail.

Tolo news quoted Takhari as saying: "I told the Ministry of Interior of Pakistan that he came here for treatment and is in a critical condition. But it has not paid any attention. Prior to this, three people have died." Takhari says that 750 Afghan refugees are in prison in Pakistan, many with serious health conditions.

Pakistani authorities have reportedly rounded up hundreds of Afghan refugees and also jailed women and children.

Earlier this week scores of Afghan refugees protested in Pakistani capital Islamabad seeking better living conditions from both Pakistan as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Without recognition from the UN agency, they are not entitled to rights or shelter.

Pakistan's current unstable conditions owing to rising violence, its conflicts with ethnic communities, shortage of food, spiralling fuel prices and power cuts has not made life easier for anyone in the country including Afghan refugees.

Though Pakistan has been holding millions of refugees due to the various wars and conflicts in Afghanistan, there was another influx in 2021 after the Taliban fighters seized power in Kabul in August of that year. With Pakistani security forces facing deadly attacks from the Pakistan Taliban or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan claims is sheltered by the Taliban, Pakistan has initiated a crackdown on Afghan immigrants.

Pakistan has been repatriating undocumented Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan. Many of these include vulnerable communities like the Shia Hazaras who are subject to vicious violence by different militant groups in Afghanistan.

With the Taliban government objecting to the treatment of Afghan refugees and with no let-up in Pakistan's harassment of the Afghans, relations between the two Islamic neighbours are on a downward spiral.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Bengaluru, March 4 : Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Saturday said the state's BJP government will not protect the accused party MLA and his son, who was caught taking a bribe, and added that there is no question of interfering with the probe conducted by Lokayukta.

Speaking to reporters, Yediyurappa said that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has already issued a statement in this regard.

"No one is trying to interfere with the probe. The Chief Minister has stated that the required action will be initiated under the legal framework. I will not speak about it any further," he added.

Yediyurappa refused to comment on the protest by the Congress leaders demanding Bommai's resignation.

Meanwhile, Lokayukta sources explained that they are preparing to arrest Channagiri constituency MLA Madal Virupakshappa in connection with the case.

His son Prashanth Madal was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 40 lakh cash as bribe towards allotment of a tender.

Virupakshappa has been made prime accused in the case.

The development has caused severe embarrassment to the ruling BJP.

Prashanth Madal has been sent to 14-days judicial custody.

Virupakshappa, who was the Chairman of the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), has resigned from the post and denied any involvement in the case.

A total of Rs 2.02 crore was seized from the private office of Prashant Madal on Crescent Road and Rs 6.10 crore was seized from the residence of Virupakshappa.

Meanwhile, the Congress is staging a protest demanding resignation of Bommai in front of his residence.
New Delhi, March 4 : OpenAI's AI chatbot ChatGPT has failed to clear the Indian Civil Services Examination, conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), one of the toughest in the world, according to media reports on Saturday.

Launched in November 2022, the chatbot has gained immense popularity. It also cleared several exams in the US, including the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) and other MBA exams. It also managed to clear Google Coding Interview for Level 3 Engineers.

To check its proficiency, Bengaluru-based Analytics India Magazine subjected it to clear the Civil service exams with questions ranging from topics such as Geography, Economy, History, Ecology, General Science and current affairs.

The Magazine asked ChatGPT all the 100 questions from Question Paper 1 (Set A) from UPSC Prelims 2022.

"Only 54 of them were correctly answered by ChatGPT," it reported.

Even as ChatGPT's knowledge is limited to September 2021, questions on current events were not answered properly. However, ChatGPT also provided wrong answers for non time-specific topics such as Economy and Geography.

ChatGPT is designed to generate human-like writing by predicting upcoming word sequences. Unlike most chatbots, ChatGPT cannot search the internet. Instead, it generates text using word relationships predicted by its internal processes.

"ChatGPT is incredibly limited, but good enough at some things to create a misleading impression of greatness," as per Sam Altman, chief executive at OpenAI.

Besides the UPSC exams, ChatGPT reportedly also failed terribly in an examination designed for sixth graders in Singapore.
Hyderabad, March 4 : Six cars in the convoy of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A. Revanth Reddy were damaged in an accident in Rajanna Sircilla district.

Few media persons travelling in two vehicles belonging to news channels were injured in the incident that occurred at Yellareddypet when Revanth Reddy was on his way for ongoing Haath Se Haath Jodo yatra.

Four SUVs, which were part of Revanth Reddy's convoy, were damaged along with two media vehicles. The collision took place when the driver of one of the vehicles lost control and hit the vehicle moving in front. The cars following the first vehicle also rammed into each other.

Revanth Reddy and other occupants of SUVs had a narrow escape. The balloons in these vehicles opened due to the impact of the collision saving the passengers from major injuries.

However, few media persons travelling in two cars belonging to news channels were injured.

Revanth Reddy later left in another vehicle.

Meanwhile, the state government has informed the Telangana High Court that Revanth Reddy has been provided security during the ongoing yatra.

The TPCC chief had filed a petition seeking direction to the government to provide security in view of a recent incident in which supporters of ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) attacked the yatra.

Additional DGP, Intelligence, informed the High Court that a fax message had been sent to all unit officers of places where Revanth's Haath Se Haath Jodo Yatra will pass through, instructing them to provide security.

Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy adjourned the hearing to Monday. He directed Revanth Reddy to inform the court whether he has been provided with security.
Chennai, March 4 : The Tamil Nadu government has commenced a process for providing 10.72 acres of land for the proposed airport at Vellore to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

The airport which is being built on a 97-acre plot presently has a runway, taxiway, ground handling equipment, air traffic control (ATC) and aviation information receiving facility, terminal building and oil depot.

However, the land acquisition process was holding up the commissioning of the new airport as the state government has not taken any decision on the compensation package for acquiring land.

The government has now speeded up the process and sources told IANS that the movement for acquiring 10.72 acres of additional land required for the airport has commenced.

The new airport was sanctioned at Vellore under the second phase of the UDAN-RCS (Ude Desh Ke Aam Nagrik-A Regional Connectivity Scheme) some years ago. This move by the government of India is intended to connect smaller towns, especially those close to metropolitan cities and two-tier cities.

The new airport at Vellore will be a boon for the patients who are reaching the prestigious Christian Medical College, Vellore as also for students studying Ain several technical institutions in the city, many of whom are from North Indian states.

However, the recent announcement by a private aircraft operator that it would operate a nineteen-seater aircraft is considered as the sudden reason for spurt in activities for the Vellore airport including land acquisition.

Notably, the last high-profile visit to Vellore airport was of General V.K. Singh in October 2022 who is the Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
Jakarta, March 4 : A fire broke out at fuel storage station in Jakarta, leaving 17 people dead and 51 injured, an official said on Saturday.

The Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) acting chief Muhammad Ridwan told media that the injured are being treated in a number of hospitals in the Indonesian capital, reports Xinhua news agency.

The fuel storage station which belongs to the state-owned oil firm Pertamina in Plumpang, North Jakarta, exploded on Friday at around 8 p.m.

Residents who live nearby the station had to leave their houses as the fire had quickly spread.

More than 50 fire engines and 260 firefighters were deployed to the blast site and managed to extinguish the fire within around six hours.

Dozens of ambulances were also sent to the location.

The blast had affected over 1,000 residents in the area who are currently evacuated at temporary shelters nearby.

Eight people reportedly went missing.

Rescuers were still at the location to search for other possible victims in the incident as an investigation into the cause is underway.
Palghar, March 4 : A local court granted bail to teleserial actor Sheezan Khan who was arrested for alleged involvement in the suicide case of his co-actress Tunisha Sharma, here on Saturday.

Sharma, 21, was found dead during the shooting of the serial, 'Ali Baba: Dastaan-E-Kabul' on the morning of December 24, 2022, and a day later, Khan, 27, was nabbed for alleged abetment of her suicide, which sparked a huge controversy.

The court has granted a bail of Rs one lakh to Khan, who spent around two-and-half months behind bars.

Incidentally, Khan and Sharma were in a relationship but had broken off just a couple of weeks before the latter's death, ostensibly caused as she was in a deeply disturbed state of mind.
New Delhi, March 4 : Colombia is planning to fly dozens of its "cocaine hippos" -- the descendents of late drug trafficker Pablo Escobars private menagerie -- to new homes in India and Mexico in a bid to control their booming population, according to the local governor.

There are now between 130 and 160 of the hippos, according to the Colombian government, and they have spread out far beyond Escobar's former ranch of Hacienda Napoles, where they began as a population of just one male and three females, CNN reported.

The original hippos were part of a collection of exotic animals Escobar had amassed in the 1980s at his ranch about 250 km from MedellAn.

After his death in 1993, authorities relocated most of the other animals, but not the hippos, because they were too difficult to transport, CNN reported.

But they have since begun to reproduce rapidly, extending their reach along the Magdalena River basin and they now pose an environmental challenge and are concerning nearby residents, authorities say.

A study in the journal Nature warned their numbers could balloon to 1,500 within two decades.

Previously, authorities have tried to control their population using castrations and "shorts of contraceptive darts". But the contraceptive drives have had limited success, CNN reported.

Now there's a plan to transfer 70 of the hippos to natural sanctuaries in India and Mexico, the governor of Antioquia province, where Hacienda Napoles is located, said in a tweet.

A total of 70 hippos, a mix of males and females, are expected to be moved -- with 60 going to India and 10 to Mexico.

The technical term for this operation is "translocating", Governor Anibal Gaviria explained in an interview with the Colombian outlet Blu Radio, as it would involve moving the hippos from one country that was not their native habitat to another that was also not their natural habitat, CNN reported.

The goal was "to take them to countries where these institutions have the capacity to receive them, and to (home) them properly and to control their reproduction," Gaviria said, CNN reported.

Sending the hippos back to their native land of Africa was "not allowed," Gaviria said.
Guo Weimin (2nd R), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session.

Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, briefed the press on the session. 

Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Guo Weimin (2nd R, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), arrives for a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Guo Weimin (2nd R, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Guo Weimin (2nd R), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Guo Weimin (2nd R, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Guo Weimin (C), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Guo Weimin (2nd R, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

A journalist with Xinhua News Agency asks questions during a press conference ahead of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

A journalist asks questions during a press conference ahead of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Journalists attend a press conference ahead of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Panaji, March 4 : Dr Supriya Bhavnani was on maternity leave when we first connected. Speaking passionately about her research and the multidisciplinary nature of the project she handles, she took breaks to attend to her infant each time he stirred awake and sought his mother's attention. In those moments of seamlessly moving from discussing her research into translational neuroscience and soothing her infant son shone the irrepressible and cohesive spirit of women's work.

Bhavnani (38) is a neuroscientist at Sangath, a mental health organisation headquartered in Goa. Her primary area of research is neurodevelopment in young children. She is the co-principal investigator of multiple multidisciplinary and global projects involving neuroscience, cognitive psychology and developmental paediatrics, as well as engineers and app developers. The team aims at creating simple tablet-based neurophysiological assessment tools, including games that children above two-and-a-half years can play.

The objective is to create tools validated by evidence, that can be taken out of controlled, expensive and specialist settings of urban clinics, into low-resource settings where they can be of help to all children - a rural PHC, an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) or anganwadi centre. The tools will measure development in cognitive, social and fine motor domains of children.

They also use Electroencephalography (EEG) devices, along with an eye tracker for a project titled Brain Tools. They have tested the EEG in the community in Delhi and Haryana through two different projects - Brain Tools and REACH. The collected data help index cognitive function and social development, and can serve as an important tool to detect autism.

Driven by Sangath's guiding principle to make mental health services accessible and affordable by empowering the community, the team is evaluating the acceptability and validity of the EEG results, so it can be scaled up and administered through non-specialist community health workers.

Bhavnani's research has shown that about 1.5 years are lost before the parents recognise delays and start looking for help. "If children are assessed regularly, we can identify those who may need help early," she says. But expensive tools are not easily accessible to low-income households; fear of social stigma and lack of awareness among parents and the medical fraternity are the other barriers.

"We have to move away from a psychiatrist or child development specialist and think of a non-specialist. What can they do? From a single-child in a clinic to a universal approach - to reach all children." "From that perspective, we realised we need the help of engineers who can replace something as sophisticated and expensive as an eye tracker with a webcam video that can be taken of the child. We also needed specialists in computer vision and machine learning to develop algorithms to extract data from these videos. So we collaborated with IIT Bombay," she says.

Before the project pilots began, they got people from different disciplines together in 2016, "most of them speaking (scientific) languages the other could not understand. But there was a general enthusiasm about the work," says Bhavnani, about the multidisciplinary effort with domestic and global partners such as the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the UK.

The American Psychiatric Association describes Autism Spectrum Disorder as a complex neurodevelopmental condition that manifests early in childhood and is characterised by social communication and interaction impairments, restricted interests and increased repetitive behaviours. The global prevalence of autism is estimated to be 1 in 132 (Baxter et al., 2015). A recent study conducted in India found similar prevalence rates; that of 1 per cent in the age group of two to six and 1.4 per cent in six to nine (Arora et al., 2018).

Global mental health expert and Sangath co-founder Prof Vikram Patel explains "brain development in the early years of life is the single most important predictor of lifelong success in education and beyond. However, most often, it is identified in school, where the children are categorised as having learning difficulties. By this time, the golden window of opportunity to intervene early has long passed. This is the challenge which the work Supriya Bhavnani is leading is trying to address." Bringing neuroscience into the public health system

"I always loved the biological sciences and wanted to pursue research. After a Zoology major from Delhi University, I went to the University of Leicester for a Masters in Genetics," says Bhavnani, who also pursued her PhD in the UK in genetics on the circadian rhythms of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly).

"The European Union was putting together research on circadian rhythms. We studied the genetic architecture of these rhythms and behaviours when the insect was in its natural environment. We let it see sunrise and sunset and experience temperature variations," she explains. That was 2010. "It was an out-of-the-box PhD. We struggled quite a lot to publish it," she recollects.

Eventually, it was published in the respected scientific journal Nature, when Bhavnani was doing her postdoctoral research at the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar. "That publication propelled my career," she says.

During her NBRC stint, she felt a calling to work on the development of the brain and degeneration, autism and dementia. She set up the Drosophila research infrastructure at the organisation. Around this time, she won the INSPIRE fellowship of the Department of Science and Technology, which she credits for her growth as a scientist. INSPIRE gave her the flexibility to shift focus from pure sciences to "translational work".

"I kept thinking about what comes after the fellowship. Having a student migrate into an organisation as a faculty is not easy in India. I faced roadblocks," she says. In addition, it was difficult to do "out of the box" research in pure biological sciences in India.

Bhavnani reached out to Prof Patel to foray into mental health research. On his advice, she moved her INSPIRE grant to work under his mentorship at the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). "Patel was keen to put a team together that worked in neuroscience, translating the knowledge of neuroscience into diagnostics and intervention the community can benefit from," she says.

The decision took her closer to the people she wanted to build solutions for. "The watershed moments in my scientific career were publication in Nature, and winning and moving my INSPIRE grant from the NBRC to PHFI. We started brainstorming about how to translate neuroscience into something that people can benefit from. In our case, we chose child development, as a team." Bhavnani changed her INSPIRE research question to study the "barriers and facilitators to getting an autism diagnosis in India", and collaborated with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. She studied what parents went through, the average number of doctors they consulted before getting a definitive diagnosis, what advice they got... all leading to "why does it take so many years for a child with a developmental problem to be recognised by parents, and then diagnosed." Alongside, Bhavnani, cell biologist Dr Debarati Mukerjee, psychologist Dr Jayashree Dasgupta, and neuroscientist Dr Georgia Lockwood Estrin from the LSHTM worked on the question of translational neuroscience, guided by Dr Gauri Divan and Prof Patel. They put together multidisciplinary experts from across the world in the child development and autism space and got a grant for pilots christened REACH (Integrated Assessment of Cognitive Health) and START (Screening Tools for Autism Risk using Technology).

In 2019, when the pilots were about to end, a grant from the UK's Medical Research Council stitched together a larger project called STREAM (Scalable Transdiagnostic Early Assessment of Mental Health), which included REACH and START. "It examines if we can actually draw growth charts for brain development the way we draw for height and weight," she says. The projects run across India and Malawi in Africa - testing 4,000 children in the age group of zero to six to measure an average two-year-old in cognition and social development.

Challenges before the health system "Addressing the challenges in assessing early life brain development and offering tailored interventions to families require a convergence of diverse scientific disciplines, for example, neuroscience, digital science, clinical science and population health science, which have historically been siloed from one another. Supriya Bhavnani is an outstanding example of such a convergent science approach, for she is originally trained in basic neuroscience, focused on cells and genes, but is now working at the other end of the translational continuum, i.e. in populations," says Prof Patel.

"We still have a fair amount of work to do before we feel confident to take this to a non-specialist. One positive is that we have always worked with women from the community," says Bhavnani. ASHAs are delivering a project on autism led by Dr Gauri Divan, the director of Child Development Group at Sangath.

"It is heartening to see families so ready to give us hours of time, answering questionnaires... Right now, we are on the detection side of it. In parallel, our child development team at Sangath is working on interventions. It is a crucial linkage to have strategies that can help the child catch up." The other piece is transferring this knowledge to the ASHAs and anganwadi workers. Ultimately, the aim is to marry these two pieces of work and create a system where a child gets identified and course-corrected to be able to reach their full potential.

Priyamvada Kowshik is a Goa-based journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.
Kolkata, March 4 : Arrest of senior counsel of Calcutta High Court and Congress leader Koustav Bagchi from his residence on Saturday morning for allegedly making derogatory comments about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sparked criticism from within the ruling Trinamool Congress.

In a social media post, State general secretary and spokesman of the ruling party Kunal Ghosh strongly criticised the manner in which Bagchi was arrested. He said that this development will ultimately give Congress and its allies a political mileage.

"This is my personal opinion. Koustav has made a mistake by uttering derogatory comments about our motherly chief minister. But the party's youth and students' wings could have countered that politically. But the arrest was not the right way. This will give political mileage to Koustav and the opposition forces will get a chance to use it as a political tool. He will become the face of the campaign by a section of the media. He will also attract sympathy from a section of the people. The opposition will politically exploit this arrest," Ghosh said in a social media post just hours after Bagchi's arrest at around 8 a.m.

Ghosh also claimed that he also condemned the police action at the residence of BJP councillor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Sajal Ghosh before the 2022 KMC polls. "At that point of time, police entered Sajal's residence by breaking the entrance door open. I condemned the police action then. Ultimately, I was proved right and Sajal Ghosh elected from the ward he contested from. The manner of police action on that day was not proper," he said.

"Similarly, now I am condemning Koustav's arrest. This will just give him political mileage. The fallout of the Sajal Ghosh- related incident should have been an eye- opener," Ghosh added.
Hyderabad, March 4 : Hyderabad police reconstructed the crime scene in the case relating to the macabre killing of a youth by his friend over a girl.

The police took accused P. Hari Hara Krishna to the crime scene early on Saturday to gather all the details related to the incident.

Krishna allegedly beheaded his friend N. Naveen (21), an engineering student, ripped out his heart and chopped off his private parts and fingers.

The gruesome crime was committed at Pedda Amberpet on the outskirts of Hyderabad on February 17-18 but came to light on February 22 when accused Krishna surrendered before police.

The accused resorted to the macabre act as the victim was allegedly harassing his girlfriend, who was previously in a relationship with the victim.

For a second consecutive day on Saturday, the police grilled Krishna to find out if anyone else is also involved in the murder and also if the motive of the crime was only to revenge the alleged harrasment of the girl by the victim.

Police investigation revealed that Krishna and Naveen were classmates in their college days in Dilsukhnagar. During that time, Naveen was in love with a girl but they later drifted apart due to some differences.

The girl subsequently grew close to Krishna and they have been in a relationship for some time. Naveen allegedly started making calls and texting the girl and she told Krishna about this.

An angry Krishna hatched a plan to kill Naveen. The accused invited him for a get-together on February 17 at his house in Dilsukhnagar. Later, Krishna offered to drop Naveen at his college hostel at Narketpally in Nalgonda district. Enroute, the accused consumed liquor and purchased a knife. In the early hours of February 18, Krishna strangled Naveen to death with a rope after picking up an argument.

Not stopping at killing the victim, Krishna chopped off his head, cut the stomach open and ripped off his heart. The accused also chopped off the victim's private parts, fingers and threw them aside, a police officer said.

Naveen's family had lodged a missing complaint with the police. As part of the investigations, police were questioning Krisha's family.

However, the murder came to light only after the accused turned himself in before Abdullapurmet police station under Rachakonda police commissionerate.

Naveen (22), was a tribal student of Mahatma Gandhi Engineering College, Nalgonda. His family members staged a protest outside the police station demanding justice.

Police arrested Krishna on charges of murder and wiping out evidence. He has also been booked under Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Bhubaneswar, March 4 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said his government is on a mission to provide global standard education to the children with the provision of all modern facilities.

Patnaik said this while inaugurating Utkal Gourav International School in Berunapadi of Odisha's Keonjhar district on virtual platform.

Citing the school transformation programme of his government, Patnaik said, "We have transformed more than 4000 schools with smart class rooms, modern libraries, laboratories, facilities for sports, and about 3000 schools are in progress under 5T school transformation." Congratulating the founders and the mentors for leading an initiative to transform education, he said that it is a system of education that aims at physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of our future generation.

The Chief Minister further said that modern education provides us knowledge to understand the world around us, and use it to our advantage for sustaining seamless growth.

"However, as human beings, we also need to look within. We also have our emotional and spiritual needs. Therefore, we must come together to create a model world civilization where each child from the villages and cities in India would be able to develop material efficiency along with spiritual magnificence," he stated.

Under the Mo School programme, the state government is connecting former students to their alma maters, where they are contributing to the growth of education in their schools.

"The objective is to involve an entire society in our education, our development process. As a society, we all must take responsibility and grow together," he added.
Mumbai, March 4 : 'Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya' actor Namish Taneja shared how he visited the office of his lawyer friend and understood his work to play the role of a lawyer in the show 'Maitree'. The actor said he followed the style of lawyers and the way they deal with their clients so that he can play his character perfectly in the daily soap.

While talking about playing the role of Ashish, a professional lawyer, in the show, and how he prepared for his character, Namish said: "When I came to know about my role, I got very excited because I have never played the role of a lawyer in my career, this is my first time. And luckily, I have a lawyer friend who lives in my building, so I decided to study him and his daily work to understand the nuances of the occupation." The actor is known for 'Ekk Nayi Pehchaan', 'Vidya', 'Aye Mere Hamsafar', 'Bigg Boss 13', 'Swaragini - Jodein Rishton Ke Sur', among others.

The show revolves around two friends, Nandini, played by Bhaweeka Chaudhary, and Maitree, portrayed by Shrenu Parikh. Namish is seen in the role of Nandini's husband Ashish, who is a complete family man. He is a lawyer by profession but he is more interested in the welfare of others rather than just earning money.

He added on how he prepped up for his role and shared: "At least for a fortnight, I went to his office every day with him and observed him. I understood everything I could in that period of time, like his body language, the jargon he uses, and his style of communication." "To be honest, this training really helped me to pull off my character on screen, and I am so glad that in such a short span of time, our show is loved so much. I promise we will always give our best to entertain the viewers," Namish concluded.

'Maitree' airs on Zee TV.
New Delhi, March 4 : Aam Aadmi party leaders and workers on Saturday protested outside the Rouse Avenue Court demanding the release of jailed former chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

Hundreds of party workers gathered before Sisodia's appearance outside the Rouse Avenue court which is just few metres from the party office on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.

Sisodia was given five-day CBI custody in the Excise Police case which ended on Saturday and he was brought back to the court. The workers raised slogans like 'Manish Sisodia ko riha karo' (release Manish Sisodia).

The party workers took to the street hours after the AAP's Delhi convener and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh held a meeting with some of the workers at the party headquarters.

Meanwhile, heavy security has been deployed and the road outside the party office has been blocked.

Notably, Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy scam matter after a day-long questioning on February 26.
Mumbai, March 4 : As star couple Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli paid a visit to a temple in Ujjain, actress Kangana Ranaut couldn't stop praising the two calling them a "good example".

Kangana shared their video of their visit to the temple on Saturday and also called them a 'power couple'.

She wrote on her Instagram story: "Such a good example this power couple is setting, not only it brings them the blessings of Mahakaal, but also in some way it glorifies the Dharma and a civilisation, which is built on Sanatana." "Also on micro level this increases tourism in the temple/state and over all helps the nation with its self-esteem and economy both." Anushka and Virat, who are fondly called 'Virushka', visited the temple on Saturday morning, a day after the third Test match between India and Australia in Indore.

On the work front, Kangana is currently shooting for Chandramukhi 2. Helmed by P. Vasu, it is the sequel to the Tamil horror comedy film Chandramukhi which features Rajinikanth and Jyothika.
Patna, March 4 : A Patna-bound Spicejet flight was diverted to Varanasi after glitch in brakes, sources said on Saturday.

The plane took-off from Delhi and was scheduled to land at Patna airport at 8.30 a.m on Friday. However, when it reached near Arrah city, some 50 km away from Patna, it developed a glitch in brake.

As the runway of Patna Jay Prakash Narayan International airport is smaller than other airports, the pilot refused to land here despite the permission given by ATC, after which the aircraft was diverted to Varanasi.

Sources said after fixing the the technical glitch, the plane reached Patna at 11.30 a.m.

After deboarding, passengers expressed their disappointment at the Spicejet counter at Patna airport.
Kochi, March 4 : The Kerala health department has ordered for temporary closure of Silver Storm Water Theme Park in Athirappilly near here after symptoms of leptospirosis were detected in several children who visited the theme park.

The directive for the closure came from State Health Minister Veena George after the health department officials conducted an inspection at the theme park.

The theme park has been asked to conduct a total cleaning of the water being used in the park.

The health department meanwhile has decided to check all those who visited the theme park after February 17.

A group of school children who had visited the theme park recently and within few days, they were detected with fever.
Chennai, March 4 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Saturday said that the migrant workers in the state are safe and they need not worry.

He said that strict action would be taken against those spreading rumours on social media platforms about attacks on migrant workers.

In a statement, he termed people spreading rumours against migrant workers "anti-national".

Stalin said that it was highly condemnable that some people were doing "dirty politics" in a cheap manner on social media and added that strict legal action would be taken against such people who intentionally circulate rumours and spread fear and panic.

The statement from the Chief Minister came after messages were spread on social media that migrant workers from Bihar were attacked in Tamil Nadu.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already decided to send a team of officers to Tamil Nadu to verify on the social media campaigns that the Bihar workers were attacked in Tamil Nadu.

The Bihar unit of the BJP had also come out strongly against the RJD leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejaswi Yadav on his participation in Chief Minister Stalin's 70th birthday celebrations even as labourers from Bihar were attacked in Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu Director General of Police, C. Sylendrababu, has also clarified on Friday that there was no attack on migrant workers from Bihar in Tamil Nadu and that rumour mongers were spreading lies on social media.

However, two incidents involving migrant workers and locals entering into confrontation had taken place in Tiruppur and Coimbatore. In the first one, a group of migrant workers were attacked by locals on January 14 at a garment factory in Tiruppur. The second one was the attack on a few migrant workers at the canteen of a private college in Coimbatore on February 14.

While these were minor incidents and settled amicably by local interventions, rumours were spread in social media platforms that migrant workers from Bihar and Jharkhand were brutally beaten up citing their domicile status.
People carry the body of Mohamed Islim during his funeral in the West Bank city of Qalqilya, on March 3, 2023. The Palestinian teenager was killed, and another two injured on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in a village east of the northern West Bank city of Qalqilya, the Palestinian Health Ministry said in a press statement. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian teenager was killed, and another two injured on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in a village east of the northern West Bank city of Qalqilya, the Palestinian Health Ministry said in a press statement.

Mohamed Islim, 15, died after he was shot in the back by Israeli soldiers who stormed the village of Azzun, the statement read.

Of the two injured teenagers, one was in serious conditions and has been admitted to the intensive care unit at the governmental hospital in the city, where doctors tried to save his life, according to the statement.

The statement didn't add more details. However, Qalqilya's governor Rafeh Rawajbeh told Xinhua that Israeli soldiers opened fire at the teenagers during clashes that broke out near the city's main road.

"It is an awful crime that should be condemned as Israeli forces directly targeted the boys," he said.

The Israeli authorities didn't comment on the teenager's death. Israeli Radio, which quoted Israeli army sources, reported that the Israeli soldiers opened fire at the Palestinians after they threw Molotov cocktail bottles at Israeli settlers near Qalqilya.

Islim's death came amid mounting tension between Israelis and the Palestinians that has been going on since Jan. 1.

Official Palestinian figures show that 68 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers so far this year. Meanwhile, official Israeli figures reveal that 13 Israelis were killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians. 

People mourn during Mohamed Islim's funeral in the West Bank city of Qalqilya, on March 3, 2023. The Palestinian teenager was killed, and another two injured on Thursday by Israeli soldiers in a village east of the northern West Bank city of Qalqilya, the Palestinian Health Ministry said in a press statement. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Chennai, March 4 : Tamil Nadu police on Saturday booked the Editor of the popular Hindi newspaper, 'Dainik Bhaskar' and Tanveer Ahmad - the owner of 'Tanveer Post' - for spreading false news that Hindi-speaking migrant workers were attacked in Tamil Nadu.

In a statement on Saturday, the Tamil Nadu police headquarters said that the Tirupur North police station booked the Editor of Dainik Bhaskar under IPC Sections, 153A and 505.

According to the statement, the Editor of the newspaper will have to explain as to where they got the news from and whether they verified it. Police said that bigger newspapers should behave in a more responsible manner.

The Tiruppur police also booked one Tanveer Ahmad of Tanveer Post under various sections for spreading false news.

In a related development, the Thoothukudi police booked the spokesman of the Uttar Pradesh BJP, Prasanth Umrao under six sections of IPC for spreading rumours. Police sources in Tamil Nadu told IANS that the BJP leader was absconding.

It may be noted that Umrao had in a tweet the other day said that 12 migrant Hindi-speaking people were locked in a room and they died in Tamil Nadu. A senior officer told IANS that the Police verified this and was found to be totally false and a case has been registered against him.

The Tamil Nadu DGP, C. Sylendrababu had vehemently denied such incidents of hate-mongering against migrant workers of Hindi-speaking states working in Tamil Nadu.
Mumbai, March 4 : Former India captain Anjum Chopra feels Mumbai Indians look stronger on paper than Gujarat Giants ahead of the two teams clashing in the first-ever match of Women's Premier League (WPL) at DY Patil Stadium on Saturday.

Australia opener Beth Mooney is leading Gujarat, while India captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be captaining Mumbai. "I find Mumbai Indians stronger on paper and Gujarat got a jolt in Deandra Dottin being ruled out of tournament, with Australia's Kim Garth coming in as a replacement." "I joked around with my fellow commentator, England pacer Kate Cross, that keep your hands ready, you could get a call for as a replacement. I guess the franchise could be knowing that Dottin may not be fit. On paper, Mumbai look more stronger than Gujarat. But one side has Harmanpreet Kaur and other has Beth Mooney. It should be great fun," said Anjum, the WPL Expert for Sports18 and JioCinema, in a select virtual roundtable on Saturday.

Asked on who could be the winner of the inaugural edition of the WPL, Anjum remarked, "I did a review and I thought that RCB, MI look very balanced on paper. I am just saying it as I saw the auctions, foreign as well as domestic players. But having said that, no team looks 100% complete in covering all the bases." "So, we need to wait to see that how the Indian domestic players come out and start performing, because foreign players we know will do 'xyz'. But we don't know how Indian players will do, as there are seven of them and four are international players. Which international players play and will balance out domestic players, is going to be a challenge. It's difficult to say a winner, but its nice too as why should we predict a winner." In the five-team tournament, only Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana (from RCB) are the Indian captains in the competition, while Beth, Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning are skippers of Gujarat, UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals. Anjum felt all teams could have done with having Indian players as captains in all teams, though she understands logic behind foreign skippers.

"It's an Indian league being played in Indian conditions and that Indian players should be made captain of all teams, if they can be made. I felt that Deepti Sharma should be captaining UP Warriorz because she had led Velocity in the Women's T20 Challenge last year. Australian players have lots of experience of leading teams, which is absolutely fair and that will remain as call of the teams as they will say, we need more experienced captains." "Like, Jemimah Rodrigues can't be captaining Delhi ahead of someone like Meg Lanning. As compared to Australia, there aren't much leaders in the Indian team that they can stand ahead of the Australians. If there was captain of some other country, I could have been surprised."
New Delhi, March 4 : In recent times, the skincare world has been brimming with innumerable, miraculous skincare ingredients. Thus, it becomes even more essential to opt for products that are effective and yield results while helping "restore equilibrium" of one's skin. The topical use of both Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid helps resolve various dermatological concerns due to their medicinal effectiveness.

However, before introducing Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid into your skin care regimen, gaining a deep understanding of these ingredients will be beneficial. We reached out to Dr Aseem Sharma, a Consultant Dermatologist from Mumbai and Re'equil India's advisor who shares his insights on the cardinal differences between AHAs and BHAs, herewith.

If you are not sure which is better for your skin Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid, this will help clear your confusion.

Glycolic Acid Glycolic Acid belongs to the superfamily of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), widely loved for its mild exfoliating properties. These water-soluble acids are procured from natural sources like sugarcane, sugar beet, milk, etc. The topical application of alpha-hydroxy acids has a remarkable influence in improving skin texture and natural glow. Numerous scientific research studies have demonstrated that AHA-based chemical peels are highly potent for aging skin and facial discoloration.

Benefits of AHAs Prevents Hyperpigmentation: Consistent use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids will effectively help get rid of hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. A global research study published in 2018 has concluded that topical use of AHAs has also shown clearance of dark spots left behind from sun damage. Alpha Hydroxy Acids also inhibit the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme which plays an essential role in the synthesis of melanin pigment.

Hydrates the Skin: AHAs not only slough off dead skin cells but also help keep the skin hydrated. Humectant properties of AHAs help to lock in moisture thereby improving the appearance of dry skin and making it soft, supple, and responsive to other therapies.

Minimizes the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Topical AHAs have been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. AHAs help in cell renewal and also promote collagen production which helps to diminish fine lines and improve the skin texture, overall.

Boosts the Natural Radiance of Skin: It is one of the best hydroxy acids for your skin, in terms of tonal correction. AHAs are great chemical exfoliators, which help attain bright, smooth, and glowing skin. They penetrate skin layers and loosen up the bond between dead skin cells to clear all the impurities. Hence, its use helps to perk up overall skin complexion.

Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), mostly obtained from willow tree bark, hazel, and wintergreen leaves. This oil-soluble ingredient penetrates into the deeper layers of skin and helps to clean the clogged pores. Hence, it prevents the clogging of pores, which in turn makes it an ideal ingredient for acne-prone skin. In addition, salicylic acid possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce the risk of acne flare-ups.

Benefits of BHAs Prevents Future Breakouts: Being a comedolytic agent Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) inhibits the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, which may further turn into pimples. Using serums that have 1 per cent BHA & a Peptide complex helps in combating acne and decreases skin irritation and regulates sebum production.

Deeply Cleanses Excess Oil from Pores: People with oily skin care are more prone to breakouts because of excess sebum production. When your skin produces excess sebum, your pores become congested with oils, dirt, and dead cells which ultimately manifest into pus-filled pimples. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble ingredient and can get deep into your pores to remove excess oiliness and other impurities.

Soothes Inflammation and Redness: BHAs possess natural anti-inflammatory properties which help to provide relief from inflammation and irritation associated with acne.

Kills Acne-Causing Bacteria: Cutibacterum acnes (erstwhile Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes) is a bacteria that is considered the most common cause of acne infection. Beta hydroxy acids possess antimicrobial properties that help keep these acne-causing bacteria away.

Can you use Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid together? You can reap the benefits of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid by opting for skin care products comprising both ingredients that are effective and show results. Over-the-counter products containing both AHAs and BHAs offer good results in treating active acne and preventing the risk of future outbreaks.

A face wash containing glycolic acid and salicylic acid is considered good for oily and acne-prone skin types. If you are dealing with hyperpigmentation and dark spots, a fruit-based AHA face wash is great to use. Glycolic Acid can increase your skin's sensitivity toward the sun which in turn can cause sunburn. It is important to always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 & PA+++ or above when you include AHAs in your skincare routine.

Note: While incorporating AHAs and BHAs in your skincare routine, the special mention here is to start with lower concentrations and build your way up, layering it with moisturizers along the way.

(Dr. Aseem Sharma is a Consultant Dermatologist, in Mumbai, and a Medical Advisor of Re'equil) (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)
New Delhi, March 4 : Concern is growing in Iran after reports emerged that hundreds of schoolgirls had been poisoned across the country in recent months, the media reported.

Iran's semi-official Mehr News reported that Shahriar Heydari, a member of Parliament, cited an unnamed "reliable source" in saying that "nearly 900 students" from across the country had been poisoned so far, CNN reported.

The first reported poisonings happened in the city of Qom on November 30, when 18 schoolgirls from one high school were hospitalised, according to Iranian state media.

In another incident in Qom on February 14, more than 100 students from 13 schools were taken to hospitals after what the state-affiliated Tasnim news agency described as "serial poisonings", CNN reported.

There have also been reports of schoolgirls being poisoned in the capital Tehran - where 35 were hospitalised on Tuesday, according to Fars News.

They were in "good" condition, and many of them were later released, Fars reported. State media have also reported student poisonings in recent months in the city of Borujerd and in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province.

Many of the reports involve students at girls' schools, but state media have also reported at least one incident of poisoning at a boys' school, on February 4 in Qom, CNN reported.

It's unclear if the incidents are linked and if the students were targeted. But Iran's Deputy Health Minister in charge of Research and Technology Younes Panahi said on February 26 that the poisonings were "chemical" in nature, but not compound chemicals used in warfare and the symptoms were not contagious, according to IRNA.

Panahi added that it appears that the poisonings were deliberate attempts at targeting and shutting down girls' schools, according to IRNA.
Chandigarh, March 4 : Congress veteran and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who met farmer leaders, including Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU)'s Rakesh Tikait, several times for consultation over their issues believes the agrarian crisis in the country is due to anti-farmer policies of the BJP governments -- both in the Centre and its ruled states.

Talking to IANS on Saturday over the phone about the Congress' strategy, he said the party is committed not only to increasing agricultural production but also taking measures for the welfare of the farmers, workers and artisans dependent on agriculture.

Hooda, who is chiefly responsible for the paradigm shift in the approach of parties towards agriculture from production to farmer centric, advocated for giving the farmers and workers a distinct human entity and dignity other than a mere component workforce for the agricultural production.

The Congress is now committed to not only increasing agricultural production but also to taking measures for the welfare of the farmers, workers and artisans dependent on agriculture. For this, the party has resolved to establish Rashtriya Kisan Kalyan Kosh for this purpose, he said.

The Congress party has resolved at its just concluded 85th plenary session held in Raipur in Chhattisgarh to establish Rashtriya Kisan Kalyan Kosh.

Hooda moved a draft resolution on agriculture and farmers that contains futuristic strategies to make agriculture sustainable and a profitable occupation for the next generations of the farmers, workers and artisans.

The resolution, inter alia, pledged introduction of a debt relief scheme, establishment of a national farmers debt relief commission to resolve debt related grievances through conciliation, no criminal proceedings, auction of land to recover the outstanding loan and to give legal guarantee to the minimum support price (MSP) that should be calculated as the C2 plus 50 per cent profit formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission and any purchase below MSP be made punishable.

Hooda told IANS the party promises Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima, after removing deficiencies, will be universal i.e. entire area under cultivation would be insured through public sector agriculture insurance company or companies, and to establish a commission on agricultural development and farmers' income for finding ways to augment the income of farmers, workers and artisans in rural areas.

Hooda, who himself is an agriculturalist, was heading the Committee on Agriculture and Farmer Welfare and presented its draft in the session.

Talking about the goals of the Congress, he said the party also favours a separate budget for agriculture to create a Rashtriya Kalyan Kosh for providing health services, life insurance, etc., to farmers and workers and to introduce the National Farmers' Protection and Rights Act in line with the Consumer Protection Act.

Hooda was heading a working group of chief ministers on agricultural production with the Chief Ministers of Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar as members in 2010.

In its report in December 2010, the group recommended and the rate of interest on agricultural loans was lowered from 11 to seven per cent in all banks.

Later, Hooda headed the Committee on Agriculture, Employment and Poverty constituted to draft a resolution for the 84th Plenary Session of the Congress held in New Delhi in March 2018.

He was chairman of a similar committee to draft resolutions for Nav Sankalp Chintan Shivir of the Congress in May 2022 in Udaipur.

This time again, he headed the party's Committee on Agriculture and Farmers for drafting the resolution for the 85th plenary session that was held last month.

Party insiders told IANS after the Raipur plenary the stature of Hooda, Haryana's prominent Jat face, as farmer leader at national level like Sharad Pawar has increased. The party should benefit if his farmer-friendly approach is used to woo the farmers across the country, a senior Congress leader added.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Mumbai, March 4 : From enjoying delicious breakfast at Sharma Tea Stall and Bajpayee Kachori to shopping for Chikankari kurtis at the local market, 'Kismat Ki Lakiro Se' lead actors Shaily Priya and Sumati Singh shared their shooting experience for Holi special episode in Lucknow.

They enjoyed sumptuous meals and meeting local people. They also interacted with their fans and took selfies as they walked through the streets of the city.

Shaily shared: "My affection for Lucknow goes beyond the fact that many of my fans reside there; it is also the city where I grew up and completed my schooling, making it a special place in my heart. I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response and support my team and I have received." "Celebrating Holi with the people of Lucknow was an unforgettable experience. The story of 'Kismat Ki Lakiro Se' has been crafted in a way that resonates with viewers from all walks of life. However, the upcoming Holi episode is expected to introduce one of the most significant plot twists yet, which could potentially change the course of the story forever," she added.

On the other hand, actress Sumati also shared her memories from their recent visit to the city of Nawabs as she said: "Lucknow has always held a special place in my heart due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm people. I visited Lucknow with my family during my childhood. While we were drenched in the festive spirit, we also worked hard to create excitement and anticipation about the special upcoming Holi episode." Starring Shaily Priya, Abhishek Pathania, Sumati Singh, and Varun Sharma, the show revolves around two sisters, Shraddha and Kirti with contrasting personalities, who face various ups and downs in their lives.

'Kismat Ki Lakiro Se' airs on Shemaroo Umang.

Latest updates on Holi Festival 2023
New Delhi, March 4 : The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a human case of bird flu in a Chinese woman.

The patient is a 53-year-old woman from Jiangsu province who has a history of contact with poultry, according to Daniel Epstein, with the WHO's news media team. The woman's symptoms began on January 31, and she was hospitalised on February 4.

Epstein said China informed the WHO about the case on February 24.

This comes after an 11-year-old girl in Cambodia died after contracting the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. While her infected father remains in isolation in hospital, 11 other close contacts have tested negative, the WHO said in a recent report.

"Genomic sequencing showed that she was infected with H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, which is widely circulating in birds at the moment," said Dr Sylvie Briand, director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention at the WHO.

"Since 2020, an increased number of avian influenza outbreaks have been reported in wild birds and poultry globally, and we can expect additional sporadic human cases," she added.

According to the WHO, from 2003 to 2023, a total of 873 human cases of infection with influenza A (H5N1) and 458 deaths have been reported globally from 21 countries.

The WHO has said that available epidemiological and virological evidence suggest that current bird flu viruses have not acquired the ability of sustained transmission among humans.

While the risk of "human-to-human spread is low".... "further human cases can be expected", till the time avian influenza viruses are circulating in poultry, the global health body said.

To avert human bird flu outbreak risk, the agency has also warned tourists to avoid wet markets, farms and any areas where animals are slaughtered. The latest H5N1 case in China comes after a woman died from the virus in November in the southern province of Guangxi. This week, the country has also reported cases of two other types of avian influenza - H5N6 and H9N2, media reports said.

In Cambodia, the two cases of H5N1 are the first to be reported since 2014. In December 2003, Cambodia reported an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 for the first time affecting wild birds. Since then, and until 2014, human cases due to poultry-to-human transmission have been sporadically reported in Cambodia.

The WHO advised regular hand washing and good food safety and food hygiene practices. It also stressed the importance of global surveillance to detect and monitor virological, epidemiological, and clinical changes associated with emerging or circulating influenza viruses that may affect human (or animal) health and timely virus sharing for risk assessment.
Kohima, March 4 : The ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), along with its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which retained power in Nagaland for a second straight term by winning 37 seats together in the 60-member Assembly, is likely to assume office on March 7.

Party sources said that the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister and other ministers will be held in Kohima on March 7.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several central BJP leaders and ministers are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Outgoing Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who on Friday was unanimously elected as the leader of the NDPP legislative party, submitted his resignation letter to Governor La Ganesan on Saturday.

After meeting the Governor, Rio tweeted: "As my tenure has come to an end, I submitted my resignation as Chief Minister of Nagaland to Governor La Ganesan." NDPP sources said that Rio is likely to stake his claim to form the next government on Monday after a meeting with alliance partner BJP on Sunday.

Rio (72), Nagaland's longest serving Chief Minister, is set to assume the top post for a fifth straight term on March 7. In the February 27 Assembly polls, Rio defeated Congress' Seyievelie Sachu, a greenhorn in state politics, in Northern Angami II by a record margin of 15,824 votes.

The NDPP and BJP, which contested the elections in a 40:20 seat-sharing arrangement, had earlier announced before the elections that if voted to power, Rio would retain the Chief Minister's post.

The NDPP won 25 seats, eight more than its 2018 tally, while the BJP secured 12 seats, same as last elections.

The Congress, which governed the state for many years till 2003, had contested 23 seats but drew a blank once again. The grand old party had no legislator in the outgoing Assembly.

Nagaland Congress President Kewekhape Therie lost in Dimapur against BJP's H. Tovihoto Ayemi by a margin of 6,959 votes.

In the February 27 elections, the results of which were declared on March 2, Nationalist Congress Party secured six seats; National People's Party led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma managed five seats; Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas Paswan), Nagala People's Front and Republican Party of India (Ramdas Athawale) bagged two seats each; Janata Dal (United) bagged one seat; while four seats were won by Independent candidates.

Nagaland's Deputy Chief Minister and BJP legislative party leader Yanthungo Patton (Tyui), former Chief Minister Taditui Rangkau Zeliang (Peren), and Nagaland BJP chief Temjen Imna Along (Alongtaki) were all re-elected to the Assembly.

Meanwhile, for the first time in Nagaland's electoral history, two women -- Salhoutuonuo Kruse (Western Angami) and Hekani Jakhalu (Dimapur-III), both NDPP nominees -- were elected to the Nagaland Assembly.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 4 : Vellapally Natesan, the supreme leader of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam), took a potshot at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that the BJP will form a government in Kerala, saying that "it is nothing but a wish" of the Prime Minister.

"It's quite natural for political leaders to express their wishes," said Natesan.

Prime Minister Modi made the remarks after the BJP did quite well in the Assembly polls held in three north-eastern states.

Natesan played a significant role in formation of the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) in 2015.

In the 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election, BDJS was part of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and contested in 37 seats (out of 140) but won none. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election in Kerala, BDJS contested in four seats (out of 20) and won none. Party president Thushar Vellapally contested from Wayanad and finished an appallingly third with a mere 59,816 votes.

The SNDP Yogam represents the 'powerful' Ezhava community which is nearly 26 per cent of the state population, and Natesan is known for his 'dilly-dally' political statements.
Mumbai, March 4 : South superstar Ghanta Naveen Babu, popularly known as Nani, got emotional with the way his fans expressed their love for him by creating a huge Rangoli artwork in just five days by using 100 kg of Rangoli colours ahead of the release of his upcoming Telugu film, 'Dasara' which is an action-drama.

Indeed, the artwork was so incredible that the actor was stunned as he said: "I am deeply moved by the love and dedication of my fans, and this incredible rangoli artwork is a testament to that. It is humbling to see such creativity and devotion from fans not only here at home but all over India. I am grateful for their support, and I promise to keep working hard and bringing my best to the screen." Expressing his gratitude, he took to Twitter and shared a video showing his fans using different colours to create a rangoli. Also, a tweet along with a video by one of his fans read, "'Dasara' movie coming on 30/3/2023. 'Dasara' has been drawn in Solapur to wish actor Natural star Nani Sir. It took us 5 days and 100 kg of rangoli to make it." Nani's upcoming film, 'Dasara', is a pan-India film written and directed by debutant Srikanth Odela, featuring Nani and Keerthy Suresh.

The film is set in the backdrop of Singareni coal mines near Godavarikhani of Telangana and is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 30.

Nani is known for his movies like 'Ashta Chamma', 'Ride', 'Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu', 'Ala Modalaindi', 'Pilla Zamindar', 'Eega' 'Middle Class Abbayi' ,'Devadas', 'Jersey', 'Shyam Singha Roy', 'Ante Sundaraaniki!', among others.
Members of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti pose for a group photo in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 1, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Lian Xingang, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides medical treatments for a patient at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Feb. 28, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Hou Wei, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides medical treatments for a patient at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 1, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Wang Xufeng, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides medical treatments for a patient at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 1, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Han Junying, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, tests blood samples at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Feb. 28, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Zhou Naizhong, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides medical treatments for a child at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Feb. 28, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Zhou Naizhong, a member of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, provides acupuncture treatments for patients at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Feb. 28, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Zhao Peng (2nd R) and Zhang Shu(2nd L), members of the 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti, perform a surgery at the Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 1, 2023. The 21st Chinese medical team dispatched to Djibouti has been providing medical services at the Peltier General Hospital since January 2022. By the end of February 2023, the medical team had provided 14,658 outpatient services, 576 emergency services and completed 1,168 surgeries. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
New Delhi, March 4 : The Supreme Court has set side the death sentence of a rape-murder convict, after it was established that he was a juvenile on the date of commission of the offence.

A top court bench of justices B.R. Gavai, Vikram Nath and Sanjay Karol said: "The conviction of the appellant is upheld; however, the sentence is set aside. Further, as the appellant at present would be more than 20 years old, there would be no requirement of sending him to the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) or any other child care facility or institution. The appellant is in judicial custody. He shall be released forthwith." The apex court affirmed the trial court order convicting him for the offence of rape and murder, but set aside the death sentence awarded to the accused, convicted in a December 2017 rape and murder case in Madhya Pradesh.

The bench noted that it is of the view that merits of the conviction could be tested and the conviction which was recorded cannot be held to be vitiated in law merely because the inquiry was not conducted by the JJB.

"It is only the question of sentence for which the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015, would be attracted and any sentence in excess of what is permissible under the 2015 Act will have to be accordingly amended as per the provisions of the 2015 Act. Otherwise, the accused, who has committed a heinous offence and who did not claim juvenility before the trial court, would be allowed to go scot-free," added the bench.

The top court judgment came on a man's plea challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order dated November 15, 2018. The Indore bench of the high court had upheld the death sentence awarded by the lower court and dismissed the appeal filed by the appellant challenging his conviction and sentence.

The accused, during the pendency of these appeals, moved an application claiming juvenility and consequently the benefits available under the provisions of the 2015 Act.

The bench said the appellant is held to be less than 16 years, and therefore, the maximum punishment that could be awarded is up to three years.

"The appellant has already undergone more than five years. His incarceration beyond three years would be illegal, and therefore, he would be liable to be released forthwith on this count also," it added.

The bench considered a report from the Court of First Additional Sessions Judge, Manawar, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, dated October 27, 2022 along with all the material evidence both documentary and oral adduced before it on the basis of which the report has been submitted.

The top court accepted the trial court report and held that the appellant was aged 15 years, four months and 20 days on the date of the incident.

It added, "It would also be pertinent to notice that the institution is not a private institution, but a government primary school and this court does not find any reason to disbelieve or even doubt the testimony of government servants both working and retired." The bench noted, "The intention of the legislature is to give benefit to a person who is declared to be a child on the date of the offence only with respect to its sentence part."
Kolkata, March 4 : Calcutta High Court counsel and Congress leader Koustav Bagchi, who was arrested by Kolkata Police on Saturday morning for allegedly making derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was granted bail by a lower court on the same day.

Senior advocate of Calcutta High Court and CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, who appeared as Bagchi's counsel, made a strong argument on behalf of his client.

"Is my client a terrorist? Who gave the right to the police to barge into his residence in the wee hours at around 3 a.m.? There is directive even from the Supreme Court barring police from barging into anyone's residence in the wee hours or late in the night. The arrest was made without serving any notice under Section 41A of CrPC. This is an infringement on the fundamental rights of a person," Bhattacharya argued.

He also said that the investigating officer in the case should be slapped with a show-cause notice for issuing the notice under Ssection 41A.

"We as legal practitioners are highly terrified. How can the police barge into the residence of a lawyer during the wee hours in a democratic country? Was that residence owned by a terrorist," Bhattacharya questioned.

In his counter-argument, the public prosecutor said that some comments by Bagchi could trigger violence, which need to be investigated.

After hearing both sides, the court granted bail to Bagchi against a personal bond of Rs 1,000.

After the results of the bypoll to the Sagardighi Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district was announced on Thursday, in which Left-backed Congress candidate Baryon Biswas trounced Trinamool Congress nominee Debasish Bandopadhyay by 23,000 votes, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had launched a scathing attack against state Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, referring to his daughter's suicide in 2006.

On Friday, Bagchi held a press conference where he referred to a book written by former IAS officer Deepak Kumar Ghosh, which reportedly has some references about the personal life of the Chief Minister.

Bagchi said that since Banerjee has started making personal attacks by referring to the suicide of Chowdhury's daughter, he would now counter them by circulating soft copies of Ghosh's book through WhatsApp.

The arrest evoked strong criticism from all corners, including from within the Trinamool Congress.
Kolkata, March 4 : The Calcutta High Court on Saturday cleared the decks for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to take Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal to Delhi in connection with the multi-crore cattle smuggling scam in West Bengal.

The single-judge bench of Justice Bibek Chaudhuri said a fine of Rs 1,00,000 was also imposed as a penalty on Mondal for keeping the multiple court option open in the matter by filing the same petition at both Calcutta High Court and Delhi High Court by suppressing information in both these courts.

On Saturday, Mondal's counsel told the court that his client should not be taken to Delhi considering his health.

In reply, the ED counsel said that in that case, Mondal will be taken to the national capital through a flight and also get him treated at the AIIMS there.

After hearing both sides, Justice Chaudhuri permitted the ED to take Mondal to Delhi on a flight.

But before taking him to Delhi, as per the order, Mondal has to be examined at a central hospital and a certificate declaring him fit for travel has to be issued by that central hospital before taking him to Delhi.

On Saturday, the ED counsel specially stressed on Mondal's attempts to keep the multiple court options open in the matter.

"Is it not because of a backup in case the verdict of a particular court does not go in favour of him, in this case he filed the same petition at Calcutta High Court and Delhi High Court. On Friday, his counsel informed the Delhi court that his client will withdraw the petition made by him on this count at Delhi High Court. Anubrata Mondal lacks all ethical values. He deserves a huge financial penalty for that," the ED counsel said.
Shillong, March 4 : Even as NPP leader Conrad Sangma staked claim to form the government in Meghalaya, a drama continued in the hill state on Saturday as well.

Sangma's National People's Party (NPP) won 26 seats while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that bagged two seats extended its support to the NPP on the day of announcement of the result.

Two Independents and two MLAs of Hill State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDP) also lent their support to the NPP.

However, the HSPDP, in a letter shot to the Meghalaya Governor, claimed it had not authorised the party MLAs to support the NPP in the government formation.

HSPDP president K.P. Pangniang and secretary Panborlang Ryntathiang stated in the letter: "HSPDP did not authorise the two MLAs -- Methodius Dkhar and Shakliar Warjri to lend support to the formation of the government as we have seen through press/media report." A copy of the letter was also sent to Conrad Sangma. The NPP is yet to react or respond to the matter.

When IANS approached the party spokesperson, he said: "The MLAs have already supported us. We have the numbers to form the government." In the 60-member assembly house in Meghalaya, the support of 31 MLAs is required to form the government.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Prestone Tynsong, former deputy chief minister of Meghalaya and leader of the NPP, spoke about the recent arson attacks on the residences of the elected representatives.

Tynsong expressed his "deep concern" over the illegal pursuits of the outlaws attempting to undermine the state's law and order.

On the other hand, two groups in Meghalaya -- Hynniewtrep Youth Council and Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation, staged a demonstration on Saturday against the two HSPDP MLAs for supporting the NPP in the government formation.

Also, the two organisations have given a deadline of March 7 for the MLAs to withdraw support from the NPP.

The two HSPDP MLAs who chose not to assist the regional parties in creating a government without the NPP were denounced during a conference held in Motphran by the HYC.
New Delhi, March 4 : Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday filed a defamation case against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in a Delhi court over the latter's "misleading statements" against him.

Shekhawat claimed that Gehlot made defamatory statements against him in connection with the Sanjivani Credit Society scam.

The Union Minister has said that an investigation was initiated in the case but his name was not mentioned anywhere.

Shekhawat has demanded prosecution against Gehlot under the IPC sections.

The Union Minister has also demanded appropriate financial compensation for the loss of his reputation.

He sought prosecution against the Rajasthan Chief Minister, saying Gehlot should be charged with criminal defamation under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa represented Shekhawat in court on Saturday.

Earlier, the war of words between Gehlot and Shekhawat had intensified over the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam as Gehlot has openly declared the Union Minister "a culprit like the others".

Taking a dig at Shekhawat, Gehlot said: "The Union Minister is trying to mislead the public in the case of the Sanjivani Co-operative Society Limited scam. In the investigation of the Special Operation Group (SOG), the crime has been proved against him under the same sections as the other arrested accused." Shekhawat had said that Gehlot terming him as an 'accused' in the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam is akin to his "political assassination to settle scores".

He said: "The SOG presented three chargesheets but there is neither my nor my family's name anywhere. Still, the Chief Minister called me an accused."
New Delhi, March 4 : A 26-year-old man was stabbed to death by a group of people including seven minors in Outer North Delhi's Samaypur Badli area, an official said on Saturday.

The deceased was identified as Bablu, a resident of Jeewan Park.

The official said that the incident occurred on Thursday and eight people including seven juveniles have been apprehended.

According to the police, a police control room call was received on Thursday regarding a stabbing incident at Samaypur Badli police station from Jeewan Park, Siraspur area following which a police team rushed to the spot.

"On reaching the spot, it was revealed that injured Bablu was shifted to BSA Hospital in Rohini and was declared dead by the doctor," the official said.

"Further in the enquiry it was revealed that the deceased Bablu and accused persons are neighbours and one accused Raju had abused deceased's wife in a drunken state during a quarrel," the official added.

"Later, Raju brought some other persons to Bablu's room and one of them stabbed the victim. A case has been registered under section 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code and Raju and seven minors have been apprehended," he said.
Amaravati, March 4 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Saturday that if his party is voted back to power in the state, it would suppress political rowdyism.

Stating that the TDP has a record of suppressing extremists, factionists and communal forces, he said that political rowdyism will certainly be suppressed once the TDP forms the government again, as it is not a big issue for him.

He called upon the advocate community to firmly resist the misuse of power by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government.

Addressing the state-level legal cell of the TDP, Chandrababu Naidu told the advocates to ensure that the ruling party does not misuse the power.

The TDP supremo felt the need to wage a legal fight against the wicked policies of the YSRCP government along with political war.

Stating that the atrocities of the YSRCP government will be paid back with interest, Chandrababu Naidu called upon the advocate community to join hands with the party to "end the dictatorial rule" in the state.

Chandrababu assured the lawyers that those who firmly stand by the TDP now will be given top priority once the party is back in power.

Profusely thanking the advocates who have been bailing out the TDP leaders and activists from the false cases being foisted against them for the past four years, Naidu said that the role played by the advocates in every sphere is always crucial.

Stating that he has been a member of the state Legislative Assembly since 1978, Naidu felt that he has never witnessed this kind of situation in the state.

The TDP supremo remarked that the advocates are getting full-time work with the atrocious rule of the YSRCP, but other systems have totally collapsed.

The atrocities of this government had started with the arrest of the TDP state unit president, Atchen Naidu, Chandrababu said, adding that the party activists are now firmly resisting the barbarous attitude of the state government only because of the assistance extended by the advocates.
Jaipur, March 4 : The members of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Saturday staged a massive protest against the cases of frequent paper leaks and rising unemployment in the state.

The BJYM supporters, who led by top BJP leaders had left for the CM's house, were stopped by the police near the Civil Lines, where they got involved in a scuffle with the cops.

The police had to use water cannons to bring the situation under control. Later, the police detained several leaders, including state BJP President Satish Poonia and leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore.

Earlier, a public meeting was held outside the BJP headquarters, which was addressed by the party's state in-charge Arun Singh, Satish Poonia and Rajendra Rathore.

After this, the workers and supporters of BJYM and BJP, who came here from all parts of the state, left for the Chief Minister's residence but were stopped near the Civil Lines gate.

BJYM state President Himanshu Sharma said, "The Congress government is scared of the Yuva Morcha. We had taken a decision to gherao the Assembly only after seeing the schedule of the Assembly session. But the government adjourned the Assembly a day before its scheduled closure. We have been raising our voice on issues like paper leak, unemployment, deteriorating law and order situation in the state and will continue to do so."
Amaravati, March 4 : Tension once again gripped Ippatam village in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday after municipal authorities resumed demolition, evoking strong protest from the local residents.

The authorities razed the boundary walls of 12 houses with bulldozers while police personnel were deployed in large numbers to prevent any untoward incident.

The police had also deployed personnel at the entry points into the village and were allowing people only after checking their identification.

The action by the municipal authorities angered the villagers, who alleged that they were being targeted. Ignoring the protest, the officials carried on with their work.

Tension mounted after the officials moved to demolish the house of Jana Sena Party's village president Narasimha Rao.

After a huge protest by the villagers, the officials left after demolishing the boundary wall.

The villagers questioned the officials about what they intended to achieve by expanding the existing road when the village had no public transport facility.

Meanwhile, Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader N. Manohar termed the demolition as vendetta politics of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government.

He alleged that the ruling party is targeting the villagers just because they had given their land for a JSP meeting.

This is the second time that the municipal authorities have taken up demolition in the village.

In November last year, a few houses were demolished. Actor and JPS leader Pawan Kalyan had visited the village to show solidarity with the villagers.

He had alleged that houses of Jana Sena supporters were demolished.

He had alleged that the YSRCP government headed by Jagan Mohan Reddy is targeting the villagers for giving their lands for holding Jana Sena formation day public meeting on March 14, 2022.

He said when the ruling party leaders were threatening people in Amaravati not to cooperate with Jana Sena for its public meeting, villagers of Ippatam came forward to give their lands.
New Delhi, March 4 : Two days after the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting failed to adopt a joint communique owing to differences on the Ukraine crisis, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday underplayed similar differences which had cropped up during last month's G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors (FMCBG).

Addressing the Raisina Dialogue event, Sitharaman, while describing India as an attractive destination for global businesses, highlighted the rule of law among other factors as an important aspect.

Calling the rule of law an understated factor, Sitharaman said: "We have an elected democratic system, a well-established common law and also courts. Systems exist and there is transparency. Here, you can speak against the government and the Prime Minister... and nobody picks you up and makes you disappear. None of that happens here." Earlier, during the FMCBG meeting, which was held in Bengaluru last month, a joint communique could not be arrived at, as the Finance Ministers of China and Russia had opposed the inclusion of text condemning the war in Ukraine.

"The Finance Ministers' track at the G20 meeting had about 17 paragraphs, 15 of them were agreed to. Only two paragraphs relating to the Ukraine war were not endorsed by the two countries. On the issue of debt stress, there was complete unanimity," Sitharaman said during the Raisina Dialogue event.

She added that factors like well-trained youth, a middle class with good purchasing power, technology and digital infrastructure in the public space and the rule of law, make India a viable option for investment.
Villagers pick strawberries in a greenhouse in Tai'an, northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 2, 2023. Strawberries have entered the harvest season in Tai'an County. Villagers are busy picking strawberries to meet market demands. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

A villager picks strawberries in a greenhouse in Tai'an, northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 2, 2023. Strawberries have entered the harvest season in Tai'an County. Villagers are busy picking strawberries to meet market demands. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

Villagers arrange freshly-picked strawberries in Tai'an, northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 2, 2023. Strawberries have entered the harvest season in Tai'an County. Villagers are busy picking strawberries to meet market demands. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

Villagers pick strawberries in a greenhouse in Tai'an, northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 2, 2023. Strawberries have entered the harvest season in Tai'an County. Villagers are busy picking strawberries to meet market demands. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

Villagers pick strawberries in a greenhouse in Tai'an, northeast China's Liaoning Province, March 2, 2023. Strawberries have entered the harvest season in Tai'an County. Villagers are busy picking strawberries to meet market demands. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
New Delhi, March 4 : Sources in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Saturday that during the questionning of Manish Sisodia in connection with the 2021-22 excise policy case, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi was confronted with his ex-secretary C. Arvind, and former Excise Commissioner Arva Gopi.

Now the CBI will confront Sisodia with a few more witnesses in the case.

Meanwhile, Sisodia through his counsel said before the Rouse Avenue Courts on Saturday that Holi is a festival he wants to celebrate. His counsel argued that Sisodia should be released so that he could celebrate Holi, after which he will surrender. However, the court was not convinced with this argument, as it extended Sisodia's custody by two more days.

The CBI has already filed a chargesheet against seven persons in the case and it is all set to file a supplementary chargesheet in the matter.

The sources also claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also likely to arrest Sisodia as ED officials need to interrogate him.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 4 : A woman in Kerala who was protesting against the Kozhikode Medical College hospital after a scissor was left behind in her stomach during delivery in 2017 -- an episode for which she blamed the hospital authorities who in turn denied any negligence, called off the demonstration on Saturday after Health Minister Veena George assured her of action.

Harshina, in her 30s, was protesting to express her disappointment over a medical report that had investigated how an 11 cm long scissor was removed from her stomach last year.

Health Minister George, who on Saturday arrived for a function at the hospital complex, went to the protest venue -- near the Kozhikode Medical College hospital, and invited Harshina for a meeting.

After the meeting, George said that Harshina had been assured that "the government will be with her", and based on that, she had decided to call off her protest.

Speaking to the media, Harshina said "the Minister has assured that the government will consider her needs".

"Based on that, I decided to call off the protest. I will now wait for two weeks over the assurances given to me... however, I have decided to continue the case that I have filed for medical negligence," she said.

Sources in the know of things said that Harshina will be given compensation for the goof up which occurred in 2017.

Harshina was "deeply upset" when a report earlier this week stated there was no evidence which indicates that the scissor was left behind in her stomach by the Kozhikode Medical College hospital staff. She had delivered her third baby in 2017, and had a caesarean operation.

The latest report was the second one to be filed by a medical team which concluded that the scissor never belonged to the Kozhikode Medical College hospital. Harshina was dissatisfied with the report as the previous one came out with similar findings.

An upset Harshina had earlier said that she had lost faith in the healthcare system of the state, and also in Health Minister Veena George.

She went to the Kozhikode Medical College hospital on November 30, 2017 for her third delivery.

The scissor was removed following surgery at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital last year in October.

She recalled experiencing recurring pain in her stomach, and despite numerous consultations and checkups, the pain did not subside. Eventually, a CT scan revealed that a scissor was present in her stomach.
New Delhi, March 4 : The sixth meeting of the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Co-operation, constituted under the auspices of the India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, was held in India from February 27 to March 3.

An 11-member US delegation headed by Rear Admiral James Downey, Programme Executive Officer (PEO), Carriers visited various defence and industrial installations in Delhi and Kochi.

The opening session of the Joint Working Group Meeting was held on February 27 in Delhi and was co-chaired by Rear Admiral Sandeep Mehta, Assistant Controller Carrier Projects (ACCP).

During the meeting, Downey acknowledged India's status as one of the very few countries capable of constructing aircraft carriers, and appreciated India's landmark achievement of operating the indigenous aircraft, LCA, from the indigenous carrier in a short span of time post commissioning of the ship.

Further, both sides highlighted the good work undertaken by the Joint Working Group so far.

Plans for future co-operation under various aspects of Aircraft Carrier Technology were also discussed and a joint statement released.

As part of the visit, the US delegation also interacted with the senior leadership in both Delhi and Kochi.

The meeting marked yet another significant milestone in the ongoing co-operation between the two countries in the field of Aircraft Carrier technology.
Chennai, March 4 : The Tamil Nadu Police have chalked out a novel method to create awareness against the use of drugs among people.

The Tamil Nadu Police Enforcement Bureau has called for competitions to create awareness against drugs by asking the general public to produce 'Gaana', 'Reels', and 'Remixes' against drugs and its menace on the subject, 'anti-drug abuse'.

Participants can send in their entries till March 15, to the email id: anibcidcyber@gmail.com. The first three winners will be provided cash prizes of Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 15,000 respectively.

The police in a statement said that all valid entries will be provided a certificate of participation and appreciation.

This move is part of the Bureau's drive against drugs in an all-out manner. The Bureau has been taking stringent action against drug peddlers and has been organising awareness programmes regularly.

The police have also created 14,000 anti-drug clubs in educational institutions across the state.

The Enforcement Bureau conducted a concerted anti-drugs drive on August 11, 2022 and a mass pledge on anti-drugs was organised across the state.

More than 74 lakh students had participated in the pledge administered by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
New Delhi, March 4 : In a bid to strengthen the surveillance capabilities along the border areas, including borders with China, the Indian Army would be soon equipped with 'jetpack suits'.

The testing and demonstration of the jetpack suits made by British company 'Gravity Industries' were held recently at the Army Airborne Training School (AATS) in Agra.

Richard Browning, the founder of Gravity Industries, gave a demo of the jetpack system to the Indian Army.

The Indian Aerospace Defence News (IADN) shared a video on Twitter showing the Gravity Industries founder flying over a water body, road and fields in Agra.

The jetpack suit has three jet engines - one on the back and the other two on each hand, which helps the person to navigate in the air.

The Army had issued a request for the purchase of 44 jetpack suits through the fast-track procedure.

According to officials, the AATS imparts training in the aerial distribution of materials in various fields. Research and testing related to para-dropping are also carried out at the AATS.

A jetpack suit is a device that propels the wearer through the air. The device uses gas or liquid as fuel.

The testing of the jetpack suit in the country comes at a time when the Army is focusing on strengthening its overall surveillance mechanism along the nearly 3,500-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Especially after the dispute with Chinese troops on the eastern Ladakh border.

The jetpack suit is worn like a backpack and can carry a person weighing not more than 80 kg. It has a maximum speed of 50 km per hour.
New Delhi, March 4 : The Customs officials at the Chandigarh airport have arrested a man and recovered 18 bricks of pure gold wighing 1 kg each (total 18 kg) worth Rs 10,28,16,000 from his possession, a Customs official said on Saturday.

The official said that the accused, who arrived in Chandigarh from Dubai on a IndiGo flight, was held on the basis of passenger profiling. The gold bricks were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act and the passenger has been placed under arrest under Section 104 of the Act, the official said.
New Delhi, March 4 : Two criminals on a snatching and burgling spree to fulfil their demand for drugs and alcohol were nabbed by the police in Delhi, an official said on Saturday.

The accused have been identified as Vipin (24), a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, and Ashok Kumar (38), a resident of Lakhi Sarai, Bihar. The police said that they have also recovered three snatched phones and house breaking tools from the possession of the duo.

According to the police, in order to curb criminal activities in the Northwest Delhi, a police team was tasked to keep a check on criminals and anti-social activities.

"The team was briefed thoroughly and tasked to intensify patrolling to outlash criminals in the area so as to send a strong message among them.

"On Friday, a police team was patrolling in the area when it received information about suspicious activities of two persons suspected to be criminals," said Jitendra Kumar Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest).

A trap was laid near Ambedkar Nagar in Haiderpur following which the duo was nabbed.

On interrogation, the duo disclosed that they used to look for vacant houses to commit burglary and easy targets to commit snatchings.

"The duo took to crime to fulfil their need for drugs and alcohol," said the DCP, adding that efforts are being made to trace their possible involvement in other cases.
Jaipur, March 4 : Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and National Vice President of BJP, Vasundhara Raje hit out at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot while addressing a "mammoth" gathering assembled to celebrate her birthday at Salasar Balaji Dham in Churu district.

Raje's birthday falls on March 8, however in wake of Holi, she advanced the celebrations.

The former Chief Minister slammed the Gehlot government fiercely on the occasion. She said that those chosen for the safety of the public, were engaged in saving their chair all the time. "Rajasthan is burning due to anarchy and the Chief Minister is sleeping peacefully. This fire will soon reach his chair. Neither his government will be saved nor his chair," Raje said.

She further said that on one hand, the country is celebrating Amrit Kaal under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi while on the other hand, people are "suffering due to anarchy" in Rajasthan.

"Out of 33 lakh patients registered in Chiranjeevi scheme, not even 100 patients have been completely cured... Youths are demanding justice from the government for multiple paper leaks. Farmers who took loans from co-operative banks were not even given the insurance amount," the former Chief Minister alleged.

She also said that the people who have come to attend her birthday celebration stood by her in every phase. "No matter how many obstacles came, how many difficulties came, they never left me. They stood like a rock..." She recalled veteran party leaders including Atal Behari Vajpayee and Bhairon Singh Shekahwat on the occasion. "Atal ji instilled courage to stand firm even in difficult circumstances and Bhairon Singh ji gave confidence." Raje said that in 2003, people of the state brought the BJP to power by giving it 120 seats for the first time, which followed 163 seats in 2013. "My government transformed a 'Bimaru' (an acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) state into a developing state, but the Congress governments demolished the building of development that we had built," she asserted.

She concluded the speech with two lines of Hanuman Chalisa. After this the gathering assembled there recited the Hanuman Chalisa collectively.
Agartala, March 4 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said the issues raised by the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) need to be discussed by the Centre and the new BJP government in Tripura.

Sarma, who is also the convener of the BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), said that talks between the BJP and the TMP may resume but it should be under the Constitutional framework, and not on the condition of dividing Tripura.

The issues related to the tribals can be heard and discussed, the Assam Chief Minister told the media.

"The election results were the outcome of people's faith and trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. BJP is keen to work with all concerned and for the benefit of all," said Sarma, who visited Tripura on Saturday for the first time after the BJP came to power in Tripura for the second consecutive term.

Sarma, who before the assembly polls held several rounds of negotiations with TMP supremo and former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, said that talks can resume but we cannot talk about 'Greater Tipraland State'.

He said that because of Prime Minister Modi's good governance, the BJP and its allies are leading in most northeastern states.

Sarma, who discussed with Tripura BJP leaders about the formation of a second saffron party-led government, said that the swearing in ceremony in Tripura would be held on March 8, while in Meghalaya and Nagaland, it would be held on March 7.

The influential tribal based TMP, which has been demanding elevation of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) into a full-fledged state by granting a 'Greater Tipraland State' or a separate state under Article 2 and 3 of the Constitution, for the first time contested the Tripura assembly elections and secured 13 seats.

Contesting assembly polls for the first time, the TMP fielded 42 seats in the February 16 elections.
New Delhi, March 4 : After the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, V.K. Saxena, approved the Education Department's proposal for training programme of primary teachers in Finland on Saturday, the Aam Aadmi party termed the approval a fraud upon the Constitution and the Supreme Court order.

The party said that the L-G has acted like a 'mini dictator'.

According to AAP, Saxena has returned the amended proposal for Finland teacher training programme after sitting on it for four months and ensuring that the proposal itself became infructuous since the trainings were to be held in December 2022 and March 2023.

Earlier on Saturday, Saxena approved the Education Department's proposal for training programme for primary in-charges in Finland. However, the L-G has increased the number of primary in-charges, who were to proceed to Finland for training, from 52 to 87 so as to ensure equal representation of primary in-charges from all 29 administrative zones of the Education Department.

"Now more than four months after the file was first submitted to him, the L-G has once again returned the proposal with amendments in flagrant violation of the Constitution and SC orders. In his amended proposal, the L-G has sought to modify the number of teachers to be sent for training, besides seeking to curtail such international training programmes in the future by mandating that the batch of teachers being sent should become trainers for the rest of the teachers," AAP said.

AAP also said that the L-G's actions display a complete disregard and disrepect for the advice of SCERT Delhi, the expert body that has overseen all teacher training programmes for several decades.

"L-G's comments on the file violate SC orders and the Constitution directly. A Constitution bench order dated July 4, 2018 had clearly laid down the law that the L-G of Delhi cannot taken any independent decision on any of the transferred subjects that come under the domain of the elected government, including education," AAP said.

"The file for the Finland teacher training programme was sent to the L-G in October 2022 to decide whether he wishes to differ with the decision of the Education Minister. According to Rule 49 of the amended Transaction of Business of GNCTD 2021, in case of a difference of opinion between the L-G and the minister regarding any matter, the L-G must endeavour to resolve the difference of opinion through discussion within 15 days. If the difference of opinion persists, the matter is to be referred to the Council of Ministers," Delhi government said in a statement.

"The Council of Ministers must then deliberate on the issue within 10 days and take a decision. If the matter still remains unresolved or a decision is not taken within the stipulated time period by the Council of Ministers, it is deemed that the difference of opinion continues to persist, and the matter must be referred to the President of India by the L-G for a final decision as per Rule 50," it added.

Calling L-G's action as unqualified overreach, Delhi government said that there is no legal or academic basis on which the L-G can substitute the proposal made by an expert body of the government with his own misplaced wisdom.
Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2023. The CPPCC National Committee held a press conference on Friday, one day ahead of the top political advisory body's annual session. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body, will start its annual session at 3 p.m. Saturday in Beijing, a spokesperson said Friday.

The first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee is scheduled to conclude on the afternoon of March 11, Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the session, told a press conference.

During the session, political advisors will hear and deliberate a report about the work of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a report on the work of proposals from political advisors, according to Guo.

The political advisors will be present at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress as non-voting participants, and will hear and discuss reports including a government work report, Guo added.

An amendment to the CPPCC charter and a political resolution on the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee will be reviewed and adopted during the session, Guo said.

The election of a new leadership for the top advisory body is also on the agenda, Guo noted.

The members of the 14th CPPCC National Committee fall into 34 groups and are from all of China's 56 ethnic groups, Guo said, adding that 60.8 percent of them are not members of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

They are broadly representative with improved structure of composition, and outstanding individuals from all walks of life have been included, said the spokesperson.

The CPPCC is an important organ for multiparty cooperation and political consultation led by the CPC. 

Editor: Zhang Zhou
New Delhi, March 4 : Delhi's Karkardooma Court has granted bail to a man accused of murder during the North-East Delhi riots 2020, saying even as the prosecution examined the cited eyewitnesses, none supported the case.

The court also asked the Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora to sensitise all Investigating Officers (IOs) about their duty towards assisting the court in a fair manner.

Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala was hearing the bail plea of Rishabh Chaudhary in a case of rioting and alleged murder of a man in Gokulpuri area during the 2020 riots.

The deceased was identified as Mushraff and his body was found in a drain near Johripur Pulia in Gokalpuri on February 27, 2020.

According to the postmortem report, there were 12 external injuries on the body and the cause of death was injuries to the brain produced by blunt force impact.

"... cited eyewitnesses have been examined, but they did not establish the incident in question. The other two remaining witnesses did not claim having seen any person in the mob. In view of my above mentioned observations and the present situation in the case, I find the applicant to be entitled to bail," the judge said in the order.

"Hence, bail application is allowed and applicant Rishabh Chaudhary is admitted to bail, on his furnishing P/B and S/B in the sum of Rs 30,000 each with one surety in the like amount," the court ordered.

The judge further said that in the reply, apart from giving the gist of the investigation done in this case, the Investigation Officer (IO) referred to the statement of an eye-witness and, according to the prosecution, this witness had identified the rioters and had named them.

"In the description of exact evidence against the applicant, the IO has simply mentioned the name of the cited and relied upon alleged eyewitnesses. In the concluding part of the reply, IO mentioned that the trial of the case is in advance stage and during the same, one witness had positively identified the applicant. However, IO has not mentioned the name of such witness, which according to him identified the applicant," said the judge.

"The witness categorically stated that he had not identified any one in the mob on February 24, 2020 and on February 25, 2020, he did not come out of his home at any point of time. He also stated that he did not mention the name of any person as a member of the mob seen by him on February 25, 2020, before the police, nor did he identify any one before the police," the court said.

The court observed that the statement of this witness was recorded in the presence of Special PP and IO, but the reply filed by IO does not refer to such a statement of this witness.

"... hence, once again I call upon the Commissioner of Police to do the needful for proper sensitisation of all the IOs in this respect," the court ordered.
New Delhi, March 4 : Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Saturday met Bharatiya Janata Party president J.P. Nadda here under the 'Know BJP' campaign at the party headquarters.

Abbott, a member of the Liberal Party, served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives (1994-2019). He was the Prime Minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015.

Taking to Twitter, Nadda wrote: "Met former Australian PM Abbott today as a part of our #KnowBJP campaign at the BJP HQ. We had an insightful discussion ranging from strengthening bilateral ties, to the BJP's vision for nation building and how we can learn from each other's experiences." Nadda launched this initiative to make people more familiar with the BJP on the party's Foundation Day in April last year.

Through the 'Know BJP' campaign, the party seeks to improve bilateral ties with several nations while also educating the public about its principles and methods of operation.
Chennai, March 4 : AIADMK Organising Secretary and former minister, D. Jayakumar, has alleged that the deposed Coordinator of the party, O. Panneerselvam (OPS), had mortgaged the party and surrendered it to the DMK.

He was reacting to the statement of OPS against the AIADMK Interim General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) on the party's defeat in the Erode East bypolls.

Jayakumar said that OPS had voted against the AIADMK government during the trust vote in 2017 and even after that EPS made him Deputy Chief Minister as well as Coordinator of the party.

The former Minister alleged that EPS has however taken measures to protect the party after he realised that OPS had surrendered to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

He also said that OPS was a 'paper tiger' and added that the former AIADMK Coordinator was in an imaginary world and that he believed that the party would be strengthened only by joining hands with persons like former Interim General Secretary, V.K. Sasikala. He said that Panneerselvam had made allegations against her in the past.

Jayakumar said that Palaniswami had never spoken ill of the former Coordinator and added that EPS was devoting himself to the task of safeguarding the party.
Dhaka, March 5 : At least six people were killed and more than 30 were injured in an explosion at an oxygen plant in Kadam Rasul (Keshabpur) area of Chittagong's Sitakunda upazila in Bangladesh, police said.

Tofazzel Ahmed, Officer-in-charge of Sitakunda police station, confirmed the number of the deaths and the number of injuries while talking to IANS.

Five of the deceased were identified as Shamsul Alam, Farid, Ratan Lakhret, Md. Shahid and Md. Kader, said sources at the information centre of Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

The identity of the other deceased could not be confirmed yet. Among the six deceased, a man was killed after being hit by a metal object that fell on him at Kadamrasul Bazar, about a kilometre away from the spot.

After visiting the spot, Md. Fakhruzzaman, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner, told IANS that the injured are being treated at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The police said no legal paper was shown from the side of the Shima Oxygen plant.

Earlier, S.M. Shafiullah, Superintendent of Police, Chattogram, said police cordoned off the oxygen plant. A blast occurred at the oxygen plant of Sheema Automatic Re-Rolling Mills Limited in Kadamrusul area, next to the Dhaka-Chattogram highway on Saturday afternoon.

On June 4,2022, a fire and explosion at the BM Container Depot in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram claimed the lives of 51 people while more than 200 were injured and a huge quantity of import and export containers were damaged.
Patna, March 5 : While Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav is facing criticism over the alleged assault on Bihari labourers in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar spoke to his Tamil Nadu counterpart M.K. Stalin and sent a team there to investigate the incident.

Nitish visited the statue of famous writer Phanishwar Nath Renu in Patna and said that he has directed the State Chief Secretary and Bihar DGP to send a team to observe the ground situation in Tamil Nadu.

Bihari labourers were brutally assaulted by local Tamilians for the last 15 days. Many of the labourers returned home and complained about the brutality in Tamil Nadu.

Tejashwi visited Chennai to congratulate the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on his 70th birth anniversary on Wednesday.

After returning to Patna, Tejashwi quoted the statement of Tamil Nadu DGP in Bihar Assembly and said that no violence has occurred involving Bihari labourers in Tamil Nadu.

On the other hand, several labourers claimed that they were beaten during the day as well as in the evening hours.

The Opposition BJP leaders have raised it as a major issue in Bihar Assembly. A delegation of BJP also met with the Bihar Chief minister as well.

Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav also claimed that he and his teams have received several calls from Tamil Nadu and the callers requested him for their rescue.

He also slammed the Bihar Deputy Chief Minister for making a statement in the state Assembly without verifying the ground situation.

Meanwhile, there is also a theory emerging in Bihar that labourers are returning home to celebrate Holi and their remigration from workplace to their native place is wrongfully presented by the Opposition parties.

The Bihar government is waiting for the report of the police team now.
Manila, March 5 : Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has strongly condemned the assassination of Negros Oriental province Governor Roel Degamo, vowing his administration will bring those behind the killing to justice.

"My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice," Marcos said in a statement on Saturday.

He added the investigation into Degamo's murder "is developing rapidly".

"We have received much information and now have a clear direction on how to bring to justice those behind this killing," Marcos said.

Initial police reports said Degamo was talking to some of his constituents in front of his house in Pamplona town of the province in the central Philippines on Saturday morning, when a group of armed men onboard two sport utility vehicles fired at the victim several times, also hitting some bystanders, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a video message posted on social media, Degamo's wife, Pamplona town Mayor Janice Degamo confirmed the death of her husband at a local hospital where he died two hours after the attack.

In a separate statement, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos said he has already ordered the Philippine National Police to conduct a pursuit operation against the assassins.

Degamo is the latest victim in several killings targeting politicians this year.
After twenty-five years, I am proud to say that I am as passionate about doors and our customers as I was the day we started. I stand behind the products we manufacture and those we aspire to make in the future, said Mr. Careri.

Twenty-five years ago, we set out to build the type of door that we would want in our own home. That journey began a relentless mission to manufacture the finest door products possible. Our customers success is the incentive that fuels our continual drive to create a superior product, now and in the future.With a state-of-the-art facility in Toronto, Tru Tech Doors manufactures premium products that are sold through the distribution channel in North America. Our skilled professionals are constantly striving to revolutionize the door manufacturing industry through continued product research, development, innovation, and best-in-class customer service.

After twenty-five years, I am proud to say that I am as passionate about doors and our customers as I was the day we started. I stand behind the products we manufacture and those we aspire to make in the future, said Mr. Careri. I look forward to many years ahead working directly with Tru Techs exceptional employees and harnessing their talent and passion that benefits our customers.

Tru Tech Doors has designed the Harbour Craft Estate fiberglass doors within the last year and are currently manufacturing these doors on-site. They are the foundation of an extensive range of styles, textures and panel profiles that feature a balance of being functional and esthetically beautiful.

For product inquiries  contact:

1.888.760.0099 or visit http://www.trutechdoors.com Follow us online:

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The Center for Responsible Seafood (TCRS), a non-profit organization whose mission is centered on research, education, and collaboration to support responsible and regenerative seafood production, will host the Shrimp Summit, July 24-26, 2023 at the New World Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Asia constitutes two thirds of global shrimp production, but growth in Vietnam, China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia is leveling off or contracting. On the other hand, Ecuador is projected to represent the majority of the worlds 7 percent growth in shrimp production in 2023, said Dr. George Chamberlain, president of TCRS and co-founder and former president of the Global Seafood Alliance.

The goal of the Shrimp Summit is to reverse the declining growth trend across Asia by bringing together key leaders from production, market, and conservation communities in focused breakout sessions to discuss constraints, innovations, and practical solutions, Dr. Chamberlain elaborated.

Summit topics will include global production forecasts, market expectations, shrimp health, breeding, intensification, improver programs for small-holder farmers, sustainable feeds, opportunities to expand markets, and green/sustainable financing. Discussions and webinars will begin on the TCRS Online Community well in advance of the Shrimp Summit to begin exchanging ideas and sharing expertise. These discussions will continue long after the event to assure an enduring impact. By sharing expertise, developing a common understanding of issues, and working toward consensus solutions, new paradigms are expected to emerge through productivity, improved livelihoods, and achievement of a higher level of sustainability, especially regarding climate change.

Vietnam was selected as the location for the 2023 Responsible Shrimp Summit because of its robust seafood economy  the countrys seafood exports exceeded USD $10 billion last year  and its central location to the rest of Southeast Asia and South Asia. The Directorate of Fisheries of Vietnam will co-host the event, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council has signed on as the first sponsor. A special highlight of this event will be the opportunity to participate in optional field trips to shrimp production facilities in Vietnam, including Minh Phus 2,3,4 super-intensive round tank farm and organic farms raising shrimp in harmony with mangrove forests.

Attendees will represent the entire seafood value chain  including farmers, processors, exporters and importers, feed manufacturers, wholesalers, retail and foodservice buyers, technology and other service providers, NGOs, and government officials. Some of the worlds leading retail and foodservice shrimp buyers will participate in the conference; these buyers play a key role in influencing shrimp production practices through corporate social responsibility policies and associated sourcing specifications.

Registration for the 2023 Responsible Shrimp Summit will open in March 2023 at responsibleseafood.org. Packages will offer in-person and virtual access; all packages will include access to the TCRS Online Community, access to pre-summit webinars, and post-Summit on-demand recordings of sessions. In-person packages will include the option to join field trips to shrimp production facilities before and after the Summit.

Organizations interested in sponsoring the 2023 Shrimp Summit should contact Carolyn Gibbons, cgibbons@responsibleseafood.org. Small-scale shrimp farmers are invited to apply for one of ten scholarships available to cover the cost of registration (application available in March 2023).

Proceeds from the 2023 Responsible Shrimp Summit will benefit the work of TCRS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

ABOUT TCRS

The Center for Responsible Seafood (TCRS), formerly known as the Responsible Aquaculture Foundation, envisions a world meeting the critical need for seafood through regenerative processes and responsible seafood production. TCRS, a nonprofit organization, has developed a track record on transformative projects through knowledge sharing, applied research, field demonstrations, trainings and collaboration with industry, governments, NGOs, academia, development banks, and foundations. TCRS strives to go beyond sustainability, which implies maintaining current conditions for future generations, to regenerative production, which seeks to restore environmental and social systems to levels that are better than the current condition. An example is assisting thousands of traditional small-holder black tiger shrimp farmers in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and other SE Asian countries to produce distinctive large sizes with a low carbon footprint, premium quality, and strong social benefits. In 2021, TCRS launched an online global community, e-learning program and continuing professional development courses and certifications to address the needs of the growing and rapidly evolving seafood sector.

For more information and to join the TCRS Online Community, visit http://www.responsibleseafood.org.###
Visitor Guard has introduced the Visitors Protect plan that covers pre-existing conditions like any other illnesses. Earlier, travelers could find comprehensive and fixed-benefit health insurance policies offering limited coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. No insurance plans covered pre-existing conditions; hence, it was challenging for visitors with pre-existing illnesses to find the right plan. Now, with the Visitors Protect plan, traveling abroad will be easier for visitors.

It offers temporary medical coverage with pre-existing conditions, including doctor visits, lab work, prescriptions, and more. The maximum limit for pre-existing condition coverage through age 69 is $25,000, and for ages 70 and older is $20,000. The plan is ideal for travelers aged 60 and above, though it can be bought by individuals aged between 14 days (about 2 weeks) to 99 years.

Apart from covering pre-existing conditions, it offers coverage to in-patient and out-patient medical accidents & illnesses of $50,000, $100,000, or $250,000 for individuals under 69 years of age and a maximum of $50,000 for ages 70 and above. In addition, it covers medical evacuation, emergency reunion, repatriation of remains, AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment), return of minor children, prescription drugs, emergency local ambulance, COVID-19 care, chiropractic care, dental treatment, physical therapy, extended care facility, home nursing care, etc.

Another distinct feature that sets it apart from other robust travel medical insurance policies is CareClix Consultancy. The plan provides insured individuals with a broad network of board-certified medical professionals, which they can access online or by telephone to diagnose, treat or prescribe medications for non-emergency medical issues. Visitors Protect is underwritten by Sirius Point Speciality Insurance Corporation and has received an A- rating by the AM Best Rating. Visitors Protect is a comprehensive plan that extends its coverage to the US, Mexico, and Canada. Individuals and families planning to visit these countries from their home country can buy this plan. The coverage starts from 90 days (about 3 months) up to 12 months for non-US residents and citizens coming to the US, Canada, and Mexico. The plan is not designed for US nationals or citizens.

Pre-existing conditions should not stop anyone from traveling to new destinations. With our new plan, travelers get the opportunity to secure themselves financially from diseases that already exist. Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, flu, high blood pressure, etc., are considered pre-existing medical conditions. The premium is calculated based on the travelers age, trip duration, policy maximum, and deductible. The higher the travelers age, trip length, and policy maximum, the higher will be the premium.

Buying the plan is easy. Visitor Guard is always there to help and guide its customers. Call or email us, and we will walk you through the buying process, followed by answers to your concerns and queries about the plan.
To be selected twice for this coveted award is a testament to the entire Halo teams dedication to improving the investment experience.

Halo Investing has been named to Fast Companys prestigious annual list of the Worlds Most Innovative Companies for 2023. This years list highlights the businesses at the forefront of their respective industries, paving the way for the innovations of tomorrow. These companies are setting the standard with some of the greatest accomplishments of the modern world. In addition to the Worlds 50 Most Innovative Companies, 540 organizations are recognized across 54 sectors and regions.

To be selected twice for this coveted award is a testament to the entire Halo teams dedication to improving the investment experience. Day in and day out, the team remains ruthlessly focused on innovation. To help improve the financial well-being of our clients, Halo takes great pride in democratizing access to solutions once exclusive to a select few, said Biju Kulathakal, co-founder & CEO of Halo.

Over the past 12-plus months, Halo has met several key milestones, including a significant overhaul of the Halo platform to improve the user experiencemaking it even easier to create, analyze, and manage unique financial solutions. In addition, Halos enterprise team inked a number of high-profile deals with a variety of the worlds biggest asset management names, and the company was invited to the World Economic Forums Annual Meeting to discuss protective investing.

"Halo is now positioned to bring the structured note industry needed transparency, efficiency, and accessibility. Opening an office in Abu Dhabi demonstrates our commitment to doing this globally and at scale," adds Jason Barsema, Halo president and co-founder. Fast Companys editors and writers sought out the companies making the biggest strides around the globe. They also judged nominations received through their application process.

The Worlds Most Innovative Companies is Fast Companys signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides a firsthand look at the inspiring and innovative efforts of companies across all sectors of the economy.

"What a strange and thrilling year it has been to honor this years Most Innovative Companies. This years list compiles some of the most cutting-edge groundbreakers who are changing our world every single day, from legacy organizations like McDonalds to upstarts like MrBeast and institutions such as NASA. Everyone on this list does something completely, uniquely different, yet, they all have one thing in common: innovation, said Fast Company Editor-in-Chief Brendan Vaughan.

Fast Company will host its third annual Most Innovative Companies Summit on April 19 and 20. The virtual summit celebrates the Most Innovative Companies in business, and provides an inside look at cutting-edge business trends and what it takes to innovate in 2023. Fast Companys Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2023) is available online here, as well as in app form via iTunes, and on newsstands beginning March 14. The hashtag is #FCMostInnovative.

About Halo Investing

Founded in 2015, Halo Investing is an award-winning technology platform that disrupts how protective investment solutions are used worldwide. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Abu Dhabi and Zurich, Halo is democratizing access to investment solutions that were previously unavailable to most investors, including structured notes, buffered ETFs, and annuities. Halo has received a growing number of honors and was recently named one of Fast Companys Ten Most Innovative Companies. For more information, please visit: http://www.haloinvesting.com.Halo Investing is not a broker/dealer. Securities offered through Halo Securities LLC, a SEC registered broker/dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. Halo Securities LLC is affiliated with Halo Investing Insurance Services and Halo Investing. Halo Securities LLC acts solely as distributor/selling agent and is not the issuer or guarantor of any structured note products.

About FAST COMPANY

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at http://www.fastcompany.com.
The world has a moral obligation to the Ukrainian soldiers who defend freedom, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video message on Friday.

"Every day, Ukrainian heroes give their lives to stop Russian aggression. And that is why the world has a clear moral obligation to our soldiers, to each and every one who is currently in battle and who defends freedom," he said.

"This duty is to restore justice and bring the terrorist state and its leadership to justice. And it will be," Zelenskyy said.

"And I thank all partners of Ukraine. I thank every leader, every politician, every public figure of the helping states  for understanding the price that the Ukrainian people pay for their freedom and that of all Europeans," the president stressed.
Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Citibank, N.A., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against Citibank, N.A., alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against Citibank, N.A. is currently pending in the San Mateo County Superior Court, Case No. 23-CIV-00588. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here.

According to the lawsuit filed, Defendant allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse employees for required expenses, (f) failed to provide wages when due, and (g) failed to pay sick pay wages, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections  201-204, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct.

The Complaint alleges Citibank, N.A. failed to pay employees for all the time they were under the employer's control. This, allegedly, includes the time Plaintiff and California Class Members had to submit to mandatory COVID-19 screening prior to clocking in for the day. To the extent that the time worked off the clock did not qualify for overtime premium payment, Defendant allegedly failed to pay minimum and overtime wages for the time worked off-the-clock.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against Citibank, N.A., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County, and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other types of illegal workplace conduct.

***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT***
"Most of my life is like, how did I end up here?

Thats James Comey talkinga guy who has prosecuted the New York mob, been one of the eight human beings in history to run the FBI, held that press conference in October 2016, was a certain ex-presidents favored Twitter punching bag for a time, and now, as he speaks, is sitting in a conference room at the Janklow & Nesbit office in Midtown Manhattan discussing Central Park West, a kaleidoscopic crime novel he wrote involving the Mafia and the murder of a former New York governor. Mysterious Press is sending it out into the world in May.

So, yeah, not a common career trajectory, but this latest unexpected twist, adding novelist to his CV, is one the 62-year-old is all in on. At the Janklow offices, hes dressed like hes ready for his author photo shoot, having traded the sober suit-and-tie combo for a dark green blazer, gray sweater, jeans, and sneakers. Theres a brightness about him, and hes much more animated than his podium performances of the past would suggest. Hes almost downright smiley as he makes it known that this whole novel thing isnt a lark. This isnt stamp collecting or something, he says. This is what I want my living to be.

This isnt Comeys first time at the publishing rodeo. His 2018 memoir, A Higher Loyalty, was a bestseller and relentless headline generator, and its 2021 follow-up, Saving Justice, took a longer view of his career in law enforcement and how the Justice Department operates. Zack Wagman, Flatirons editorial director, worked with Comey on both of those and is responsible for putting the fiction bug in his ear.

He kept nudging me and nudging me and saying, Look, someday you really ought to give it a shot. You could show people the worlds youre interested in through fiction in a really cool way,  Comey says. That sort of percolated and percolated, and then I sat down to talk to my amazing spouse, who has great story vision. And she said, I wonder if you could do a story about New York, about the Mafia. So I started working on baby steps, and I found it to be so fun, and so much harder than writing nonfiction, but it drew me in.

That was spring 2021, and Comey established a masochistic process of getting feedback (sometimes, he reports, brutal feedback) from his wife, Patrice, every morning based on what hed written the day before. Theyd have coffee, go over her notes, see which birds were hanging out by the bird feeders out back, and then hed set up shop on his laptop and grind away until he ran out of steam. Some days hed put his head down and look up and hours would have passed by. Other days were inert. But soon enough, a story came together, and Comey got hooked.

Im excited about this, he says. This is what I want to do until Im old and foolish. I dont know how people will react to it. I hope they like it. But its a strange place to be in, doing something totally different, and caring whether it works or not. And thats also exciting, but it induces some nervousness.

It wouldnt take much imagination to picture the knives being especially out for this one (and if you really want to go somewhere dark, imagine the venom coming from anonymous online reviewers), but the truth is: the book works. Its solid and convincing, and its secret sauce is the lived-in details that can only come from someone familiar with those five steps leading up from Centre Street to the grim Soviet-looking Manhattan courthouse where criminal trials are heard. Theres the drab, leak-prone offices federal prosecutors toil in; the impossibility of getting a lunch order delivered, since their buildings address isnt agreed upon; the opulence of some halls of justice, the linoleum glory of others; and the vagaries of life as an up-and-coming assistant U.S. attorney.

This latter bit comes courtesy of the character Nora Carleton. Shes a single mom; lives in Hoboken, N.J.; and is a pro at hitting the sales to piece together a wardrobe befitting someone representing the nation in court. As the novel opens, Noras working a mob case with a cooperating witness. In another courtroom nearby, Kyra Burke stands accused of murdering her estranged husband, former New York governor Tony Burke, who had covered himself in #MeToo shame. The reader knows from the prologue that Kyras innocent and was framed, but its up to her very expensive defense attorney to prove it.

The two cases converge after Noras witness is found dead in the trunk of a car, two bullet holes in his forehead and his mouth full of canary feathers. Benny Dugan, a full-on youse guise federal investigator who makes former Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz sound like Morgan Freeman, helps stitch it all togetherwho really killed Tony, and how it happened.

Which is to say, Comeys had his hands on the real-world versions of all these moving parts. That experience shows, and the trick became the classic fiction writers dilemma of showing, not telling. Patrice helped with some of this, as did Comeys agent, Janklow & Nesbits Kirby Kim, who sold the book to mystery legend Otto Penzlers Mysterious Press on a partial and proposal.

When I first met Otto, Comey says, I said to him, One of the challenges of becoming a prominent person is its hard to get people to tell you the truth. When I was FBI director, it was something I obsessed about, because everybody dressed up when they came to see me, they stood up when I came in the room, but are they really going to tell me when I suck? And Otto said, No problem! You have come to the right place. Doing a crime novel with Otto as your editorthat, to me, is a dream. But part of the dream is, he will blast you when you need blasting.

Mysterious Press editor-in-chief Luisa Cruz Smith was the other member of what Comey calls his dream team.

Louisas knife is every bit as sharp as Ottos, but it comes in at a more oblique angle, Comey says. Thats kind of cool when you have two people like that coming at you. With feedback, my first reaction is, just tell me its great. And then, when they dont, its like, thank God they didnt blow smoke at me.

If the stars line up for this onethey are starting to, with a murderers row of blurbers having blurbed and an eight-city U.S. tour plannedit could mark the beginning of a very long run. Comeys just wrapped up a draft of a second novel in a planned trilogy. That would be the first of three seriesone set in and around New York, then D.C., then Richmond, Va. There might even be a fourth one in there, in Chicago.

Minutes before sitting down to talk, Comey saw his ARCs for the first time. Hes got one in his hand, sort of sizing it up, and you can actually see it sinking in: the realization that this very long path hes mapped out in his heart is materializing.

Ive always loved bookstores, Comey says. This may sound weird, but its the way they smell. I havent done this recently, but I did it many times after A Higher Loyalty was publishedId go in and find my book, sign it, and slip it back on the shelf, or sign a bunch of them and slip them back on the shelf. And so I have that same flashback: this will be in bookstores, and I will travel around, which is fun, and see it. But its so different from my identity in a way. With Higher Loyalty, thats about government, and thats kind of who I am. This is an identity I havent fully adjusted to yet. And so I picture it on the shelves, and I dont know how thatll feel.
Asked and Answered

I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai, which our starred review called a clever and deeply thoughtful story involving a 1990s boarding school murder and its repercussions decades later, debuts at #4 on our hardcover fiction list.

Makkai, who attended boarding school in the early 1990s, told PW in a prepub interview that I was always going to end up writing a boarding school novel.... If Im in a certain mood, Im able to access this sense of deep past, to rethink who I was then and understand what was problematic about the culture of the 90s. The novel follows Makkais 2018 National Book Award and Pulitzer finalist, The Great Believers, which boosted her profile and sales trajectory.

Seeing Double

Freida McFaddens domestic thriller The Housemaids Secret debuts at #6 on our trade paperback list. Its the sequel to The Housemaid, which has sold 133K print copies since its August publication and claimed a consistent spot on our trade paper list; its up three spots this week to #9. A recent article in the Bookseller called the novel the all-time biggest earner for Bookouture, a decade-old digital startup that Hachette U.K. acquired in 2017. The imprint has partnered with Grand Central on many of its U.S. releases, including The Housemaid; The Housemaids Secret was released here as a Bookouture title.

New Outfit

Since John Patrick Green launched his InvestiGators middle grade series in 2020, the six pun-packed graphic novels have sold a combined 738K print copies. Now a spin-off series launches with InvestiGators: Agents of S.U.I.T., #3 on our childrens fiction list. Green began thinking about expanding the world of the InvestiGators as the original books picked up steam, he told PW in a prepub interview, and fielded anonymous submissions in order to find cowriter Christopher Hastings, a fellow SVA alum and the creator of the webcomic Adventures of Dr. McNinja, and illustrator Pat Lewis, whose past projects include work on other childrens books and in Highlights.

NEW & NOTABLE

THINGS WE HIDE FROM THE LIGHT

Lucy Score

#1 Trade Paperback, #1 overall

Score pairs a sassy insurance investigator with the police chief of a sleepy Virginia town in her sprawling second Knockemout romance, according to our review. She keeps the pages turning with a twisty, danger-laced plot; feisty leads; and blazing passion.

YOUNG FOREVER

Mark Hyman

#1 Hardcover Nonfiction,

#2 overall

Outlining strategies to maintain good health into ones later years, Hyman promotes common wisdom about refraining from smoking, getting 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, and maintaining a protein-rich diet, per our review. A few unrealistic remedies aside, this makes for a solid primer on keeping up ones health in old age.
Scholz at meeting with Biden: Germany to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during a meeting at the White House with U.S. President Joseph Biden that Germany would stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, CNN reports.

"This is a very, very important year because of the very dangerous threat to peace that comes from Russia invading Ukraine, and it's really important that we acted together, that we organized in lockstep, and that we made it feasible that we can give the necessary support to Ukraine during all this time," Scholz said at a meeting on Friday.

In turn, Biden noted that Scholz's support for Ukraine "made a world of difference" during the war.

"You stepped up and provided critical military support and you know, I would argue that beyond your military support, the moral support you gave to Ukrainians has been profound. And you've driven historic changes at home  increase in defense spending and diversifying away from Russian energy sources  I know that has not been easy, very difficult for you," Biden said.

"As NATO allies, we're making the alliance stronger and more capable," he added.
In 2022, the comics retail sector attempted to level out the roller-coaster track of the recent pandemic years. After a period of significant change in the industry, paired with record sales, many retailers expressed a desire for a return to normalcy this past yearand a continued uptick in revenue.

The sales gains have held for now, at the very least. Coming off the high-water mark of 2021, adult graphic novels still boasted a modest 4.6% sales increase in 2022, according to NPD BookScan, with YA comics sales rising a surprising 20%. Though kids and middle grade graphic novels dipped by 3%, the category is still up 29% over 2020. Overall, it was a welcome result.

Last year wasnt just a good year for sales. Supply chain issues also improved dramatically, particularly on the manga front, and there was stabilization in single-issue comics distribution, even if it remained imperfect. However, word on the ground from retailers was that added workload, increasingly complex logistics, and a glut of product complicated the overall positive outlook.

PWs annual comics retailer survey offers an anecdotal look into the comics retail landscape. We checked in with retailers at six comics outlets across North America, including from the direct marketa section of the industry comprising 3,000 or so independent shops that buy mostly nonreturnable stock at wholesale from direct-market distributorsand general bookstores with robust graphic novels sections. Owners and staff shared their thoughts on year-to-year performance, the titles and genres that ratcheted up sales, the impact of economic uncertainty and industry changes, and their projections and mood moving into 2023.

While nearly every bookseller PW spoke with is upbeat about the market, some comics shops dealt with a slight downturn on the single-issue comic side in 2022, with the broader graphic novel channel offsetting that dip. Sales there were driven by manga and adult graphic novels. Frustration was expressed, though, about navigating the rapid growth in output from publishers that rushed to capitalize on the hot market. Retailers contended with an overabundance of title options, including variant covers (a quirk of the comics market: alternative covers for single-issue comics designed for collecting purposes). Shoppers like choices, but stores had to gamble on what to stock, resulting in high variance in sales and lengthy ordering processes. The impact of economic uncertainty was also starting to be felt.

But even if anxieties occasionally spiked behind the register, eager fans brought contagious enthusiasm through the door. Comics retailers closed the year optimistic that theyre steering toward a bright futureparticularly if some issues are cleaned up along the route.

A weird yet successful year

Jenn Haines, the owner of The Dragon in Guelph, Ontario, sums 2022 up as a bit of a weird one in retrospect. Thats because shops saw that this years largely flat or improved performance came with associated costs. For example, Haines mentions that her two storefronts enjoyed a 13% sales increase over 2021, but that she also closed a third location in a strategic move in late August. Her lease was up at an outlet that didnt grow her customer base as much as it segmented it. The savings on rent allowed her to renovate her flagship shop, a move thats proved beneficial. The business is stronger than ever, and 2023 has started just as strong, Haines says, but it constantly felt like I was fighting my way to the finish line.

Others chimed in with similarly contrasting reports. They commented on the unique stress factors that came along with riding out boom times in an ongoing period of change. Everyone in comics retail continues to deal with the ripple effects of the past couple years.

Challengers Comics + Conversation, a comics shop in Chicago, saw sales increase in 2022, but co-owner Patrick Brower admits it took a toll. It was the most stressful and hectic behind-the-scenes year I think weve ever had, he says. This stemmed from changes in single-issue comic distribution. Challengers is now buying weekly product from five separate distributors, each of which uses drastically different invoicing systems. It takes five times as long as it used to, he explains, meaning the gains the store made came with significant increased workload.

Seth Peagler, the operations manager at Charlotte, N.C., comics shop Heroes Arent Hard to Find, has faced similar issues. On paper, 2022 seems to have been a better year than 2021, he says, though he adds that it required more time and effort to get there. It isnt just distribution changes, either. The increase in comic titles and variant covers dramatically lengthens the ordering process.

It seemed like even if 2022 was a success on the surface, it was a mixed bag for many retailers. Space Cadets Collection Collection in Oak Ridge North, Tex., saw a sales dip in the second half of the year, according to owner Jen King. Customers have been much more careful about spending their money, she speculates. After the spending spree that was 2021, with the surge in interest in collectibles and the regular influx of stimulus money, its a bit of a shock to readjust to the current mindset of our customer base. Its been a big slowdown.

There was good news in comments about consumer enthusiasm and increased foot traffic. Alex Hemming, a manager of Los Angeless Skylight Books, emphasizes that sales were still high in 2022, even if they normalized compared to 2021. Hes seen a lot of excitement around comics, he says, with customers expanding their genre horizons.

Brower, who has been a retailer for more than 32 years, echoes that sentiment: More people are buying comics than ever before.

And Susanne Konig, co-owner of Powerhouse Arena, trumpeted sales increases for comics and graphic novels, particularly for younger readers, in all three of her Brooklyn stores.

Hot titles and holiday sellers

Manga continued its remarkable performance last year. Reissues of independent manga and any horror manga thrived at Skylight, per Hemming. Space Cadets capitalized on the release of a new My Hero Academia series box set timed for the holidays. Other stores report similarly strong performance.

In the graphic novel space, manga continued to dominate, Haines says. Manga accounted for 30% of our graphic novels sales last year, which was an increase of 5% over 2021. In fact, with sales increasing across the board over last year, our manga sales actually doubled from 2021 to 2022.

However, retailers once again reported that supply chain troubles made it hard to consistently stock the booming category, though the conditions are improving. And with exploding options, it was also a challenge to simply determine the right series to carry. Brower says he found that variety is not the answer. Despite the deluge in first volumes launching each month, Brower believes the store could do just as well if not better by simply focusing efforts on top-selling series such as Spy x Family and Chainsaw Man.

Elsewhere, middle grade and YA graphic novels led sales. King describes Space Cadets all-ages section as by far the strongest section in our store, with its space doubling in 2022 with a similarly significant increase in sales. Dav Pilkeys latest Cat Kid volume was a top holiday performer for several shops.

Powerhouse almost exclusively focuses on the kids market in its graphic novel buying. Brittany Jarvis, childrens book buyer for the store, notes a number of middle grade holiday standouts, including Molly Ostertags queer mermaid romance The Girl from the Sea, Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacaos cheerleader drama The Tryout, Sophie Escabasses magical family adventure series Witches of Brooklyn, andas usualJeff Kinneys latest in the bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series leading the way.

The popularity among kids of a graphic novel is pretty heavily dependent on it being a series, Jarvis observes. Of course, there are some amazing standalone graphic novels that have seen success, but kids love series.

As for adult graphic novels, both comics shops and general bookstores cited Kate Beatons graphic memoir Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands as a holiday standout; the account of the cartoonists time working in the North Canadian fuel industry appeared on Barack Obamas reading list and several best-of-year lists, including PWs top 10. But a surprise top seller, Zoe Thorogoods creatively drawn autobiographical graphic novel Its Lonely at the Centre of the Earth, could have moved even more copies if availability had been consistent, Brower says. The popular Image Comics release was out of print during the holidays, much to the chagrin of the veteran retailer.

Among the surveyed retailers, the graphic novel format was the dominant player in sales gains. For shops focused on serving a more traditional superhero fan base, though, single issues still moved. Peagler reports that mainstream superhero comics continue to be a predominant driver for his customers, perhaps unsurprising at a shop named Heroes. Haines emphasizes that DC and Marvels offerings continued to be as strong as they were in 2021, with superhero favorites such as Deadpool, the Fantastic Four, and Spider-Man leading the way with debuts of new volumes. The return of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Stapless Saga series was also warmly received.

But Brower, in contrast, saw the single-issue comics format lag. He listed key genres and categories and how they performed at his long-standing fan-base home base in the Midwest, and only three declined: superheroes, single-issue comics, and merchandise like posters and enamel pins. Handselling single-issue titles used to be easy for Brower and his team, he says, but has grown increasingly difficult.

A changing industry and economy

Despite strong sales, retailers faced headwinds and feared fallout from industry and world economic shifts. The instability in the larger economic environment was often cited by booksellers as a cause of concern. An increase in costs, both for consumers and the retailers themselves, forced stores to shift priorities.

Konig reports that while paperbacks are flying off the shelves, hardcovers have become a harder sell. And Hemming says that Skylight has had to stop carrying an increasing number of titles simply due to increased shipping costs. Haines notes that increased carrying costs have left The Dragons profit margins slashed, limiting the traction and gains from increased revenue numbers.

Brower brought up the fact that comics retail packaging supplieslike bags and boards used to protect single-issue comicshave seen three price increases in the past two years (after zero in the previous decade). While customers understand products being out of stock, frequent price increases lead to contentious conversations with loyal collectors.

Comics supplies arent the only products increasing in price. Some shops bristled at the unpredictable costs of single-issue comics themselves. Customers continue to be willing to pay as much as $10.99 for one (albeit oversize) single-issue Superman comic, but the concern is that these prices can have a ripple effect. Paying that much for a single release could come at the expense of comics the consumer may have otherwise added to their order. With comics often being nonreturnable in the direct market, that situation leaves shops with inventory thats unlikely to sell.

The good news, though, is that the supply chain definitely improved in 2022, according to Konigand most retailers agree. But delayed shipments still occurred, sometimes resulting in mammoth bills when stacked on top of regular weekly deliveries.

Hemming found that full-color products, including comics and art books, are still seeing significant delays. King notes that this can impact planning, especially considering some products were so delayed they were assumed canceled.

The three largest North American distributors of comicsPenguin Random House, Diamond Comic Distributors, and Lunar Distributionseem to have steadied their operations compared to 2021, according to the retailers surveyed. But theres still progress to be made. Haineswho doubles as the president of ComicsPRO, a trade association for comics retailersdescribes each distributor as emotionally and financially invested in helping retailers, while also admitting that not one of them is perfect. Minor gripes about each distributor compound when retailers toggle between systems; the shift to a multi-distributor model in recent years has resulted in more work for stores.

As Brower notes, Regardless of the best intentions, there are too many different ways of doing the same thing, on every level, and it makes retail so much more laborious than ever before.

More books, not enough time

One industry trend all survey respondents noted is the increased output of comics and graphic novels, as publishers followed sales growth with investment in new imprints and titles. For some, the change has been beneficiala rising tide of variety that lifts all boats. King is thrilled to serve a more diverse selection of readers, and Haines says that diversity means there are books on my shelf to satisfy any customer.

Others noted that ordering takes longer, as store buyers navigate and educate themselves about the expanded offerings and variant covers. Differentiating between two or three covers for most titles is difficult enough; when prominent launches or anniversary issues come with dozens of variants, the process becomes overwhelming, and stocking shelves can feel like a guessing game.

Having space for all the product is its own problem. Real estate is always a limiting factor for retailers, and with more titles and variants, they must be ruthless, as Brower puts it, in deciding what they can and cannot showcase on a weekly basis. As a result, some shops have changed how they order, including Skylight, which, Hemming says, has had to become more selective.

Brower says that the increase in consumer choices has resulted in a per-title decrease in sales, leading Challengers to change the way it thinks about ordering every new series.

Retailers repeatedly brought up the fact that the period of rapid expansion, though fruitful for the overall industry, brought with it the weight of compounding decisions. Peagler believes a streamlining would be even more useful for all involved. This doesnt seem to be a sustainable progression, he says. It is increasingly difficult to make sure that we are filling the requests of all our customers. It also demands more time from the ordering process, as well as the time it takes to process each weeks new shipments.

The aftermath of the chaos of the pandemic is still unfolding. The industry seems to be trying to get back to some sort of normalcy, Peagler says. And maybe it slowly is, but I dont think any of us are sure what the new normal is going to look like, be it in the comics industry or life in general.

Working harder and smarter

Looking into 2023, the buzzword across survey respondents was optimisticalbeit with some uncertainty about how, exactly, stabilizing growth in comics will play out. Most retailers are comics fans themselves and are in it for the community. Peagler credits Heroes loyal customer base as crucial to the stores success throughout constant changes within the industry. While other comics shops expand to product lines like gaming and toys, his focus continues to be purely on comics. And new fans are born every dayliterally.

Powerhouses Jarvis celebrated young readers coming to the medium, saying shes a big advocate for kids and their desire to read graphic novels, describing comics as an amazing tool for deeper or more challenging themes that might be too intense when written as a prose chapter book.

Potential new fans are everywhere. Thats why King believes that part of the comics industrys continued growth needs to come from outside the traditional channels. The industry is going to have to work smarter and harder to optimize its reach to new customers, she says. We can go to comic conventions and other related events, but those are already our customer base. We have started an initiative on our end to try and expose other potential customers to our products.

This effort finds Space Cadets attending and setting up market at all kinds of collector and fan events, in addition to the usual comics conventions. The hope is to discover crossover customers among collectors, whether theyre coming together at horror conventions or craft shows. Fandoms are larger and more disparate than ever, and King hopes to tap into their passion.

Hemming describes the popularity of comics as a bit of a double-edged sword. Hes been thrilled about the way recent industry-wide successes have resulted in the return of out-of-print comics, more risk taking among publishers, smaller publishers getting more shine, and an increased array of translated comics coming from other countries. But its also led to a glut of mediocre comics, he says.

Brower hedged when asked about the future. Hes concerned about recent decisions made by publishers, including cover price increases, less across-the-board promotion, and the release of more product with no clear audience. While hes certain the medium of comics is never going away, he finds himself unsure about where comicsparticularly direct-market serialsare headed. I know theyre not going anywhere, but I think well see several fewer publishers making single-issue comics by the end of the year, he adds.

The opportunity and challenge for comics going forward is summed up by Haines, an expert in both the micro and macro trends of the industry, in her dual roles as shop owner and at ComicsPRO. She recognizes that there are issues that need to be addressed, but she knows that these also present opportunitiesones that could result in growth. I truly believe our best year is ahead of us, she says of 2023, as we adjust to the changes and work more closely together as a whole on what every single person working in comics wants: a stronger, better industry.

Comic Charts by Publishers Weekly on Scribd

David Harper runs the subscription comic book site Sktchd and is the host of Off Panel, a weekly comics interview podcast.

This article has been updated for clarity.
Sourcebooks had another record year in 2022, increasing its unit sales of print books by 12.9 million over 2021 at outlets that report to NPD BookScan, making it not only one of the fastest-growing publishers in the U.S. last year but also the eighth-largest. Dominique Raccah, who started the company in 1987, attributed part of Sourcebooks success to its use of dataone reason she likes to cite BookScan when discussing the companys progress.

Using BookScan helps me to understand strategically what we are looking for, and strategy plays a significate role in our planning, she said. We have set up a system where we can be prepared for whatever happens in the marketplace.

Some other key data points show that Sourcebooks was the fourth-largest romance publisher in 2022, with a 7% market share, and that overall adult fiction sales soared 86% over 2021. We dominate BookTok tables, Raccah said. If its not Colleen Hoover, its us.

All of Sourcebooks four adult fiction book imprints had big sales increases, led by Bloom Books, the imprint started with E. L. James in 2021 with a business model geared toward entrepreneurial authors. The imprint has quickly ramped up its output, publishing 55 titles last year and with plans to release 60 books this year. Blooms approach to romance, Raccah said, fits the times very, very well. (Blooms most recent release, Lucy Scores Things We Hide from the Light, sold almost 64,000 copies in its first week, making it the #1 book for the week ended February 25.)

As well as Sourcebooks is doing in adult fiction, the category was far from the only sales driver last year, with all Sourcebooks categories posting gains. In fact, the young adult/juvenile category accounted for 56% of unit sales. Perhaps Sourcebooks hottest property at the moment is How to Catch, a picture book, board book, and activity book series, which has sold about 14 million copies since its first titles were published in 2016. The company is very bullish about the prospects for the first How to Catch graphic novels, which are set to be released in September.

Sourcebooks YA category is absolutely on fire, Raccah said, up 72% for the year to date. The category is made up of a number of different partsMidnight Reads is its thriller program, which does well in the indie bookseller channel. As part of its YA fantasy lineup, Sourcebooks will publish debut author Lily Meades Shadow Sister in June, following a great reaction to Meades appearance at Winter Institute. A third YA subcategory is contemporary titles, and more books on social justice and LBGTQ issues are forthcoming.

Raccah speculated that being based in Naperville, Ill.outside of the gentlemens business that had been publishingmay be the reason Sourcebooks publishing program has long been more reflective of the demographic makeup of the country than those of its counterparts in New York. The company is committed, she added, to diversifying the entire publishing ecosystem, including its bookselling and author ranks, and has developed numerous programs to that end, including its recently announced BIPOC educational training program.

As much as Raccah loves data, she is quick to acknowledge that a large part of Sourcebooks recent success has come from the caliber of the companys new hires, many of whom previously held jobs at Big Five publishers. I think we have representatives from all the big houses, Raccah said. Two of the three women on the Zoom call with Raccah (80% of Sourcebooks leadership team are women) fall into that category: Molly Waxman, executive director of marketing, adult fiction, had worked at HarperCollins, and Paula Amendolara, senior v-p of sales, was previously at S&S.

Waxman said Sourcebooks has a completely different operating philosophy than the Big Fiveone that embraces input from all employees and doesnt depend on just a few leaders. That strategy allows for new ideas to come in from all areas, including from younger staff. And while Sourcebooks now has more than 200 employees, thats not so many minds you have to change in order to try something new, Waxman added.

Amendolara said employees fully believe in Sourcebooks mission statement that books change lives, which gives them the motivation to do the best they can for the companys books and authors. She also appreciates that the company is very transparent, in large part because of Raccahs biweekly updates on the company and the industry.

Sourcebooks willingness to innovate has resulted in so many projects bubbling up in different departments that Raccah said there are many experiments she isnt even aware of. When asked if that means she is loosening her control over the company, all three women chuckled. I do pay very close attention, Raccah admitted. I care a lot.

And Raccahs management style has changed. The pandemic made it employers responsibility to make work better, she said. To that end, she has fully embraced a hybrid model, with employees permitted to work in many different locations. I think a return to the office daily is a nonstarter, she noted. She believes Sourcebooks and other companies in the industry are in the process of developing a new style of publishing.

Despite concerns from some industry members about the prospects for the business in 2023, Raccah said she believes it is a great time to be in publishing. She points to the large number of people who have become new readers, many of them women ages 1835, who are buying books not only for themselves but for their children as well. We are watching another generation discover reading and discover new authors, she said. Youd been crazy not to be excited.

This story has been updated.
Mama June Shannon and Justin Stroud married for the second time in Panama City, Florida, late last month.

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The star of the WE tv series "Mama June: From Not to Hot" and "Mama June: Road to Redemption" married Stroud last year in Georgia, but had a more lavish ceremony in February.

"We wanted to have a small and very intimate wedding, so we didn't have any groomsmen or bridesmaids," Shannon told People.

"All four of my girls walked me down to Justin, and his mom walked him down the aisle."

Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" was the couple's first dance song.

Shannon says she was happy that daughters, Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird, Jessica "Chubbs" Shannon and Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell were able to attend and participate in the ceremony as the entire family hadn't been together in almost a decade.

"This was the first time the family had all been together since 2014," she said. "So it was really special to get married in a place where my family and I have had so many memories!

Shannon's grandchildren Stylus, Bentley and Stella Efird also attended.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

The family's reality show stardom stemmed from the TLC show "Toddlers and Tiaras" where Thompson was a child beauty pageant contestant.

It continued on the TLC show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," which ran for four seasons from 2012 to 2014.

The show ended when it was revealed that Shannon's then boyfriend Mark McDaniel was a convicted pedophile who'd been imprisoned for aggravated child molestation in 2004.

Cardwell later said that she was one of his victims starting from when she was eight years old.

Shannon's love life continued to be fraught with problems.

Another boyfriend, Geno Doak was arrested, as was Shannon, on drug possession charges. Shannon later said she was a meth addict with a "$2500 a day" habit.

In 2020, she posted on her Instagram page that she'd achieved six months sobriety.

Shannon first married Stroud in 2022 after dating him for less than a year.

She said on Instagram that the first time she saw him was in the background of a TikTok video.

"I'm so proud of the person you have became over the last year," Shannon posted before the second ceremony, referencing her husband.

"I have known you and the changes u continue to make in your life every day and I'm blessed to be here to see them changes. You are amazing and just know I'm always going to be here through the amazing time the crazy times and bad times."

The wedding will be shown on the new WE TVs show, "Mama June: Family Crisis" that is set to debut on May 5 at 9 p.m. EST.
The Ukrainian defense of the city of Bakhmut, Donetsk region, is under increasing pressure, with intense fighting in and around the city, according to a defense intelligence report tweeted by the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Saturday morning.

"Regular Russian Army and Wagner Group forces have made further advances into the northern suburbs of the city, which is now a Ukrainian-held salient, vulnerable to Russian attacks on three sides. Ukraine is reinforcing the area with elite units, and within the last 36 hours two key bridges in Bakhmut have been destroyed, including a vital bridge connecting the city to the last main supply route from Bakhmut to the city of Chasiv Yar," the report notes.

British intelligence noted that the city's supply routes held by the Ukrainian defenders were becoming increasingly limited.
All those responsible for war crimes in Ukraine, including Putin, must be held accountable - European Parliament President

Peace is impossible in Ukraine without accountability for war crimes, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola has said.

She said at a briefing in Lviv on Saturday morning that when we talk about peace, we must talk about holding accountable. Whoever is responsible for these crimes must pay. This means that if we find jurisdiction for the crime of aggression, then we must find legal means to implement it, she said.

Metsola noted that during the meeting with Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin, she saw significant progress in the creation of the tribunal and very good proposals.

She said they would also meet with UN staff. We need to make sure we have mechanisms in place to collect evidence first and then prosecute it. We understand that in order to hold accountable for the crime of aggression, a Special Tribunal must be created, she stressed.

According to Metsola, it's no longer a question of how to do it, but a question of when.

She stressed that all those responsible for the crimes should be held accountable, including Russian President Putin, because without this peace would not come.

And this is the fundamental reason why I am here today, the head of the European Parliament added.
The German engineering concern Rheinmetall is negotiating with Ukraine on the construction of a tank plant on Ukrainian soil, the German publication Der Spiegel reports on Saturday morning.

"The Rheinmetall plant could be built in Ukraine for around 200 million euros... It could produce up to 400 Panther main battle tanks a year," CEO Armin Papperger told the Rheinische Post newspaper.

He also noted that negotiations with the Ukrainian government were "promising".

Papperger hopes a decision will be made "within the next two months."

The Rheinmetall chief is convinced that the plant can be defended against Russian air attacks, noting that "protecting with air defense will not be difficult."

According to him, Ukraine will need 600 to 800 tanks to win, and their construction needs to start quickly. "Even if Germany gives the Bundeswehr all 300 Leopard 2 tanks, this will be too little," Papperger said.

Rheinmetall is currently supplying about 250 tanks to Ukraine. "We are working at full speed We have already commissioned more than 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and by the end of the year there will be about 100. Of the 50 Leopard 2A4 tanks, about 30 tanks are ready. In addition, there are about 100 Leopard 1 old designs, of which we can make 88 serviceable," Papperger said.

The head of the concern suggested that the war would continue, "perhaps for several years." "Western allies are sending enough weapons there to enable Ukraine to defend itself, but the Ukrainians today do not have enough equipment to fully reclaim their territory," he said.

At the same time, the Russian Federation does not have such large resources as the West as a whole, said the head of Rheinmetall. At the same time, Papperger does not see that "the leadership around Putin will make any concessions from its aggressive course towards Ukraine."
Pottsville, PA (17901)

Today

Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 77F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 53F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
A couple killed on the eve of their wedding, a photographer and a nurse who resisted the junta.

Ko Pay and Ma Cho, an anti-junta militia couple and members of Southern YSO PDF in Sagaings Yesagyo township, were arrested by junta forces, tortured and killed.

Editors note: This story contains descriptions that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.

The conflict engulfing Myanmar in the wake of the 2021 military coup has led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians and ordinary people who took up arms to fight junta troops, who have raided and razed villages, bombed them from the air and rounded up hundreds for detention, torture or immediate execution.

These are the stories of four people  a young couple, a veteran photographer and a nurse  who died last month.

CONFLICT BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER

The young couple was giddy with excitement on the eve of their wedding.

Ma Cho, 24, and her fiance Ko Pay, 19, were comrades-in-arms in the anti-junta resistance, and were finally going to receive their parents blessing to be married.

It was Friday, Feb. 17, and the lovers planned to spend the night with relatives in Thea Taw village in Myanmars Magway region before tying the knot in a ceremony the following day.

Myanmars civil conflict had brought the couple together. In the early days following the February 2021 military coup, Ko Pay  then 17  participated in peaceful protests in the streets.

But after the junta violently cracked down on dissent, he decided to join the Southern YSO Peoples Defense Force as part of the armed resistance in May of that year, according to Aung Maung, the head of that PDF.

Ma Cho had recently joined the group as well and the two fell in love during basic training. Photos show them holding hands and smiling.

Instead, it all turned into a nightmare.

Shot in the leg

After they reached their village on that Friday, a unit of junta soldiers raided the village.

The couple fled, but in the rain of gunfire, Ko Pay was shot in the leg and seized by the troops, who dragged him back to the village, said Aung Maung.

Ma Cho followed him, pleading with the junta soldiers that he was her fiance  the kind of love that makes two people inseparable, even in the face of danger, he said. Ma Cho could have escaped but she did not ... and the two were caught.

The remains of the local Southern YSO PDF camp that was burned down by the military is seen on Feb. 17, 2023. Credit: Southern YSO PDF





The junta soldiers interrogated the couple for information about the PDF and tortured them when they resisted, Aung Maung said.

The junta soldiers beat and tortured Ko Pay. They slapped Ma Cho in the face, kicked and hit her, he said. The couple was severely tortured.

Ko Pay was killed first, in front of Ma Cho. Then they killed her by slitting her throat with a knife, Aung Maung said.

Horrified family members found their bodies and prepared them for burial on Saturday, which was supposed to be their wedding day.

Video shows friends and family members wailing in grief near what appeared to be a funeral pyre, smoke wafting up into the sky.

Ma Cho was described by those who knew her as a brave revolutionary soldier who could bear the same level of fatigue as the men in training and fearless as a porter carrying military equipment in the midst of battle.

Ko Pays friend and fellow paramilitary fighter, who gave his name as ABC, called the couple passionate soldiers who fought together hand-in-hand.

They shared the same revolutionary spirit, so they were very dear to each other, he said. Although Ko Pay left Ma Cho behind in safety, she followed him to die together as a loving couple.

Aung Maung said he would fight to avenge their deaths.

We will use this sadness as positive energy, he said. We are going to continue the unfinished business of Ko Pay and Ma Cho in fighting against the military junta.

Aung Win Htut, a photographer and videographer, was the owner of a photo studio in Mandalay. Credit: Aung Win Htut Facebook

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

Several junta soldiers suddenly arrived at the home of 52-year-old photographer Aung Win Htut on the evening of Feb. 19. They fired shots into the air and beat him in front of his family before bundling him into a private car, saying they needed to take him away for questioning.

His family waited anxiously in their home in Myanmars second-largest city, Mandalay.

It was unclear why Aung Win Htut had been arrested. He was a supporter of the National League for Democracy, whose government was removed by the militarys 2021 coup, but he hadnt been particularly politically active. Besides running a photo studio, he had an ethnic Shan noodle shop in the city.

Three hours passed with no word.

Finally, at around 9 p.m., a call came from authorities in Mahar Aung Myay township explaining that there had been a mistake and asked that someone pick him up on his release, a friend told RFA..

But when the family arrived, Aung Win Htut was dead, the friend said.

His family has not revealed what condition the photographers body was in when they collected it or whether there were any signs of torture, out of fear of reprisal. A brief funeral service was held for him on Feb. 21, but it was a private affair and limited to close relatives.

Questions remain

Weeks later, many questions still remain, including why Aung Win Htut was even targeted in the first place.

However, those close to Aung Win Htut said his sudden death was unexpected as he hadnt been suffering from any health condition, and suggested that the authorities were to blame.

They also questioned why he had even caught the attention of the junta. He only used social media to post pictures and videos of himself playing the guitar and singing.

Aung Win Htuts family still doesnt know why he was arrested. Credit: Aung Win Htut Facebook





One friend who had known Aung Win Htut for nearly 20 years described him as kind-hearted and always helpful with technical issues related to photography. Others called him a beautiful soul and expressed disbelief that the authorities could show such little regard for him and his family.

But Bo Bo Oo, the deputy chairman of the NLD in Yangons Sanchuang township, said that cases like Aung Win Htuts are becoming all too common for members of his party in the aftermath of the coup.

According to the NLDs human rights research department, junta forces have killed at least 84 party members and officials and arrested at least 1,232 others since the military takeover two years ago. Of those killed, 16 died after interrogation, eight in prison, one by execution, and 60 others for no reason.

May Zun Moe was a 28-year-old anti-military nurse in the civil disobedience movement from Bagos Okpho township in Myanmar. Credit: Citizen journalist





NURSE WHO REFUSED TO SUPPORT JUNTA

It was late in the evening on Jan. 29 and May Zun Moe was exhausted.

The 28-year-old nurse had just finished assisting a PDF fighter give birth in the Bago mountains just north of Yangon, and she was looking forward to some well-deserved rest back home in Okpho township.

May Zun Moe, whose name translates as Rains of May and June, had quit her job as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement after the coup, joining thousands of other government employees  teachers, civil servants and medical staff  who protested against the military by going on strike.

But when she returned to Okpho under escort, junta troops manning a military checkpoint in Tein Nyunt village just east of the township stopped her vehicle and shot and killed the two PDF members accompanying her.

They took her into their custody for abetting the armed resistance, sources close to her family told RFA.

Over the next two-and-a-half weeks, soldiers repeatedly tortured May Zun Moe at the juntas local Military and Security Affairs unit  the secret police  in Okpho, according to a resident of the township, before raping her, killing her and burning her body.

After all of them had raped her, they made her undress, blindfolded her and made her run away. Then they shot her dead, said the resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisal.

They took her body into the bushes after that and burned it with gasoline and some wood, but her body from the neck to the hip wouldnt burn and the fire went out. Without burying her, they left her there.

On Feb. 16, residents of Okpho discovered her remains near the woods leading to the mountains.

Some dogs had eaten her flesh  we found pieces of her body with her ribs gnawed by dogs, the resident said. Her underwear was missing.

Compassionate, with strong convictions

May Zun Moe had received a certificate from Yangon Nursing Academy in 2014 after graduating from Pyay University with a major in Myanmar Literature.

Those who knew her described her as a compassionate, hard-working nurse who held strong convictions and was deeply opposed to military rule. She was the first health worker in Okpho to join the Civil Disobedience Movement after the takeover and regularly treated members of the local armed resistance when they were injured, PDF members said.

May Zun Moe, our beloved nurse, used to take care of our members when they were sick and exhausted from their work as porters, a woman with the 5th Battalion of the Okpho Township PDF told RFA.

Seeing that, we female members grew to love her and regard her as our own sister, she said. We are saddened and heartbroken.

Medical workers rally in Yangon against the military coup in Myanmar and demand the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Feb. 10, 2021. Credit: Reuters

Human rights group say Myanmars military is using rape as a weapon of war and has also targeted health workers. The shadow National Unity Government says around 70 doctors and nurses in the movement have been killed, more than 700 injured, and some 900 arrested since the coup.

May Zun Moes death has left her friends and family members devastated. Her husband, Aung Zin, was arrested by the junta in early 2021 and sentenced to three years in prison for incitement and no one has had the strength to tell him she was killed.

After May Zun Moes arrest, soldiers came to search her home in Okphos Aye Mya Thar Yar ward and her family is now in hiding.

Her father was so traumatized by the news of her death that he fell into a state of shock, a close friend of the family, who declined to be named out of security concerns.

Calls by RFA to Tin Oo, the juntas economic minister and spokesman for Bago region, seeking comment on May Zun Moes death went unanswered.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland made a surprise visit to Ukraine to attend an international conference on justice in Lviv, restating Washingtons commitment to hold Russia responsible for crimes committed during Moscows full-scale military invasion.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensives, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"The attorney general held several meetings and reaffirmed our determination to hold Russia accountable for crimes committed in its unjust and unprovoked invasion against its sovereign neighbor," a Justice Department official said on March 3.

The visit was Garlands second since Russias invasion began in late February 2022, and it comes on the heels of President Joe Bidens dramatic visit to Kyiv on February 20. U.S. officials said Garlands visit was at the invitation of Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Andriy Kostin.

It also follows a surprise visit to Kyiv by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on February 27 as U.S. and other Western officials continue to press Ukraine to continue steps to root out corruption and stabilize the rule of law in the country, even as it battles against the Russian invasion.

Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Wopke Hoekstra and EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders were also among those attending the Lviv conference.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke to the gathering through a video address, telling participants that when Russian military authorities are held accountable for crimes committed during the war, justice will be restored."

He pointed to the "responsibility of Russia and its leadership -- personal responsibility -- for aggression and terror against our country and our people."

"We are doing everything to ensure that the International Criminal Court is successful in punishing Russian war criminals, and that our national law enforcement and judicial authorities ensure just sentences against all Russian murderers and torturers."

Kostin told the conference that "a year ago, the world was debating whether Ukraine would survive. Today, here in Lviv, we are discussing the format of the tribunal for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin. I consider this an indisputable progress and our common achievement."

Washington, the European Union, and human rights groups have accused Russia of human rights violations on the territory of Ukraine, including torture, abuse, rape and other forms of violence as well as attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy-sector facilities.

Moscow has vehemently denied the allegations, despite mounting evidence, and has called on international bodies to investigate crimes it says have been committed against Russian prisoners of war in Ukraine.

With reporting by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, Reuters, dpa, and AFP
Welcome back to The Farda Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran and explains why they matter. To subscribe, click here. www.rferl.org/a/31793259.html



I'm RFE/RL correspondent Golnaz Esfandiari. Here's what I've been following during the past week and what I'm watching for in the days ahead.

The Big Issue

Iran appears to be making headway toward renewing official ties with Saudi Arabia and Persian Gulf states that in some cases have been publicly avoiding Tehran for decades.

The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia held talks in Beijing on April 6 in a significant step toward restoring diplomatic relations, which were cut in 2016 after protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran following Riyadhs execution of prominent Saudi Shi'ite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Iran also accepted an invitation from Saudi King Salman for President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Riyadh, while Tehran said it will send a similar invitation to the Saudi king. Meanwhile, a Saudi delegation traveled to Iran on April 9 to discuss the reopening of the embassy in Tehran and a consulate in Mashhad. The trip came as Iranian media reported on April 8 that a street sign near the Saudi consulate in Mashhad provocatively named after Sheikh al-Nimr had been quietly removed. An Iranian delegation also arrived in Saudi Arabia on April 12 to pave the way for the reopening of Iranian diplomatic missions there.

Iran is meanwhile taking steps to improve ties with other countries in the region, naming an ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and working to decrease tensions with Egypt and Bahrain.

Why It Matters: Iran and Saudi Arabia appear to be pursuing implementation of last months Chinese-brokered agreement, possibly clearing the way for Tehran to de-escalate tensions with other countries that followed Riyadhs lead on a rupture seven years ago.



What's Next: Tehran and Riyadh could move surprisingly swiftly toward normalization, but its no sure thing. Abdolrasool Divsallar, a visiting professor at the Catholic University of Milan (UCSC), told me that the political environment between the two regional rivals could encourage the start of military and security talks within months.

But Divsallar also warned that opponents at home and abroad could still undermine the agreement. Hard-liners in Iran may act as a spoiler rather than as a supporter of the deal, he said, adding that Israel could do the same.

The regional tensions between Israel and Iran, on one side, andbetween Iran, Saudi [Arabia] and the United States, on the other side, are two dynamics that make this process very fragile, he said.

Divsallar also suggested that any normalization between Iran and countries with less appetite for a quick restoration of ties, for instance Bahrain, could take longer.

They feel more secure under the current status quo rather than immediately normalizing their ties with the Islamic republic and losing their leverage, he said, adding, They may wait to see a major change of policies.

Stories You Might Have Missed

Irans civil aviation sector has for years been under Western sanctions that prevent it from purchasing new aircraft or spare parts for repairs. Now, Russia's oldest airline, Aeroflot, has sent one of its passenger planes to Iran for repairs for the first time ever. Aeroflot reportedly ran into obstacles at home stemming from Western sanctions over Russias ongoing, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The RBK media group cited an Aeroflot representative and sources close to the company on April 11 as saying that an Airbus A330-300 had been sent to Tehran on April 5 to be repaired by specialists from Iran's Mahan Air.

Iranian pensioners staged protests in more than a dozen cities across Iran, demanding higher pensions amid soaring prices. Protests were reported on April 9 in Tehran, Ahvaz, Mashhad, Isfahan, Arak, Qom, Shush, Tabriz, and several other cities where retirees complained of poor living conditions and chanted anti-government slogans. Labor protests in Iran have swelled as the economy deteriorates following years of mismanagement compounded by crippling U.S. sanctions.

What We're Watching

Prominent Iranian female religious scholar Sedigheh Vasmaghi has challenged Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the Islamic republics mandatory hijab law.

In a letter published online, Vasmaghi asked about the reasoning behind Irans strict model for womens dress and said the Koran does not specify the need for women to cover their hair in public.

There is no evidence to show that during the time of the Prophet Muhammad women were harassed and punished for not covering their hair or even their bodies, Vasmaghi, who has published several books on Islamic jurisprudence, wrote.

Why It Matters: Vasmaghis letter is significant for its timing -- just days after Khamenei asserted that the removal of the hijab in public was religiously banned. But it is also important because it comes from a religious woman who wears the veil while opposing the mandatory hijab, which is seemingly being defied by a growing number of women.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you have.

Until next time,

Golnaz Esfandiari

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Wednesday.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in Lviv, where she arrived on a visit, the head of the Ukrainian state said on Telegram on Saturday.

"Thank you for your leadership in supporting Ukraine since the early days of this terrible war and the important decisions taken by the European Parliament. In particular, on March 1 last year, the second day after our application for EU membership, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on support and the need to provide Ukraine with the status of a candidate for EU membership. Ukraine seeks to complete the recommendations of the European Commission as soon as possible and start negotiations on EU accession this year," Zelenskyy wrote.

As reported on the website of the head of state, the presidents of Ukraine and the European Parliament discussed the promotion of the Ukrainian peace formula and the prospects for attracting a wide range of world players, primarily countries of the Global South, to the upcoming summit in support of peace.

The interlocutors discussed the prospects for the functioning of the Liaison Office of the European Parliament in Ukraine, which will contribute to strengthening cooperation and accelerating European integration processes.

For her part, Metsola said that she was very glad to come to Ukraine again, in particular, to visit Lviv for the first time. The President of the European Parliament assured of the unwavering support of our country in resisting full-scale Russian aggression, which protects not only itself, but also Europe, and on the way to membership in the European family, of which Ukraine is an inseparable part.
Should he stay or should he go?

Thats the question sparking heated debate in Ukraine about the man whose name adorns a renowned conservatory in the heart of Kyiv: Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Tchaikovsky was certainly not a Ukrainophobe. He was connected to Ukraine in many ways through his work. Though Tchaikovsky was not a great Ukrainophile, either."

In the wake of Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, students at the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine, previously known as the Kyiv Conservatory, have pushed for the removal of the Russian composers name from their university.

And while theyve received backing in their effort from the Ukrainian government, which views the composer as a tool in the Kremlins imperial designs, the academys faculty in late December opted to keep the composers name.

The debate comes amid measures to de-Russify Ukraine across the country since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine a year ago last month. Multiple Ukrainian cities have removed statues of the Russian poet Aleksandr Pushkin, while streets honoring the 19th century writer have been renamed.

In June 2022, the conservatorys academic council voted to leave Tchaikovsky's name in place, emphasizing the Ukrainian roots of the composer, whose great-grandfather was born in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk, which has been struck with heavy Russian aerial bombardment.

In November, an online petition filed with the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for the conservatory to drop Tchaikovskys name, saying it spits on the independence of Ukrainian culture, though the petition fell short of the 25,000-signature threshold for the presidents consideration.

The following month, the conservatorys academic council again voted to keep Tchaikovskys name in place until further review, a decision that Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko called disappointing.

We hope that the team will return soon to at last make the final decision, Tkachenko wrote.

Chinese Considerations

Founded in 1863, the Kyiv Conservatory was renamed in honor of Tchaikovsky by the Soviet government in 1940, just in time for the composers 100th birthday.

Tchaikovsky considered himself a Russian composer, despite his Ukrainian roots and Ukrainian influences in his music, but the debate about removing his name from the academy only emerged following Russias invasion last year.

In an e-mail to RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, student activists wrote that the decision to rename the conservatory is hampered in part by considerations of its branch in China.

"For China, it is prestigious to have Tchaikovsky in the name because of the parallels with the Moscow Conservatory," the students wrote in the letter.

"It's no secret that Tchaikovsky's name is fundamental for China. The Chinese know Tchaikovsky, but they don't know Vedel, Bortnyansky, or Berezovsky. But continental communist China will not be a strategic partner of Ukraine in the near future," Ukrainian cultural critic Maksym Strikha said in an interview with RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service.

"The most important factor is trying to maintain our position in the Chinese market of educational services. I don't know if it's worth doing this. I understand that, financially, it is a very attractive thing [for the conservatory]. But from the point of view of those who are dying today near Bakhmut or Kreminna, I don't know if it is moral," Strikha said.

'Russian In The Fullest Sense Of The Word'

While Tchaikovsky had close links to Ukraine and visited it frequently, he traveled to Kyiv only twice -- in 1890 and 1891.

In Kyiv, Tchaikovsky met with the Ukrainian composer Mykola Lysenko and offered him a production of Lysenko's opera Taras Bulba at the Imperial Theater in St. Petersburg. But Lysenko did not accept one condition of the offer -- that the libretto be translated into Russian. He did not see his opera performed during his lifetime.

Tchaikovsky himself was greatly influenced by Ukrainian melodies in his work. Ukrainian motifs feature heavily in his Symphony No. 2, which was originally nicknamed "Little Russian" -- a reference to the Russian term for Ukraine at the time -- but is also referred to as the composers Ukrainian symphony.

Tchaikovsky also composed the opera Mazepa, based on Aleksandr Pushkin's poem Poltava about the Ukrainian Cossack leader Ivan Mazepa, and the opera Cherevichki, which is set in Ukraine and based on a short story by Nikolai Gogol.

"Tchaikovsky was certainly not a Ukrainophobe. He was connected to Ukraine in many ways through his work. Though Tchaikovsky was not a great Ukrainophile, either. The opera Mazepa is written to a libretto by Pushkin, and this libretto is, to put it mildly, imperial," Strikha told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service.

But despite his familial ties to Ukraine and the significant amount of time he spent there during his life, Tchaikovsky did not consider himself Ukrainian.

"I am a Russian in the fullest sense of the word," he wrote in a letter to his patron, Nadezhda von Meck, in 1878. In a letter to an acquaintance in 1891, the composer wrote: "I am a realist and a native Russian person."

Earlier, the head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory (UINP), Anton Drobovych, said Tchaikovsky "clearly identified himself as a Russian composer" and had no direct relationship with the Kyiv Conservatory.

'Symbols Of Putin's Imperial Russia'

The debate over Tchaikovsky in the wake of the Russian invasion has stretched beyond Ukraines borders, as well. In March 2022, the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra in Wales scrapped a performance of Tchaikovskys 1812 Overture, saying it would be inappropriate following the invasion.

It was nothing to do with Tchaikovsky being Russian. It was much more to do with us deciding that it was inappropriate at the present time, given that some pieces are military-themed and they come with the sound of a volley of cannon fire, Linda Robinson, a director of the philharmonic, told The Guardian following the decision.

Multiple professional orchestras in Japan also declined to perform the 1812 Overture following the invasion, local media there reported.

Ukrainian composer Oksana Lyniv, whose orchestras have performed Tchaikovsky's works in the West following Russias invasion of Ukraine, wrote on Facebook: "Friends, Tchaikovsky is wonderful, but not in the name of the main music academy of Ukraine!"

"Whether we like it or not, today Tchaikovsky is one of the symbols of Putin's imperial Russia," Strikha said. I, for example, would be against renaming a certain Tchaikovsky street in Kyiv, when we are talking about 6,000 streets. But when a leading arts university is named after Tchaikovsky, today this name is completely inappropriate. We have a set of first-rate composers worthy of immortalization."

Adapted from the original Ukrainian by RFE/RLs Carl Schreck.
Residents were reportedly fleeing on foot from the devastated eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut as Russian forces shelled the area and the last remaining escape routes, with Kyiv saying the situation was critical for Ukrainian defenders even as they continued to repel multiple attacks in the region.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensives, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Ukrainian troops told AP on March 4 that a woman was killed and two men were severely injured by Russian shelling as they were attempting to cross a makeshift bridge out of Bakhmut a day after the head of Russias Wagner mercenary group said the city was nearly surrounded.

AP quoted an unnamed Ukrainian Army representative as saying it was now too dangerous for civilians to depart Bakhmut by vehicle because of Russian shelling and that most were forced to flee on foot.

Western military experts said the situation in Bakhmut remains critical and the Ukrainian defenders are coming under "increasingly severe pressure" in and around the city, which had a prewar population of about 70,000.

In the eastern region of Donetsk, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said in its daily bulletin that the Ukrainian military had repelled more than 150 attacks by Russian troops over the past day in the areas of Bakhmut, Lyman, Avdiyivka, and Shakhtarsk.

"The enemy is ceaselessly attempting to encircle Bakhmut," the General Staff said, adding that numerous attacks aimed at surrounding Bakhmut were repelled by Ukrainian fighters in the adjacent areas of Vasyukivka, Dubovo-Vasylivka, and Ivanivske.

Battlefield reports from either side could not immediately be verified.

Ukrainian officials have suggested that their troops might have to pull out of Bakhmut entirely once the defense of the city becomes too costly and withdraw to new positions in the west and northwest, where Ukrainians are reported to have far stronger defensive positions.

Despite the situation described by a Ukrainian commander as "critical," Kyiv's defenders were reportedly digging in at defensive sites and were not yet ready to give up the town.

"All units involved in the defense of Bakhmut clearly perform their tasks. Our soldiers are constantly working in extremely harsh conditions and doing everything to ensure that the number of enemy forces is reduced every day," General Viktor Khorenko, the commander of the Special Operations Forces, wrote on Facebook.

On March 3, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Kremlin-linked businessman and founder of Russias notorious Wagner mercenary group, claimed in a video that Bakhmut -- which Moscow has been unsuccessfully trying to conquer for the past seven months -- is nearly surrounded, with only one final escape route remaining open.

The British Defense Ministry said in its daily intelligence bulletin that the Ukrainian defense of Bakhmut is "under increasingly severe pressure, with intense fighting taking place in and around the city."

British intelligence said in its report that regular Russian forces and Wagner mercenaries had made further advances into the northern suburbs of the city, which is now vulnerable to Russian attacks on three sides.

"Ukraine is reinforcing the area with elite units, and within the last 36 hours two key bridges in Bakhmut have been destroyed, including a vital bridge connecting the city to the last main supply route from Bakhmut to the city of Chasiv Yar," the report said.

Western experts have questioned the Russian push for Bakhmut, saying it has less strategic and more symbolic value for the Kremlin.

In the northeast Kharkiv region, Ukrainian authorities, meanwhile, ordered a partial evacuation of the liberated city of Kupyansk because of constant and intensive Russian shelling.

The Russian Defense Ministry on March 4 said Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited near the front lines, stopping at a command post of Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. The ministry did not disclose Shoigus specific location.

Amid consistent battlefield setbacks over the past several months, Shoigu has come under increasing pressure from pro-war advocates inside Russia for the militarys performance, including from Wagner chief Prigozhin.

With reporting by Reuters and AP
KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for "effective security guarantees for Ukraine" immediately, even as rescue work continues following a Russian air strike in the Donetsk region city of Slovyansk that left at least 11 civilians dead.

In his nightly video address on April 15, Zelenskiy said he had held a 90-minute phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron during which the two leaders affirmed "those principles that unite our entire anti-war coalition," including that Russia must withdraw from all Ukrainian territory, that all points of the UN Charter must be enforced, and that "none of Russia's violations of international law can be ignored."

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensives, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"It is upon such principles that security and peace will be restored in international relations," Zelenskiy said.

He urged NATO leaders to extend "effective security guarantees for Ukraine" ahead of the NATO summit in Vilnius in July, "even before we join the alliance." Ukraine in September asked NATO to consider it for an accelerated membership path.

Speaking at a Black Sea regional security conference in Bucharest on April 15, Defense Minister Oleksiy Resnikov called on the international community to seize "the strategic initiative and be ready to act quickly and preemptively" in the face of security threats.

Such an approach, he said, "will be the best sobering factor for any aggressor." He also called for a "system of guarantees" that he said could curb "the desire of the Russian Federation to solve things by force."

In his video address, Zelenskiy said over 50 buildings had been damaged or destroyed in the Slovyansk air strike on April 14 and that "there are still bodies" under the rubble. One of the victims was an "boy born in 2021," he said. At least 23 people were reportedly injured in the attack.

"None of those who are guilty of this aggression can be forgiven or forgotten," he concluded.

WATCH: Both Slovyansk and neighboring Kramatorsk are facing intensified attacks by Russian invading forces, currently bogged down in nearby Bakhmut, which they have tried to seize for months, taking heavy casualties but advancing slowly.

The Ukrainian military on April 16 reported more than 60 Russian attacks along the contested front around the Donetsk region city of Bakhmut, which has seen the most intense fighting of the war over the past several months.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Wagner units had seized two additional city blocks in northwest and southeastern Bakhmut. The report could not immediately be verified.

The claims come as Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Kremlin-connected businessman who controls Wagner, said that a long conflict in Ukraine could lead to the dissolution of Russia.

In a statement on Telegram, Prigozhin urged Moscow to declare its goals in Ukraine "achieved" and bring an end to the fighting there. Prigozhin wrote that "many of those who yesterday supported the special operation today either have doubts or are categorically opposed to what is happening."

The Ukrainian General Staff, in its daily briefing, reported there also were attacks in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya areas.

The military administration in the Zaporizhzhya region reported a "massive attack" overnight that damaged a church in the settlement of Komyshuvakha. The extent of the damage and number of possible casualties was being determined, administration head Yuriy Malashko wrote on Telegram.
In November, a court in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv convicted two Russian soldiers in absentia of "violating the rules and customs of war" through repeated incidents of sexual abuse against a young girl and threats to murder her.

"In March 2022, [Ruslan] Kuliyev, while located in a settlement in the Chernihiv region, repeatedly attempted to rape a minor local resident, beat her on the head with his weapon, and suffocated her," prosecutors said of one of the defendants. "In addition, he repeatedly assaulted her brother and intimidated him by firing at his feet."

Kuliyev was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while the other soldier was sentenced to 10.

From the beginning of Russia's massive, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, incidents of sexualized violence and torture by Russian troops were reported in areas they overran. Over the course of the war, as some Ukrainian territories have been liberated following weeks or months of Russian occupation, Ukrainian officials and aid workers say the number of such cases has reached the hundreds. But there may be many more.

They are trying to debase another nation through the body of a woman. It is a message to all the women and men [of the country]."

"Whatever reports are surfacing can only represent the tip of the iceberg," said the UN's special representative on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, at a Kyiv press conference in May 2022. "Wartime rape can no longer be dismissed as an inevitable by-product of war. It must be recognized by all parties as a crime that can be prevented and punished."

Despite the widespread testimony and evidence, Russian officials deny that its troops have targeted civilians or committed war crimes during the invasion, which the Kremlin euphemistically insists on calling a "special military operation."

A network of Ukrainian law enforcement officials and humanitarian aid groups are now working both to provide aid and comfort to the survivors of sexualized violence and to gather evidence that could be used to prosecute suspected perpetrators.

"We don't have to wait for Russia to lose," Oleksandra Matviychuk, head of Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties and a co-laureate of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, said in an interview with RFE/RL in November. "Why should we make people's demand for justice dependent on this?"

'It Happened So Quickly'

Since the invasion began, the Hungary-based Cordelia Foundation has provided assistance to more than 730 Ukrainians, including survivors of sexualized violence.

"They are frequently experiencing anxiety, depression, a lack of strength or motivation, various sleep disorders, including nightmares," and other problems, Cordelia founder and psychiatrist Lilla Hardi told Current Time. "Many of them try to work more and 'not think about the past,' while others focus on their children and still others think about leaving home and building some better future in peace."

The Lithuanian feminist organization Lygiai has focused on survivors of sexualized violence since the Russian invasion began.

"There was a request for pregnancy tests, said Lygiai founder and director Reda Jureliaviciute. They came two weeks after the invasion. We were discussing issues of sexualized violence before, and we were shocked that it was already happening. It happened so quickly.

We figured out that big organizations like the Red Cross brought a really small amount of pregnancy tests, she added. The first time we sent our shipment with morning after pills, it turned out we took them all from the storages in the country. There were no pills left in Lithuania to buy. Before, there was no such need.

Lygiai works with local organizations in Ukraine to deliver their aid shipments to the people who need them, Jureliaviciute said. In addition to the tests and birth control, the group sends feminine hygiene products. The organization has also donated three mobile gynecological stations that are working in Ukraine.

"We saw that the issues of women were pushed aside, she said. Not so many people think about such things during war. It is not as cool to donate a sanitary product as donating a helmet to the army. But women during war still have periods. It is important to have access to sanitary products because it is the way to reduce infections and keep society as safe and healthy as possible."

The group also provides aid to Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania.

We dont ask women if they experienced sexualized violence, Jureliaviciute said. They need to build trust first. Our main idea is to make such services available, either psychological or medical. The stigma surrounding sexualized violence is still very strong, particularly in Ukraine.

'Say Hello'

A United Nations report in September found 30 cases of sexualized violence committed by Russian forces since the invasion, including the rapes of eight women and one girl, and "15 cases of sexual violence as a method of torture or ill-treatment of men."

Ukrainian officials and aid workers say the number of documented cases has skyrocketed with the liberation of parts of the Kharkiv region and other areas in the northeast in September 2022 and the liberation of the city of Kherson and nearby areas in the south in November. According to the Ukrainian Prosecutor-Generals Office in February, hundreds of survivors have been interviewed, while 155 have agreed to testify in court about their experiences. In at least 11 documented cases, minors were assaulted.

If a man is serving in the army or worked for law enforcement, his relatives will be first in line. His mother, his wife, or his daughter might be tortured and then released with a request to 'say hello' to their son, husband, or father."

"Even in peacetime, people can be reluctant to report rapes," said prosecutor Iryna Didenko, who heads the special unit investigating war crimes related to sexualized violence that was formed in September, in an interview with Current Time. "Some 155 people have agreed to participate in criminal proceedings, but the number of survivors is much greater. Doctors and psychologists are working with them to help them discuss what happened to them."

Prosecutors have investigated 38 cases in which men were assaulted, 37 of them in the recently liberated parts of the Kherson region. Law enforcement officials have uncovered torture facilities in the region where Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) allegedly targeted the relatives of Ukrainian soldiers, officials, and resistance activists.

"FSB officers are carrying out various tortures on a large number of people, including some with elements of sexualized violence," Didenko said. "If a man is serving in the army or worked for law enforcement, his relatives will be first in line. His mother, his wife, or his daughter might be tortured and then released with a request to 'say hello' to their son, husband, or father."

Didenko added that the practice of sexualized violence by Russian forces appears to be so widespread that she suspects it is carried out with the knowledge of Russian occupation authorities.

As soon as an area is liberated, Didenko said, officials send in specially equipped vehicles.

"There is a psychologist in the vehicle as well," she said. "After a medical examination and the gathering of evidence, the survivor can be evacuated. They are even allowed to take their pets with them."

Psychologists determine a course of therapy and/or medication for survivors, whose mental state ranges from stable to nearly suicidal, Didenko said.

Mariann Ziss, a Hungarian psychotherapist who works with Ukrainian survivors, said she has been struck by statements on social media and in intercepted telephone conversations in which Russian soldiers seem to confess to genocidal motivations.

They are trying to humiliate the nation through the body of a woman, Ziss told Current Time, a Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. It is a message to all the women and all the men [of the country].

'Cautiously Optimistic'

Khrystyna Kit is the director of JurFem, an association of female lawyers that, since the Russian invasion, has become "a place of support for survivors of sexualized violence."

The organization operates several assistance centers where survivors of sexualized violence can receive free medical, psychological, and legal assistance. JurFem volunteers also work on telephone hotlines organized in many regions by lawmakers.

"If a survivor does not receive psychological help or work with therapists, then they will not be able to reach out to law enforcement or participate in a criminal prosecution," Kit said. "It is very important for us that survivors testify. Forensics and other evidence are all crucial."

Kateryna Borozdina, vice president of La Strada Ukraine, said her organization has launched an anonymous chat on Telegram to give victims a place to tell their stories confidentially. She said using the chat can be the first step toward overcoming the fear and shame that prevents many victims from seeking legal assistance.

Kyiv is working with foreign prosecutors in conjunction with the International Criminal Court on the creation of a tribunal for prosecuting war crimes in Ukraine, including cases of sexualized violence.

Prosecutor Didenko said she is "cautiously optimistic" that some perpetrators will eventually be punished.

"Our colleagues and partners from JurFem are helping us draft strategic documents, since Ukraine's experience has been unique," Didenko told Current Time. "We are developing our own methodologies, which will then be integrated and adapted to international norms."

JurFem Director Kit said each survivor has their own idea of what justice might look like.

"Some want the criminals to be arrested and imprisoned," Kit said. "Others want compensation in the form of rehabilitation and medical and social assistance. Others want a guarantee of nonrecurrence of such crimes. A guarantee of nonrecurrence is a form of reparations that we can provide when we bring those responsible to justice and punish them."

Written by RFE/RL correspondent Robert Coalson based on reporting by Kateryna Hatsenko and Kristina Zakurdaeva of Current Time
Saudi Arabia sent three planes with humanitarian aid to Ukraine as part of a $100 million program, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said.

"The aid consists of 135 powerful generators from 20 to 400 kW, warm blankets, and hygiene products. It will be distributed in six regions to meet the urgent needs of thousands of people," Yermak wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

As reported, during a visit to Kyiv at the end of February, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud signed two documents that formalized the provision by Saudi Arabia of assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $400 million: humanitarian aid for $100 million and oil products for $300 million. We are talking about a joint cooperation program with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Development Fund.
Manish Sisodia

The Next hearing in the Delhi Liquor Policy Case will be held on March 10 at 2 pm.

NEW-DELHI: The Court on Saturday (March 4) extended former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia's CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) custody by two more days. The Next hearing in the Delhi Liquor Policy Case will be held on March 10 at 2 pm.

Senior advocates Dayakrishnan and Siddharth Agarwal appeared for Manish Sisodia in the special CBI court. CBI again sought three days remand of Manish Sisodia. The CBI told the court that Sisodia was not cooperating in the investigation.

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Manish Sisodia

The CBI told the court that Sisodia should be interrogated in front of witnesses. There should be an inquiry into the conspiracy. There are some digital evidences, they will have to be preserved and probed. Sisodia's lawyer said that he is not cooperating in the investigation, saying so cannot be the basis for remand. The CBI told the court that the recording of the entire interrogation was on the CD and the interrogation takes place daily till 8 pm. CBI said that some documents are missing, which have to be recovered.

Manish Sisodia's lawyer said that he should be kept in custody till he confesses to the crime? He was not arrested for many months, now suddenly he has been arrested and a demand is being made to extend the remand. Now all of a sudden things started piling up.
PM Modi and Bill Gates holds talks

'I am positive about India's progress in the areas of health, development and climate change', Says Bill Gates

NEW-DELHI: Microsoft Co-founder and American businessman Bill Gates met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 3). They discussed various issues including health, climate change and G-20 presidency. Bill Gates wrote about this meeting in his official blog 'Gatesnotes' and praised India.

He wrote, "India is showing the world what is possible when investment is made in innovation. I am more positive than ever about India's progress in the areas of health, development and climate change. I hope India continues this growth and continues to share its innovations with the world." Bill Gates said that India's amazing ability to make an effective, safe and affordable corona vaccine is commendable. These vaccines have saved millions of lives and prevented more diseases from spreading around the world. It is gratifying that the Gates Foundation was also able to support India in making some vaccines.

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He wrote, 'India not only made life-saving vaccines, but also did a good job in delivering them. India's public health system has delivered 220 million doses of the Corona vaccine through an open source platform called Co-Win. Through this platform, crores of people have made appointments for vaccination and after getting vaccinated, they also got a digital certificate. PM Modi believes that CO-WIN is an example for the world and I agree with him.'

Gates wrote that India embraced digital payments during the pandemic. 30 crore people got emergency digital payment. These include 20 crore women. This became possible only because India prioritized financial inclusion and invested in innovative platforms like the digital ID system (Aadhaar) and digital banking. It proves that financial inclusion is the best investment.

Bill Gates further wrote that the Gati Shakti program is a perfect example of how governments can work better with the help of digital technology. The program digitally connects 16 ministries, including rail and road, so that these ministries can carry out their plans for infrastructure projects as well as speed up the work of Indian scientists and engineers. Gates added that India's G-20 presidency is a great opportunity to highlight how innovations made in the country can help the world. Helping them in all of India's endeavours, especially taking India's digital ID and payment system to other countries, is one of the priorities of the Gates Foundation.


The Russian invaders returned four Kalibr cruise missile carrier ships to combat duty in the Black Sea with a total salvo of 24 missiles, the Pivden task force reported on Facebook on Saturday.

"The enemy continues maneuvers of the ship group in the Black Sea, including increasing the number of launch vehicles. As of 13.00, four launch vehicles have already been recorded on combat duty - two surface and two underwater. The total salvo of Kalibr missiles can still reach 24," the statement says.

Also, the Pivden task force noted that along the front line, an increase in reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles launched by the invaders is recorded. "We are effectively working on them. Over the previous day, three of these were destroyed in Kherson direction," the report says.
Tarun Chugh

With the construction of Rigo bridge, the devotees visiting Guru Nagri for darshan will get relief from the transportation issue.

CHANDIGARH: BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh told reporters on Friday (March 3) that he met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw a few days ago regarding the development works of railways in Punjab and handed over a demand letter to him for the old and new projects of Amritsar. He Demanded early completion of many other works including construction of Rigo bridge connecting the cities, Ludhiana Vande Bharat Express B route, Sahnewal junction and crossing bridge. Chugh said that the Rigo Bridge was built during the British period and it is the lifeline of Amritsar district.

Tarun Chugh said that the Ministry of Railways of the Central government-led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted all their demands and has sanctioned a total of Rs 111 crore 13 lakh 80 thousand for this. In this, 48 crore 79 lakh 16 thousand for Heart Rigo Bridge of Guru Nagri Amritsar, Sahnewal-Amritsar Junction Crossing and L.H.S. 4 crore 99 lakh 99 thousand, Rs 46 crore 90 lakh 23 thousand for Vande Bharat B route in Ludhiana, Rs 10 crore 13 lakh 80 thousand has been approved for LHS between Sahnewal-Jalandhar Junction.

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Expressing gratitude to the PM Narendra Modi government and Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnav, Chugh said that this decision of the government is commendable and reflects PM Modi's foresight, commitment to the development of Punjab and the thinking of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Chugh said that with the construction of Rigo Bridge in Amritsar, the problems of about one lakh people of Guru Nagri would be solved. Along with this, Lakhs of rupees being spent on petrol will be saved and the problem of transport will also be solved.

Notably, With the construction of B route for Vande Bharat, Ludhiana's connectivity with other cities will increase and people will be able to reach their places in less time. With the construction of Rigo bridge, the devotees visiting Guru Nagri for darshan will get relief from the transportation issue. Taking a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, Chugh said that in the amount given by the central government for the development works of the state, the share of the center is 100 percent, while the share of the state government is zero.
Zaluzhny discusses with Chief of Defense Staff of Canadian Armed Forces supply of military aid to Ukraine

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny met with Chief of Defense Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces Wayne Eyre, who arrived in Ukraine on a visit.

"There was a frank conversation. I informed my colleague in detail about the operational situation at the front. He paid special attention to the Eastern direction. We discussed the supply of military assistance: weapons and ammunition," Zaluzny wrote on his Telegram channel.

He noted that Ukraine and Canada would continue to develop cooperation in the field of security and defense.
Melody Bathaee is an editorial intern and production assistant at San Diego Magazine. She is currently studying journalism at SDSU where she acts as the social media editor for The Daily Aztec and hosts her radio show, "Beyond The Melody." If she's not climbing a rock somewhere or fueling her coffee addiction at a local cafe, you'll find her brainstorming ideas for future creative projects in media.

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Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi called on Saturday on Sudanese sides to prioritise the language of dialogue and national consensus, and to uphold the supreme interests of the brotherly Sudanese people.
At least 20 Palestinians were arrested by the Israeli occupation forces in late Saturday and Sunday early morning in raids in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank provinces of Bethlehem and Qalqilia, according to local and Palestinian security sources.
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Iran said Wednesday that International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors were in the country to clear up "ambiguities" about its uranium enrichment activities.

The visit comes after a report by Bloomberg News last week, strongly denied by Tehran, that its nuclear scientists have enriched uranium to 84 percent purity, close to the 90 percent threshold required to produce an atomic bomb.

"Agency officials are in Tehran and have been negotiating, visiting and investigating since yesterday (Tuesday)," Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) chief Mohamad Eslami told reporters on the sidelines of a weekly cabinet meeting.

"The ambiguities that were created by the opinion of an inspector have been resolved or are in the process of being resolved."

The Vienna-based IAEA said Sunday that it was in discussions with Tehran following the Bloomberg News report which drew an angry response from Iranian officials.

AEOI spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi described the report as "slander" and a "distortion of the facts".

"The presence of a particle or particles of uranium above 60 percent in the enrichment process does not mean enrichment above 60 percent," he said.

The latest visit by IAEA inspectors comes amid deadlock in negotiations on reviving a 2015 deal between Iran and major powers, that promised relief from crippling economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear activities.

The curbs, which included a 3.67 percent on uranium enrichment, were intended to prevent Iran developing a nuclear weapons capability, an ambition it has always denied.

But the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to suspend the implementation of its own commitments under the accord.

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size There are many reasons why fashion brands succeed. And while no two brands are alike, it generally involves some combination of creativity, commerciality and it: the elusive X factor. By one measure, of the alumni of the National Designer Award, one of the countrys top prizes for emerging fashion talent, most are still around, including Toni Maticevski (2002), Macgraw (2016) and P.E Nation (2018). The next 12 months will also see a swag of anniversaries for fashion brands, with a few  Country Road, Alex Perry and Lisa Baron among them  crossing the 40-year threshold occupied by the likes of Cue and Carla Zampatti. Still going strong ... Beth (left) and Tess Macgraw are celebrating 10 years in business. Credit:Kate Geraghty Australian fashion is full of success stories, yet the collapse of fashion labels attracts a level of interest reserved for few other industries. It was evident again this month, after Alice McCall announced she had appointed liquidators to wind up her brand, just shy of its 20th anniversary. McCall has chosen to remain quiet about her future for now, but its fair to say fashion hasnt seen the last of her. As industry figures this week lamented that McCall is likely the first of more fashion casualties in 2023, it seemed a good a time as any to ask: in the current climate, how do you define success in fashion? And what are the main reasons some brands dont make it? Alice McCall announced the closure of her label this month after nearly 20 years. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Fashion is a business, and some designers just never get it right, says Kellie Hush, the former Harpers Bazaar editor who now consults for brands including Carla Zampatti.

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Hush says a lot of great Australian designers, including Josh Goot (who has gone on to success with Wardrobe.NYC, the brand he co-founded with stylist and Vogue Australias new editor-in-chief, Christine Centenera) often find themselves out of step with the market as they are ascending, and they falter. For some, their price point is too high for the consumer [they are] trying to market to, says Hush. Even if the clothing is beautiful, sometimes the customers who could actually afford the dress couldnt wear it. Even if the clothing is beautiful, sometimes the customers who could actually afford the dress couldnt wear it. Kellie Hush, consultant and former editor of Harpers Bazaar Industry consultant Jarrad Clark, an Australian based in New York who has worked with brands including Tommy Hilfiger and global fashion giant IMG, says brands are most vulnerable when there is confusion about who they are, or what they stand for, which creates a domino effect across the rest of [their] business, including [their] supply chain. Getting back up again If you want to really understand what it takes to make it in the Australian fashion industry, it helps to talk to those who have failed. Today, Effie Kats runs two successful brands: her eponymous label, which specialises in mid-priced occasion and work wear, and Bayse, which markets perfect basics  and is about to launch in UK department store Selfridges. But in 2018, Kats, now 33, was at her lowest point professionally after her first brand, Zachary, closed after fewer than five years in business.

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Kats, who didnt have any formal fashion training when she started Zachary, had no idea the kinds of issues you can have with stretch garments. She also fell victim to an industry veteran, who effectively conned her into signing away her own company, but not before she ran up debts for retail leases that she says now were never right for her brands target audience. Effie Kats has built two successful businesses after her first venture failed after less than five years. Credit:Eddie Jim Still, Kats wouldnt take it back, even if she could. I learnt so many lessons  I had imposter syndrome, I [told myself] I didnt know best, I didnt trust my inner voice, she says. I was 27, I was facing being sued by [shopping centre owner] Westfield. I lost all my money we had used for the bonds, and the company went into administration, so I had that on my record as well. Loading After spending five months in my bathrobe, pacing, Kats spotted a gap in the market for coloured suits, and jumped back in. Gradual growth, particularly after the pandemic struck and events were cancelled, has been key to her success this time, as has her strong social media presence. You have to evolve and adapt  that is tantamount to survival in this industry, she says, listing technology changes, how brands connect with their customers (or, in her case, audience) and whats happening socially or politically that could impact consumer confidence. Aesthetics are also important. As soon as you remain stagnant your brand gets lost, she says. Growth, but at what cost?

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As Kats learnt, thanks to the headlines when Zachary went bust, it can seem like a disproportionate degree of attention is paid to the fortune of fashion brands. Why does she think that is? Fashion is commercial as well as artistic, and people can overlook that factor. You need to make your targets and budgets. I am constantly looking at whats selling, where we need to inject variety. I want my customers to feel and look how they want, without breaking the bank. Sales were strong during the pandemic and beyond  Ive heard other brands at a higher price point have felt the pinch. Guiding brands towards the future ... Australian Fashion Council boss Leila Naja Hibri. Credit:Esteban La Tessa Its that balance between creative and commercial that can sometimes tip some brands over the edge, often before they have really got off the ground. As head of the Australian Fashion Council, its Leila Naja Hibris job to steer the industry towards success, often through the fog of misconception that its all champagne and catwalks. She says responsible, controlled expansion, tailored to each individual business, should be the goal of brands. We saw a lot of brands over the years just opening more and more retail stores. Expanding and growing can be very seductive, but its not always a good idea, she says. Consumers are also growing and changing, and brands need to look beyond Gen Z, which is now a medium-term approach at best, she says. Our job [as the AFC] is to guide the just transformation of our industry to get to something sustainable for the future  towards net-zero by 2050 ... Our industry is still based on a growth model that is not sustainable economically, sustainably or socially.

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Amanda Briskin-Rettig: Having lots of stores and breaking even  from my measure that wouldnt be a success. To me, thats treading water. Credit:Kate Shanasy So, what does healthy growth, and success, look like? Does everyone need to attain Zimmermann-esque levels of international success (57 stores and counting, a show at next weeks Paris Fashion Week, plus a massive investment from Italy-based Style Capital) to be considered successful? Of course not, says Amanda Briskin-Rettig, who founded Mimco in the mid-1990s and now owns luxury leather goods brand A-ESQUE. She says there are multiple examples of thriving independent brands that are not global behemoths. Ive had the investors, Ive rolled out the stores, and now I am doing this model, which is not necessarily less commercially successful, says Briskin-Rettig, whose bags are handmade at the A-ESQUE atelier, in Melbournes Richmond. Having lots of stores and breaking even  from my measure that wouldnt be a success. To me, thats treading water, and not making change. Briskin-Rettig, who has mentored many young designers, says the industry, and the wider public, could benefit from reframing its negative narrative around change. Brands close, people pivot, life goes on. We dont always view [personal] relationships that way  there are some designers who have gone into other businesses who are very happy not having their own label. Naja Hibri says while there will be a natural correction resulting in fewer brands, at least in the conventional sense, there are opportunities presented by the metaverse, and fashion concepts we are still only discussing in abstract terms. My definition of growth isnt just sales growth, its what are you doing as a brand to stay relevant?

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First we met Karen from Brighton as she power-walked around the Tan during Melbournes coronavirus lockdowns.

Then Bunnings Karen went viral after she refused to wear a mask inside a hardware store in the citys south-east.

Amanda Jane Pritchard will perform her Melbourne International Comedy Festival show at Karens Diner. Credit: Simon Schluter

Now, its time for Karen 2.0. She is softer than her predecessors and nursing a broken heart, but as comedian Amanda Jane Pritchard says, she still hates everything and everyone.

Pritchards show, The Unbearable Righteousness of Being Karen, is to play during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this month, promising plenty of laughs as Karen Sharon navigates a cheating husband and posts her every move to Instagram.
Thousands of international students are bracing for the dual threat of wage theft and dodgy housing schemes as the federal government withdraws pandemic-era laws that allow them to work unlimited hours and authorities require onshore study.

Sean Stimson, an international student solicitor at Redfern Legal Centre, described June 30 as D-Day, when remote study from abroad would no longer be permitted at the same time the Department of Foreign Affairs restricts international students to 48 hours of work per fortnight.

International students are facing changes to laws around how much they can work. Credit: Steven Siewert

The work restrictions are going to be implemented at the same time that all students can no longer study offshore, Stimson said. Theres more students, less income, and theres already pressure on affordable rental properties. It is a recipe, I think, for disaster.

Tens of thousands of international students have now returned to Sydney, reinvigorating the $12 billion industry in NSW.
She arranged for the VHS to be copied onto a DVD, and  unbeknown to her  her brother separately did the same. It turned my stomach, Nader said. Loading Bennett called the general police number, but thought the tape was so old they wouldnt be interested. Years later, she told police she feared that without knowing the identity of the female, this matter would be impossible for police to solve. I thought if Paul became aware that I reported him to police, my life and my familys life would be in danger, she said in her police statement, read out in court. Paul had recently told me I didnt know him and didnt know what he was capable of. In 2009, weeks after the tape was found, Nader went to Granville police station with his father and had an informal chat over coffee with an officer who was a friend of a friend.

He inquired about handing the tape in anonymously, due to concerns for his safety, but the officer told him it would be better if the complaint came from the woman in the video. Nader said the officer didnt watch the video, and wasnt given a copy. Years later, when Parizian moved back into the Rouse Hill home, he asked Bennett about the DVD copy of the video (the original VHS had been lost over time). Bennett said she retrieved the DVD, and he broke it in front of her. I saw a younger version of Paul with another woman, and it looked to me like she was being forced to do things Mona Bennett It was only in 2015, when she was speaking to a lawyer about something else, that her brother revealed he had a copy as well. Bennett and Nader were encouraged to hand the footage to police so it didnt look like they were concealing a crime. They complied. But the mystery remained: who was the woman in the video? The case was assigned to Detective Senior Constable Ryan Mitchell, who formed Strike Force Ister. He watched the video multiple times, finding an important clue.

Parizian will face a sentencing hearing in April. Credit: Kate Geraghty The woman made frequent verbal protests, and at one stage mentioned the country she lived in before migrating to Australia. Parizian had mentioned the womans first name, which had a distinctive spelling in that country. Detectives began a search of all women in NSW with that name, comparing their drivers license photos to the woman in the video. Soon, there was a woman who bore a striking resemblance. More than two decades after that night, the woman was contacted by police on December 28, 2015 and told she might be able to assist as a witness in an investigation. When she spoke to detectives, it emerged that she had no memory of the sexual acts depicted in the video. She recalled that she went to dinner with Parizian in the early 1990s and drank orange juice that he bought for her, then felt woozy and got a headache.

Although she remembered going to his home at Liverpool, she did not remember the rest of the evening including how she got home. After police took an initial statement, they showed her the video of what happened. It began with Parizian walking from the camera towards a bed, which was skewed at a strange angle from the wall. It ended with him once again standing close to the camera as the tape cut to static. The woman on the bed made protests including just let me go and dont touch me as Parizian started to undress her. The woman sobbed and shivered as she watched the vision and was at times inconsolable. She required constant breaks and said out loud, How can I not remember this? and How can anybody say that I want this? When she finally gave her account of that evening at Downing Centre District Court, a series of upsetting claims were put to her. She enjoyed watching videos of women being raped; she was engaging in a consensual role-play. The woman rejected these assertions emphatically. A jury also rejected the claims after several days of deliberation, and after watching the video themselves. It was broken into three clips, each lasting about 20 minutes, and played in a closed court.

Loading Before the general public was asked to leave the room, Judge Jane Culver asked the lawyers to keep an eye on the jurors as they watched the footage to see if they needed a break. Police were unable to pinpoint the exact date the video was filmed, narrowing it down to some time between October 31, 1991 and March 31, 1993. The first date was when Parizians mother died. In the video, he swore on his mothers dead body that he was not filming the woman. The second date was around the time Parizian told the woman he had a sexually explicit video of her, and threatened to show it to people if she didnt have sex with him again. She didnt believe him, but she became so distressed that she had to be hospitalised.

Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, commander of the NSW Police sex crimes squad, told the Herald she encourages anyone who is a victim of sexual violence to report the matter to police. Loading Historic cases can be reviewed and investigated by specially trained and experienced detectives, regardless of how much time has passed, Doherty said. We understand that reporting sexual assaults can be distressing and traumatic. Coming forward sooner and providing a formal report allows police to preserve evidence in a timely manner. If you do not wish to pursue a court outcome, detectives can explain all options available to you  however, reporting at the time can allow sensitive evidence to be captured and stored should you change your mind in the future.
A group of men from a religious group took to the streets of Newtown on Friday night to protest against comments made on current affairs program The Project this week.

Police spoke with the group of about 30 people who marched along the footpath on King Street before they dispersed just before 9pm.

About 30 men from a religious group attended a protest in Newtown on Friday. Credit: Charlie Bakhos

Its understood the unauthorised protest was a response to comments made on current affairs program The Project.

On Tuesday night comedian Reuben Kaye was a guest on Channel 10s The Project, where he made the joke: I love Jesus. I love any man who can get nailed for three days straight and come back for more.
Police have pulled a body from the water, following the disappearance of an 18-year-old man while swimming at Freshwater Beach in Sydneys north on Saturday evening.

The body is yet to be formally identified and police are liaising with the missing mans family. The body was recovered from Freshwater Beach at 9.25am and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The man went swimming at the popular beach, near Manly, with two friends on Saturday evening, but they lost sight of him in the water, police were told. When the friends returned to shore, they called emergency services.

Police were searching for a missing 18-year-old man off Freshwater Beach on Saturday evening. Credit: James Brickwood

The Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter, a police helicopter and a police boat led a search, which began at about 8.15pm on Saturday. Surf Life Saving NSW was also involved.
A government minister has questioned the citys lack of 24-hour public transport, as a new survey shows 90 per cent of women in Sydney feel unsafe in public spaces at night.

Womens Safety and Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said women in Sydney also did not feel safe on public transport, which limited their choices when they go out at night for work and leisure.

A survey conducted by Transport for NSW found 90 per cent of women in Sydney feel unsafe in public spaces at night. Credit: James Brickwood

Unfortunately, a majority of women dont feel safe in our public spaces, she said. They dont feel safe on transport and when travelling alone at night or even during the day.

Speaking at the Improving Womens Engagement in the Night Time Economy forum last week, Ward said women should not have to catch an Uber from a train station to their home because it was unsafe to walk.
About eight years ago, inner-west primary school Kegworth Public embarked on a plan to eliminate homework for students. The primary school has stood out for their approach, but among parents, the policy has been controversial.

There are parents who have chosen Kegworth because of our no homework policy, principal Phil Toovey said.

But weve realised there is this appetite among some parents for homework and we aim to work in partnership with all families at the school and achieve the best outcomes for students.

Kegworth Public School has reversed its no homework policy and now has an opt-in approach for years 3 to 6. Credit: Brook Mitchell

In 2016, the Leichhardt school scrapped traditional homework after extensive consultation with parents and a review of the research. But from term 2 this year, Kegworth will relax the policy and parents of students in years 3 to 6 can now opt-in to complete at-home maths, spelling and comprehension tasks.
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi arrived in Tehran Friday for discussions with officials after his agency's inspectors in Iran found uranium particles enriched to just under weapons-grade level.

The visit by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency comes with the Vienna-based organisation seeking to get Iran to increase cooperation over its nuclear activities.

Grossi was greeted at the airport by Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and is due to meet its head, Mohammad Eslami, as well as other Iranian officials during his two-day visit.

A confidential IAEA report seen Tuesday by AFP said uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 percent -- just under the 90 percent needed to produce an atomic bomb -- had been detected at Iran's underground Fordo plant about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the capital.

Tehran denies wanting to acquire atomic weapons, and last week said it had not made any attempt to enrich uranium beyond 60 percent purity, noting that "unintended fluctuations... may have occurred" during the enrichment process.

The discovery came after Iran had substantially modified an interconnection between two centrifuge clusters enriching uranium, without declaring it to the IAEA.

The IAEA tweeted on Thursday that Grossi would "travel to Tehran for high-level meetings at the invitation of Iran's government".

A diplomatic source told AFP that Grossi would also meet President Ebrahim Raisi to "relaunch the dialogue" on Iran's atomic work and to "reset the relationship at the highest level".

During the visit, the IAEA director general will try to find out more and obtain "strengthened access to the (Fordo) site and an increase in the number of inspections", the sources added.

On Thursday, France, a signatory to a 2015 deal that promised Iran relief from biting economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities, described the new enrichment development "unprecedented and extremely serious".

The IAEA chief's visit comes amid deadlock in negotiations on reviving the landmark accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA.

- 'Greater cooperation' -

These restrictions, including the 3.67 percent enrichment threshold set out in the deal, were intended to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

However, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under then president Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to suspend the implementation of its own commitments under the accord.

Negotiations aimed at reviving the deal started in 2021 but have been stalled since last year due to a number of diplomatic as well as geopolitical reasons.

Grossi's visit is being seen in Iran as another indication that a dialogue-based approach to resolving the nuclear standoff is possible.

"It is hoped that this trip will form the basis for greater cooperation and a clearer horizon between Iran and the IAEA," said Kamalvandi before Grossi's arrival.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in an interview with CNN that "the window for an agreement on negotiations to lift sanctions is still open, but this window will not be open for ever".

Depending on the outcome of Grossi's trip, the United States and the E3 -- European powers Britain, France and Germany -- will decide whether submit a draft resolution censuring Iran to the IAEA board of governors, which is due to convene next week in Vienna.

In November 2022, Iran was criticised for its lack of cooperation regarding traces of enriched uranium found at three undeclared sites.

Grossi's last visit to Iran took place in early March 2022, and was focused on the three undeclared sites.

The IAEA said Grossi would hold a news conference upon his return to Vienna late Saturday afternoon.

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At first glimpse, the latest retail entrant to Rankins Lane off Little Bourke Street could be mistaken for a high-end homewares store with the signature aesthetics and aromas of Aesop.

But a double-take reveals that High Tide is, in fact, a retailer of adult sex products.

Paige Aubort and Sren Poulsen in High Tide, a Melbourne store that challenges what people think an adult sex store is. Credit: Chris Hopkins

Sex toys, organised by colour, sit on timber shelves without raunchy packaging. The lighting is warm, the tunes emotive and calm. This is no Club X or Sexyland.

Paige Aubort and Sren Poulsen are the couple behind the shop opening on Thursday opposite Melbourne coffee and bagel institution Manchester Press and near the bustle of Hardware Lane. They conceived the idea three years ago after a negative experience at an adult store during a weekend away.
Thousands of Victorians still have no access to fluoridated water, resulting in higher rates of childrens tooth decay and avoidable hospitalisations.

Rising numbers of parents in rural areas are resorting to buying fluoride supplements for their children, while older people are being advised by dentists to buy high-strength over the counter fluoride pastes to protect their teeth.

Jax Heath checks out the water fountain in Mansfield. Credit: Joe Armao

A La Trobe University study, published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health, found lack of fluoridated drinking water was having adverse implications for almost 150,000 Victorians in more than 60 towns with populations of more than 1000.

The study, which examined more than 200 towns across the state, found children in rural areas without fluoride in the water have almost three times the rate of preventable dental hospitalisations when compared with the state average.
A shopfront near a major western Sydney train station is advertising coffee for $1.50. In a city where the price of a small flat white now has a four in front, its a steal.

But public health experts are concerned by these loss-leading tactics, seen at convenience stores and tobacconists popping up the city over: lollies, coffee and soft drink at the front, vaping products at the back. And weak laws failing to stop teenagers from shopping at both ends of the shop.

Vapes are sold in a range of colours and flavours that appeal to younger people. Credit: Mark Stehle

Cancer Council NSWs director of cancer prevention and advocacy, Anita Dessaix, said the organisation was receiving more reports from Sydney communities concerned about shops which sell brightly coloured, sweet-flavoured vapes opening up around train stations and bus stops frequented by high school students.

What we are seeing from the footpath is there may be promotions for soft drink, chips, candy, coffee, lollies: it looks like a very attractive shopfront for teenagers going to and from school, she said.
Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli occupation forces in different parts of the occupied West Bank on Friday as fall out from Israeli raids and Jewish settlers attacks on Palestinian towns continue.

Scores of Palestinians suffered from suffocation during the clashes with the Israeli troops in Bayt Dajan village and the villages of Beita and Huwara near the city of Nablus, said Palestinian security sources.



Meanwhile, two Palestinians were wounded by rubber bullets and scores suffered from suffocation after the Israeli army quelled an anti-settlement march that sets off every week to condemn the crimes against the Palestinian people and support Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Earlier today, Israeli troops fired stun grenades and teargas to block busloads of Israeli left-wing activists from staging a solidarity rally in Huwara - the town that was set ablaze by Jewish settlers earlier this week

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Friday condemning an Israeli ministers call to wipe out the Palestinian village of Huwara as a dangerous and unacceptable incitement to violence.

On Thursday, Israeli troops shot dead a 15-year-old Palestinian boy and critically wounded another child in the town of Azzun in the West Bank.

The boy, Muhammad Nidal Salim, was laid to rest after a massive public funeral today after Friday prayers.

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"By having a constructive discussion... and having good agreements, like I am sure we are going to have, we are going to be paving the way for important agreements," Rafael Grossi told a news conference alongside Iran's top nuclear official Mohammad Eslami.

Grossi arrived in Iran on Friday amid deadlock in negotiations on reviving a landmark 2015 accord on Iran's nuclear activity, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

A diplomatic source told AFP the IAEA chief would meet President Ebrahim Raisi during his trip to "relaunch the dialogue" on Iran's atomic work and to "reset the relationship at the highest level".

Grossi had made clear "that he was only prepared to go to Tehran if he had an invitation to speak with the president," the source added.

Uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 percent -- just under the 90 percent needed to produce an atomic bomb -- had been detected at Iran's underground Fordow plant about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the capital, according to a confidential IAEA report seen by AFP this week.

Tehran denies wanting to acquire atomic weapons, and said it had not made any attempt to enrich uranium beyond 60-percent purity.

Iran's government noted that "unintended fluctuations... may have occurred" during the enrichment process.

The discovery came after Iran had substantially modified an interconnection between two centrifuge clusters enriching uranium, without declaring it to the IAEA.

'Obligations'

Grossi was greeted Friday at Mehrabad International Airport by Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and later met with the agency's chief Eslami.

At the joint press conference on Saturday, Eslami called for other signatories of the 2015 deal to fulfil their "obligations".

"Three European and some other countries are just focusing on Iran's JCPOA obligations," he told the news conference. "They too have obligations that they need to adhere to."

"We came to an arrangement (with Grossi) to define our cooperation within the framework of the safeguards" on nuclear activity.

Grossi met later on Saturday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, official news agency IRNA reported.

Iran's top diplomat earlier told CNN that "the window for an agreement on negotiations to lift sanctions is still open, but this window will not be open forever".

During the visit, the IAEA director general aimed to secure "more access to the (Fordow) site, more inspections," the diplomatic source said.

France, a signatory to the 2015 deal that promised Iran relief from biting economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities, described the new enrichment development on Thursday as "unprecedented and extremely serious".

'Greater cooperation'

The restrictions set out in the deal, including the 3.67-percent enrichment threshold, were intended to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

The United States unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to suspend the implementation of its own commitments.

Negotiations aimed at reviving the deal started in 2021 but have been stalled since last year.

Grossi's visit is being seen in Iran as another indication that a dialogue-based approach to resolving the nuclear standoff is possible.

"It is hoped that this trip will form the basis for greater cooperation and a clearer horizon between Iran and the IAEA," Kamalvandi said ahead of Grossi's arrival.

Depending on the outcome of Grossi's trip, the US as well as Britain, France and Germany will decide whether to submit a draft resolution censuring Iran to the IAEA board of governors, which is due to convene next week in Vienna.

In November 2022, Western nations criticised Iran for its lack of cooperation after traces of enriched uranium were found at three undeclared sites.

Grossi last visited Iran in early March 2022, in a trip that was focused on the sites.

The IAEA said Grossi would hold a news conference upon his return to Vienna late Saturday afternoon.
WASHINGTON  Boeing Co. Chief Executive Dave Calhoun will not receive a $7 million bonus due to the companys failure to enter the 777X into service by the end of 2023, Boeing said Friday.

Boeing offered the performance-based incentive to Calhoun when he replaced former CEO Dennis Muilenburg in January 2020 and required that Calhoun achieve seven milestones by the end of this year.

Boeings compensation committee determined in August 2022 that the award would not vest when it became clear that Calhoun would not meet the 777X entry into service goal by 2023, according to a company filing posted on Friday afternoon ahead of an April 18 shareholder meeting.

Calhoun took home $7 million in pay last year, slightly less than his $7.4 million compensation in 2021, Boeing stated in the filing. His total compensation, which includes long-term incentives that have not yet vested, measured $22.5 million in 2022, an increase from about $21 million the previous year.

In 2022, Boeing confirmed that first delivery of the widebody 777X had slipped to 2025, most recently because of a setback in the aircraft certification timeline. The aircraft, also known as the 777-9, is a larger version of the original 777 aircraft and has been in development since 2013.

Boeings board of directors said Calhoun substantially achieved, or is on track to substantially achieve most of the awards performance goals, which include the return to service of the 737 MAX in 2020. The board also praised Calhouns leadership in the filing, saying the CEO made several decisions on the 777X program that were in the companys long term interests but came at the expense of the goal being met.

In February, Boeing awarded Calhoun an incentive worth approximately $5.3 million  made in restricted stock units that vest in 2024 and 2025  in order to induce the CEO to stay through the companys projected recovery period.

While the company pointed to the 777X program as the reason Calhoun will not receive his bonus, other milestones associated with the incentive have yet to be successfully completed, such as the first crewed Starliner launch currently projected for April. The terms of the award also called for Calhoun to meet certain milestones on the Boeing-Embraer joint venture, which dissolved in 2020.
ST. LOUIS  Keeva Gilmores desires for a new home are simple: new electrical wiring, insulated windows to keep the cold out and a safe place for children to play.

The 15-year resident of Clinton-Peabody Apartments, a public housing complex south of downtown St. Louis, is tired of the violence that has infiltrated her neighborhood. She misses seeing children outside playing, many of whom are kept inside to stay safe. She hopes a $100 million plan to redevelop the 24-acre complex will return a sense of peace that has long been missing.

Im traumatized, along with the children and older people, said Gilmore, who lives here with her three daughters. I just want change.

The St. Louis Housing Authority is embarking on a major redevelopment of the complex, a collection of more than 300 apartments across 31 buildings that has served extremely low-income families since 1942.

The apartments are bounded by South 14th Street to the east, Chouteau Avenue to the north, Dillon Street to the west, and Rutger Lane to the south. About 200 residents currently live here; many of the buildings show obvious signs of neglect with boarded up doors and old air conditioning units hanging out of windows.

Officials say the work, which is still in planning phases, will replace an obsolete complex and revitalize a community to meet the needs of todays residents. Its redevelopment is key to the agencys five-year strategic plan, the agency said.

The redevelopment will mark a turning point for Clinton-Peabody, which had garnered attention not just for violence but for mold, major mice infestations and other unsanitary living conditions. Those issues caught the eye of Jefferson City, prompting the Missouri attorney general to sue and later settle with the former property management firm, which spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to try to improve conditions.

Redeveloping the Clinton-Peabody Apartments is a key priority for the St. Louis Housing Authority, Executive Director Alana C. Green said in a statement announcing the $100 million investment.

The agency sought a company to lead the project last March, ultimately selecting Boston-based nonprofit Preservation of Affording Housing over six other firms to lead the renovation. The project team also includes design and architecture firms Trivers and Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Roanoke Construction. POAH develops, owns and operates almost 13,000 affordable homes in 11 states and the District of Columbia, according to its website.

Funding for the Clinton-Peabody Apartments project will occur over multiple phases with each phase applying for and hopefully securing a combination of private and public sources, including grants, private and nonprofit funding and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the Missouri Housing Development Commission. The development team plans to submit the first tax credit application this fall.

The first phase could start construction in late 2024 or early 2025 depending on when financing is awarded, officials said. No residents will be permanently displaced, the agency said.

POAH will collaborate with Clinton-Peabody residents, the Tenant Association Board and the St. Louis Housing Authority during all phases of the plan. The housing agency said in a release that POAH guarantees the plan will reflect the residents vision and desires.

Valerie Shanks has lived in the complex since 1984, her mother even longer. Shanks hopes the complex will be torn down and replaced with new, spacious homes that wont cram residents together. She said Clinton-Peabody used to have more buildings when she was growing up. Her mother, she said, is cramped, living between two large families in her building.

Shanks is looking forward to having central air when the redevelopment is finished. But she said living conditions have improved and that issues with the mice are gone.

St. Louis-based McCormack Baron Management had spent more than $300,000 to clean up mold, mice and bug infestations after then-Attorney General Josh Hawley sued the company and the St. Louis Housing Authority in 2018 over the conditions. His successor, Eric Schmitt, later dropped the lawsuit and a new management company took over.

Every place has so much work to do. But you cant do it with (constantly) changing managers and maintenance, Shanks said. Its getting better.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis jury agreed that a former St. Louis police sergeant was discriminated against on Friday, awarding her $300,000.

Heather Taylor, who retired from the police department in 2020 and now serves as deputy director for the citys Department of Public Safety, sued the city in 2017 for race discrimination and a hostile work environment.

In the petition, her attorneys wrote that the discipline she received was unprecedented, and she was targeted for being outspoken about racism and discrimination within the department. During her tenure as a sergeant, her attorneys wrote she was ostracized, ignored and targeted for harassment by several named police officials and even former Chief Sam Dotson.

Police group says county officers transfer was retaliation for media interview The Ethical Society of Police said Officer Shanette Hall has played an integral part in the recruitment of minority officers in recent years.

She feels vindicated that her calls for change in the discriminatory practices in the SLMPD have finally been heard, her attorney, Brian Love, said. The jury sent a strong message that the city needs better policies and much better training to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

The city counselors office and police department did not return requests for comment.

During her more than 20-year career, she was also president of the Ethical Society of Police, a police organization founded to address race-based discrimination in the community and police department. As president, she helped prosecute a former president who stole $80,000 from the organization.

President of Ethical Society of Police retires after 20 years with police department Sgt. Heather Taylor often addressed racial disparities in the police department and police relations with the community.

In 2017, Taylor spoke to Post-Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger in her role as ESOPs president. The day Messengers column posted about how the gun detection program, ShotSpotter, was temporarily shut down because of lack of payment, a police colonel filed an internal affairs complaint against Taylor.

Taylor remained vocal as ESOPs president, calling on many officers to be fired or criminally charged, including Dotson, the former chief, and former Officer Jason Stockley, who remained on the police force for years while he was investigated in a fatal 2011 shooting.

She retired in 2020 and joined the public safety team in 2021.

Mayor-elect Jones names Isom as interim public safety director, Layne as treasurer Daniel Isom is a former St. Louis police chief and state public safety director. Adam Layne has served as deputy chief of staff in the treasurers office.

I stand proudly in her shadow: Ethical Society of Police announces new president Sgt. Walters will serve as president until he runs for a two-year term in the group's regular election, scheduled for February 2021.

St. Louis police must address unequal treatment of minority officers, advocacy group says A report by the Ethical Society of Police includes 25 suggestions for improving police operations, including following civil service rules.
ST. LOUIS  Police in Missouri reported firing their guns 58 times in 10 months last year, according to a new statewide report.

The report details 113 total instances of police using some kind of force between March 1 and Dec. 31. Just over a quarter of those incidents were fatal, and just under 60% seriously injured a person.

The data was published this week for the first time as a disclosure under Missouris Police Use of Force Transparency Act. The law, signed last year, requires police to report data on certain use-of-force incidents to the Department of Public Safety and the FBI beginning March 1, 2022.

The data includes only instances where an officer fires their gun, seriously injures a person or kills a person.

Of Missouris 643 police agencies, 393 submitted data for the report, including large departments such as St. Louis, St. Louis County, Kansas City, Columbia, St. Charles County and Jackson County.

If an agency does not submit data, the Missouri Department of Public Safety can withhold grant money, said Mike OConnell, communications director for the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

But, OConnell said, Oftentimes those who are not complying are small agencies that are not applying for grants.

The two most cited types of resistance that led to an officers use of force were attempts to flee and noncompliance with verbal commands or other types of passive resistance.

The most often reported types of force were firing a gun, using their hands or feet (31), or using a police dog (15).

Missouris statewide report is one of the first of its kind in the country.

The FBIs National Use-of-Force Data Collection, launched in 2019, was a strictly voluntary data-gathering effort and reported low participation rates among agencies.

That low participation spurred Missouri lawmakers to include use-of-force reporting requirements in public safety reform legislation that Gov. Mike Parson signed into law last summer.
EDWARDSVILLE  A Granite City teen charged as an adult pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder in a June 2022 drive-by shooting.

Russean K. Hollis, 17, was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in prison after admitting to killing Tashay Mathis, 42, in a drive-by shooting on June 25. Mathis was outside with a large group of people near Sixth Street and Broadway when Hollis, 16 at the time, shot him.

Hollis is considered a juvenile in Illinois, but was tried as an adult in the case.

The motive for the shooting was unclear, according to a news release from Madison County States Attorney Tom Haine.

Illinois State Police, Venice Police and the United States Marshals Service helped investigate the case.
The UN human rights chief on Friday denounced the "unfathomable" call by an Israeli minister for a flashpoint Palestinian town to be "wiped out", urging an end to the violence.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made his comments on Wednesday, days after two settlers were shot dead in Huwara, killings, that led to Israeli settlers to attack the northern West Bank town.

"I think the village of Huwara needs to be wiped out," Smotrich said. "I think the State of Israel should do it."

Later, he tweeted that he "didn't mean to erase the village of Huwara, but only to act in a targeted way against the terrorists".

But UN rights chief Volker Turk, speaking before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, denounced Smotrich's original comments as "an unfathomable statement of incitement to violence and hostility".

Washington, a staunch ally of Israel, was even more blunt in its response to Smotrich's comments.

"They were irresponsible, they were repugnant, they were disgusting," US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

"Just as we condemn Palestinian incitement to violence, we condemn these provocative remarks that also amount to incitement to violence," he added.

A French foreign ministry statement also condemned the comments as "unacceptable, irresponsible and unworthy coming from a member of the Israeli government".

"These comments only fuel hatred and fuel the spiral of current violence," the statement added, appealing for calm.

- Appeal for calm -

Smotrich, an extreme-right settler, spoke during a surge in violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and specifically in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the Six-Day War of 1967.

The attack on Huwara late Sunday saw hundreds of settlers set homes and cars ablaze and hurl stones, while a Palestinian man was killed in the nearby village of Zaatara.

More than 350 Palestinians were injured, most suffering from tear gas inhalation, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said.

On Monday, gunmen shot dead an Israeli-American motorist, and on Wednesday, Israeli forces searching for suspects in the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp near Jericho killed a Palestinian man.

Presenting his office's latest report on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, Turk warned the council Friday that the "increasing violence is condemning innocent people on all sides to further tragedy."

He called on "decision-makers and people on all sides... to step back from the precipice to which increasing extremism and violence have led".

- 'Occupation must end' -

Since the start of the year, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has claimed the lives of 65 Palestinian adults and children, including militants and civilians.

Thirteen Israeli adults and children, including members of the security forces and civilians, and one Ukrainian civilian have been killed over the same period, according to an AFP tally based on official sources from both sides.

The upsurge in violence comes after last year saw the highest number of Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces in 17 years, and the highest number of Israelis killed since 2016, Turk pointed out.

"I condemn the violence that has killed and harmed so many people on both sides, and which generates overwhelming despair," he said.

Many country representatives echoed Turk's concerns Friday, while Palestinian ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi took the rights council floor to urge the international community to take "punitive steps" against Israel.

Israel, which routinely accuses the UN and especially the Human Rights Council of bias against it, meanwhile did not have a representative in the room for Turk's presentation.

The UN rights chief called on both sides to adhere to a commitment to de-escalation reached following talks Sunday in Jordan.

"In the near future, there must be an end to settlements in occupied land. And within a foreseeable horizon, there must be a two-state solution," Turk insisted.

"For this violence to end, the occupation must end. On all sides, there are people who know this."

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ST. LOUIS  City police officers are poised to receive some of their largest pay raises in recent memory.

The deal, approved by police union members this week, calls for bumps later this year worth thousands of dollars per officer, up and down the seniority chart.

City officials said it should at least temporarily narrow pay gaps between St. Louis and St. Louis County police and cut into the growing number of officers leaving the force in recent years.

This agreement will help the city be more competitive, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones office said in a statement Friday.

The Ethical Society of Police, which represents city officers, lauded the deal. This is a good start to help with retention but there is a lot more that needs to be done, the group said in a statement.

Theres one caveat: The agreement appears to tie those raises to the police department remaining under city control.

Jones has strongly opposed state lawmakers efforts to reimpose state control in recent years, a move that could stymie her efforts to increase civilian oversight and pursue other progressive reforms. The main police union, however, has been just as adamant in its support for state control. But close observers said rank-and-file officers overwhelming approval of the pending deal indicated the extra money could bridge the difference.

The administration also said it would continue expanding alternatives to policing, including programs focused on diversion, engaging youths and sending social workers to calls when appropriate.

News of the deal prompted praise from police allies at the Board of Aldermen and the regions main business lobby.

Im glad and encouraged to hear that theres a meaningful pay increase, said Alderman Tom Oldenburg, of St. Louis Hills. I think it needs to be more, but its a meaningful first step.

Strengthening public safety in St. Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc. CEO Jason Hall said in a statement, is the most critical policy issue we must address to ensure the entire metros economic competitiveness.

The pending deal would be the first between the city and its police unions since June 2020, when old contracts lapsed without successors.

It follows years of dismal statistics showing the police department, like many across the country, struggling to hire and retain officers. More commissioned employees left the department than came aboard in seven of the 10 years between 2011-2021, and the departures were getting worse: 58 more left than were added in 2020; 79 more in 2021.

As of last fall, the deficit was up to 83, and the total number of commissioned employees had fallen 15% to 1,049 since the start of 2013.

Officials and advocates had long speculated on various reasons for the drop beyond inadequate wages, including an increased national focus on police misconduct, calls to cut law enforcement budgets, and rising stress connected to high homicide rates and the pandemic.

But the pay issue came into sharp focus last summer when St. Louis County officials voted to increase pay for its officers, and the local union chief there said city cops would likely be the biggest target.

In late August, Comptroller Darlene Green presented a public safety plan to the mayor and aldermanic president that included calls for wages competitive with other police departments in the region.

Aldermen approved a resolution calling for similar action in October.

The deal ratified by the police union on Thursday, which still must be finalized by city and union officials, would increase pay by 8% for officers with 10 years of experience or less, by 10% for those with 11-20 years, and by 12% for those with 21 years or more.

A police officer with 15 years on the force, for instance, would see their salary increase by nearly $7,000.

Sergeants salaries would increase by similar percentage rates.

The exact cost to the city was not immediately clear Friday. City Budget Director Paul Payne said he could not comment on the matter. And the St. Louis Police Officers Association did not respond to multiple calls.

But the union told KSDK (Channel 5) on Friday that it would be at least $16 million.

The city will also need to increase salaries for firefighters to meet pay parity requirements under the city charter.
ALBANY, N.Y.  Medical licensing officials in multiple states are scrambling to stop nurses with fraudulent academic credentials from caring for patients, after three Florida schools were accused of selling thousands of bogus diplomas.

New York regulators told 903 nurses in recent weeks to either surrender their licenses or prove they were properly educated. Delaware and Washington state officials have yanked dozens of nursing licenses. Texas filed administrative charges against 23 nurses. More actions in additional states are expected.

In some cases, lawyers for the nurses contend states are questioning the credentials of caregivers who earned diplomas legitimately. But there's wide agreement in the industry that nurses with fraudulent degrees need to be rooted out.

The public needs to know that when theyre the most fragile, when theyre sick, when theyre in a hospital bed, that the individual who is at their bedside has gone through the required training, said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association union.

States are acting in the wake of Operation Nightingale, a federal investigation into what officials say was a wire fraud scheme in which several now-closed Florida nursing schools sold phony nursing diplomas and transcripts from 2016 to 2022. Twenty-five defendants, including school owners and alleged recruiters, have been charged, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe announced in late January. Those cases are pending.

About 7,600 students paid an average of $15,000 for bogus diplomas, according to prosecutors. Around 2,400 of those people then passed a licensing exam to obtain jobs as registered nurses and licensed practical nurses or vocational nurses in multiple states, prosecutors say.

How did so many test takers pass without the required classroom and clinical work? In some cases, they were experienced L.P.N.s seeking to become R.N.s. Some had been health care providers in other countries.

The nurses got jobs across the country, including at a hospital in Georgia, Veterans Affairs medical centers in Maryland and New York, a skilled nursing facility in Ohio, and an assisted living facility in New Jersey, according to court filings.

Students came not only from Florida, but also New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Delaware. Many of the students took their licensing exam in New York, where they can sit it multiple times, according to investigators.

Investigators identified the Florida nursing schools as the Palm Beach School of Nursing; Siena College, a school in Broward County that wasn't related to the college of the same name in New York; and the Sacred Heart International Institute, which was also based in Broward County and had no relation to a university with a similar name in Connecticut.

It was not entirely clear how many of the roughly 2,400 nurses with credentials from these schools are currently employed, or where.

Federal officials shared information so states could pursue nurses with phony academic credentials. Some states have taken action.

The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission rescinded the R.N. licenses of 17 people and denied license applications for four. The Delaware Board of Nursing annulled 26 licenses. The Georgia Board of Nursing asked 22 nurses to voluntarily surrender their licenses.

The 23 nurses facing possible license revocations in Texas can continue working while their disciplinary cases are pending. Texas Board of Nursing general counsel James Dusty Johnston said more charges could come as officials develop "the necessary information for each individual.

A spokesperson for Veterans Affairs said it removed 89 nurses "from patient care nationwide last year immediately after being notified by federal officials. The agency has not found any instances of patients being harmed.

New York's Office of the Professions posted on the state education department's website that it expects some of the 903 licensees who attended the schools did, in fact, attend required hours and clinicals and are properly licensed. Those people are being asked to have a qualified nursing program submit verification.

Attorneys for some of the nurses in New York and Georgia say nurses who legitimately earned diplomas are getting caught up in the investigation.

There are obviously people who bought transcripts who are fraudulent and should not be practicing nursing under any circumstances, said Atlanta attorney Hahnah Williams. But there are also people who went to those schools legitimately and did nothing wrong. And they are somehow being lumped together with the fraudulent nurses.

Williams said her clients are hardworking immigrants who went to schools that were accredited at the time and have since worked for many years without incident.

Similarly, attorney Jordan Fensterman in New York said he has clients who attended classes at one of the schools to finish up their R.N. degrees and then worked during the pandemic. He said those nurses deserve due process now.

The state board actions are taking place as hospitals across the nation try to deal with chronic staffing challenges.

Hopefully, the number is smaller once the authorities sort things out, said Kennedy, the American Nurses Association president.

Typical salaries can vary by 300% between these 5 types of nurses Typical salaries can vary by 300% between these 5 types of nurses #5. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses #4. Registered nurses #3. Nurse midwives #2. Nurse practitioners #1. Nurse anesthetists
Missouri played host to one of the most important speeches of the 20th century when Winston Churchill spoke at Missouris Westminster College on March 5, 1946, warning of an iron curtain descending across Europe. It marked the dawn of the Cold War. Britains current prime minister, Rishi Sunak, should grasp an opportunity to display similar statesmanship. This also is a chance for Missouri to put itself back on the map.

Consider the change in Britains circumstances over the past 77 years. In 1946, the prestige of Churchill and his nation had never been greater. He had faced down Hitler and, in alliance with the United States and others, had defeated Germany and Japan, safeguarding democracy.

The contrast to today could not be greater. Britain is a shadow of its former self. It no longer controls an empire upon which the sun never sets. All that is left are 14 overseas territories mainly in the Caribbean with a total population of 300,000. Domestically, British politics touched a new low in 2022 with the ignominious prime ministership of Liz Truss. To steady the ship, fellow Conservative Sunak replaced her, but the vessel continues to take in water, as the working poor struggle to feed their families and the nation is rocked by strikes and social discord.

At this low point, there is no better time to set out in a new direction.

One speech 4,000 miles away from Britain is not going to cure what ails it, but the nation needs a new vision to provide a sense of direction. Where better to set down markers than here in Missouri? Sunak should define at Westminster College what part Britain will play in world politics over the coming years.

As U.S. Secretary of State Dean Acheson said in 1962, Great Britain has lost an empire and has not yet found a role. It seems no nearer an answer now than it did then. In fact, the gyrations of British politics since Churchills speech can partly be explained by its inability to find a new global role.

For the past 10 years, debates in Britain have been dominated by Brexit and its aftermath. Yet doubts about membership in the European Union began the moment it joined in 1973, culminating in a referendum and then withdrawal in 2020. The realization has dawned on most Brits that they are worse off outside the trading bloc than within it. Great Britain now finds itself afloat somewhere in the mid-Atlantic with a broken rudder.

Why should this be of interest to readers of the Post-Dispatch? As a British-born resident of St. Louis, I can attest to the affection and high regard felt among my neighbors toward Britain. Im sure they would like to see it flourish. But more to the point, doesnt our fair city face a similar quandary? It, too, needs to carve out a global role for itself. Its history was as a jumping-off point for westward migration, reaching its apogee with the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. St. Louis has been in relative economic decline over the same 75-year period as Britain.

St. Louis is a global leader in plant science and has pretensions as a tech hub. It is a logistical center for the world trade in grains. It lies within a days drive of most key cities of the American heartland. Our state, too, could do with a fresh vision. The rest of Missouri may not want to admit it, but its fate is bound up with the fortunes of St. Louis.

Sunak is looking for friends. Missouri should extend the hand of amity. An invitation from Westminster College to the prime minister to deliver a speech on global politics might reverberate across the Atlantic and perhaps beyond. Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine and tensions with China raise the specter of a new cold war. Do we really have to return to this mindset? Can Britain offer an alternative perspective that will alter the course of events? Let us find out.

Nigel Holloway is a writer and editor based in St. Lous.
The gas station in my downtown St. Louis neighborhood, on North Tucker Boulevard just off Washington Avenue, is known around here as murder Shell. It reaffirmed its nickname last week when a fight moved across the street and culminated in a casual execution on the curb, in broad daylight, as traffic hummed by. Maybe you saw the video.

The muted public reaction to the killing stands in sharp contrast to the explosion of public outrage the previous week at the story of the teenage volleyball player from Tennessee who lost both her legs to a speeder who wasnt supposed to be free and driving.

There are some rational reasons why that story got more attention: an out-of-town visitor, an unusual and horrendous injury, the political implications of yet another abject failure by St. Louis criminal justice system. And a perhaps less-rational tendency to view the maiming of a promising young athlete as being more tragic than the murder of a homeless man.

But I think the main reason the execution on North Tucker hasnt raised more eyebrows is that one guy killing another guy with a handgun barely rises to a dog-bites-man story in St. Louis today. Were used to it. And thats the ultimate tragedy.

After writing last week about the devastating story of Janae Edmondson, the 17-year-old Tennessean who will never again walk on her own legs because she made the mistake of visiting St. Louis, I had planned to balance it this week by writing about downtowns better angels. Ive lived here more than a decade, and there are things I love about it. Thats still a conversation worth having.

But after I saw the posted 48-second video of last weeks daylight execution  just a few blocks from my home and from where Janae lost her legs  the wind came out of those sails. There are times when expressions of optimism sound like delusion. Singing downtowns praises at this particular moment would be one of those.

The video, apparently made by a witness watching from inside the St. Louis Globe building across from the Shell station, shows a man sitting on the curb, possibly injured, as another man stands behind him, talking on a cell phone while fiddling with a handgun.

Hes still trying to load it, the video-taker says to someone who is apparently watching with him.

Eventually, the gunman levels the gun at the sitting mans head. The video swerves away as the gunman fires and the blunt sound of the shot reverberates.

Oh my God! He just [expletive] killed him! gasps the video-taker. He just [expletive] killed him!

He did.

The eeriest part is how nonchalant the shooter acts as he casually loads up near a busy intersection with the sun shining and the traffic rolling by. He could just as well have been tying his shoelaces. He doesnt worry that a cop might happen upon him. He doesnt have to. This is St. Louis.

The 23-year-old alleged shooter was later arrested at the magnificent city library that I look at from my apartment. Its one of the good things about downtown that I was going to write about this week. I still will sometime. Just not right now.

A quick search of Missouris criminal database indicates the shooter has no prior charges. If thats true, and if he had no priors in other states, it means no Missouri law was necessarily broken until the moment he actually pulled the trigger.

Under Missouris current laws, the gunman would have been allowed to buy a gun from a complete stranger on the street. He would have been allowed to carry that gun anywhere outdoors downtown with no permit or training or background check required.

Even if he does have a criminal record somewhere, that wouldnt necessarily have kept the gun out of his hands. Missouri doesnt require private gun sellers to obtain criminal background checks on the people they sell to. Or even to so much as know their names.

This isnt happenstance. Missouri used to require background checks for all gun sales, and used to prohibit the carrying of guns in public, and later required permits to carry them. The Legislatures law-and-order Republican majority in recent years has deliberately undone those and other restrictions, one by one, to the point that pretty much any adult who wants to walk around downtown St. Louis with a loaded gun legally can.

Even that one restriction  adulthood  was recently called into question, when the Legislature defeated a measure that would have specified that children cant carry guns around. This is the rabbit hole down which sanity in Missouri state government has disappeared lately.

Add to that a St. Louis prosecutor who refuses to prosecute, and a mayor who thinks rampant crime should be addressed in every possible way except with more cops  and state and city voters who, respectively, keep sending right-wing extremists to Jefferson City and left-wing extremists to City Hall  and you have the recipe for an execution on a curb.

Kevin McDermott is a Post-Dispatch columnist and Editorial Board member. On Twitter: @kevinmcdermott. Email: kmcdermott@post-dispatch.com
Hush up, Howie

Conservatives today like to present themselves as guardians of free speech. Why, then, has Fox News ordered its own media critic, Howard Kurtz, to remain silent on the very newsworthy issue of a $1.6 billion lawsuit against the network for promoting election-fraud lies? Kurtz made the

during his MediaBuzz show Sunday.

Some of you have been asking why Im not covering the Dominion voting machines lawsuit against Fox involving the unproven claims of election fraud in 2020, and its absolutely a fair question, he said. I believe I should be covering it. Its a major media story.  But the company has decided that as part of the organization being sued, I cant talk about it or write about it, at least for now.

Dominion alleges that Fox News executives and stars like Tucker Carlson provided a welcoming platform for guests to spread false allegations of election tampering against the company on their network  allegations that Fox knew were false. Among evidence are internal email conversations in which Fox officials write about how ridiculous the guests claims are. They also disparage then-President Donald Trump and his assertions that he was robbed of the 2020 election.

Customer disservice

When a Volkswagen SUV was carjacked with a toddler in the back seat, police contacted the carmaker to track it. The company agreed  but only if the owners paid $150. The Washington Post reported that two suspects carjacked a woman in her driveway in Libertyville, Illinois, about 40 miles north of Chicago, injuring the woman and taking the Volkswagen with her 2-year-old son still in the back seat.

As police frantically searched for the car, a detective with the Lake County Sheriffs office called Volkswagen asking a representative to track it through a Car-Net service available on that model. That representative said that would require the $150 payment to activate the service.

The detective basically pled with the representative, letting them know this was a life-or-death situation, a sheriffs official told the newspaper, but the representative insisted on payment.

Thirty minutes passed before a family member was finally able to pay for the service  by which point, police had already found the car and the toddler unharmed. Volkswagen says it is addressing what it calls a serious breach of its policy of aiding police in emergencies.

Pennsylvanian vies for Florida man status

Passengers on airplanes arent allowed to bring their guns into the main cabin but, weirdly, they can legally store them in their luggage provided they are not loaded. A Pennsylvania man traveling to Florida either was planning something nefarious or maybe thought that it was OK to pack explosives in his checked bag. Airport inspectors thought otherwise and had a bomb-safety inspector give the mans luggage a thorough analysis.

The result: It contained a powder wrapped in plastic. The powder was consistent with commercial-grade fireworks. The baggage also contained a can of butane, a lighter, a pipe with white powder residue, a wireless drill with cordless batteries, and two GFCI outlets taped together with black tape, a federal complaint stated.

The traveler, Marc Muffley, 40, was arrested at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania. The airport was evacuated after Transportation Security Administration officials determined it was a live explosive device. But Muffley appears to have had no history linked to violence or terrorism. Pennsylvania court records indicated a half-dozen charges over the last decade for possession of controlled substances, harassment and minor theft, among other crimes, CNN reported. He might have been involved in a fist fight or two, but nothing more.

In 2017, he was charged with stealing $22 worth of batteries from a Family Dollar store.

So what gives? Muffley was traveling to Florida, the home of infamous Florida man. Numerous websites have a low bar for hall-of-fame entry. If youre not sure about the connection, all we can suggest is: Google it.

Marjorie Taylor Greene gets woke

Marjorie Taylor Greene knows crazy. She couldve written the book on it. She of Jewish space laser fame, who follows a faceless leader named Q who believes that Democrats and Tom Hanks are running a secret pedophilia ring. She of the fluffy white coat who heckled President Joe Biden during his State of the Union speech. She who delivered a speech at a gathering of white supremacists.

So when Greene talks about an encounter with a crazy person, well, consider it expert analysis. She tweeted that she was attacked at a Washington restaurant by an insane woman and screamed at by her son.

According to Greene, who also is an expert on respectful discourse, these people were quite rude. They had no respect for the restaurant or the staff or the other people dining or people like me who simply have different political views. They are self righteous, insane, and completely out of control. While Greene sat at a table with staff members, she said, those people turned into demons.

Greene concluded on a sad note in reference to the shoddy behavior she experienced. Our country is gone.

As Joy Behar noted on ABCs The View, Greene harassed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, and publicly berated Florida high school mass-shooting survivor David Hogg, among others. Shes done this, and now its been done to her.

Described later on the program as a professional troller, Greene all of a sudden is woke to the receiving end of rudeness. Maybe, just maybe, itll provide her some perspective on what it feels like.

More likely: Nah.
McClellan clearly demonstrates why Gardner has to go

Regarding "Too many have lost faith for Kim Gardner to continue" (Feb. 25): Bill McClellan has written many great articles over the years. I have read them all. This article is one of his finest. It is very insightful and gives us a clear look into actions of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner.

I can now understand why she is so against the police and does not trust them. I can see why she has no regard for the rule of law or the criminal justice system. I got an insight into the consequences of her incompetency.

There many disturbing factual citations in the article, but the shooting death of the 7-year-old boy is worst. After Gardner refused to prosecute the murderer, it took a federal judge and a stealing charge to provide some degree of justice. That was totally inexcusable. In my mind, Gardner should be removed from office based on that case alone.

McClellan points out why is it is so important of remove her from office as soon as possible. Things "will feel better ... in a society with a functioning criminal justice system." He is so right. A change has to be made.

John Davis  St. Charles

County counselor was right to suggest closed meeting

I find it odd that the editorial agreed with the St. Louis County Councils refusal to close a Sunshine Law-familiarization meeting to receive legal advice ("County Council chief's preferred method to discuss Sunshine Law is to close the doors," Feb. 27). The editorial seems inconsistent with my understanding of Post-Dispatch reporting on the topic ("So much for collaboration: St. Louis County Council meeting deteriorates into turmoil," Feb. 26).

As noted in that story, Legal advice can be considered privileged information and can be discussed in private. Indeed, Missouri courts consistently recognize attorney-client privilege, which is actually waived if others are present.

The editorial's insistence that only active litigation merits confidentiality under the Sunshine Law is refuted by language the editorial itself quotes, which says: A public governmental body is authorized to close meetings, records and votes, to the extent they relate to the following: Legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body and any confidential or privileged communications between a public governmental body or its representatives and its attorneys.

The county counselor, in my opinion as a former St. Louis County counselor, was correct to recommend a closed session in order to provide legal advice to the council.

Patricia Redington  St. Louis

'Better together' is what St. Louis city, county should seek

Snake your way through the toniest suburbs south and west of St. Louis city and you will find minorities make up 10% or less of residents. Head north and the opposite is true. St. Louis is basically an economic and racially divided collection of municipalities. Wealthy municipalities have good schools and low crime. Poor ones do not.

The cultural and civic events that make St. Louis a great place are overshadowed by historical boundaries that maintain the status quo. We are no longer perceived by businesses as a desirable place to relocate. Tourists consider St. Louis a dangerous place to visit. Longtime residents forgo visiting the Arch, Forest Park or shopping at county malls for fear of robbery and carjackings.

It is time to recreate the citys image. Start by constructing affordable housing throughout the city and county. Provide safe quality public transportation that serves everyone. Combine scattered municipal law enforcement agencies into one and enforce traffic laws. Finally, merge city and county residents and services. This last change would push St. Louis into the top 20 U.S. cities. Standing alone, St. Louis is ranked 75th in population and is perceived as one of the most dangerous cities in America.

Blending shared interests and economies is a daunting task, but other cities have demonstrated that major restructuring is possible. It cannot be done with 90 municipalities, some rich, some poor, each with separate agendas and each going in different directions.

Paul Steinmann  Clayton

Families should watch for these early signs of dementia

Actor Bruce Willis and his diagnosis of dementia have put this progressive disease back into the limelight. Willis family announced the film star is suffering from frontotemporal dementia, a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal and temporal lobes. ("Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia," Feb. 17.)

This type of dementia leads to loss of functionality in these brain regions, causing deterioration in behavior, personality and/or difficulty producing or comprehending language. Though not all forms of dementia may be as pronounced, caregivers serving the senior population should be aware of early warning signs that a patient is declining in cognitive ability, thus negatively impacting their ability to perform basic functions of daily living.

As a clinical social worker with veterans for over 20, years I have witnessed many instances where an individual starts to demonstrate the onset of early dementia. These clues may include difficulty recalling words, displaying poor decision-making, misplacing items, weight loss, reluctance to change clothes or bathe, fluctuations in personality, falls, and/or aggressive behavior toward family members.

Caregivers and families should take note of these warning signs even if it is not obvious that the individual has dementia, and social workers should encourage the family to watch out for any of these behavioral or physical changes in their loved ones.

Dana Taylor  St. Louis

Read letters online at STLToday.com
FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: The Airbnb logo is seen on a little mini pyramid under the glass Pyramid of the Louvre museum in Paris, France, March 12, 2019. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo/File Photo

(Corrects headline and first paragraph to remove reference to 30% headcount reduction)

(Reuters) -Home rental firm Airbnb Inc laid off some of its recruiting staff this week, a company spokesperson said on Friday, noting that it's not an indication of more widespread layoffs.

The decision, first reported by Bloomberg News, affected less than 0.4% of the San Francisco-based company's total workforce of about 6,800, the spokesperson said.

"We've become a leaner and more focused company over the last three years," Airbnb spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the company expects to grow its headcount this year.

The company said in February it expects headcount growth in the range of 2% to 4% in 2023, compared with 11% growth last year.

In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb laid off 25% of its workforce, or nearly 1,900 employees, after its business was hit hard as global travel came to a standstill.

(Reporting by Kannaki Deka in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
PARIS, FRANCE, March 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aliver's Rosemary Oil has announced its launch in European market and quickly become a popular choice among consumers in Europe, ranking higher on the rosemary popularity list than many other brands. Since its launch, the oil has sparked excitement and garnered rave reviews from users, further solidifying Aliver's position as a leader in the beauty and health market.

The success of Aliver's Rosemary Oil is due in large part to the brand's commitment to using only the highest quality, natural ingredients. The oil is made from pure rosemary extract, which is carefully harvested and distilled to ensure maximum potency and effectiveness. This focus on quality has helped to set Aliver apart from other brands in the highly competitive beauty and health market.

In addition to its high quality, Aliver's Rosemary Oil has also gained a reputation for its numerous benefits. The oil has been shown to improve skin health, boost mental clarity and focus, and reduce stress and anxiety. These benefits, combined with the oil's refreshing and invigorating aroma, have made it a popular choice among consumers looking for a natural way to support their overall health and well-being.

Aliver's COO, Sarah Chen, emphasized the brand's commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients and delivering products that offer both physical and mental benefits.

"Aliver is a brand that is committed to using only the best, natural ingredients in our products," Chen said. "We believe that our customers deserve nothing but the best, and we work hard to deliver products that offer both physical and mental benefits. Our Rosemary Oil is a perfect example of this philosophy - it's a natural way to support overall health and health, while also offering a refreshing and invigorating aroma."

Chen also spoke about the importance of customer feedback in driving product innovation and growth. "We're always listening to our customers and taking their feedback into account when developing new products," she said. "We want to make sure that we're delivering products that our customers love and that meet their needs."

Looking ahead, Aliver is continuing to innovate and expand its product line, with a focus on delivering products that offer both physical and mental benefits. The brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has helped to establish its reputation as a leader in the beauty and health market, and the success of its Rosemary Oil in Europe is a testament to the brand's dedication to delivering products that make a difference in people's lives.

Rosemary oil is a versatile essential oil that has been used for centuries for its numerous benefits. One of its most well-known benefits is its ability to promote hair growth. Hair loss can be a frustrating and often embarrassing issue for many people, and there are a variety of factors that can contribute to it, including genetics, age, stress, and hormone imbalances.

Rosemary oil has been shown to be an effective natural remedy for hair loss because of its ability to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which in turn promotes hair growth. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to prevent damage to the hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.

Compared to other methods of promoting hair growth, such as prescription medications or hair transplant surgery, rosemary oil is a natural and affordable option. It is also a safe and non-invasive treatment that does not have the potential side effects of other treatments.

When using Aliver Rosemary Oil for hair growth, it is important to dilute it properly to avoid any irritation or sensitivity on the scalp. A recommended dilution ratio is 2-3 drops of rosemary oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil.

To apply, simply mix the diluted rosemary oil with the carrier oil and massage into the scalp for a few minutes before washing your hair. It is recommended to use the oil treatment 1-2 times per week for best results.

In addition to its hair growth benefits, rosemary oil also has a variety of other uses and benefits. It can be used as a natural remedy for dandruff and dry scalp, as well as a natural insect repellent. It also has a refreshing and invigorating scent, making it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy and home cleaning products.

Aliver's Rosemary Oil has quickly become a favorite among European consumers, thanks to its high quality, natural ingredients and numerous health and health benefits. The brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, combined with its focus on innovation and product development, has helped to establish Aliver as a leader in the highly competitive beauty and health market. With its continued dedication to delivering products that make a difference, Aliver is sure to remain a top choice among consumers for years to come.

About ALIVER

ALIVER was founded in 2016 by Alive, who inherited a passion for beauty from her mother. Struggling to find manicure appointments to fit in with her schedule, Alive set up ALIVER with a mission to make salon-quality beauty products available for home use at affordable prices. Since its launch, ALIVER has grown from offering nail care to a full range of salon-inspired treatments, including hair care, skincare, mens beauty, makeup and more. To shop the full range, visit www.ALIVER.com. Follow ALIVER on social media at @aliverbeauty on Instagram and TikTok.

Social Links

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aliverbeauty

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliverbeauty/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliverbeauty

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aliverdirect/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085301709201

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliverbeauty

Media Contact

Brand: ALIVER

Contact Person Name: Helen

Contact Person Title: Marketing Manager

E-Mail: [email protected]

Telephone: (+1) 971-930-1998

Address (with Postcode): 4255 South Buckley Road 1296, Cumberland Business Centre, Aurora, Colorado, United States.

Official Website: https://www.aliver.com/

SOURCE: ALIVER

Source: ALIVER Beauty
NEW DELHI, India, March 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celebal Technologies, a premier software consulting and delivery organization, and award-winning Microsoft, Databricks and Red Hat partner, today announced the opening of its offices in Canada. Celebal will invest CAD$ 10 million over the next 5 years in the country to create jobs and train software engineers.

Recently Celebal secured a $32 million minority growth investment from Norwest Venture Partners, a leading US venture and growth equity investment firm. Celebal is utilizing these investments to strengthen its foothold in North America.

Starting with Toronto and Calgary, Celebal plans to create centres of excellence to develop cutting-edge enterprise business solutions in AI, Big Data, Data Science, and Enterprise Cloud utilizing Microsoft and Databricks technology platforms.

In the upcoming year, capital will be infused to create industry-centric skilling programmes for students and providing cost-effective cloud innovation for Canadian enterprises. Celebals expanded Canadian presence will help foster stronger connections with the Canadian innovation ecosystem, both in the business community and in academia.

We thank our partners at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi, the Trade Commissioner Service, Government of Ontario and Toronto Global for guiding us through the entire process and showcasing the growing tech ecosystem in Canada. Because of our continuous engagement with the Trade Commissioner Service, we understood why we should invest in Canada, said Anirudh Kala, Co-Founder, and CEO of Celebal Technologies.

We are driving continuous innovation in digital transformation journeys across various industries such as Financial Services, Energy, CPG, Retail, and newer domains like Sustainability. To build momentum, Celebal Tech needs support from the Canadian Government in visa processing, initiation into government programs for tech companies and connecting with universities, said Anupam Gupta, Co-Founder and Head of North America Operations.

Growing Canada as a North America delivery centre for niche technologies of enterprise cloud, data and AI is a key part of our long-term strategy, said Anupam Gupta, co-founder of Celebal Technologies and Head of Celebals Americas business.

Sara Wilshaw - Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada and Assistant Deputy Minister,

International Business Development said- We are delighted to welcome Celebal Technologies in Canada and have them join some of the largest Canadian software and AI companies. Canada has a diverse, highly educated and growing tech talent pool that continuously attracts investments from global businesses.

It is exciting to see Celebal Technologies identify Canada as the place to invest due to the amazing talent that Canada has and the thriving business environment. I look forward to seeing the partnerships and innovations that emerge from this investment.

About Celebal Technologies:

Celebal Technologies is a leading software services company specializing in AI, Big Data, App innovation and Enterprise Cloud. With over 2000 employees, Celebal Tech is headquartered at Jaipur, India and has offices in Japan, Australia, Singapore, MEA and the US. They partner with Fortune 1000 and equivalent organizations and help them become data driven and propel them in their digital innovation journeys. Celebal Technologies provides a range of offerings around Data Science, Data Engineering, Cloud Innovation, Chat Bots, Low code Platforms, Process Automation etc. The Company offers tailor-made solutions focused on Industries like FSI, Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare etc., along with business offerings for Customer 360, Supply Chain, Logistics, Financial Analytics and Sustainability etc. Celebal Techs flagship offering is the ERP Extend and Innovate program with Data, Analytics, Integrations, Modern Apps and process intelligence leveraging the Azure and Databricks landscape. For more information about Celebal Technologies, please visit www.celebaltech.com.

CONTACT

Tanya Arora[email protected]+91 88005 78356

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b935c3b4-d949-4242-81f7-1d5b87592808

Leadership of Celebal Technologies along with Executives from High Commission of Canada Leadership of Celebal Technologies along with Executives from High Commission of Canada

Source: Celebal Technologies Americas Inc
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 3, 2023) - Vatic Ventures Corp. (TSXV: VCV)(FSE: V8V) (OTCQB: VCVVF) (the "Company" or "Vatic") announced by news release dated February 14, 2023 that it had entered into an agreement with Commitment Capital Inc. ("CCI") to acquire CCI's interest in the Sisters Mountain rare earth/polymetallic mineral claims in Southwest New Brunswick (the "Property"). CCI acquired its rights to the mineral claims comprising the Property pursuant to an option agreement with Wayne Lockhart who had staked the claims comprising the Property (the "Underlying Option").

Vatic has been advised that it, along with Wayne Lockhart and CCI, has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit commenced by Mayne Minerals Inc. ("Mayne"), a private company, wherein Mayne alleges that certain mineral claims comprising part of the Property (the "Claims") were improperly staked for the benefit of Mr. Lockhart rather than for Mayne.

Vatic notes that the issue regarding ownership of the Claims was the subject of an application to the Mining Recorder of the Province of New Brunswick (the "Mining Recorder") brought by Mayne last August wherein Mayne requested the Mining Recorder to put the Claims into protected status. After an internal review the Mining Recorder ruled that the Claims were correctly registered, were in good standing and that Mayne did not hold any interest in the Claims according to the Mining Act of New Brunswick.

Subsequent to the Mining Recorder's ruling Mayne made an application to the Mining Commissioner of New Brunswick requesting it to adjudicate the dispute regarding the Claims. That application was dismissed pursuant to a consent order with costs awarded against Mayne in favour of Mr. Lockhart.

Vatic views the lawsuit filed by Mayne as being frivolous and takes the position that Mr. Lockhart has good title to the Claims, that the Company acquired the right to purchase the Claims in good faith and it will vigorously enforce its rights to proceed with the same.

ABOUT VATIC VENTURES CORP.

The Company has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Hansen gold property in the Chapais area of Northern Quebec, strategically situated in a very active and emerging gold exploration area with over 6.7 million ounces of gold produced in the greater Chibougamau district. The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in a Rare Earth Elements (REE) and polymetallic claims package known as the Sisters Mountain critical metals project located in Southwestern New Brunswick.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VATIC VENTURES CORP.

"Loren Currie"

Loren Currie

CEO & Director

[email protected]

604-757-9792

"Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/157253
Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Friday condemned a call by an Israeli minister for a flashpoint Palestinian town to be "wiped out", with Riyadh describing it as "racist and irresponsible".

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right member of Israel's coalition government, made his comments on Wednesday, days after two Israeli settlers were shot dead in Huwara, prompting hundreds of others to attack the northern West Bank town.

"I think the village of Huwara needs to be wiped out," Smotrich said. "I think the State of Israel should do it."

Later, he said on Twitter that he "didn't mean to erase the village of Huwara, but only to act in a targeted way against the terrorists".

The Saudi foreign ministry expressed its "complete rejection of such racist and irresponsible statements, which reflect the massive violence and extremism the Israeli occupation entity is exercising against the brotherly Palestinians."

Qatar described Smotrich's comments as "hateful and provocative" and said it considered them "a serious incitement to a war crime".

Neither Saudi Arabia nor Qatar has diplomatic ties with Israel.UN human rights chief Volker Turk denounced Smotrich's comments on Huwara as "an unfathomable statement of incitement to violence and hostility".

On Wednesday the US State Department called them "irresponsible", "repugnant" and "disgusting".

Search Keywords:

Short link:


FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to the news media after attending a closed Senate Democratic Caucus lunch at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 2, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis

By Kanishka Singh and Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest in February that was a basal cell carcinoma - a common form of skin cancer - and no further treatment is needed, White House physician Kevin O'Connor said on Friday.

All cancerous tissue was successfully removed, the White House physician said in a letter, adding that Biden will continue dermatologic surveillance as part of his ongoing healthcare but the site had healed.

Last month, doctors declared Biden, 80, healthy and "fit for duty" after a physical examination. They said at the time that a small lesion had been removed from his chest and sent for a biopsy.

O'Connor said in the letter that basal cell carcinoma lesions do not tend to spread or metastasize.

Biden's health is under close scrutiny as he prepares for an expected run for a second presidential term in 2024. His wife Jill Biden has said he plans to run, although a formal declaration of the president's intentions has yet to be made.

Whether Biden - already the oldest American president ever - should be the party's candidate is a source of debate among Democrats.

Biden's three-hour session with doctors in February at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the Washington suburb of Bethesda, Maryland, was his second extensive exam since taking office in January 2021.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Steve Holland in Washington; editing by Diane Craft and Rosalba O'Brien)
MILWAUKEE, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Best Version Media has been honored with a Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award in the U.S. small and medium company category, recognizing the Best Places to Work in 2023. Unlike other workplace awards, the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award, now in its 15th year, is based solely on the input of employees, who voluntarily provide anonymous feedback by completing a company review about their job, work environment and employer on Glassdoor, the worldwide leader on insights about jobs and companies.

Best Version Media honored with a Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award

Best Version Media delivers community publications that combine the best elements of social media and print by sharing local news and stories that matter to readers. BVM magazines connect businesses to local residents with positive, family-friendly content each month.

"The past year brought extreme highs and lows for job seekers and employees, but despite an increasingly uncertain job market, Glassdoor data shows there are still companies hyper-focused on creating outstanding employee experiences,"said Christian Sutherland-Wong, Glassdoor Chief Executive Officer. "It's encouraging to see companies doubling down on employee mental health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, competitive benefits and flexible work environments as we head into 2023. I sincerely congratulate all of the Best Places to Work winners."

To be considered for the U.S. small and medium company list, a company must have had fewer than 1,000 employees and received at least 30 ratings across each of Glassdoor's nine workplace attributes (overall company rating, career opportunities, compensation and benefits, culture and values, diversity and inclusion, senior management, work-life balance, recommend to a friend and six-month business outlook) . The final list is compiled using Glassdoor's proprietary algorithm, led by its Economic Research Team, and considers quantity, quality and consistency of reviews.

For the complete list of the Glassdoor Best Places to Work winners in 2023, please visit: gldr.co/BPTWSMB

BVM's company culture has also been recognized by Fortune, Milwaukee Business Journal, Stevie Awards, Best in Biz, Great Place to Work, CEO World Awards and many more.

About Best Version MediaBest Version Media was founded in 2007 and connects businesses to local residents with powerful and proven branding solutions. BVM is considered one of the fastest-growing privately held media companies in the industry. To learn more, visit: www.bestversionmedia.com.

About GlassdoorGlassdoor is revolutionizing how people everywhere find jobs and companies they love by providing deeper workplace transparency. Companies use Glassdoor to post jobs and attract talent through employer branding and employee insights products. Glassdoor is a subsidiary of Recruit Holdings, a leading global technology company, and a part of its fast-growing HR Technology business unit. "Glassdoor" and logo are proprietary trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-version-media-honored-as-one-of-glassdoors-2023-best-places-to-work-301762627.html

SOURCE Best Version Media, LLC
Late-breaking data presented at American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions (ACC.23) and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrate TriClip was superior to medical therapy with significant improvements in quality of life and tricuspid regurgitation (TR)

demonstrate TriClip was superior to medical therapy with significant improvements in quality of life and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) Findings show TriClip, an investigational device in the U.S. to treat a leaky tricuspid valve, demonstrated safety and met the primary endpoint

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced late-breaking data for the TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system, a first-of-its-kind minimally invasive device designed specifically for tricuspid heart valve repair. The TRILUMINATE Pivotal study evaluates the superiority of TriClip compared to medical therapy in treating patients with severe, symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) who are at intermediate or greater risk for open-heart surgery.

The results were presented at the American College of Cardiology's 72nd Annual Scientific Session together with World Congress of Cardiology (ACC.23/WCC) held in New Orleans (March 4-6, 2023). These data were simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Key Findings From the TRILUMINATE Pivotal StudyThe trial met its composite primary endpoint demonstrating superiority of the TriClip system compared to the control group (win ratio 1.48, p=0.02), primarily driven by improvement in quality of life. Mortality or tricuspid valve surgery and heart failure hospitalizations did not appear different between the groups at one year. Other positive findings include:

Significant reduction in TR grade. Significant reduction in TR to moderate or less (grade

Significant improvement in quality of life. 50% of patients who received the device achieved at least a 15-point improvement in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score (a self-assessment of social abilities, symptoms and quality of life) at one year vs. 26% in the control group.

A strong safety profile. At 30 days, only 1.7% of patients who received the device experienced major adverse events, with no urgent surgery or endocarditis. There were no occurrences of device embolization or device thrombus.

"These TRILUMINATE Pivotal trial results are promising because there have historically been very few treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation, and patients with this condition are often not eligible for open-heart surgery due to multiple co-morbidities or other factors," said Paul Sorajja, M.D., the Roger L. and Lynn C. Headrick Family Chair of the Valve Science Center for the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and director of the Center for Valve and Structural Heart Disease for the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. "The trial data and real-world use in Europe from the bRIGHT post-approval study show TriClip's ability to safely and effectively repair the tricuspid valve in patients and improve their quality of life."

"These TRILUMINATE Pivotal data show TriClip is the first minimally invasive device therapy for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation to provide durable improvements in TR severity and quality of life that go beyond taking medication to manage symptoms," said Michael Dale, senior vice president of Abbott's structural heart business. "When left unaddressed, TR can be debilitating and life-threatening. By repairing the damage caused by structural heart disease, TriClip G4 and our latest technological innovations are helping people reclaim their lives so they can get back to doing what they love."

Abbott will also be presenting at ACC late-breaking five-year results from its landmark COAPT trial of the MitraClip TEER device for functional mitral regurgitation in heart failure.

About the Abbott TRILUMINATE Pivotal TrialThe TRILUMINATE Pivotal trial is the first randomized, controlled clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter repair with the TriClip system compared to medical therapy in people with severe TR.

The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or tricuspid valve surgery, heart failure hospitalizations, and quality-of-life improvement measured by the KCCQ score.

For U.S. important safety information on MitraClip, visit http://abbo.tt/MitraClipG4ISI.

TriClip is approved for use in more than 50 countries, including in Europe and Canada, and is an investigational device in the U.S.

About Abbott:Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-data-show-superiority-of-abbotts-triclip-device-compared-to-medical-therapy-for-tricuspid-regurgitation-301762749.html

SOURCE Abbott
(Tribune News Service)  Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is home to about 35,000 military and civilian employees, Dayton leaders said this week  a milestone that represents nearly a doubling in employment growth at the base since the early 2000s.

While Dayton Development Coalition officials cautioned that the number is still considered unofficial, U.S. Rep. Mike Turner  chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a longtime advocate for Wright- Patterson  confirmed the number Monday in an interview at the Dayton Defense Cyber Dialogue with Industry event at Sinclair Community College.

For some time now, Ive indicated that we were on our way to hit 35,000 (employees), Turner said. And it certainly is an exciting milestone, because it shows really a huge transformation overall to the local economy.

When Turner, a Dayton Republican, was first elected to Congress in 2002, Wright- Patterson had about 19,000 people inside the fence, he said.

Today, its 35,000, he said. Those individuals are part of our community. They buy houses, they go to restaurants. In addition, that shows Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force are spending more dollars in our community than they were before.

Turner and others believe the growth will continue.

The importance of the missions there is only going to continue to grow, and I certainly hope that at some point, well be celebrating the milestone of the workforce having doubled, the congressman said.

Jeff Hoagland, coalition president and chief executive, marveled at how the base continued to grow through the 2008 Great Recession, the exit of NCR to the Atlanta area, the closure of the General Motors SUV assembly plant in Moraine, the Delphi bankruptcy and other economic blows.

Wright-Patt is now at its highest point, and the rest of our economy in Dayton is much more diversified and has caught up to it as well, Hoagland said. Now, were at a stronger point than weve ever been.

Questions about the bases employment were sent to a representative of the 88th Air Base Wing, the host organization at Wright- Patterson.

Growth at the base has been steady since about 2005, when the Base Realignment and Closure Process shifted missions to the base. The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, the Air Force Institute for Operational Health, the Performance Enhancement Directorate merged to form the 711th Human Performance Wing, which moved to the Air Force Research Labortory, headquartered at Wright- Patterson. They went on to share finance, planning, operations and contracting staffs.

According to a 2007 release from the 88th Air Base Wing, the base expected to gain about 1,120 military and civilian jobs from the BRAC process, with some 3,800 people moving to communities around the base.

The BRAC aftermath involved $335 million in construction and renovation projects, Louis Zavakos, then of the 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate, said at the time.

More recently, the government located the National Space Intelligence Center at Wright- Patterson.

Meanwhile, the steady pace of retirements from base offices and missions creates opportunities for younger workers.

Today, if you are a high school student interested in math and science, you are certainly looking to the opportunity that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will have a job waiting for you when you get out of college, Turner said.

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(Tribune News Service)  It's been more than three decades since the Philippines ordered U.S. troops to withdraw from their sprawling military bases in the country, ending an era that hearkened back to America's colonial days.

Now the man overseeing the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority  once home to the U.S.'s biggest naval base in Asia  wants them back.

A recently revived defense agreement between the U.S. and the Philippines could "be a welcome development for us" if American forces return to Subic Bay, said Rolen Paulino, the authority's chairman, in an interview. "When they come here they spend money, go to hotels, go to restaurants  plus tourists."

Paulino isn't alone. Beyond the local economic benefits, the Philippines' strategic location means that a renewed U.S. presence would be a huge asset to Washington in case of a conflict over Taiwan.

In contrast to earlier decades, when the U.S.-Philippine alliance was seen as skewed toward Washington, now Manila has security concerns of its own.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s government is looking to counter a record number of Chinese incursions in the disputed South China Sea that have seen Filipino fishing ships harassed or driven away from traditional waters. Public outcry erupted last month when a Chinese coast guard vessel aimed a laser at a Philippine ship.

Marcos was blunt in telling the armed forces this week that their mission has changed, and put U.S.-China tensions as the reason why.

"There was a time where we did not have to worry about these threats and the intensification of the competition between the superpowers," Marcos said Feb. 27. "Now things have begun to change and we must adjust accordingly."

So far, public sentiment appears to be on the side of stronger U.S. ties.

In a survey published Feb. 9 by the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, nearly 79% of Filipinos said if Southeast Asia were forced to choose between the U.S. and China, they would choose the former.

Marcos isn't just looking for U.S. support: he's turning to regional allies as well. He said he'd be open to a reciprocal military access agreement with Japan if it would protect the country's fishermen and its maritime territory, and last month the Philippines said it's considering joint patrols with Australia.

"The Philippines straddles a crucial location in the Pacific, and we have seaboards to the north, south, east and west," Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement this week. "All of these must be monitored and protected."

But while U.S.-China tensions are driving the rapprochement, America's complicated past with the Philippines, and fears that embracing Washington will drag Manila into any future conflict with China, are giving some communities pause.

"They are not welcome," said Manuel Mamba, governor of Cagayan province, which hosts one of the facilities U.S. troops might soon have access to. "China has been good to us. I don't see any threat coming from them and my province is one of the nearest to them."

That kind of pushback may be why U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Galvez stopped short of disclosing where U.S. troops would be working when they agreed last month to expand the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. That's a 2014 accord that was shelved under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The EDCA deal allows the U.S. to rotate troops for prolonged stays as well as build and operate facilities at designated sites, most of which are expected to be in the country's north, closer to Taiwan, or along the South China Sea.

Austin hailed the agreement as a "really big deal," and it was seen as more evidence that Washington's long-promised pivot to Asia is finally underway.

But in a joint briefing with Austin, Galvez was careful to refer to the four unnamed locations US forces would go to under the agreement as "EDCA sites," not bases, and stressed that the deal was still contingent on consultations with local authorities. President Marcos later said Subic Bay isn't on the list of sites being considered, after a Philippine defense official said it was last year.

The EDCA expansion "is heavy on the hype, but wanting on the substance," said Rommel Ong, a retired rear admiral in the Philippine Navy who is now a professor at Ateneo de Manila University's School of Government.

Gov. Mamba says he believes hosting American troops would be a security risk for his province, located about 200 miles from Taiwan at the northern tip of Luzon island. He also fears it would torpedo a $7 billion Chinese infrastructure package he said could transform the otherwise sleepy province.

In other communities, stories about mistreatment by visiting US troops in the past still resonate. The killing of a transgender Filipino in Subic Bay in 2014 by a US Marine on leave from a visiting warship sparked outrage and a renewed clamor for a review of the Philippines' military commitments.

"Local opposition probably is a concern, certainly," said Carl Schuster, a former operations director at U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center. "The U.S. Navy was not very popular there."

And then there's the fear of getting pulled too deep into a U.S.-China conflict. That was behind the objections raised by President Marcos' sister, Sen. Imee Marcos. The senator, who chairs the foreign relations committee and is known for her political independence, grilled Defense Secretary Galvez at a hearing on Wednesday.

"We are not volunteering to fight wars that are not our own," the senator said. The president's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the remarks.

Within Southeast Asia, not all leaders are comfortable with the US embrace. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says welcoming military forces is the wrong approach to deescalating tensions.

"It would be disconcerting if any force, East or West, starts showing military might or presence within Asean," Anwar said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel in the Philippines broadcast on Friday.

It's all evidence of how Marcos has to navigate the US-China relationship carefully. Like other regional leaders, he has an interest in maintaining ties with Beijing, his country's top trading partner. In January, Marcos visited President Xi Jinping, with the two sides agreeing to resume talks on joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea.

In the end, however, Marcos appears more open to the U.S. than many experts expected. The president's remarks ruling out Subic Bay from the list of places expected to welcome more US troops may be more symbolic than substantive. U.S. Navy ships still call there and American troops flow in for the annual Balikatan military exercises.

Paulino  the Subic Bay authority's director  said it's time to move on. The area he oversees could benefit from more investment. The now-private shipyards struggle to find commissions renovating yachts, and limited tourism appeal has forced the local airport  built in the shape of an aircraft carrier  to darken its halls.

Sitting in his offices overlooking the bay, Paulino said he told U.S. Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson late last year that negative feelings about the American presence are in the past.

"I told her that there's no such thing here; no resentment, nothing whatsoever," he said.

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NEW LONDON (Tribune News Service)  Connecticut veterans on Friday raised questions and their concerns about the PACT Act, health care services and eligibility, and veteran homelessness with Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., at the New London Veterans Coffeehouse.

The purpose of the visit was for Murphy, who sits on the Appropriations and Health, Education, Labor & Pensions committees, to listen to veterans about their concerns.

He opened by speaking briefly about the PACT Act, intended to improve health care access for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service and provide disability benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits, whose claims have largely been denied.

The law added more than 20 presumptive conditions  meaning its automatically assumed that ones military service caused a condition  for burn pits, Agent Orange and other exposures. The bill, which Congress passed last year with bipartisan support, is expected to cost $300 billion over the next 10 years, but Murphy said it was the right thing to do, and we did it.

We all served. We all went over  18, 19, were in perfect health. We come back and only Jesus knows whats wrong with us, said Dante Grassi, a disabled veteran who serves as chaplain for the Veterans Coffeehouse in Willimantic and runs the nonprofit group No Warrior Forgotten Inc.

He and another veteran talked about housing and homelessness, and Sen. Martha Marx, D-New London, shared a story of one of her patients  shes a nurse  who was on oxygen, had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and was in and out of the hospital, but had to live in a hotel for a year.

Murphy talked about helping increase the number of Department of Housing and Urban Development vouchers for veterans since he got elected.

Another topic that came up was transportation access.

Murphy said theres not enough health care services in eastern Connecticut and in a high-cost state, we cant assume everybody has a car, so he welcomed ideas on how to provide more transportation options.

Its just not realistic to expect every veteran in southeastern Connecticut to huff it over to West Haven to get mental health services, Murphy said.

Niantic resident Bob Guenther, who served five years in the Air Force in the 1960s, touched on this issue in talking about services available at the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Shaws Cove. He thinks the clinic, which tripled its size when it moved to its current space, may be understaffed.

Guenther goes there for primary care and said he has walked by offices that say audiology and dermatology, but there is no staff there. He suggested that community-based dentists, for example, who arent VA employees could work there and provide services.

Guenther says veterans needing other services beyond primary care get referred to Newington or West Haven, and while he doesnt worry about traveling, he knows other people do.

Murphy noted that Congress a few years ago passed the MISSION Act, which allowed veterans to get more health care services outside the VA, but weve had some issues implementing that.

Dan Eddinger, Region 1 commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, said one issue he has heard about repeatedly is that veterans whose disabilities werent incurred or worsened by military service arent eligible for home care benefits.

Rep. Anthony Nolan, D-New London, brought up a bill the legislatures Veterans and Military Affairs Committee drafted that would establish a personal income tax deduction for veterans home care costs. The committee held a public hearing on the bill this week.

Nolan and Marx co-chair the committee, and Murphy noted how fortunate southeastern Connecticut is to have that level of representation.

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The Egyptian Prosecution has began on Saturday investigating the founders of the "Hoggpool" application and online cryptocurrency after they were arrested earlier that day.

Related Online platform HoggPool disappears after reportedly swindling billions from Egyptians

The Prosecution stated that its social media monitoring unit detected several posts accusing the platform's founders of fraud and stealing money.

The Counter-Cyber Crime department at the Ministry of Interior also submitted a case containing multiple complaints from citizens accusing Hoggpool of scamming users through electronic payments with the promise of receiving daily returns from the app, the statement added.

Earlier on Saturday, the Egyptian authorities announced the arrest of the suspects behind the Ponzi scheme which made headlines after scamming thousands of Egyptians out of millions of pounds.

Police arrested 29 suspects including 13 foreign nationals, the interior ministry said, adding that the HoggPool platform was using two villas in Cairo for their operations.

HoggPool, which launched in August, claimed to offer cryptocurrency mining and trading services for a fee before shutting down the platform and halting payments to its customers in late February.

It offered different plans for customers depending on their budget and goals by allegedly buying or renting cryptocurrency mining machines starting from $10 with a daily profit of 10 percent.

The suspects confessed to swindling funds and transferring them abroad, the ministry said, adding that the online platform managed to collect about EGP 19 million from its victims.

The suspects said in their confessions that after closing the HoggPool platform, they had intended to relaunch the same type of scam under the name RIOT, according to the Ministry of Interior.

The name RIOT was chosen to imply a connection to the US-based Riot company, which is one the largest publicly traded Bitcoin miners in North America.

The Egyptian authorities found the suspects in the possession of 95 mobile phones, 3,367 mobile phone lines, nine multi-modems, seven computers, EGP 600,000 in foreign and local currencies, and 41 credit cards issued by foreign banks.

The Interior Ministry added that the necessary measures are being taken to track the stolen funds  which have been transferred abroad  with the assistance of Interpol.

The ministry urged citizens not to deal with anonymous applications that promise improbable returns on investment.

This is not the first large-scale online Ponzi scheme to take place in Egypt.

In recent years, many Egyptians have fallen victim to similar scams, losing large sums of money in the process.

Dealing in cryptocurrency is illegal in Egypt and is punishable by prison terms and a fine of up to EGP 10 million.

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(Tribune News Service)  Most places Don Halverson goes, he is greeted with the familiarity and fondness. Heads turn to look at him, hands are shoved out for a firm shake and thanks for his service are exclaimed. Often strangers offer to pay for his meals.

The black hat on his head that reads 34th Infantry Division WWII and the several gold pins on it gives Halversons status away.

That wasnt always the case.

After two years fighting in Europe, Halverson returned to the U.S. in 1945 when the war ended. There was no celebration waiting for him back home in Minneapolis. His parents were there, but no lines of people waiting to shake his hand, pat his back or thanking him for his service each time he went out.

Halverson  who recently celebrated his 100th birthday  said he wasnt too hung up about that, rather he carried on with about as normal a life you can get, after fighting in a war.

Shipped overseas

He grew up in the Minneapolis area near Minnehaha Park and was drafted at the age of 20. Halverson was a part of the 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division (Red Bulls) and fought in Italy. He was a weapons platoon sergeant in charge of various machine and motor sections while in combat.

Uncle Sam said he wanted me so I left the neighborhood, Halverson said. I went down to the Armory Building, took the pledge, then went from Fort Snelling to Camp Landing in Florida, took my basic training there then went to Camp Robinson in Little Rock, then to Virginia and a ship overseas.

After those stops at training camps in the U.S. he boarded a ship that left Virginia on Sept. 13, 1943 and landed in Naples on Oct. 13. Hed spend the next two years fighting in Italy.

I figure that 13 is my lucky number because they kept missing me (in the war), Halverson said, with a chuckle.

From climbing several mountains including Mount Pantano to crossing the Volturno River and serving in the trenches of Anzio for four months, Halverson  a sergeant in the 4th Platoon, G Company, of the 1st Battalion  saw it all across Italy.

The Battle of Monte Cassino was a series of assaults the Allies made against German troops at an historic hilltop abbey in an effort to advance to Rome. Its been regarded as one of the deadliest battles of the war with more than 55,000 Allied casualties during those few months.

By the time Halverson and his fellow soldiers reached the abbey and castle of Monte Cassino they had lost all but five of the 40 men in his platoon.

When the war ended, Halverson and his platoon had to cross the Swiss border but before reaching it, the Minnesota 34th Division came face to face with the German 34th Division.

It seemed kind of funny because there was this big open area where (the Germans) were coming from. We all stopped and spread out, waiting for them to come in, Halverson said. The Germans got into the middle of the open and turned and saw us all standing there looking at them, so a white flag went up and thats when they surrendered to us.

The war ends

May 2 of 1945 marked the end of the war in Europe. But Halverson couldnt go home just yet.

We had a four-by-four truck that was gassed up so we drove down through Monte Carlo, stopped and had a few beers, down to Nice, France, Halverson said. You could tell that the war was over because everybody was at the beach (in Nice) so we joined them there and spent the day and then went back again and thats all we had to do for about four months until they could fix the railroad tracks.

Halverson left Italy on Oct. 22 and returned to the U.S. on Nov. 3. Nearly 80 years later, Halverson has been back to Italy twice to visit the same places where he once fought.

Its real nice now that nobody is shooting at me, Halverson said with a chuckle.

The life he settled into back in Minnesota consisted of working at the Downtown Chevrolet and Mid-Continent Engineering, until retiring in 1988. Hes kept busy since then by taking various trips around the world.

His son Tom Halverson jokingly refers to himself as (his) dads booking agent, as he helps Halverson travel and get some of the recognition that Tom believes he deserves. Theyve taken an honor flight to Washington D.C., attended the 75th Anniversary of WWII with seven other veterans and met former President Donald Trump, spoke to Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and more.

A zest for life

Friday, Feb. 24 was Halversons 100th birthday. A not-so-modest party was thrown at the 494 Crystal VFW where over 130 family, friends, friends of friends and more came to celebrate. Memorabilia was displayed, speeches were dedicated to his service and there were a lot of hugs.

Most people at the party had the same things to say about Halverson: he has a zest for life, his spunky personality, a sunny disposition and more.

There are lots of benefits to hanging with Don, said former Cmdr. Donald Fernstrom, of the 494 Crystal VFW. When Im with Don, I dont think Ive ever had to pay for a drink because everybody either knows him or wants to buy him a drink.

Halverson himself cant disagree with that statement. His regular spots like Malones Bar & Grill in Maple Grove know the drill: the minute he walks in the door, there will be a stool open for him at the bar, a beer in the waiters hand just for him and a big hamburger that gets delivered after the second beer is drunk.

Halverson, who lives in Brooklyn Center, also has filled his time with family, polka dancing with his late wife, Bernice, bowling every Tuesday and Thursday and more. When asked what the secret is to living a long life, he chalks it down to never having more than two drinks, being surrounded by friends and not smoking.

I met my wife in 1946, married her in 47 and quit smoking, Halverson said. She hated smoking so I gave away my pack of cigarettes to my buddies and havent smoked since.

Halverson said he doesnt like to dwell too much on the two years he spent at war, rather he is grateful to have lived this long.

I was watching a man on television who was talking about a war and his men that died. He got tears in his eyes, but thats not me, Halverson said. (The war) was just a phase of my life Ive just goofed off and enjoyed [life] since.

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(Tribune News Service)  A month after a freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, leading to a cleanup of spilled toxic chemicals and forcing tests for potential contaminants, questions still linger about what the longterm health impacts of the incident will be.

No one died in the Feb. 3 derailment but Ohio officials estimated 20 days after the incident that more than 43,700 animals within 5 miles were believed to have died in local waterways.

Alan Shaw, the CEO of Norfolk Southern which owns the trains that derailed, is scheduled to appear before a Senate committee Thursday. Although the company initially vowed to clean up the contamination, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took over the operation last week after frustration over the federal response.

But as residents in Ohio and elsewhere in the country wait for more answers in the aftermath of the derailment, New Jerseyans a few states away may be wondering: Are we at risk here?

We spoke with experts, state officials as well as local advocates to find out what we know so far:

What were the chemicals released in the toxic Ohio derailment?

A Feb. 10 letter from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Norfolk Southern states that roughly 20 of the approximate 150 train cars on their way to Conway, Pennsylvania, when the train derailed were carrying hazardous materials.

To avoid an explosion at the time of the accident, officials said Norfolk Southern carried out a controlled burn of some of the chemical cargo.

Materials known to be released included butyl acrylate and ethylhexyl acrylate  which depending on exposure can cause difficulty breathing, as well as irritation to the skin, eyes and impact the respiratory tract, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Also among the materials spilled was ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, which the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found in studies could irritate the nose, eyes, as well as induce headaches and vomiting with high exposure for a prolonged period.

Lastly, vinyl chloride was detected among the derailed cars. The carcinogen, which has been linked to a deadly form of liver cancer, was also found at the 2012 Paulsboro derailment in New Jersey.

Do we know if the chemicals spilled in Ohio have caused harm in New Jersey?

Officials in Pennsylvania, closer to Ohio, have so far not detected any air quality issues following the derailment, according to Caryn Shinske, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

(The) Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection confirms that neither vinyl chloride nor byproducts of the burning of vinyl chloride have been detected in downwind air monitors in Pennsylvania at elevated levels during the accident through completion of destruction/removal of the material as compared to all other state-wide monitors, Shinske said in a statement.

But the state is doing its own testing, she said.

Every six days air monitoring samples are collected in New Jersey and sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for testing by a national laboratory, DEP officials said.

Those test results are released quarterly. In the wake of the Ohio train derailment, DEP continues taking air samples every six days and has requested from the EPA lab an expedited report and special analysis of New Jerseys collected air samples, Shinske said. Those results are not yet available.

The Environmental Protection Agency did not immediately provide comment.

Can the Ohio toxic spill harm New Jersey?

Robert Laumbach, a physician at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, said if New Jersey residents were not in the immediate vicinity of the chemical release and fire as the Ohio incident took place they should be OK.

Laumbach evaluated some of the first responders following the Paulsboro accident more than a decade ago and was hired by attorneys who were planning to sue Conrail on behalf of their clients, he said.

Plumes of smoke and other air contaminants from the release and fire rapidly disperse on wind currents with mixing and diffusion in the air, all of which dilutes the concentration of chemicals rapidly to levels that are not a concern, Laumbach added. Reactive chemicals like vinyl chloride also rapidly degrade in the air over hours and days.

Laumbach said residents can use an online tool called AirNow to monitor air quality. The tool was created through a partnership between numerous federal agencies, according to its website.

Depending on the strength of the source  rate of smoke or chemical generation  the wind speed and direction and other factors, there may have been cause for concern in areas close to the derailment site, Laumbach said. But over 300 miles away in New Jersey, effects of the disaster on air quality would not be detectable or of concern regarding possible effects on health.

Is it even possible New Jerseys air could be impacted?

Russell Zerbo, an advocate at the Philadelphia non-profit, Clean Air Council, was also not aware of direct known impacts to air quality in New Jersey and Pennsylvania as of this week.

But he is still worried.

The goal of (of air monitoring in our area) is to get an idea of general air quality  looking at average time and geography, Zerbo said.

He added that increased testing for carcinogens  which there are dozens of and Ohio officials are still testing for locally there  would benefit residents.

Laumbach said that the air monitors that capture data for the AirNow map are located away from local sources, thus they capture the status of regional air as opposed to very local changes in air quality. An explainer on the AirNow website says the tool tests for particulate matter and sometimes for carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

According to the DEP, New Jersey is still waiting on more information on how our air could be impacted in other ways.

But Laumbach said he is doubtful New Jersey could be affected this far from the Ohio derailment.

It is unlikely that significant effects on air quality would occur 20 miles away (in Pennsylvania), let alone hundreds of miles away in New Jersey, Laumbach said.

As for some information online and shared on social media that New Jersey has or is soon in store for bad air quality as a result of the Ohio derailment, Laumbach called those claims false.

How else could the Ohio train derailment impact New Jersey residents?

New Jersey, like elsewhere in the country, has a policy window, said Christina Rosan, a geography and urban studies professor at Temple University.

Theres a lot of research about policy windows and a crisis like this is a policy window, Rosan said. It allows for places like New Jersey or Pennsylvania to question what has happened in Ohio and create policies to prevent these disasters from happening here.

The Ohio derailment has renewed calls not to allow a Gibbstown terminal, also called the LNG terminal, to be put back on the table. The proposal has been on hold since permits needed to move it forward expired last year.

The freight train that derailed in Ohio had 150 cars  38 of which crashed Feb. 3. The South Jersey proposal would mean two 100-car trains sending liquified natural gas 200 miles away by rail each day, said Sahana Rao, an attorney with nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council.

Its difficult to pin down an exact number because the radius of potential impacts from a derailment depends on what hazardous materials are being transported in the train, Rao said. For the Gibbstown LNG-by-rail proposal, weve calculated based on the radius of LNG fires/explosions and the proposed routes that about 1.9 million people live within range of potential impacts from an accident involving an LNG train  thats in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Before a ban was lifted by the Trump administration in 2020, transporting liquified natural gas by rail was federally prohibited.

But reform, expanded regulations and increased oversight, which advocates have fought to achieve for years, is complicated by the rail transport of chemicals landing under federal jurisdiction.

On Wednesday, after a call from U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a new bipartisan legislation proposal from Ohio and Pennsylvania senators outlined a series of more stringent industry regulations.

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(Tribune News Service)  Almost 200 Pennsylvania residents have visited a health clinic that opened this week in Beaver County, after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed last month just across the Ohio border and left residents in both states fearing for their health.

The Darlington Township center, which was opened Tuesday by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, offers various services to Beaver and Lawrence County residents who have health concerns.

We are not leaving the good people of Beaver County, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Friday in a video posted on Twitter. We will be there for them and we will make sure that Norfolk Southern pays for all of this.

About 50 Norfolk Southern rail cars derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3, forcing village to leave the town. They have since returned, but health concerns have only intensified.

The derailment, believed to be caused by an overheated wheel bearing detected just before the crash, led to a massive fire, and days later officials breached the cars to burn off the industrial chemical vinyl chloride amid fears of an explosion.

But the response from rail operator Norfolk Southern has led to criticism from both area residents and government officials who say they havent been given enough information about potential health impacts of the chemical release.

Ongoing testing has not detected toxic chemicals in the air or water.

East Palestine residents, however, said during a town meeting Thursday night that they are still suffering from illnesses almost a month after the derailment. They confronted Norfolk Southern officials, demanding to know if theyd be relocated from homes they now worry are unsafe, The Associated Press reported.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said during the meeting that it is ordering Norfolk Southern to begin testing for dioxins  toxic chemical compounds that can stay in the environment for long periods of time.

Those dioxins have caused many to wonder if the area will be safe for their children years from now. Still, EPA testing so far has suggested theres a low chance dioxins were released from the derailment and that the air is safe, the agency said.

Additionally, hazardous waste has been hauled out of East Palestine since the derailment. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency says 2.1 million gallons of liquid wastewater and 1,400 tons of solid waste have been removed from the community.

Officials are also still working to determine the cause of the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board recently concluded that aluminum covers over the pressure relief valves on three tank cars melted during the fire that broke out after the derailment, AP reported. That melted aluminum may have degraded the performance of the valves, keeping them from relieving pressure from flammable gas inside the tank cars.

Officials responding to the incident agreed that venting the hazardous materials cars was the best way to prevent a disastrous explosion that could have sent shrapnel flying up to a mile.

It will likely take a year for a final NTSB report to be released.

As questions linger, various national figures have descended on the small community, including former President Donald Trump, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and celebrity environmental activist Erin Brockovich.

It also spurred members of Congress and the Biden administration to propose rail safety reforms. Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw will testify before Congress next week about the derailment and precautions the railroad takes to prevent similar crashes.

In Pennsylvania, the state Senates Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee voted this week to subpoena Shaw after a bipartisan outpouring of frustration over a lack of information and testing data following the derailment.

The people of western Pennsylvania want answers, said state Sen. Doug Mastriano, R- Franklin, the committees chairman. I think this is going to get worse.

2023 PG Publishing Co.

Visit at post-gazette.com.

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LOS ANGELES (Tribune News Service)  San Bernardino County officials acknowledged that they were unprepared for the historic back-to-back winter storms that swept through the mountains, leaving many residents stranded for more than a week amid gas leaks and diminishing food supplies.

Snowplows that usually clear the mountain roads were ineffective and now crews are working around the clock to reach the communities that are still snowed in as of Friday.

"When it comes to clearing the roads, I'd say we learned some valuable lessons," San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey said during a joint news conference with state and local officials.

"Unfortunately, the snow came down so quickly and stacked up so quickly those front-end plows that we're so used to using on a routine basis became ineffective."

Over the last week, historic levels of snow blanketed the San Bernardino Mountains. Running Springs received 12 feet, Big Bear Lake 11 feet and Lake Arrowhead a little over 9 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

Emergency officials say they did not have the right type of equipment to respond to a blizzard of this size and scope.

"The warning that we had for the blizzard wasn't weeks. We only knew 24 to 36 hours there was a strong potential this was going to occur," Munsey said, adding the county would not have been able to receive the necessary equipment on such short notice.

Now road crews are using the tools they have available, including front-end loaders and hand shovels to clear snow berms that are 10 feet high in some areas.

Residents have become increasingly outraged by the inability to plow roads, leaving them stranded and unable even to get supplies.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus addressed the frustration at the news conference. He directly spoke to residents in Lake Arrowhead during his update.

"We're going to dig you out and we are coming," Dicus said. "We are making tremendous progress. I saw this from the air yesterday. The roads are being cleared. There are snowplows everywhere and you are going to see direct relief coming to your doorsteps shortly."

Residents have felt stranded for days, unsure when help is due to arrive.

Katie Mead, 43, considers herself one of the "lucky" ones in Lake Arrowhead  her street has been plowed at least once, and she has gotten less snow than some neighbors because she lives on the "sunny side" of the lake, she said.

During a break in the weather Sunday, she brought groceries to a family staying in her Airbnb property, dug them out of the snow and drove them to a plowed main road so they could get home. Before another wave of storms hit Monday night, Mead also picked up a neighbor who had been walking miles in the snow to get groceries.

Her street was plowed Sunday night, but since then around 3 feet of snow has accumulated.

"It does feel like they didn't start soon enough," Mead said. "They waited for the snow to accumulate to the point where our normal plows can't deal with it [and] we have to wait for heavy equipment to come. They literally have to move snow shovel-load by shovel-load and dump it somewhere else. There's so much snow."

Mead was one of many residents who tuned in Thursday afternoon to a livestreamed town hall hosted by Dawn Rowe, the San Bernardino County supervisor who represents most of the hardest hit areas in the mountains. County officials assured residents that they've been working with nonprofits to create distribution points in communities where food and other supplies have been running low, noting that some grocery store parking lots in Big Bear and surrounding areas had been cleared of snow.

Mead, however, pointed out in the comments on the video that some people aren't able to get to those distribution points.

"How is an elderly person supposed to walk even a block to a distribution center in 4 feet of snow?" she asked.

"Our main issue is that they're bringing in National Guard and bringing supplies up the mountain, but we're all snowed in," she said in an interview. "Unless you happen to be close to the area where they're doing distribution, it's kind of irrelevant."

Members of the California National Guard's Joint Task Force Rattlesnake, who typically work with wilderness firefighting crews, were dispatched to Lake Arrowhead this week after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino and 12 other counties.

Lon Verstuyft has been trying to get help for his friends who are stuck at his cabin in Lake Arrowhead. The roads around the cabin are snowed in, and Verstuyft doesn't know when those will be cleared.

There were seven people in his cabin, and two were taken away by an ambulance that had to dig its way to the group, Verstuyft said.

"They took a diabetic person and an 80-year-old person who was not doing good in the cold," he said. "But they won't take the rest, because the ambulance said they'll only take them if there's a medical emergency."

The group were running out of food last week, but Verstuyft managed to contact a local who brought them groceries before the last storm arrived over the weekend. Now he's worried that they'll run out of food again.

"I can't get a straight answer from the county about what's going to happen," he said. "If I could get some information about the roads, I'd drive up there myself."

Mounds of snow still block the roads. Even firefighters are finding it difficult to respond to medical calls and blazes. Firefighters in Blue Jay, Crestline and Lake Arrowhead are responding to calls with snow cats  snowmobiles they typically deploy for backcountry rescues.

Crews have had to lug their equipment through the snow and dig to access fire hydrants, draining precious time to respond to emergencies, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

At least two people were injured in a house fire Wednesday afternoon in the community of Blue Jay, about a mile from Lake Arrowhead Village.

The cause is under investigation, and Southern California Gas Co. is working with emergency responders to address reports of gas leaks, said Battalion Chief Mike McClintock.

"There's a lot of variables and a lot going on with 10 feet of snow dumped on our homes and communities," he said. "We're seeing structural instability, we're seeing utility issues, downed power lines, trees into power lines, and we had more than 70 reports of gas leaks in the area."

The mountains have seen more structure fires than normal, Fire Chief Munsey said at the news conference.

"We believe that these are due to natural gas leaks," he said. "Over the last 48 hours, we've had five of these gas fires that our firefighters have to fight. I spoke to one of our incident commanders last night, and he said that he hadn't slept in over four days."

After multiple reported explosions, emergency officials are urging residents to clear the snow around their gas meters and hydrants.

In addition to the fires, homes and businesses have faltered under the weight of the heavy snowfall.

Goodwin & Son's Market in Crestline was red-tagged after its roof collapsed. The family-owned business said there is still food, but it's unsafe for anyone to go inside.

"We would love more than anything to give the food out, but at this time are waiting for a structural engineer and the adjuster who are heading up the mountain this morning to meet with us," the store wrote in a Facebook post Thursday.

Aerial footage from KNBC-TV Channel 4 showed most of the building collapsed under the snow, with only its perimeter walls left standing. Crestline has received more than 8 feet of snow in the last week.

Supervisor Rowe surveyed the damage at Goodwin & Son's with fire officials Thursday.

"We are working hand-in-hand with the owners to rebuild as quickly as possible," she wrote in a statement on social media. "The Unified Command is working on a location to stage food and supplies for residents as quickly as possible."

Another market in Blue Jay, Jensen's Foods, was also red-tagged due to a compromised roof, the market wrote in an Instagram post Thursday.

It's unclear what caused a fire that destroyed Debra White's home in Lake Arrowhead shortly before midnight last Friday.

Her son, Joe Simons, lives just 2 miles away but couldn't leave his home because he was snowed in. His mother wasn't home when the house caught fire, but Simons knew right away because neighbors started to post images on Facebook of a fire on her street.

"I immediately knew it was her street," Simons said.

White is staying with family outside of Lake Arrowhead, but she is determined to return.

"She plans to rebuild when she can," Simons said. "She loves it up here and she wants to come back."

2023 Los Angeles Times.

Visit at latimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Sacked teacher claims pupil brought him scones and parent called him a hero

Sacked schoolteacher Enoch Burke has told the High Court that students, parents and former colleagues have offered him support on his daily visits to Wilsons Hospital School  claiming one student even baked him a bag of scones and a parent described him as a hero in their childs eyes.

His claims are starkly at odds with those of the schools principal, Frank Milling, who has told the court Mr Burkes continued presence was a source of considerable disruption for staff, students, parents and the wider school community.

Mr Burke, who was sacked in January following a long-running row which had its roots in his refusal on religious grounds to address a transgender pupil by a new name, has repeatedly turned up at the Co Westmeath school in defiance of a court order requiring him to stay away.

The evangelical Christian is currently being fined 700 for each day he remains in contempt, amassing fines of in excess of 25,000 to date.

The teacher of history and German has been denied entrance to school buildings and spends his days standing outside in a courtyard, claiming he is there to work.

As part of a review of the matter, Mr Justice Brian OMoore this week ordered the Co Westmeath school to file an affidavit setting out the occasions Mr Burke has breached the order.

This was done on Wednesday, with Mr Milling stating that Mr Burke was causing disruption at the school and that First Year students were unwilling to use their entrance while Mr Burke remains standing outside.

However, in an affidavit filed today, Mr Burke has denied causing any disruption.

The sworn statement contains his well-worn claim that the court order requiring him to stay away from the school is manifestly unlawful and unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal is due to rule on the validity of the order next week.

The affidavit also goes on to claim that not only is he not causing disruption, but he has received support from some pupils, parents and teachers.

I say that almost every day students greet me either by waving, putting up their hand or making a positive comment, he said.

Enoch Burke claimed that one day, during a period when he was able to stand in a school corridor, one student gifted him a bag of scones she had baked herself

Mr Burke claims that on January 24, one Second Year student stated: Mr Burke, we support you. We support you as a school, as a class. Come back every day.

He claimed First Year students consistently waved at him through the windows of their entrance door close to where he has been standing.

The teacher claimed students had held up handwritten messages of support, including: What can we do to support you? and Do you need anything to eat.

He claimed that another day, after the final bell, one of his former students approached him looking for private tuition in German and history.

I have always been treated with the utmost courtesy and respect by students, he said.

Mr Burke claimed that one day, during a period when he was able to stand in a school corridor, one student gifted him a bag of scones she had baked herself.

In the affidavit, Mr Burke went on to claim that parents had been supportive too, citing letters he had received.

He claimed one parent wrote: God bless and protect you Enoch. My children and myself are shocked at the outcome of Wilsons actions against you. You are a hero in my childrens eyes, an inspiration needed for young students during these unprecedented times.

Mr Burke further claimed he had received support from teachers, saying one had messaged him describing the whole thing as a fiasco.

No teacher colleagues have ever verbally expressed unease with or opposition to me being there, but to the contrary have offered me tea, coffee and water, he claimed.

Enoch Burke arrives in court supported by family members. Photo: PA/Brian Lawless   PA

When the matter was discussed in court last Tuesday, Mr Justice OMoore did not indicate what course of action he might take following the review.

However, he stated in January that if the daily fine does not have the desired effect, it can always be increased.

The judge previously ruled out further imprisonment or the sequestration of Mr Burkes assets, the two other options available to the court for dealing with ongoing contempt.

The teacher spent 108 days in prison last year for contempt of court orders but was released just before Christmas despite refusing to purge his contempt.

He was dismissed in January following a chaotic disciplinary meeting at a hotel in Mullingar which he and members of his family were ejected from.

Gardai were called to the hotel after members of the Burke family loudly objected to the presence of two lawyers and the absence of the chairman of the board of management.

Mr Burke has appealed his dismissal.
William Mongan/Ward once tried to scam half a dozen men into handing over cash after tricking them through dating sites to send intimate images.

A fraudster who stole puppy vaccination cards which a judge reckons were for use in the puppy trade made wild allegations against a journalist who confronted him about his crimes this week.

Convicted extortionist and fraudster William Mongan, aka William Ward in previous criminal cases, is due to be sentenced this Thursday at Lisburn Magistrates Court for stealing puppy vaccination cards from a vet in Moira.

And we can reveal today William Mongan/Ward is a pathological liar and once tried to scam half a dozen men into handing over cash after tricking them through dating sites to send intimate images.

In the puppy cards case, Mongan claimed he took ill and became suicidal in the vets office and stole one card to write a suicide note but the judge suspects he was stealing them to be used in the illegal puppy trade.

Last Wednesday the Sunday World called at Mongan/Wards Dunmurry home to ask him for his side of the story and to ask about previous convictions including his involvement in illegal puppy trading in Scotland and also blackmailing people over intimate images.

After being invited in by his wife, who said William had been having a nap, Mongan/Ward admitted hed stolen the puppy cards but flatly denied he had any previous convictions for anything more serious than careless driving.

Ive nothing to do with any blackmail case and Ive never been involved in puppy farming, he told the Sunday World.

You must have the wrong William Mongan  theres four William Mongans in Belfast you know.

We left Mongan/Wards home after about ten minutes with him insisting our information about his past was incorrect.

He called us an hour later and once again politely told us wed got him mixed up with someone else.

However, when we told him we believed we were not mistaken  he hung up and hatched a desperate plan to make completely false allegations against a journalist who was only doing his job.

Around two hours later the PSNI called the reporter to inform him Mongan/Ward and his wife Eileen had made an allegation that a Sunday Worldjournalist had come to his house, forced entry by pushing over his wife at the front door, that she subsequently fell and hurt her arm, and then the reporter refused to leave until William had given him a statement.

The two constables who visited his home told the reporter the couple had made statements to the PSNI and they were duty bound to investigate.

Of course, none of what Mongan/Ward said actually happened and instead the reporter told bare-faced liar Mongan, after being asked politely to sit down in their living room, that they were under no obligation to speak to us at all.

William Mongan, aka William Ward talks to reporter Steven Moore

And at all times the conversation was amicable.

In fact at one point Mongan/Ward told the reporter when he said he was going to leave, stay here, I want to phone my solicitor and I want to know about these blackmail allegations.

What Ward/Mongan didnt realise was the reporter had a photographer outside taking pictures of both he and his wife talking to the reporter at the front door without incident and without having to force his way in.

Mongan/Ward found himself back in court last week for what seemed a bizarre, and on the face of it innocuous, theft of puppy vaccination cards.

But during the District Judge Rosie Watters commented the crime is very strange... it makes sense once you are aware that they have a value.

These things are used to import puppies into this jurisdiction, said the eagle-eyed judge, theres a scam going on in relation to puppies.

Ward/Mongan, from Cherry Close in Dunmurry, had earlier entered a guilty plea to a single count of theft in that on August 20, 2021, he stole puppy healthcare cards to the value of an unknown amount or thereabouts belonging to Lagan Valley Vets.

Last Monday, a prosecuting lawyer outlined how Ward/Mongan attended the practice in Main Street in Moira with his dog but once inside a consultation room, he claimed he felt unwell so the vet went to get a colleague to get help.

When they returned back into the room, they noticed that Ward/Mongan had taken a handful of vaccination cards and had stuffed them into his pocket.

When they asked him to put them back, he denied taking them and became aggressive until he eventually left but CCTV captured both him and his car registration. Arrested and interviewed, Ward/Mongan did accept the theft.

Defence solicitor Ruaidhri Currie told the court that according to Ward/ Mongan, he was taken so unwell that he became suicidal so had lifted not a handful but one vaccination card to write a suicide note.

But District Judge Watters was quick to pull him up on that claim.

Yes, I see that was his explanation to probation but frankly, I dont believe it, said DJ Watters.

He inquired what happened in Scotland, in Inverness, was that not something to do with puppies?

I got the impression, and I could be wrong, but was that not something to do with the puppy trade? asked the judge.

While Mr Currie said he was not entirely sure, Ward/Mongan himself claimed it was for careless driving.

Its clear from Ward/Mongans criminal record, however, that with 12 previous convictions for blackmail and fraud that he has a mere passing acquaintance with the truth.

In 2019 Ward/Mongan used his technological prowess to create a handful of fake dating profiles in Tinder, Badoo and Fabswingers, posing as women, a man and as a couple in order to blackmail half a dozen men.

Following the same general modus operandi in each blackmail plot, Ward/Mongan created profiles, uploaded fake pictures he downloaded from a pornographic website and then engaged in online flirty texts and chats with the unsuspecting victims.

Claiming to want no strings attached fun, Ward/Mongan told one guy he wanted him to come and f***me in the car while in another he claimed the three Ds is what a want  drinks, dinner and you can guess the last.

In each case, Ward/Mongan downloaded sexually explicit pictures of models and sent them to his victims to entice them to send equally explicit pictures in return.

shame

As soon as they did, thats when the blackmails started with Ward/Mongan threatening to name and shame them and send the pictures to their friends and families, threatening he would out them as talking to an underage girl.

Thankfully, none of the victims actually paid him any cash but were left extremely worried and embarrassed about it.

The police didnt find it too difficult to trace the extortion plots back to Ward/Mongan as in one instance, he demanded the victim pay him 500 into his mums PayPal account, in another he used her bank account details while in another, he used the same mobile phone number cops had on record for him.

Arrested and interviewed, Ward/Mongan initially claimed he had no idea what the detectives were talking about but as the questions sessions progressed, he admitted I done it... I was drunk... I cant really remember doing it to be honest with you.

I was literally drunk, it was just stupidity, Ward/Mongan claimed and lamented: I dont want my wife, I dont want my family to know about this.

In September 2019 at Craigavon Crown Court, Ward/Mongan was handed an 18-month sentence for seven counts of blackmail committed between March 22 and April 25, 2018 with an order to serve half in jail and half on licence.

Jailing the extortionist, Judge Patrick Lynch KC said blackmail is always a serious offence because it preys in the soul of a victim and in this case, Ward/Mongans offences were aggravated as there were multiple victims, the impact upon them and the obvious premeditation of the offences.
The accused man, known only as Brian JS, will be tried for a crime against public health.

Spanish prosecutors have called for an Irishman to be jailed for three years and nine months after he was allegedly caught with 13 bags of MDMA in Ibiza.

The 30-year-old is due to go on trial next week in the Superior Court of Justice of the Balearic Island in connection with a drugs seizure in in Sant Antoni in 2018.

He was arrested by agents of the Sant Antoni Local Police after they allegedly seized bags containing 10.7 grams of MDMA among his belongings.

But the Public Prosecutor has now requested a sentence of 45 months in prison and a fine of 600 for the Irishman after the seizure of 13 bags of MDMA.

The accused man, known only as Brian JS, will be tried in the First Section of the Provincial Court for a crime against public health.

According to local news website Periodico de Ibiza, he arrested as the alleged perpetrator of a crime of drug trafficking and the indictment claims he was carrying the substances for sale to third parties

It is reported that the drug would have reached an approximate price of 299.

Every year, a significant number of Irish people arrested on drugs charges in Ibiza.

Last June, an Irish tourist was also arrested in Ibiza after being caught with more than 100 grams of cocaine.

The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that a British man was also arrested after the pair were stopped at a checkpoint in Sant Antoni.

Police say the pair were acting strangely in the car and were asked to leave the vehicle to be searched.

When they got out of the car, one of the men tried to get rid of the small plastic bag containing the cocaine by throwing it into the street.

However, he was caught and both men were arrested.

Police later confirmed that the bag contained 102 grams of cocaine.
Jennifer Byrne (42) already had four previous convictions for the same offence and had been disqualified from driving a month before gardai caught her again, a court heard.

A BANNED driver was being an overprotective mother when she drove without insurance to pick up her teenage daughter, who had left the house unaccompanied.

Jennifer Byrne (42) already had four previous convictions for the same offence and had been disqualified from driving a month before gardai caught her again, a court heard.

She was spared jail after her defence told Blanchardstown District Court Byrne was a lone parent and there were exceptional circumstances.

Read more Burglars terrorising elderly for a few hundred euro while posing as plain-clothes gardai

Judge Ciaran Liddy gave her a three-month suspended sentence and banned her for another six years. Byrne, of Lealand Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance or a licence. Stopped

The court was told gardai stopped the accused driving a Ford Focus on Nangor Road, Clondalkin on May 27 last year.

She told gardai her licence was at home before admitting she was banned. Byrne had four previous convictions for uninsured driving and was put off the road for four years and given a one-month suspended sentence in April last year.

At the time of the offence, Byrne still had her car parked in the driveway and made a decision to get into it and follow her daughter in the heat of the moment, her solicitor Lorraine Stephens said.

She said it was a cautionary tale and asked Judge Liddy to consider the circumstances exceptional.

Byrne had since surrendered the car and the temptation to use it was gone, Ms Stephens added.

Judge Liddy said the accused was deserving of a prison sentence but suspended it for a year.
Describing the cases as horrific, Judge Gerard Jones refused Mr Rafferty bail in Dublin District Court. He remanded the boy in custody with consent to bail.

A SUSPECTED carjacker asked a 77-year-old man do you want to get stabbed? as he dragged him from his van, punched him in the face and drove off, smashing through gates, it is alleged.

Weeks later, Cillian Rafferty (20) allegedly carried out a second carjacking in west Dublin, again using extreme violence to rob a terrified woman of her car, this time with a 15-year-old accomplice.

Describing the cases as horrific, Judge Gerard Jones refused Mr Rafferty bail in Dublin District Court. He remanded the boy in custody with consent to bail.

Read more Burglars terrorising elderly for a few hundred euro while posing as plain-clothes gardai

Mr Rafferty, an apprentice carpenter of Easton Row, Leixlip, Co Kildare is charged with offences including two counts each of robbery and unauthorised taking of vehicles, one of criminal damage and one assault causing harm.

Dublin District Court heard the first incident happened at the Orchard apartments complex in Lucan, Dublin on February 6, while the second took place at Main Street, Lucan on March 1.

Objecting to bail for Mr Rafferty, Detective Garda Damien Reilly said on February 6, it was alleged the accused approached an elderly mans van in an apartment car park.

According to gardai, Mr Rafferty opened the drivers door, pulled the man out and asked him: Do you want to get stabbed? He demanded the keys, but the man was extremely frightened and found it hard to locate them.

It was alleged Mr Rafferty punched the man in the face, causing cuts, and the man said theres no need to punch me and that he would hand over the keys, Det Gda Reilly continued.

At one stage, he chased the alleged victim around the car park looking for the zapper to get out, then rammed the gates, causing 23,000 worth of damage to them. The van, worth 40,000 was later found burned out.

In the March 1 incident, a 50-year-old woman was collecting her daughter from work at a restaurant. It was alleged a male approached, demanding that she exit. According to gardai, Mr Rafferty allegedly pointed a metal object at her throughout and she was terrified during the ordeal.

It was alleged the teenager got into the passenger seat and Mr Rafferty got into the drivers side. The car was driven off, allegedly by Mr Rafferty, who was also accused of pointing the object at the woman. The alleged victim flagged gardai down in a highly distressed state.

Applying for bail, Mr Raffertys lawyer said the accused, who was not known to the alleged victims, was presumed innocent and would abide by conditions.

Judge Jones said it was a horrific case where extreme violence was allegedly used in both incidents. An elderly man was dragged out of his vehicle and chased around a car park, he said.

I couldnt possibly consider granting bail to this man, he said, remanding Mr Rafferty in custody to Cloverhill District Court on March 10.
Their case was adjourned for victim impact evidence to be sought when they appeared in Dublin District Court.

THREE drunken taxi passengers trashed a cab on New Years Eve, causing 600 worth of damage in a dispute over the fare, a court heard.

The driver called gardai after the men started the argument, then got out and smashed a window and struck the door and bumper. They shouted aggressively at the investigating gardai, who had to call for urgent assistance.

Their case was adjourned for victim impact evidence to be sought when they appeared in Dublin District Court.

Read more Burglars terrorising elderly for a few hundred euro while posing as plain-clothes gardai

Lasha Chokolashvili (31) and Davit Ergulashvili (32), both of Cabra Park, Cabra and David Chokolashvili, with an address at the Red Cow Hotel in west Dublin, all pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage, public intoxication and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Garda Sergeant Michelle Lynch told Judge Bryan Smyth gardai received a call for urgent assistance at an incident at St Peters Road, Phibsborough at 10.40pm on December 31 last year.

Three men were acting in an aggressive manner, shouting at the gardai, she said. A silver Toyota Prius taxi was at the scene with a smashed drivers window and damage to the drivers side door panelling and rear bumper.

The driver told gardai the three had started an argument over the price of the fare and damaged his taxi. When arrested, the accused were highly intoxicated, smelled strongly of alcohol and were slurring their words. None of the three had previous convictions.

Judge Smyth queried whether the victim suffered any other losses, saying he presumed the taxi would have been off the road. A defence lawyer said the accused had compensation in court.

Judge Smyth said the victim would have to be asked if he wished to make an impact statement before he could finalise the case.

He adjourned it to a date later this month.
Sources estimate elderly people have been targeted by the fake garda gangs nearly 120 times in the past 18 months.

Burglary gangs are posing as gardai to gain entry to elderly people's homes

A garda operation against organised gangs travelling the country and targeting elderly people for cash while posing as officers has been put in place.

Gardai are investigating two dozen incidents this year, with rural areas of Leinster particularly badly hit in the Garda Eastern Region.

Sources estimate elderly people have been targeted by the fake garda gangs nearly 120 times in the past 18 months.

The special operation comes as figures released by gardai this week show residential burglaries increased by 7pc last year when compared with 2021.

The Sunday Worldunderstands elderly people have been targeted in Offaly, Kildare, Laois, Offaly and Kilkenny in recent weeks.

It is believed most of the criminals involved are based in west Dublin.

A number of individuals and vehicles used in the distraction burglaries have been identified by gardai.

In a recent burglary, nearly 2,000 was stolen from the home of an elderly person in the south-east.

However, these thefts usually net the burglars sums in the hundreds of euro.

Read more Enoch Burke says he received scones, signs and letters during his protest

Its pretty heartless stuff, a source said. There has been a level of surveillance, but what has become really clear is that these crimes are generally only happening during weekdays and very rarely at weekends.

The belief is that these criminals are very much treating what they do as an actual job, and they are taking the weekends off.

It is understood the criminals change the cars they use to carry out the thefts and this makes them very difficult to detect.

They pose as plain-clothes gardai and have been described as relatively well presented.

The gang members are generally aged between their late 20s and their mid 40s.

While the criminals might strike in one part of the country one day, they will then target homes in a different part the next.

This makes it difficult for gardai to predict where they will go as they rarely target the same place twice.

They visit a persons home and knock on the door before showing what appears to be an official garda badge.

The burglars then show the home owner a number of euro banknotes and ask them if it is their money. They claim they have recovered the cash and investigations have led them to the elderly persons door.

A source added: At this stage the victim may become confused about what is happening, and there have been examples of the criminals then asking the elderly person where the cash is kept in the house.

While the victim is distracted with all this, an accomplice will be in the house searching for money.

It all happens very fast and can cause great trauma for the elderly person.

Gardai are continuing to advise people to be extremely wary of this type of criminal activity and have restated crime prevention advice.

A spokesperson said: Gardai are aware of an increase in the number of incidents of people impersonating officers.

Recent incidents of this type involve the conmen requesting to check cash held by the injured party as a result of an increase in counterfeit cash circulating in the area.

Either that or they need to check the security of the house as the result of an increase in burglaries in the area, but this is false.

An Garda Siochana will not cold call to a house and request to do either of these things.

Should you have any concerns about the person at the door, you should not answer it, even if they are purporting to be a garda.

Genuine gardai will always provide details to allow you to confirm their identity with the local garda station.

Last September, the Irish Independenthighlighted a case in which a gang targeted a 92-year-old woman in rural Co Carlow, which gave another insight into how they operate.

Wearing a Covid facemask, a gang member approached the woman and tried to engage her in conversation while standing outside her home.

The man told the woman he was a garda officer and tried to show her some type of identification badge.

He claimed he was in the area to give her a warning about burglaries, but the homeowner did not believe he was an officer.

It is understood the criminal became frustrated and made a swipe to grab her handbag, which was under her arm.

The woman resisted and retreated back into the hallway of her house.

The burglar then grabbed the handbag containing a small amount of cash, but not the victims pension.

At this point, an accomplice who had gained entry to the house appeared behind the woman and both men then fled to a waiting car, which was driven off at speed by a third man.

The burglar who had sneaked into the house was also wearing a Covid facemask, and all three men are believed to be in their late 30s or early 40s.
We can confirm that this was an unprovoked attack on a member of our community, who is a transgender woman

There are fears of transphobia in Cork   Universal Images Group via Getty

Concerns have been raised regarding transphobia in Cork after a transgender woman was the victim of a violent attack in Blackrock.

It has been reported that the alleged assault took place on Skehard Road at approximately 1.30pm on Tuesday, February 21.

It is understood that the victim, who is in her 40s, had been walking in the area when a car pulled up beside her.

At least two men emerged from the vehicle and approached her, one of which was carrying a crutch.

According to reports, she suffered several lacerations to her head and a suspected fractured hand after she was beaten by the armed assailants.

The attackers fled the scene in the car before gardai arrived, while the woman was brought to hospital for treatment.

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Cork Gender Rebels expressed their concern following the incident, saying that "the attack was very likely fuelled by transphobia".

The Irish Examiner reported that the organisation stated: We can confirm that this was an unprovoked attack on a member of our community, who is a transgender woman, and that the attack was very likely fuelled by transphobia. She is staying at an undisclosed place to ensure her safety, the organisation stated.

Gardai said officers at Anglesea Street Garda Station were investigating an alleged assault that occurred at Skehard Road, Blackrock, Cork on Tuesday afternoon, 21st February 2023 at approximately 1.30pm.

A female was removed from the scene with non-life threatening injuries. Investigations are ongoing.

The violent incident came just one day after a gay social media influencer, David Babington, was the victim of a similar attack in Cork.

Known online as Material Boy, the 43-year-old claims to have been gay-bashed while on his way to the Imperial Hotel in the city centre.

Speaking to his 13.7k followers, he revealed the alleged attack occurred after leaving his friends, en route to the Imperial Hotel in the city.

He recalled passing a pub when, he said, a man in his 40s shouted homophobic slurs at him before engaging in an altercation.

"To be a 43-year-old man and have to face this... to be gay-bashed at 43 in Cork City... is something I had never anticipated would have happened to me again," he said.

Pointing to his bruised face, Mr Babington said: "This is the Ireland that we're in".

As he became visibly emotional towards the end of the video, Mr Babington added: "I feel completely numb."

Ending the video, he said: "It's not safe to be gay, clearly".

Last month a report showed 2022 was the most violent year for LGBTQ+ people in Europe in a decade.

The report also highlighted a rise in transphobic speech has been identified in Ireland along with Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK.

The most recent statistics from An Garda Siochana show that, of 448 hate crimes and hate-related incidents in 2021, 15% were motivated by the victim's sexual orientation.

Policy and Research Manager with LGBT Ireland, Padraig Rice, who contributed to the report, referred to the "year of hate" that the community in Ireland has faced.

"Every month for the last 12, there has been coverage in GCN, a monthly LGBTQ community magazine, of a serious attack on an LGBTQ+ person," said Mr Rice.

"The truth is homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are an everyday reality for many LGBTQ+ people in Ireland."
Its understood authorities in the Dochas Centre Womens prison began investigating after Sonya Egan made a formal complaint

Laura O Connell, Garda Sergeant John Sheehy and former Sinn Fein TD Jonathan O Brien pictured at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for the sentencing of Sonya Egan. Pic Cork Courts Limited   Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

A WOMAN jailed for harassing a Sinn Fein TD has now alleged she has been the victim of a smear campaign behind bars  after malicious rumours were spread that she had been impregnated while in custody.

Its understood authorities in the Dochas Centre Womens prison began investigating after Sonya Egan made a formal complaint about the false rumours.

A source said: Following a complaint from the inmate in question, an investigation was carried out to determine which inmates were responsible for spreading the rumours.

The rumours complained about had absolutely no substance.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said it does not comment on matters pertaining to individual inmates.

Egan (42) was jailed in June of last year after a court found she had mounted a campaign of harassment against former Sinn Fein TD Jonathan O'Brien and community activist Laura O'Connell.

She was sentenced to three years in prison, with the final year suspended, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Helen Boyle said Sonya Egan's conduct was "so extreme and so sustained" that it merited a prison sentence, despite a request from her Defence Counsel that the judge consider adjourning any sentence for a significant period of time on foot of a psychological report.

Laura O Connell, Garda Sergeant John Sheehy and former Sinn Fein TD Jonathan O Brien pictured at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for the sentencing of Sonya Egan. Pic Cork Courts Limited   Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Egan, a mother-of-three with an address at the Lawn, Lios Cara, Killeens, Co Cork, pleaded guilty last February to harassing Mr O'Brien between 17 January 2018, and 9 January 2019, and to harassing Ms O'Connell between 8 April 2018 and 26 June 2019.

Sentencing her, Judge Boyle said the harassment continued over a long period of time, was repeated and sustained, and was pursued through multiple routes; online, by email, and involving the family members and children of the victims in this case.

She said it was clear the multiple acts of harassment and false allegations against both parties had affected them across all aspects of their lives, both emotional and financially, and both are in debt to the sum of 27,000 due to civil actions they were forced to take because of the malicious allegations made against them.

The judge accepted that both had suffered seriously because of this harassment through no fault of their own, in their roles of public representative and community worker.

She said that despite Jonathan O'Brien's best efforts to overcome the sustained harassment, it had seriously impacted him emotionally, and equally financially.

But what was especially clear from his victim impact statement - what had affected him most, she said - was Egan's boasting about the medical treatment of his father. This, and the fact that his children were approached, caused him "an enormous amount of distress".

Read more Woman jailed for harassing former Sinn Fein TD and businesswoman challenges sentence

Woman who tormented former Sinn Fein TD and businesswoman is jailed

She said it was clear Laura O'Connell had to see a therapist and life has changed for the worst for her. Egan targeted and victimised her and spread malicious untrue rumours, saying very untrue things about her.

Judge Boyle said a forensic psychology report found that Egan said she had been subjected to physical assault and sexual assault and rape as a child growing up in care but gardai had expressed scepticism about the report and the prosecution did not accept its finding.

Judge Boyle said she found it "somewhat perplexing" that the report did not set out any explanation for her offending behaviour.

She noted Egan had expressed remorse in a letter to the court for the "upset, anguish, and torment" that she caused to both the victims but said she didn't realise the impact that her behaviour was having on them until it got out of control.

In deciding on the sentence with a maximum penalty of seven years, Judge Boyle said there were a number of mitigating factors; these included Egan's plea of guilty saving the State the cost of a trial, that she had no previous convictions, that she had made partial admissions to the gardai when arrested, and that while the psychologist's report found she had suffered trauma resulting from a traumatic childhood, she is at low risk of offending.

She sentenced Egan to three years in prison, with the final year suspended if she remains of good behaviour.

Judge Boyle also ordered that she not communicate by any means whatsoever with either of the victims in the case and that she not come within 50 yards of their homes, for a period of seven years.
Jim Mansfield Jnr and Marcus Sweeney mixed with high society and graced the celebrity gossip columns, but both hid dark secrets that have left them fighting for their reputations.

They were the two faces of Irelands Celtic Tiger boom, friends who partied hard with pretty models and had champagne by the bucket-load.

Jim Mansfield Jnr and Marcus Sweeney mixed with high society and graced the celebrity gossip columns, but both hid dark secrets that have left them fighting for their reputations.

As Mansfield Jnr tastes freedom for the first time since he was jailed in Portlaoise Prison for perverting the course of justice, and as Sweeney takes to social media after a damaging CAB case saw him linked to the notorious criminal gang 'The Family', Crime World chats with the journalist who has met both and asked them the hard questions.

Nicola Tallant and Niall Donald, along with the Sunday Independents Niamh Horan, discuss the highs and lows of Irelands one-time elite playboys and their spectacular falls from grace.

Crime Word Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Soundcloud.

MORE EPISODES 
Its understood the 63-year-old moved out of the accommodation last year

A serial sex offender from Belfast is no longer at a Derry bail address which had sparked public concern due to its close proximity to a primary school.

Records had not been updated to reflect that Carey Lyons, who was convicted at Belfast Crown Court last month for possessing indecent images of children, vacated a hostel in the city ahead of sentencing at the end of this month.

Its understood the 63-year-old moved out of the accommodation last year.

The administrative oversight raised questions about whether appropriate risk assessments are being carried out to sufficiently protect local communities.

Lyons, formerly of Newtownabbey, has been convicted on more than 60 occasions since 1973, with most of the crimes linked to indecent images of minors.

At his most recent court appearance the persistent sex fiend admitted to a total of 16 counts of having indecent pictures obtained between September 2014 and January 2018.

Multiple courts over the years have heard that he is a self-confessed addict of images of child abuse and he has sometimes deliberately reoffended so that hes jailed, because he struggles with life outside prison.

Lyons has previously described his addiction to vile images of abuse as untreatable.

It comes shortly after notorious paedophile Richard McFarland was placed in Derry just doors away from young families and in close proximity to a nursery school and two primary schools.

The pervert repeatedly breached the terms of his sexual offences prevention order, which led a police officer to tell a court that supervised accommodation was the best option for him.

One of NIs worst sex fiends holds hand up to new raft of charges Safety concerns raised over placement of sex offenders in Derry

Meanwhile, serial offender Raymond Hugh Fitzpatrick sexually assaulted a woman near the city centre in 2021, allegedly telling her: I am from Belfast and Belfast couldnt control me.

The number of violent offenders being granted bail after providing addresses for B&Bs and hostels in Derry has caused outrage among local residents.

The Public Protection Arrangements NI (PPANI), which is made up of the PSNI, Probation Board for NI and NI Housing Executive, said the risk posed by violent and sexual offenders is being managed and insisted that public safety is paramount.

A spokesperson said measures include placing restrictions on offenders and intervening when necessary.

However, Aontu councillor Emmet Doyle warned that previous incidents show otherwise.

Certain individuals are known in their area and thats why theyre moved here, he said.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has also spoken out about an influx of offenders in the area and said the game of Pass The Problem cannot continue.

Not only is it unsustainable, but its unsafe, he added.

The NI Housing Executive said it has a statutory duty to assess each case to identify if the statutory requirement for provision of accommodation has been met.

It should be noted that staff responsible for the allocation of accommodation are aware of the need to carry out relevant checks, where applicable, as part of the Public Protection Arrangements Northern Ireland, a spokesperson added.
Burke family closed off to all attempts for local dialogue

The head of a group that mediates religious disputes says he has been unsuccessful in attempts to reach out to Enoch Burkes family  and fears they will become more radical and entrenched in their views.

Mike Garde, who heads up Dialogue Ireland, said he was first contacted about the Burkes five years ago by Evangelical groups in the west of Ireland concerned about the familys approach to religion and isolation from the wider community.

Mum and dad Sean and Martina and siblings Isaac and Ammi

Mr Garde also wrote to teacher Enoch Burke while he was in jail for 108 days for contempt of court after he repeatedly defied court orders restraining him from showing up at Wilsons Hospital School in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, following his suspension last year.

Burke was suspended after complaints about his conduct at a school service and his refusal to recognise a transgender student by their preferred pronouns, they/them.

Burke has cited his religious beliefs as the reason for his refusal to comply with the students, and the schools, request.

Burke was released from prison in December despite not purging his contempt, and then continued to defy the court order by showing up at the school after the Christmas break. He has since been fined 700 for every day he turns up at the school.

Burke is challenging court orders including an injunction to stay away from the school.

Burke and his sister Ammi had to be removed from court earlier this month after attending court and disrupting proceedings, even though his challenge wasnt due to be heard that day.

After the challenge was heard, the Court of Appeal reserved its judgement saying it would not delay in its ruling.

Members of the Burke family have previously disrupted a number of other proceedings, including inquest hearings and Workplace Relations Commission proceedings.

Mr Garde said there is no end in sight to the familys campaign.

Each time theyre ratcheting it up further. When you do that, it has to end in tears somewhere, he said.

Enoch Burke. Photo: Colin Keegan   Colin Keegan

He said he had been contacted around five years ago about the Burkes by other religious people in the west of Ireland who wanted to open a dialogue with them.

The Burke family are described as Evangelical Christians but Mr Garde said they are not a member of any church.

The family are not connected to any evangelical church and do not communicate with those around them in Mayo. They are just an own-brand closed family group.

Other Evangelical Christians in the area had been hoping to open a dialogue with the Burkes a number of years ago but these attempts were unsuccessful.

Over the last five years Ive been getting calls from the Mayo area and have been trying to assist them because theyve found they cant connect with the Burkes. We suggested they invite them to a meeting to discuss things but theyre so cut off that even family members cant even go to the property to talk to them.

Mike Garde described the Burke family as being like a closed system.

I would say the environment of the family home and this extreme belief system have created a world in which they no longer connect with the world outside so they move in the family unit, which is like a closed system.

Its nothing to do with what he believes; it is a family group who are not open to outside contact.
Two babies who were born safely yesterday in the fire-damaged Wexford General Hospital brought joy after the trauma of this weeks blaze, as the first moves also got underway to bring back some of the patients who had to be evacuated during the emergency.

However, it will be weeks  and possibly months  before the hospital is back to running as normal.

A hospital spokeswoman said: The repatriation process of bringing patients back has begun. The first patients will come from University Hospital Waterford. This is the first step in the process, which will take several weeks.

The maternity unit reopened yesterday morning after Wednesdays fire, which led to extensive damage. More than 90 patients had to be evacuated on Wednesday after a major blaze in the plant room, housing machinery, at the top of the hospital.

It led to extensive smoke and water damage, as well as part of the roof caving in before it was brought under control.

A large fleet of ambulances had to transfer patients, some seriously ill, and bring them to Waterford, Kilkenny, Dublin, Cork and Navan, Co Meath. Around 29 patients remained in the hospital, where they will continue to receive care.

Outpatient clinics will resume from Monday but other services, including its emergency department, remain closed.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visited the hospital yesterday, and he said he was struck by the amount of personal belongings patients had to leave behind in the hurry to safety.

A hospital spokeswoman said: We are aware that the emergency department in Waterford is extremely busy.

However, CareDoc have ensured that additional GPs during out-of-hours are available within the Wexford and Waterford area, to prevent travel to Waterfords emergency department from Wexford, and for the Waterford Community to avail of alternative services.

Mr Varadkar said: Its going to be weeks to months before the hospital is back up and running fully. That is the objective and I've given everyone here the assurance that the government will do everything humanly possible to support the efforts to get this hospital up and running.

"But with the best will in the world, thats likely to be weeks to months at this stage. Hospital Manager Linda OLeary said that her team would begin assessing the options in terms of a phased re-opening of the emergency department when we are assured by the technical experts that it is safe to do so.

Ms OLeary added that there was no timeline for the release of the technical assessment of the damage to insurers and HSE Estates, but that assessors are still working in the area of the fire outbreak.

Mr Varadkar said: One thing that did hit me going into some of the wards is that it had that Mary Celeste feeling, where people had left their belongings behind because they had to evacuate so quickly. But efforts are now being made to ensure that everyone gets their belongings back and theyre being sent either to their homes or to whichever hospital theyve been transferred to.
The Barge and another Dublin pub, JW Sweetman, were both put on the market on behalf of liquidators for the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation

The Barge, which formerly belonged to Sean Quinn, has been sold for 3.75m

A high-profile Dublin pub formerly owned by ex-tycoon Sean Quinn has been sold to a hospitality group based in the north-west for over 3m.

The exact sale price of The Barge in Dublin 2 has not been disclosed but is understood to have sold for close to its guide price of 3.75m (3.3m).

The Charlemont Street venue, described by selling agents CBRE as one of the citys landmark licensed premises, has been bought by McCaffertys, a pub chain led by Co Donegals Declan Boyle.

CBRE said the area had been transformed in recent ties following the completion of nearby mixed-use development Charlemont Square, which is anchored by Amazon.

The agency described McCaffertys as an established pub chain spearheaded by Donegal native Declan Boyle.

McCaffertys also has pubs in the wider north-west of Ireland, with three in Donegal, as well as in the UK, Spain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Barge and another Dublin pub, JW Sweetman, were both put on the market on behalf of liquidators for the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation.

They had been owned by Quinn Hospitality Ireland Operations, once part of the vast business interests of Co Fermanaghs Sean Quinn, before the collapse of his empire.

The combined sale price for the two pubs amounted to 8.75m (7.8m), CBRE said.

In a deal which completed at the end of last year, JW Sweetman on Burgh Quay was bought by the Mahon family, after they outbid mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor.

The Mahon family have major pub interests in New York and own Kennedys bar on Westland Row in Dublin.

John Hughes, director of CBRE in Dublin, said: The sale of The Barge and JW Sweetman confirmed the strong level of interest in landmark Dublin city locations. The sales were concluded following a competitive bid process, with the properties exceeding price expectations.
According to the police case there is a working hypothesis the trio of alleged killers are active members of an organised crime gang known as The Firm

An alleged gangster accused of shooting murder victim Shane Whitla was refused bail on Friday after a judge said there was too great a risk to free him.

While defence counsel for Jake OBrien lamented the case against the 27-year-old is inherently, inherently weak, District Judge Bernie Kelly said the defence submissions do not address the elephant in the room.

He is alleged to have committed a murder while on bail for another alleged murder, declared the judge at Craigavon Magistrates Court, the risk of further offending has to be through the roof.

With OBrien appearing at court by video link from prison, DJ Kelly said while the seriousness of an offences isnt a ground to refuse bail, his are the most serious offences that a person can face and here we have a defendant facing two murders.

OBrien, from Church Walk in Lurgan, is one of three men accused of the murder of Shane Whitla on 12 January this year and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

While he remains in custody his two co-accused who are facing the same charges, 25-year-old Kevin Conway, from Deeny walk in Lurgan and Joshua Cotter (29), from Madrid Street in Belfast, are both on bail.

According to the police case there is a working hypothesis the trio of alleged killers are active members of an organised crime gang known as The Firm and that the shooting of Mr Whitla was as a result of a drugs feud over a debt.

Detectives have claimed that Conway called Mr Whitla four times on 12 January this year and it was those calls that caused the 39-year-old father-of-four to go to an alleyway off Woodville Street where he was shot, allegedly by Cotter and OBrien.

Shane Whitla

While the police believe they can link Conway to a mobile which was in contact with Mr Whitla before the murder and with OBrien both before and after the killing, detectives further claim CCTV evidence place OBrien and Cotter close to the scene.

Meanwhile, forensics tests on soaking wet clothing seized from Cotters home which he claimed OBrien gave him, has uncovered a significant amount of indicative cartridge residue particles, supporting a contention the clothing was close to a primary source of CDR such as a gun being fired.

In court on Friday, Det. Const. Fisher said police had serious concerns that given OBriens alleged membership to the OCG and his previous offending the likelihood of further offending is extremely high.

He said there were also fears that if OBrien was to be released, it could lead to reprisal attacks as police held intelligence that dissident republicans had issued threats against The Firm, revealing that OBrien has been with TM1 threat documents.

While that threat had resulted in Conway being subjected to 23 hour lock down while he was in prison, a status which partially swayed the judges decision to free him, the detective further revealed that OBrien was not subject to any such strictures.

The officer also submitted that having spoken to 30 witnesses as well as local residents, police have encountered a real fear in the community so other witnesses may be reticent to come forward if Obrien was free.

He revealed that to date, OBriens and his legal team had put forward no less than five proposed bail addresses, none of which were suitable but the latest one, at Patrick Street in Newry, doesnt exist.

With the tenant of another proposed address allegedly lying to police, he said already stretched officers are being lead on a wild goose chase to ascertain the suitability of bail addresses.

Defence counsel Michael Forde highlighted that even taking the police case at its height, all the police had was CCTV if cotter and OBrien half an hour before the shooting and clothing which may or may not have evidence of CDR which they cannot connect to bullet casings retrieved in the alley where Mr Whitla was shot.

DC fisher argued however that while police have not yet the murder weapon, enquiries are on going and in addition there was also mobile phone evidence evidence.

Mr Forde argued that the case against OBrien is such there was an argument that he cannot be connected to the murder let alone remanded in custody on evidence which he described as inherently weak.

Conceding that OBrien is on bail for the murder of Malcolm McKeown who was gunned down in Waringstown in 2019, the barrister argued he had been on bail for three and a half years in relation to that case with no trial yet in sight and while there had been breaches, other judges saw fit to re-release OBrien.

DJ Kelly said there are no conditions that I can think of which she could attach to OBriens current bail order which would assuage or lessen the risks and concerns.

Remanding OBrien into custody, she adjourned the case to next Friday when his co-accused are due to have their cases mentioned again.
He also said that some British soldiers were not necessarily supportive of military efforts in Afghanistan

Prince Harry has revealed in an interview with author Gabor Mate that marijuana really helped him mentally.

The Duke of Sussex, speaking during the livestreamed conversation on Saturday evening, said cocaine did nothing for him. He added: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me.

He also said that some British soldiers were not necessarily supportive of military efforts in Afghanistan.

Dr Gabor Mate said he did not align with the West during the conflict. Harry responded: One of the reasons why so many people in the United Kingdom were not supportive of our troops was because they assumed that everybody that was serving was for the war.

But no, once you sign up, you do what youre told to do.

So there was a lot of us that didnt necessarily agree or disagree, but you were doing what you were trained to do, you were doing what you were sent to do.

It comes after the Harry and wife Meghan have been asked to leave Frogmore Cottage by King Charles.

Sources claimed that the couple are not fighting the decision, as they are said to be making arrangements to have their remaining belongings shipped to California.
March is New Zealands Glaucoma Awareness Month, and the charity, Glaucoma New Zealand are encouraging all Kiwis aged 40+ to get regular eye health checks to catch glaucoma, aka the Sneak Thief of Sight, and prevent this insidious eye disease from stealing vision.

Glaucoma New Zealands annual awareness month also coincides with World Glaucoma Week, a global initiative to raise awareness and encourage testing for glaucoma from March 12 to 18.

Most people dont realise that over 50,000 Kiwis have glaucoma and are not aware of it.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and are New Zealands leading cause of irreversible blindness. As glaucoma appears in many different forms, and in its early stages can show no symptoms, the best way to catch glaucoma is through regular eye exams at an optometrist.

Any eyesight loss from glaucoma cant be reversed with treatment, but with early identification, disease progression can be slowed.

Many of us turn 40 and have no idea that its time to prioritise eye health, but from this age onwards you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma," says Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer, Chairwoman of Glaucoma New Zealand.

The best way to catch glaucoma early and protect your vision for future years, is by having regular eye exams, including an optic nerve test, which are simple and painless. If youre 40 or over, get regular eye health checks at your local optometrist and together lets catch glaucoma and save our sight.

Throughout March, thanks to the support of this years Glaucoma Awareness Month sponsors - Specsavers, AbbVie, OPSM, and Glaukos, Glaucoma New Zealand are calling for Kiwis to help them to catch the glaucoma 'Sneak Thief of Sight', and reduce unnecessary blindness for thousands throughout the country.

Donations to Glaucoma New Zealand not only support glaucoma education, and people living with glaucoma, but they also fund ground-breaking glaucoma research in New Zealand.

Visit glaucoma.org.nz/glaucoma-awareness-month to learn more about Glaucoma Awareness Month and to donate to join Glaucoma New Zealands fight for sight.
A masked gunman entered a Mount Maunganui pub and pointed a weapon at the manager, demanding he hand over money.

It was really frightening. He pointed the gun right at me, said the man, who Stuff has agreed not to name. I dont know what type of gun it was as I dont know anything about guns, but it was some type of revolver.

The attack happened at 9.30am on Thursday at the Cheers Tavern, Owens Place, Mount Maunganui. Two customers were in the pub at the time, he said.

They were in the next room playing on the pokie machines. One of them heard the loud noise, so they came into the part where I was to see what was going on. When they saw the man with the gun they went back into the games room.

The gunman shouted at the manager to give him the money out of the till, and snatched all the cash, cleaning out the business.

Then he sped off in a black car.

Police came within ten minutes, he said.

They were very good. They came to help quickly. And gave me details for counselling as I am still pretty shocked today and trying to heal from what happened.



The manager of Cheers Tavern wasnt hurt but its hard when I think about what happened. Photo: Stuff.

The tavern, which has a large pokie area and is popular with local workers, was closed Thursday but back open on Friday. The manager is having some time off to recover, he said.

I was not hurt, but its hard when I think about what happened.

Police are now looking for witnesses who may have seen the incident or the offender fleeing the scene in a black vehicle following the robbery of Owens Pl about 9.30am.

Its alleged the man took money from the cash register and left the scene in a black vehicle, police said in a statement.

Annemarie Quill/Stuff
Russia's defence minister has inspected the front line in eastern Ukraine, the defence ministry said Saturday, with the battle for Bakhmut raging and the US offering to pump more money into Kyiv's survival.

Sergei Shoigu had "inspected a command post on the front" in the direction of the southern Donetsk region, the defence ministry said, without specifying exactly where or when.

It put out a video of Shoigu travelling in a helicopter and talking to a soldier in front of damaged buildings.

Russia is determined to seize the now-destroyed city once known for sparkling wine as part of the wider aim of capturing the entire Donetsk region.

Ukraine has pledged to defend "fortress Bakhmut" for as long as possible, but this week officials warned the situation was difficult.

Both sides have reported heavy casualties in the struggle over the city, whose symbolic importance outstrips any military significance.

The head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group said Friday his forces had "practically encircled" Bakhmut, which has seen some of the fiercest fighting of the conflict.

Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a video released on Telegram "only one road remains" to be captured.

The 61-year-old has reported that his fighters have seized three villages north of Bakhmut -- Yagidne, Berkhivka and Paraskoviivka -- in recent weeks.

In Washington, President Joe Biden on Friday hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a show of unity against Russia.

The United States responded to Moscow's warning against further arming Ukraine by offering another $400 million in security assistance.

'As long as necessary'

Western military aid has been key to Kyiv's ability to hold out and to even regain ground, but the Kremlin said such assistance will only "prolong the conflict and have sad consequences for the Ukrainian people".

Arms deliveries "place a significant burden on the economies of these countries and negatively affect the well-being of citizens of these countries, including Germany," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Washington ignored that warning, announced the new security package featuring ammunition -- including for the Himars precision rocket system that Ukrainian forces have used to devastating effect against Russian troops and supply dumps.

In a display of partnership after friction over supplying tanks to Ukraine, Biden welcomed Scholz to the White House for his first trip to Washington since the start of Russia's military offensive.

When they last met "Russia was amassing its troops" on the border, Biden said in brief remarks to the press, adding the West had vowed to respond and "together we made good on that promise."

In reply, Scholz said it was important to send a message to Ukraine that "we will continue to (support it) as long as it takes and as long as it necessary."

Despite the absence of a joint press conference, Scholz said the bilateral relationship was "in a very good shape".

In another show of support for Ukraine, US Attorney General Merrick Garland made a surprise visit to the country on Friday.

'Measures' at border

Ukrainian troops have held out for months in Bakhmut, fighting brutal trench warfare and artillery battles that have flattened large portions of the city, and President Volodymyr Zelensky this week said the fighting was "only increasing".

His comments followed an assessment from the commander of Ukraine's ground forces Oleksandr Syrskyi that it was "extremely tense" in the city.

While the hotspot of the fighting is in the east of Ukraine, Russia said this week that a group of Ukrainian combatants had crossed into the southern Bryansk region.

Kyiv dismissed the claims as a "deliberate provocation."

Moscow says its regions bordering Ukraine are routinely shelled by Ukrainian forces, but the reported incursion was a rare instance of fighting inside Russia.

The Kremlin said it would take steps to prevent cross-border incursions which killed two.

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The New Zealand Veterinary Association - NZVA - is encouraging pet owners in the countrys flood affected areas to keep an eye on their pets health following the cyclone and rain events, and to contact their vet if they have concerns.

NZVA Head of Veterinary Services - Companion Animal Sally Cory says cats and dogs are at higher risk of certain diseases, conditions and parasites after floods, with contaminated water, silt and food common sources of harmful bacteria.

Some diseases can also infect people.

"The main concern is leptospirosis, which is a disease that can spread between animals and humans. It is commonly transmitted in the urine of infected farm animals and rodents that can be spread into the environment via floodwater, so dogs that come into contact with floodwater are at risk."

Sally encourages owners to talk to their vet about whether their pet or working dog should be vaccinated against leptospirosis, or if they need a booster.

"If your pet or farm dog seems unwell at all, please contact your vet."

Symptoms of leptospirosis include vomiting or diarrhoea; walking stiffly or being reluctant to move; refusing to eat; having a fever; and drinking and/or urinating more often, but symptoms can be mild, and a pet may just seem unwell.

"Because humans can contract leptospirosis as well, its important that owners practise good hygiene, wash their hands, and clean their pet and any items that have come into contact with floodwater," says Sally.

Other conditions pets are at risk of after floods are gastroenteritis (including salmonella and giardia), stress-induced cystitis in cats, toxicity from contaminated or mouldy food, respiratory diseases, and worms or flea infestations.

"Changes to routine and environment following major events can cause cats to develop stress-related cystitis where they urinate or attempt to urinate more frequently than normal," says Sally.

"Often these symptoms can be mistaken for constipation. If your cat starts showing problems, contact your vet immediately, as cystitis can have serious complications."

To protect their animals, owners should keep their pets routine parasite treatments up-to-date; dispose of any contaminated or mouldy pet food; clean their pets feet with a mild soap or detergent if they have walked through flood-contaminated areas; and keep the hair on pet feet trimmed. Exercising dogs on a leash to avoid coming into contact with floodwater or silt, is also recommended.

Flood resources and advice for pet owners, including symptoms to watch out for, are available on the NZVA website www.nzva.org.nz/flood/companion-animals.
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JUBA, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China and South Sudan on Friday signed an agreement on the implementation of a China-aided borehole drilling and water supply project that will improve access to clean and safe water for local communities.

"This project will focus on borehole drilling for water supply in village-level small population gathering areas and town-level large population gathering areas in South Sudan," said Ma Qiang, Chinese ambassador to South Sudan. "It will provide reliable clean water for the local people, help to prevent water-borne diseases and protect the health of local residents, improve the living conditions and promote the development of agricultural production."

South Sudan Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Pal Mai Deng said the water project will see 32 normal wells and 15 tube wells with hand pumps established in the Central Equatorial state and neighboring Lakes state.

"Once we have this implementation in place, I am sure that most of the problems regarding water shortage in those locations will definitely be reduced," the minister said at the signing ceremony in Juba, the South Sudanese capital.

Mai said the project demonstrates strong cooperation between the two countries.

"It's a great pleasure that the government of China has been very supportive. It is not only with this project that China has been generous," he said.

Other projects supported by China include the construction of hospitals, schools, the modernization of South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation facilities, the expansion and modernization of Juba International Airport, and the construction of the Jur River Bridge in Wau, a city in northwestern South Sudan.

In August 2019, the two governments signed the exchange of notes on the water project, paving the way for its implementation, which is expected to start in the second half of 2023. 
France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom have expressed their "grave" concern in the face of the growing violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, urging a cessation of all unilateral actions that threaten peace and incitements to violence.

Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli occupation forces in different parts of the occupied West Bank on Friday as a fallout from Israeli raids and Jewish settlers' attacks on Palestinian towns.

"We strongly condemn recent terrorist attacks that killed Israeli citizens. Terrorism can under no circumstance be justified," read a joint statement by the spokespersons of the foreign ministries of the six nations on Saturday.

"We also strongly condemn indiscriminate violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, including destruction of homes and properties," it added.

On Thursday, Israeli troops shot dead a 15-year-old Palestinian boy and critically wounded another child in the town of Azzun in the West Bank. Scores of Palestinians were also injured during clashes with Israeli troops in Bayt Dajan village and the villages of Beita and Huwara near the city of Nablus on Friday.

"We are saddened by all loss of life. These acts can lead nowhere, except to more violence," the joint statement said, urging for holding accountable those responsible for the escalation.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Wednesday for a flashpoint Palestinian town to be "wiped out".

The call, which has been slammed by many including the UN human rights chief, was made days after two settlers were shot dead in Huwara, killings, which led Israeli settlers to attack the northern West Bank town.

A meeting in the Jordanian city of Aqaba this week brought together Palestinian and Israeli officials in the hope of ending the violence in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The six EU nations hailed the Aqaba meeting, saying in today's joint statement that such a result sparks hope, as Israelis and Palestinians sides affirmed reciprocal commitments, including on efforts to de-escalate and work towards a just and lasting peace.

They urged all parties to refrain from derailing "fragile" process, and called on all parties to make good on the commitments they made in the Aqaba meeting by de-escalating in words and deeds.

De-escalation will help efforts to blossom and make the next meeting in Egypt a success, the statement stressed, adding there can be no desirable outcome other than a just and lasting peace for all.

"In this regard, we also reiterate our strong opposition to all unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution, including expansion of settlements which are illegal under international law.

"We urge the Israeli government to reverse its recent decision to advance the construction of more than 7,000 settlement building units across the occupied West Bank and to legalise settlement outposts," it added.

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More than 3,000 people demonstrated against Tunisia's government on Saturday at a rally organised by the powerful UGTT trade union, which called on President Kaid Saied to accept "dialogue".

"Freedom, freedom, down with the police state," demonstrators chanted as they marched in Tunis on Saturday, also calling for "a halt to impoverishment" in the North African country.

UGTT chief Noureddine Taboubi called on Saied to embrace "dialogue" and "democratic" ways, slamming the "violent discourse... that is dividing the country".

He accused the president of targeting the powerful union.

Taboubi also condemned the latest wave of arrests and the imprisonment since February of Anis Kaabi, a top UGTT official for highway workers, who had been detained after a strike by toll barrier employees.

"We will never accept such arrests," Taboubi told the protesters.

Saied has concentrating near-total power in his office since he froze parliament and sacked the government in July 2021.

Around 20 prominent political figures has been arrested over the past two weeks.

Last week, Tunisian police arrested National Salvation Front founder Jaouhar bin Mbarak, a prominent critic of Kais Saied, and judicial investigations were opened into several leaders of the Ennahda Movement whose leader, Rashid Al-Ghannouchi, is being investigated on terrorist charges.

The UGTT has around one million members and shared a Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 with three other civil society groups for promoting national dialogue in the country of about 12 million inhabitants.

On 3 February, it launched a series of protests against the economic situation in the country and attempts to target union activity.

The UGTT chief also criticised negotiations between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Tunisia, which is seeking a bailout package worth nearly $2 billion from the fund, adding that the union is totally opposed to any lifting of government subsidies on basic goods such as foodstuff and fuel.

The United States earlier on Thursday slammed what it called an "escalating pattern" of arrests in Tunisia of opposition figures, and expressed concern over reports that people who were in contact with US diplomats in Tunis are being targeted.

"We are alarmed by reports of criminal charges against individuals in Tunisia resulting from meetings or conversations with US embassy staff on the ground," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

Tunisia's foreign ministry reminded diplomats to "not interfere" in the country's internal affairs while President Saied warned the trades union federation against inviting foreigners to their demonstration.

*This story has been edited by Ahram Online

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2023 Hyundai Aura Facelift : A Close Look 2023 Hyundai Aura Facelift has been launched in India with a price tag between Rs. 6.30 - Rs. 8.87 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).







Since the Hyundai Aura 1.0L Turbo-petrol has already been reviewed by Team-BHP, this report will only focus on changes made to the 2023 facelift. To read the full official review,







Introduction



The Hyundai Aura was launched back in January 2020. It was based on the Grand i10 Nios and was positioned as the entry-level sedan in the company's model line-up. It looked more modern than the ageing Xcent, which it would eventually replace; the interiors were among the best in its segment, both in terms of design and quality. Hyundai gave the car some muscle by introducing a turbo-petrol engine. This unit made the Aura a fast sub-4 m sedan. In terms of sales, the Aura has been an average performer in its segment and regularly sells more than 4,000 units per month. It is locked in a battle for second place with the Honda Amaze, far behind the Maruti Dzire - the segment leader.



Now, along with the Grand i10 Nios facelift, Hyundai has launched an updated version of the Aura. Let's have a look at some of the prominent changes made to the car.



First up, there is no turbo-petrol engine available any more. This is a big disappointment for enthusiasts looking for a fun-to-drive little sedan. Engine options now include the same 1.2L Kappa naturally aspirated petrol motor with 5-speed MT & AMT options and a 1.2L Kappa petrol + CNG with a 5-speed MT. What is noteworthy is that these engines are RDE compliant. RDE emission norms are set to be introduced in April 2023. These require a vehicle to emit less than a certain amount of carbon dioxide in realistic driving situations. The 1.2L petrol engine is also E20 fuel ready, which means it can run on petrol blended with 20% ethanol.



Hyundai has given the Aura some cosmetic changes to the exterior and some additional features. It has also introduced some more safety features. The Aura is available in 6 single-tone colour options: Polar White, Titan Grey, Typhoon Silver, Teal Blue, Fiery Red and a new Starry Night shade. Unlike the Grand i10 Nios, no dual-tone colour options are available.



Coming to the interior, the cabin design remains unchanged. However, there is a new instrument cluster, the seats get new upholstery and the front footwells get ambient lighting - just like the 2023 Grand i10 Nios facelift.



In terms of features, the Aura gets cruise control, LED tail lamps, automatic headlamps with escort function, rear A/C vents, an 8-inch touchscreen head-unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and navigation through smartphone, voice recognition, wireless smartphone charging (first in segment) and fast USB charger (Type-C) among others.



The car gets over 30 safety features including 4 airbags as standard (first-in-segment) and 6 airbags (in the top variant), an emergency stop signal (first in segment), a tyre pressure monitoring system (first-in-segment), hill-start assist control (HAC), electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, parking assist with rear parking sensors and rear camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors and more. A burglar alarm has also been added to the equipment list.



The Aura is offered in E, S, SX, SX+ and SX(O) variants. These are priced between Rs. 6.30 - Rs. 8.87 lakhs.



Hyundai is offering a 3 years / 1,00,000 km warranty package. Extended warranty for up to 7 years can be purchased additionally. We strongly recommend this extension if your usage is high. Hyundai is further offering 3 Years Road Side Assistance with the Aura. You can also get a Shield of Trust repair running package for up to 5 years and a Shield of Trust Super maintenance package for up to 5 years. Thehas been launched in India with a price tag between Rs. 6.30 - Rs. 8.87 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).Since the Hyundai Aura 1.0L Turbo-petrol has already been reviewed by Team-BHP, this report will only focus on changes made to the 2023 facelift. To read the full official review, click here The Hyundai Aura was launched back in January 2020. It was based on the Grand i10 Nios and was positioned as the entry-level sedan in the company's model line-up. It looked more modern than the ageing Xcent, which it would eventually replace; the interiors were among the best in its segment, both in terms of design and quality. Hyundai gave the car some muscle by introducing a turbo-petrol engine. This unit made the Aura a fast sub-4 m sedan. In terms of sales, the Aura has been an average performer in its segment and regularly sells more than 4,000 units per month. It is locked in a battle for second place with the Honda Amaze, far behind the Maruti Dzire - the segment leader.Now, along with the Grand i10 Nios facelift, Hyundai has launched an updated version of the Aura. Let's have a look at some of the prominent changes made to the car.First up, there is no turbo-petrol engine available any more. This is a big disappointment for enthusiasts looking for a fun-to-drive little sedan. Engine options now include the same 1.2L Kappa naturally aspirated petrol motor with 5-speed MT & AMT options and a 1.2L Kappa petrol + CNG with a 5-speed MT. What is noteworthy is that these engines are RDE compliant. RDE emission norms are set to be introduced in April 2023. These require a vehicle to emit less than a certain amount of carbon dioxide in realistic driving situations. The 1.2L petrol engine is also E20 fuel ready, which means it can run on petrol blended with 20% ethanol.Hyundai has given the Aura some cosmetic changes to the exterior and some additional features. It has also introduced some more safety features. The Aura is available in 6 single-tone colour options: Polar White, Titan Grey, Typhoon Silver, Teal Blue, Fiery Red and a new Starry Night shade. Unlike the Grand i10 Nios, no dual-tone colour options are available.Coming to the interior, the cabin design remains unchanged. However, there is a new instrument cluster, the seats get new upholstery and the front footwells get ambient lighting - just like the 2023 Grand i10 Nios facelift.In terms of features, the Aura gets cruise control, LED tail lamps, automatic headlamps with escort function, rear A/C vents, an 8-inch touchscreen head-unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and navigation through smartphone, voice recognition, wireless smartphone charging (first in segment) and fast USB charger (Type-C) among others.The car gets over 30 safety features including 4 airbags as standard (first-in-segment) and 6 airbags (in the top variant), an emergency stop signal (first in segment), a tyre pressure monitoring system (first-in-segment), hill-start assist control (HAC), electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, parking assist with rear parking sensors and rear camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors and more. A burglar alarm has also been added to the equipment list.The Aura is offered in E, S, SX, SX+ and SX(O) variants. These are priced between Rs. 6.30 - Rs. 8.87 lakhs.Hyundai is offering a 3 years / 1,00,000 km warranty package. Extended warranty for up to 7 years can be purchased additionally. We strongly recommend this extension if your usage is high. Hyundai is further offering 3 Years Road Side Assistance with the Aura. You can also get a Shield of Trust repair running package for up to 5 years and a Shield of Trust Super maintenance package for up to 5 years. Last edited by Aditya : 4th March 2023 at 10:10 .
The big picture: Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been a heavily scrutinized and criticized merger for more than a year, receiving resistance from regulators across the US, UK, and EU. Sources close to the EU's European Commission are now indicating that the agency will not require Microsoft to sell any assets to obtain acquisition approval. The decision would give Microsoft a much-needed step toward completing the acquisition.

European Commission (EC) insiders told Reuters that the regulatory agency likely won't require Microsoft to divest any assets in order to secure its $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition. The hotly contested merger has been a focus of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), UK's Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA), and the EU's EC since the merger's announcement in January of 2022.

According to the report, the EC would allow Microsoft to overcome any regulatory concerns by providing licensing deals to rival companies and platforms. The move would alleviate antitrust concerns related to the merger, which initially sparked fears of limited access to successful, cross platform titles such as the Call of Duty franchise. Antitrust laws are laws put in place and enforced by market regulatory agencies to prevent monopolization or attempted monopolization by a single entity or provider.

Microsoft previously stated that it would not cave to pressures calling for the sale of the long-standing Call of Duty franchise. Last month, Microsoft President Brad Smith addressed the matter with European Union regulators, stating it wasn't "...feasible or realistic to think one game or one slice can be carved out from the rest." Smith went on to cite Sony's 20-year dominance as a leader in the console market, arguing that blocking Microsoft's merger would be counterproductive and only serve to strengthen Sony's control over the EU market.

Microsoft has been vocal about its intent to maintain competition within the market by providing solutions to address regulatory concerns and cooperating with others in the market. A Microsoft spokesperson told Reuters that its "...commitment to grant long term 100% equal access to Sony, Steam, NVIDIA and others preserves the deal's benefits to gamers and developers and increases competition in the market."

Getting past the EC's regulatory concerns is only one battle in Microsoft's multi-front war. In December 2022, the FTC filed a lawsuit against the Redmond giant, citing the potential for Microsoft to degrade Activision's features in a manner harmful to its competitors and consumers alike. Microsoft is also dealing with investigations by the UK's Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA), who said that the merger could lead to competition concerns with rival hardware and software companies. Microsoft has publicly pushed back against CMA's previous decision, instead claiming CMA relied "on self-serving statements by Sony" and has accepted the complaints without the "appropriate level of critical review."
Bottom line: The US Department of Commerce has amended the Export Administration Regulations and added 37 entities to the Entity List, which describes all the foreign organizations that US companies can't do business with. Most of the blacklisted entities are from China, including the two most influential: Loongson Technology and Inspur Group Co. Also included are various state institutions, national centers for research, equipment manufacturers, and private software companies.

About half of the targeted entities are being punished for contributing to ballistic and nuclear missile programs in China and its allied states. Most of the remaining entities, including Loongson and Inspur, are accused of acquiring American technologies on behalf of the People's Liberation Army. China confirmed that its army was using Loongson CPUs when it banned their export to Russia last year to preserve its own supply.

Entities on the Entity List are prohibited from purchasing or licensing American technologies, even indirectly. For example, Loongson can't have its CPUs manufactured by American equipment, ruling out most foundries with modern nodes. Companies can apply to the Bureau of Industry and Security for a license to sell their products to an entity on the list but under the presumption of denial, i.e., their chances aren't good.

Loongson has a small line of CPUs manufactured on the 12 nm node with comparable performance to AMD and Intel CPUs from a few generations ago. However, they're quite different under the hood and implement a proprietary ISA (instruction set architecture) called LoongArch that reduces their dependency on foreign licenses. They're manufactured by the state-owned SMIC. Given that it's unlikely to be granted a license, SMIC risks losing its American licenses and customers, including Broadcom, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments, if it continues working with Loongson.

Inspur is the third-largest server provider in the world, capturing 10% of the global market. It now has its fingers in all the popular pies, including artificial intelligence, data analysis, and cloud computing and storage. It was already struggling after the US enacted a policy last September that made it difficult for Chinese companies to purchase the latest hardware from American producers, specifically AMD, Intel, and Nvidia. It's now at risk of being cut off from motherboards, power supplies, SSDs, microcontrollers, and all of the rest of the common computer components.

We reported last week that Chinese companies had been stockpiling chipmaking equipment for the last few months in anticipation of these, and future, restrictions on their industry. This is only the latest in a succession of strikes against China's tech industry that started with Huawei four years ago and shows no sign of slowing down.

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SpaceX Starlink satellites are negatively affecting NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, claims a new study.

(Photo : Photo NASA via Getty Images )

In this handout from NASA, the Hubble Space Telescope is grappled to Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-125 by the shuttle's Canadian-built remote manipulator system May 13, 2009 in Space. The space shuttle Atlantis' mission is to overhaul the Hubble Space Telescope in order to extend its working life.

This is not surprising since space experts already shared their concerns about the negative effects of internet satellites.

To ensure that effects of satellites on astronomy observations, SpaceX and other aerospace agencies are making mitigation plans.

However, it seems like their efforts are not that efficient since satellite photo-bombing cases are worsening.

SpaceX Starlink Negatively Affects NASA Hubble Space Telescope!

According to Futurism's latest report, the interference of Starlink satellites on astronomy observations is still minor.

(Photo : Photo by NASA via Getty Images)

In this handout from the National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA), the Hubble Space Telescope drifts through space in a picture taken from the Space Shuttle Discovery during Hubble?s second servicing mission in 1997. NASA annouced October 31, 2006 that hte space agency would send a space shuttle to the Hubble Telescope for a fifth repair mission no earlier than May of 2008.

Also Read: New SpaceX-NSF Agreement to Prevent Starlink Satellite Photo-Bombing; Here are Their Measures

PC Mag reported that the images of the Hubble Space Telescope containing satellite streaks are only 2.7%.

Although this is the case, a new study revealed that photo-bombing incidents involving satellites increased by 4.3% from 2018 to 2021. Because of this, space experts speculated that the Starlink satellites are the main reasons why this uptick happened.

The new study titled "The impact of satellite trails on Hubble Space Telescope observations" explained that Starlink internet sats usually travel around 12 kilometers above HST.

This means that these internet satellites will appear less frequently in HST's photos. However, they will leave broader trails.

Will HST Become Useless?

As of press time, satellite photo-bombing incidents are not a major threat in astronomy observations.

However, Mark McCaughrean, a co-author of the new study, explained that around 20 years from now, satellites could make HST useless.

"That might be 10 or 20 years away, but it's not inconceivable that there's a point at which you say, 'Let's not bother anymore,'" explained the astronomer.

He shared this statement since the Hubble Space Telescope is expected to retire in the mid to late 2030s.

You can click this link to learn more about the new study about satellite photo-bombing.

Other stories we recently wrote about Starlink satellites:

SpaceX's Starlink broadband service finally rolled out in the Philippines. The new Starlink V2 mini satellites were recently deployed.

For more news updates about Starlink and other internet satellites, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: New Study Shows the Possibility of Space-Based Advertisements Inspired by SpaceX Starlink Satellites

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Microsoft's Windows Calendar app is having an issue.

(Photo : Photo by DENIS CHARLET/AFP via Getty Images)

This picture shows the Microsoft logo at the International Cybersecurity Forum (FIC) in Lille on January 28, 2020. (Photo by DENIS CHARLET / AFP)

Many users complained that their Calendar apps are crashing after installing the latest Windows 11 update.

The Calendar app is important for users since it allows them to organize events, meetings, appointments, and other scheduled activities.

This Microsoft application also works with third-party services, such as Yahoo, Google, Outlook.com, etc. But, as of press time, the Calendar app is crashing, preventing many consumers from accessing their schedules.

Microsoft Windows Calendar App Crash

According to PC World's latest report, the Calendar app on Windows 11 is the version that experiences crashes.

(Photo : Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A view of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop following a Microsoft launch event, May 2, 2017 in New York City. The Windows 10 S operating system is geared toward the education market and is Microsoft's answer to Google's Chrome OS.

Also Read: Microsoft Bing ChatGPT Update Offers More Personalized Experience! How Does Chat Mode Selector Work?

PiunikaWeb reported that it all started after Microsoft released the V16005.14326.21344.0 update. Many users shared their negative experiences, saying that the Calendar app crashes from within Mail.

The issue still happens even if you open the Calendar application via the Windows Start menu. The basic troubleshooting methods are not really working for many consumers.

This means that updating Windows, uninstalling and reinstalling the Calendar app, as well as restarting the PC will not prevent the application from crashing.

Workaround You Can Try

Although the basic troubleshooting methods are not working, a workaround that can temporarily fix the problem was discovered.

If your Calendar app also keeps on crashing, you can use the Outlook application to access it. Aside from this, you can also use your email to open the Calendar app.

Microsoft also suggests users log out and reset their Calendar apps. But, the first workaround is likely the one to work.

In case the provided methods also don't work, the software giant said that the best thing affected users can do is to DM them on Twitter.

"We understand that you encountered an issue with Windows Calendar. Please send us a DM for us to provide further assistance, and maximize character usage," replied Microsoft to a user's Twitter complaint.

As of writing, Microsoft hasn't announced an official fix for the Calendar app issue; maybe because it is busy with its other products.

Recently, Microsoft expanded ChatGPT's capabilities to control drones, robot arms, and home assistant bots. We also reported about the new Microsoft Windows 12 interface.

For more news updates about Microsoft and its Calendar app, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Windows 11 Update: Microsoft Is Adding Bing AI Chatbot Button as Part of Latest Taskbar Change

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A new trio scam is targeting iPhone and Android users; fooling their victims by impersonating FedEx, DHL, and Apple.

(Photo : Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

A guest takes a selfie with her smartphone during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Madrid on April 8, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)

These new phishing scams were identified by Trend Micro, an American-Japanese multinational cybersecurity firm.

The company's IT experts warned iOS and Android consumers that these fake emails and scams contain malicious links that allow cybercriminals to steal their money when clicked.

This is why you should always remember that big businesses, such as Apple, never ask their consumers to provide sensitive information. But, there's still a chance that you could be tempted to click those malicious links. To help you, here are the red flags you need to check before opening them.

New Trio Scam Targets iPhone, Android Users!

According to The US Sun's latest report, the three phishing scams work differently from one another.

(Photo : Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)

A man uses his mobile phone as he walks past advertising for the new iPhones outside the Apple store in Hong Kong on October 10, 2019. - Apple on October 10 removed an app criticised by China for allowing protestors in Hong Kong to track police.

Also Read: Trezor's Hardware Wallet Faces Crypto Phishing Scam Campaigns, Posing as Data Breach to Steal Access

If you don't want to become one of their victims, here are the signs you need to look for before following instructions from unknown email or text messages:

FedEx scam : Impersonators will claim that you won a prize. After that, they will ask you to click a link to schedule the delivery date of your free package.

: Impersonators will claim that you won a prize. After that, they will ask you to click a link to schedule the delivery date of your free package. Apple scam : Scammers will inform you that your Apple Wallet has been hacked. After that, they will ask for your sensitive information; mobile numbers, credit card details, email addresses, etc.

: Scammers will inform you that your Apple Wallet has been hacked. After that, they will ask for your sensitive information; mobile numbers, credit card details, email addresses, etc. DHL scam: DHL impersonators' tactic is quite similar to the FedEx scam. Fraudsters will send you a text or email message, claiming that you won a prize. After that, they will ask for your DHL account number.

What Android, iPhone Users Should Do

Both Android and iPhone have features that allow users to prevent scam/spam texts from reaching their inboxes.

For Android users, you can activate the "Enable Spam Protection" feature. If you are an iOS fan, you can turn on the "Filter Unknown Senders" feature.

Aside from activating these anti-spam features, the Federal Trade Commission urges consumers to report any suspicious text they receive. You can do this by reporting the spam message to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Other stories we recently wrote about cybersecurity threats:

Security experts warned that iPhone passcodes can easily be stolen. We also reported on the appearance of the new Neuralink Crypto Token scam.

For more news updates about scam texts and other similar malicious campaigns, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: How Can Apple Fix This Major iPhone Passcode Flaw? Security Experts Suggest Simple, Effective Solution

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As Meta sees Reels as one of the most important features of its platforms, new features are being rolled out for Facebook Reels to improve user experience. These changes come several months after Meta launched this same new update for Instagram Reels.

(Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Photo taken on October 18, 2021 in Moscow shows the US online social media and social networking service Facebook's logo on a tablet screen. - Facebook on October 18, 2021, announced plans to hire 10,000 people in the European Union to build the "metaverse", a virtual reality version of the internet that the tech giant sees as the future.

Extending Maximum Length for Facebook Reels

Meta is increasing the maximum length for Facebook Reels, from 60 seconds to 90 seconds. According to a report from Engadget, this expansion is included in the new updates for Facebook Reels, following TikTok's move of increasing length up to ten minutes, from the previous three.

Instagram Reels also have the same maximum length, as Meta increased this last July 2022. In fact, all of these newly released updates for Facebook Reels first made their way to Instagram more than months ago, which can be a strategy of Meta to see how they were being used on Instagram before bringing it to Facebook.

This new update may be short compared to its competitor (TikTok), but every application has been gradually releasing updates for its short-form offerings. This means that there is also a possibility for Meta's Facebook and Instagram adapting the 10-minute maximum length.

Reels was launched on Facebook last year in an effort to respond to TikTok's success in short-form videos. While they saw this feature as a way to directly compete with other social media platforms, Meta soon realized that it could also mount a more powerful counteroffensive by bringing it to the two platforms.

TechCrunch reported that Reels is the fastest-growing format of Meta and it still continues to grow rapidly. Reels plays from Facebook and Instagram have doubled over the last year and in the last six months. As per Meta, they will be releasing more features for creators to get discovered.

Also Read: Meta Funds 'Take It Down' Tool to Flag Minors' Explicit Materials

Other Updates

Facebook Reels is also getting a similar feature from TikTok and Instagram Reels that have ways to sync clips with a song. This new feature will be called "Grooves" which uses visual beat technology that automatically syncs and aligns motions with the beat of the audio.

Based on a report from Social Media Today, Meta is also integrating Memories into this expansion. Facebook will offer a new option "Share as Reel" from the users' Memories prompt.

This move came from the idea of the developers after seeing millions of users sharing their Memories in the app every day. Through Reels, it could be an easy way to get more people to engage with this new format and try out this feature.

Lastly, Meta expands its Reels templates to Facebook. This will make users' experience easier to replicate trending video styles and formats. Similar to what Instagram is offering, Reels templates highlight specific, trending clips that will give users more ways to tap into the latest trends.

Related Article: Meta Announces New Subscription Bundle for Account Verification

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Former Google Engineer Blake Lemoine expressed his concerns regarding the risks that are associated with AI-driven chatbots. As per him, these AI bots that are being developed are the most powerful pieces of technology since the atomic bomb.

(Photo : LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP via Getty Images)

This picture taken on January 23, 2023 in Toulouse, southwestern France, shows screens displaying the logos of Microsoft and OpenAI. - Microsoft extended on January 23 its partnership with with OpenAI, the research lab and creator of ChatGPT, a conversational artificial intelligence application software, in a "multiyear, multibillion dollar investment".

AI Chatbots' Power

Engineer Blake Lemoine was fired by Google after violating the company's confidentiality policy in July 2022. He claimed that artificial intelligence chat systems, including what Google is currently developing, were sentient. In an opinion article for Newsweek, he stated his concerns regarding the risks of AI chatbots as his fears are coming true.

According to Lemoine, the latest models are the most potent technological advancement since the atomic bomb. Through this powerful technology, it can change the course of history fundamentally. He expressed his concerns as he tested Microsoft's Bing AI chatbot. The word vindicated is not enough to capture how he felt in this situation.

"It's essentially impossible to run the same experiments on it that I did on Google's LaMDA. It bails to canned responses constantly," he wrote. This could be misused to distribute false information, political propaganda, or derogatory information about people's diverse backgrounds that could create potential problems.

He used a trainwreck as a metaphor to explain what he feels about this. Lemoine stated that predicting a train wreck even if people are telling you that there is no train wreck is just tragic, especially when he watches the incident happen in real time.

He also noted that he would like to see AI put through more testing before being released to the general public to avoid the potential misuse, risks, and the ability to manipulate consumers. This technology is still experimental, and he claimed that it is very dangerous as several companies started releasing it now.

Also Read: Microsoft Office ChatGPT-like Demo: Other Apps Receiving New AI Model

Business Insider reported that when Lemoine claimed that Google's AI become a sentient entity in June, a spokesperson from the company stated there is no evidence to support the former engineer's claims.

"Hundreds of researchers and engineers have conversed with LaMDA and we are not aware of anyone else making the wide-ranging assertions, or anthropomorphizing LaMDA, the way Blake has," the spokesperson noted. He was then fired by Google the following month for violating employment and data security policies.

Meanwhile, Google's Senior Vice President and Head of the Search Engine warned that AI could lead to hallucinations. He noted that relying on AI bots must only be kept to a minimum to reduce unwanted effects and experience these kinds of disadvantages.

AI Models are 'No Threat'

Meanwhile, Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates described AI models as a generation-old technology. Interesting Engineering reported that he sees it primarily because users have turned provocation into a game by trying to discover ways to trick the model's programming into doing wrong things.

He believes that AI models are no threat as it is not apparent who should be blamed if you provoked the system.

Related Article: Microsoft's Bing AI Chatbot Has a Name, 'Sydney,' Existing Since 2021 Before ChatGPT Integration

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Google Doodle featured Filipino writer Paz Marquez-Benitez to celebrate her 129th birthday.

(Photo : Screenshot from the official Google Doodle website )

Google Doodle Features Filipino Writer Marquez Benitez! Here are Some Fun Facts About Her

Marquez-Benitez is the writer behind the short story titled "Dead Stars," which was published in 1925. "Dead Stars" is more than just a love story.

Aside from being the first modern Philippine short story written in English, it also reflects the courtship, marriage, and fidelity that was seen during the 1900s.

Because of her contribution, Marquez-Benitez is considered to be one of the foundations of Philippine literature.

Google Doodle Features Filipino Writer Marquez Benitez!

According to Rappler's latest report, Google Doodle designed a backdrop of stars to represent her "Dead Stars" literary work.

(Photo : Photo credit should read TORSTEN SILZ/DDP/AFP via Getty Images)

A woman works on her computer as on the wall behind is seen the logo of web search engine Google at Frankfurt's international book fair, on 23 October 2005, the fair's last day. South Korea is the guest of honour at the 57th annual Frankfurt Book Fair and has brought out 62 authors to Germany to introduce them to the western public.

Also Read: Google Doodle Honors Uvalde Shooting Victim by Featuring Her Drawing-Here's What Her Art Looks Like

Aside from this, the search engine giant also included a cartoonized photo of the Filipino writer.

"Throughout her career, she developed Philippine literature and taught many of the nation's most distinguished writers," said Google via its official Doodle blog post.

The Google Doodle for Marquez-Benitez was posted on Mar. 3, which is the day of her birthday. If you want to see the actual doodle design, you can click this link.

Fun Facts About Marquez Benitez

Marquez-Benitez already showed her intelligence when she was just eight years old. At such a young age, the Filipino writer was able to finish high school. Aside from this, she is also more proficient in English than Spanish.

Marquez-Benitez has an inferiority complex. Because of this, she thought her skin was too dark to be considered a beautiful woman. However, many men recognized her for her beauty.

She was among the college students of the first University of the Philippines class back in 1912.

Marquez-Benitez founded the first non-sectarian college for women in the Philippines; the Philippine Women's College.

If you want to learn more interesting facts about Marquez-Benitez, you can click this link.

Other stories we recently wrote about Google Doodle:

In 2022, Google Doodle honored Angelo Moriondo, the inventor of the espresso machine. In 2021, Google Doodle celebrated the Turkana Human by showing an animation of the Homo Erectus.

For more news updates about Google Doodle and other related topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Google Doodle Now Allows You to Create Your Own Game in Honor of Jerry Lawson

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said Friday, that "the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a tragedy above all for the Palestinian people and for the violence to end, the occupation must end, referring to a one of the deadliest weeks in the West Bank.

"Over half a century of occupation has led to widening dispossession, deepening deprivation and recurring and severe violations of their rights, including the right to life," Turk said during the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council.

"Nobody could wish to live this way  or imagine that forcing people into conditions of such desperation can lead to an enduring solution," he added.

Mr. Turk's remarks come amid a surge in West Bank violence. On Friday, Israeli troops carried out raids in Bayt Dajan village and the villages of Beita and Huwara near the city of Nablus.

Clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli occupation forces in different parts of the occupied West Bank while Jewish settlers attacks on Palestinian towns continue.

I urge decision-makers and people on all sides to give effect to the recommendations of our reports and to step back from the precipice to which increasing extremism and violence have led, said Volker Turk, after presenting the Council with his latest annual report on the situation.

Sundays violence has drawn condemnation from the international community. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the shooting attack and the rampage underscore the imperative to immediately de-escalate tensions in words and deeds.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he held the Israeli government responsible for the terrorist acts carried out by settlers under the protection of the occupation forces.

The death toll has further, and sharply, deteriorated in the first weeks of 2023, and in the month that has just ended, he warned. Since the start of the year, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has claimed the lives of 65 Palestinian adults and children, including militants and civilians.

Thirteen Israeli adults and children, including members of the security forces and civilians, and one Ukrainian civilian have been killed over the same period, according to an AFP tally based on official sources from both sides. 131 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in 2022, according to UNHRC figures.

The upsurge in violence comes after last year saw the highest number of Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces in 17 years, the UN rights chief stressed.

"I condemn the violence that has killed and harmed so many people on both sides, and which generates overwhelming despair," Turk added.

Many country representatives echoed Turk's concerns Friday, while Palestinian ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi took the rights council floor to urge the international community to take "punitive steps" against Israel.

The UN rights chief called on both sides to adhere to a commitment to de-escalation reached following talks Sunday in Jordan.

"In the near future, there must be an end to settlements in occupied land. And within a foreseeable horizon, there must be a two-state solution," Turk insisted.

"For this violence to end, the occupation must end. On all sides, there are people who know this."

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Rivian aims to produce 50,000 vehicles this year, but it seems that the EV automaker is planning to produce more, according to Electrek.

(Photo : by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 08: The Rivian logo is displayed at a Rivian Service Center on October 8, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The electric vehicle manufacturer is recalling nearly all of the over 12,000 vehicles it had produced to tighten an insufficiently torqued fastener which could potentially affect steering.

Following the release of the company's fourth-quarter earnings, the company will be raising the bar with new internal EV production goal.

Rivian's New Goal

Rivian's Q4 and full-year 2022 earnings hit a new 52-week low this week as disappointments arose from missing production guidance. A new report from Bloomberg stated that the company told its employees the EV maker can produce more vehicles this year.

The production of 62,000 EVs is possible this year. Rivian will ramp its second shift to boost the production of the R1T and R1S at its Illinois manufacturing facility as its progresses through the quarter.

The EV maker has been going through a lot of hurdles over the past few months.

Also read: Rivian Faces Lawsuit from Shareholder After Jacking Up Prices for Electric Pickup and SUV: Company CEO Apologized

Employee Layoffs

It can be recalled that the company laid off more than 300 people in California last fall, and now the company said that it's cutting hundreds more workers. The move is to help conserve cash as it prepares for a possible industry-wide price war.

With plans to boost production of R1 trucks and the EDV delivery vans for Amazon, along with the development of its upcoming smaller R2 vehicle platform.

The company reassured that the employee cuts will not affect the manufacturing jobs are their Illinois factory.

The company went public through successful initial offering in late 2021, which made the company raise almost $12 billion. However, their shares have lost almost 90 percent of their value since, which has led to the EVmaker to rethink its expansion plans as it work towards profitability.

Tesla and Ford Motoro also had recent price cuts that led to concerns that other automakers may be forced to reduce EV prices amid the growing competition in the industry.

...And Recalls

The company is also dealing with recalls for its 2022 R1T and R1S as customers filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last week.

Rivian will conduct a voluntary recall that affects 12,700 Rivian EVs concerning a sensor in passenger seatbelt system that may cause a reduced, or complete lack of deployment in the passenger airbag.

The recall affects several 2022 Rivian R1T and R1s EVs, and letters announcing the recall will go out to potentially affected EV owners on April 8; however, those notices are already going out via email.

This only shows that despite Rivian ramping its production, it is a relatively young EV company that is still looking to set a momentum in scaled EV production.

Related article: Elon Musk Warns Rivian, Lucid to Change Their Strategies to Avoid Bankruptcy

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Honda didn't continue on its only hydrogen-powered car in the US, the Clarity, but it seems that the automaker will revive a part of it soon, as reported by TechCrunch.

(Photo : by RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

The logo for Japanese automaker Honda is pictured outside a showroom in Tokyo on February 8, 2023.

Honda will put some old Clarity fuel cells back to work and combine them into a backup power system for its Los Angeles data center. For now, things are still in the conceptual stage but the company plans to commercialize the tech and sees potential applications beyond helping data centers to keep the lights on.

The used fuel cell systems in their backup-power demo once powered leases Clarities but the retired these for transport. Still, they still work well enough to drive its server farm in case of a power failure. Honda relied on diesel for backup power at the facility.

Environmental Effects

Using its old fuel cells is a smart move, but it won' be environmentally friendly. That's why Honda reassured that they will not use green hydrogen in the pilot exclusively, which means at least some of it was generated via fossil fuels.

The problem with using hydrogen to generate electricity is the fuel cells only spits out water and heat as exhaust but still indirectly pollutive if the hydrogen comes from dirty sources, and most hydrogen fuel does.

To correct this, it will need more green hydrogen production on top of the necessary infrastructure to deliver hydrogen. This is also the reason some automakers don't believe in the future of hydrogen-powered vehicles because for them, it's a lot of work.

Also read: Toyota, Honda, Nissan Will Make Patent Payments to Nokia and Other Telecom Companies

Honda's Belief in Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles

Still, Honda believes in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Their next-gen fuel cell systems will power its upcoming hydrogen-powered vehicle, which is based on the Honda CR-V and is due in 2024.

They are also planning to use the new fuel cell systems for backup power as it scales the tech. The company also intends to use green hydrogen when it commercializes the backup-power unites exclusively.

Honda is also considering other applications, such as peak shaving. This means the company thinks industrial customers could use their generators at peak times when electricity is on high demand. They aim to develop the concept into a new business model.

Hydrogen-Powered CR-V

Honda has provided some more information about the hydrogen-powered CR-V that will be built at their Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. First, it would feature a lithium-ion battery pack that can be plugged in and charged. The vehicle would run on pure electricity for a specific number of miles before the battery pack is depleted.

However, Honda said that the fuel cell battery pack will have a power export function that will let you provide power to external items. The company remains mum on details on the amount of power the vehicle would be capable of.

The vehicle's new generation fuel cell stack was developed with HM as well. It will go on sale in 2024.

Related article: Honda Will Recall 200,000 Hybrid Vehicles Made in China Due to Brake Pedal Sensor Issues

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Scientists have discovered the heaviest and youngest newborn star ever found in the black hole located at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy.

The research team found the young star X3a that was still in its formation process in the vicinity of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*).

Newborn star X3a is special because it should not have been able to exist so close to the supermassive black, according to the research team.

The team believes that it developed in a dust cloud circling the massive black hole and sank to its orbit only after it was born.

"Paradox of Youth"

According to scientists, the area around the massive black hole is characterized by strong X-ray and UV radiation as well as very active processes.

These specific circumstances prevent stars like the Sun from forming around the black hole. Hence, for a very long time, scientists had anticipated that only old, developed stars could settle by dynamical friction in this region over periods of billions of years.

But surprisingly, extremely young stars were discovered 20 years ago near Sgr A* even though it is still unknown how or where these stars formed. This rare phenomenon has been referred to as "the paradox of youth".

The newly-formed X3a baby star, which is fifteen times heavier and ten times larger than our Sun, may help bridge the gap between star formation and the young stars located near Sgr A*.

The formation of X3a requires specific conditions that are only present near the black hole.

"It turns out that there is a region at a distance of a few light years from the black hole which fulfills the conditions for star formation. This region, a ring of gas and dust, is sufficiently cold and shielded against destructive radiation," first author Dr. Florian Peiker said in a press release statement.

Read Also: Sagittarius A*: Hot Gas in Motion Around Milky Way's Supermassive Black Hole-What is It?

Plausible Scenario

The scientists propose a plausible scenario where a sufficiently dense cloud formed in the outer gas and dust ring surrounding the center of the Galaxy, shielded from the strong gravitational force of Sgr A* and intense radiation. This cloud, with a mass of approximately one hundred suns, collapsed under its gravity to form one or more protostars.

The fall time of this cloud aligns with the estimated age of X3a, according to Peiker. Based on observations, multiple clouds can interact with each other, making it probable that a cloud will occasionally fall toward the black hole.

The proposed scenario aligns with X3a's current phase of stellar development, as it transitions into a mature star. This suggests that the gas and dust ring surrounding the center of our Galaxy may serve as the birthplace of young stars.

The mechanism described could also apply to other galaxies that have similar gas and dust rings, implying that many galaxies might harbor young stars at their centers.

To test this star formation model, observations are planned using the James Webb Space Telescope from NASA or the Extremely Large Telescope from the European Southern Observatory in Chile, for both our Galaxy and others.

The findings of the study were published in The Astrophysical Journal.

Related Article: Astronomers Plan to Dig Deep Into the Milky Way through Sagittarius A*

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Sapporo, a Japanese brewer, is now using artificial intelligence to quicken the process of developing new products, as reported by NikkeiAsia.

(Photo : by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

TOKYO - FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) President of Orion Breweries Fumihiro Nakamura, President and COO of Asahi Breweries Hitoshi Ogita, President and Representative Director of Sapporo Breweries Masaru Fukunaga, President of Suntory, Nobutada Saji and President and COO Kirin Brewery, Kazuyasu Kato attend a press conference to promote a beer week "Beerden Week" on February 13, 2007 in Tokyo, Japan.

Over the years, Japan's ready-to-drink market has doubled significantly that paved the path to diverse preferences on flavor, alcohol content, and more. To cater to the demand, Sapporo is working in partnership with IBM Japan for the AI to use for their product development process.

How the AI Can Help

With AI, Sapporo marketers can input the AI with a general concept, along with up to ten flavor descriptors. They can also select one of 170 past Sapporo products to use as reference and specific how similar of a beverage they want.

The system can generate 100 possible formulations for the product in only a matter of seconds.

Sapporo will be the first in the country to use AI for ready-to-drink cocktails. In fact, it is already preparing to launch its first product developed with the technology this summer.

Their main goal is to speed up the process of product development-from market analysis to testing to consumer feedback. Currently, the development takes at least four to six months for the company. With the AI, the company can double the speed of the testing cycle and eventually, triple it once they get the hang of things.

Also read: Artificial Intelligence Breakthrough Could Lead to CURES for the Deadliest Illnesses

Thinking Outside the Box

Artificial intelligence may also help product developers to see more angles and think outside the box. Ready-to-drink cocktails can be made from various ingredients.

Sapporo could use unexpected formulas and make that their secret sauce. The AI also suggested using beer as an ingredient for a heavier cocktail.

Soon, the Japanese brewer hopes to use the technology by involving customers in product development. For example, it could ask customers to send ideas for new beverages and use the AI to bring small batches to market.

AI in Breweries Today

Breweries already use AI to optimize their production processes and make the most efficient use of their resources. AI can be used to monitor fermentation tanks, predict beer sales, and adjust the production rate accordingly. AI can also help with beer aging, as it can use sensory data to measure flavor profiles and optimize the aging process.

AI can also be used in marketing to track customer preferences and develop targeted campaigns. AI can also help with customer service, as it can help in responding to customer inquiries and managing customer feedback.

Overall, AI is a powerful tool for breweries to optimize their operations, improve customer service, and develop better products. As AI becomes more advanced and accessible, it will no doubt be used in more and more areas of the brewing process.

Related article: 'Free Guy' Artificial Intelligence: Can Tech Like This Actually Exist?

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The United States government recently released its National Cybersecurity Strategy, which outlines the Biden administration's plans to ensure a safe and secure cyberspace for Americans in the face of growing concerns online.

The document described how China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea use technology to threaten US national security in excess of internationally recognized norms.

Given the threat that bad cyber actors pose, the 39-page strategy asserts the need for a more "intentional, coordinated, and well-resourced approach" to cybersecurity.

Fundamental Shifts

With the latest strategy, the government wants small businesses, individuals, and local governments not to worry about being the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain.

The strategy aims to achieve a major shift in responsibility towards organizations that are more equipped to handle and minimize risks.

Gizmodo tells us that the new cyber strategy aims to compel Silicon Valley companies to prioritize security when designing their products.

Also, by realigning roles, responsibilities, and resources in cyberspace, the United States is taking a giant leap toward a more secure and resilient digital future through collective cybersecurity efforts.

The US government is also about moves that balance defending against immediate threats and positioning for the long term.

In terms of cybersecurity, the government is taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach to protect national security, public safety, and economic prosperity by incentivizing long-term investments in cybersecurity while also addressing urgent threats of the present.

Defending Critical Infrastructures

The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning in January 2022 that Russia could launch cyberattacks against the United States if it assumes NATO's actions will jeopardize its long-term security.

State and local governments and operators of critical infrastructure are possible targets.

In response to threats like this, the government is expanding the use of minimum cybersecurity requirements in critical sectors, fostering public-private partnerships to protect essential services, and upgrading federal networks to enhance their resilience.

Read Also: White House Reverses Telehealth Policy for Some Controlled Drugs, Requiring In-person Evaluations

These measures aim to instill confidence in the nation's critical infrastructure and essential services, which are vital to its security and economic stability.

Disrupting Malicious Cyber Actors

The United States continues to face a significant hacking and cybercrime problem in its cyberspace. Ransomware attacks have become a daily occurrence, targeting well-known public platforms.

In response, the government is employing all instruments of national power to disrupt malicious cyber actors.

It seeks to engage the private sector in scalable disruption activities and comprehensively address the ransomware threat with international partners.

The government's efforts demonstrate its determination to protect the nation's cyber infrastructure from the escalating threat of cybercrime and the sensitive information of its citizens from malicious actors.

Investing in Cybersecurity

In March 2022, President Joe Biden urged American businesses to bolster their cyber defenses due to the looming threat of Russian cyberattacks.

However, filling cybersecurity positions has become increasingly difficult due to intense competition in the broader labor market, with nearly 600,000 posts out of one million unfilled.

The government intends to prioritize cybersecurity research and development and reduce technical vulnerabilities to combat this issue. In addition, it will focus on developing a diverse and robust national cybersecurity workforce and establishing the United States as the global leader in secure and resilient next-generation technologies and infrastructure.

By developing next-generation technologies, the United States intends to stay ahead of cyber threats and ensure its cybersecurity workforce is well-equipped to deal with an ever-changing threat landscape.

Global Cooperation

Finally, the US is taking a proactive approach to encouraging responsible state behavior in cyberspace.

To counter threats to the country's digital ecosystem, the government is attempting to isolate and penalize irresponsible behavior by leveraging international partnerships and coalitions.

The United States hopes to promote global cooperation and make cyberspace safer through partnerships and coalitions.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Google Hires Former DOJ Lawyers as It Faces Antitrust Legal Lawsuits, Big Tech Outpacing Regulations?

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Iran has agreed to reconnect surveillance cameras at several nuclear sites and increase the pace of inspections, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Saturday.

"There was a reduction in monitoring activities related to cameras and monitoring systems," Rafael Grossi told reporters at Vienna airport after returning from Tehran. "We have agreed that both will be operating again."

The agreement was announced after the UN nuclear watchdog chief said Saturday concluded what he called "constructive" meetings with Iranian officials in Tehran after the discovery of uranium particles enriched to near weapons-grade level.

The two-day visit by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) comes as the Vienna-based organisation seeks greater cooperation with Iran over its nuclear activities.

"By having a constructive discussion... and having good agreements, like I am sure we are going to have, we are going to be paving the way for important agreements," Rafael Grossi told a news conference alongside Iran's top nuclear official Mohammad Eslami.

Grossi arrived in Iran on Friday amid deadlock in negotiations on reviving a landmark 2015 accord on Iran's nuclear activity, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

Grossi met later on Saturday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, official news agency IRNA reported.

Iran's top diplomat earlier told CNN that "the window for an agreement on negotiations to lift sanctions is still open, but this window will not be open forever".

The visit comes after Uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 percent -- just under the 90 percent needed to produce an atomic bomb -- had been detected at Iran's underground Fordow plant about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the capital, according to a confidential IAEA report seen by AFP this week.

The discovery came after Iran had substantially modified an interconnection between two centrifuge clusters enriching uranium, without declaring it to the IAEA.

Tehran denies wanting to acquire atomic weapons, and said it had not made any attempt to enrich uranium beyond 60-percent purity.

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"Nuclear phase-out" realized in Germany, the last three nuclear power plants in operation were shut down

Mercedes-Benz refused to cooperate with Moldova because of the re-export of cars to Russia

Akharin khabar: the leak from the Pentagon was a secret message to Zelensky on Russia

FT: advanced units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will die during a counteroffensive due to lack of air support

The head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Reznikov said that the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are less than the victims of the earthquake in Turkey

Ex-intelligence officer Ritter believes that Zelensky risks dying at the hands of Ukrainians because of the rebellion

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Less than a week after a deadly migrant shipwreck off Italy, five European Union countries on the Mediterranean Sea pushed back Saturday against their northern neighbors for not accepting asylum-seekers under a voluntary relocation initiative.

The ministers responsible for migration policy in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain met in Malta's capital, Valletta, ahead of an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels next week on migration. The countries started working together as the MED 5 in 2021 to confront the challenges of illegal migration.

Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarachi told reporters that just 1 percent of the migrants who arrived in those front-line nations along the EUs southern border last year were taken in by other EU members under a voluntary relocation program.

"We cannot continue to talk about the need to impose more responsibility on front-line member states, if there is not an equally prescriptive and mandatory solidarity mechanism toward the countries of first reception," Mitarachi said.

Spains interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez, said the current process is "too slow, too selective, with too few results and too little predictability. He pledged to come up with a more effective mechanism when Spain holds the EU's rotating presidency in the second half of 2023.

The ministers also emphasized the need to work with the countries where many migrants are originally from and travel through. Such measures could include giving financial aid to countries of origin or transit to stem the flows to Europe, Maltas home affairs minister, Byron Camillieri, said.

The officials further called for the EU border agency Frontex to deploy more resources and for stepping up the pace of returning people who do not qualify for asylum.

"For the credibility of the asylum system, it is critical that we distinguish between those that are entitled to international protection according to the law, and those who are not," Mitarachi said. "And those who are not should be returned with safety and dignity to the country of origin.

According to the U.N. refugee agency, some 160,100 migrants arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean Sea last year, 30 percent more than in 2021. Thousands of people are believed to have died trying to cross the sea to Europe in recent years.

At least 70 migrants died after a wooden boat that set out from Turkey crashed on a shoal off the southern Italian coast, in Calabria, early last Sunday.

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Teenagers are being employed at record levels with more than half of over-15s having a job, leading to fears that young people may be bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis.

As of January, 850,000 teens aged 15 to 19  54.4 per cent  were employed across the country.

Teenagers are entering the workplace at historic levels. Credit: iStock, Alamy

This is up from last years average of 52 per cent  a 20-year high  which ended with 55.7 per cent in December, the highest percentage since the Australian Bureau of Statistics started collecting data in 1978.

University of Melbourne economist Jeff Borland said employment rates for young people had bounced back stronger than any other demographic since the pandemic.
After singing together that night, they didnt speak for a few years, until Buckingham suggested Nicks join his band, Fritz. Though she would later tell Rolling Stone she thought there was always something between me and Lindsey, her all-male bandmates had agreed none of them could date her. That lasted only as long as the band did. Then Nicks and Buckingham began collaborating as a duo  both romantically and musically. Loading For some time after dropping out of college, they lived the life of starving artists in Los Angeles, sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Nicks supported them by working as a waitress and house cleaner as they toiled away at an album, the eponymous Buckingham Nicks. Its flop, after all they had put on the line, inspired the lyrics of Landslide, which would become a hit for Fleetwood Mac. There were points during that time where I was, this is never going to work, this is just never going to work, Nicks said in an Oprahs Master Class episode about her life and career. And were going to end up breaking up and everything weve worked for is going to be done and its all going to be for nothing. Thats really what the song Landslide is about  to give that up. But months before a self-imposed deadline, Mick Fleetwood heard another one of their songs, Frozen Love. The band he founded had cycled through multiple lineup changes over the years and now needed a guitarist. He asked Buckingham to join.

He was standing there grooving to this searing guitar solo and he needed a guitar player. That was as far as his thinking went. I had to explain we came as a duo. Stupid me, eh? Buckingham joked to Uncut in 2003. If Fleetwood Mac had not come along, bringing with it all the trappings of fame, Nicks told the Guardian in 2011, she believed she and Buckingham might have gone on to marry and have a family, because we were headed that way. Mick Fleetwood initially asked only Lindsey Buckingham to join his band. Credit: Cole Bennetts We didnt really mess up till we moved to Los Angeles, she said. And that was when the whole world just ripped us apart. And yet, she added: Fleetwood Mac was our destiny.

With Nicks and Buckingham onboard, the bands 1975 self-titled album shot to the top of the charts. But the personal lives of the Mac members became a mess as they worked on a second album. Buckingham and Nicks, who she once quipped were about as compatible as a boa constrictor and a rat, were breaking up. So were married bandmates Christine and John McVie. Fleetwood and his wife were divorcing. There was also the prolific - and sometimes debilitating - drug and alcohol usage. We broke up because being in that band, was just too difficult to be in a relationship, Nicks told Chum Radio in 2001. I mean, I think its why Lindsey and I, and Chris and John, broke up; the band got so big, so fast, that we were all just like blown away, you know. And it was almost like, this, we cant do this, we cant, this is destroying our business. The business of Fleetwood Mac is being destroyed by these relationships. And we were none of us willing to give up the band. Fleetwood Mac, from left, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie, after winning a Grammy in 1978. Credit: AP The emotional turmoil was famously at the heart of Fleetwood Macs enduringly popular 1977 album Rumours, which won a Grammy as album of the year and became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with more than 40 million copies sold worldwide. A line from Buckinghams breakup song Go Your Own Way  packing up, shacking up is all you want to do - particularly irked Nicks. It wasnt true, she told Rolling Stone, and every time those words would come out onstage, I wanted to go over and kill him. In her song Silver Springs, which was cut from the album and instead released as a B-side to Go Your Own Way, Nicks belted out an angry promise to Buckingham: Ill follow you down til the sound of my voice will haunt you.

For years, they both remained in Fleetwood Mac, performing songs about their relationship and breakup night after night, at times clearly clashing as the music made it real again, until leaving for solo projects in the late- 1980s and early-1990s. There were other romances along the way: Nicks dated Don Henley of the Eagles and had a short-lived, much-regretted affair with Fleetwood. A brief marriage came in 1983, when, grief-stricken over her best friends death, shed had what she later described as a crazy thought: that her friend would want her to become her babys stepmother. She and her best friends widower, Kim Anderson, divorced within a few months. Buckingham, meanwhile, had a long-term relationship with Carol Ann Harris. In 2000, he wed Kristen Messner, with whom hed had a child two years earlier. The couple went on to have two more kids. That ended any possibility of Buckingham and Nicks being romantically involved again: I knew that was it ... that was the definitive thing, Nicks told MTV in 2009. She added: The love is always there but well never be together, so thats even more romantic. The tension was seemingly always there, too, with Buckingham telling Dan Rather in 2015, You would think after all these years, there would be nothing left to work on. But, oddly enough, Stevies and my relationship is still a work in progress, and I guess that says something, doesnt it  about the care, about possibly the parallel motives that have driven us down the roads that weve been on.

If they were always arguing, by 2018, they were openly feuding. Buckingham and Nicks had each made their way back to Fleetwood Mac following the 1997 special that brought the Rumours-era lineup back together. He requested a touring delay; Nicks said no. The final straw came months later during the MusiCares Person of the Year gala. Nicks believed that Buckingham was mocking her during her acceptance speech, the Los Angeles Times reported. Days after the event, he was fired from the band. By 2018, Nicks and Buckingham were openly feuding. Credit: AP Buckingham, who filed a now-settled lawsuit over his dismissal, claimed to Rolling Stone his ex made the band choose: him or her. Nicks said in a statement to the magazine she did not have him fired or ask for him to be fired, but decided she could no longer work with him. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times in 2020, she called it a long time coming. I stayed with him from 1968 until that night. Its a long time. And I really could hear my parents  I could hear my mom saying, Are you really gonna do this for the rest of your life? And I could hear my dad saying in his very pragmatic way  because my dad really liked Lindsey  I think its time for you and Lindsey to get a divorce. Its a very unfortunate thing. It makes me very, very sad. She told the outlet she sent a short note to her former flame after his 2019 heart attack but otherwise hadnt spoken to him. Two years later, Buckingham said in an interview with The New York Times that was all hed heard from her.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size As Rafiul Hossain prepared to fly to Sydney from Bangladesh to begin his engineering degree at Macquarie University, he knew finding a safe, affordable bed near campus would be hard. A flood of desperate Facebook posts from international students scrambling to find accommodation made that clear. But he still didnt expect to end up in a barely liveable place in Lakemba, which had a busted toilet, a broken door, and a bed crawling with bugs. Hossain is one of the hundreds of international students who have had a terrible start to their stay in Sydney as a projected record influx is expected to coincide with the twin challenges of a rental crisis and restrictions on working hours. There are fears this will result in the return of illegal housing, over-crowded rooms and hot-bedding, where multiple students share one bed on a roster. I am from Bangladesh and it is well known as a third-world country, Hossain said after landing in Sydney this month. But the place Im currently staying is a thousand times worse than Bangladesh. After two days of long flights, I was hoping to get a good nights sleep, only to end up in a bed full of mites. When Anna, who asked for her name to be withheld, moved to Australia in 2019 as an international student at 17, she spent her first few weeks living in a homestay. Once she turned 18 she shared her first apartment in Haymarket with 12 people  four people per room in bunk beds. It cost her $180 a week. We couldnt really open up the blinds because the building management would sometimes fly drones to see how many people were living there because that building is known for people leasing it out for more than its allowed. A survey of 7000 international students in 2019 found a quarter were sharing a bedroom with another person (who wasnt their partner), and 3 per cent were hot-bedding.

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As international student numbers return to pre-pandemic levels, Sean Stimson, a solicitor from Redfern Legal Centre, believes universities and government have a responsibility to set up guaranteed and affordable accommodation during at least their first semester. Most international students, like Hossain, have their worst experiences within the first few weeks of landing. Theres almost this scrambling type of effect that happens for international students where, understandably, they take whatever they can take because they need a roof over their head. And they may be placing themselves in a less-than-desirable position, Stimson said. How we got here Travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic laid bare major universities reliance on international students as a source of income. International students contributed $3.1 billion of the $5.8 billion NSW universities made from student fees and charges in 2021, the NSW Audit Office reported. Although universities have become less reliant on international students than they were before 2020, Andrew Norton, the Australian National Universitys professor in the practice of higher education policy, said the University of Sydney was an exception.

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Overseas undergraduate enrolments at Sydney University grew by almost 3500 in 2021, faster than its nearly 1500 enrolment growth in domestic students in the same year. Forty-four per cent of Sydney Universitys cohort in 2021 were international students, whose course fees are often higher than their domestic counterparts. International students pay about $48,000 a year for an undergraduate business degree, compared to a $15,142 contribution for local students. As a result, income from overseas students made up 38 per cent of Sydney Universitys operating revenue and 77 per cent of its income from all students. For its part, Sydney University says the benefits from its reliance on international students go far beyond the obvious boost to our economy and funding for education and research. The dependence on international students has also converged over time. About 43 per cent of university revenue from course fees came from three countries in 2021, and Chinese students represented more than half of all overseas student enrolments. The audit office said this posed a concentration risk for NSW universities. Norton said universities reliance on international students was risky, but it was an enticing source of revenue to fund research. Yes it is risky but, from the universities point of view, why would they forgo millions of dollars? he said. International students provide income to support research activities, which is the principal reason universities are so aggressive in that market.

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Stimson warned: If the government and universities want to reap the benefit of the revenue that is generated, I think they need to do a little bit more to actually protect those students, so [Australia remains] a desirable destination. The threat of wage theft For Anna, now 21, her first job in Kingsford paid just $15 an hour, cash. I think a lot of people [international students] just accept the fact that your first job is going to be underpaid, and its going to be cash in hand. Wage theft occurs when employers pay below the minimum wage in cash to avoid scrutiny. Fewer than half of international students report it, fearing they will lose their work or, worse, their visas. In a survey of 2472 students in 2019, the Migrant Justice Institute found 77 per cent of students were paid below the minimum casual wage  and 26 per cent were paid $12 an hour or less. Sixty-two per cent of students do not report it. The report found the best way to end wage theft was to remove the 40-hour fortnightly work condition on student visas that gives rise to their vulnerability and related fear of visa cancellation. The institutes co-executive director, Associate Professor Bassina Farbenblum, said while the turmoil of the past three years had made it difficult to survey students overseas, she expected the problems to be the same now students have returned to campus.

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Nothing has actually changed since then, she said. Theres no reason to believe that any of those practices will have improved over that time. Fang worked as a receptionist in a 24-hour business well beyond the legal hours. Credit:Joe Armao Under an arrangement between the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Department of Home Affairs, visa holders can report mistreatment to the ombudsman without fear of visa cancellation, even if theyve breached their visa conditions. But fewer than 200 international students have taken advantage of the amnesty and, when they do, there is no guarantee they will receive visa protection. Fang, who requested anonymity for fear of losing her visa, sought assistance from the Employment Rights Legal Service and complained to the ombudsman after she discovered the $10-an-hour base rate she was being paid for a receptionist job was illegal. She moved to Australia in 2018 to study law but needed to work more than 40 hours a fortnight after losing financial support from her family back in China. She believed reporting the wage theft would mean she wouldnt get in trouble. But Fang said Fair Work told her they couldnt prove she was a victim of wage theft because she was paid by cash and couldnt provide payslips as evidence, therefore she was not eligible for protection. I was angry, shocked and felt let down, for sure, she said. Without Fair Works help, my visa status could be in danger if my previous employer noticed my underpayment claim and reported me to the Department of Home Affairs.

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The U.S. announced a new package of military aid Friday for Ukraine that totals about $400 million, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

"This military assistance package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers, which Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges, demolitions munitions and equipment, and other maintenance, training and support," he said.

The package will be funded using the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which authorizes the president to transfer articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval during an emergency, Blinken said in announcing the aid.

The so-called Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge is a portable, 60-foot folding metal bridge that is carried on top of a tank body. Providing that system now could help Ukrainian troops as they launch an expected spring offensive and make it easier for them to cross rivers to battle Russian forces.

Including this latest package, the U.S. has now provided more than $32 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The vehicle bridges and ammunition in the package can be delivered quickly to the front lines because they will be taken from existing Pentagon stocks. European Union countries also will deliver thousands of shells to Ukraine under a $1 billion program.

Particularly significant will be the delivery of 155 mm NATO-standard howitzer rounds that are urgently needed in advance of an intense spring campaign, according to the Financial Times citing anonymous EU officials. This ammunition, according to the FT report, is critical to keep Ukraine in a fight where Russia fires on average an estimated four shells for every Ukrainian shell fired.

"We need as much ammunition as possible. There are many more Russians here than we have ammunition to destroy them," Volodymyr Nazarenko, a deputy commander in the National Guard of Ukraine, said. Nazarenko told Ukrainian NV Radio the situation in the besieged city of Bakhmut in Eastern Ukraine was critical, with fighting going on around the clock. Of the Russian offensive, he said, "They take no account of their losses in trying to take the city by assault. The task of our forces in Bakhmut is to inflict as many losses on the enemy as possible. Every meter of Ukrainian land costs hundreds of lives to the enemy."
As of last Christmas, I have a fitness watch that praises me every time I walk up a hill quickly. When I go for a run, it compliments me with an enthusiasm that borders on ecstatic.

It worries me how much I enjoy its approval, and how avidly I consume the narcissistic data it delivers: the watch compiles and sends a full weekly report on me, in encouraging words that mimic care while being generated by a computer program.

Jog done. Time for a quick covfefe? Credit: iStock/AP

It is human to hunger for affirmation, but what happens when we are conditioned to expect it and it doesnt arrive? Two things have made me ponder that question in the past week.

The first was the extraordinary defamation case filed in the United States by the company Dominion Voting Systems, which makes electronic vote-counting hardware and software, widely used in the 2020 US election. Dominion is suing the parent company of Fox News, chaired by Rupert Murdoch, for $1.6 billion.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to weigh in on Tanya Pliberseks claims that she would have won the Labor leadership in 2019 if she had stood, saying the environment minister was doing a great job in her portfolio and had been a friend of his for many years.

Plibersek took to social media on Saturday morning to explain why she decided to open up about her daughters experience in an abusive relationship, which she says in a new book is the reason she stepped back from the leadership contest.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Labors Candidate for Aston, Mary Doyle at her campaign launch on Saturday. Credit: Chris Hopkins

In an upcoming biography, Tanya Plibersek: On Her Own Terms, by journalist Margaret Simons  an extract of which is published in Good Weekend on Saturday  the partys former deputy leader suggested she would have won the 2019 leadership contest against Albanese.

When asked by Simons about claims that she withdrew because she didnt have the numbers to win the leadership after the 2019 election loss, Plibersek said: Thats absolutely what people who like to background against me would say.
Tanya Plibersek claims she would have won the Labor leadership in 2019 if she had stood, according to a new biography to be released on Tuesday.

Tanya Plibersek: On Her Own Terms, by journalist Margaret Simons  an extract of which is published in Good Weekend  reveals why the popular environment minister and former deputy leader chose not to stand against Anthony Albanese.

Tanya Plibersek is part of Labors Left faction, along with the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

In the last of eight interviews for the book  conducted after Albaneses 2022 election win  Simons asked Plibersek about claims that she didnt have the numbers to win the leadership after the 2019 election loss, so withdrew.

Thats absolutely what people who like to background against me would say. Well never know. Its history. But I am pretty confident that if I had run, I would have won, Plibersek said.
A major review into the nations immigration program will urge the Albanese government to remove a blanket requirement that employers put out job advertisements before recruiting skilled migrants.

Under the plan, the rule would be replaced by an independent assessment to determine where there are skills shortages, in a bid to stop Australia losing top-end talent to rival destinations.

The review will be handed to Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil this week. Credit: James Brickwood

An interim report from a four-month inquiry, to be handed to Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil this week, will raise the alarm on a talent drain. Australia is losing skilled migrants to other countries because visa processing waiting times have stretched out to as long as 18 months.

The review, by former public service chief Martin Parkinson, University of Adelaide law professor Joanna Howe and former Deloitte partner John Azarias, will urge the government to consider overhauling labour market testing rules that require businesses to advertise locally before recruiting skilled migrants.
Thousands of welfare recipients could be forced to remain on a much-maligned cashless card for months longer than expected after the federal government was urged to delay the wider rollout of its replacement.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will this week table legislation to transition about 24,000 Australians on the Basics Card to a new cashless card which she says will use superior smart card technology.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth recently received advice from her department that rushing ahead with the wider rollout of the card was risky. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Public service sources, who were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed the government had planned to give people a choice to move off the Basics Card and onto the Smart Card from July 1.

However, Rishworth in recent weeks received advice from Services Australia and her department that the wider rollout of the new card should be delayed until September at the earliest to avoid serious risks in the transition.
But with the nations most stringent state election funding caps, optional preferential voting and the glaring absence of the all-important Scomo factor, pollsters say repeating the success of federal teals on issues like integrity and environment will be an uphill battle. The latest exclusive polling conducted for the Herald found cost of living, including rising grocery prices, utility bills and housing, was by far the No. 1 concern for NSW voters  50 per cent said it was their top priority  while only 10 per cent nominated climate change as their biggest concern. Five of the NSW teal challengers  Jacqui Scruby in Pittwater, Joeline Hackman in Manly, Victoria Davidson in Lane Cove, Conway in North Shore and Judy Hannan in Wollondilly  have received financial backing from Simon Holmes a Courts Climate 200 organisation, which also backed high-profile Sydney candidates Allegra Spender, Kylea Tink and Sophie Scamps in the federal poll. NSW electoral funding laws cap donations from individuals at $3300, while the total spending cap for independent candidates is $198,700 per campaign - a drop in the ocean compared to the $4.6 million spent by just three winning teal candidates in NSW during the federal election. In Victorias recent state election, where strict funding caps also applied, teals failed to flip seats in seven seats.

In Willoughby and Vaucluse, candidates Larissa Penn and Karen Freyer pitch themselves as teal but are not linked to Climate 200, while the independent vying to snatch Wakehurst, Michael Regan says he is categorically not a teal. Penn is making her second run against Liberal Tim James in the seat formerly held by premier Gladys Berejiklian, after already slashing his margin 21 per cent to just over 3 per cent in a byelection last year. The seat gained two suburbs from the neighbouring Lane Cove electorate in the recent boundary redistribution. Independent candidate Victoria Davidson addresses a Climate 200 event with other teal candidates (left to right) Victoria Davidson, Joeline Hackman, Jacqui Scruby, Helen Conway and Judy Hannan. Credit: James Alcock Wakehurst, the seat of retiring Health Minister and Liberal stalwart Brad Hazzard, could be under threat too. Popular high-profile local mayor Regan is seen as a genuine contender and Liberal candidate Toby Williams, who worked in Hazzards electorate office, is fighting to hold on to the northern beaches seat. Scruby, who wants to claim Pittwater from retiring senior minister Rob Stokes, ran the successful campaign for federal teal MP Sophie Scamps. She said tapping into the same grassroots base activated last year allowed for a lean campaign.

As for being one of five Climate 200-endorsed candidates, Scruby rejected any suggestion they acted like a political party, insisting the candidates were connected only by the groups 11,000-strong crowdfunding community. Of course there are the top-level motherhood values of integrity, climate and equality that are true to all the campaigns and yes, they reflect the values of the 11,200 donors, but thats where it ends, she said. Holmes a Court has argued that, despite some good work in its energy policies, the NSW Coalition government was let down by the number of coal and gas projects it had approved since the Paris Climate Agreement was signed. Scruby is considered a strong challenger to local councillor Rory Amon, who is fighting to retain Pittwater, which Stokes has held since 2007. Stokes leaves on a margin of more than 20 per cent. Thirty-four kilometres away, Davidson is in the thick of her own fight to seize Lane Cove from incumbent NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts. The senior right-wing Liberal has held the seat for two decades with a current margin of 14 per cent.

Davidson says she hears deafening opposition to Roberts, his voting record (he voted against decriminalising abortion and legalising voluntary assisted dying) and aggressive local development under his watch. But some election watchers say the planning ministers aggressive approach to increase housing supply amid the affordability crisis could, in fact, buttress him. State v fed differences Pollster Jim Reed, whose firm Resolve Strategic conducts the Resolve Political Monitor for the Herald and The Age, said funding caps, along with the states optional preferential voting system, will pose the biggest hurdle for independents who would otherwise have relied on preferences.

In a federal election voters must number every box, but ballots in the state election are valid if they only contain a preference for a single candidate. Reed said he expected polling day to serve up a goldilocks balance between the federal election and the Victorian state election. Neither a big wave of new MPs, nor a strike-out for the teals. Thats because the drivers behind those wins and losses  people, party, policy and performance judgments  are different in NSW, he said. The latest Resolve survey has Labor on track to win, with a primary vote of 38 per cent, while the Coalition is sitting on 32 per cent. With 30 days to go, one-quarter of voters were still undecided about whom to support.

Resolve also found independents have made ground with a primary vote of 13 per cent compared with 5 per cent at the 2019 poll. (Since then, the number of independents in NSW Parliament has grown because three Shooters, Fishers and Farmers quit their party.) Loading On policy, Reed said many of the policies that generated interest in teals federally  climate, integrity, women in power, a focus on local issues would not necessarily translate. While not perfect, he said, the NSW Coalition has done more than the Morrison government in those areas, while campaigning on the feel-good policy of cashless gaming. I suspect that there are three to four close contests that might result in one or two teal wins, among them the seats of North Shore, Lane Cove, Pittwater and Manly, Reed said.

But parliaments most influential independent, Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich is more hopeful, buoyed by the prospect of one of the biggest crossbenches the NSW Parliament has ever seen. Loading He said the presence of Climate 200-backed candidates, like Hannan in Wollondilly and Hackman in Manly, had already pushed the Coalition to have stronger policies on climate, highlighting their potential to enact change. Regardless of the election outcome, the crossbench is going to have a critical role in the next parliament negotiating every possible bill and probably negotiating what the government looks like. That will strengthen the integrity of legislation because of diversity of the views, he said. While they may have restrictions on money, they do have the grassroots campaign backing. Thats what got me elected, thats what got Clover Moore [his predecessor] elected, he said.
Jakarta: Indonesian rescuers and firefighters on Saturday searched for possible victims under the rubble of charred houses and buildings after a large fire broke out at a fuel storage depot in the capital, killing at least 15 people and leaving 16 others missing.

The Plumpang fuel storage station, operated by state-run oil and gas company Pertamina, is near a densely populated area in the Tanah Merah neighbourhood in North Jakarta. It supplies 25 per cent of Indonesias fuel needs.

ndonesian rescue team carry a victim of fire at a neighborhood in Jakarta, Indonesia, Credit: AP

At least 260 firefighters and 52 fire engines managed to extinguish the blaze just before midnight on Friday after a fire spread through the neighbourhood for more than two hours, fire officials said. They were working to secure the area on Saturday.

Video of the fire broadcast on television late Friday showed hundreds of people in the community running in panic while thick plumes of black smoke and orange flames filled the sky and firefighters battled the blaze.
At last years CPAC in Florida, Trump beat DeSantis in the poll with 59 per cent of the vote to 28 per cent, and slightly widened the gap at CPAC in Texas last August, 64 to 24 per cent. A significant drop in support would be yet another blow to the former president in his campaign for re-election. Posing for selfies with fans outside the main stage, Trumps son, Don Jnr, seemed to be aware of what was at stake. Paul Colecornwell with his mum and girlfriend at CPAC. Credit: Farrah Tomazin Make sure you vote in the straw poll tomorrow, he told a group of women wearing Trumps trademark red MAGA caps. Asked by The Sydney Morning and The Age if he was confident his father could clinch the Republican nomination, Trump Jnr replied: Im pretty confident before taking a veiled swipe at DeSantis, who was at a donor event in Florida, run by conservative anti-tax Club For Growth.

You can look around here and see people are pretty engaged, he said. They understand theres only one guy who doesnt need the corporate money and the establishment money. And the person who doesnt need that money is the only person who is not ultimately beholden to those (donors) and can actually work for the people - and thats what matters. CPAC was once a platform for conservatives to discuss serious issues such as taxes or economic policy. Every year, thousands of conservatives would attend the event, paying between $US300 ($443) to $US3000 ($4430) for a ticket, which allowed them to rub shoulders with the whos who of the Republican Party. Donald Trump Jnr Credit: Bloomberg But these days, it feels like more of a fringe festival of Trump loyalists, many of whom espouse his nationalist views and the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen. UK Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage - a regular on the CPAC circuit - used his speech to describe Australia as one of the wokest places on earth and applauded the resignation of New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern as a bit of good news for the region.

Far-right Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called for the US to stop funding weapons to Ukraine and accused transgender activists of targeting children. Donald Trump Jnr mocked Democratic Senator John Fetterman - who suffered a stroke and was admitted to hospital with depression - by calling him a vegetable. And MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell, an election denier, called for the US to get rid of electronic voting machines before the nation ended up being a Venezuela, a Brazil, or Australia. John Fetterman Credit: Bloomberg Theyll take our country with computers! he told reporters as he walked around the convention centre on Friday morning.

Nonetheless, Trumps hold on the base of the party is undeniable, which will prompt widespread scrutiny on Saturday as he takes to the stage. Research released last month by conservative pollster Whit Ayres found 28 per cent of the partys primary voters were still so loyal to Trump that they would back him even if he ran for the White House against Republican and Democratic nominees. Loading And yet, among the partys establishment, Trump is a significantly diminished figure after many of his midterm election candidates failed to win seats in November, resulting in the former president being blamed for the expected Republican red wave failing to materialise. Trumps former secretary of state Mike Pompeo - who is also considering running for the presidential nomination - highlighted the partys lacklustre result during his speech, telling the crowd: We lost race after winnable race. Its because voters didnt trust us to do any better than the tax-and-spend liberals.

Haley, Trumps former UN ambassador, also lamented the result, as she called for generational change and cognitive tests for presidents and politicians over 75 years of age. That would include Trump, who is 76, and Joe Biden, who is 80. If youre tired of losing, put your trust in a new generation, the 51-year-old former governor said to lukewarm applause. And if you want to win  not just as a party, but as a country  then stand with me. Loading The Republicans poor showing at the US midterms did not appear to faze the crowds who turned up on Friday (US time) to listen to speeches, rub shoulders with their conservative heroes or attend seminars with titles such as Taking on the Swamp; Open Borders Kill and The Biden Crime Family. Nor did the fact that there were notable absences, including potential presidential aspirants such as South Dakota governor Kristi Noem and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. As for Trumps biggest rival, Ron DeSantis?
Emily Feldman writes a wallop of a final scene in The Best We Could (A Family Tragedy), directed by Daniel Aukin in its long-awaited world premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club. This concluding vignette is indeed the tragedy portion of the playwrights self-proclaimed family tragedy, but being a road trip play, any theoretical spoilers are just Feldman emphasizing journey over destination. The looming view of the finish line, in fact, is what makes every mile traveled so gutting.

MTC is no stranger to the family play, and more often than not, such stories take place in finely upholstered living rooms or spacious kitchens suited for screaming matches. The Best We Coulds description as a father-daughter cross-country road trip certainly sounds like one of those set on wheels. But with nary a furnishing or bucolic backdrop in sight (Lael Jellinek designs the stage like a stripped-down rehearsal space anchored by a single carpet with fully visible entrances and exits), early impressions turn out to be wildly misleading in the best possible way.

At the risk of saying too much, The Best We Could draws elements of Our Town and Death of a Salesman into the #MeToo era. Lou (Frank Wood), an out-of-work research scientist, travels to California to pick up a new puppy and drives back across the country with his 36-year-old daughter Elle (Aya Cash), an adrift millennial without the specific career or relationship ambitions that defined the milestones of her fathers generation. Their trip is guided by a fourth-wall-shattering narrator figure called Maps (Maureen Sebastian, beautifully slipping into a few other significant characters throughout the play as well). Rather than observing, she mandates action  embodying a physical and emotional GPS system that is more a proprietor of what is than what ought to be. Its a distinction that can break a heart countless times over the course of a life.

This close-quarters tour of America brings out some standard-grade generational differences between father and daughter: Elle criticizes the slave-owning male faces on Mount Rushmore; Lou walks Elle through the simple steps that lead to the logical conclusion of motherhood; and workplace sexual harassment turns out to mean very different things to each of them. We discover this through their responses to an anecdote shared by Lous former co-worker and good friend Marc (Brian D. Coats), whom they meet in Denver on their way east in Lous effort to snag a sudden opening at Marcs company.

Feldman hits her tinniest notes when she plops Elle onto a moralizing soapbox. Cash is incapable of delivering a false performance and is a master of the wry humor Feldman embeds in her disenchanted character who has hilariously been made the author of a book about giving up on your dreams  a perfect contribution to the grotesque self-help genre. But that doesnt keep us from feeling that were swimming in the shallow end of a pool when Feldmans characters reiterate familiar talking points about millennial vs. baby boomer opinions on the patriarchy.

Where the play bursts open again is in its mining of less-explored ideological differences  the ones about how to build a life thats worth living. Wood, in his effortlessly natural portrayal of the everyman (dressed to beige perfection by costume designer Anita Yavich), gives a compelling argument for a life with goalposts. He shares this measured existence with his wife, Peg, played by the indomitable Constance Shulman, who encapsulates the necessity of having the next thing on the schedule to look forward to. Elle, however, is of the generation that shirks timelines, schedules, and all external affirmations of selfhood. Perhaps its more enlightened, but it doesnt help much with the task of getting through a day.

Patriarchal corruption is certainly somewhere in this Venn diagram of clashing epochs, but the seams tying these two topics together are often all too visible. Their moments of overlap, however, are incredibly powerful and lend the play a crushing final stage picture that Aukin crafts to perfection. Ultimately, we find that discovering a loved one may have participated in morally reprehensible behavior is disillusioning  but a life with no more turns on the horizon is a tragedy.
Rescuers in boats retrieved families trapped on rooftops and hauled others to safety as villages and towns in parts of Malaysia were submerged in floodwaters, leading to over 26,000 people being evacuated as of Thursday. One person died when his car was swept away by floodwaters.

The southern Johor state, neighboring Singapore, was the worst hit with some 25,000 people moved to relief centers in schools and community halls. The figure more than doubled from Tuesday, officials said. Five other states were also hit by floods after incessant rain on Wednesday deluged the area.

The country is experiencing its sixth episode of continuous heavy rain from the annual monsoon season that started in November, the Meteorological Department said, warning it could drag on until April.
Han You-kyung at Ewha Womans University said, "Elementary schoolkids are more vulnerable to swearing or slang and easily feel bullied." But bullies are also getting younger and younger.

Elementary schoolkids are more sensitive to bullying than older students. According to last year's survey, 3.8 percent of elementary schoolkids said they had fallen victim to bullying, compared to 0.9 percent of middle schoolkids and 0.3 percent in high school.

Chung Sun-sin found himself in hot water after it was belatedly revealed that his son had bullied a classmate in high school for almost an year and was simply moved to another school instead of getting punished and eventually won a coveted place at Seoul National University.

Many parents are newly worried as Netflix's latest hit Korean series "The Glory" starring Song Hye-kyo brought the issue to the forefront. Last week, the nominee for the National Office of Investigation resigned just a day before assuming his post, amid a bullying controversy involving his son at school.

Since 2012, the Education Ministry has been conducting an annual survey of students from fourth through 12th graders about violence in schools. The proportion of students who had suffered from any type of violence dropped from 2.2 percent in 2013 to just 0.9 percent in 2016, but rebounded to 1.6 percent in 2019.

It fell to 0.9 percent again the following year, when classes moved online in lockdown but rose to 1.1 percent in 2021, when some face-to-face classes resumed. Last year it stood at 1.7 percent, or about 54,000 victims across the country.

In last year's survey, verbal violence was the most common form of bullying at 41.8 percent, followed by physical violence (14.6 percent), ostracism (13.3 percent), and online bullying (9.6 percent). The proportion of online bullying dwindled 0.2 percentage points but has evolved into more complex forms, making it difficult to track or punish.

Choi Woo-sung, a school violence expert, said, "It's getting more and more difficult for school authorities to deal with bullying due to new types of cyber violence ranging from gossip apps to deepfakes."

Minor cases of violence are handled by schools themselves. If they cannot be settled, cases are referred to review committees at regional offices of education. The number of such cases jumped from 8,357 in 2020 to 15,653 in 2021 and 9,796 in last year's first semester alone or more than 20,000 if projected on the whole year.

Most perpetrators were merely slapped on the wrist -- most were banned from approaching the victim (78.5 percent) or ordered to write a letter of apology (63 percent). In more serious cases, 4.5 percent of perpetrators were sent to another school, 4.2 percent to another class, and only 0.2 percent were kicked out of school. Group bullying by violent gangs has dropped slightly compared to a decade ago, but new surreptitious types of cyber and sexual violence are increasing.

Parents increasingly take sides in disputes, and some bullies' parents have even sued the victims, turning the courtroom into the arena for mudslinging. According to the Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations, the number of judicial review filed with the administrative court by parents of bullies rose to 682 in 2021. About 15 to 25 percent of claimants won, and others went so far as to file civil lawsuits at the cost of even tens of millions of won if they failed to get what they wanted (US$1=W1,302).
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. High 82F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Showers with a possible thunderstorm early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 44F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
By Takaki Tominaga, KYODO NEWS - Mar 4, 2023 - 16:57 | All, World, Japan

Japan announced Saturday the launch of a hydrogen supply chain with Australia as the two countries and Southeast Asian nations gathered for their first ministerial meeting on the reduction of carbon emissions in the fast-growing region.

In a video message for the meeting on the Asia Zero Emission Community framework, an initiative proposed by Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he would like to expand hydrogen supply chain networks throughout the region by cooperating further with Asian nations.

"In Asia, we should hold as many energy options as possible, and hydrogen and ammonia are options," he said, underscoring hydrogen could be a valuable source of energy in making clean energy transitions, especially in a region prone to natural disasters.

In a joint statement issued after the one-day meeting in Tokyo, a total of 11 nations joining AZEC said they "recognize that accelerating the energy transition in the Asian region is key to achieve the goals" of the Paris international accord to tackle climate change.

Japan is pitching new decarbonization technologies, such as using hydrogen and ammonia in thermal power generation and carbon dioxide capture. It has also called for carbon neutrality while securing a stable energy supply amid an energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Hydrogen and ammonia can play a significant role in cutting emissions from thermal power generation, the transportation sector and industries that heavily depend on fossil fuel, according to the Japanese government.

The bilateral hydrogen supply chain will connect the Australian state of Victoria and Kawasaki, a city located southwest of Tokyo in the Keihin industrial zone, according to Japanese officials.

In January last year, Kishida announced the Asia zero emission concept to promote regional decarbonization and cooperation in advancing the transition to clean energy.

Australia and all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations apart from Myanmar have joined the framework. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

China and India, the world's largest and third largest emitter of carbon dioxide, respectively, are not part of the initiative.

Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told a press conference following the ministerial meeting that the initial focus of launching the AZEC framework is to help with energy transitions and the decarbonization of ASEAN.

He said Japan is coordinating with countries like China, India and South Korea through bilateral energy platforms toward net zero emissions.

Southeast Asia is a center of economic and emissions growth, and efforts to decarbonize will have a huge impact on regional and global progress on climate action, climate and energy experts pointed out.

The East Asia and Pacific region is also critical to global efforts to fight climate change, as it accounts for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions and 60 percent of the world's coal consumption, according to the World Bank.

Participants of the ministerial meeting also agreed to promote investments in decarbonization infrastructure, including power grids for clean energy and strengthening human resources capacity in the area.
6 Stabbed in Downtown Los Angeles, Suspect Arrested

LOS ANGELESA 28-year-old man was arrested March 4 after he allegedly stabbed six people during an early morning melee in downtown Los Angeles.

Paramedics dispatched at 2:12 a.m. to a reported stabbing in the 200 block of West Seventh Street rushed six people to hospitals, said Nicholas Prange of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Their conditions were not immediately known.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department were called to the scene at approximately 2:13 a.m., where they learned that during a confrontation with two groups of people, the suspect began stabbing multiple victims, a police departments spokeswoman told City News Service.

Police arrested the suspect shortly after the incident. No further details were immediately available.
Amazon Pauses Headquarter Construction in Virginia After Revenue Losses

The Amazon logo at the company's logistics centre in Boves, France, on Oct. 6, 2021. (Pascal Rossignol/Reuters)

Amazon has decided to pause construction activities at its second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, following a poor 2022 financial performance that saw the company register over $2 billion in losses.

The Seattle-based e-commerce giant is developing its Arlington base, HQ2, in two phasesthe Met Park and PenPlace. The company has decided to pause construction in PenPlace as Met Park is believed to be enough to house the firms existing employees. Amazons decision to pause HQ2 construction comes as the company reported poor financial performance last year. For 2022, Amazon posted a net loss of $2.7 billion, its biggest annual loss on record.

The last time the company failed to make a profit was in 2014. The firm also announced plans to discontinue AmazonSmiles, a charity program, as part of cutting costs.

In January, the company said that it was laying off 18,000 employees. The number included job cuts Amazon had already announced in November.

Amazon has weathered uncertain and difficult economies in the past, and we will continue to do so, CEO Andy Jassy said in an employee memo at the time. These changes will help us pursue our long-term opportunities with a stronger cost structure.

In a statement to The Epoch Times, Amazon said that pausing the construction work is not an indication of role eliminations.

Weve already hired more than 8,000 employees in HQ2 and were excited to welcome them to our new Met Park campus this June, said John Schoettler, Amazons vice president of Global Real Estate and Facilities (GREF).

Were always evaluating space plans to make sure they fit our business needs and to create a great experience for employees, and since Met Park will have space to accommodate more than 14,000 employees, weve decided to shift the groundbreaking of PenPlace out a bit.

HQ2 Project, Subsidies

When the HQ2 project in Virginia was announced in 2018, state Democrat Governor Ralph Northam called it a big win for the state. The project was estimated to bring in over $3.2 billion in new state general fund revenues as well as create 25,000 direct jobs.

In return, Virginia promised incentives, including $22,000 per each new Amazon job, provided the average salary of these jobs is $150,000 per annum.

For the 25,000 projected jobs, the state had promised incentives worth around $550 million. In addition, Amazon was also offered a cut on its hotel-tax revenue estimated to be around $23 million.

New York Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D), who opposed Amazons HQ2 project proposal in Queens, NYC, has criticized the company for stalling the Arlington project.

Amazons announcement shows once again that paying off a historically wealthy corporation with massive subsidies to make a single office siting decision is bad policy, he said, according to a March 4 tweet by John Campbell, a reporter at news outlet WNYC.

It also demands we take a different approach to the use of public dollars that does not rely on providing scarce resources to those who need them least while continuing to shortchange the services that would actually help peoples lives improve.

Even though the PenPalace construction has been paused, Amazon insists that its long-term intention and commitment remains unchanged, which includes bringing 25,000 corporate and tech jobs to HQ2.

At present, the company is ahead of its hiring targets. Amazon is expecting to move ahead with some pre-construction work on PenPalace later this year, including applying for permits. Meanwhile, Arlington County will begin its work on some adjacent utility projects, said the company.
Arizona Governor Wont Proceed With Execution of Convicted Murderer

The governor of Arizona on March 3 said an execution of a convicted murderer will not take place, despite an order from the states highest court.

Under my Administration, an execution will not occur until the people of Arizona can have confidence that the State is not violating the law in carrying out the gravest of penalties, Arizona Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a statement to news outlets.

The Arizona Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that state law barred it from not issuing a warrant of execution once certain conditions are met and that the conditions had been met in the case of Aaron Gunches.

Gunches, convicted of murdering Ted Price, his girlfriends former husband, in 2002, asked the court to issue a warrant in late 2022, so his sentence of death may be carried out immediately.  so that justice may be lawfully served and give closure to the Victims family. Then-Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, filed in support.

But the new top law enforcement official in the state, Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes, asked to withdraw the case, citing how Gunches had changed his mind.

The State would not have moved for a warrant of execution at this time if Gunches had not asked to be executed. And on that front, circumstances have now changed, Mayes said.

Hobbs, shortly after entering office, ordered a review of Arizonas execution protocols and has since appointed retired U.S. Magistrate Judge David Duncan to lead the review.

No executions should take place while the review is taking place, Mayes has argued in court.

Forced to Issue Warrant

Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Brutinel said in the new ruling that the court was forced to issue the warrant after a defendants conviction and sentences were affirmed on appeal, post-conviction proceedings have been completed, and the state has notified the court that the conditions are met.

Not granting a warrant would result in the court inappropriately involving itself in a determination assigned to the executive branch, contrary to this Courts statutory role to provide only review and authorization, Brutinel wrote. He denied the requests from Gunches and Mayes and granted the original motion for a warrant, scheduling the execution for April 6.

Hobbs said that the warrant authorizes an execution and does not require it, enabling her to not carry out the execution.

Under my Administration, an execution will not occur until the people of Arizona can have confidence that the State is not violating the law in carrying out the gravest of penalties, she added.

The timeline for the review isnt clear. Duncan has been directed to issue a report on the review once its finished.

In a statement to the Associated Press, the Maricopa County Attorneys Office disagreed with the governor.

The office, which prosecuted Gunches, said Hobbs has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to carry out all sentences, including the execution of Aaron Gunches.

Pauses

Arizona has paused executions before.

Lethal injections in the state began in 1993 after voters approved a state constitutional amendment to make it the method of execution. Twenty people were executed from 1993 to 2009.

One pause was implemented in late 2000 and remained in place until May 2007. Another pause happened afterwards with executions not resuming until October 2010. Thirteen people were executed between 2010 and 2013.

Executions were halted in 2014 after the execution of Joseph Wood, using a drug combination that had not been used in the state before. Mayes has described Woods execution as botched.

Under then-Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, Arizona started executions again in 2022. Three executions took place that year.

The new administration says the history of lethal injections in Arizona and in other states supports pausing executions again while the review takes place. The review will include looking at how the state procures drugs for lethal injections, the procedures for conducting an execution, and how well staff members are trained.

Mayes noted that other states have recently undertaken similar reviews, including Tennessee, adding in one recent filing that she sees a heightened need to ensure any capital sentence is carried out constitutionally, legally, humanely, and with transparency.

To that end, no further warrants of execution will be sought at this time, and a detailed review of the administration of capital punishment in Arizona will be conducted, she wrote.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 4, 2023 - 22:47 | All, Japan

Japan and South Korea are considering settling a dispute over wartime labor compensation and other pending bilateral issues in a package deal amid a growing momentum toward improving ties, a diplomatic source said Saturday.

If Seoul decides to ensure compensation payment to former Korean laborers through a government-backed foundation instead of asking Japanese companies to do so, Japan would lift restrictions on certain tech exports to South Korea and agree on the resumption of reciprocal visits by the countries' leaders, the source said.

The South Korean government is arranging to announce a solution as early as next week, a source familiar with the matter said. The JoongAng Ilbo newspaper is flagging Monday for the likely announcement that the South Korean foundation will pay the plaintiffs what South Korea's top court has ordered two Japanese companies to pay in damages.

Bilateral ties have been strained after South Korean top court rulings in 2018 ordered the two Japanese companies to pay damages over forced labor. The companies have refused to comply with the orders as Japan has maintained that all issues stemming from its 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula were settled under a bilateral agreement signed in 1965.

But efforts to mend ties have accelerated under South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Seoul has been considering using a foundation that would be funded by South Korean companies to pay the compensation instead of Japanese firms.

Such companies benefited from the $500 million Japan had provided to South Korea in the name of "economic cooperation" in a deal forged when the two countries normalized diplomatic ties in 1965.

The idea, however, has faced domestic backlash as it has been viewed as favoring Japan. The plaintiffs' supporters are calling for the Japanese companies to pay damages as ordered by the Supreme Court.

The Japanese and South Korean governments apparently want to show through the envisioned package that a solution to the wartime labor issue will set the stage for normalizing bilateral ties in other areas.

"Once South Korea makes a formal decision on a solution (on labor issues), Japan will do what it can to improve relations," a senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official said.

Discussions between Japanese and South Korean officials on the matter have progressed to a point where political decisions are needed, according to the diplomatic source who said the two countries are considering a package deal.

As part of the package, the Japanese government will allow Japanese firms to voluntarily provide donations to the South Korean foundation and express remorse to former Korean laborers, in line with past government statements over Japan's wartime aggression in Asia, according to the source.

The Japanese government also plans to lift restrictions on semiconductor material exports to South Korea imposed in July 2019, returning the country to a "white list" of trusted trade partners that receive preferential treatment.

But the move related to exports will likely come sometime later to support the Japanese government's assertion that introducing the restrictions was unrelated to the wartime labor issue.

The two countries are also considering restarting the past bilateral practice in which their leaders regularly visited each other's country, typically once a year.

No such exchanges have been held since December 2011 after then Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and South Korean President Lee Myung Bak traded barbs during a meeting in Kyoto over the issue of Koreans who were forced to work as "comfort women" in Japan's wartime military brothels.

On the local media reports about an impending announcement from the South Korean government, a South Korean Foreign Ministry source said consultations between the two countries are "ongoing" and that a solution will be "explained as soon as they are concluded."

Related coverage:

Ex-PM Suga to head cross-party group promoting Japan-S. Korea ties
BC Firm Walks Back Talk to Commercialize Cocaine After Reaction From Premier, PM

A British Columbia company that received federal approval to produce and sell cocaine has revised its original statement that outlined plans to commercialize the controlled substance.

Adastra Labs issued a clarification Friday that said the Langley, B.C., company is not currently undertaking any activities with cocaine, and its amended Controlled Drug and Substances Dealers Licence does not permit the firm to sell cocaine to the general public.

Adastra Labs CEO Michael Forbes said in the original statement on Feb. 22 that the company would evaluate how the commercialization of this substance fits with the firms business model. That reference was removed in the latest statement.

Health Canada approved Adastra Labs licence amendment to allow the production, sale and distribution of cocaine on Feb. 17. Under the licence, Adastra cannot produce more than 250 grams of cocaine in 2023.

Scrutiny on the issue began Thursday when B.C. Opposition leader Kevin Falcon brought up Adastras original statement on commercialization plans during question period at the provincial legislature.

The issue quickly triggered responses from both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and B.C. Premier David Eby.

Trudeau said Friday he was as surprised as Eby about Adastras plans. He said that the federal government was working very quickly with Adastra Labs to correct the misunderstanding caused by the companys statement on commercialization.

Trudeau said Adastra did not have permission to sell cocaine on the open market, while Health Canada said the firm could only sell to other licence holders.

I was as surprised as the premier of British Columbia was to see that a company was talking about selling cocaine on the open market or commercializing it, he said, adding that Adastras licence was not a permission to sell it commercially or to provide it on an open market.

Trudeau also said commercializing decriminalized cocaine is not something that this government is looking at furthering.

Eby said on Thursday he was astonished by Adastras plans, and the province had not been notified or consulted by Health Canada on the matter.

The premier said Friday that he has spoken to the federal government, and that he is further disturbed to hear from Health Canada that Adastra may have significantly misrepresented the nature of the licence in an irresponsible manner.

I find it more than a little bit frustrating that Health Canada is not apparently in line with us in terms of the direction were going, he said. We need to work together on the toxic drug crisis and our response to it.

In a written statement, Health Canada says it thoroughly reviews applications to ensure licensees follow all existing policies on public health and safety.

Health Canada has contacted the company to reiterate the very narrow parameters of their licence, it says regarding Adastra Labs. If the strict requirements are not being followed, Health Canada will not hesitate to take action, which may include revoking the licence.

Meanwhile, a second B.C. company says it is now also licensed to produce, sell and distribute cocaine, as well as opium and MDMA, also known as ecstasy.

Victorias Sunshine Earth Labs, a biosciences firm that aims to bring safer supply of drugs to the global market, said in a news release it obtained an amended Controlled Drug and Substances Dealers Licence to include MDMA and cocaine last year.

It said received an amendment to possess, produce, sell and distribute opium and morphine in January.

On Friday, Sunshine Earth also issued a revised statement, saying the company is licensed to conduct activities with these controlled substances under tight limitations imposed by Health Canada.

When asked how many other companies have received similar amendments to their licences, Health Canada said it does not share or publish the list of companies who have received licences, nor does it discuss the status of applications for licensing amendments due to safety, security and privacy reasons.

Health Canada spokesman Mark Johnson said it is not new to have companies getting licence amendments such as these, and some companies have had this substance on their licence for 20-plus years.

B.C.s drug decriminalization policy went into effect at the end of January, allowing individuals who are 18 and over to possess up to 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA without criminal penalties.

By Chuck Chiang
Beyond Balloons: The Other Threats Posed by China, and What Can Be Done to Counter Them

Commentary

Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon, or so the great writer A.A. Milne would have us believe. In Milnes defense, this line was written long before China got into the balloon-making business. Unless you happen to live under a rock on a distant planet, you are no doubt familiar with the infamous Chinese balloon that was recently spotted traveling across a number of U.S. states, including Alaska and Montana, before being shot down in South Carolina. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was quick to criticize the rapid-fire response, insisting that the balloon was merely a weather device that had been blown off course. Its now pretty clear that the balloon was not a weather device; it was a surveillance device. Although the balloon is gone, the threat from China still exists. In fact, the threat posed by the CCP has never been as potent as it is today.

Mira Ricardel, a geopolitical expert, told me that the CCP is both an economic competitor and military adversary. Xi Jinpings policy of civil-military fusion now means the United States can no longer separate Chinas economic goals from its military and global ambitions. From a military perspective, Ms. Ricardel noted, China continues to build up the PLA presence in the South China Sea, as well as intimidating and threatening Taiwan. As U.S. General Mike Minihan recently warned, war with China over Taiwan appears rather inevitable. According to the decorated general, the United States and China could go to war within the next two years. To compound matters, as Ms. Ricardel, an employee of The Chertoff Group, a security and tech firm, noted, the CCP is also expanding its intercontinental ballistic missile inventory, as well as deploying dual-use advanced technologies, and expanding its presence and capabilities in space. What about surveillance and data harvesting? The CCP is actively engaging in surveillance and espionage, intrusive cyber activities, to include attacks, and intellectual property theft, she said. Beijing is also exerting more influence over supposedly private enterprises, like ByteDance, for example, the company behind TikTok, a dangerous Trojan horse designed to gather inordinate amounts of data.

Over the years, China has also purchased a lot of foreign companies and a lot of foreign land, including prime American farmland. All of these activities, Ms. Ricardel said, are aimed at advancing Chinas military and economic capabilities and serve to threaten the security of the United States. Her colleague, Adam Isles, a security risk management expert, called the CCP a highly capable cyber adversary that continues to invest hundreds of millions into the development of highly skilled offensive cyber corporations and a network of contract hackers who take taskings from the CCP and moonlight in for-profit cyber-criminal activity. They have also co-opted insiders across numerous U.S. industries to steal from within. This might sound hyperbolic, even outlandish, to some readers. However, Mr. Isless point is a valid one. Spies working on behalf of China are everywhere, including in the United States. CCP-backed actors are successful at exploiting baseline weaknesses like unpatched software vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, he added. Again, hes right. Remember, the CCP has already stolen the data of 80 percent of Americans. The CCP, he said, is quietly shaping the next generation of technology across the entire stack, from hardware and networking equipment manufacturing to software code development, drafting of technology standards and delivery of related services. If China continues down this particular path, this will put the CCP in the catbird seat for the foreseeable future, by ensuring that acquired technologies align with its strategic and tactical cyber offense goals  often in ways that are opaque or invisible to the purchasers and users of these technologies.

Chinas sand dredger is seen from an observatory in Kinmen, Taiwan, on Sept. 24, 2022. (Annabelle Chih/Getty Images)

What, if anything, is being done to combat these threats?

Ms. Ricardel told me that the Department of Defense (D0D) is developing advanced capabilitiesmany of them derived from dual-use technologies such as AI and quantum computingand bolstering ties with key allies, like Australia, Japan, and South Korea. At the same time, she added, the U.S. government is also using tools such as technology controls, foreign direct investment restrictions, and supply chain illumination to restrict Chinas access to key technologies, as well as inform and reduce supply chain riskwith the aim of maintaining Americas economic and military advantage and preventing China from taking the global technology lead. Thats the good news. What about the bad news?

Numerous gaps remain, she warned. The divisive nature of U.S. politics means that a uniform view of the nature of Chinas threats among the United States, its allies, and friends has created numerous gaps that have been (and continue to be) exploited by China.

To stop this exploitation, Ms. Ricardel insists that the United States needs a comprehensive and integrated strategy and implementation plan to address the economic and military threats posed by China. What would such a plan look like? First, she said, such a plan would identify core American advantages. Second, a coherent plan would recognize current U.S. dependencies, such as on some critical minerals (copper, gold, zinc, etc.). Third, a decent place would consider whether or not certain policies, such as the push for electric vehicles, increase dependencies and cede even more ground to China. Finally, leaders would assess the risks of those dependencies, and start creating a clear plan with clear milestones to reduce those dependencies and build U.S. capabilities and resilience. The United States, she noted, cannot do this alone. It must, actively and even aggressively, involve its friends and allies. What if these allies and friends dont share the same concerns? Then, she said, the United States will need to make a compelling case regarding the multi-faceted risks associated with Chinas access to advanced technology.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Biden Had Cancerous Skin Lesion Successfully Removed: White House Doctor

President Joe Biden speaks during the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference at the Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Md., on March 1, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

The physician to President Joe Biden, Dr. Kevin OConnor, said on March 3 that the president had a basal cell carcinoma skin lesion removed from his chest last month.

The lesion was removed as part of his comprehensive health assessment on Feb. 16 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, according to a letter from OConnor.

The tissue was sent for a traditional biopsy, and the results confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma.

The cancerous tissue was successfully removed, and the area around the biopsy site was treated presumptively with electrodessication and curettage at the time of biopsy, and no further treatment is required, OConnor said.

The site of the biopsy has reportedly healed well, and the president will continue to receive dermatologic surveillance as part of his ongoing comprehensive health care.

Bidens son Beau died from brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46. Since then, the president has been clear that the fight to eradicate cancer is personal to him. Throughout both his campaign and office, the president has made the fight against cancer a priority.

In February 2021, Biden relaunched the Cancer Moonshot initiative, with the objective of halving cancer deaths over the next 25 years and improving the lives of caregivers and cancer survivors. As vice president, Biden oversaw the original efforts during the last years of the Obama administration.

The report on the removal of the lesion came as a result of Bidens first physical in 15 months, according to The Hill.

The physician stated that Bidens nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, also known as an A-fib, test results for hyperlipidemia and gastric reflux are all stable.

After the visit, OConnor said that Biden remains a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male who was capable of performing the responsibilities of the president.

In the coming two years, the presidents health is likely to come under scrutiny, as he is anticipated to seek reelection.

If he were to win reelection, Biden would be 82 at the start of a second term, and Republicans have long questioned whether he is physically and psychologically capable of performing the job.

Some Republicans, including 2024 Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, have suggested that cognitive testing should be required for some of the more senior lawmakers in Washington.
Biden Walks Away From Question About Holding China Accountable for COVID Origin

President Joe Biden speaks to reporters as he departs the White House on March 3, 2023. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Days after FBI Director Christopher Wray said the origin of the COVID pandemic is most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan, President Joe Biden abruptly walked away from the White House press corps when asked about whether he intends to hold China accountable.

On March 3, the president approached the waiting press corps on his way from the White House residence to Marine One.

As he came within earshot, a reporter asked him, On COVID origin, will you hold China accountable?

At the question, Biden put both hands up in a shrug, seeming annoyed, and then turned and walked away toward Marine One, according to a White House pool report.

The presidents apparent reluctance to speak about the issue came after the recent revelation that the Department of Energy, which oversees 17 U.S. laboratories, believes as early as 2021 that COVID-19 most likely emerged from a lab leak.

President Joe Biden reacts to questions from journalists moments before departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on March 3, 2023, as he travels to Wilmington, Delaware. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

The conclusion, reached with low confidence, was made in an updated classified intelligence report to the White House and key congressional members in 2021, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The FBI had previously arrived at the same conclusion earlier in 2021 with moderate confidence.

Wray confirmed in a Fox News appearance earlier this week that his agency still holds that view.

The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan, Wray said.

Lets step back for a second. You know, the FBI has folks, agents, professionals, analysts, virologists, microbiologists, etc, who focus specifically on the dangers of biological threats, which include things like novel viruses like COVID and the concerns that theyre in the wrong hands, he said, some bad guys, a hostile nation state, a terrorist a criminal, the threats that those could pose.

Here youre talking about a potential leak from a Chinese government-controlled lab that killed millions of Americans.

Wray added that the Chinese regime has been doing its best to try to thwart and obfuscate the work that his agency, as well as the U.S. government and close allies, are doing to uncover the pandemics origin.

The Chinese regime has long dismissed the possibility of a lab leak and has resisted international efforts to investigate the viruss origins.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology had for years taken U.S. federal funds funneled through the U.S. nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance to work on coronavirus-related research, as previously reported by The Epoch Times.

In a report released on Jan. 25, investigators with the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services said that National Institutes for Health officials had failed to effectively monitor the nature of the research EcoHealth conducted and take timely action to address the companys compliance with grant terms.

The potential connection between the Wuhan lab and the origin of COVID-19 has recently garnered greater attention in Congress. On March 1, the Senate unanimously passed a bill requiring the Biden administration to declassify intelligence related to the virus origin.
Book Excerpt: The Democratic Politics of Fear

Excerpt from The Democratic Politics of Fear, Chapter 7 in the newly expanded book Canadas COVID: The Story of a Pandemic Moral Panic (February 2023) by Barry Cooper and Marco Navarro-Genie.

We consider the evidence for, and consequences of, government-induced fear leading to lack of trust. The outcome was not what the authorities intended. Their game plan was simplicity itself: induce fear first of all, then promise safety if the population obediently followed instructions. The most obvious commonsensical conclusion is that governments, experts, and moral entrepreneurs were not themselves afraid so much as manipulative and filled with the expectation that they could bring about their own predictionsthe very definition of living in the magic world of a second reality.

Such an interpretation seemed especially plausible towards the end of the COVID-19 event, as with the invoking of the Emergencies Act early in 2022 to deal with the truckers Freedom Convoy and other acts of civil disobedience at the U.S. border. But other responses, or patterns of response, indicated that the government, including the experts and bureaucrats, as well as the mainstream media, were all living in a second reality where normal emotions of fear, cowardice, bravery, and acts of obedience and defiance provided occasions for additional actions based on imaginary realities, not a return to common sense.

Let us at least start with common sense. Fear provided the political, social, even spiritual context within which the new normal, to use a familiar cliche, has created a regime of truth (and not just in Canada) where mathematical models of infection rates have been followed by state directives, action plans, emergency measures, government health communiques, legal or constitutional modifications, rearrangements of powers for enforcers, speeches, and regular television appearances organized as briefings by politicians. Most of this talk has introduced an abstract technical language into public discourse previously used only within the refined circles of experts. Prior to the pandemic, normal people did not discuss comorbidities, for example, or asymptomatic transmission. This new lingo has become a common currency, whether in public or in private interactions. Such language and expression, despite its remoteness from common-sense reality, became quickly accepted as a form of knowledge that referred to an imaginary reality, which nevertheless was understood to be authoritative.

This is why these medical technicians presumed to advise the rest of us on the use of correct terminology, about personal hygiene, race relations, and diplomacy, about social interactions, sexual activities, nutritional choices, and our choice of wines, about physical distancing, avoidance of handshakes, social isolation, masking protocols, and curb-side pickups. All these behavioural modifications, if the medical bureaucrats had their way, would be enforced not by the soft powers of exhortation and the persuasiveness of a panic but by the hard power of cops and other peace officers keen on deploying their power over their fellow citizens. We are here pressing upon the frontier of the biosecurity state. And we know from prior experience with tyranny, and especially with the totalitarian domination of 20th-century regimes, that necessarily they are based on imaginary second realities presented to the world as race and historical sciences. Nothing new there but a change of science to the medical variety.

The initial policies of the Trudeau government and of the governments of the Laurentian provinces enhanced the general anxiety. By the fall of 2020, it was clear that their policies were designed to increase Canadians fear by threatening to lock down the two largest provinces in the country. Inevitably, imposing a second lockdown would be accompanied by increased repressive measures against citizens who resisted.

In this context, the policy response to COVID-19 led to increased violations of civil rights as citizens were anticipated to object and dissent. The prelude came with the illegal border closures and the encouragement of snitch lines. As we saw, more repressive measures followed. It is no accident that Alberta, as usual, was severely criticized by the Laurentian mainstream media for allegedly defying the regime of truth emanating from Ottawa. Nor was it simply a random act that Saskatchewan, not Alberta, initially moved to liberate its citizens from the medical tyranny of experts. Scott Moe, not Jason Kenney, was the first to observe that lockdowns caused far more harm than good and that compulsory vaxxing makes no sense.

The September 2020 federal throne speech implied a future of unlimited spending and the growth of government control not only over the economy but also over what used to be considered citizens private affairs. For any government that really believed that were all in this together, such a collectivist outcome was also fully predictable.

Moreover, even if the Trudeau Liberals didnt believe their own words, they could still act on them. The first step, as National Post columnist Terence Corcoran observed, was to flatten the economy. The astonishing level of social spending following the already weak performance of the Canadian economy unquestionably constituted a crisis. But what kind of crisis? What if Canadians saw the federal governments policy as evidence of a strategic initiative rather than bumbling incompetence and stupidity?

Of course, the marginalization of Parliament and the courting of the NDP have enabled the Trudeau Liberals to avoid any serious scrutiny of their corrupt practices. The COVID-19 event provided a plausible excuse for a political coverup. The effort to marginalize protesters as conspiratorial radicalsexcept when they were protesting the bad behaviour of American copsand to ignore the real problems of elderly Canadians dying alone in LTC facilities, has largely worked. That too can be seen as ordinary Liberal politics abetted by an equally corrupt legacy media, led by the lavishly taxpayer-funded CBC.

On Oct. 3, 2020, Leslyn Lewis offered another commonsensical interpretation of how the Liberals have responded to the opportunities afforded by COVID-19. What we have been witnessing in Canada is a socialist coup that we, the taxpayers, are funding, she said. Worst of all, Lewis interpreted government support for able-bodied individuals who were perfectly capable of holding down a job as a deliberate effort to control our lives through economic dependency. All of this stealthy socialism, she said, was insidious. That is, she asked us to consider the possibility that it was not an error but deliberate.

This is also a question to which we return elsewhere in the book. That is, the notion of bad-faith manipulation by cynical politicians of ignorant citizens was not entirely without evidence. No conspiracy is involved, just the expected degree of progressive cynicism.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Legislative Analyst Opposes Newsoms $300 Million Plan for Californias Poorest Schools

In this file photo, a school classroom is seen in Tustin, Calif., on March 10, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Californias legislative analyst last month opposed Gov. Gavin Newsoms $300 million earmarked in his 202324 budget proposal to fix academic gaps and racial disparities in the states lowest-income schoolssaying the state should focus on accountability and transparency instead.

The additional fundswhich Newsom calls equity multipliercame at the push from members of the Legislative Black Caucus, a group of black lawmakers who address legislative concerns for black Americans and other ethnic groups.

I am  happy to announce that Governor Gavin Newson and his staff have committed to on-going funding and to work with us, to create a comprehensive policy aimed at improving the academic achievement of students in the lowest-performing groups and the related goal of addressing the needs of black students, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) said in a statement last August. This proposal will be included in the Governors January 2023 budget.

Under Newsoms proposal, the funds would be given to the states lowest-income school districts, who would then decide where to spend it based on goals and needs outlined in their respective plans to address student needs.

Each district drafts such plans according to how well it meets state standards on such things as test scores, chronic absences, and graduation rates, and receives money from the state according to needs.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference after meeting with students at James Denman Middle School in San Francisco, on Oct. 01, 2021. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

However, the Legislative Analysts Office recommended lawmakers reject the funding in a Feb. 23 report, citing a 2021 study that showed additional funding does not always lead to improved outcomes in low-income and low-performing schools.

The study, by the Public Policy Institute of California, reported that only 55 percent of supplemental funding given to districts was used at the specific schools which had qualified the district.

Initial studies  have shown evidence that additional funding has led to improved outcomes for districts with larger shares of supplemental and concentration funding but has not resulted in the same levels of improvement for the lowest-performing schools or subgroups within districts, the report stated.

Additionally, analysts said districts should ensure their needs are met with regular needs-based state funds.

Legislative analysts instead called for greater transparency and accountability to ensure the funds districts are currently receiving are being used to address needs.

We find that the key issue is increasing transparency to ensure existing funding actually targets the highest needs schools and student subgroups, the legislative report stated. Rather than provide more funding, we recommend the legislature consider options to provide greater transparency regarding how funding is spent across schools.

Such would help the state determine if districts are targeting schools with the greatest need, the report said.

It further suggested the state require education boards to publicly report on the number of credentialed teachers, those with less than three years of experience, and student-to-teacher ratios for each school in their district, since most school funding is spent on staff salaries and benefits.

This information would give the public and the state a good sense of how funding is spread across schools, the report stated.

Spokespersons for Newsom were not immediately available for comment.
Cambodian Opposition Figure Kem Sokha Sentenced to 27 Years of House Arrest

Former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Kem Sokha leaves his house for the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for the hearing of the verdict in his treason case where he was was sentenced to 27 years in detention under house arrest after being found guilty, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on March 3, 2023. (Cindy Liu/Reuters)

PHNOM PENHProminent Cambodian opposition figure Kem Sokha was sentenced on Friday to 27 years of house arrest after being found guilty of treason, in a case condemned by the United States as politically motivated.

Judge Koy Sao also told the court in the capital, Phnom Penh, that Kem Sokha would be barred from running for political office or voting in elections.

He was arrested in 2017 over accusations he was conspiring with the United States to overthrow self-styled strongman Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades.

Kem Sokha, who headed the now-disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), had denied the charges and Washington dismissed the allegations as fabricated conspiracy theories.

His lawyer said Kem Sokhas legal team would appeal the verdict.

Hes in house arrest, all of his political and citizens rights are completely stripped  This is not justice, said Ang Udom, who said his client would only be allowed contact with family members.

There was tight security around the court, with hundreds of police officers deployed in trucks.

W. Patrick Murphy, the U.S. ambassador to Cambodia, said the case was a miscarriage of justice.

We call on authorities to allow all Cambodians to enjoy  universal human rights of peaceful assembly and free expression and to participate in building a truly democratic system, he told reporters outside the court.

Former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Kem Sokha leaves his house for the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for the hearing of the verdict in his treason case where he was sentenced to 27 years in detention under house arrest after being found guilty, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on March 3, 2023. (Cindy Liu/Reuters)

The government, which has forged close ties with China, tends to dismiss U.S. criticism.

A government spokesperson declined to comment on the court case, referring questions to the judiciary.

The CNRP was banned ahead of a 2018 election that was swept by the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

CNRP has since been decimated, with many of its members arrested or fleeing into exile in what activists say is a sweeping crackdown designed to thwart challenges to the CPPs power monopoly.

Cambodia is due to hold elections in July, with the opposition launching the Candlelight Party last year, which largely regroups members of the CNRP.

Many media outlets critical of Hun Sen have also been shuttered and civil dissent crushed in recent years.

Last month, Hun Sen ordered the closure of the Voice of Democracy, one of the last independent Cambodian news organizations, saying it had attacked him and his son and hurt the country.

Hun Sen is expected to seek another five-year term in office in the July election, but he has previously offered support for his eldest son, Hun Manet, as a possible successor.

Human Rights Watch said the case against Kem Sokha was a politically motivated ploy by Hun Sen to sideline the opposition and stamp out democracy.

Sending Kem Sokha to prison isnt just about destroying his political party, but about squashing any hope that there can be a genuine general election in July, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

By Prak Chan Thul
Chinese Lunar New Year Travel Plunged by 924 Million in 2023

Estimate suggests a huge number of deaths

Patients are cared for by relatives and medical staff as they are seen on beds set up in the atrium area of a busy hospital in Shanghai, China, on Jan. 13, 2023. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

The Lunar New Year is the biggest and most celebrated holiday in China each year. Each year Chinese people make billions of trips across the country to visit their families during that holiday period.

However, data recently released by Chinas Ministry of Transport indicate that trips during this years Lunar New Yearwhich spans 40 dayshad dropped by 924 million compared to 2019, the last pre-pandemic year with no travel restrictions.

The Lunar New Year travel period starts 14 days ahead of Lunar New Years Eve usually in late January or early February and lasts for about 40 days.

On Feb. 17, the Chinese Ministry of Transport released the travel data spanning 40 days before and after the 2023 Lunar New Year, the first new year holiday with no travel restrictions since the initial outbreak of COVID-19.

Trips via public transportation by rail, road, water, and plane plunged 46.5 percent to 1.595 billion in the period.

The same period in 2019 saw 2.980 billion trips via public transportation, according to that years official data.

The ministry claimed that this years total trips during that period were 4.733 billion, which included 1.595 billion via public transportation and 3.138 billion in passenger vehicle traffic via highway. However, passenger vehicle traffic via highway, a new sub-category added in 2023, was not included in prior years.

In the newly released official data, the regime claimed that the passenger vehicle traffic via highway in 2023 was 17.2 percent higher than that of 2019 during the Lunar New Year travel period.

This means, according to the claim, the highway passenger vehicle traffic in 2019 was about 2.677 billion.

According to those numbers, the total travel volume in 2023s Lunar holiday period was 4.733 billion (1.595 billion via public transportation + 3.138 billion in highway passenger vehicle traffic).

Meanwhile, the total travel volume in 2019s Lunar holiday period was 5.657 billion (2.980 billion via public transportation + 2.677 billion in highway passenger vehicle traffic).

Based on the two official data sources, China saw a decline of 924 million passengers in total travel volume in 2023 compared to 2019 during the same holiday period.

Lack of Transparency

Since the COVID-19 outbreak three years ago, people have been unable to determine the true death toll in China.

In late January, amid Lunar New Year celebrations, a top Chinese health official revealed that over 80 percent of Chinas population had been infected with the virus.

Despite widespread reports of leaked internal documents that suggested high death tolls in the country, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has continued to release official data that appears illogical and unconvincing.

Given the Chinese regimes long history of falsifying data on almost all major disasters that have occurred, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Jan. 4 once again publicly asked Beijing to share specific and real-time data on the new outbreaks sweeping the country, reiterating the importance of transparency.

In a subsequent briefing, the WHO emphasized that current data released by the CCP do not reflect the true impact that COVID-19 has had on the countrys hospital admissions, acute care admissions, and especially its death toll.

Indication of Massive COVID-19 Death Toll?

The massive drop in domestic travel volume during the Lunar New Year in China could be a strong indicator of a substantial decline in the Chinese population.

The country has sustained an enormous number of COVID-19 infections and a high hospitalization rate. It has also endured 3 years of draconian restrictions and lockdowns. The zero-COVID policy delayed and even denied much-needed medical care for the sick and elderly. It also denied residents basic necessities. In some cases, people were welded inside their homes or apartment buildings.

Chinese families have a tradition to gather during the New Year, and people will travel back to their hometowns regardless of their financial conditions. If theres less travel, it usually indicates a change in demographics.

Based on the regimes 2019 official data, the average number of trips per person during the Lunar holiday period was 2.4. The average number was calculated by dividing the total travel volume by the countrys population below 65.

The reason to exclude those 65 years of age and above was that they are less likely to travel and are usually the ones visited by their children according to the Chinese holiday tradition.

Based on this ratio, a decline of 924 million holiday passengers could suggest a likely population decline of 385 million in the four-year period from 2019 to 2023.
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Dr. Restef Levi, a risk assessment professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, has recently issued a public statement, calling for an immediate stop to COVID-19 vaccination programs.

We asked Levi to explain to us the evidence that has led to his position.

Mounting research shows that current mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are causing serious harm and deaths at rates higher than previously accepted thresholds.

And this is giving rise to another, unintended crisis.

Join Dan and Dr. Levi as they discuss the implications of mandated experimental vaccination.



FULL TRANSCRIPT:

DR. RETSEF LEVI:

One of the striking facts is that we are talking about, you know, really a colossal failure. I mean, the biggest failure of any medical product, both in terms of efficacy, and definitely about respect to safety.

I think that this is going to go down as one of the most, if not the most, public health disasters in history.

DAN SKORBACH:

Dr. Retsef Levi is a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. One of his specialties is risk management in healthcare systems. Hes the guy that dives deep into the medical data, analyzes it, and lets you know if something is putting your health at risk.

Early on in the pandemic, Dr. Levi was involved in advising U.S. state administrations on the best course of action. But once the mRNA vaccines rolled out, his attention shifted to his home country, Israel.

The government there was the first to fully vaccinate the majority of its citizens against Covid.

Based on Pfizers and Modernas clinical trials, it was already known that these vaccines could cause myocarditis. But the data showed that the risk was small. And the health officials probably expected it would stay that way once the shots were out in the real world.

But thats not what Dr. Levi discovered. Together with his colleagues, they analyzed the period in time (2021) when the vaccines rolled out in Israel. They began seeing a 25 percent rise in emergency calls of people having heart attacks and cardiac arrests. And these werent just anyone. These were young Israelis. People under the age of 40 (18-39).

So these scientists published their findings in Nature Scientific Reports on April 28, 2022.

Their conclusion was that the 25 percent increase in cardiovascular events was closely related to the COVID-19 vaccination program. But at that time, the team didnt have enough data to confidently link those cardiac events to the mRNA vaccines. And they were very clear that it was only a correlation. Their intention was to say, hey theres a safety signal here. Someone should immediately investigate this.

Today though, the climate is changing because more and more credible, peer-reviewed evidence is being published in respected journals. And risk assessment experts like Dr. Levi now have the confidence to say that these vaccines need to be shut down immediately. His new position went viral on twitter:

DR. RETSEF LEVI (via TWITTER):

They should stop because of the mounting and indisputable evidence that they cause unprecedented level of harm, including the death of young people and children.

DAN SKORBACH:

So we reached out to Dr. Levi to tell us more about the evidence. Which is coming from diverse scientific teams around the world.

This study, for example, made some big waves last August. This research team was led by a U.S. clinical scientist Joseph Fraiman. What they did, is they reanalyzed the data from the clinical trials conducted by Pfizer and Moderna.

A clinical trial is a necessary step to get the vaccines on the market. The FDA looks at the trial results to determine whether it makes sense to allow these products on the market. And of course we all know what happened. These products got an emergency use authorization. Meaning the FDA reviewed the clinical trials from Pfizer and Moderna and concluded that the benefits of mRNA vaccination outweigh the risks of COVID-19.

Unfortunately, thats not what Dr. Fraimans team found. And they were extremely thorough with analyzing the data from these trials.

Turns out that the clinical data actually showed that the risk of serious adverse events after vaccination was higher than the reduction of COVID-19 hospitalization. Thats compared to the placebo groups both in Pfizer and Moderna trials. Look at these numbers.

In Pfizer, excess risk of serious adverse events* after vaccination was 10.1 per 10,000, but reduction in risk for a COVID-19 hospitalization relative to the placebo group was 2.3 per 10,000 people.

So more people suffered serious harm from the vaccine, than the number of people who actually got protection against hospitalization. It was similar for Moderna.

Excess risk of serious adverse events was 15.1 per 10,000, but reduction in hospitalization risk was at 6.4 per 10,000.

DR. RETSEF LEVI:

And in fact, its a statistically significant, higher harm at the level of one harmful event per 800 vaccines. So, here, we come to the point where we need to ask ourselves, what is the right metric to assess the efficacy of a vaccine like that? And I think that we were led to focus on whether it does a good job in preventing death and severe illness from Covid.

But frankly, speaking, what matters is the overall health impact on the people that are getting vaccinated. And when you actually look at the overall health impact, what you see from the clinical trial, which is the best highest quality evidence, you see that there is a clear prediction that if you launch these vaccines to the broad population that was represented in the clinical trial, you are likely to see more harm than benefits.

Now fast forward. When we look at population level data over 2021, and even over 2022, we see excess mortality in most developed countries. This includes the U.S., UK, Europe, Israel, which is increasing from 2020 to 2021. And then increasing even further from 2021 to 2022, which is a very rare event.

People have to understand, what is excess mortality? Extra mortality is the comparison between the observed number of deaths, compared to what you would expect. And typically when you look at data like this, it usually goes in some ups and downs. Because if you had a bad year, when you add excess mortality, the pool of people that are likely to die, has shrank, right?

So in the next year, in all likelihood, youre not going to see excess mortality. But here we see three years of excess mortality. And its going up. Its not only expediting, excess mortality magnitude is going up. And now you have to ask yourself, what is causing that?

When you look at the pattern of increase, they are very temporarily correlated with the vaccine campaigns and the timing of the different vaccine campaigns. So that should make you at least very worried.

DAN SKORBACH:

So lets recap the evidence we talked about so far. Thanks to Dr. Fraimans team, we understand that about 1 in 800 people may experience serious harm from the mRNA vaccines. And the number of serious harm has been found to outweigh the number of hospitalizations that are prevented. So that challenges the narrative that these vaccines are effective.

Meanwhile, Dr. Levis research has found that more young people are having cardiovascular events in Israel following a vaccination campaign. And he began seeing these same patterns in the UK, Scotland, Germany and Australia.

DR. RETSEF LEVI:

We actually have now two studies that are really pivotal, right. And these studies, one from Thailand and one from Switzerland, really test people before and after they are vaccinated. And they [tested] cardiovascular indicators, to see what is the impact of the vaccine on the same individual. The individual is basically being tested before they received the vaccine and after.

And what they found there is striking. They find that theres a major rate of cardiovascular negative indicators, but specifically, they find that in one to 50, and one to 30, there is what we call elevated troponin, which is the number one indicator for heart muscle damage.

And you cannot diagnose myocarditis just based on elevated troponin, but its definitely one of the primary indicators. And in fact, they actually see that many of these people do not have any visible symptoms.

DAN SKORBACH:

And thats whats most concerning. A person might not feel theres anything wrong in particular, even though there is damage to the heart tissue. Thats how people suddenly die from cardiac arrest while going about their daily routines.

DR. RETSEF LEVI:

So now we are at the point that when you think about the rate of myocarditis among young individuals, you have to think about rates that are much higher than the agreed upon clinical rates that the CDC, the Ministry of Health, everybody [agreed on]. One in anything between one in 2,500, to one in 5,000, depending on the age group, right? This is kind of the clinical rates. What we understand now, the subclinical rates could be up to 50 to 100 times more.

And thats each time. I want people to understand, every time you take this vaccine, its a Russian Roulette. You might end up with heart damage. We currently dont know what the mechanism is. We dont know who is more prone or who is less prone, we know that probably boys are more prone. The study from Switzerland actually showed that women are just as likely to potentially be harmed.

So at this point, and again, I think that one of the tactics that people that try to maintain the narrative of safe and effective vaccines is they isolate every evidence and they claim, oh, you cannot conclude from that anything.

But my point is, when you have a lot of trees, you have to see at some point the forest. And the forest that we have is amounting to very strong evidence that these vaccines can kill. And they are killing. And the only question is, what exactly is the rate by which they kill? And what is the long term impact? There are open questions there. But its definitely beyond any reasonable acceptable threshold that we have known in the past.

We took off the market vaccines that killed one in 100,000 people, in one is a million even. This is not even close, right? And we are talking about young people and children that have minimal to zero risk from COVID-19, especially with the current variant, and especially after they were exposed. So at this point, if you dont stop, when are you going to stop?

DAN SKORBACH:

So when are we going to stop? Well, in the U.S. things are happening at state level.

Floridas surgeon general now recommends against mRNA COVID-19 vaccination of men between ages 18 to 39.

In Idaho, republican lawmakers have just introduced a bill that would criminalize the administration of any mRNA based vaccine.

Even congress is moving the needle along. A Republican-chaired Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic is looking to investigate how covid vaccines were developed and approved. And since the republicans are now the majority, they now have subpoena power to call in witnesses who refuse to testify.

But legislation takes a long time. Meanwhile, a bigger crisis may be looming for America.

DR. RETSEF LEVI:

The loss of trust that I think the public now has, in public health authorities, is really a problem. And Im very concerned as a scientist, as someone that actually does believe in medicine as a way to save lives for people to make them live their lives.

But I think that, to resolve this, in the long run, we have to think about what is wrong with our systems? What is suboptimal about our regulatory systems? What is suboptimal about the relationship between pharmaceutical industry and academia, science, and regulatory authorities? What is wrong about our social media, and tech companies? We need to think very deeply about what has gone wrong here. So we can put in place the right processes, the right systems, including the legislation that will hopefully ensure that this isnt going to happen again.

Because I think that if we want to keep the democracies, we have to live under public sentiment that health authorities are making scientific decisions cautiously with the best intention that puts the health of people at the center. And I dont think that this is the public sentiment [that] is currently in most countries. And thats very dangerous.

DAN SKORBACH:

So what do you think? Is Dr. Levi right? Do you still trust our health authorities? And if no, what would it take to gain your trust back? Leave us a comment below. And please share this video with one of your friends.

This is Frontline Health, Im Dan Skorbach, stay healthy America.



* Serious adverse events that we cite from this study (Fraiman et al., 2022) are referred to as serious adverse events of special interest (AESI). They include: Bells Palsy, Encephalitis/encephalomyelitis, Acute kidney injury, Acute liver injury, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Coagulation disorder, Myocarditis/pericarditis, Other forms of acute cardiac injury, Generalized Convulsions, Abscess, Arthritis, Cholecystitis, Colitis/Enteritis, Diarrhea, Hyperglycemia, Hyponatremia, Pancreatitis, Psychosis, and Thyroiditis.



This transcript has been edited for brevity and clarity by Anna Varavva.

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CPAC Attendees Seek Truth About Jan. 6, Hear The Prosecuted Speak

WASHINGTON, D.C.At a conference where many speakers touted the importance of seeking the truth, hundreds of attendees hungered to learn more about a seemingly taboo topicthe events of Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.

Most Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) events feel like pep rallies, with speakers whipping up applause and cheers from fans. But the mood was much more somber in a small conference room upstairs at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Many in the overflow crowd of about 250 people were moved to tears on March 3 after hearing firsthand accounts of four J-6ers. All faced federal charges and long prison terms, although they were nonviolent participants.

On Jan. 6 two years ago, thousands gathered for the Save America rally. They supported then-President Donald Trump and his concerns about the integrity of the 2020 presidential election. Although many protesters were peaceful, violence did break out; and some people smashed windows and got into confrontations with police.

Three people who spoke at the CPAC program said they walked into the Capitol that day through open doors, along with dozens of other people. One of the speakers said he was criminally charged just for standing on the steps outside the Capitol and shooting a video of the protesters.

Tremendous Silencing

Dr. Simone Gold, who is both a medical doctor and an attorney, served two months in federal prison after she gave a speech inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, opposing COVID-19 lockdowns and mandated vaccines.

Gold had been invited to give that speech outside, just one of many on her schedule as the founder of Americas Frontline Doctors. But Gold said she resorted to speaking inside the building after officials dismantled an outdoor stage.

Simone Gold, a Los Angeles-based emergency medicine specialist. (Courtesy of John Strand via FBI)

Much of the real story about what happened that day hasnt come out yet, Gold said. Thats partly because plea agreements limit what she and others can say. But its also because information has been suppressed; and the topic quickly became politically poisonous for anyone who dared to talk about it.

Theres been tremendous silencing of the most important story of our time! Gold exclaimed, her voice rising. The crowd clapped and cheered.

Several audience members said that all conservatives, including CPAC leaders, must devote more attention to the persecution of J-6ersand they need to dig harder for facts.

Gold and others on the panel said they were hopeful that more than 40,000 hours of video surveillance footage from that date, which the federal government has kept under wraps until recently, will help reveal what really happened.

The incident underscores the importance of people daring to question what officials or experts say, to think critically, and to seek independent sources, Gold said.

Thats why we speak out: To activate you. Not for our own benefit, she said.

Anyone Could be Next

As the two-hour session in a CPAC side room wrapped up, a woman, who said she was from Iran, tearfully announced, This panel, and people like them, is the only thing that stands between us and whats coming.

If people dont stand up against the wrongs perpetrated against many of the Jan. 6 defendants, we will be sitting in those seats of the persecuted, the woman said.

Brandon Straka, known for his WalkAway Campaign to encourage Democrats to switch parties (as he did), said he paid to rent the small side room to be part of CPAC.

After seeing the outpouring of compassion and questions during the first two-hour session with the J-6ers, Straka put together an impromptu second program.

The humanity and the empathy were just flowing in the room, Straka said, noting that the panelists were crying, and so were many spectators.

After someone suggested that the panel belonged on the CPAC main stage in a ballroom that can hold 5,000 attendees, Straka made a tongue-in-cheek remark: Lets insurrect the main stage! Charge!

As the audience laughed, Straka mocked how his statement might become a headline: Brandon Straka Plans Second Insurrection at CPAC!

But that was one of few lighthearted moments.

Many in the crowd appeared stunned, with jaws dropping and heads shaking in disgust, as Straka and others spoke during the program entitled True Stories of January 6th: The Prosecuted Speak.

Stories Finally Being Told

Gold said she and the other J-6ers have spoken publicly only a few times. But recently, they conducted a Twitter Space chat for about six hours because there was so much interest.

She found it eye-opening to learn that most people had no idea what she and other J-6ers had been through. The way our government has punished average, law-abiding, American citizens is incredible, Gold said, and its worse that you dont know it.

Gold said what happened to the Jan. 6 protesters is unprecedented in America.

She pointed out that, in January 2017, there were a lot of political protests opposing Trump taking office as president, and some of those protests turned violent. Vehicles were even set ablaze. Gold said more than 200 people were arrested. But just one person served jail time for assaulting a police officer. All the other charges were dropped, she said.

Police and demonstrators clash in downtown Washington after a limo was set on fire following the inauguration of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Theyre all dismissed because our government understands that we dont go down the road of arresting and prosecuting people who have high passions at a political event, Gold said.

But on Jan. 6, for the first time in American history, we are arresting people and throwing the book at them with charges that arent even applicable for completely nonviolent behavior, she said.

Elizabeth Ohmen, a spectator at the program, told The Epoch Times, Its like were living in a Third-World dictatorship.

Straka said left-wing media reporters have repeatedly twisted the facts.

If any such reporters were present for the March 3 program, Straka said he wouldnt be surprised if they tried to make it look like J-6ers are making comments that can be construed as contradictory to their plea deals.

Or maybe they would report that Donald Trump supporters are not expressing enough remorse for their misdemeanor charges from over two years ago, Straka said.

Theyre going to use the power of the press to further punish for some reason, it doesnt dawn on these people that perhaps the story is that authoritarian power is crushing individuals in this country, Straka said.

Conservatives Are Usually Peaceful

Straka said that, like Gold, he was also scheduled to be a speaker at a permitted event on the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6.

He started getting text messages from people who saw television reports indicating protesters were entering the building.

Straka said he thought about the TV footage he had seen of left-wing protesters disrupting Congressional hearings or other official proceedings.

(L-R) John Strand, Julie Kelly, Brandon Straka, Dr. Simone Gold, and Derrick Evans speak at a CPAC session in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 2023. (Janice Hisle/The Epoch Times)

Such incidents usually last just a few minutes before security officers drag away the protesters, and its news for about one hour, and then we all move on, Straka said.

It seemed out-of-character for conservatives to sort of be disruptive in that way, because theyre known for being peaceful, Straka said. So he decided to shoot a video of the unusual activity.

When he reached the east side of the Capitol, Straka saw thousands of people standing on the steps.

And there was a man in my video shouting down to the people below: Theyve opened the doors; theyre letting us in. Were going inside. Straka said. I repeated what he said, literally verbatim, on my video. Authorities later would use those words to assert that Straka was inciting the crowd to go inside the Capitol, he said.

I shot a video outside of the building for eight minutes, he said. Then a man with a bullhorn ordered everyone to leave. I immediately turned around, and I told the people behind me: Theyre saying to move out,' Straka said.

FBI Raided Home

To be clear, I never entered the Capitol on January 6. Ive never gone within 35 feet of entering the Capitol on January 6, he said. I was never accused of, nor did I engage in, any violence, vandalism, theft, or destruction.

Even so, because I took that video and posted it on Twitter, the FBI raided my house, Straka said.

A team of agents in tactical gear came into my apartment and stripped it of my computers, my phones, my iPads, my hard drives, my thumb drives, turned me around, put me in handcuffs, and took me to jail, Straka said.

People on the east side of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Crossroads/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

After that, Straka learned he was facing two felony charges and a misdemeanor. And the government threatened to charge me with a third felony, a felony charge that theyre calling Obstruction of Congress, a charge that theyve never used in this way before, Straka said.

Rather than face that charge, which carries a potential 20-year prison term, Straka accepted a plea bargain. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, disorderly conduct for the eight minutes that I spent outside of the Capitol, Straka said.

That may sound like a happy ending to you, but its been anything butIll leave it there, he said.

Straka was sentenced to home detention and fined $5,000. But he says the impact on him goes way beyond that. One of Strakas friends said she hardly recognized him in the aftermath of the charges because the stress took such a toll on him.

Ten Minutes In the Capitol

Derrick Evans, who was elected to the West Virginia legislature but resigned before beginning his term because of the Jan. 6 charges he faced, said, This is the first time Ive been allowed to travel since January 6th.

On that day, Evans said he walked through the doors on the east side of the Capitol building and thanked an officer for his service. They exchanged a friendly fist bump.

Then Evans spent 10 minutes in the public rotunda area, walked out the same set of doorsand was facing 24 years in prison, Evans said.

Two days later, the FBI came to his house and arrested him; stories of his arrest were splashed all over the national news.

Evans pleaded guilty to felony civil disorder and spent three months in federal prison.

He said some J-6ers are being hit with gag orders. Evans said that one man he met in prison is forbidden from talking about what happened for five years.

I think I speak for everybody up here: We are humbled that there are so many people who actually care that our stories are out now, Evans said, because the silence has been deafening for so long. Its been very, very lonely for the last two years.

Bodyguard Labeled a Terrorist

John Strand, creative director for Golds organization, was serving as her bodyguard on Jan. 6.

Everything about J-6 is so dishonest. Its really shocking, Strand said. Its the most dishonest thing Ive ever encountered in my life experience.

Strand says he is characterized as a violent terrorist. Yet, in reality, he has been a Hollywood musician and actor. I wasnt trying to be political with my lifethat wasnt my mission or my platform, Strand said. But he did take a stand against the 2020 lockdowns and led the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally that year.

John Strand, arrested for going inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, talks to an audience at CPAC on March 3, 2023. (Janice Hisle/The Epoch Times)

But when he was arrested in Washington, D.C., after the Jan. 6 incident, he wasnt protesting. He was doing his jobprotecting Gold. I was doing something appropriate, scheduled in advance  I kept my client from being injured, Strand said.

Yet Strand said he was portrayed as a leader of the insurrection, and was slammed with felony charges.

The facts didnt matter to the Department of Justice, he said. And if you could have been at my trial, you would have seen the full extent of that  they were going to convict me of everything no matter what.

Nevertheless, he refused a plea deal; he couldnt bring himself to admit to things that he knew were untrue. Strand went to trial, where jurors are culled from a primarily Democrat pool, and lost.

After his conviction on five charges on Sept. 27, 2022, Strand is now facing 24 years in prison. He remains free while awaiting sentencing. In an online statement, Strand says he will appeal every charge.

I am completely innocent of these charges, both as a legal matter and as a moral matter before God, he wrote. I know this with absolute certaintyI did not condone or encourage any of the violent criminal activities.

Truth is Coming

Julie Kelly, a journalist who authored a book about Jan. 6, says that nearly 1,000 people have been charged, and the caseload is expected to reach at least 2,000 defendants.

More than 100 people have remained jailed under pretrial detention orders; some have been kept behind bars for two years for nonviolent offenses, she said.

They are political prisoners, Kelly said.

She thinks the truth is about to come out on the video that has been hidden by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Capitol Police for more than two years.

Originally, authorities said they had 14,000 hours of surveillance camera footage; its actually 44,000 hours, Kelly said. Previously, the government allowed certain handpicked news organizations to get whatever they wanted out of that tape to bolster the narrative, Kelly said.

A protester appears to be listening to instructions shortly before he deactivates the lock on the inner Columbus Doors at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Defendants charged with breaching the doors argue this CCTV video shows the doors were opened from the inside. (Video Still/U.S. Department of Justice)

But now, she said, theyre crying foul because Fox News commentator Tucker Carlsons team has been given access to the videos.

Kelly predicts the result will be a shocking and sickening revelation of one of the worst instances of police brutality that has ever happened.

Thats why the government has fought to keep the video and all related documents under seal, she said.

But Kelly declared: The truth is comingand hopefully some redemption for all these people who have had their lives destroyed. It will be some measure of peace and justice for that.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 3, 2023 - 21:31 | All, Japan, World

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is arranging to visit India later this month for talks with his counterpart Narendra Modi, a government source said Friday, as Tokyo holds the presidency of the Group of Seven nations this year.

Kishida's trip to India, currently chair of the Group of 20 economies for 2023, would come weeks after his government did not send Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to a meeting of the G-20 top diplomats, held for two days through Thursday in New Delhi.

Hayashi's absence triggered a backlash from Indian local media that claimed Japan's decision not to dispatch the country's foreign minister to the G-20 gathering could cast a shadow over relations between the two Asian nations.

Kishida, who is likely to visit India for three days from March 19, has been eager to confirm with Modi that Tokyo and New Delhi, as this year's G-7 and G-20 presidents, will work together more closely to tackle issues stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine, the source said.

In tandem with other G-7 members, Japan has been bolstering economic sanctions on Russia. But India, which is highly dependent on Moscow for military and energy supplies, has shied away from implementing punitive measures against Russia.

India has also emerged as a key nation of the "Global South," a term that collectively refers to developing countries in areas such as Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Kishida has been keen to deepen ties with such countries to pave the way for the success of the G-7 in-person summit scheduled for May in Japan's western city of Hiroshima, which was devastated by a U.S. atomic bomb in World War II, the source said.

During the envisioned meeting, Kishida is expected to invite Modi to participate in the G-7 summit, the source added.

Along with the G-7 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States plus the European Union --, the G-20 also includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.
Defense Department Officials Racial Justice Book Series Now Being Carried in Many DoD K-12 Schools

People carry signs during a "Defund the Police" march from King County Youth Jail to City Hall in Seattle, Wash., on Aug 5, 2020. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images)

A recent audit found that K-12 schools operated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) are carrying hundreds of Racial Justice in America books that were written on the side by one of the DoDs diversity officials, raising questions about conflicts of interest and self-dealing in the department.

On Thursday, the independent watchdog organization OpenTheBooks.com published a report on their recent audit of the Department of Defence Education Activity (DoDEA), the branch of the DoD that oversees education curriculums for the minor children of service members. The audit found that, as of January, 45 DoDEA schools were carrying 606 books written or co-produced by Kelisa Wing, who is DoDEAs chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Wings books are part of a series called Racial Justice in America and feature titles including Jim Crow and Policing, What Does it Mean To Defund the Police, What is White Privilege, What is Anti-Racism and What is the Black Lives Matter Movement, among others. Fox News reported the book What is White Privilege includes the passage: White privilege hurts a lot of people. If you are White you might feel bad about hurting others or you might feel afraid to lose this privilege. The book What is Anti-Racism also allegedly makes the erroneous claim that the modern concept of race was introduced by Nazi Germany, referred to in the book as the German National Party though the Nazi party was actually formally called the National Socialist German Workers Party.

Wing previously came under scrutiny for racially charged tweets she made, and was also scrutinized for her involvement in the Racial Justice in America book series and how her racial views are being introduced into the DoDEA curriculum.

DoDEA operates 160 K-12 schools in 11 foreign countries, seven U.S. states, and two territories.

In October of last year, after Wings tweets resurfaced, OpenTheBooks.com audited the DoDEA to see how many of Wings books were included in DoDEA school libraries. The organization found that 11 schools collectively carried 45 copies of Wings childrens books at the time.

In their latest audit, OpenTheBooks.com found that the number had grown to 606 copies in 49 DoDEA schoolsa 1,200 percent increase in the availability of her books in DoDEA schools following the heightened scrutiny of her racial views. OpenTheBooks.coms audit report provides direct links to the library inventory portals for various DoDEA schools.

A DoDEA employee also posted on Twitter praise for Wing after she read one of her books to a class of 4th graders.

This weeks Friday Featured Author was our own DoDEA TOY Kelisa Wing! Wow. Just wow. She was such a light, such a joy, and INSPIRED my students to write and understand that feedback is a gift. Thank you SO MUCH for spending time with my 4th grade class! @kelisa_l2teach pic.twitter.com/2S7ViHAT8G  Michelle McCann (@makemathstick) October 2, 2020

Ethics Concerns

DoDEA has standards of conduct regarding potential conflicts of interest. Those standards prohibit DoDEA employees from making sales solicitations to colleagues and prohibit employees from participating in DoD matters that impact covered relationships such as someone with whom you have or seek to have a business relationship.

NTD reached out to DoDEA regarding the ethics surrounding the potential purchase or promotion of books sold by Wings outside business associates, including co-authors and the publishers of their books. DoDEA did not respond to the request for comment before this article was published.

In a February interview with Military Times, Wing said she does not promote her books with DoDEA and does not receive royalties from the sale of those books.

Wokeness in the Military

The DoDEA has brought hundreds of Wings books into its K-12 school libraries at a time when the military is facing criticisms that it is promoting wokeness.

In the summer of 2020, as protests and riots over racial unrest spread throughout the country, the U.S. Army was caught sharing a training slide that listed then-President Donald Trumps Make America Great Again campaign slogan as an example of covert white supremacy.

In 2021, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) shared allegations of critical race theory training and seminars being conducted at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Recent surveys also suggest growing concerns, among both civilians and active-military members, that the military is becoming politicized.

Democratic lawmakers have pushed back on accusations that the military has become politicized. In a January interview with Military.com, Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) said that its the Republican claims of woke politics infiltrating the military, rather than the policies themselves, that are undermining public trust in the U.S. military.

I have zero time for the political distractions and BS, and I will very aggressively call that out, said Ryan, who is a West Point graduate and Army veteran.

Some military leaders have also defended so-called woke policies in the military.

Addressing critical race theory during a June 2021 congressional hearing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said its important for members of the military to be widely read before saying I want to understand white rage, and Im white.

Wing defended her past racially charged remarks during her recent interview with Military Times. Wing said she shared her racial and political commentary outside of her DoDEA work setting.

From NTD News
DeSantis Moves Against Prosecutor After Parolee Allegedly Goes on Killing Rampage

Orange County Sheriff John Mina addresses the media during a press conference about multiple shootings in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 22, 2023. Keith Moses, 19, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken another step in his war on liberal prosecutors, moving against an Orlando-area prosecutor after the shooting deaths on Feb. 22 of three people, including a 9-year-old girl.

A 19-year-old man on juvenile felony probation pleaded not guilty on Feb. 24 to an initial count of first-degree murder.

Keith Moses was subsequently charged on Feb. 28 with two more counts of first-degree murder.

DeSantiss counsel Ryan Newman requested that Monique Worrell, state attorney for Floridas 9th Judicial Circuit covering Orange and Osceola counties, turn over records on Moses.

Moses had been arrested in November 2021 for possession of a small amount of marijuana and released. Newman argued that it was a probation violation, that he and two co-defendants had long criminal records, and that their arrests might have sustained more severe charges.

Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren addresses the media after learning he was suspended from his duties by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Tampa, Fla., on Aug. 4, 2022. (Octavio Jones/Reuters)

The failure of your office to hold this individual accountable for his actionsdespite his extensive criminal history and gang affiliationmay have permitted this dangerous individual to remain on the street.

Clearly, Mr. Moses should never have been in a position to commit those senseless crimes of last week, Newman wrote to Worrell in a letter dated Feb. 28.

Newman wrote that Mosess most recent arrest had been on Nov. 21, 2021, for possession of fewer than 20 grams of cannabis.

The arrest affidavit states, It should be noted that all three subjects have multiple firearms possession charges, to include attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery with a firearm and all had ski mask style masks on them in the vehicle.

Further, our records indicate that Mr. Moses was on Juvenile Felony Probation at the time of this arrest, having previously been arrested for offenses such as battery, burglary, larceny, robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and multiple instances of resisting an officer, among other serious arrests.

Newman cites the governors authority under the Florida Constitution to require information in writing, from all executive or administrative state, county or municipal officers upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices.

He also demands information on the number and circumstances of individuals who1) were arrested for committing a felony or had violated the terms of their probation by being arrested for a crime, 2) had a prior criminal history, and 3) were not prosecuted by your office.

Worrell has until Mar. 14 to comply.

Orange County deputies said that around 11 a.m. on Feb. 22, deputies responded to reports of a shooting in Pine Hills.

Nathacha Augustin, 38, was found shot and died on the scene. Police reported later that the woman was riding in a car where Moses had been offered a ride.

A Spectrum News 13 reporter working the incident, Dylan Lyons, 24, was shot after Moses allegedly returned to the scene, and died later at the hospital, while a fellow news crew member, Jesse Walden, was seriously wounded.

Police said Tyonna Major, 9, was shot in her nearby home along with her mother shortly after that and died in the hospital while her mother was seriously wounded.

The governors move follows his suspension of Hillsborough Countys State Attorney Andrew Warren on Aug. 4, 2022.

DeSantiss order said Warren publicly stated he wouldnt enforce abortion laws.

Recall Attempt

Warren and Worrell were among 74 prosecutors nationally who signed a June 2021 statement condemning the criminalization of transgender people and gender-affirming health care were attached as Exhibit A to DeSantiss order.

Two of the other prosecutors included Chesa Boudin in San Francisco, who was ejected from office in a recall election by voters on Jun. 7, 2022, and George Gascon, who survived a recall attempt in August 2022 when a court rejected nearly 200,000 of almost 716,000 signatures gathered to recall him.

Both were supported in their elections by progressive financier George Soros.

Additionally, DeSantiss suspension order cited Warren for declining to prosecute certain misdemeanor offenses.

A federal judge dismissed Warrens lawsuit for reinstatement on Jan. 20, 2023, finding it was not a federal matter while widely criticizing the governors action in the opinion.

Worrell defended herself in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel.

Moses, in 2021, was arrested with 4.5 grams of marijuana in his possession, but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement does not test amounts of the drug below 20 grams, the minimum felony amount, she said.

Families Reject Playing Politics

Even if I was able to proceed that case, there is no sentence in the entire state of Florida that would have required Mr. Moses to be incarcerated in prison, she said.

You have to hold people accountable, DeSantis said in a press conference on Feb. 27.

I know the state attorney in Orlando thinks that you dont prosecute people and thats the way that somehow you have better communities. That does not work.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott, himself a former Florida governor, supported DeSantiss move.

Every prosecutor that chose to give this young criminal a pass should be fired today, Scott said in a statement, and state attorney Worrell must immediately account for how her office failed to protect the community from a violent criminal and outline what shes changing to ensure it doesnt happen again.

However, a lawyer for the families of two of the three victims issued a statement on their behalf accusing DeSantis and Scott of playing politics with the tragedy, defending Worrells actions on Mosess prior case, and calling on the legislature to pass stricter gun laws.

Both families are strong and resolute in their conviction not to allow their children to die in vain or for them to be used as political pawns by DeSantis and Scott when the true issue of sane and responsible gun laws is being deflected and avoided by these gun-loving politicians, attorney Mark NeJame said.

He represents the families of Lyons and Major.
Electric Vehicles Spark Rush to Train 100,000 Australian Mechanics

The new Nissan LEAF vehicle is seen in Melbourne, Australia, on July 11, 2019. (Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Lift the bonnet of an electric vehicle (EV) and it might seem like something is missing.

Electric cars have no transmission, fuel pump, head gasket or spark plugs, and fewer moving parts overall.

The changes are stark enough to strike even a casual observer and could easily stump a home mechanic or panel beater but also have the potential to challenge trained mechanics.

Motor Trades Association (MTA) New South Wales (NSW) chief executive Stavros Yallouridis warns Australia is lagging behind the rest of the world in retraining its automotive workforce.

More than 100,000 Australian technicians will need to undergo further training to service the growing number of electric vehicles on Australian roads by 2030 and experts warn little attention has been paid to address the issue.

Automotive groups are calling for state and federal governments to take urgent action to boost electric vehicle training and avoid a bungled EV rollout.

Its a predicament industry bodies raised following the last federal budget, which contained fringe benefits tax cuts to raise the uptake of electric vehicles but didnt address how they would be serviced.

Issues including fuel-emission standards and charging infrastructure dominated the debate about getting more electric cars on Australian roads but the question of maintaining them was ignored.

Specialist training in electric car and battery maintenance for mechanics is critical to avoid workplace safety dangers and driver risks, Yallouridis said.

NSW has more than 49,000 licensed automotive technicians, with more than 100,000 across the country.

Yallouridis said the association has invested $1 million (US$0.68 million) in procuring specialised electric vehicle equipment from Germany to create short educational courses in safety and maintenance.

But he said training the entire NSW workforce would cost more than $100 million and governments need to work with industry to share the cost and develop standards.

To do anything less is reckless and puts the transformation in jeopardy, risking our countrys ability to reduce emissions and meet our international obligations, Yallouridis said.

Nobody wants to see a bungled EV rollout. This has to be scaled up right the first time around.

More than 83,000 electric cars are being driven on Australian roads and more than 100,000 are predicted to hit streets in coming months.

Despite the modest numbers, Hugo Acosta from vehicle operations company Carma said the shortage in mechanics trained to service electric cars is already becoming apparent.

Acosta said the company, which inspects, reconditions and sells second-hand vehicles online, is struggling to find mechanics trained to service both petrol and electric cars.

There is a lag in offering certification and training for these technicians, Acosta told AAP.

Carma was in the market for a couple of apprentices but recruits faced limited opportunities and had to choose whether to complete four years of training in electric or petrol vehiclesnot both.

Of the registered training organisations, only seven are offering EV training for apprentices versus 168 organisations for (internal combustion engine) cars, Acosta said.

Obviously thats a challenge because youve got these new people coming into the industry and having to choose.

MTA NSW government relations and advocacy head Collin Jennings said automotive apprenticeships are also complicated by their practical component.

Each apprentice needs to be paired with a mechanic trained in servicing electric vehicles, which isnt yet a common qualification.

A lot of what apprentices do is is on-the-job training, Jennings said.

While apprenticeships might start today, it will be a question of whether the person in that workshop supervising the apprentice has the skills (to service an electric vehicle).

Workers in related fields will also need further training. Dealing with an electric car damaged in an accident, for example, could present risks to untrained staff.

Each technician, be they working at a service centre, all the way through to tow truck drivers, panel beaters, spray painters, will all need to be upskilled in how to de-power an electric vehicle, Jennings said.

Electric vehicle batteries store up to about 800 volts. If theyre damaged and not handled properly they can be dangerous.

Australia may have as little as seven years to ramp up training for thousands of new and experienced auto workers.

The ACT has adopted a sales target of 80 percent electric vehicle sales by 2030, while Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and NSW aim to achieve a 50 percent share of the market by then.

If governments dont collaborate with industry quickly, Australias transport transition could face another speed bump.

We dont want to be in a situation in five years where three quarters of the workforce dont know how to work with electric vehicles, Jennings said.
Ericsson to Pay $206 Million for Breaking US Deal in Bribery Case

A man wearing a face mask talks on his smartphone near a booth from Swedish technology firm Ericsson at the PT Expo in Beijing on Oct. 14, 2020. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo)

STOCKHOLMSwedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson has agreed to plead guilty to U.S. foreign corruption violations and pay more than $206 million for breaking a deal with the Justice Department over charges of bribery and falsifying records in countries from China to Kuwait.

The U.S. Justice Department said the company, based in Stockholm, violated a 2019 agreement by failing to provide documents and information the agency needed for its investigation and to bring charges against individuals accused of misconduct.

Ericsson, which provides equipment for high-speed 5G wireless networks, used intermediaries to bribe government officials and manage illicit stashes of cash in Djibouti, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Kuwait, prosecutors say.

The companys breach of its obligations  indicate that Ericsson did not learn its lesson, and it is now facing a steep price for its continued missteps, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York said in a prepared statement Thursday.

Ericsson was accused of drawing up fake contracts and invoices to pay third-party agents carrying out the bribes and then not properly accounting for the payments from 2000 to 2016.

CEO Borje Ekholm says Ericsson has made important changes and is committed to enforcing strict controls and improved oversight and ethics.

This resolution is a stark reminder of the historical misconduct that led to the deal with the Justice Department, Ekholm said in a prepared statement. We have learned from that, and we are on an important journey to transform our culture. To be a true industry leader, we must be a market and technology leader while also being a leader in how we conduct our business.

Facing a criminal indictment in New York over violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Ericsson in 2019 paid a $520 million penalty and agreed to have an independent compliance monitor for three years.

Now, the Justice Department says the company has failed to truthfully disclose all information and evidence in the Djibouti and China cases and in other potential bribery or accounting violations. Ericsson also failed to turn over details in a 2019 Iraq internal investigation that has raised allegations of illegal business behavior, the agency said.

As a result, Ericsson agreed to plead guilty to the charges put off by the 2019 deal: conspiracy to violate the foreign corruption laws anti-bribery and bookkeeping provisions.

Ericsson will pay $206.7 million, serve probation through June 2024 and keep the independent compliance monitor for another year.

Its the latest hit for the company, which said last week that its cutting 8 percent of its global workforce as it looks to reduce costs.
Gas Tanker Explodes on Maryland Highway, Killing 1

An overturned gas tanker exploded on a highway in Frederick, Maryland, on Saturday, killing one person. There was damage done to nearby vehicles and homes and city officials advised residents to avoid the area.

Smoke and flames filled the air after the tanker exploded on U.S. Route 15 in Maryland, according to the public information officer for Maryland State Police (MDSP), Ron Snyder.

The driver of the tanker died on the scene, Snyder confirmed. No other fatalities or injuries were reported.

The highway was closed between Route 50 and 7th Street, according to MDSP, which has officers at the scene.

MDSP wrote on Twitter that Multiple vehicles and homes suffered damage from flames from the fire caused by the overturned tanker.

Fredericks Division of Fire & Rescue Services (DFRS) personnel were also at the scene, according to Frederick Mayor Michael OConnor. The mayor is asking residents to avoid the area.

The states Fire Marshal and Department of the Environment were also notified and are responding to the scene, MDSP said. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The mayor made a statement saying: We are providing all available resources to assist with this incident. We will continue to support DFRS as they lead incident control and clean up. I implore all residents to avoid the area to allow DFRS to do their jobs and prevent any fire from spreading.

From NTD News
Kellogg: End Ukraine War Quickly to Finally Focus on CCP Threat

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and former Chief of Staff of the U.S. National Security Council (NSC), currently Co-Chairman of the Center for American Security at America First Policy Institute (AFPI), speaks with Epoch Times Senior Editor and Host of the American Thought Leaders show Jan Jekielek at the Army Strong session on the main stage at CPAC 2023 on March 4, 2023. (Photo courtesy of CPAC 2023)

The United States should work to quickly to end the Russia-Ukraine war so it can finally focus on its main global threat, the Chinese Communist Party, according to Keith Kellogg, the former national security advisor to the vice president of the United States.

In an on-stage interview at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on March 4, Kellogg told Jan Jekielek, senior editor at The Epoch Times and host of American Thought Leaders, that the war in Ukraine cant be drawn out much longer before it becomes an endless conflict that youll never be able to put it back in the box.

I would give Putin a choice. If I was the president, Id say you should pick up the phone, which President Biden has not done. You pick up the phone and call Putin and say, You got an option  Youre going to lose your army in Ukraine or youre going to take it home,' Kellogg said.

Theres nothing wrong with taking a strategic adversary, like the Russians off the stage, because then, for the first time in 21 years, we can focus on the predominant threat facing the United States. And thats China.

Referencing the advice hes given to President Donald Trump, Kellogg said the best thing you can have in the military is fight one enemy at a time. Never fight two.

Theres nothing wrong with taking a strategic adversary, like the Russians off the stage, because then, for the first time in 21 years, we can focus on the predominant threat facing the United States. And thats China.

@A1Policy's @generalkellogg in discussion with me at @CPAC pic.twitter.com/ij6ACaGRqg  Jan Jekielek (@JanJekielek) March 6, 2023

Kellogg emphasized that the United States should do everything it can in Ukraine to provide assistance in standing up against the Russian army and negotiating with Russias leadership.

When I was over in Ukraine and spent over two weeks there with them, Ukrainians dont want any Americans. They dont want anybody there. They want the equipment to fight the Russians. And theyve got the Russians on the back heels Kellogg said. And I think thats good, because I think weve taken a strategic adversary off the stage.

Jekielek point to Chinas engagement in unconventional warfare, including psychological and financial warfare. He questioned Kellogg as to whether the U.S. military is moving fast enough to understand that a war is being fought without shots being fired.

Kellogg stressed that everyone has to understand that risk is a province of war.

According to the general, the current administration doesnt seem inclined to take on risk, and this could be a problem in supporting those who stand up to our enemies abroad.

The general said that he is most concerned with the President Joe Bidens lack of presidential decision-making  The concern Ive got is they dont have the adults in the room.

Kellogg said that no one should count out or bet against the American military despite his awareness that the military might have some issues, including the possibility that it is detrimentally woke.

He emphasized that the militarys job is to fight and deter enemies, and hes not sure that is the current focus of the military.

Regarding China, Kellogg thinks the threat from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is huge for America. He cited Chinas leader Xi Jinpings comments about the East and West being irreconcilable. China is trying to have complete influence over the area and has been very aggressive in acquiring it, Kellogg added.

Kellogg said that under Trump, the United States looked at decoupling as a way of moving away from having so many businesses in China. He noted that the $350 billion trade deficit between the United States and China means America has, in reality, funded Chinas government and military.

We need to decouple and move away from that, Kellogg said.

In recent weeks, the Biden administration has warned China against supplying military aid to Russia for the Ukraine war. The leaders of China and Russia plan to meet in the coming months, suggesting the two nations may be drawing even closer as a result of Russias increased isolation from the Western world triggered by its invasion of Ukraine.
Thousands of people may have been exposed to measles during a recent gathering in Kentucky, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an alert on March 3.

State officials have confirmed that one person with measles, who hadnt been vaccinated, attended a two-week-long religious gathering at Asbury University, a small Christian college in Wilmore, Kentucky, on Feb. 17 and 18.

Some 20,000 people may have been exposed to measles at the gathering, which began on Feb. 8.

An undetermined number of these people may have been exposed, the CDC said.

The agency is advising people who attended the gathering, and are either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated against measles, to quarantine for 21 days and to discuss getting vaccinated after the quarantine period is over.

Health care professionals who see people who attended the event, or have had contact with an attendee, or have recently traveled abroad, should consider diagnosing measles if certain symptoms appear, including rash and cough, the agency said.

Professionals should recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to patients who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, the CDC also said. It recommends that a person traveling to another country ensure he is vaccinated prior to leaving for the trip.

CDC officials said previously that they were working with the Kentucky Department of Public Health to try to identify any additional measles cases that have arisen from the Asbury University gathering.

3rd Case in 3 Months

Kentucky health officials announced the confirmed case on Feb. 24, stating that the unvaccinated person attended a large spiritual revival at the university.

Anyone who attended the revival on Feb. 18 may have been exposed to measles, Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said at the time.

Attendees who are unvaccinated are encouraged to quarantine for 21 days and to seek immunization with the measles vaccine, which is safe and effective.

The person was described as a Jessamine County resident, but no other details, such as age or gender, were given.

Asbury University said the confirmed case attended services in the universitys Hughes Auditorium on Feb. 18. The university encouraged people to follow the quarantine guidance.

The case is the third confirmed in three months in the state. Officials confirmed a December 2022 case in Christian County that was linked to an outbreak in Ohio. Another case was confirmed in January in Powell County.

These two previous cases were thoroughly investigated and neither presented a public health threat, officials said.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease with symptoms usually appearing seven to 14 days after infection. Symptoms can include red and watery eyes, white spots inside the mouth, and rashes.

Most cases are recorded outside the United States.

Three U.S. cases have been recorded so far in 2023, according to the CDC. In 2022, there were 121 cases, up from 49 in 2021 and 13 in 2020.

Many outbreaks were recorded in 2019, when more than 1,200 cases were confirmed.

Most children receive the MMR vaccine when they are young. Fully vaccinated means two doses. The first dose is typically administered between the ages of 12 months and 15 months.

The second dose is typically given when a child is between the ages of 4 and 7.

Childhood vaccination rates have been declining in recent years, including rates of MMR vaccination. Some experts attribute the decline to a drop in public trust in health agencies and officials, due in part to how theyve promoted leaky COVID-19 vaccines.
As COVID-19 vaccine victims are waking up to the reality that their bodies have been genetically loaded with either Pfizer or Moderna modifications (~70 percent homologous) of the Wuhan spike protein, a collective panic is driving a search for detoxification of this deadly protein proven to cause heart damage, neurological injury, blood clotting, and potentially more problems over the longer term.

Recently, vulnerabilities have been discovered in spike including proteolytic cleavage sites where the protein can be broken down by enzymes that could be suitable for drug development. In nature, there are many sources of such enzymes including worms.

The Japanese polychaete river worm Neanthes japonica (Izuka) is a known source of an alkaline serine protease abbreviated ASPNJ with the N for Neanthes japonica. Liu et al. have exploited the weaknesses found in spike and described them:

The Spike protein of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 was 1273 aa in length [2,25], containing 103 K and R residues. The prediction using the ExPASy peptide cutter and our experimental results showed that 101 R and K sites could be hydrolyzed by trypsin and ASPNJ, except for 462KP (P, proline, pro) and 811KP (Supplement Table S1). The 11 K sites (including 417K) and 11 R sites in RBD of S1, as well as the 682R, 683R, and 685R in the CendR motif of S1 and the 825K, 835K, 847R, and 854K in the fusion peptide of S2, can all be hydrolyzed by ASPNJ.

While Lui was targeting the wild-type spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, it is unknown whether the current Omicron strain or the altered Pfizer and Moderna versions of spike would have these same sites for hydrolysis.

APSNJ dissolved spike even at low concentrations within minutes and is believed to be viable for intravenous drug development. As these findings help propel the field forward, the next steps for Luis lab would be to repeat the experiments with the current Omicron strain, Pfizer, and Moderna spike protein families, and determine if there is equal dissolution.

While the public has been bashing Big Pharma for fraud and corruption in the COVID-19 vaccine debacle, there is a great need for the industry to step in and develop detoxifying agents or other methods to ameliorate spike protein damage to the human body from either vaccination or post-COVID-19 syndrome, and commonly in those with both exposures.

Reposted from Peter A. McCulloughs Substack

 References:

Liu J, Kan M, Zhang L, Yue Y, Wang S, Hong M, Hong X. Rapid Degradation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike S Protein by A Specific Serine Protease. Molecules. 2022 Mar 14;27(6):1882. doi: 10.3390/molecules27061882. PMID: 35335246; PMCID: PMC8954242.

Epoch Health articles are for informational purposes and are not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please consult a trusted professional for personal medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment. Have a question? Email us at HealthReporter@epochtimes.nyc
High Welfare in NSW Is Encouraging the Labour Shortage: Hospitality Minister

'We paid them too much to stay at home'

A homeless person sits on the pavement in Melbourne's CBD in Victoria, Australia on June 4, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

Candidates for the Labor and Greens parties for a regional seat in New South Wales (NSW) both acknowledged they didnt know how to fix the labour shortage, while the National MP attributed the problem to unmotivated workers who are paid too much to stay at home by the state.

The comment was made ahead of the NSW state election at the Meet the Candidates public forum held by the Tamworth Business Chamber on Feb. 27.

An audience submitted a question about the shortage of skilled labour, which has been putting pressure on wages, stifling business growth, and delaying the completion of housing projects in regional areas. The question also pointed to the regional workforce cap of 11,200 per annum.

Businesses are currently utilising those cap places but using existing or external recruiters and support. It costs them about $20,000 per placement, the question read. We need more people, we need solutions. What do you got?

The Meet the Candidates public forum was held in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia on Feb. 27, 2023. (Tamworth Business Chamber/Facebook)

Centre-left Labor candidate for Tamworth Kate McGrath replied that the question is really specific.

I dont know enough about that space to give you a decent answer, but Im absolutely happy to find out, McGrath said. Can I take it on notice, she told the host before asking for an email list of people attending the panel.

Kate McGrath is the Labor candidate for the seat of Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. (Kath McGrath/ Facebook)

Left-wing Greens candidate Ryan Brooke followed suit, saying he thought it was a very specific question and didnt think he had enough knowledge offhand to give a satisfactory answer. He promised to get back to them.

Ryan Brooke is the Greens candidate for Tamworth in New South Wales, Australia. (Ryan Brooke/The Australian Greens website)

Meanwhile, Tamworth MP and NSW Hospitality and Water Minister Kevin Anderson said the problem was that unmotivated workers are receiving too much government relief to stay at home.

Anderson, from the centre-right Nationals party, said it is difficult to get people to work and get them motivated.

Its a big problem getting people out of bed in the morning to go and do something, the Tamworth MP noted. Its changed during COVID.

We paid them too much to stay at home. Were still paying them too much to stay at home. So what weve got to do is flip that around.

This is despite the state government offering free courses, free apprenticeship, and free training shifts for pretty much just about anything to help people train and build skills, and find a new job, Anderson added.

In February the NSW government signed a A$319 million (US$215.59 million) agreement to provide up to 300 fully-subsidised courses across a wide range of areas including health, early childhood education, business, and building and construction.

It has allocated a further A$2 billion (US$1.35 billion) for vocational education and training under the JobTrainer program.

Meanwhile, the federal Labor government also offered 465,000 fee-free TAFE places to help school leavers and workers wanting to retrain to get back into the workforce.

Nationals MP Kevin Anderson arrives at Government House on October 6, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (James Brickwood/Pool/Getty Images)

Independent candidate Mark Rodda agreed, saying the pandemic has certainly exacerbated workforce deficits.

You know, Im gonna go out on a limb and support what Kevin said in relation to are we paying some of those people to sit at home too much.

Rodda added that the regional workforce cap should be lifted and its quite late.

Unemployment Up

In Australia, those who are unemployed can apply for JobSeeker Payment, which is $668.40 per fortnight.

The number of Australians receiving unemployment benefits from JobSeeker rose significantly during COVID-19, and is currently higher than at any point before the pandemic.

The governments massive spending during the pandemic has led to concerns about the expansion of the welfare state, which encourages peoples dependence on the government and thus leads to low productivity.

In January, national unemployment rate increased to 3.7 percentthe highest since May, 2022, while the number of unemployed people rose by 21,900 to 523,200, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Businesses continue to grapple with labour shortages, with the NSW Treasury predicting a shortfall of more than 300,000 workers in NSW for 2025-26.

Question Over TAFE Management

Anderson suggested that to address skills shortage, TAFE must be back to basics as poor management is hampering the effectiveness of the system.

Weve got a fantastic TAFE system here in Tamworth that is not operating as it should, he said. Weve got the best teachers in the world, operating with hands behind their back when it comes to making the courses available.

If youre gonna run a carpentry course, they tell you that you need 30 students. Oh, we cant run the course weve only got 15 students.

However, Labors skills spokesman accused the minister of failing to acknowledge his governments systemic dismantling of the TAFE system.

Minister Andersons comments send a clear message: the Liberals and Nationals just dont get it, Tim Crakanthorp said on Friday. A government who does not acknowledge they have a problem are a government with no plans to fix the problem.

AAP contributed to this report.
Hong Kong Probes Cause of Blaze in Shopping District

HONG KONGHong Kong authorities on Friday were investigating the cause of a huge blaze that broke out overnight at a construction site in a popular shopping district and forced 170 people in nearby buildings to evacuate.

No deaths or injuries have been reported after the fire erupted at the Mariners Club redevelopment project in the densely populated Tsim Sha Tsui district at about 11 p.m. Thursday. Multiple floors of the structureincluding scaffoldingwere on fire, and burning debris floated in the air.

The Empire Groups redevelopment plan was to build a 42-story architectural landmark to house the historic Mariners Club and a new hotel, the firms website said.

The fire was largely extinguished by 8:30 a.m., deputy chief fire officer Keung Sai-ming said. Firefighters had battled the blaze for around nine hours.

When firefighters arrived at the scene Thursday night, flames were seen on multiple floors of the building but only temporary firefighting equipment was available, Keung said.

The building is still under construction, so firefighting equipment commonly found in other buildings is not ready for use yet, he said. We needed a large number of people to supply water to the very high floors to fight the fire, so we faced many challenges.

Firefighters battle a fire at a construction site in Hong Kong on March 3, 2023. (Louise Delmotte/AP Photo)

The construction materials there, including wooden boards and metal bars, also made it difficult for fire crews to move around, he added.

The site is surrounded by a shopping center, several hotels, and some residential and commercial buildings. Earlier in the night, crowds of onlookers gathered on the street to watch the operation that involved 250 firefighters and paramedics.

Yesterday night was quite windy. The burning debris was blown towards five buildings by our count, Keung said. Two of the buildings, namely a hotel and a commercial building, saw part of their balconies catch on fire. Fortunately, our officers on standby quickly extinguished them.

As dawn broke, the fire was less serious than it had been hours earlier, although flames could still be seen on multiple floors. The structures exterior walls were blackened and parts of its scaffolding appeared shaky.

People staying in three buildings close to the scene had to be evacuated, police said.

One person who stayed in a nearby building was startled and felt sick, and was later sent to a hospital, authorities said. Another resident also felt sick near the scene and went to the hospital, they added.

Tsim Sha Tsui is a tourist and shopping area in Kowloon, and is famous for its skyscrapers and an iconic view of the citys Victoria Harbor.

By Kanis Leung
Hundreds Evacuated as Vanuatu Braces for Second Cyclone in 2 Days

An aerial view of Erakor island and the coastline of Port Vila, Vanuatu on Dec. 7, 2019. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

More than 400 people in Vanuatu remain in evacuation centers as Cyclone Kevin makes landfall in the Pacific Island nation just two days after it was hit by a massive cyclone, which triggered an earthquake.

The Fiji Meteorology Service said that tropical cyclone Kevin arrived in Vanuatu on Friday, bringing torrential rain and wind gusts up to 230 kilometers (143 miles) per hour.

The cyclone intensified to a category 5 on Saturday over open waters to the southeast of Vanuatu, with adverse weather conditions expected to affect the Fiji Group, according to the meteorological agency.

It lies to the far west of Fiji and is gradually moving southeast. Severe [tropical cyclone] Kevin is expected to track to the south of the Group tonight and tomorrow while remaining over open waters, the agency said.

Severe Tropical cyclone #Kevin is hitting Pacific island #Vanuatu, which was also shaken by an earthquake today and impacted by cyclone #Judy earlier this week. Destructive winds and heavy rains, says WMO regional centre @FJMETservice

Image @CopernicusEU #Sentinel2 of 2 March pic.twitter.com/qzklDQfFnP  World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) March 3, 2023

It comes just two days after category 4 Cyclone Judy hit the Pacific Island nation. The back-to-back cyclones triggered a magnitude 6.6 earthquake in Vanuatu on Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The government declared a state of emergency on Friday and urged those whose homes had been damaged to stay in evacuation centers.

People who have lost their houses and belongings were advised to stay in the evacuation centers until it is safe for them to return, Shefa provincial government disaster officer Eddy Maliliu told reporters.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Vanuatu are estimated to be affected by the two massive cyclones that slammed across the island nation within 24 hours, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

IFRC said that access to affected communities was hampered as most roads have been damaged, and fallen power lines have also caused power outages, making communication to remote communities difficult.

The impact of both these cyclones will be felt for a long time as people slowly start to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. The response and recovery efforts will be huge, Vanuatu Red Cross secretary-general Dickinson Tevi said in a statement.

Australia on Friday said it would send a 12-person assessment team to Vanuatu along with emergency supplies like shelters and water purification equipment.

The Royal Australian Air Force will also help with aerial damage assessments.

The Australian Defence Force as a part of the whole-of-government effort is coordinating closely with the Pacific family to provide the best support possible to the Ni-Vanuatu people, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said on Friday.

UNICEF Pacific said it was closely monitoring the situation and will be working with the Vanuatu government and partners to respond to the urgent needs of families affected. The U.N. agency said it will ship emergency supplies to Vanuatu from Fiji to support disaster relief.

We are deeply concerned by the impact of two devastating cyclones on vulnerable children and families in Vanuatu, UNICEF Pacific said on Twitter.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Indiana Congressman Calls for Immediate Halt of Hazardous Shipments From Ohio Derailment

Some of the derailed railcars from when a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed are in the process of being cleaned up in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 9, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo)

Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.) urged the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) on Friday to immediately halt the transportation of contaminated materials from the East Palestine train derailment to a Roachdale facility.

Last week, our state was blindsided by the announcement that the EPA would be relocating hazardous materials from the East Palestine train derailment to Roachdale, Baird said in a statement. Hoosiers deserve to know exactly whats happening in their own backyard, and until we have full transparency and proper oversight, I am respectfully asking IDEM to halt further transportation of hazardous materials to our state.

In his letter to IDEM Commissioner Brian Rockensuess, Baird cited his concerns about the potential risks to public safety and the environment. The 400-mile journey would likely see the contaminated materials travelling through Indianapolis, and the entirety of Ohio.

Baird criticized the EPA for not informing elected officials in advance about the shipments, despite their promise to do so. He demanded that the shipments to the Roachdale facility be stopped until two conditions were met.

First, all testing of the chemicals in the material being transported to the Roachdale facility must be openly disclosed by Norfolk Southern, the EPA, and IDEM. Second, he said that sufficient oversight of the company responsible for transporting and disposing of the contaminated material must be established.

The congressman noted that it was revealed during a town forum in Putnam County that three truckloads of the material had already arrived in Roachdale, and four more were expected to arrive soon.

On the day of the surprise announcement, I made clear that blindsiding Hoosiers by rushing contaminated material across state lines is risky and irresponsible, he wrote (pdf).

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb delivers his State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, on Jan. 11, 2022. (Darron Cummings, File/AP Photo)

EPA Commits to Testing for Dioxins Before Shipments

After Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb objected to the shipments earlier this week, he revealed on Friday night that the EPA has now provided us a written commitment that any further contaminated material scheduled for shipment will be tested for dioxins.

This is the right decision and I applaud the EPA for taking this important step. As for the materials that are already enroute prior to the EPA announcement, our teams have been working with the third-party lab to expedite the testing of those truck loads which should bear detailed results sometime early next week, Holcomb wrote on Twitter.

He added that samples would be taken on Saturday morning and tested the same day at Pace Laboratory.

The site operator is supportive of this testing and has been cooperative in helping us carry this out, Holcomb wrote, and pledged to share any results with the public openly and transparently as soon as they become available.

On Thursday, the EPA ordered freight train operator Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins after the company burned toxic pollutants from cargo on its derailed train last month.

Dioxins are a group of chemically-related compounds known as persistent environmental pollutants. They are found in any environment worldwide owing to common processes like burning wood or coal, and therefore end up in the food chain.

The toxic substance can be stored in the bodys fat tissue for an extended time and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage, hormone interference, and cancer.

On Tuesday, Holcomb said a third party had informed him about the shipments on Monday, and he then directed Rockensuess to contact the EPA. He also requested to speak to an EPA administrator.

The materials should go to the nearest facilities, not moved from the far eastern side of Ohio to the far western side of Indiana, Holcomb said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Indiana Capital Chronicle previously reported that IDEM officials had told the outlet the agency didnt have regulatory authority to prevent hazardous waste disposal facilities from accepting materials for which they are permitted to handle and dispose.

The Epoch Times contacted IDEM for comment.
Joshua Philipp, Robert Malone Discuss COVID-19 Origins, Vaccine Injuries, and Media Misinformation at CPAC

The Conservative Political Action Committees (CPAC) 2023 conference hosted a panel conversation featuring Dr. Robert Malone, an early mRNA vaccine researcher, Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Jerry Daniels, a marketing specialist, and Joshua Philipp, an investigative reporter for The Epoch Times.

The discussion centered on COVID-19 misinformation, the potential control to be gained, and opinions on what can and should be done to retain the rights granted to Americans by the Constitution.

Jackson, who is part of the House Select Committee on Coronavirus, stressed that the biggest tools in the House will be oversight, and his committee will dig into everything that went on regarding the origins of COVID-19.

He believes government agencies have started trying to admit their beliefs on the origins of COVID-19 in an attempt to cover for previous comments. The lawmaker also reported that whistleblowers are coming out of the woodwork, to talk about how various agencies responded to the virus.

During his comments, Daniels pointed out that some in the media have been found to be complicit in spreading misinformation and stopping information on treatment, prophylactic medication, and the history and origins of COVID-19.

Daniels pointed to the number of independent doctors who were doxxed and had other negative repercussions for not treating the coronavirus the way government agencies recommended. The marketing expert said he believes that corporate doctors are up against similar decisions to what the media has to face, in deciding whether to sell out for money.

Malone made similar points, saying it is likely that the government via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been withholding key information from physicians and other medical personnel.

According to Malone, the critical problem with withholding information about adverse events due to vaccines and negative responses to lockdown and masking is that its keeping doctors from providing forward-looking care for those at risk for cardiac events, stroke, clotting, and other issues.

This prevents physicians from providing proactive care, and the government must become more open and transparent and stop infringing on personal liberty.

What we have here is a clear unequivocal story of chronic government overreach over the last three years, Malone said. The government has used military-grade propaganda tools against us.

Philipp echoed Malones concern noting that the use of propaganda is a big deal.

The investigative journalist went on, saying, This goes into the topic of fifth-generation warfare  and Afghanistan and counterinsurgency, its the war for hearts and minds as they call it.

Jackson said that he is concerned that domestic and international organizations, along with others, have derived power from the COVID-19 pandemic and that this effort has likely been in the works for a long time.

As to Americans motivations for COVID-19 restrictions, the lawmaker said he believes that Democrats supported it because it allowed for a new kind of election in 2020.

Im a firm believer that the Democrats in general the party, their primary motivation was mail-in ballots, Jackson said. Thats how they won this last election during COVID  so I think that thats their motivation.

The lawmaker also asserted that a number of agencies are assisting each other in a symbiotic relationship, for power to flow toward Democrats and money to flow toward several private sectors, such as technology and pharmacy drug companies.

Daniels jumped in and said his initial concern regarding the response to COVID and vaccines was either about winning an election or about money, but that he has since changed his mind. He now believes COVID was the most well-planned psyop in the history of the world. He doesnt think the average politician in Washington is aware, and the parties are not as divided as the media wants people to think they are.

Near the end of his comments, Malone said the vaccine-injured need to stop being gaslit, and need to be recognized, compensated, and treated. He also confirmed that he is completely satisfied that much of what has gone on surrounding COVID-19 has been intentional and, prompted by bad actors.

In terms of those that have been vaccine damaged and wish to clear the spike protein from their body there are new technology platforms, Malone said, offering an alternative for those who regret receiving a vaccination. He went on to say he wants to confirm this has been a conspiracy.

There is no question there have been nefarious actors, the doctor said. They have exploited this for financial reasons. And thats not a conspiracy theory. Thats truth.
Man Sentenced to Jail for Fatally Striking Elderly Canadian Couple in San Diego

The Santa Barbara County Detention and Correctional Facility is seen in Santa Barbara, Calif., on June 12, 2005. (David McNew/Getty Images)

SAN DIEGOA man who fatally struck a married couple near Liberty Station with his SUV last year was sentenced March 3 to six months in county jail, plus two years of probation.

Kevin William Thomer, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence for the Jan. 19, 2022, deaths of Alberta, Canada residents Jerome Zimmer, 71, and Madelyn Zimmer, 69.

San Diego Harbor Police said that at about 6 p.m. that day, Thomer was speeding westbound on North Harbor Drive, west of Nimitz Boulevard, and struck the Zimmers, who died at the scene. The couple were not in a crosswalk when they were struck. Alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash, according to authorities.

Deputy District Attorney Paige Woodward said that just before the fatalities, Thomer was involved in a road rage dispute with another driver, then sped down Harbor Boulevard at 75 mph in a 40 mph zone.

The prosecutor, who sought a sentence of one year, said Thomer regularly drove down that stretch of road to and from his workplace and should have been aware of the voluminous pedestrian traffic in the area.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Daniel Goldstein told the victims family members in attendance that he had encouraged the sides to reach a plea deal in the case.

He said Thomers conduct was the main cause of this horrific homicide, but he said he didnt believe the case could go to trial when jurors might take into account that the Zimmers were jaywalking in a very hazardous area and that conditions were dark at the time.

Thomer was originally arrested last March, but has remained out of custody on $50,000 bail for much of the time since. He was ordered to surrender on Monday to begin his custodial term.
Marianne Williamson Announces 2024 Campaign Challenge to President Joe Biden

Marianne Williamson announces her 2024 presidential campaign in front of a crowd at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 2023. (Joseph Lord/The Epoch Times)

Marianne Williamson gathered before a crowd at Union Station in Washington on Saturday to announce that she is challenging President Joe Biden for the Democrat nomination in 2024.

Williamson, a bestselling self-help book author, struck an anti-establishment tone in front of an energetic crowd.

The status quo will not disrupt itself  thats our job, Williamson said.

Williamson first gained national attention in 2020 when she unsuccessfully sought the Democrat nomination for the nations highest office amid a crowded field of contenders.

Williamsons sometimes eclectic statements and political positions made her one of the most-ridiculed competitors in the field. For instance, in 2020 Williamson called for the creation of a Department of Peace and called on the United States to provide cash reparations to black people on the basis of their skin color.

Williamson also faced ridicule for comments she made during the presidential debates.

For instance, Williamson said at the time that her first call as president would be to the prime minister of New Zealand [to say] girlfriend, you are so on. The United States of America is going to be the best place in the world for a child to grow up.

Williamson vowed then to harness love for political purposes in order to defeat President Donald Trump.

Now, Williamson is mounting another campaign for the presidency, becoming the first major Democrat to challenge Biden for the nomination.

Martin Luther King said our lives start to end when we stop talking about things that matter, Williamson began her announcement. We are here today to talk about something that matters a lot: the United States of America.

Largely Silent on Biden

Notably, Williamson did not use the opportunity to attack Bidens performance in office.

Biden is the clear frontrunner for the Democrats 2024 nomination, and poses a significant threat to Williamsons aspiration to take the Oval Office.

Rather, Williamson made covert references to Trump, citing hatred and division as some of her concerns. Democrats have often sought to present themselves as a party of love, and have consistently used terms like hateful to describe Trump and his allies.

Were all here because we care about this country, but were also here because were worried about this country, she continued.

We know that this country is plagued by many challenges now, not the least of which is hatred and division, which is greater than any of us have experienced national life. It is our job to create a vision of justice and love that is so powerful that it will override the forces of hatred and injustice and fear, the candidate said.

Our country is at a crossroads, Williamson added. We can either continue down the path of division and hatred, or we can choose a new way forward, a way that is grounded in compassion, love, and understanding. I choose the latter, and I invite you to join me on this journey.

In Williamsons only oblique reference to the current president, she said that in 2020 the nation was kept from going over the cliff by the reelection of Trump, and were still six inches away from it.

Williamson also tried to strike an economically populist tone, saying of Washington: Half the people in this city dont even notice [the despair of the lowest classes].

Williamsons announcement comes as the Biden administration faces mounting criticism from progressives over its handling of key issues such as health care, climate change, and immigration. Progressives feel as if Biden has not taken a strong enough left-wing position on these and other issues.

While Biden remains popular among Democratic voters, Williamsons announcement marks the first sign of trouble for the embattled president.

Though the president has said on several occasions that he intends to run for reelection in 2024, he has yet to make an official announcement to that end.

Now back in control of the Houseand by corollary, the subpoena powerRepublicans are planning a series of investigations into the Biden White Houses handling of the southern border, energy policy, federal law enforcement, and others.

Until now, however, Biden has faced limited scrutiny from within his own party.

A few Democrats in Congress have come out overtly against the sitting president, whose attacks from within his party generally come from the left.

When asked by a local radio station if he supports Bidens reelection bid, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) noted that Biden would be over 80 years old by 2024 and hopes other Democrats step up.

To answer your question directly, which I know is quite rare  no, I dont, Phillips told WCCO Radio.

Other progressives like Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.) have also expressed reluctance to give Biden another term in office.

When asked by CNN anchor Jake Tapper on Sunday whether Biden deserves a second term, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.), who has clashed with Biden on various occasions, refused to give a direct answer, saying Im not getting involved in any election right now. 2022, 2024, Im not speculating on it.

Williamson underperformed in 2020.

By Jan. 3, 2020, Williamson had laid off her entire campaign staff. She later gave her endorsement to progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who at the time of publication has made no announcements regarding his intentions in 2024.
A brutal winter storm struck the western U.S. from Arizona to Wyoming last month, seeing many motorists stranded for long hours in cold weather and abandoned cars littering the highways.

Twenty drivers trapped in a blizzard in Washington state on Feb. 22 have a pair of local heroes to thank for pulling them out.

Uber driver Alec Higley, 27, from La Center was en route to a client when he got trapped in traffic on the Columbia Boulevard exit off of 82nd Avenue in the storm.

Deep ruts in the icy road made driving impossible for many.

He proceeded to call his best friend since kindergarten, Jonathon Gilbert, 27, an off-road enthusiast and owner of Honest Jons Auto.

Gilbert didnt need to be asked to help a friend.

Jonathon Gilbert arrives at the 82nd Avenue exit onto Columbia Boulevard in his Pathfinder. (Courtesy of Alec Higley)

Gilbert in his Pathfinder beside Higleys car during the storm. (Courtesy of Alec Higley)

I didnt even ask him to come help; he just offered, Higley told The Epoch Times. He went to La Center to help out his family and told me he was on his way. He even brought food!

Higley had been stuck for about seven hours by the time Gilbert arrived in his Pathfinder at 11 p.m.

Pulling out his tow straps, he set to work helping haul out Higleys Tesla 3 and made short work of it.

Then, seeing all the other stranded motorists, they decided to stay and help them. Gilbert said he didnt have anywhere important to be anyway.

(Courtesy of Alec Higley)

Gilbert fastening his tow straps in preparation to help haul a driver stuck on the icy road. (Courtesy of Alec Higley)

He proceeded to tow over 20 cars, Higley said. [He] even attempted to pull the semi-truck up the hill and managed to move it enough to open the off ramp and clear the highway to dozens of other vehicles that had been waiting to get through for hours.

Helping his community comes naturally for Gilbert.

I believe that if you have the capacity to help someone you should do it, he told the newspaper. Im also a 44 enthusiast. There were so many cars; it was kind of a call of duty.

We were out there till 6 a.m. helping drivers, roughly 7-8 hours total.

Gilbert fastens his tow strap to another car. (Courtesy of Alec Higley)

Gilbert prepares to help free a stuck minivan. (Courtesy of Alec Higley)

Gilbert helps a motorist stuck on an icy road. (Courtesy of Alec Higley)

Their efforts had a snowball effect. With those cars out of the way, some 20 more drivers were able to get clear and take the off ramp.

They were incredibly thankful and happy to head home, the mechanic said.

Gilberts business has a reputation for having the most friendly service with the lowest costs in the area. Nor does he charge any overhead like traditional garage stations.

Higley touted Gilberts off-road accomplishments.

[He] has a lot of skill with anything to do with vehicles, Higley said, adding that Gilbert can fix and build anything.

Gilberts involvement with the Gambler 500, an Oregon-based long distance off-road rally, helped him help his community.

He has always done good, honest work at a good price, Higley added. Hes done work for free for friends in need and is always willing to help anyone he can any chance he gets.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
Mexico Wanted First Degree Murder Charges for Arizona Rancher

MEXICO CITYA Mexican official said Friday that her government thinks Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly should have faced first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing a Mexican migrant who was crossing his property.

An Arizona Justice of the Peace ruled last week that Kelly should face trial on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault in the death of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea at the ranch outside Nogales, Arizona, on Jan. 30.

That decision came after prosecutors lowered Kellys charge from a single count of first-degree murder, which would have required a finding of premeditated intent to kill, and could have led to a death sentence.

Mexicos head of consular protection, Vanessa Calva, said Mexico had told U.S. prosecutors that her country believes first-degree charges more accurately describe the circumstances of Cuen-Buitimeas death.

She said Cuen-Buitimea was unarmed, fleeing, and was shot in the back.

Cuen-Buitimea was a 48-year-old from Nogales, Mexico, who was among several migrants that the rancher is accused of shooting at.

The judge ruled that Kelly, 74, can remain free on $1 million bail pending his March 6 arraignment, with restrictions including no contact with witnesses or Cuen-Buitimeas family and a ban on possessing firearms.

Chief Deputy County Attorney Kimberly Hunley told the judge that prosecutors intend to prove second-degree murderthat Kelly had no basis for intentionally, knowingly, or under circumstances recklessly shooting a AK-47 rifle toward eight or so unarmed migrants about 80 to 100 yards (meters) away.

There is no justification for shooting an unarmed man in the back, Hunley told the judge.

Kellys attorney, Brenna Larkin, has said her client shot into the air above the migrants. She has said Kelly feared for his and his wifes safety and the property, and that he had seen people with rifles and backpacks passing through his property.
Nearly a Ton of Cocaine Washes up on French Beach

Gendarmes of the canine "cynophile" unit patrols the beach of the Blankenese battery in Neville sur Mer, northwestern France, on March 2, 2023, after cocaine packed in bags had washed up on the Channel coast. (Lou Benoist/AFP via Getty Images)

Maritime police in northwest France found nearly a ton of cocaine washed up on a beach on the English Channel on Feb. 26.

The drugs were found near the town of Reville on the Cotentin Peninsula, according to Frances maritime authority for the English Channel and North Sea.

The cocaine, weighing about 1,875 pounds (850 kilograms) in total, was found in two large packages linked by a rope, the authorities said on Feb. 28.

Police are trying to determine whether the drugs fell from a ship or were intentionally floated to the shore for traffickers to pick up.

Another report by AFP citing unnamed sources said more drugs were found washed up on the northern French coast on March 1.

Drug Smuggling Surge

There has been a surge in cocaine and crack smuggling into Europe, accompanied by unprecedented drug violence in some areas.

The North Sea port cities of Antwerp in Belgium and Rotterdam in the Netherlands have become the main gateway for Latin American cocaine cartels into Europe.

On Feb. 14, two Dutchmen, aged 27 and 46, were arrested by Belgian police, and almost 8,818 pounds (4,000 kilograms) of cocaine were seized.

Police found an address in a navigation app used by the two men. That address led police to a hangar with a container filled with 68 bags of cocaine.

Police also arrested seven other men found in the hangar.

Cocaine was found in over 1,700 tins of wall filler, after German authorities seized more than 16 tons of cocaine in the northern port city of Hamburg, Germany, on Feb. 24, 2020, in Europes largest cocaine haul to date. (Cathrin Mueller/Reuters)

Narcotics production is growing in Europe, according to an estimate published in January by the EU drugs agency, which warned of a proliferation of new psychoactive substances being sold and consumed on the continent.

The EU drugs agency said that new evidence was emerging of rising drug production in Europe, confirming its earlier warning about the continent turning into a global hub for narcotics and no longer just a consumption market.

Synthetic drug production continues to increase in Europe, the report warned, noting that illegal laboratories in Europe churn out huge amounts of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and other synthetic drugs for local consumption and export outside Europe.

Drugs and the chemicals needed to produce them are still largely imported into Europe from other parts of the world, including South America and Asia.

More than 350 labs for synthetic drugs were detected and dismantled in 2020 in Europe, the latest year for which data is available, the EU agency said.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Nuclear Submarines to Be Australias Moonshot Moment

A nuclear propulsion Ohio class submarine, the USS Florida sails on Jan. 22, 2003 off the coast of the Bahamas. Australia as part of the AUKUS deal will get the tech for nuclear powered subs. (David Nagle/U.S. Navy/Getty Images)

Australias acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines has been branded a moonshot moment, with the technology to underpin defence capability for decades to come.

The Royal Australian Navy will acquire at least eight nuclear boats, based on a British or American model, to replace the retiring conventionally powered Collins-class submarines.

The details of the largest defence deal in Australias history will be announced within weeks.

Outgoing ambassador to Washington Arthur Sinodinos said the AUKUS alliance between Australia, the US and UK showed Canberra was serious about engaging with allies.

For Australia, this is a moonshot. This is a whole-of-nation effort, Sinodinos told the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Were about to stand up and put our money where our mouth is in a huge way.

Sinodinos said co-operation between the US and Australia on advanced and nuclear technologies had become a state of mind.

People will see the habits of co-operation, sharing information, interchangeable industrial bases, are going to be a very substantial long-term benefit, Sinodinos said.

The very fact the Americans are prepared to share their crown jewels with us implies there will have to be progress on the seamless transfer of technology.

Australia promised Britain and the United States it would keep their military secrets safe, which Defence Minister Richard Marles said was crucial to clinching the deal.

It does involve a really significant hardening of security in a physical sense with buildings and fences and the like, but also in an IT sense, around the information which goes with that, Marles said.

There is a high degree of confidence within both the United States and the United Kingdom about Australias ability to do that.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison, who negotiated the AUKUS alliance, said the agreement was never about buying off-the-shelf submarines.

We were going for the synergy outcome here and what that meant was we wanted more, in total, between all three countries, Morrison told the Meridian100 podcast.

More nuclear-powered submarines built, not the same amount just moved around.

Reuters contributed to this report
Ohio Governor Responds to Farmers Concerns About Soil After Toxic Train Derailment

Three crosses stand on a hillside overlooking a farm on the state line of Ohio and Pennsylvania following a train derailment prompting health concerns in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 17, 2023. (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine responded Friday to ongoing concerns expressed by local farmers in and around East Palestine about their soil, crops, and livestock, following the train derailment on Feb. 3 and subsequent spill of toxic chemicals into the air, ground, and water.

DeWine, after being presented with farmers concerns, told CBS affiliate WHIO: Theres going to be soil testing. Anybody want soil testing, thats going to be provided. So its very important, the testing of the water continues, the testing of air continues.

He added if farmers have observed anything different, such as changes in the growth of their livestock, the state governments agricultural department can become involved and his administration can get the state veterinary involved in that.

The soil at the farm: Can we plant? Can we not plant? Will anybody buy it, if we do plant? asked Eloise Harmon, of East Palestine, who owns part of a farm, the outlet reported.

When she and others expressed concerns about planting in the spring to DeWine, he said the state government can bring in agricultural experts to hear that concern.

Its an understandable concern. Im not the expert. Were going to bring in the experts. Well put them together with the farmers, he told the WHIO, adding that the experts would come from various universities in the state.

Concerns of Highly Toxic Dioxins

Public concern over the contamination of soil, water, and air has persisted since a train derailed on Feb. 3 around 9 p.m. in East Palestine, Ohio. No fatalities were reported after the crash. The Norfolk Southern train was traveling from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania.

According to a preliminary report (pdf) issued on Feb. 23 by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the train had 38 of its 151 cars derailed. Of the derailed cars, 11 contained hazardous materials that subsequently sparked a fire that damaged 12 non-derailed cars. Responders mitigated that fire on Feb. 5.

The train was carrying 115,580 gallons of vinyl chloride in five of the 11 cars. The substance is a known carcinogen and is highly flammable. It is used to make PVC pipes and other products. The National Cancer Institute notes that it has been linked to cancers of the brain, lungs, blood, lymphatic system, and liver.

A black plume rises as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo)

Crews burned the chemicals in a controlled release on Feb. 6, over fears the vinyl chloride would explode. According to the preliminary NTSB report, the temperature inside one of the five tank cars carrying vinyl chloride was still rising, which concerned authorities.

This increase in temperature suggested that the vinyl chloride was undergoing a polymerization reaction, which could pose an explosion hazard, the report reads. Responders scheduled a controlled venting of the five vinyl chloride tank cars to release and burn the vinyl chloride  and dug ditches to contain released vinyl chloride liquid while it vaporized and burned. The controlled venting began about 4:40 p.m. on February 6 and continued for several hours.

The move created a plume of dark smoke of various toxic materials that spread over the town. Residents who were evacuated from East Palestine in the immediate aftermath of the derailment were then told they could return on Feb. 8.

On Feb. 10, the Environmental Protection Agency told Norfolk Southern that at least four other potentially hazardous chemicals were found in the air, soil, or water surrounding the site of the train wreck. The chemicals were ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene, and butyl acrylate.

Murray McBride, a soil and crop scientist at Cornell University, said that vinyl chloride would have broken down and dissipated in the air over a day or two, but may persist in soil and water. In an article published on Feb. 15, he advised farmers and residents near the crash to test their soil and water.

Toxic chemicals float on the surface of Leslie Run creek in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 25, 2023. (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)

Vinyl chloride is highly mobile in soils and water and can persist for years in groundwater, McBride said.

It is advisable that farmers and other residents in this area test their wells over the next few months at least for the presence of the spilled chemicals including vinyl chloride, in order to protect the health of humans and livestock.

Because the combustion of vinyl chloride that resulted from the accident may have created highly toxic dioxins, surface soils downwind of the spill site should be tested for dioxin levels particularly where food crops are to be grown.

Federal and state officials have repeatedly asserted its safe for evacuated residents to return to the area and that air testing in the town and inside hundreds of homes hasnt detected any concerning levels of contaminants. The state said the local municipal drinking water system is safe, and bottled water is available for those with private wells.

But people have expressed ongoing concerns and questions over the health and environmental fallout. Locals have reported a spate of health issues, including unusual illnesses, and some said their animals have died. There have been thousands of animal deaths in the area, including fish, chickens, foxes, and cats.

A fish lays dead following a train derailment prompting health concerns in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 20, 2023. (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)

EPA Orders Norfolk Southern to Test for Dioxins

The EPA on March 2 ordered (pdf) Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins, which refers to a group of chemically-related compounds that are highly toxic.

The World Health Organization calls dioxins environmental pollutants that can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones, and also cause cancer. Dioxins are created unwittingly, mainly as by-products of industrial processes, but can also result from natural processes like volcanic eruptions and forest fires, the WHO stated.

Dioxins are unwanted by-products of a wide range of manufacturing processes including smelting, chlorine bleaching of paper pulp, and the manufacturing of some herbicides and pesticides. In terms of dioxin release into the environment, uncontrolled waste incinerators (solid waste and hospital waste) are often the worst culprits, due to incomplete burning.

The EPA told Norfolk Southern to begin sampling directly for dioxins. If dioxins are found in the area including East Palestine, EPA will share the information with the public, determine whether the level of contaminants found poses any unacceptable risk to human health and the environment and direct the immediate cleanup of the area as needed, the agency stated.

Ron Fodo, Ohio EPA Emergency Response, looks for signs of fish and also agitates the water in Leslie Run creek to check for chemicals that have settled at the bottom following a train derailment that is causing environmental concerns in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 20, 2023. (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)

Because dioxins are common, the EPA ordered Norfolk Southern to conduct a background study comparing dioxin levels in East Palestine to other areas unaffected by the train derailment.

The EPA also said its reviewing a draft plan by Norfolk Southern to develop a dioxin fingerprint for soil sampling using certified laboratories to identify various isomers of dioxins. This fingerprint could help determine if the train derailment and controlled burn impacted the local environment.

The EPA told Norfolk Southern that it has been sampling for indicator chemicals to see whether the train derailment is responsible for the dioxins being detected in the area. Indicator chemicals include chlorobenzenes and chlorophenols; the EPA said it is currently doing an analysis for 19 of these compounds in the area of East Palestine. It said that so far, results suggest a low probability for release of dioxin from this incident.

Caden Pearson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) of China plans to deliberate 35 bills this year, some of which will be submitted for the first hearing, said a spokesperson Saturday.

The bills will cover eight areas, namely upholding and improving the system of people's congresses, building a high-standard socialist market economy, invigorating the country through science and education, turning China into a country with a strong socialist culture, improving people's wellbeing, pursuing green development, perfecting social governance system, and improving the legal system for national security, said Wang Chao, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th NPC, at a press conference ahead of the opening of the session scheduled for Sunday.

The legislative plan for the next five years is being made, and the priorities will be the legislation in key and emerging areas as well as in areas related to foreign affairs, Wang said.

Historic achievements were made by the 13th NPC Standing Committee in building a sound legal system, Wang said, adding that 47 new laws were formulated and 111 revisions to laws were adopted during its five-year tenure, while the channels for citizens to take part in legislation were expanded and whole-process people's democracy manifested throughout the legislative process. 
Pennsylvania Unseals More Details About Items Seized in Idaho Stabbings

Bryan Kohberger, (L), who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, looks toward his attorney, public defender Anne Taylor (R), during a hearing in Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho, on Jan. 5, 2023. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo, Pool)

More details have been announced by police regarding the items seized from the Pennsylvania home of a graduate student accused of stabbing to death four University of Idaho students.

Additional court documents made public on Thursday, stated that a knife, a pocketknife, and a Glock 22 handgun with three empty magazines were found at the home of Bryan Kohbergers parents. The home, Kohbergers car, the garage, and a shed on the property were all searched when he was arrested there on Dec. 30.

Police took a door panel from the car, seat cushions, headrests, seatbelt, visor, brake and gas pedals, a band-aid, maps and documents, and other items, including clothing and a shovel.

A cell phone, a laptop, and two containers of a green leafy substance were seized from the home, along with black face masks, a black hat, several articles of dark-colored clothing, and a book with underlining on page 118.

The newly unsealed documents were released two days after authorities first announced details about what had been seized at the home when Pennsylvania State Police arrested Kohberger, a 28-year-old former doctoral student at Washington State University. Hes charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho.

The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.

Kohbergers preliminary hearing is scheduled for late June. He has not entered a plea.

A motive has not yet been established for the killings, nor a relation with Kohberger.

Profiling Kohberger

Kohberger has been described by high school classmates as socially awkward and a heavy heroin user, and was seen by other students as an outcast in school.

He was also described as a creep regarding his relationship with the opposite sex, and he would not want to move on after a rejection.

I remember seeing him and thinking it was a new student. He was so heavy and he [had] lost so much weight, he almost looked sickly or like it was an obsession. Around the same time, he became more aggressive and I think he became more of an outcast at that point. He became more withdrawn, according to Dominique Clark, who attended elementary and high school with Kohberger, the New York Post reported.

Another acquaintance of Kohberger, Rich Pasqua, said about him on FOX News:

I met him through some friends and they told me that he was a little weird and he was a little socially awkward, I guess you could say, but he wasnt a bad guy, Pasqua said. He needed a job, so I worked at a pizza shop at that time and they were hiring and I said, Yeah, come on in and apply. And he did, and he got the job. So I worked with him for a little bit, but he was quiet, though.

Pasqua also confirmed Kohbergers drug use, saying they were both heroin addicts who bought heroin from the same dealers.

I work in treatment and everything, but back then I was using. And so thats how I know for a fact he was using. Ive got high with him a couple of times and used with him, he said.

He added that he and Kohberger had not spoken in years when he heard about the murders.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Police Rescue 64 Mexicans From Human Trafficking Ring in Ontario

A large estate house that was raided by police as part of Project Norte. Sixty-four Mexican nationals have been rescued due to the operation that dismantled a human trafficking ring across the Greater Toronto Area, the York Regional Police said during a press conference at its headquarters on March 3, 2023. (York Regional Police)

Police have rescued 64 Mexican-born workers who were allegedly exploited for labour by a human trafficking ring that operated across the Greater Toronto Area. Seven people have been charged, including five arrested on multiple criminal charges, and the trafficking ring has been dismantled.

Police said the victims were living in deplorable conditions including overcrowding, with dozens of people sleeping on mattresses on the floor. They also suffered from a lack of food and were subjected to various forms of coercion and control, which include isolation, a lack of freedom, being financially bound, threats, and sexual assault.

This case has affected everyone profoundly. Our members were shocked at the conditions that the victims were living in, and wanted nothing more [than] to do anything they could to assist them, Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida of the York Regional Police (YRP) said at a press conference on March 3.

On Feb. 8, police executed search warrants at five properties in the cities of Vaughan, Toronto, and Mississauga, as well as the Town of East Gwillimbury about 60 kilometres north of Toronto. This resulted in five individuals being arrested and charged. Two other suspects remain at large. A list of the accused and their charges, as well as video and photos, are provided in a YRP press release.

They were led to Canada with the promise of opportunity & a better life. But the reality was deplorable living conditions & exploitation. Through Project Norte, our investigators rescued 64 Mexican nationals from an international labour trafficking ring. https://t.co/p5giuQIYoi pic.twitter.com/LR3Gei5HCK  York Regional Police (@YRP) March 3, 2023

Of the five arrested are two Canadian citizens: Tre Trinh, a 45-year-old male, and Thi Him Huyen, a 49-year-old female. The three other charged are all Mexican nationals: Jesus Navarrete Garcia, a 51-year-old male; Monserrat Monjaras, a female whose age is unknown; and Hiram Amaury Martinez Rodriguez, a 48-year-old male.

The police have issued warrants for Rosales Gomez, a 31-year-old male, and Garcia Galvan, a male whose age and location are unknown.

The successful rescue operation came after a months-long investigation, dubbed Project Norte, which began in November 2022 after the YRP received information of Mexican nationals being exploited for labour in the region. Numerous security agencies lent support to the investigation, including the Canada Border Services Agency and the Ontario Provincial Police, the release said.

False Promises

The criminal organization allegedly enticed the victims into Canada with false promises of well-paid work, a better living standard, and other opportunities like documentation, the police said. The victims ended up living in sub-standard conditions, and were exploited for manual labour at farms, factories, and warehouses across the Greater Toronto Area, according to a YRP press release.

Almeida urged other possible victims of human trafficking to seek help.

People that have been trafficked and exploited in this way are often desperate. Theyre scared to seek help. Worried that they may be the ones arrested and deported, and fearful of retribution from their traffickers, he said.

Were here to send a message to anyone finding themselves in a similar situation, and that message is: We are here to help.'

On the day of the police operation, a victim assistance centre was set up in partnership with a local faith group, while a local business also prepared Mexican-style food for the victims at the centre. Among the 64 victims, 53 accepted the offer of assistance, YRP Det. Sgt. Gary McBride told reporters.

He also noted that the Mexican consulate in Toronto is in contact with its citizens to provide support and services.
Public Health Experts Weigh In on WHO Pandemic Treaty Amid Growing Support for COVID Lab Leak Theory

The World Health Organization (WHO) has come under renewed scrutiny in recent days over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its plans for addressing pandemics in the future.

This week, the World Health Assemblythe WHOs decision-making bodybegan considering new ways to govern international responses to disease outbreaks. An early-stage draft before the Assembly includes both binding and non-binding language regarding how nations handle disease outbreaks internally, as well as how they coordinate with international partners. Article 15 of the draft document (pdf) specifically describes the WHO as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work, and says the WHOs Director-General shall be the one to declare pandemics. The WHOs draft document also calls for wealthier developed nations to reserve a percentage of the diagnostic tools and disease treatments they create to share with developing nations.

Some critics of the WHOs proposed international pandemic response network have raised concerns that the system would require participating countries to cede a degree of their sovereignty, resources, and decision-making independence to a superseding global body.

It [the WHO] funds a bureaucracy writ large: A new organization, a governing board, which would presumably be under WHO, requires countries to give a certain percentage of their health budgets to emergencies and sets up a supply network for the WHO, said David Bell, a public health physician and former WHO staffer specializing in epidemic policy, in an interview with NTD News.

The WHO draft document says it reaffirms the sovereignty of participating nations, though the convention would require participating countries to contribute resources and funding in times of pandemics, while simultaneously giving the WHO the power to declare such pandemics.

The document defines a pandemic as the global spread of a pathogen or variant that infects human populations with limited or no immunity through sustained and high transmissibility from person to person, overwhelming health systems with severe morbidity and high mortality, and causing social and economic disruptions, all of which require effective national and global collaboration and coordination for its control.

The proposed treaty states that participating countries shall provide funding for the international pandemic response framework, and shall establish regulatory measures within their home countries to accelerate the process of approving and licensing pandemic-related products for emergency use in a timely mannerincluding waiving intellectual property rights on medical products that are developed to address pandemics.

Bell outlined his concerns that the WHOs ability to declare pandemics and, thus, trigger the sharing of resources and funding would present an internal conflict of interest.

[The global pandemic response proposals] put [pandemic response measures] in the hands of an individual and a bureaucracy whose sole function is to find threats and institute this, Bell said. So were putting a mechanism in place that will be self-perpetuating, and its sole role is to find and respond to emergencies and institute the poverty-increasing measures, the wealth-concentration measures, etc., that weve seen over the last three years.

Distrust of WHO

The pandemic response treaty comes about as the WHO has been criticized heavily for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the initial COVID outbreak, then National Security Advisor Robert OBrien alleged that China was slow to provide information about the risks posed by the virus. Furthermore, several weeks passed before a WHO team was allowed to enter the country. The WHOs initial report on the outbreak, however, then praised the Chinese responsewhile making little mention of the Chinese regimes efforts to suppress critics and whistleblowers who brought attention to the virus outbreak.

The World Health Assembly began debating the proposed pandemic response treaty in the same week that U.S. Department of Energy investigators reported that the COVID-19 outbreak likely began as a leak from a Chinese virology laboratory.

The WHO has been accused of helping to suppress indications that COVID-19 came from a lab leak. In a March 2021 report, the WHO described the lab leak theory as extremely unlikely. In July of 2021, however, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus walked back that assessment, saying it was premature to rule out the lab leak theory. Peter Ben Embarak, the WHO researcher who led the research effort in China, later claimed the Chinese regime pressured his team to dismiss the lab leak theory.

The WHO has a history of downplaying information that could reflect negatively on China, according to Dr. Rik Mehta, a health care law professor at Georgetown University and a former Republican Senate candidate in New Jersey.

When COVID first started, there was this push to say, well, if you thought that it originated from China, and it was man-made, then youre a conspiracy theorist. And if you say that its a Wuhan virus or something related to China, then youre a racist, Mehta told NTD News. And so now we know that thats completely untangling and that there is a probability that it could have been man-made, made in a laboratory, and then leaked out of that laboratory subsequently.

Mehta believes the lab leak theory is the most likely scenario for the origins of COVID-19.

[COVID-19] is unlike any other viruses weve seen. Zika, monkeypox, Ebola [are] viruses that have been around for more than 50-plus years. COVID is something thats brand new to the scientific community, to the public at large. And so its hard to argue that it was created in wet markets or animal-to-human transmission, Mehta said. And the likely prevailing theory was that it was created in the laboratory. Really the true question here is: Was it leaked accidentally? Or was it leaked on purpose?

Mehta also urged caution against the WHOs pandemic response agreement, given past problems with sharing information about the spread of viruses.

Of course, theres a level of interplay [where] countries need to work together and participate when you truly have a pandemic the size of COVID, Mehta said. That being said, this cannot be taken lightly. Every country needs to protect their sovereignty: They cannot just give an unelected body, an international governmental organization that has no accountability to the people, and ceding that kind of authority that can then get into the lives of Americans.

Mehta called for members of Congress to thoroughly review any WHO pandemic treaty before entering the United States into such an agreement.

Last month, Republican Senators introduced a bill that would bar U.S. participation in a WHO global pandemic response agreement without first gaining the approval of the U.S. Senate.

NTD News reached out to the WHO for comment but did not receive a response before this article was published.

From NTD
RCMP Officer Accused of On-duty Assault in Nunavut Facing Criminal Charges

The RCMP logo is seen outside Royal Canadian Mounted Police "E" Division Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on April 13, 2018. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

Nunavut RCMP say an officer is facing three criminal charges after an alleged assault while he was on duty.

Const. Luke Tomkinson has been charged with assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm and uttering threats.

RCMP say he was working as a relief member in Arctic Bay when the alleged assault happened in 2020.

The hamlet is located on the northern end of Baffin Island and is home to about 1,000 people.

The force says in a release that the conduct of officers is paramount in maintaining the trust of communities they serve.

It says the allegations against Tomkinson do not reflect the integrity of its members or what the service stands for.

Tomkinsons next court appearance is scheduled for April 3 in Iqaluit.
Russia Close to Encircling Ukraines Bakhmut After Months of Fighting

A Ukrainian service member is seen in a trench at a position outside the frontline town of Horlivka, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on March 3, 2023. (Anna Kudriavtseva/Reuters)

CHASIV YAR, UkraineRussian artillery pounded the last routes out of Bakhmut on Friday, aiming to complete the encirclement of the besieged Ukrainian city and bring Moscow closer to its first major victory in half a year.

The head of Russias Wagner private army said the city was almost completely surrounded with only one road still open for Ukraines troops.

Reuters observed intense Russian shelling of routes leading west out of Bakhmut, an apparent attempt to block Ukrainian forces access in and out of the city. A bridge in the adjacent town of Khromove was damaged by Russian tank shelling.

Ukrainian soldiers were working to repair damaged roads and more troops were heading toward the frontline in a sign that Ukraine was not yet ready to give up the city. To the west, Ukrainians were digging new trenches for defensive positions.

Russias RIA state news agency released a video showing what it said were Wagner fighters walking by a damaged industrial facility. One fighter is heard saying Ukraines army is destroying infrastructure in settlements near Bakhmut to prevent the Russian encirclement.

The commander of Ukraines ground forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, visited Bakhmut on Friday for briefings with local commanders on how to boost the defense capacity of frontline forces.

Denys Yaroslavskyi, commander of a Ukrainian army unit at Bakhmut, told Espreso TV that parts of some units had been ordered to rotate to more secured positions, describing the situation since the morning as a slaughterhouse on both sides.

A Russian victory in Bakhmut, with a pre-war population of about 70,000, would give it the first major prize in a costly winter offensive, after it called up hundreds of thousands of reservists last year. Russia says it would be a stepping stone to completing the capture of the Donbass industrial region, one of Moscows most important objectives.

Before the war Bakhmut was known for salt and gypsum mines. Ukraine claims the city has little strategic value and the huge casualties Russia has suffered trying to take Bakhmut could shape the course of the conflict.

Pincers Are Closing

Units of the private military company Wagner have practically surrounded Bakhmut, Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a video that Reuters determined was filmed on a rooftop in a village some 7 km (4 miles) north of the city center.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russias Wagner mercenary force, speaks in Paraskoviivka, Ukraine, in this still image from an undated video released on March 3, 2023. (Concord Press Service/via Reuters)

Only one route (out) is left, he said. The pincers are closing.

He called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to order a retreat from Bakhmut to save his soldiers lives. The camera panned to show three captured Ukrainiansa grey-bearded older man and two boys.

Robert Brovdi, the commander of a Ukrainian drone unit active in Bakhmut who goes by the name Madyar, said in a video posted on social media that his unit had been ordered to withdraw immediately. He said he had been fighting there for 110 days.

Volodymyr Nazarenko, a deputy commander in the National Guard of Ukraine, told Ukrainian NV Radio the situation was critical, with fighting round the clock.

More US Arms

The past few days have seen alarm in Russia at its own potential vulnerabilities after Moscow reported a number of drone attacks on targets deep within Russia, followed by what it said was an armed cross-border raid on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council via a video link at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on Feb. 3, 2023. (Sputnik/Pavel Byrkin/Kremlin via Reuters)

President Vladimir Putin told his Security Council on Friday to step up anti-terrorism measures.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy visited wounded soldiers at a military hospital in Lviv.

Zelenskyy gave no details of the fighting in Bakhmut during an evening video address in which he thanked troops for firmly and bravely defending the city.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced another round of military aid for Ukraine, a package of ammunition and other support valued at $400 million.

The United States has provided nearly $32 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russias invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

At the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden thanked visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for profound support on Ukraine. Scholz said it was important to send the message that backing Ukraine will continue as long as it takes and as long as is necessary.

After their meeting, the White House said the pair reiterated their commitment to impose costs on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Germany makes Leopard tanks promised in January and expected to be the core of a new Ukrainian armored force.

Scholz has been criticized by some Western allies for taking a cautious public stance toward arming Ukraine, although he has overseen a big shift in policy from a country that was Russias biggest energy customer before the war.

Kyivs ambassador in Berlin, Oleksii Makeiev, said Germany was now taking more of a leadership role in arming Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, pointing to U.S. military interventions around the globe, accused the United States of hypocrisy on Friday after Blinken said Moscow cannot be allowed to wage war in Ukraine with impunity. The two men met briefly on the sidelines of a G20 foreign ministers meeting in India.
Jonathan and Alison Bales attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, in Charlotte, S.C. on March 3. (Nancy Bao)

CHARLOTTE, N.C.Jonathan and Alison Bales attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center on March 3, and left the theater discussing the highlights.

Mrs.Bales, a data management manager, had positive things to say about her overall impression: Its fantastic. Its very entertaining. Its beautiful, graceful, powerful.

Mr.Bales, an executive managing consultant, concurred. Fabulous, he said, We were just talking about which our favorite pieces are. Theres so many to choose from, he said.

For mine it was surprising. It wasnt one that I expected, but its the scholars with the fans. The fan works. Fantastic. Theres something about the way they used the fans and the snapping closed. Its phenomenal. He noticed all the details of the dance.

There was something about the entire blend of the dance, the fans, the notion of struggling to finish a work, a piece of work, and then being inspired by a spiritual being or whatever that might have been, but getting some spiritual intervention that helps you finish or complete that piece of work. Even the coloring, I loved the blues and just the feel of it and the mood, the entire mood of the piece.

I cant really explain why but that piece, in particular, I just found really appealing. It wasnt the most powerful, and it wasnt the most graceful, but there was something about it that I just really enjoyed.

New York-based Shen Yun is the worlds premier classical Chinese dance company, and uses this ancient and expressive art form in its mission to bring 5,000 years of Chinese civilization to life around the world. In the last two years, this has come to be known as the China before communism.

Mrs. Bales said, For the women, it was the Water Sleeves. One of the very first dances. Graceful. Incredible grace. It was so graceful. Thats the one thing that stands out in my mind about the women dancers. And then for the men, this very last dance, the Tibetan Dance.

And the coordination, the choreography  the coordination of the dancers. Incredible, Mr. Bales said.

China Before Communism

Mr. Bales noted how the performance changed their understanding of China before communism.

Based in New York, Shen Yun was founded in 2006 by leading Chinese artists and quickly became the worlds premier classical Chinese dance and music company. Shen Yuns mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture.

You know, its really interesting to me to see the perspective on pre-communist China, the commentary on pre-communist China. And sad, really. That story. Especially the story of the students, the persecution. That was sad to me. And it wasnt really what I was expecting. [It wasnt] bad in the sense that I didnt want to see it. It was more: just you have a very, happy experience and then a very sad story injected into it. But its an important commentary, he said.

Mrs. Bales added, and knowing that that happens today. Its true.

Its a really important commentary, so its almost eye-opening, Mr. Bales said.

He appreciated how Chinese history had a divine connection. I enjoyed more the historical aspect to it. The fact that I see how their history is drawn upon this notion of being descended from Divine, divine beings visiting. I find that really fascinating. Very different than an American perspective.

And I would just say much more spiritual than, lets say, Americans, Mrs. Bales said.

Mr. Bales said, Theres a lot more history than America has. Thats exactly it.

Both said they would recommend others see Shen Yun. Absolutely, Mrs. Bales said.

Most definitely, Mr. Bales said.

Reporting by Nancy Bao and Yvonne Marcotte.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Sexual Assaults in the US Military Increased 13 Percent in FY 2021

U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (2nd L) and South Korea's landing platform helicopter (LPH) ship Marado (L) sail during a joint military exercise at an undisclosed location on June 4, 2022. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)

A House Democrat has asked the U.S. militarys top enlisted leaders what they were doing about sexual assault in the military, after an annual report showed that the problem is getting worse. She made clear that she was not pleased with their answer.

No disrespect, but thats an unsatisfying answer, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) told Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea at an oversight hearing of the House subcommittee on military construction and veterans affairs.

Schultz asked the question during a discussion on Feb. 28 of how pay, housing, and health care issues were affecting the morale, recruitment, and retention of military personnel.

Reports of sexual assaults in the military increased by 13 percent in fiscal 2021, according to an annual report released in September 2022.

The Times Square military recruiting station displays insignia for each military branch in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

The report shows that 8.4 percent of active-duty women and 1.5 percent of active-duty men reported some form of unwanted sexual contact during fiscal 2021. Although the number of reports of sexual assaults increased, the number who came forward to report assault had decreased, the report states.

Schultz asked Honea what he was doing to solve the problem, which she said was only getting worse.

Honea agreed that the problem is worsening, but he said Navy leadership was working to implement programs and strategies formulated by the Department of Defense. He said that while he has only been in office a short while, he is familiar with the issue, having dealt with it throughout his naval career.

Honea said he is committed to ensuring a safe and secure working environment for all sailors. Schultz was not happy with Honeas answer.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea (U.S. Navy Photo)

Youre not giving me any specifics, she said.

Schultz then directed her question to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, who said the Air Force is working to build a culture in which sexual assault and harassment are unacceptable.

We are continuously, as all services do, outlining to our folks that this is not okay, Bass said.

Bass told Schultz that the Air Force begins training its personnel on the issue in basic training, and the policies against sexual harassment and assault are reinforced throughout a members enlistment. In addition, the Air Force has implemented policies to make it easier to report incidents when they occur.

When the report was released, the DOD released a statement vowing to deal with the issue. This included the establishment of an independent review commission to study the problem and make recommendations. According to the statement, the commission came up with more than 80 recommendations that each military branch is currently implementing.
Mr. Yu Chih-jung, a trustee of the Taiwan Banana Research Institute and the chairman of the Yilung Agricultural Company, attends Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Chih-The Hall of the Kaohsiung Cultural Center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on March 2, 2023. (Lung Fang/The Epoch Times)

KAOHSIUNG, TaiwanThe chairman of Taiwans largest banana producing and trading company said Shen Yun Performing Arts awoke his wisdom and the beauty of the performance moved his heart.

I was very touched by two things. The first is the three-dimensional stage. The second is Shen Yun presents our traditional Chinese culture. The traditional culture woke us up. We then realized many virtues and values that we should cherish, said Mr. Yu Chih-jung, after attending Shen Yun at the Chih-The Hall of the Kaohsiung Cultural Center on March 2.

Mr. Yu is a trustee of the Taiwan Banana Research Institute and the chairman of the Yilung Agricultural Company. Yilung is one of the main banana suppliers in Taiwan and sells 5,000 metric tons of bananas every year, 20 percent of which are exported to Japan, comprising a third of the market share.

New York-based Shen Yun is the worlds top classical Chinese dance company, and has a mission to show the beauty and goodness of China before communism.

Mr. Yu said he was recommended Shen Yun by someone who told him it was the best performance in the world. Now, having experienced it himself, he approved the words he heard. He felt Shen Yun dancers and musicians were inspiring.

I can feel that the artists work very hard and take performing very seriously. Their diligence encouraged me to think a lot, he said.

Chinese culture has very deep values. But our modern people are too busy to think about them, he said. Shen Yun woke up the wisdom that we had when we were born but lost in this fast-paced society.

Mr. Yu said he isnt religious, but he knows people should look inward to improve themselves.

From Shen Yun, I felt that human beings have missions in this world  It encourages us to think about why we live and what we should live for.

For 5,000 years Chinas civilization was built on values and virtues from the spiritual teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, virtues like loyalty, propriety, wisdom, justice, and benevolencevalues that are universal and shared the world over.

Mr. Yu believes in the karmic relationship, which means doing good deeds will lead to receiving blessings in the future.

I felt the energy of Shen Yun is very good. I believe we audiences must be kind people, because only a person who wants to be just and positive could get the chance to attend Shen Yun, he said.

It Encourages Us

Our society needs the spirit of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, said Mr. Hung Chao-ming, the president of E-Da Cancer Hospital. He said he saw these three words in Shen Yun programs and really loved them.

Shen Yun dancers are very professional and work very hard on many things, he said. This was reflected in the perfect synchronization and many other aspects.

Mr. Hung was impressed at the level of detail, including in the design of the dynamic backdrop, the live orchestra, and the cooperation among the backdrop, orchestra, and dancers.

They are all super. They coordinate seamlessly, he said. Shen Yun brings positive values to society. It encourages us to do things according to truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

Each Shen Yun performance consists of nearly 20 vignettes, presented through highly-expressive art forms such as classical Chinese dance, original orchestral music performed live, soloists who sing in the bel canto tradition, animated digital backdrops, and more.

Mr. Hung Chao-ming, the president of E-Da Cancer Hospital, attends Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Chih-The Hall of the Kaohsiung Cultural Center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on Mar. 2, 2023. (Liao Feng-lin/The Epoch Times)

Mr. Chan Chih-chun, a doctor at Fooyin University Hospital, said he found hope and compassion in Shen Yun and bathed in the glory of humanity during the performance.

I was very, very amazed by the fantastic coordination between the classical Chinese dance and the live orchestra which has both Eastern and Western instruments, he said. The programs on stage, the light, and the sound  all are excellent and magnificent!

Mr. Chan said that he couldnt see the musicians from his seat but he could feel the fabulous music perfectly match the dances.

I didnt expect to receive this tremendous shock to my eyes and ears, he said. Compared with all the shows I have attended in my life, this is the best! The 3-D backdrop is astounding!

Mr. Chan said he saw dancers dancing on the stage, but suddenly they jumped into the backdrop. Sometimes, the figures in the backdrop landed on the stage, which surprised him.

Shen Yun is very entertaining. It has brilliant dances and an amazing backdrop. It doesnt educate or promote anything, but you obtain very rich positive mindsets and values, he said. I really suggest everybody to attend Shen Yun. It has new production every year.

Mr. Chan Chih-chun, a doctor at Fooyin University Hospital, attends Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Chih-The Hall of the Kaohsiung Cultural Center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on Mar. 2, 2023. (Li Ching-tai/The Epoch Times)

Reporting by Epoch Times Staff in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Snowed in and Terrified: Trapped California Mountain Residents Plead for Help

A vehicle is partially covered in snow, in the San Gabriel Mountains in San Bernardino County near Los Angeles County, in Mount Baldy, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2023. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

The historic storm that swept through California over the last weekprompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency March 1has passed.

But for residents living in San Bernardino Mountain communities, the nightmare has only just begun, as many remain snowed in rationing food, medications, water, and heat.

I cant even walk 50 feet because its up to my shoulders, Lake Arrowhead resident Becky Gardner told The Epoch Times.

A collage of screenshots taken on March 3, 2023 of Lake Arrowhead resident Becky Gardners backyard before and after a major storm swept across Southern California. (Courtesy of Becky Gardner)

Gardner said she panicked when she saw pictures on social media of some locals spending hours digging out snow from on-top gas meters to prevent gas leaks. Melting snow, experts say, can block a vent on a meters regulator disrupting gas pressure which could lead to a fire or explosion.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department advised residents to do so if they can get to their meters safely, according to a March 2 post on Twitter.

Gardner said she is concerned for her elderly neighbors, who have also been stuck inside for over a week. With uncertainty of when roads will be cleared, she said she is preparing to save her last logs of wood for her fireplace.

Like Gardner, anxiety and frustration have been mounting for some residents who remain trapped.

Its been about 10 days, Lake Arrowhead resident Casey McLelland told The Epoch Times.

McLelland said the family has lived in the area since the 1970s and they say theyve never seen anything like this.

This is truly, truly one of a kind, she said.

(Courtesy of Casey McLelland)

She said her 90-year-old grandmother, who lives across town by herself, is out of medication for her arthritis and has been without heat since last night.

She said she is losing hope and has lost track of time.

If you have a life or death emergency right now, more than likely youre going to die, she said. Im not trying to be dire or dramatic, but thats kind of where its at this moment, because even if a fire department gets the call, they cant get to you, she said.

According to the National Weather Service, Lake Arrowhead received more than 8 feet of snow over the last week. Normally, the region accumulates around 13 feet of snow each year.

Since the most recent storm, San Bernardino County crews have been working to clear roads as fast as possible and deliver much-needed essentials to desperately trapped residents and visitors.

Theyre all doing the same mission, San Bernardino Cal Fire spokesperson Allison Hester Lee Told The Epoch Times.

According to Lee, crews are prioritizing locations to clear first based on callers who are without food or water, or have a life-threatening emergency.

Nearby Twin Peaks was hit the hardest. According to county officials, they received nearly 800 calls for help during the storm and now in its aftermaththe most for the entire San Bernardino mountain region.

Across all areas including Big Bear, officials said theyve received 1,200 such calls ranging from life-threatening emergencies to running low on food and water.

Two Lake Arrowhead-area grocery stores were also red-flagged this week, residents told The Epoch Times, leaving only one open.

One stores roofs collapsed from snow weighing it down and several house and structure fires were reported earlier in the week, with county firefighters having to dig through piles of snow to reach fire hydrants.

Officials Friday had to clarify a previous media report that said the National Guard would be deployed Thursday afternoon to clear the roads.

Its inaccurate, San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey said during a news conference March 3, flanked by a handful of county, state, and U.S. elected officials. What was ordered was a hand crew of individuals.

(Courtesy of Becky Gardner)

The crew works with Cal Fire during wildfire seasons and will be deployed to help residents remove snow from roofs, shovel driveways, and front yards, and make sure they are safe, he said.

Dont think that this is a hurricane in Haiti, where you see our military there to support the citizens, he said.

Despite the fire departments efforts to increase staffing prior to the storm, the weather was much worse than what was prepared for, Munsey said.

It wasnt just one weather event, it was several weather events that were stacked on top of each other, despite our best efforts, he said.

The crew arrived in Lake Arrowhead Friday morning, Sgt. Kimberly Hill of the California National Guard told The Epoch Times, but efforts have been slow rolling, as agencies are prioritizing each call by severity and working diligently to clear roads.

Folks, were here for you. Were going to dig you out and we are coming, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said.

Its unclear how many homes and businesses have been destroyed or damaged by the storm but Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear Lake) urged residents March 3 to keep track, as California lawmakers are preparing to ask for natural disaster federal assistance from President Joe Biden.

The enormity of this event is hard to comprehend, Republican Assemblyman Tom Lackey said during Fridays press conference. Were thinking were in Southern California, but yet we have had an inundation that has really, really generated a severe amount of anxiety, frustration and difficulty, especially to the victims and those who are actually trapped in their own home.

For all life-threatening emergencies, call 911. For those running out of supplies and are without heat authorities said to call 909-387-3911.
South Africa Choosing Sides in ChinaRussia Wargames

South Africa conducts military drills with Russia and China as blocs form across the globe

Commentary

Combined military and naval drills between South Africa, Russia, and China began on Feb. 22. The 10-day wargames coincided with the one-year anniversary of the Russian War in Ukraine. Leading up to the start of the exercises, Russian warships docked in South Africa. The ships were marked with the letters Z and V, which have become pro-Kremlin/pro-Putin symbols of Russias war in Ukraine. The meanings of the letters are not entirely clear, but there is speculation that the letter Z means Za pobedu (the Russian term for victory), while the V likely stands for the power of truth. Allowing Russian vessels to dock in South Africaand particularly those displaying such symbolssends a political message that South Africa is slipping into the Chinese-Russian camp.

The drills also reaffirm Chinas military commitment to Russia, raising questions about the Ukraine War and the future of global politics. Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi visited Moscow during the exercises. This served to reaffirm the CCPs support for the Kremlin, while admonishing the United States for forming a bloc against Russia and China. These naval wargames are clear evidence that China is also building a bloc against the United States, NATO, and the West. The South African government justified the exercises by saying they had been scheduled long before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, this also raised the question of why South Africa did not cancel the joint training exercises given the current geopolitical situation.

South Africa was one of 35 countries that abstained from voting to condemn the Ukraine invasion at the U.N. The country had previously allowed both a yacht owned by a sanctioned Russian individual and a Russian naval vessel to dock at their ports. South Africas ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has ties to Moscow dating back to the Cold War, when the USSR provided trainers and material support to their armed wing. Many ANC cadres were educated and received training in the former Soviet Union.

South Africa, along with 119 other countries, is also a member of the Non-Aligned Movementa forum of countries that refused to take sides during the Cold War. Together with China, India, and Brazil, South Africa and Russia are also members of the BRICS group of emerging economies.

For the Kremlin, the exercises lend a certain credibility to Russias role in geopolitics, and show that it has some potential allies. It also sends a message to other African nations that Russia is offering an alternative to U.S. military cooperation. Given the history of European colonization in Africa, both China and Russia are happy to portray themselves as anti-colonial partners for previously oppressed countries.

At the same time, Russia has repeatedly worked to undermine democracy in Africa. Moscow opposed the Arab Spring and color revolutions in North Africa. They also supported Khalifa Haftars attempts to install himself as ruler of Libya. In 2013, Russia supported the coup of General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to overthrow the democratic government of Egypt. Moscow also backed military governments and coups in Sudan, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. In addition, the Russian military is providing protection for leaders in the Central African Republic, where the Kremlin is believed to have meddled in the 2020 elections.

South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa (2-L) waves as he walks past Chinas President Xi Jinping (C) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) during a photo session in front of Osaka Castle at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28, 2019. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

John Steenhuisen, the leader of South Africas main opposition Democratic Alliance party, told the S.A. parliament that by refusing to condemn the war, South Africa was already involved on the Russian side. The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation also condemned the joint exercises. The group posted a message stating When Russia invaded Ukraine last year, and South Africa announced it would maintain a policy of neutrality, we reminded the government of Archbishop Tutus wisdom that if you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.

Although China and Russia try to portray the West as the enemy of democracy in Africa, the United States was one of the strongest opponents of apartheid, as it led international sanctions against the white South African government. The EU is also a far more important trading partner for South Africa than Russia. Bilateral trade between South Africa and the EU totaled $53 billion last year, while trade with Russia was a mere $750 million.

For the Peoples Liberation Army Navy, these exercises provide an opportunity to practice operations far from home. The drills also strengthen Chinas foothold in the Indian Ocean. The PLA already has a base in Djibouti, and it is building possible dual-use marine facilities in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the Belt and Road Initiative includes projects in Africa, and these exercises remind participants that China may be open to similar training with other African nations. Beijing would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to secure additional bases on the continent.

From a purely military standpoint, Russia wants these exercises to display its hypersonic missiles, which Putin claims have no equal. The Russian state news agency TASS said that the drills would include a test launch of the hypersonic Tsirkon missiles. TASS later reported that although the weapons would be present, they would not be test-fired.

In March, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that they had used a Kinzhal hypersonic missile to destroy an ammunition depot in the Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine, and again to blow up a fuel depot in Kostiantynivka near Mykolaiv. If these claims are true, they would mark the first-ever deployment of hypersonic missiles in combat.

These drills come on the heels of Putins suspension of the last remaining nuclear arms limitation treaty with the United States. At the same time, Chinas Wang Yi was visiting Moscow and pledging closer ties with no limits. Furthermore, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is warning Beijing not to provide weapons to Russia. Xi Jinping is expected in Moscow soon and tensions between the West and the China-Russia alliance are expected to heighten.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
by Wang Yingjin

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a recent interview made some provocative comments on the Taiwan question again, calling it "not an internal matter" based on China's sovereignty, but one to "the entire world."

The remarks proved once again how badly Washington wishes to undermine the one-China principle and define "the status quo across the Taiwan Strait" at its will, all in order to use Taiwan to contain China and go after its hegemonic interests in the Asia-Pacific.

But, as the true saboteur of peace and stability in the region and a liar who tries to blame China for changing the "status quo across the Taiwan Strait," Washington is in no position to make such a definition.

For a long time, Washington has pursued a "dual-track policy" toward Taiwan, claiming not to violate its long-standing one-China policy while providing illegitimate support for Taiwan authorities in violation of legal principles and moral grounds.

To fuel tensions across the Taiwan Strait, Washington has increased arms sales to Taiwan, sent lawmakers to the Chinese region, and revised the so-called "fact sheet on U.S. relations with Taiwan," to name a few.

It has also passed a series of bills that gradually distort, obscure, and hollow out the one-China principle, and has treated Taiwan as an "independent political entity" in an attempt to provide legitimacy for its intervention in the Taiwan question.

Claiming to "maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait," Washington attempts to maintain the situation of "no reunification and no independence" of Taiwan, a move in essence to obstruct China from resolving the Taiwan question, solidify the "split and partition" across the Taiwan Strait, and create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" in disguise.

Besides, Washington's version of the Taiwan question is ridiculous, irresponsible, and has no binding force on China. Nor has China ever accepted it.

The fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have not yet been reunified is a legacy of China's civil war. The Taiwan question is an internal Chinese matter that can only be resolved internally without the intervention of foreign forces. Achieving national reunification, which concerns China's legitimate right to development, is a just cause.

Washington, on the other hand, has been attempting to change the nature of the question, distort it into an international issue, and provide itself with a so-called "legal basis" by applying the rules of international law in dealing with territorial disputes between countries to the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Its self-defined "status quo across the Taiwan Strait" violates fundamental principles of international law such as mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and severely undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The true "status quo across the Taiwan Strait" is unmistakable: both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same China, Taiwan is a part of China, and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity have never been divided. Furthermore, when and how China resolves the Taiwan question are matters entirely within China's sovereignty and have nothing to do with Washington.

Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have not yet achieved complete reunification, China has never given up on reunification. The official documents of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government as well as speeches of China's leaders have always stated that the Taiwan question will be resolved and China's complete reunification will be realized.

As China's overall national strength continues to improve, the general trend of cross-Strait reunification has become unstoppable.

Against this backdrop, Washington's offshore balancing policy toward Taiwan, which states that "the mainland does not seek reunification and Taiwan does not seek independence," cannot be sustained.

In terms of the Taiwan question, China has become more determined, willing, and resourceful to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, both legally and morally.

If Washington continues down the wrong path, it will undoubtedly face stronger protests and more determined countermeasures from the Chinese people.

Editor's note: Wang Yingjin is a professor and director of the cross-Strait relations research center of the Renmin University of China.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.
State-Funded Anti-Disinformation Campaign Flagged Americans as Foreign Shills: Twitter Files

The logo of the U.S. social networking website Twitter, on a smart-phone screen in Lille, northern France, on Sept. 4, 2019. (Denis Charlet/AFP via Getty Images)

A state-funded group got thousands of ordinary American users of Twitter flagged and banned as spreaders of foreign disinformation, according to the latest installment of Twitter Files released on Thursday by independent journalist Matt Taibbi.

The flawed anti-disinformation blacklist campaign was led by the Global Engagement Center (GEC), a lesser-known unit within the State Department. Established in 2017 as a part of the Obama administrations shift in national security strategy, GEC is tasked to work with government agencies like the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, National Security Agency, CIA, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to counter the messaging and diminish the influence of international terrorist organizations.

Over the past years, the GEC has bred a sprawling complex of disinformation studies labs at prominent colleges and think tanks, according to Taibbi. Among those GEC-funded entities is the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), which said in 2021 it suspected 40,000 Twitter accounts of being paid employees or possibly volunteers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the current ruling party of India.

Attached you will find a spreadsheet of around 40k twitter [sic] accounts that our researchers suspect are engaging in inauthentic behaviour in support of BJP and Hindu nationalism more broadly, Andy Garvin, an analyst and senior fellow at DFRLab, wrote in a June 2021 email to Twitter.

That list, however, was full of everyday conservative Americans. Many of them apparently have no connection whatsoever to India or BJP or the religious-nationalist agenda it promotes.

I have no connection to any Hindu folks  Just a Reagan Republican here in CT, user Bobby Hailstone told Taibbi.

A Hindu nationalist? Ive never even been out of this country. Let alone the state of NJ, wrote another user, Lady_DI816.

In response to Garvins email, Twitters then-integrity chief Yoel Roth wrote that he spot-checked a number of these accounts to find that virtually all of them appeared to be real people. Taibbi said this might explain why many of the accounts on the India list have survived to this day.

The GEC also provided Twitter with a spreadsheet of 5,500 users believed to be Chinese accounts engaged in state-backed coordinated manipulation. This list also contained many accounts apparently not associated with China or the Chinese communist regime.

According to screenshots of chats Taibbi shared, Twitter executives were frustrated to find on the Chinese list CNN employees based abroad.

Not exactly Andersons besties, but CNN assets if you will, Twitters Patrick Conlon joked, referring to CNN anchor Anderson Cooper.

Really really important to highlight thiswhat a total crock, commented Roth.

In another email screenshot, the GEC asked Twitter to review 499 accounts suspected of spreading foreign disinformation, for reasons that include using the hashtag #IraniansDebateWithBiden and communicating on Signal, an encrypted messaging mobile application.

According to the most recent publicly available budget audit report by the State Department, the GEC received approximately $98.7 million in 2018, including $78.7 million in funds set aside by Congress and $20 million transferred from the Pentagon. The report suggests that the GEC used the money to fund at least 39 different organizations, but only three of them were unredacted.

The Atlantic Council didnt respond to a request for comment. Meanwhile, a State Department spokesperson said in a statement that the GEC does not and has never attempted to moderate content on social media platforms.

The GECs mandate is to coordinate with other federal agencies to direct, lead, synchronize and coordinate the efforts of the U.S. government to understand the sources and trends in foreign attempts to spread disinformation and propaganda globally.

Taibbi, along with independent journalist Michael Shellenberger, has been in the spotlight for publishing internal discussions among Twitters previous leadership, many of which involved decisions to censor certain information at the request of government agencies. The two will be testifying about their findings before the House Judiciary Committee on March 9.
A Texas high schooler was named grand champion of a renowned rodeo art show and is set to take home $30,000 when her artwork, an exquisite photo-realistic painting of a rider on horseback herding cows, is sold at auction.

Mia Huckman, 18, lives in Houston and attends Foster High School in nearby Richmond. From among 4,500 submissions from school districts across southeast Texas, she took the top spot at Houston Livestock Show & Rodeos 2023 School Art Contest on Feb. 11 after entering for the fourth year in a row.

Mia Huckman stands beside her winning painting, titled Our Last Roundup. (Courtesy of Mia Huckman)

Her acrylic painting, executed on gessoed board, is based on a photo loaned to her by her art teacher that was taken at a real Texas ranch.

I started working on it in mid-October and finished it in early January, Mia told The Epoch Times. The title, Our Last Roundup, was intended to reflect some of the changes that have occurred at that ranch since the photo was taken, as well as a bit of my own personal experience with this being the last year that Im eligible to enter the School Art Contest.

Our Last Roundup by Mia Huckman. (Courtesy of Mia Huckman)

The detailed painting was challenging, said Mia, who added: The deadline is always stressful, and I would often end up staying up super late or waking up super early to work on the piece, in between school work and extracurricular activities. A lot of the time I would have to stay home from trips or hanging out with friends to get work done.

She said it was a challenge to capture the out-of-focus background of the piece accurately, as it is not something she has done before.

Mia hoped to convey themes of peace and tranquility,  patience and strength in her painting. She was encouraged by her school that doing well in the art contest can lead to lots of beneficial opportunities, such as selling work at auction.

Detail photo of Mias painting, Our Last Roundup. (Courtesy of Mia Huckman)

Mias winning painting will be auctioned off on March 12, according to a Lamar School District press release. As far as Mia knows, additional print copies will be made and sold after the auction takes place.

Its not the first time the young artist has made waves at the HLSR School Art Contest.

Mia was an auction winner in 2020, a Reserve Class Champion for painting in 2021, and a Reserve Grand Champion in 2022 when she broke the record for the highest auction bid received for a student artwork. Her painting Partners in Time sold for an incredible $265,000thats $15,000 more than the 2022 Grand Champions painting sold for.

Detail of the background and cowboys hand in Mias painting, Our Last Roundup. (Courtesy of Mia Huckman)

Mia is inspired by the very subject matter she renders, and by past contest winners; she feels super proud that she finally claimed the top title.

This is something that Ive been working towards for a very long time, and Im happy to have accomplished such a difficult goal, she said. Ive been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember.  Some of my favorite artists are Norman Rockwell, Haddon Sundblom, and Claude Monet. I take inspiration from tons of art and artists I get exposed to, both modern and throughout history.

Mia and her painting, Our Last Roundup. (Courtesy of Mia Huckman)

Recently, Mia has been inspired by impressionist works and says that the main difference between Western and other forms of art is the subject matter, though I will admit Im far from an expert on this, she said.

After high school, Mia plans to study for a degree in illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design. I hope to pursue a career as a concept artist once I graduate, she said. Ideally, once Ive established a career, Ill be able to move abroad and continue getting to do what I love.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
Timeshare Owners Warned by FBI to Avoid Resale Scammers

View of the almost empty beach of a resort in Cancun, Quintana Roo state, Mexico, on March 28, 2020. (Elizabeth Buiz/AFP via Getty Images)

The FBI has warned timeshare owners across the United States to be on the lookout for scammers targeting their properties in Mexico.

The scammers are pretending to be companies offering to sell or rent their victims timeshares, cheating timeshare owners out of millions of dollars, the FBI said in a public service announcement on Thursday.

The bureaus Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 600 complaints last year, approximating losses of $39.6 million from victims contacted by scammers regarding timeshares owned in Mexico.

A timeshare is a property ownership model in which multiple people co-own a vacation property, typically a condominium or apartment, for a specific period, for example, one week every year.

It can be difficult to resell a stake in a timeshare property, however, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that the actual value of a timeshare lies in its usefulness as a vacation destination, not as a means of creating profit.

People enjoy a day on the beach in the seaside tourist resort of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, Mexico, on Feb. 15, 2019. (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images)

The Scam

According to the FBI, the scam involves criminals posing as sales representatives for a resale company and using high-pressure sales tactics to convince timeshare owners to sell or rent their properties. The con has been perpetrated for many years.

Criminals call or email timeshare owners asking them to pay an upfront fee for listing and advertising services. However, the PSA states that once the payment is made, the scammers become evasive or create additional fees.

The FBIs alert states that at this point, calls go unanswered, numbers are disconnected, and websites are inaccessible.

In some cases, victims are also contacted by fraudulent timeshare recovery companies offering to help them recuperate their losses for a fee.

The representative from the recovery company promises assistance in recuperating money lost in the sales scam. Some recovery companies require an up-front fee for services rendered, the alert states. At times, scammers purport to be a government entity requesting payments for fees associated with the sale of the timeshare.

Aerial view of an almost empty beach in Cancun, Quintana Roo state, Mexico, on March 28, 2020. (Elizabeth Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images)

To avoid falling prey to these scams, the FBI advises timeshare owners to be cautious of uninvited telephone calls, texts, or emails regarding their timeshares, research all entities they are in contact with before agreeing to anything, and enlist the help of a real estate agent or lawyer they trust.

The FBI also cautions against high-pressure sales tactics and reminds people that if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it often is.

Timeshare owners who believe theyve been the victim of a scam can contact their local FBI Field Office.

FTC Offers Tips to Avoid Resell Scammers

The FTC recommends taking certain precautions to avoid becoming a victim of a timeshare resale scam, such as thoroughly researching the reseller.

Timeshare owners can contact the state attorney general and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located to see if any complaints have been filed against them. Additionally, the FTC advises searching online using the resellers name and keywords like complaint or scam to check for any negative reviews or feedback.

Other ways to be on the lookout for scammers include inquiring about the fees involved and opting for resellers who only charge fees after the timeshare has been sold.

If an upfront fee is necessary, the FTC advises requesting written refund policies. Further, make sure that the resellers agents are licensed to sell real estate in the state where the timeshare is located and only deal with licensed real estate agents and brokers.

The FTC also suggested seeking references from satisfied customers, asking for the resellers advertising and promotion strategy, and requesting progress reports.

Make sure the company will actively work towards selling the timeshare instead of simply putting it on a resale list, according to the FTC.

Read the contract carefully to make sure it matches the verbal promises youve gotten, the FTCs advice states. It should include the services the reseller will perform, plus any fees youll have to pay and when. If the deal isnt what you expected or wanted, dont sign the contract.

Timeshare owners are also advised to lower their expectations regarding the resale, particularly if it has been owned for less than five years or is located in a less popular area. A licensed timeshare appraisal service can help gauge the value of the timeshare, according to the FTC.
Toxic Chemical Threat to Western Australias Drinking Water Supply

The aluminium plant of manufacturer Alcoa at Point Henry, near the regional city of Geelong in Victoria on Feb. 11, 2012. (William West /Getty Images)

A pipeline built without approval by alumina giant Alcoa is at risk of leaking toxic chemicals into a dam which supplies drinking water in Western Australias (WAs) southwest.

The states environmental regulator has ordered Alcoa to urgently flush out the pipeline which crosses the Samson Dam, about 100km south of Perth.

It says the pipeline is likely to contain wastewater contaminated with Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), known as forever chemicals because they are very slow to break down and are associated with a range of serious health issues.

Alcoa built the pipeline to transfer PFAS-contaminated wastewater to a treatment plant at its Willowdale bauxite mining operations.

It did so despite an application to construct the infrastructure remaining under assessment by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

A prevention notice issued to Alcoa said the construction of the pipeline contravened the departments public drinking water supply protection policy.

It also failed to meet containment measures to prevent the release of PFAS to soil, groundwater or surface waters.

I consider that a release of PFAS contaminated water through pipeline joints or loss of pipeline integrity to be a real and not remote possibility, a department inspector said in the notice.

PFAS is highly soluble and highly mobile and has the potential to cause impacts to aquatic ecosystems and human health.

The department further alleged the pipeline had been constructed in locations where it could be easily damaged by site equipment and vehicles.

Alcoa has been given 48 hours to purge the pipeline with clean water to remove any contamination.

It must then deposit the purged water into an authorised waste disposal facility.

An Alcoa spokeswoman said traces of PFAS had first been found at the WA bauxite operations in 2019, prompting the company to stop using firefighting foams containing PFAS compounds and implement testing and containment controls.

The use of a sealed and monitored pipeline was found to be the safest and most effective way of transporting the water.

DWER were informed prior to construction commencing, the spokeswoman said.

The pipeline was used for a short time in 2022 and has not been used since. It is located in a maintenance corridor that can only be accessed by authorised personnel using light vehicles. There have been no leaks from the pipeline.

Alcoa has a 60-year history of mining bauxite in the south-west of WA without having any negative impact on public drinking water supply.
UK Information Watchdog Says Lockdown Files Expose Issues With Public Record Keeping

A young girl paints a picture of herself on the school window as children of key workers take part in school activities at Oldfield Brow Primary School in Altrincham, England, on April 8, 2020. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The tens of thousands of leaked WhatsApp messages among government ministers and officials during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need to update rules around public record-keeping, the UKs information watchdog said on Friday.

Writing in The Telegraph, Information Commissioner John Edwards said the newspapers revelation of how decisions were made on WhatsApp showed the need to review how private messaging apps are used in government in order to properly maintain the public record and ensure transparency and accountability.

The Lockdown Files

Since Feb. 28, The Telegraph has published more than 30 stories based on 100,000 WhatsApp messages it exclusively obtained from journalist Isabel Oakeshott, who had been given access to the messages by former Health Secretary Matt Hancock when he enlisted Oakeshotts help to co-write a book called Pandemic Diaries.

The Telegraph dubbed the ongoing series The Lockdown Filesan apparent nod to the Elon Musk-endorsed Twitter Files investigation. Associate Editor Camilla Tominey said the publication decided to publish the messages because in the interest of openness, transparency, and accountability, the public has a right to know what went on behind the scenes.

On March 1, the newspaper claimed that Hancock, in the early days of the pandemic, rejected advice from Englands Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty that everyone going into care homes should be tested for COVID-19, telling an aide the move just muddies the waters and introduced mandatory testing only for those coming from hospitals rather than the community.

Following the report, Hancock disputed the claims made by the Telegraph, calling them flat wrong, and claiming the messages had been spun to fit an anti-lockdown agenda.

Matt Hancock in an undated photo (Aaron Chown/PA)

Another Telegraph report published messages that appeared to show Hancock and Simon Case, permanent secretary at Downing Street, mocking people who had to enter hotel quarantine after travelling to the UK and speaking of pressuring the police to enforce lockdown rules.

Other claims include former Prime Minister Boris Johnson questioning the justification of the lockdowns, masks being introduced in Englands secondary schools to avoid an argument with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Hancock scrambling to save his job after it was reported the married minister kissed his aide in office when social-distancing guidance was in place.

The Epoch Times hasnt seen the texts and hasnt been able to independently verify the claims.

Hancock resigned from the government a day after being caught cheating and not adhering to social distancing guidelines. Oakeshott wrote on Feb. 28 that Hancock subsequently downloaded the WhatsApp messages from his phone and shared them with various people, including her.

The journalist said the body of messages is a vital historical record at a time when we need urgent answers.

Having described COVID-19 lockdowns as an unmitigated disaster, Oakeshott said she was releasing the messages because it would take many years before the end of the official inquiry into the pandemic response, which she claimed could be a colossal whitewash.

Record Keeping

The information commissioner said the message leak highlighted a situation where we have a government by WhatsApp.

Noting that WhatsApp messages are still covered by freedom of information, meaning messages related to official businesses absolutely can be requested through a freedom of information request, Edwards said the reality is that much of this information rests on peoples personal phones, or within personal accounts, and that it is rarely properly documented and archived.

New technologies can play a crucial role in keeping us connected. But the clear risk is that decision-making via WhatsApp risks being lost from the public record if it is not properly recorded and stored, he added.

In July 2022, the commissioners office (ICO) published a report, calling for a review of use of private email and messaging apps within the government.

The ICO said its investigation found that the lack of clear controls and the rapid increase in the use of messaging apps and technologiessuch as WhatsApphad the potential to lead to important information around the governments response to the pandemic being lost or insecurely handled.

Citing an example of protectively marked information being located in non-corporate or private accounts outside of the Department of Health and Social Cares official systems, the ICO said there were real risks to transparency and accountability within government, and called for a review of practices.

Reiterating the call, Edwards noted that the Cabinet Office has promised to update its guidance on communications channels, saying he hopes the updated guidance will mark the beginning of a real sea change in how communication in government departments is handled.

We rely on a collective memory of the past to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future. Stores of hundreds of thousands of WhatsApps do not cut the mustard.

Owen Evans contributed to this report.
US Announces New $400 Million Ukraine Security Aid Package

President Joe Biden (R) walks next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) as he arrives for a visit in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 20, 2023. (Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP/Getty Images)

The United States will transfer military equipment worth up to $400 million to Ukraine to aid its defense against the Russian invasion, including high-mobility rocket systems, mortars, and anti-vehicle rounds, the Pentagon announced on March 3.

The latest round of security aid occurs amid rising tensions as Kyiv struggles to hold the eastern city of Bakhmut amid fierce fighting.

Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 33rd drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment for Ukraine since August 2021, valued at $400 million, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. This military assistance package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers, which Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself.

HIMARS are mobile rocket-launching vehicles worth roughly $4 million apiece with each individual rocket costing around $168,000. The Biden administration has sent 20 of these vehiclesmanufactured by Lockheed Martinto the Ukrainian military since the start of the war.

Biden has supplied 143 howitzerslarge artillery guns reminiscent of weapons used in World War IIto Ukraine at a per-unit cost of about $5 million.

Demolition munitions and equipment for obstacle clearing are also included in the package, as are testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair, spare parts, and other field equipment to help the Ukrainians sustain their forces in combat.

Ukrainian service members fire a shell from a towed howitzer FH-70 at a front line in the Donbass Region on July 18, 2022. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters)

Rally the World

The United States will continue to rally the world to support Ukraine, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on March 3.

Although the international community broadly supports Ukraine, there are signs of fatigue. Two nationsMali and Nicaraguavoted against a United Nations resolution to denounce Russia in February, despite not doing so in March 2022.

The United States has changed the type of aid it provides as the war has progressed, offering arms that it said were off-limits at the start of the war. Some European countries have also pledged their support by giving tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and ammunition.

Critics argue that the aid package is timed poorly and shows the Biden administrations incautious attitude toward the war.

Nuclear-Armed

The latest weapons package comes as the U.S. is pushing Ukraine to launch a major counteroffensive and U.S. and Ukrainian officials are openly discussing attacks on Crimea, a clear red line for Putin, Dave DeCamp, news editor for Antiwar.com, said. Each new package and each day that passes without peace talks increases the risk of a major escalation that could lead to a direct clash between NATO and Russia, a scenario that would be catastrophic for the entire world.

The latest package also comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to retake Russian-occupied Crimea, Ukraines southern peninsula, which the Russians annexed in 2014. Moscow considers the region part of Russia, and most Crimean residents share that view.

In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would respond with a nuclear strike if there is a threat to Russias territorial integrity. Officials from the State Department and Norwegian allies have expressed concern now that Crimea is in Kyivs crosshairs, fearing that Putin could deploy a tactical nuke.

U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed those concerns in an interview with The Financial Times in February and said the war will ultimately have to end at the negotiating table.

In this particular case, its against a country that is large and is nuclear-armed, he said. So you have to be very, very conscious about managing escalation.
Chinese companies are feeling the heat. From the state to the federal level, officials are cracking down on Chinese firms. The Biden administration is blacklisting another 37 companies, including Chinese BGI and Inspur. Nebraska is joining in, listing telecom giants like Huawei and ZTE. And U.S. ally Australia also taking aim, prying Chinas grip from rare earth supplies through banning a Chinese-linked investment fund in the country. The goal is to purge Chinese infiltration.

Topics in this episode:
US Sanctions Russian Officials Over Dissidents Detention

Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza is escorted to a hearing in a court in Moscow on Feb. 8, 2023. (AP Photo)

WASHINGTONThe United Stats has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on five Russian officials and an expert witness involved in the incarceration of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition leader who has been imprisoned in Moscow since April for speaking out against Russias invasion of Ukraine.

He faces more than 30 years in prison.

Treasury sanctioned Elena Lenskaya, a Moscow judge; Andrei Zadachin, a special investigator; and Danila Mikheev, an expert witness for the Russian government on the case against Kara-Murza.

Governments and human rights organizations around the world, including the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, have called for Kara-Murzas release.

Fridays actions block the sanctioned Russians access to U.S. bank accounts and other financial institutions. The U.S. State Department also imposed visa restrictions on Lenskaya, Zadachin, and Mikheev.

Additionally, the State Department imposed visa restrictions on Deputy Justice Minister Oleg Sviridenko and two judges, Diana Mishchenko and Ilya Kozlov, who were involved in Kara-Murzas detention.

Kara-Murza was arrested after giving a speech in March 2022 before the Arizona House of Representatives, where he spoke out against the war. Since then, the Russian government has brought two additional criminal charges against him, for involvement in an undesirable foreign organization and for high treason.

The U.S. Treasury joins our many national and international partners in calling for Vladimir Kara-Murzas immediate and unconditional release, said Treasury Under Secretary Brian Nelson.

His arbitrary detention is another instance of the Kremlin manipulating Russias legal system to silence dissent, Nelson said. Kara-Murza, Alexei Navalny, and so many others in Russia who are unjustly imprisoned are not forgotten, and we will continue to promote accountability for perpetrators of these abuses on the international stage.

Last week at the Council on Foreign Relations, Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo said that as the invasion enters its second year, the United States will intensify its efforts to boost sanctions, including cracking down on sanctions evasion and putting economic pressure on countries, firms and people that continue to support Russian President Vladimir Putins efforts to advance the war.

By Fatima Hussein
US, South Korea to Hold Military Drills With Focus on North Korean Aggression

Col. Isaac Taylor of the U.N. Command (UNC), Combined Forces Command (CFC), and United States Forces Korea (USFK) and Col. Lee Sung-jun (R) of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff attend the press briefing of 2023 Freedom Shield Exercise at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, on March 3, 2023. (Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via Reuters)

South Korea and the United States stated that theyll proceed with large-scale military exercises this month, while North Korea has threatened to respond with unprecedented counteractions.

The allies annual Freedom Shield drills, taking place from March 13 to March 23, aim to solidify their combined defense posture and combat readiness against any threats, according to the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

The 11 days of joint drills will include live exercises with constructive simulations focused on North Koreas aggression and lessons learned from current and ongoing conflicts, USFK stated.

Participating units will include personnel from USFK, U.N. Command, subordinate commands under the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command, and representatives of sending states.

Freedom Shield is designed to strengthen defense and response capabilities of the Alliance by focusing within the exercise scenario on things such as the changing security environment, DPRK aggression, and lessons learned from recent wars and conflicts, the allies stated, referring to North Korea by the initials of its official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The drills will be held concurrently with field training exercises dubbed Warrior Shield, which aims to bolster their military cooperation through air, sea, land, space, cyber, and special operations.

The ROKU.S. alliance remains at a high level of readiness and continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture, the USFK stated, using the acronym for South Koreas official name, the Republic of Korea.

This years Freedom Shield will feature field exercises on a scale not seen since 2017, when then-President Donald Trump scaled back public drills with South Korea to facilitate diplomacy with North Korea.

Col. Isaac Taylor, a spokesman for the U.S. military, and Col. Lee Sung-jun (R), a spokesman at South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, attend the press briefing for the 2023 Freedom Shield exercise at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, on March 3, 2023. (Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via Reuters)

The two allies also held a joint air drill on March 3, involving one American B-1B strategic bomber and South Korean F-15K and KF-16 fighters, to demonstrate the U.S. extended deterrence against North Korean threats.

Previous U.S.South Korea joint military drills drew retaliatory steps from North Korea, including launching missiles and an intercontinental ballistic missile, some of which landed outside Japans exclusive economic zone.

Col. Lee Sung-jun, a spokesperson for South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the allies will respond sternly based on the overwhelming capabilities of the alliance if North Korea takes further provocative actions, Yonhap News Agency reported.

More North Korean Warnings

North Korea has long condemned U.S. joint drills on the Korean Peninsula as rehearsals for an invasion and stated that an increased presence of U.S. strategic assets in the region will push the security situation to an extreme red line.

North Koreas Foreign Ministry spokesperson said last month that the United States and South Korea will face unprecedented and strong counteractions if they proceed with their planned joint drills.

If it is the U.S. option to show its muscle and counter everything with muscle, the same is true of the DPRKs option, the official said, according to North Koreas official mouthpiece.

North Korea conducted a series of missile launches last year, including one involving its largest intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-17, all of which are banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions on the Norths missile program.

The test-firing of a missile at Pyongyang International Airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Nov. 18, 2022, in a photo provided by the North Korean regime on Nov. 19, 2022. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

The United States, South Korea, and Japan have strongly condemned the Norths missile launches and urged Pyongyang to stop its provocative acts.

Inter-Korean Military Deal

Earlier this year, South Korea stated that it would consider terminating a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement after North Korea sent five drones across the Demarcation Line separating the two Koreas on Dec. 26, 2022.

The incursion prompted South Korea to deploy fighter jets and fire about 100 rounds at the drones, but none were shot down while they flew over South Korean cities for hours.

President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed the National Security Office to consider suspending the Sept. 19 military agreement in the event North Korea carries out another provocation violating our territory, press secretary Kim Eun-hye said.

The agreement was signed by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018 to end military hostilities between their nations. Termination of the agreement could result in the resumption of live-fire drills along the demarcation line.

The United States says its concerned about North Koreas disregard for the 2018 inter-Korea military agreement, citing North Koreas series of drone and missile provocations against South Korea.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Walgreens Wont Sell Abortion Pills in 20 States

A sign for Walgreens is displayed outside its store in Washington on Nov. 2, 2022. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Walgreens confirmed on March 2 that it will not distribute abortion pills in numerous statesincluding to some states where abortion is legalafter Republican attorneys general (AG) in 21 states told the company that it risked breaking federal law should it do so, Politico first reported.

Walgreens, the second-largest pharmacy chain in the United States, made the decision after receiving a letter from Republican Missouri AG Andrew Bailey on Feb. 1,

Other than Missouri, attorneys general from 19 other Republican-led statesAlabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginiaalso signed the letter.

Kansas AG Kris Kobach sent his own letter to Walgreens five days later.

Baileys letter specifically addressed the states opposition to Walgreens intent to participate in the growing abortion pills by mail business practice that expands abortion access nationwide.

Walgreens told Politico that it has responded to all the officials in writing, assuring them that they will not dispense abortion pills either by mail or at their brick-and-mortar locations in those states, even though the letter only took issue with the pills distribution through the mail.

In its response letter to each of the states, Walgreens emphasized that it is not yet dispensing the abortion pill, called mifepristone, in any of its locations. However, it still intends to become a certified pharmacy under the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) program and, in fact, is working through the certification process.

While Walgreens has publicly expressed its intent [to become a certified pharmacy]  the company has made clear that it would do so consistent with all applicable laws and as a result would not be able to dispense Mifepristone in all locations, Walgreens wrote.

The pharmacy chain went on to say that it will not dispense Mifepristone within your state or ship Mifepristone into your state from any of our pharmacies.

These states include several where abortionboth medicine- and procedure-inducedis legal, including Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, and Montana, Politico reported.

Pro-life groups applauded Walgreens response.

Students for Life spokesperson Kristi Hamrick told Politico, This response indicates that pro-life concerns are being heard and that corporations are not rushing to take over the abortion business but are proceeding cautiously.

Why the Letter Was Written

In January, the nations largest pharmacy chains, including Walgreens, announced that they planned to seek FDA-mandated certification to distribute mifepristone in its brick-and-mortar locations and through the mail after the agency updated its rules, loosening restrictions on where and how the drug could be dispensed, Bloomberg reported.

Previously, women seeking the drug could only do so in person at certified health care facilities, according to the FDA.

The new rules, updated on Jan. 4, removed the in-person dispensing requirement, allowing a patient with a prescription from a certified prescriber to get the drug through the mail or pick it up at a certified pharmacy.

An additional impetus for the letter was a 21-page opinion that the U.S. Department of Justice issued to the U.S. Postal Service in late December 2022, advising that, under federal law, the postal service can legally deliver abortion pills through the mail.

The attorneys general disagreed, arguing in the letter that the Biden administration has misrepresented federal law, saying that federal law expressly prohibits using the mail to send or receive any drug that will be used or applied for producing abortion.'

The attorneys general went on to explain that the Biden administration encouraged the U.S. Postal Service to disregard this plain text, and they threatened legal action if Walgreens moves forward with its intention to mail the drug, adding, we reject the Biden administrations bizarre interpretation, and we expect courts will as well. Courts do not lightly ignore the plain text of statutes.

The letter further explained that not only does federal law prohibit using the mail to send and receive abortion drugs, but so do many state laws. Additionally, the sale of abortion pills through the mail may violate some states abortion laws.

Kansas AG Kobach, a Republican, sent a similar letter to Walgreens, informing the retail chain that its plan to provide abortifacients through its mail-order pharmacy business  is illegal, and Kansas will not hesitate to enforce the law.

Mifepristone

The FDA approved mifepristone in September 2000 for a medicine-induced termination of pregnancy through seven weeks. In 2016, the timeframe was extended to 10 weeks.

Mifepristone is a drug that blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. It is then followed by a second drug, misoprostol, taken 24 to 48 hours later that triggers the uterus to contract and expel the fetus. Together, the drugs are known as the abortion pill.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, the abortion pill accounted for 54 percent of all U.S. abortions in 2022. That number jumped significantly from 39 percent in 2017.

While the use of medication abortion has been steadily increasing since it was first approved, the COVID-19 pandemic likely accelerated the trend, Guttmacher stated in its report.

Previous FDA protocol required the drug to be administered in person at certified clinics. In April 2021, restrictions were temporarily loosened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling women seeking abortion to consult health care providers by telemedicine and receive the pills by mail.

Since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, there has been increased attention on the benefits of telehealthand abortion has very much been a part of that conversation, Guttmacher said.

In December 2021, the FDA announced its intention to make the temporary changes permanent, and in early January 2023, the FDA announced the new, permanent rules.

From NTD News
Wang Chao (C, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The National People's Congress, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. 

Wang Chao (C, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Wang Chao (3rd L), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Wang Chao (C), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Wang Chao (C, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Wang Chao, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Wang Chao (2nd R), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

Wang Chao (2nd L, rear), spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

A journalist with Xinhua News Agency asks questions during a press conference ahead of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. The NPC, China's national legislature, held a press conference Saturday, one day before the opening of its annual session. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)
Robert and Stacey Hayes enjoyed Shen Yun for the first time at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, in Costa Mesa, on March 3, 2023. (Alice Sun/The Epoch Times)

COSTA MESA, Calif.Attorney Stacey Hayes and her husband Robert, a retired insurance broker, purchased tickets for Shen Yun Performing Arts after seeing an ad in The Epoch Times.

Stepping out of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts at the end of the evening on March 3, the couple thought the performance was very enlightening.

It was beautiful! We loved the history it provided, the colors, the danceall of it. Everything about the culture was wonderful, said. Mrs. Hayes. We loved it. It was hard to pick a favorite!

Shen Yun Performing Arts is the worlds top classical Chinese dance and music company. Presenting a brand-new set of programs each year, the company has been delighting audiences around the world since 2006.

We didnt realize how deep and beautiful it is. The color, the dancing, the art, and the expressionits just so revealing.  Robert Hayes

[Chinese] culture isnt something we know much about. We didnt realize how deep and beautiful it is. The color, the dancing, the art, and the expressionits just so revealing, Mr. Hayes said.

They also talked about the Divine. Thats what they were trying to tell us. It was really an emotional evening.

Ancient Chinese people were very spiritual and had a deep belief in the Divine. For thousands of years, their values and day-to-day actions were governed by the teachings of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

However, after the Chinese Communist Partys takeover and its spread of atheism, this culture was systematically destroyed. Even today, countless of Chinese people are subject to imprisonment and persecution for their beliefs.

After viewing Shen Yuns story dance depicting the persecution of Falun Gonga peaceful spiritual practice whose followers uphold the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearanceMrs. Hayes said she was devastated.

We were already aware of [the persecution.] Its not publicized, people dont know about it enough. Its horrible that its going on and to such great degrees, she expressed.

I think people dont realize how evil communism is. It has killed more people over the centuries than any other group. I dont think [Americans] realize whats happening in China because theyre so involved monetarily.

Mr. Hayes chimed in that he thought Shen Yuns mission to revive traditional culture was very admirable and though this was their first time attending a performance, the couple would definitely be returning for more.

We were just talking about it coming down the stairsthe world is so full of evil right now and [Shen Yun] is a part of the resistance against that evil. It is a beautiful way to keep people in touch with the [divine] aspect of the world, he said.

We have to continue to support these kinds of messages and these kinds of productions. We stay brave and courageous because of things like this.

Reporting by Alice Sun and Jennifer Tseng.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
WHO Pandemic Treaty Faces Scant Opposition in Canada as US Politicians Concerned About Sovereignty Push Back

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus holds a press conference at the World Health Organization's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Dec. 14, 2022. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)

The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded a meeting on March 3 to advance negotiations on the global governance of pandemic responses. While the event flew under the radar in Canada, Republican politicians in the United States have taken a position against the treaty, expressing concern about its implications on their countrys sovereignty in policy-making.

The WHO published the Zero Draft on Feb. 1 as the basis of the negotiations to create a future international instrument to manage pandemics.

The draft sets out broad principles, such as respect for human rights and a list of progressive themes, while also touching on issues such as vaccine management and combatting misinformation.

The WHOs intergovernmental negotiating body started to consider the draft at its fourth meeting (INB4), held from Feb. 27 to March 3.

Seventeen U.S. Republican senators had earlier reacted and introduced a bill, on Feb. 15, seeking to shield their country from the reach of the eventual agreement.

The WHO, along with our federal health agencies, failed miserably in their response to COVID-19, said Sen. Ron Johnson from Wisconsin. This failure should not be rewarded with a new international treaty that would increase the WHOs power at the expense of American sovereignty.

This goes against the will of the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, which held a strategic dialogue with the WHO in September where they agreed on strengthening global capacities to respond to pandemics.

The Canadian government is also in favour of the development of a pandemic treaty under the WHO.

Grey Area

The negotiated treaty is to be legally binding, but the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says on its website that the WHO has no jurisdiction in Canada, and Canada will remain in control of any future domestic decisions about national restrictions or other measures related to pandemics.

When asked about this potential contradiction, PHAC spokeswoman Anna Maddison said that Canada always considers the potential impacts on domestic laws and policies when negotiating a new international instrument.

The Government of Canada will seek to ensure that the development of a new pandemic instrument continues to respect our health, social, economic, and security contexts, she said.

There is hence still a grey area on the issue of national sovereignty, which also appears in the Zero Draft.

The drafts guiding principle on sovereignty says that states have the right to determine their own approaches to public health in accordance with rules of international law, provided that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to their peoples and other countries.

PHAC would not say whether theres a specific area of the draft that the Canadian government disagrees with, only that INB4 is an opportunity to better understand potential implications for the country.

PHAC also didnt say if theres a scenario under which it wouldnt support a treaty or accord.

Canada is supportive of the process to develop and negotiate the pandemic instrument and participates in all negotiations in good faith, said Maddison.

Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis has been one rare voice in Canada opposing the future treaty.

Canada must be careful to not sign anything that could give away our sovereignty on health care, even if there is tremendous international pressure to do so for the sake of pandemic preparedness, she wrote in September.

Guiding Principles

Other guiding principles of the draft include respect for human rights and transparency.

There are also multiple progressive themes, such as equity, inclusiveness, gender equality, non-discrimination and respect for diversity, and rights of individuals and groups at higher risk and in vulnerable situations.

Areas in the draft that can arouse controversies include a focus on combatting false, misleading, misinformation or disinformation and encouraging vaccine uptake.

Each party is encouraged to conduct regular social listening and analysis to identify the prevalence and profiles of misinformation, which contribute to design communications and messaging strategies for the public to counteract misinformation, disinformation and false news, thereby strengthening public trust, says the draft.

The Parties will contribute to research and inform policies on factors that hinder adherence to public health and social measures, confidence and uptake of vaccines, use of appropriate therapeutics and trust in science and government institutions.

While seeking to increase vaccine uptake by combatting misinformation, the draft also makes a foray into the area of accountability for vaccination programs.

It suggests establishing a global compensation mechanism for the vaccine-injured, and while this is pending, countries are to endeavour to exclude indemnity clauses of indefinite or excessive duration in contracts with manufacturers.

The draft also recommends excluding confidentiality clauses.

This is a current issue in Canada, with opposition MPs wanting to see the contracts for billions of dollars between the federal government and vaccine manufacturers.

The Liberal government says the unredacted contracts can only be shown if the MPs sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, who is the parliamentary secretary to the minister of public services and procurement, explained on Feb. 16 that this is because his government signed the contracts under unfavourable conditions at the beginning of the pandemic when everybody was desperate for vaccines.

So thats why these companies said, If Im going to deliver you this product that I havent tested in my normal way, I want to have different conditions, he said.

Gain-of-Function Research

The draft also recommends greater oversight on laboratories that conduct gain-of-function research.

Each Party shall, as applicable, implement and apply international standards for, oversight of and reporting on laboratories and research facilities that carry out work to genetically alter organisms to increase their pathogenicity and transmissibility, in order to prevent accidental release of these pathogens.

Some evidence suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, could be the fruit of gain-of-function research. Organizations such as the FBI and the U.S. Department of Energy assess that the virus escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.

Other U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection was caused by natural exposure to an infected animal.

The next meeting of the INB is set for April, and the WHO seeks the accord to be in place in 2024.

Kevin Stocklin contributed to this report.
MANILA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Saturday strongly condemned the assassination of Negros Oriental province governor Roel Degamo, vowing his administration will bring those behind the killing to justice.

"My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice," Marcos said in a statement.

He added the investigation into Degamo's murder "is developing rapidly."

"We have received much information and now have a clear direction on how to bring to justice those behind this killing," Marcos said.

Initial police reports said Degamo was talking to some of his constituents in front of his house in Pamplona town of the province in the central Philippines on Saturday morning, when a group of armed men onboard two sport utility vehicles fired at the victim several times, also hitting some bystanders.

In a video message posted on social media, Degamo's wife, Pamplona town mayor Janice Degamo confirmed the death of her husband at a local hospital where he died two hours after the attack.

In a separate statement, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos said he has already ordered the Philippine National Police to conduct a pursuit operation against the assassins.

Degamo is the latest victim in several killings targeting politicians this year. 
LANZHOU, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A literature exhibition on the great Chinese ancient encyclopedia "Yongle Dadian" officially opened at the Lanzhou Museum in northwest China's Gansu Province on Tuesday, with some 70 pieces of material related to Lanzhou City in the classic for visitors to enjoy.

The "Yongle Dadian," commissioned by Emperor Yongle in 1403, collected more than 7,000 kinds of ancient Chinese books and records, covering literature, art, history, geography, philosophy and religion from the pre-Qin period (pre-221 B.C.) to the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

With a total of 11,095 volumes and about 370 million characters, the "Yongle Dadian" was lauded as the "largest encyclopedia in the world" by the "Encyclopedia Britannica." In an effort to protect this world-renowned compilation, Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty ordered a re-recording of the classic. The copying work took five years to complete.

Despite meticulous protection, hand-copied books have been gradually lost over the long course of history. Today, only slightly over 400 volumes and a few fragments of the "Yongle Dadian" remain in the world, which is less than 4 percent of the original book.

To facilitate public dissemination and professional study of the great ancient encyclopedia, the Yongle Canon HD Images Database was released by the National Library of China in Beijing this February, which is freely accessible to the public for reference.

Using advanced technology, China has stepped up efforts to bring classic literature back to daily life. In 2022, Chinese central authorities issued a set of guidelines, promising greater efforts to digitize ancient books and encouraging libraries and archives to open their collections and digital resources to the public.

Ancient books are vital to China's efforts to carry on its cultural tradition, foster a Chinese ethos and enhance its cultural strength, said the guidelines.

The National Library of China Publishing House and the Research Center for Digital Humanities of Peking University jointly developed the Yongle Canon HD Images Database. Currently, it contains the content of 1,800 books from the National Library of China's collection of the "Yongle Dadian."

Based on the high-definition images, the database adopts GIS techniques and three-dimension restoration techniques to vividly display the binding and layout of the encyclopedia and the whereabouts of the existing volumes, according to Wei Chong, director of the National Library of China Publishing House.

Likewise, the "Complete Library in Four Sections," also known as "Siku Quanshu," a collection of Chinese classical works, is being digitized in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province.

Created in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), "Siku Quanshu" had seven duplicates, which were originally stored in seven imperial libraries located in Beijing, east China's Yangtze River Delta, and Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning Province, among other locations. Currently, only three and a half duplicates remain.

The duplicate stored in the Wensu Pavilion library in Lanzhou, which was built in 2005, contains 36,315 volumes. It was initially stored in the Shenyang Imperial Palace, and moved to Lanzhou in the 1960s.

Significant efforts have been made to preserve this valuable copy. The local government has invested over 100 million yuan (about 14.57 million U.S. dollars) to continuously upgrade the library's conditions.

According to the library director Chen Jun, the library uses international-standard, temperature- and humidity-controlled storage with an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius in January and a constant humidity of around 50 percent throughout the year.

To make the copy more accessible to the public, digitization efforts began in 2021 and are expected to be completed by 2024. Chen said the library plans to make the digitized resources of the ancient texts available for various purposes, such as research and development of cultural products, while ensuring copyright protection.

"This effort aims to promote the in-depth study of cultural relics and bring them closer to the general public," said Chen.

In south China's Guangdong Province, the Sun Yat-sen Library has finished digitizing several rare and precious editions of ancient books, 1,013 kinds of periodicals and 480 kinds of newspapers published before the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, among others.

To further improve the efficiency of using the library's collection, the library has carried out text data recognition and database-building work on about 20,000 microforms, enabling functions including full-text search and text copying, according to the deputy director of the library's digitization department Zhang Hongxin.

"Digital transformation is a trend of the times. Ancient books will be integrated with other cultural carriers in the digital space, allowing the public to understand the overall picture of our traditional culture through various digital forms," said Liang Jihong, director of the digital humanities research and education office at the Renmin University of China. 
SEAN BERGEL, Wheeler, Baseball, Junior; Bergel struck out eight and allowed only five hits as Wheeler defeated Griswold in its season opener. Bergel walked just one batter and allowed two earned runs.

CAMI BROWN, Stonington, Softball, Junior; Brown finished 11 for 16 in four games for the Bears. Brown doubled four times, tripled twice and drove in nine runs.

CASEY MACERA, Westerly, Girls Lacrosse, Freshman, Macera scored five goals in a Division III win against Rocky Hill. Westerly ended a 15-game losing streak with the victory.

ADAM CARPENTER, Chariho, Baseball, Sophomore; Carpenter pitched a two-hitter in his varsity debut as the Chargers beat East Providence. Carpenter carried a no-hitter into the sixth. He struck out 10 and did not walk a batter.

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LOS ANGELES, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The construction of the planned Thacker Pass lithium mine in the remote north of U.S. state of Nevada, the largest known lithium deposit in the United States, has drawn concerns and protests from environmental groups as well as Native American tribes.

A federal appeals court on Wednesday refused to block construction of the largest lithium mine in the country, despite strong resistance from Nevada conservationists and tribes who claimed the government illegally approved it in a rush to produce raw materials for electric vehicle batteries.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for an emergency injunction that would block Lithium Americas, the mining company developing the mine site, from moving forward with the project.

Lithium Americas said on Thursday it has begun construction at its Thacker Pass lithium project.

In an interview with Xinhua, John Hadder, director of Great Basin Resource Watch, expressed his concern that irreversible harm will be done to the cultural area and environment before the case is ruled in the Ninth Circuit.

"The judge did rule that the Bureau of Land Management did break the law by violating regulations under the Federal Land Policy Management Act, so the project should be stopped until this can be resolved," Hadder said.

There is also the outstanding aspect of the mining claims under the tailings dump and waste rock dump areas. "In order for the current mine plan to go forward, the mining claims will need to be validated. This seems unlikely since millions of tons of waste is to be put on these areas indefinitely," he told Xinhua.

The proposed lithium clay mining development project, one of the largest in the world, is located in Humboldt County, about 25 miles from the Nevada-Oregon border.

Lithium Americas received a permit from the Bureau of Land Management to develop the mine in January 2021. Soon after the permit was issued, several lawsuits were filed in federal court seeking to slow or halt the project.

The lawsuits claimed that the land is sacred ground for American Indians and argued that the project will damage the local environment.

"This monstrous mine will permanently obliterate sagebrush winter habitat and a movement corridor that is at the heart of sage-grouse, mule deer and pronghorn survival in the high desert environment of the Montana Mountains," said Katie Fite, Public Lands director at WildLands Defense.

Sage-grouse will soon begin their elaborate mating displays. The birds will be driven off lek display grounds and nesting sites by the hellish noise and construction disturbance of an open pit mine, she said.

The Bureau of Land Management's approval of Thacker Pass mining "exposes how hollow and false its claims of sage-grouse conservation really are," Fite said.

Hadder noted that the current rulings should not be a justification for fast-tracking permitting of mines even for energy transition minerals.

"We must not relax our standards and analysis or we are likely to end up with more toxic mine sites across the U.S. that could be a source of long term pollution and drive climate change," he told Xinhua.

"Modern mining is very environmentally destruction and often disruptive to communities, so it needs to be carefully and judicially, which not what has happened at Thacker Pass," Hadder said. 
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

Ms S.M. writes: Last August 31, I boarded the 4.30pm Wizz Air flight from Larnaca in Cyprus to Gatwick. Two and a half hours later, we were told the flight was cancelled.

I got off the plane, retrieved my luggage, and then found no one from Wizz Air was available. In fact, there were no Wizz Air flights available for eight days. I had to book with BA.

Wizz Air said it would refund my costs for a hotel and the BA ticket, totalling 1,411, but later I was told this was 'against their policy' and they have offered 108 (about 95).

Result: Ms S.M. received 1,266 to settle her claim against Wizz Air when it left her stranded in Larnaca last year

Tony Hetherington replies: You are a single mum and this was your first holiday in years, to attend a friend's wedding. But Wizz Air abandoned you at Larnaca Airport, with no help to get home to your children and your job.

And when you made your own way home, Wizz Air left you hugely out of pocket. It did not even refund the cost of your ticket for the flight that was cancelled.

You told me: 'I do not have that type of money available to just give up, but Wizz Air are impossible to try to claim from.'

You contacted me after I reported that Wizz Air was not just failing to compensate passengers it had let down, but was even failing to pay passengers who had sued it in the county court and won.

And the Civil Aviation Authority revealed it was far and away the most complained-about airline in the country.

I asked Wizz Air why nobody was there to offer help when your flight was cancelled. And I asked the airline to explain what it meant when it told you that compensation was 'based on our policy'. What policy?

I did not get an answer to either question, but you suddenly received a message from the Hungarian-owned airline. It apologised, adding that 'after reviewing your claim, we came to the conclusion that our resolution of your case was incorrect'.

You told me: 'I'm in shock. Wizz Air has refunded all of my expenses.' A total of 1,266 landed in your bank account.

You have not had to sue Wizz Air to get your money, but others are less lucky. The CAA instructed the airline to make County Court Judgment payments a priority, hoping for all such debts to be cleared by the end of January.

I commented at the time that I was not optimistic. I had found 533 CCJs against Wizz Air UK, with 478 listed as unsatisfied. So is the picture any better now? No, it is worse.

When I checked court records a few days ago, I found 960 CCJs against the airline, with 865 shown as unsatisfied. The most recent cases show debts of 2,105, 1,621, and 1,550.

Time for the watchdog CAA to step in again, I think, and to bark even louder this time.

Why can't SSE install a smart meter?

D.C. writes: I rent my brother's flat and we are currently stuck with SSE  owned by Ovo  constantly saying it will replace our broken gas meter with a new smart meter.

We have now booked ten appointments for the smart meter to be fitted, but each time SSE has cancelled on the day and failed to give us the 25 they promise in these situations.

Reliable? Ovo-owned SSE has failed to replace a broken gas meter

Tony Hetherington replies: On top of the inconvenience of broken appointments, you told me that because the meter is broken you have had to pay estimated bills.

You reckon that SSE has been charging you for four times the consumption that was shown before the meter failed.

I asked SSE's owner  Ovo  to look into what you told me, and staff there quickly contacted you.

You have now told me that, in fact, there were only three broken appointments, and Ovo has now paid 90 into your bank account by way of saying sorry for this.

You have also received a vastly reduced estimated bill which could be reduced further when your new meter is fitted and a clear picture of your average consumption emerges.

WE'RE WATCHING YOU Last September, I reported how a reader  Ms J.S.  lost a 41,627 inheritance when a cheque made out to her was stolen and then paid into an account at Barclays. The thief had opened an account some months earlier but barely used it. She then simply told Barclays she was changing her name to match the name on the cheque, paid it in, and then withdrew all but a few pounds. Barclays told Ms S. to contact Action Fraud, but it replied, refusing to investigate on the grounds that it could not see any possible line of enquiry. This was despite the fact that the bank had a copy of the thief's driving licence, giving her name and address, and a recent image of her using the bank's online video service. I asked Barclays why nobody had noticed that the cheque had been altered with Tippex to erase Ms S's own bank details and insert the thief's account number. And I asked why nobody spotted that the thief only changed her name after the date on the cheque. The bank was not happy to give any detailed explanation except to say that it followed its rules. Well, since then Ms S. has complained to the Financial Ombudsman Service  and she has won her case. The Ombudsman decided that Barclays was negligent in not flagging suspicious activity on the account. He has ruled: 'The account was opened with very little activity taking place, followed by an unexpected and uncharacteristic large credit.' The Ombudsman added that this 'coupled together with the change of name to that of a different ethnicity two days prior, should have prompted further review.' And he criticised Barclays for failing to notice that the deed changing the thief's name was dated after the cheque was written. The bank has now paid Ms S. the full 41,627 plus interest at 8 per cent. As things stand, the thief and any accomplices have been allowed to keep the stolen money. However, one praiseworthy local policeman is still making enquiries, despite Action Fraud's rejection of the case. And Ms S. has contacted the Financial Conduct Authority, making the very valid point that it should not be this easy to change the name on a bank account without the same level of checks that are made on a completely new account.

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
When the going gets tough, man's best friend sometimes has to take a back seat. That's a problem for Dechra Pharmaceuticals, the firm your vet turns to when your cat needs a laxative, or your salamander wants some antibiotics.

The animal healthcare company is firefighting on several fronts. Its 'companion animal' business (that's pets to you and me) seems likely to suffer from a cost-of-living crisis that has already seen some families abandon their dogs and cats and many more plan to spend less on Tiddles' wellbeing.

After a boom in pet ownership in lockdown that gave Dechra a boost, any slowdown in this market will create unflattering comparisons.

Health: Pharmaceuticals for pets are big business - but the industry could suffer from a cost-of-living crisis

Elsewhere, the company has a division providing treatments for farm animals, where high costs of raw materials as well as disease outbreaks such as avian flu, make the market uncertain.

This combination of issues has made the market nervous, which might explain the collapse in the company's share price after Dechra reported interim figures this week.

Numbers were in line with the lower end of expectations, but sales and profits have been dampened by several separate issues, causing analysts to trim their forecasts for the full year. The question now is whether those issues are temporary, and if so, how long some of them might last.

Some answers are easier than others. Dechra's decision to open its own sales and marketing arm in South Korea, losing a distribution partner may have temporarily hit sales in the region but that's already back on track. The change of nutrition partner in Japan, which also weighed on sales, looks similarly fixable.

Analysts are more focused on 'destocking' in the US, where Dechra says wholesalers seem to be holding less inventory, creating a blip in sales. It's unclear how quickly this might unwind and whether it is a more general trend.

Dechra shares fell by over 15 per cent initially, but have since recovered slightly  at 27.56 on Friday they are down 33 per cent on this time a year ago.

Many analysts believe the fall is overdone. Andrew Whitney, at Investec, points out that the animal healthcare market is 'resilient', and adds that the company's new pipeline of drugs, including a long-acting dog insulin, should help it to outperform its peers.

Max Herrmann, at investment banker Stifel, says that the company's lower figures reflect a positive decision to invest in research and development, and expects a return to more normal growth patterns in the rest of the year.

The question investors must ask themselves is whether a still robust petcare market is enough to keep Dechra afloat, or whether the dog has had its day.

Midas verdict: For a company that makes equine sedatives, Dechra certainly still managed to scare the horses this week. The collapse in the company's share price indicates that many were unprepared for the weaker figures and are nervous about the market that Dechra operates in.

However, this may represent a buying opportunity for the brave. Midas has long been a fan of Dechra, tipping the shares first at 3.97 in 2008, but urging investors to sell out when they hit nearly 50 in September 2021.

At 27.56 this weekend, the shares trade on 24 times forward earnings and are far below this level. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the petcare market seems relatively robust and Dechra's pipeline is strong. Buy on this weakness.

Traded on: Main market Ticker: DPH Contact: dechra.com or 01939 211200
Tens of thousands of investors who thought they were doing the right thing by buying a green fund will soon face a difficult decision  whether to stick or twist.

New regulations, to be finalised this July by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), could result in hundreds of green investment funds being declassified as the regulator clamps down on greenwashing  the cynical marketing of a fund as green when it isn't.

Those investors caught in such mislabelled funds will face a stark choice  to stay put and compromise their principles; or switch to an alternative fund that meets the FCA's new criteria.

Investment manager Alan Miller, who has led the way in exposing greenwashing across the investment funds industry, says investors should not have to bear the cost of any switching  or resulting tax charges such as capital gains tax.

Shock: Georgia Elliott-Smith found her green pension was invested in Shell

Miller, co-founder of wealth manager SCM Direct, told The Mail on Sunday: 'You can argue whether the new labelling regime for green funds is right or wrong. But the result is that there will be a cost that the FCA should have considered  and someone should pay.'

He added: 'Consumers thought they were holding a green fund. If they are now being told that is not the case, they should not have to pay the cost of switching to an alternative fund that is deemed green by the FCA.

'If you buy a new electric car which turns out to be oil powered, you would expect to be switched free of charge.'

Miller said the overall cost of this switching for investors could be more than 600 million  and is adamant that investment management groups guilty of fund mislabelling should pick up the tab.

'Surely, it is the fund groups which should pay the switching fees,' he said. 'In no other commercial field would the consumer be left to pay the bill caused by the misrepresentation of others.'

Miller's back-of-the-envelope 600 million calculation is based on a statistic disclosed late last month by the head of the investment funds trade organisation  the Investment Association (IA)  before the powerful Commons Treasury Select Committee (TSC).

According to the IA, 95 billion of investors' money is held in 'responsible' funds. But under the new labelling regime put together by the FCA, IA boss Chris Cummings says 70 per cent of funds will no longer be able to market themselves as appropriate for green investors.

If green funds have been mislabelled, it seems clear that the offending fund groups  not the investors  must be made to pay any transfer fees investors face in moving to authenticated products Georgia Elliott-Smith, Element Four

Assuming half of the investors in these non-compliant funds shift out their money  and taking into account fund switching costs and capital gains tax bills  Miller has arrived at his potential consumer bill of 600 million.

Georgia Elliott-Smith is managing director of London-based sustainability consultant Element Four. She was horrified to discover the company pension scheme she thought was green was invested in oil giant Shell. She moved it to another provider.

'Investors buy green funds because they want to do their bit to save the world,' she says. 'To find the product you have bought is not as green as you thought is deeply disappointing.'

She adds: 'If green funds have been mislabelled, it seems clear that the offending fund groups  not the investors  must be made to pay any transfer fees investors face in moving to authenticated products.'

Cummings warned members of the TSC that market 'bubbles' could result from money being moved into a narrower range of FCA- approved funds. Yet he was given short shrift from some members.

Angela Eagle, Labour MP for Wallasey, accused Cummings of not thinking about the best interests of consumers. Like Elliott-Smith, she said no consumer investing in a green fund would 'expect it to have exposure to energy companies'.

She added: 'If consumers feel they are being conned by greenwashing claims  they are at the moment and, unless we get it right, they will in the future  they are going to get very cynical and not invest at all.'

The Committee also extracted the admission from the FCA that in constructing its new labelling regime, the regulator had not worked out the cost to investors of wanting to switch funds.

On Friday, Harriett Baldwin, TSC chair, told the MoS: 'I am especially keen that consumers who invested in funds believing they were doing their bit to save the planet don't bear the cost of moving their investment if they find out their fund isn't so green after all.'

The term 'responsible'  as adopted by the IA  covers a number of green and ethical investment strategies. These include exclusions (funds that exclude sin stocks such as tobacco, oil and arms manufacturers) and sustainability (investing in companies that adhere to high Environmental, Social and Governance  ESG  standards).

Also, impact investing  funds that invest in companies which are having a positive impact on the environment such as generators of wind and solar energy.

Funds under this responsible banner have a multitude of labels, all designed to appeal to consumers who want to do their bit to save the planet. They include environmental, ethical, green, socially responsible and sustainable.

How will fund labelling rules change?

Under the new FCA regime, green funds will be categorised under one of three labels  'sustainable focus', 'improvers' and 'impact'.

A fund can categorise itself as sustainable focus if 70 per cent of its assets meet 'a credible standard of environmental and/or social responsibility'.

'Improvers' will be funds which hold companies set on improving their sustainability credentials over time. The 'impact' group will comprise funds invested in firms actively improving the environment.

Fund platform Interactive Investor provides investors with a list of green fund recommendations and uses consultant SRI Services to draw up the 41 recommended funds.

On Friday, it told the MoS that until the FCA comes up with its final rules in the summer, it cannot 'gauge the future direction of the list'.

Interactive also says it 'broadly' supports the new FCA labels, although funds excluded under the new regime should carry a 'not promoted as sustainable' label in the interests of investor clarity.
This photo taken on March 4, 2023 shows a press conference about a new discovery of the domestication of different wild grape ecotypes in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Jing)

KUNMING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A joint study conducted by 89 Chinese and overseas scientists has proved that domestication of different wild grape ecotypes occurred concurrently about 11,000 years ago in Western Asia and the Caucasus, which yielded table and wine grapevines.

The findings were published by the journal Science on Friday and chosen as the cover story.

According to the paper, "Western Asia domesticates dispersed into Europe with early farmers, introgressed with ancient wild western ecotypes, and subsequently diversified along human migration trails into muscat and unique western wine grape ancestries by the late Neolithic."

Analyses of domestication traits also reveal new insights into selection for berry palatability, hermaphroditism, muscat flavor, and skin color.

Dong Yang, a professor at Yunnan Agricultural University, and his team assembled some 5,000 grape genetic resources globally, spent three years completing genome analysis, and mapped the reference genome of cultivated grapevines.

The team said the research results support the functional genomics research and breeding of grapes. 

A child eats grapes at the Dongfeng Farm in Mile of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
The opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Wang Qishan attended the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC, which was presided over by Wang Huning. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body started its annual session Saturday afternoon in Beijing.

Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Wang Qishan attended the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which was presided over by Wang Huning.

Wang Yang, chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee to the session.

Stressing that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) charted a grand blueprint for advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, Wang called on the CPPCC to practice the whole-process people's democracy, promote unity among the Chinese people, and make new contributions to the realization of the goals and tasks laid down at the 20th CPC National Congress.

"The past five years since the 19th CPC National Congress were truly extraordinary," Wang said while addressing the 2,100-plus national political advisors.

China has realized its First Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects on schedule and secured impressive advances in the cause of the CPC and the nation, said Wang. "The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historical course."

Reviewing the work of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in its five-year term, Wang noted that the top political advisory body has thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

The 13th CPPCC National Committee has fulfilled its duties with a focus on the central tasks of the CPC and the country, contributing wisdom and strength to achieving the two centenary goals, Wang added.

Over the past five years, the CPPCC has fully played its role in national governance as a special consultative body. Progresses have been made in gathering broad consensus and strength for the Chinese people to strive for national rejuvenation, Wang said.

On its future work, Wang suggested the political advisors perform their duties in the building of a modern socialist country in all respects and the realization of the Second Centenary Goal, and conduct in-depth consultations on important issues.

They should also consolidate and develop the broadest possible patriotic united front and better mobilize personnel from all ethnic groups and various sectors to rally around the CPC, Wang added.

A total of 29,323 proposals have been submitted in the past five years. Of the 23,818 proposals filed, 99.8 percent had been handled by the end of February, according to a report on proposals. 

The opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Wang Yang, chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), delivers a work report of the Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee during the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Wang Yang, chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), delivers a work report of the Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee during the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Wang Huning presides over the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

The opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

The opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)
Russian artillery pounded the last routes out of Bakhmut on Friday, aiming to complete the encirclement of the besieged Ukrainian city and bring Moscow closer to its first major victory in half a year after the bloodiest battle of the war.

The head of Russias Wagner private army said the city, which has been blasted to ruins in Russias more than seven month onslaught, was almost completely surrounded with only one road still open for Ukraines troops.

Reuters observed intense Russian shelling of routes leading west out of Bakhmut, an apparent attempt to block Ukrainian forces access in and out of the city. A bridge in the adjacent town of Khromove was damaged by Russian tank shelling.

Ukrainian soldiers were working to repair damaged roads and more troops were heading toward the frontline in a sign that Ukraine was not yet ready to give up the city. To the west, Ukrainians were digging new trenches for defensive positions.

Russias RIA state news agency released a video showing what it said were Wagner fighters walking by a damaged industrial facility. One fighter is heard saying Ukraines army is destroying infrastructure in settlements near Bakhmut to prevent the Russian encirclement.

The commander of Ukraines ground forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, visited Bakhmut on Friday for briefings with local commanders on how to boost the defence capacity of frontline forces.

Denys Yaroslavskyi, commander of a Ukrainian army unit at Bakhmut, told Espreso TV that parts of some units had been ordered to rotate to more secured positions, describing the situation since the morning as a slaughterhouse on both sides.

A Russian victory in Bakhmut, with a pre-war population of about 70,000, would give it the first major prize in a costly winter offensive, after it called up hundreds of thousands of reservists last year. Russia says it would be a stepping stone to completing the capture of the Donbas industrial region, one of Moscows most important objectives.

Before the war Bakhmut was known for salt and gypsum mines. Ukraine says the city has little strategic value and the huge casualties Russia has suffered trying to take Bakhmut could shape the course of the conflict.

PINCERS ARE CLOSING

Units of the private military company Wagner have practically surrounded Bakhmut, Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a video that Reuters determined was filmed on a rooftop in a village some 7 km (4 miles) north of the city centre.

Only one route (out) is left, he said. The pincers are closing.

He called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to order a retreat from Bakhmut to save his soldiers lives. The camera panned to show three captured Ukrainians  a grey-bearded older man and two boys  asking to be allowed to go home.

Robert Brovdi, the commander of a Ukrainian drone unit active in Bakhmut who goes by the name Madyar, said in a video posted on social media that his unit had been ordered to withdraw immediately. He said he had been fighting there for 110 days.

Volodymyr Nazarenko, a deputy commander in the National Guard of Ukraine, told Ukrainian NV Radio the situation was critical, with fighting round the clock.

They take no account of their losses in trying to take the city by assault. The task of our forces in Bakhmut is to inflict as many losses on the enemy as possible. Every metre of Ukrainian land costs hundreds of lives to the enemy, he said.

There are many more Russians here than we have ammunition to destroy them.

MORE U.S. ARMS

The past few days have seen alarm in Russia at its own potential vulnerabilities after Moscow reported a number of drone attacks on targets deep within Russia, followed by what it said was an armed cross-border raid on Thursday.

President Vladimir Putin told his Security Council on Friday to step up anti-terrorism measures.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy visited wounded soldiers at a military hospital in Lviv. One, shaking the presidents hand from bed, apologised that he could not stand up. Thats OK, Zelenskiy said. The time will come and you will rise.

Zelenskiy gave no details of the fighting in Bakhmut during an evening video address in which he thanked troops for firmly and bravely defending the city.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced another round of military aid for Ukraine, a package of ammunition and other support valued at $400 million.

The United States has provided nearly $32 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russias invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

At the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden thanked visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for profound support on Ukraine. Scholz said it was important to send the message that backing Ukraine will continue as long as it takes and as long as is necessary.

After their meeting, the White House said the pair reiterated their commitment to impose costs on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Germany makes Leopard tanks promised in January and expected to be the core of a new Ukrainian armoured force.

Scholz has been criticised by some Western allies for taking a cautious public stance toward arming Ukraine, although he has overseen a big shift in policy from a country that was Russias biggest energy customer before the war.

Kyivs ambassador in Berlin, Oleksii Makeiev, said Germany was now taking more of a leadership role in arming Ukraine.

Moscow, which says it has annexed nearly a fifth of Ukraine, accuses pro-Western Kyiv of posing a security threat. Ukraine and its allies say the invasion was an unprovoked war of conquest.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, pointing to U.S. military interventions around the globe, accused the United States of hypocrisy on Friday after Blinken said Moscow cannot be allowed to wage war in Ukraine with impunity. The two men met briefly on the sidelines of a G20 foreign ministers meeting in India.

SOURCE: REUTERS
Hundreds of people living close to the Limerick/Tipperary border are being advised not to drink water from the local public supply following the detection of cryptosporidium.

Following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Uisce Eireann and Tipperary County Council have issued a Boil Water Notice to protect the health of approximately 470 consumers who are supplied by the Glengar Public Water Supply scheme.

The notice impacts customers in Glengar, Leugh, Knockanavar, Moher East, Moher West, Shanacloon, Gortaderry, Ballyhane East, Ballyhane West and surrounding areas.

A small number of homes in County Limerick are located in the impacted area (see map, below).

In a notice, issued this Friday evening, Uisce Eireann and Tipperary County Council confirmed the Boil Water Notice takes immediate effect.

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of water.ie and entering the propertys Eircode or by calling the Uisce Eireanns customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Eireann says its primary focus is, and always will be, the protection of public health. Drinking water experts from both the utility and the local authority are working to implement solutions to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible in consultation with the HSE.

Uisce Eireanns Colin Cunningham has acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers.

Public health is Uisce Eireanns number one priority, and we are working closely with Tipperary County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, and in consultation with the HSE.

Uisce Eireanns drinking water standards, as per EU Drinking Water regulations, are strict and include wide safety margins. Where risks to water quality are identified through Uisce Eireanns enhanced testing and monitoring programme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) are consulted and Boil Water Notices are issued to protect public health. In all instances immediate action is taken to address the cause of the issue to enable the lifting of the notice as quickly as it safe to do so, in agreement with the HSE, he said.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Eireann will receive direct communication on this Boil Water Notice and are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled and cooled.

The advice is that water must be boiled for the following uses: Drinking; drinks made with water; preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating; brushing of teeth; making of ice -

Water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing and flushing of toilets.
Veteran republican Rita OHare has died at the age of 80.

The Belfast-born activist, who was involved in the early civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, became one of the most high-profile on-the-run republicans during the Troubles, fleeing the region in 1972 having been arrested and bailed in connection with the attempted murder of a soldier.

She was later jailed for three years in the Republic of Ireland for involvement in an IRA arms smuggling bid.

The former editor of republican newspaper An Phoblacht, Ms OHare held several senior roles with Sinn Fein, including general secretary and director of publicity.

She also spent two decades in the United States as Sinn Feins senior representative across the Atlantic. In later years, she lived in Dublin.

Paying tribute, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald described her as a powerhouse.

It is a sad day for republicans throughout the length and breadth of Ireland and for Ritas many friends beyond these shores, particularly in the United States, she said.

But above all, this is a devastating loss for Ritas husband Brendan, her children Terry, Frances, Rory and Ciaran, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, her brother Alan and members of the wider family.

Rita OHare has been an influential republican activist for decades and an important figure in the Irish peace process.

An integral part of the Sinn Fein leadership at important stages of the partys development and during era-defining stages of the peace process, Rita worked with great drive, energy and ability for the unity of Ireland, for a more just society, and for the cause of peace and reconciliation.

A highly intelligent and strategic political thinker, Rita was also an articulate communicator and skilled publicist who was to the fore in pushing the boundaries, allowing Sinn Fein to develop into the modern, successful and popular political party that it is today.

Ritas key role in these developments will be her enduring political legacy.
[March 03, 2023] ABBOTT LABORATORIES INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of Abbott Laboratories - ABT

Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT). In early 2022, the Company's Sturgis, Michigan facility, was the subject of inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") that yielded several positive contamination results for the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria, linked to infant illnesses and death, and a determination that the Company failed to establish process controls "designed to ensure that infant formula does not become adulterated due to the presence of microorganisms in the formula or in the processing environment" and failed to "ensure that all surfaces that contacted infant formula were maintained to protect infant formula from being contaminated by any source." Then, in June 2022, it was reported that a whistleblower complaint identifying numerous serious examples of misconduct at Sturgis related to the above had been filed with the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration ("OSHA") in February 2021, and that OSHA had delivered that complaint to Abbott Laboratories and the FDA during the same month. Thereafter, the Company and certain of it executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit, charging them with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period in violation of federal securities laws, which remains pending.



KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Abbott's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws. If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Abbott shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-abt/ to learn more.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230303005416/en/

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[March 03, 2023] Ample Solutions Hosts "Shining Stars, Blazing Future" Gala Celebrating 15 Years of Success

SHENZHEN, China, March 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ample Solutions, Asia's electronic component distributor of choice, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with an exciting Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony. Over 500 employees from its eight regional offices across Asia, including China, Singapore and South Korea, gathered for the first time since the pandemic happened in 2020, making it a particularly meaningful occasion. The independent distributor has had a remarkable year of growth and success in 2022, recording an astounding 70% growth across its offices and a 108% increase in total OEM clients. As a testament to its exceptional service, Ample Solutions received the "Outstanding Distribution Service Provider of the Year 2022" award from ASPENCORE and has beennamed one of the Global Top 50 Electronic Component Distributors in 2021. Since its establishment in 2008, Ample Solutions has grown to be a key player in the industry, with a strong presence across Asia and two globally recognised Quality Assurance Centres. The company serves various industries such as consumer electronics, medical, automotive, industrial automation and more.



Held in picturesque Sanya, the Gala theme titled "Shining Stars, Blazing Future," celebrated Ample Solutions' achievements and set the tone for a bright and promising future. Department leaders from different departments shared their achievements, ups and downs in 2022. Mr Jason Fan, CEO of Ample Solutions, also spoke about the company's growth and milestones, highlighting the 15 years of success. Adding to the excitement, the event featured a Time Tunnel chronicling the milestones of Ample Solutions' journey since its inception. It was a sight to behold with employees strutting down the tunnel decked in their finest attire, reminiscent of the Oscars or the Golden Rooster Awards. Besides recognising the hard work that various departments have put in through an awards ceremony, the multi-talented staff also put up stunning live performances like singing and a catwalk show, showing off the dynamic side of the employees.

The festivities continued at a yacht party, where employees enjoyed the stunning views and had a chance to reconnect with team members outside of the workplace. Overall, the Gala was a tremendous success, highlighting the company's commitment to celebrating employees and their contributions to growth. Through its unwavering commitment to providing cost-effective, high-quality electronic components through extensive global procurement channels and long-standing supplier partnerships, Ample Solutions is primed for continued success in the years to come. For enquiries: [email protected] SOURCE Ample Solutions

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Very few people on Twitter understand what they're angry about . . . So this post is dedicated to sharing the basics of the latest facet of the abortion debate in Kansas . . .



On Feb 17, in response to the letter , Walgreens wrote to Kris W. Kobach, the attorney general of Kansas, that the company: does not intend to dispense Mifepristone within your state and does not intend to ship Mifepristone into your state from any of our pharmacies. If this approach changes, we will be sure to notify you. In 2022, Kansas voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the legislature to ban abortion.

More importantly . . . Here's the crux of the debate:



The attorneys generals letter argued pharmacy companies would be in violation of federal law, which prohibits the distribution of abortion drugs by post. The Biden administration has contended that sending mifepristone by mail does not violate the law, writing in that the mere mailing of such drugs to a particular jurisdiction is an insufficient basis for concluding that the sender intends them to be used unlawfully and noting that the drug has multiple uses, including abortion.

And all of this has inspired the bots and political denizens to go haywire via social media.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
We share this report because it offers a bit of foreshadowing . . .



Notice that our suburban friends don't seem accustomed to dealing with gunfire trauma. Sadly, it seems like they'll be getting more experience as crime worsens across the metro.

And so . . . Here are the essential deets about last night's drama . . .



The victim passenger, an 18-year-old male, was shot several times and the driver of that vehicle was able to quickly turn into St. Lukes East Hospital to summon help.



The man is listed in stable condition.



The Hospital was placed on temporary lockdown due to conflicting statements regarding the whereabouts of the suspect, Lees Summit police said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Saint Luke's East Hospital placed on lockdown while police search for shooting suspect LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - Saint Luke's East Hospital in Lee's Summit was placed on lockdown Friday night as police searched for a shooting suspect. At around 10:38 p.m. Friday, the Lee's Summit Police Department responded to a reported shooting at Northeast Douglas and Mulberry streets.

Teenager wounded in shooting in Lee's Summit, hospital placed on lockdown for short time SOURCE: KMBC An 18-year-old was hospitalized late Friday night following a shooting in Lee's Summit. Police were dispatched to the intersection of NE Douglas and NE Mulberry on a shooting call. It was determined that two vehicles were in the area when one started shooting at another.

Saint Luke's East Hospital in Lee's Summit locks down as officials work to locate shooting suspect KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Saint Luke's Hospital East in Lee's Summit locked down Friday night after police received conflicting information on the location of the suspect of a shooting. At around 10:38 p.m. Friday, the Lee's Summit Police Department responded to a reported shooting at Northeast Douglas and Mulberry streets.

St. Lukes East Hospital placed on lock down while police searched for a shooting suspect LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (KCTV) - On Friday, Mar. 3, St. Luke's East Hospital was placed on a lock down while Lee's Summit police searched for a shooting suspect. At 10:38 p.m., Lee's Summit police department responded to a shooting at the intersection of Northeast Douglas and Mulberry street.

Developing . . .
A worthwhile report to send your mom when she panics about something new she read on Facebook:



Mission Animal Clinic Veterinarian Curtis Concannon said, contrary to the circulating social media posts  leptospirosis is not a major issue in Kansas City.



Were not seeing an influx in cases by any means, he said. Were just seeing regular illnesses that we typically see as for as something like going to the dog park and getting a respiratory disease.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
For close readers of the blog we keep up with police action, ALLEGED misdeeds and all manner of recent crime reporting in this post.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

'He's been gone over a month': Family looking for Kansas City teen missing since early February There's a renewed effort this week to bring home a missing 13-year-old boy from Kansas City. Jayden Robker has not been seen since early February. He was last seen near Northwest Plaza Drive and Northwest Plaza Avenue. Family members say he had left his home, hoping to sell Pokemon cards to help start his own car wash business.

Man charged for allegedly robbing Chase Bank in Leawood on Feb. 23 KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man faces an aggravated robbery charge for allegedly robbing a Leawood bank. Troy Robbins, 54, of Smithville, is in the Johnson County Adult Detention Center. Robbins allegedly robbed the Chase Bank branch Feb. 23 near West 119th Street and Roe Avenue. Police arrested Robbins a few hours later.

Man found guilty in burglary and shooting death getty images Judge's Gavel GETTY - 27077051 SOURCE: getty images A Kansas City man is convicted in the shooting death of another man from March 2021.The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office says 37-year-old Brandon Pritchard is guilty of voluntary manslaughter, armed criminal action, and first-degree burglary relating to the death of Michael Utley.Prosecutors say Pritchard entered Utley's home near White Avenue and Lexington Avenue and started yelling in a threatening way.

Former William Jewell College student charged with making terrorist threat LIBERTY, Mo. - Police say a man accused of making threats directed at William Jewell College students now faces charges. Liberty Police announced the Clay County Prosecutor's Office charged 21-year-old Dominic A. Lee, of Kansas City, Kansas, with making a terrorist threat.

Woman accused of helping fiance in robbery that ended with 2 shot in south Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A woman has been charged for her alleged role in a robbery Thursday that ended with her fiance and a victim shot in south Kansas City, Missouri. Maya J. Ward, 31, is charged with two counts of armed criminal action, first-degree robbery and one count of first-degree assault.

Missouri House debates legislation targeting catalytic converter thefts Courtesy Adobe A House committee considered three bills Wednesday that seek to tamp down on catalytic converter thefts. Rep. Don Mayhew, R-Crocker, is sponsoring legislation that would make it a felony to possess a catalytic converter with the intent to sell it.

One year after Olathe East shooting, district reflects on response, changes OLATHE, Kan. - One year later, the superintendent of Olathe Public Schools reflects on the shooting at Olathe East High School. Gunfire injured a school resource officer and an assistant principal, as well as student who is now awaiting trial for attempted capital murder.

Developing . . .
BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese modernization has spurred discussions at home and abroad since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

During this year's "two sessions," the Chinese modernization blueprint will be fleshed out with specific targets to strive for.

The following are 10 perspectives shared by deputies to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body, to better understand the blueprint:

HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

Pursuing high-quality development is the first and foremost task in China's bid to build a modern socialist country in all respects.

"A modern China should be one with high-quality development," said Han Baojiang, director of economics department of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) and a national political advisor.

China has made strides in recent years in boosting R&D spending, expanding clean energy production, and nurturing growth poles with regional development strategies, alongside progress in other areas to seek innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared growth.

"To realize high-quality growth, efforts should be made to promote transformation in quality, efficiency and driving forces," said Yu Miaojie, president of Liaoning University and a national legislator.

SURGING MOMENTUM OF INNOVATION

The recent sci-fi blockbuster "The Wandering Earth II" has wowed the audience with its innovative components. The film displays many sci-tech products including quantum computers and exoskeleton robots.

China's modernization drive brings science fiction closer to the public, science fiction writer Liu Cixin said.

The country has joined the ranks of the world's innovators, with significant advances made in science and technology. Up in space, China's space station has opened its long-term manned presence mode. The country's space station project has entered the application and development stage, and two manned spacecraft and one or two cargo spacecraft will be launched annually.

"The achievement in space has testified to China's efforts to boost its strength in aerospace and also reflected the surging momentum of innovation across the country," said Wang Xiaojun, head of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and a national political advisor.

Empowerment by science and technology is a hallmark of China's high-quality development, and sci-tech innovation serves as a driving force for Chinese modernization, Wang added.

VITALITY UNLEASHED BY REFORMS

China has continuously imbued its socialist modernization endeavors with fresh dynamism by deepening reform and opening up.

Cases in point include hosting the China International Import Expo, a platform to promote trade and investment cooperation, and the recent launch of the comprehensive registration-based initial public offering system as part of the capital market reform.

Moves are also afoot to energize the country's business entities. China has sought to streamline administration, delegate power, improve regulation, and upgrade services while nurturing a market environment featuring fair competition.

"The expectations and confidence of business entities, especially private firms, concern not just current economic development but also the big picture of Chinese modernization," said national political advisor Zhang Lianqi.

SOPHISTICATED TRANSPORT NETWORK

China has built the world's largest high-speed railway network, expressway network, and world-class port clusters. It has opened air and sea routes that reach all parts of the world. A sophisticated transport network has been set up.

By 2035, the National 1-2-3 Travel Circle -- one hour to commute in cities, two hours to travel within city clusters, and three hours between major domestic cities -- will take the initial shape, making transport more convenient for passengers.

China leads the world in developing smart railway construction, said Zhong Zhangdui, a professor specializing in transportation studies at Beijing Jiaotong University and a national political advisor, adding that the country is also speeding up exploration in smart travel and platform construction.

HARMONY BETWEEN HUMANITY AND NATURE

Chinese modernization is the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature.

The 14th CPPCC National Committee has set up a new sector for its members from environmental and resource-related circles. It is a major adjustment to the CPPCC's sector makeup over the past 30 years. Zhang Xingying from the China Meteorological Administration is a member of this sector.

"This adjustment happens in line with the trend of our time," Zhang said, noting that advancing Chinese modernization entails appropriately handling the relationship between humanity and resources and the environment.

Over the past decade, the idea that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has become a consensus and commitment among society. China has successfully explored a path for green development.

By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China will lower its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 18 percent from 2020 and increase the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to around 20 percent.

COMMON PROSPERITY

Chinese modernization is the modernization of common prosperity for all.

In recent years, Zhejiang Province, which is a demonstration zone for common prosperity through high-quality development, has made strides in narrowing the income gap between rural and urban areas.

Last year, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in the eastern province hit 37,565 yuan (about 5,438 U.S. dollars), bringing the urban-rural income ratio from 2.37 in 2012 to 1.9 in 2022. The country had seen the figure drop to 2.45 from 2.88 in the past decade.

A lower ratio means a shortened wealth gap between rural and urban areas, and the minor change in the figure mirrors a remarkable improvement on the income of rural residents, said Qu Yongyi, an official with the Institute of Industrial Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a national political advisor.

China aims to raise its per capita GDP to be on par with mid-level developed countries by 2035 and expand its middle-income population to over 800 million in 15 years.

CULTURAL-ETHICAL ADVANCEMENT

Chinese modernization is the modernization of material and cultural-ethical advancement.

In the northwestern suburb of Beijing, an expansion project of the Palace Museum, known as its north section project, is expected to complete by 2025 when the museum celebrates its 100th founding anniversary. It will be a modern multifunctional museum capable of exhibition, restoration, and preservation of cultural relics.

Also, a protection plan for Beijing's Central Axis from 2022 to 2035 was released and implemented, defining the heritage and buffer zones. It marks new progress in the city's efforts to include the Central Axis in the list of world cultural heritage sites.

Du Haijiang, Party chief of the Palace Museum and a national political advisor, said the museum's north section project would carry forward fine traditional Chinese culture and meet people's ever-growing intellectual and cultural needs.

Today, China is advancing its profound cultural heritage and has developed a stronger sense of cultural confidence.

ENHANCED SECURITY

As the Chinese saying goes, "only when the grain supply is stable will the society be stable."

In 2022, despite the multiple challenges posed by COVID-19 and natural disasters, harvests in China remained high, with the country's annual grain output above 650 million tonnes for the eighth consecutive year.

For industry, energy is often referred to as its food. According to Yang Changli, chairman of the China General Nuclear Power Group and a national political advisor, energy security is important for modernizing the national security system and capacity and should be given more attention.

As for the people, security is even more of a truthful sentiment, as the index of Chinese people's sense of security reached 98.62 percent.

DOORS OPENING WIDER

Chinese modernization is the modernization of peaceful development.

The country aims to broaden its development space with high-standard opening up and deeper integration into the global industrial division and cooperation.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), proposed by China almost a decade ago, demonstrates the country's pursuit of high-standard opening up. The China-Europe freight trains, running across BRI countries and regions, made 1,410 train trips in January.

The BRI has made interconnections among more regions a reality, benefiting the people of more countries, said Jiang Ying, chair of Deloitte China and a national political advisor, adding that the world will also benefit from China's pursuit of modernization.

China has also lowered market access for foreign investors, steadily advanced institutional opening up and shared growth opportunities with the rest of the world.

"High-level opening up is the only way for China to realize modernization," said Quan Heng, Party chief of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and a national legislator, adding that a more open China not only injects strong impetus into its development but also delivers more opportunities for cooperation and win-win outcomes for the world.

PERSISTENT HARD WORK

Chinese modernization is the modernization of a huge population. China is working to achieve modernization for more than 1.4 billion people, more than the combined population of all developed countries today. It is a task of unparalleled difficulty and complexity.

China needs to maintain stable growth while advancing its green transformation, according to national legislators and political advisors. China also needs to shore up weaknesses in sectors vital to its development, and persistent hard work is a must to tackle these challenges, they said. 
Tax season is upon us and with it comes the ever-present threat of fraud. Canadians should be wary of scammers posing as Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employees who will trick their victims into sending them money or providing personal information that can be used to take over a bank account.
Namibian minister of Health and Social Services commends Chinese medical personnel's dedication and services over the past 27 years at a renewal ceremony of the Chinese medical teams to the southwestern African nation.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body kicked off its annual session on Saturday, marking the start of the "two sessions" in a crucial year as China gathers steam for building a great modern socialist country.

President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Wang Yang, chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report to the CPPCC National Committee session, in which he said the political advisory body has built broad consensus and contributed wisdom and strength to achieving the two centenary goals.

The "two sessions" refer to the annual meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, and the CPPCC National Committee. The NPC session will open on Sunday.

The "two sessions" are of great importance in the country's political calendar, during which the central government will deliver a work report that usually reviews past achievements and sets development targets for the year and beyond. Thousands of national legislators and political advisors will review and discuss the report, as well as reports of the national legislature, the top court and the top procuratorate.

This year's political gatherings carry extra weight. The election of new leading officials of state institutions and the new leadership of the CPPCC National Committee is an important task of the "two sessions" this year. Also, the planned reform of the State Council institutions will be deliberated.

In addition, lawmakers will deliberate a draft amendment to the Legislation Law. The CPPCC National Committee session, meanwhile, will review and approve an amendment to the CPPCC charter.

Addressing national political advisors, Wang hailed China's past five years as "truly extraordinary."

China has realized its First Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects on schedule, said Wang. "The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historical course."

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held in October 2022, charted the course for China to realize the Second Centenary Goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects by the middle of this century.

As the most important political event taking place after the CPC meeting, the "two sessions" are expected to further mobilize the nation to fulfill the modernization goals.

"Getting off to a good start is of great importance," said Sun Changlong, a member of the CPPCC National Committee.

"We political advisors shall conduct extensive problem-oriented research to assist with the high-quality development," said Sun.

Chen Huiqing, a deputy to the NPC and mayor of Zhuzhou City in Hunan Province, agrees that the "two sessions" will pool nationwide wisdom to push ahead the course of modernization.

"We will carefully review the documents and reports and put forward suggestions in light of local conditions," Chen said.

Since the start of this year, the country has sent out fresh signals of robust consumption and factory activities.

The purchasing managers' index for China's manufacturing sector came in at 52.6 in February, up from 50.1 in January. This figure marked the strongest level since April 2012.

More than half of China's provincial-level regions have set their 2023 GDP growth targets at 6 percent or higher.

Observers have anticipated the "two sessions" to build on such momentum and further rally confidence for the world's second-largest economy under the backdrop of domestic and external challenges.

"I expect this year's 'two sessions' to offer further guidance and more policies on boosting the economy, improving the industrial structure, and encouraging corporate innovation," said Qiu Jihua, a national lawmaker.

"China is striving to secure stable economic growth this year, so the 'two sessions' are of special significance in boosting confidence and gathering strength," said Yang Hui, a national political advisor. 
For many of his loved ones, the death of Chaguanas Businessman Rishard Ali came as a shock. 
The United Arab Emirates is home to several unique fashion influencers whether they are Emirati citizens or UAE-based and specifically Dubai, which has been touted for some time now as an emerging fashion capital.

Here are the top UAE fashion influencers to keep an eye on:

Latifa Al Shamsi

Al Shamsi is an Emirati fashion, food, and travel blogger since 2010 with over 402,000 followers on her @latifalshamsi Instagram account. She also launched an events company, called Events by Latifa Al Shamsi, which provides a platform for local and regional fashion designers to showcase their collections.

Alia Al Awadhi

Al Awadhi is a blogger, social media influencer, brand ambassador, and model from Dubai. She is the designer of Black Swan Atlier, a Dubai boutique that sells stylish, glitzy abayas. She participated in Dubai Fashion Week, formerly known as Fashion week, between 2015-2018.

Natalia Shustova

Originally from Belarus, Shustova is a well-known fashion consultant and stylist based in Dubai. She is one of the admired fashion icons of Dubai. You can follow her on Instagram @shoestova. She has a fashion and lifestyle blog focusing on the latest trends, beauty tips, as well as travel destinations. Shustova is also the founder of Gosha floral studio.

Tala Farah

UAE-based Farah is passionate about fashion and environmental-friendly activities and turned her passion into full-time blogging. She talks everything about fashion, shopping, and beauty here. She is the founder and creative director of By The Beach, a sustainable swimwear brand based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Jalila

Jalila is a Moroccan influencer and social media personality known for posting beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Living in Dubai, she has amassed more than 4.4 million followers on her @jalila_official Instagram account.

For your next social media/influencer campaign contact us at marhaba@socialcamels.com or call +971 50 1282 654

About Social eye

7awi Media Group, the leading media platform for digital publishing and advertising solutions in the Middle East and North Africa, has launched SocialEye, a tool dedicated to discovering key content creators, key opinion leaders, influencers, and public figures. 7awi Media Group has built a database of more than 500 micro-influencers and nano-influencers of different nationalities to connect content creators or influencers to brands seeking collaboration; the platform thus acts as a link between both parties.

Explore SocialEye further on the website www.socialeye.ae

For more information about SocialEye, send an email to info@7awi.com
The damage to the Russian A-50 reconnaissance aircraft at the Machulyshchi airfield does not mean that the threat of Russia shelling targets across Ukraine with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles is gone.

This was emphasized by the spokesman for Ukraines Air Force Command, Colonel Yuriy Ihnat, who spoke on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"Will the possibility of Kinzhal missiles being launched decrease? This is an open question because they have more than one A-50 aircraft flying. And why can't the MiG-31 operate? Different missiles are can be launched. There is a threat in place so there is no need to relax. Safety is our priority so people should follow air raid alert warnings," said Ihnat.

In his opinion, "not everything is so clear-cut" in Russia today because strategic and tactical aviation is maneuvering throughout Russia as far as possible from Ukraine. The enemy is likely to keep changing the bases for their planes, but the A-50 may reappear at the military airfield in Belarus.

"It is not so important where it is located. Because it can simply fly in, stay in the air for a few hours and do the same work as the damaged aircraft did," believes the spokesman for the Air Force Command.

As for air reconnaissance, Ihnat added, the enemy currently uses all reconnaissance tools: radar, air, and space.

As reported, on February 26, reports said a number of explosions rang out at the Machulyshchi military airfield in Belarus, claiming that a Russian radar reconnaissance aircraft, A-50, was damaged on the tarmac. Oleksandr Azarov, a representative of the Bypol Group, said that Belarusian guerillas were behind the attack. Later came the reports that the A-50 flew to Taganrog for repairs.
The Chief of Defense Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, General Wayne Eyre, is visiting Ukraine.

Thats according to Ukraine Armys Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, who reported the news on Telegram, as seen by Ukrinform.

"I am glad to welcome to Ukraine the Chief of Defense Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, General Wayne Eyre. We had a frank conversation. I briefed my colleague in detail on the operational situation at the front. He specifically focused on the eastern direction," Zaluzhnyi wrote.

The parties also discussed the issue of supplying military aid, including weapons and ammunition, to Ukraine.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said Ukraine and Canada would continue to develop cooperation in the field of security and defense.

Zaluzhnyi thanked his colleague from Canada, his government, and the entire Canadian people for their consistent and clear support for Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Canada Forcess cargo planes have transported more than 3,500 tonnes of military aid intended for Ukraine.
After the visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to the United Kingdom, it was agreed that Great Britain will provide Ukraine with twice as many Challenger 2 tanks as previously pledged. At the same time, Britain is gradually forming a consensus within NATO regarding the transfer of fighter jets to Kyiv.

"If we are talking about military training, then we asked for one scope, and now Britain offers us to increase it 2.5-fold this year. So there is an increase of 250%. The issue of some of the weapons we asked for, aircraft for example, is complicated. We are looking for options. Speaking of [Challenger 2] tanks, then 14 tanks were pledged. And following President Zelensky's visit, it was agreed to double this number," Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom Vadym Prystaiko told RFE/RLs Donbas.Realities project in an interview.

At the same time, in his opinion, the statements by the British authorities that Ukraine can receive Eurofighter aircraft "only in peacetime" are "an attempt to be frank in communication and not to scare the allies."

"Its an attempt to facilitate a consensus as Britain often does in NATO. To provide such complex equipment as fighter jets that need to be maintained, pilots and technicians must be trained, to [understand] where, who, and how it is used in a multi-vector war, the interaction of many allies is required. So Great Britain is gradually forming a consensus," the diplomat said.

He recalled that there was a similar situation with the supply of tanks: "there was a breakthrough moment when it was necessary to overcome the reluctance of all other allies."

"And if you remember, even though the announcement was made, it took almost a week for the Prime Minister [Rishi Sunak] to officially confirm it," Prystaiko recalled.

According to him, with the supply of tanks, Britain tried to convince the allies that there were two options for the developments. "Either Britain makes this announcement alone and leads the way that everyone else has to follow, or this very important step is taken by all together as one front, as NATO. Britain was successful then. I think the same process is happening now with fighter jets," Prystaiko concluded.
Canadian military instructors, together with Polish and Norwegian colleagues, are training Ukrainian defenders to use Leopard 2 tanks.

The Canadian Armed Forces wrote this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

This past month, CAF members in the United Kingdom and Poland, instructed Ukrainian recruits on live-fire training and Leopard 2 tank fundamentals alongside the Polish and Norwegian Armed Forces, the report says.

This past month, CAF members in the United Kingdom and Poland, instructed Ukrainian recruits on live-fire training and Leopard 2 tank fundamentals alongside the Polish and Norwegian Armed Forces. #OpUNIFIER   pic.twitter.com/owIhZb5jW5  Canadian Armed Forces (@CanadianForces) March 2, 2023

A reminder that as part of the UNIFIER mission, the Canadian Armed Forces have trained more than 35,000 Ukrainian military and security service personnel since 2015.
Austrias woodworking giant KronoSpan, which has an extensive offshore network and the ultimate beneficiaries of which are not clearly known, continues to work in Russia and Belarus despite Russias war on Ukraine.

Thats according to Profil, Ukrinform reports.

KronoSpan continues to work in Russia and Belarus even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine," the article reads.

It is noted that at least before September 2021, a number of Russian and Belarusian companies that are part of KronoSpan were merged into a Cyprus-based Kronospan Holdings East Ltd. At the same time, in August 2022, this holding was apparently transferred to a new group of owners. "Earlier, the only shareholder was Betuva Foundation, now it is a Vaduz-based Causing Holding AG, which was founded before this by a Liechtenstein-based Stiftung Causa foundation," the article reads.

At the same time, Austrias Raiffeisen Bank International, which continues to operate in Russia, at the end of 2021 provided Kronospan a credit line of EUR 315 million for investment in Russia.

The journalistic investigation states that the Kronospan Group manages the network of offshore firms. "You can even say that they not only manage it but also consist of it. Kronospan have no official headquarters in which the group leader would truly be a leader. Instead, it is a decentralized corporate conglomerate: national companies that manage relevant factories, merged into intermediate holding companies. At the end of the chain, it seems that many things are leading to Liechtenstein  to the three funds called Luda, Betuva, Und Gerhorst, the article reas.

It is noted that the intermediate holding company in Cyprus does not even indicate its direct shareholders in the public register, "not to mention the actual beneficial owners at the end of the ownership chain." The structure of KronoSpan is so difficult to see" that a few years ago, Austrias Financial Market Agency was looking into the companys operations.

It was, in particular, about Raiffeisen Bank Internationals relations with Kronospan. About EUR 66 million was transferred through the bank from January 2015 to April 2016. According to FMA, RBI has seriously violated its duty to find out who really stands behind Kronospan and who its beneficiaries are. At that time, FMA even fined Raiffeisen Bank International for EUR 2.748 million "because of the majority of legal provisions to prevent money laundering and terrorism." However, the case has not yet been closed as RBI has yet to challenge the judgment.

Separately, the article also states that Raiffeisen has a long-standing business relationship with Kronospan. In particular, in 2014, RBI sold its own subsidiary on Malta for more than EUR 100 million to one of Kronospans Cypriot companies. The Malta Bank now works under the name ECCM Bank Plc, "and recently some issues arose regarding the fight against money laundering."

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the U.S. Treasury had started checking Raiffeisen Bank Internationals Russia-related business.

Photo: Profil
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Dzhaparova of Ukraine, during her address to the legislative assembly of the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, emphasized common values and the desire to live in a free and safe world.

Thats according to a video the first deputy minister posted on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

"I was glad to speak before the legislative assembly of the multi-million city of Buenos Aires. Ukraine and Argentina are separated by thousands of kilometers and the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But the very fact that the city hall of Buenos Aires held a separate event dedicated to Ukraine proves one thing: we have common values and we want to live in a free and safe world," she said, addressing the assembly in Spanish.

The deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the representatives of the legislative assembly that, as of February 2023, Russia had captured about 18% of the Ukrainian territory, which is nearly 110,000 square kilometers of "torture, death, and non-freedom", and that the area nearly equals the Argentine province of Santa Fe.

Dzhaparova recalled her own experience of Russia occupying Crimea in 2014, noting that she was forced to flee her small homeland and begin her struggle for the right to return there after the peninsula is liberated from the invaders.

"My country and Argentina are separated by thousands of kilometers and the deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But we have common values and want to live in a free and safe world. The only way to achieve this is through Ukraines victory. We often say that everything started and should end with Crimea. These words actually became the slogan of the International Crimean Platform. This is a unique diplomatic tool that unites more than 60 states and international organizations. There is only one goal  the de-occupation of Crimea. We would be very happy to see our Argentine friends in this circle," said the first deputy minister.

Dzeppar emphasized that, over the year of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians have became stronger as a nation, and today stand side by side, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, or gender.

She also emphasized the contribution made by Ukrainian women to the future victory and emphasized that the war is always near.

"Probably, there is not a single person in Ukraine who wouldnt have friends or relatives who are at the front. Some of my diplomatic colleagues or their children also took up arms. Last week, our colleague from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lost his son. He was only 25. So Id like to address you also as parents. Your support of Ukraine in this war is a contribution to the future of children across the world. Today, we, politicians and diplomats, must restore peace and security, respect for international law and moral principles," Dzhaparova said.

She suggested that in some countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa, people actually have a hard time understanding why the whole world is so focused on the war raging in Ukraine. The reason for this is powerful Russian propaganda that misleads its audiences.

The deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Ukraines ultimate goal is peace, and spoke about the peace formula put forward by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Dzhaparova expressed her gratitude to Argentina for co-authoring and supporting the relevant resolution of the UN General Assembly "Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine." She added that Ukraine is counting on Argentina's active participation in the implementation of Ukraines peace formula.

"One year after the invasion, we are confident of our victory. Strategically, the Kremlin has already lost this war, although they are still trying to seize the initiative, sending thousands of Russians to their deaths. I am convinced that everyone at their level can help Ukraine win. And it will be a joint victory," emphasized Dzhaparova.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, an event in support of Ukraine was held by the legislative body of Buenos Aires a year into Russias full-scale invasion. The event was attended by local authorities, officials representing the Group of Seven, European Union, and other countries, as well as the Ukrainian community.
JOHANNESBURG, March 4 (Xinhua) -- As China has embarked on a new journey of building a modern socialist country through a Chinese path to modernization, developing countries in Africa and beyond ought to take advantage presented by China's localized type of modernization, a South African scholar has said.

"The rise of China into a global economic powerhouse came to offset a long held notion that Western modernization was the epitome of global pursuits," David Monyae, director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, told Xinhua.

China's modernization has the means to galvanize and effect modernization elsewhere in the world, especially among the developing nations, he said.

Each nation has its own historical and local conditions to be considered in regard to practices geared towards modernization. Such an approach determines how modernization is carried out and how its gains are distributed and shared within and beyond local societies, according to Monyae, a renowned researcher on China-Africa relations.

"It is paramount that China adheres to a type of modernization that is suitable and true to its national conditions," he said.

Chinese modernization not only has the common characteristics of modernization of all countries, but also Chinese characteristics based on its own national conditions. It will not be amiss to regard Chinese characteristics as a definition of local rules of practice and frames of reference of local population that include both historical and social conditions, he said.

Chinese characteristics may be defined as the act of letting local value systems and traditions determine implementation and development of modernization, Monyae said. "It is a case where tradition subdues modernity into serving the people, instead of the other way around. It is a case where development and modernity rely on a people-centered approach, not modernization for modernization's sake."

Monyae said he has been impressed by China's achievements on poverty eradication and economic development in recent years.

Deeming China's eradication of poverty as a feat instead of an isolated event, Monyae highlighted the fact that China achieved the 1st Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations Agenda 2030 a decade in advance.

He also pointed out that developing nations ought to gain courage and engage in a type of modernization suited to local, historical, social and economic conditions.

"Tendencies towards 'one size fits all' and straight-jacket type of modernization ought to be opposed at all cost" if the future of building a community with shared future for mankind is to be secured, he said. 
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcoming a group of 89 Syrian refugees at Torrejon military airport in Madrid.  UNHCR/Maria Jesus Vega

In an expedited refugee resettlement departure following the devastating earthquakes which struck Turkiye and Syria last month, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today welcomed a group of 89 Syrian refugees at Torrejon military airport in Madrid.

The group, comprising at-risk women, men and children, arrived from Turkiye, where they had been residing, including in areas affected by the recent earthquakes. Upon arrival in Madrid, they will be registered and documented as refugees recognized in Spain by the Ministry of Interior and provided with medical and psycho-social assistance. The refugees will be further accommodated in different refugee reception centres run by Spanish NGOs under a programme managed by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

For almost 12 years, Turkiye has generously hosted some 3.5 million Syrian refugees as well as those of other nationalities. With the recent earthquakes impacting 11 regions, an estimated 9 million people have been affected - more than 1.7 million of whom are refugees.

Many refugees who fled to Turkiye in search of safety and protection have now faced the trauma of loss and displacement once again - losing their homes and livelihoods. With most refugees living in urban areas, many are living in fear and uncertainty, as aftershocks and additional earthquakes continue to ravage the area.

While urgent lifesaving support is being prioritized by UNHCR and IOM to victims of the earthquakes  refugees, migrants and local communities - and in support of the national response, the agencies urge that more needs to be done.

To help protect those refugees most at-risk, and to help alleviate pressures on local communities who themselves are also impacted by this humanitarian disaster, UNHCR is appealing for States to expedite resettlement processes and departures, said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

UNHCR is grateful that Spain together with other resettlement countries has responded to this call for solidarity with Turkiye. But with many more refugees affected by the disaster and in dire need of assistance, we urge more States to step up and speed up processes, enabling quick departures from Turkiye. This is a tangible expression of solidarity and responsibility sharing and ultimately will ensure immediate, life-changing solutions for refugees who have been made even more vulnerable as a result of the earthquakes, said Grandi.

"We thank the Government of Spain for stepping up to provide a safe pathway for these refugees in the wake of disaster, giving them a chance to build new lives. We hope to see these efforts replicated swiftly, said, IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino.

IOM is proud to have been part of this process of care. We believe that resettlement provides not only much needed international protection for the most vulnerable but also a path to successful integration into their new societies."

UNHCR and IOM are grateful to Spain for urgently responding to UNHCRs request in expediting resettlement of refugees affected by the earthquakes. Spain has already welcomed over 200 refugees through resettlement since the beginning of the year, and has been receiving refugees under resettlement programs since 2013, mainly from Lebanon and Turkiye.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

UNHCR:

IOM:
A drill on rescuing stranded animals, organized by the BlueRibbon Ocean Conservation Association (BROCA), is conducted in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, on May 22, 2021. (Xinhua)

HAIKOU, March 4 (Xinhua) -- When Pu Bingmei failed to save the life of a stranded pilot whale named Yaya in 2019, she cried like a child.

"The medical team and their equipment were prepared already that night and they were planning to fly to Hainan the next morning. But Yaya didn't make it," said Pu in tears, as she recalled the woeful loss of the whale.

"I'll try my best and make more contributions to the protection of wild marine animals like you," Pu said when she bid farewell to Yaya.

Pu, 36, is the secretary general of the BlueRibbon Ocean Conservation Association (BROCA), a non-profit organization based in Sanya City, south China's Hainan Province. For more than a decade, she has been dedicated to the protection of marine species such as stranded dolphins and whales.

Over the years, she has not only been helping with the protection of marine species, but also raising public awareness of environmental protection.

Pu came to the coastal resort city of Sanya in 2007, when she entered college. Hailing from northwest China, she had never seen the ocean in person before.

"I was so excited when I saw the clear seawater," she said. "I could see little fish swimming around, and I just wanted to dive in."

As years went by, however, she gradually found that the condition of the seawater began to worsen and that it "smelt bad."

"I accidentally got to know about BROCA and started doing volunteer work such as picking up garbage at the sea," she said. After graduation, she became a full-time volunteer for BROCA, engaging in all kinds of environmental work.

On June 6, 2019, when she was celebrating her daughter's birthday, Pu received an emergency call about a pilot whale that was found stranded in Sanya. She immediately set off to go to the scene.

The whale was later transferred to the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, for better treatment.

"She couldn't swim by herself and wasn't able to sense the presence of obstacles when she was found," said Pu. To prevent the whale from knocking into hard objects and getting hurt again, it had to be monitored around the clock. BROCA started recruiting volunteers online to join the rescue operation.

Soon, a WeChat group of volunteers was set up. Scientists, veterinarians, and volunteers worked in shifts to provide medical treatment and supervise the physical and mental condition of the whale.

"I couldn't sleep at all after Yaya was rescued. We also contacted medical groups with knowledge of marine animals from other places, and spared no efforts to find available medical equipment for her."

But the joint efforts failed to save the whale's life.

A sense of self-blame and helplessness overwhelmed Pu when she heard the news of the whale's death.

But she knew that losing Yaya was not the end, but the start of more dedication to the protection of marine animals.

Yaya's passing inspired Pu to form a cooperation network for rescuing stranded wild marine animals.

A stranded pilot whale is transferred to the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, for better treatment in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, on June 7, 2019. (Xinhua)

For years, together with others at BROCA, Pu has been dedicated to raising public awareness of ocean protection and offering education programs to volunteers on how to save and assist wild marine animals.

In 2021, BROCA invited professors and scientists from marine biological research institutes in China to give lectures detailing the correct procedures for saving stranded marine animals to fisherfolk living in coastal villages, civilian rescue teams, divers and sailors, as well as volunteers from universities.

But Pu was fully aware that lectures alone were not enough.

"We also carried out some drills on rescuing stranded animals during the training," Pu told Xinhua.

Pu's persistence and hard work is now finally paying off.

Last April, a tourist spotted an injured Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin stranded in a bay in Hainan. This time the first witness took the right action -- calling BROCA as soon as she found the dolphin and keeping an eye on it until the rescue team arrived.

Volunteers named the dolphin "Chess" because it was discovered in the Bay of Chess, in Hainan.

After almost a year of intensive care in a marine biological base in Hainan's Danzhou City, "Chess" recovered and was released into the sea on Wednesday.

"This is our first successful case of saving a stranded dolphin and helping it get back to the sea," said Pu. "I'm thrilled to see 'Chess' back in its home. It gives my colleagues and me more confidence in our efforts to protect such wild animals."

An injured Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin stranded in a bay in Hainan is released into the sea after recovery in Danzhou City, south China's Hainan Province, on March 1, 2023. (Xinhua)

These days, what makes Pu especially pleased is people's rising awareness of the need to protect wild animals in China.

In the past, she used to hand out gifts on the streets to attract people's attention to ocean protection needs and efforts. At that time, people were far more interested in the gifts than in what she was trying to promote.

"But now, more and more netizens find us online and call us to get details about our activities," she said.

In addition, people's knowledge of saving wild animals is improving in the country, according to Pu.

"There are various causes that lead to dolphins or whales being stranded. Such animals are most likely injured or sick. So the best choice is to call volunteers or relevant local officials," she said. "I'm glad that people are starting to realize this."

"The protection of wildlife cannot only rely on a single person or a single group," she said. "That's why our slogan is 'Unite all forces to protect the beautiful ocean.'" 
(@FahadShabbir)

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant no longer produces electricity and serves solely as a military base for Moscow's troops, the exiled mayor of the city of Energodar, which houses the facility, told AFP

Warsaw, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2023 ) :Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant no longer produces electricity and serves solely as a military base for Moscow's troops, the exiled mayor of the city of Energodar, which houses the facility, told AFP.

Moscow's troops seized the plant in the southern Zaporizhzhia region on March 4 last year, just days after the start of Russia's invasion.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns about shelling near the plant, calling for a demilitarised zone around it.

"During a year under occupation, (Russians) have turned Europe's largest nuclear power plant into a military base," 37-year-old Energodar mayor Dmytro Orlov said in an interview to AFP.

The plant has repeatedly made headlines and revived fears of nuclear catastrophies similar to the deadly Chernobyl disaster that shook Ukraine in 1986.

Orlov said Russian troops take advantage of the fact that Ukraine "will not fire" at the site to avoid such an incident.

Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each other for shelling around the plant.

1,000 Russian soldiers are currently stationed at the power plant and in Energodar.

The city on the banks of the Dnipro river saw its population drop from 53,000 to about 15,000 following the invasion.
Chairperson of Peace and Culture Organization Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Saturday said that the fascist Narendra Modi regime is snatching ancestral lands of Kashmiri Muslims to make a way for Hindu settlements under the nefarious plan to change the demography of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2023 ) :Chairperson of Peace and Culture Organization Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Saturday said that the fascist Narendra Modi regime is snatching ancestral lands of Kashmiri Muslims to make a way for Hindu settlements under the nefarious plan to change the demography of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In a strong reaction to the Indian notorious government's ongoing drive to evict the local residents of their lands and render them homeless, Mushaal said that Modi's Hindutva regime started attaching properties of the Kashmiris in the occupied valley to put pressure on them to give up their legitimate struggle for internationally recognized right to self-determination, said a press release.

She revealed that the occupation authorities attached two more Kashmiris' houses under draconian law Unlawful activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Srinagar and Sopore, besides 168 properties of Kashmiris in Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch district in last few days.

Mushaal, wife of incarcerated hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, said that supremacist Hindutva regime got inspiration from Zionist government in Israel, which encroached upon Palestinians properties through various brutal tactics and Modi government was replicating the same model in the occupied Kashmir, which would be resisted at all fronts.  She went on to say that occupation authorities hell-bent on rendering Kashmiris homeless in their own homeland on one pretext or another, demolishing their houses and snatching their ancestral lands to make way for non-residential settlers in the occupied territory and snatch the Muslim identity of the territory. The chairperson noted that attaching properties of Kashmiris was a sheer political vendetta on part of the Indian regime and was meant to bully them to shun the legitimate struggle to break the shackles of Indian slavery.

She expressed her surprise that notorious Modi regime gave a free hand to over nine hundred thousand brutal Indian troops to commit atrocities on the people of the occupied territory to terrify them through different tactics to silence the dissenting voices in IIOJK.

Mushaal stated that in the wake of repealing the special status of IIOJK, Indian fascist government issued domicile certificates to thousands of Indian Hindus and was now evicting them of their lands so as to render them homeless.

The Chairperson said that Indian authorities were confiscating properties of Kashmiris to punish them for their affiliation with freedom movement, adding that occupation troops were regularly destroying Kashmiris' houses during violent military operations.

She said that Killing of Kashmiris in fake encounters and destroying their properties was a norm in the occupied valley, as Modi regime was planning not only to render Kashmiris homeless but to deprive them of their identity as well.

Mushaal stated that Indian government was using every brutal and highhanded tactic to stifle the freedom voice of Kashmiris. However, the Hurriyat leader vowed that Indian machinations would not deter the Kashmiris from taking to legitimate struggle to its logical ends.

She lamented that the world power and human rights organizations observed a criminal silence in this human rights violations and fundamental rights of Kashmiris.

Mushaal urged the world powers and UN bodies to wake up from their sweet slumber and take notice of the Modi regime's brutal actions in the occupied valley.
Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom on Saturday expressed serious concern over the recent escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and condemned hostile actions taken by the two countries against each other

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 04th March, 2023) Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom on Saturday expressed serious concern over the recent escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and condemned hostile actions taken by the two countries against each other.

"France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, express their grave concern in the face of the continuing, growing violence in the occupied Palestinian territories. We strongly condemn recent terrorist attacks that killed Israeli citizens ... We also strongly condemn indiscriminate violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, including destruction of homes and properties," a joint statement published by the German Foreign Ministry read.

The EU countries and the UK urged Palestine and Israel to stop all unilateral actions threatening peace in the region, while also saying that all those responsible must be held fully accountable and brought to justice.

The statement also called on the parties to the conflict to refrain from disrupting the fragile de-escalation process and to fulfill the commitments made at an emergency meeting held by delegations from Jordan, Palestine, the United States, Israel, and Egypt in the Jordanian city of Aqaba in late February in an attempt to reduce tensions in the West Bank.

"We urge the Israeli government to reverse its recent decision to advance the construction of more than 7,000 settlement building units across the occupied West Bank and to legalize settlement outposts," the statement added.

New clashes in the West Bank between Palestinians and Jewish settlers coincided with the convening of the high-level meeting in Aqaba. After the meeting, Israel pledged to suspend settlement activity in the West Bank for several months. Representatives of the five countries agreed to meet again in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh in March.

Since the beginning of 2023, the situation in the West Bank, especially in the cities of Jenin and Nablus, has become much more complicated due to ongoing raids by the Israeli armed forces against the Palestinians. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has said that January and February 2023 saw the highest number of Palestinians killed since 2000.

Relations between Israel and Palestine have been adversarial since the latter's founding in 1948. Palestinians seek diplomatic recognition of their independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partially occupied by Israel, and the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government refuses to recognize Palestine as an independent political and diplomatic entity, and builds settlements in the occupied areas despite objections from the United Nations.
(@FahadShabbir)

A prominent Cameroonian businessman was charged on Saturday with complicity in the torture of a journalist who was murdered in a high-profile case that has rocked the country, his lawyer told AFP

Yaound, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2023 ) :A prominent Cameroonian businessman was charged on Saturday with complicity in the torture of a journalist who was murdered in a high-profile case that has rocked the country, his lawyer told AFP.

Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, reputedly close to ministers and senior officials, was arrested on February 6 and brought before a military court in the capital Yaounde on Friday before being remanded, his lawyer said.

A source at the court confirmed the report to AFP on condition of anonymity. The authorities did not respond to requests for comment on the charges Amougou Belinga faces.

Radio journalist Martinez Zogo, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered in January, was outspoken against graft and financial sleaze and had often faced threats over his work.

Amougou Belinga, owner of L'Anecdote media group, "was arrested... at dawn" last month, the company said.

The tycoon has holdings in banking, finance, insurance and property, as well as L'Anecdote, which owns a daily newspaper of that name and several pro-government tv and radio stations.

Belinga's lawyer said his client was "not charged with the murder of Martinez Zogo", adding: "It is only an indictment, the judicial investigation has only just begun".

Belinga "was placed under a detention order... at the main prison in Kondengi" after being "presented before an investigating judge at the military court," a media group he owns said in a statement.

- Suspects - Several people suspected of involvement in the case were also brought before the military court on Friday evening, according to an AFP reporter on the scene.

Leopold Maxime Eko Eko, head of the General Directorate for External Investigations (DGRE) and its director of operations, Justin Danwe, are among those suspected, a communication ministry official told AFP on condition of anonymity, alongside other official sources who also requested confidentiality.

Denis Omgba Bomba, head of the National Media Observatory, a unit attached to the communications ministry, previously confirmed the arrest and said the tycoon had been "named a suspect in the killing of Martinez Zogo".

Zogo, 50, was the manager of the privately-owned radio station Amplitude FM and host of a daily show called Embouteillage (Traffic Jam).

He had frequently named Amougou Belinga in his corruption accusations.

Zogo was abducted on January 17 outside a police station in the suburbs of the capital Yaounde, and his mutilated corpse was found five days later.

Just days before he was killed, he had told listeners about threats he faced.

The murder sparked outcry, including a protest by 20 leading Cameroonians over the government's "long tradition of trivialising impunity and accepting atrocities."
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th March, 2023) Iran will voluntarily allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct verification and monitoring activities in the country and will agree the modalities at a technical meeting in Tehran soon, the IAEA aid on Saturday.

"Iran, on a voluntary basis will allow the IAEA to implement further appropriate verification and monitoring activities. Modalities will be agreed between the two sides in the course of a technical meeting which will take place soon in Tehran," the agency said in a joint statement with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

The statement also said that Iran had expressed its readiness "to continue its cooperation and provide further information and access to address the outstanding safeguards issues."

Earlier this month, international atomic monitors in Iran reportedly found uranium enriched to 84% of purity, which is the highest level detected by inspectors in the country so far and almost enough for the production of nuclear weapons.

The AEOI has insisted that Iran's nuclear program continues to remain exclusively peaceful.

In 2015, Iran and China, France, Russia, the UK, the US plus Germany and the EU signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal, which envisaged lifting sanctions against Tehran in exchange for restricting the Iranian nuclear program. Under Donald Trump, the US withdrew from the deal, reimposing sanctions against Iran. The country reacted by reducing its obligations under the deal, including those concerning nuclear research, centrifuges and uranium enrichment levels.

In December 2021, talks on the resumption of the JCPOA were resumed, however, a year later the progress on the deal became largely frozen.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Russia and China will keep explaining to all Asia-Pacific countries the dangers and threats posed by NATO's presence in the region, and continue to build up military cooperation with partner states, Russian Ambassador to Beijing Igor Morgulov said on Saturday

BEIJING (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 04th March, 2023) Russia and China will keep explaining to all Asia-Pacific countries the dangers and threats posed by NATO's presence in the region, and continue to build up military cooperation with partner states, Russian Ambassador to Beijing Igor Morgulov said on Saturday.

"There is a need to explain to all those countries of the region, where Russia has many like-minded people, the dangers and threats posed by NATO's presence in the Asia-Pacific region. We will continue the relevant work together with our Chinese friends," Morgulov told the China Central Television broadcaster.

Moscow and Beijing must also continue their efforts to preserve the region's post-Cold War security structure, Morgulov said, when asked how the two partner countries could counter NATO's deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.

"For those who do not understand, we will respond by building up military-technical cooperation with our like-minded states in the region, including China," the ambassador told the broadcaster.

Morgulov also said that the West sought to undermine the existing structure of security and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region by offering instead a new system based on NATO.

"I have repeatedly expressed bewilderment why NATO is rushing into the Asia-Pacific region. At the Madrid summit in June last year, the North Atlantic Alliance officially announced that its sphere of responsibility was becoming global at that moment. This raises a lot of questions for us," Morgulov added.

The Russian diplomat said in conclusion that he saw no positive aspects of the fact that NATO could appear in the region.
People visit the exhibition area of Huawei at the 2023 edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

China, a leader in 5G and related applications, is not just an important market but also plays an important role in how people think, discuss and exchange ideas about how to build the digital world of the future.

BARCELONA, Spain, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese companies are crucial to the ecosystem of the entire mobile industry, experts from GSMA, an industry group representing the world's biggest mobile phone operators, told Xinhua in recent interviews.

During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona, some media questioned whether Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE were eligible to participate following the "entity list" issued by the United Stats.

A spokesperson for GSMA, organizer of the congress, told Xinhua that the association was fully allowed to conduct activities with companies such as Huawei and ZTE.

"Part of our role, as a global industry association, is precisely to align technological developments for the benefit of people, industries and the society in a fragmented geopolitical environment," the spokesperson said.

Visitors walk past the booth of ZTE at the 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Companies such as Huawei "have always been important partners of GSMA and an important part of our ecosystem. We will not shut out Huawei and ZTE," said Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer (CMO) for GSMA.

"China is a leader in 5G and related applications," she said, adding that the country is not just an important market but also plays an important role in how people think, discuss and exchange ideas about how to build the digital world of the future.

John Hoffman, GSMA's CEO, said the number of Chinese attendees during this year's MWC, from Feb. 27 to March 2, reached about 5,000.

Hoffman said that he was very impressed by the huge crowds visiting the stands of the Chinese companies including Huawei, ZTE and Xiaomi.

Mats Granryd, director-general of GSMA, said the huge exhibition areas of Huawei and ZTE at the conference site showed the importance of Chinese enterprises to the industry's ecosystem.

Chinese enterprises could bring innovation, scale and advanced technology, which is crucial to the whole industry, he noted.

This photo taken on Feb. 26, 2023 shows the new products launch event of Chinese tech firm Xiaomi in Barcelona, Spain. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said on Saturday talks were ongoing with Iran on two sets of important matters, including the science sector, and there was "great expectation" about the process.

Rafael Grossi began meetings in Tehran on Friday that diplomats said were meant to push Iran to cooperate with an IAEA investigation into uranium traces found at undeclared sites that had been enriched close to nuclear-weapons grade.

"Globally speaking, there are two sets of matters that are important. Clearly, there is great expectation about our joint work in order to move forward in the issues that Iran and the agency are working on, to clarify and to bring credible assurances about the nuclear program in Iran," Grossi told reporters in Tehran.

"The second set of issues, which is very important, has to do with [the] scientific, technical cooperation we are having and will continue to have with Iran," he said, speaking alongside Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

Grossi said the talks were taking place in an "atmosphere of work, honesty and cooperation."



His visit comes amid contacts with Tehran on the origin of the uranium particles enriched to up to 83.7% purity, very close to the 90% threshold for weaponization, at its underground Fordow enrichment plant, according to a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog seen by Reuters.

Joint agenda

Eslami told reporters on Saturday that the Islamic Republic was enriching uranium up to 60% fissile purity.

Grossi later met President Ebrahim Raisi and "expressed satisfaction with achieving a joint agenda with the Atomic Energy Organization on measures to smooth the path of cooperation," Raisi aide Mohammad Jamshidi tweeted.

Raisi added that "cooperation is a bilateral matter, which could continue based on maintaining the independence of the IAEA and the rights of the Iranian nation," Jamshidi added.

Iran often accuses the IAEA of being manipulated by the West and Tehran's arch-foe Israel and of disregarding the Islamic Republic's right to develop a peaceful nuclear program. The IAEA rejects the accusations.

Under a 2015 agreement with six world powers, Iran curbed its disputed uranium enrichment program in return for relief from international sanctions. But the accord began to unravel in 2018 after then-U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out and reimposed tough U.S. sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to start violating the deal's strict limits on enrichment.

Iran's stonewalling of a years-long IAEA investigation into uranium traces found at three undeclared sites prompted the United Nations watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors to pass a resolution at its last quarterly meeting in November ordering Tehran to cooperate urgently with the inquiry.

That cooperation has not materialized and Grossi hoped the meeting with hardline President Raisi would help smooth the way towards ending the deadlock, diplomats in Europe said. The board's next quarterly meeting starts on Monday.

Grossi said it was an "issue of necessity to have a very deep, serious, systematic dialog with Iran. This is why I am here. Its been too long." He said he would "judge our degree of satisfaction at the end of the day."
Australias space industry is warning that China is increasing its satellite surveillance. The warning comes as Australias Defense Space Command says it is working on a plan to acquire so-called soft-kill technology to take out enemy satellites.

In February, the United States shot down a giant Chinese balloon that it said had been spying on key military sites across America. Beijing, however, insisted it was a civilian aircraft that had drifted off course.

The diplomatic row ignited a debate about surveillance and espionage between the two.

In Australia, experts believe the balloon incident has overshadowed concerns about surveillance from space.

James Brown, the head of the trade group the Space Industry Association of Australia, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Saturday that China has a vast space monitoring system.

I think people just do not realize that every day we are being listened to and surveilled by Chinese satellites that are only 100 to 200 kilometers above our heads, and China is launching hundreds of them a year and we are seeing more and more of that activity," Brown said.

Australias year-old Defense Space Command is working on a plan to buy so-called soft-kill technology to destroy enemy satellites without creating dangerous debris. Instead of using missiles, Australia wants to develop its own electronic warfare capability to disrupt and disable satellites but the appropriate technology is not yet commercially available.

The command's head, Air Vice Marshal Cath Roberts, Friday gave an update on electronic warfare capabilities and the threats to Australian satellites. She told reporters that there was a need to have "nondestructive" capabilities to deter attacks or interfere with enemy satellites.

Roberts said the number of satellites in space had more than doubled to around 8,000.

China launched more satellites than the United States did last year.
Ukrainian troops holding out in Bakhmut face increased pressure Saturday from Russian forces as they help civilians flee the besieged eastern city.

It is now too dangerous to leave Bakhmut by vehicle, a Ukrainian army representative told The Associated Press, so civilians must flee on foot. Ukrainian soldiers set up a pontoon bridge Saturday to help civilians reach the nearby village of Khromove, the AP said.

One woman was killed and two men were badly wounded while trying to escape over the makeshift bridge, according to the Ukrainian troops helping them.

Ukrainian troops have destroyed two key bridges just outside the city, including one to Chasiv Yar, cutting off their last remaining resupply route, according to U.K. military intelligence officials and other Western analysts.

Destroying the bridge could be a sign that Kyiv is preparing to leave. The Institute for the Study of War said that by taking out the Chasiv Yar bridge, Ukrainian troops might conduct a limited and controlled withdrawal from particularly difficult sections of eastern Bakhmut, while making it more difficult for Russians to pursue them.

If Russian fighters do capture Bakhmut, it would be a rare battlefield gain after months of setbacks and it might allow them to cut Ukraines supply lines and press toward other Ukrainian strongholds in the Donetsk region.

Ukrainian National Guard Deputy Commander Volodymyr Nazarenko told Ukrainian broadcaster Kyiv24 Saturday the city remains under Ukrainian control despite intense and ongoing attacks by Russian forces.

Every hour in Bakhmut is like hell, he said. "The enemy had successes in the north, northwest of Bakhmut a week ago. Ukrainian soldiers are fighting back. Over the past few days, the front line has been stabilized thanks to our hard work and efforts.

Bakhmuts deputy mayor, Oleksandr Marchenko, confirmed to the BBC that Thanks to the Ukrainian armed forces, they still havent taken control of the city.

City all but destroyed

Marchenko said about 4,000 civilians remain in what was a city of 70,000 that is all but destroyed. They live in shelters without gas, electricity or water, he said.

Responding to reports of the withdrawal of some Ukrainian troops, Serhiy Cherevatyi, the spokesperson of the eastern grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, told CNN on Saturday that Ukrainian soldiers are rotating positions in Bakhmut in controlled, planned cycles.

Cherevatyi said there have been hostilities around Bakhmut, in the villages of Vasiukivka and Dubovo-Vasylivka to the north of the city and in the villages of Ivanivske and Bohdanivka to the west.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia's Wagner Group mercenary force, posted a video Saturday allegedly showing coffins he said contained bodies of Ukrainian soldiers being sent to territory held by Kyiv.

In the video, Prigozhin, wearing military gear, said, "We are sending another shipment of Ukrainian army fighters home. They fought bravely and perished. That's why the latest truck will take them back to their motherland."

The British intelligence update on Twitter said Bakhmut is vulnerable to Russian attacks on three sides but said Ukraine is reinforcing the areas with elite units.

Meanwhile, Russias defense minister visited Russian soldiers in Ukraine on Saturday.

The ministry said in a statement on the messaging app Telegram that Sergei Shoigu inspected the forward command post of one of the formations of the Eastern Military District in the South Donetsk direction."

Shoigu has been criticized for Russias poor performance in its war against Ukraine. In a video released Saturday, the military chief was seen handing out medals to Russian military forces.

Zelenskyy in Lviv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spent a second day in Lviv on Saturday, in a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, he said in his nightly address Saturday.

He said they discussed security, energy, social protection, financial issues and anti-corruption.

The United for Justice conference continued for a second day and included discussion on the investigation, punishment of Russian fighters for abuse, rape, and other violent crimes committed in the occupied territory.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters.
U.S. President Joe Biden is focused on shoring up NATO unity in supporting Ukraine in his meeting Friday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House, said John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, in an interview with VOA's White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara Friday.

Dismissing concerns about growing war fatigue on both sides of the Atlantic, Kirby said Biden was confident that Western allies unity remained "resilient, resolved and unified."

He repeated calls from the administration urging Beijing not to supply weapons to help Russia, warning of a "blow to Chinas standing in the international community" should it decide to do so.

This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: President Biden is meeting with Chancellor Scholz. Both met [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy recently; they'll be comparing notes on their support for Ukraine. But will they also be speaking about pathways to peace?

John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications: I think both of these leaders share the Ukrainians desire for a peace that is just and fair and sustainable, a peace that supports Ukraine's sovereignty and maintains their independence. Also, they both agree that it's got to be a peace that President Zelenskyy can sign on to; it's got to be done in full consultation, full coordination with the Ukrainians. Otherwise, there's no way it's going to ever really get off to start and it's not going to be sustainable.

VOA: Just last week, there were 10,000 people in Germany protesting sending arms to Ukraine. So, there's political pressure on Chancellor Scholz. Is the president concerned that this might create a crack in NATO unity?

Kirby: No, the president is not at all concerned about a crack in allied unity. If you just look back at the last year, the allies had been incredibly resilient, resolved and unified in terms of supporting Ukraine. And he's convinced - especially after coming home now from meeting with the Bucharest Nine, meeting with his counterpart in Poland, and of course meeting with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv - he's even more convinced that that allied unity will continue.

We're not taking anything for granted. We know we have to continue to work on providing the kinds of support to Ukraine that they need most. But he's confident that the allies are going to be able to stay together.

VOA: I understand that Ukraine will be the focus. But will the president also make the argument that it is strategically risky for Germany to be so trade-dependent on China, the same way it has proven to be risky for them to be so dependent on Russian gas? Will the president urge the chancellor to take a tougher stance against Beijing?

Kirby: Today's visit is really about how we can stay coordinated in supporting Ukraine. And I would point you to what Chancellor Scholz said yesterday in terms of his concerns about the potential for China to provide lethal weaponry to Russia and his call that what China should be focusing on is convincing Russia to withdraw, to take their troops out of Ukraine. That's an illegal invasion to begin with. But as for economic practices, those are sovereign decisions that Chancellor Scholz has to make on behalf of the German people.

VOA: On China potentially arming Russia, U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield recently said that should China do this, that's a red line for the administration. Is the administration prepared to back up that threat?

Kirby: I don't think it'd be helpful to get into hypotheticals at this point. You've heard Secretary [of State Antony] Blinken talk about this. He's mentioned this privately with his counterpart, his Chinese counterpart, that clearly, we don't want to see them move in this direction. They have not done so, though they haven't taken it off the table. And we have been very honest about the fact that there will be ramifications for doing that. Clearly, at the very least one of them is a blow to Chinas standing in [the] international community.

China has a choice to make. Does it really want to come down on the side of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin? Does it really want to assist Mr. Putin in killing innocent Ukrainians? Because that's what this kind of a move would be. And if China cares about their international standing, one would think that they would find this not in their best interest.

VOA: Lets talk more about this name-and-shame strategy. In the lead-up of the Russian invasion, you said that you had intelligence that Putin is going to do it, and then he did it. You're doing the same thing with President Xi Jinping, saying that China could potentially arm Russia. But if the strategy did not work to deter Putin from invading Ukraine, why would you believe that the strategy would work to deter Xi from helping Putin? I don't see either of these men being the type that could be easily shamed or intimidated.

Kirby: This isn't about shaming. It's about sharing our concerns privately with the Chinese and also sharing those concerns publicly about indications that we see potentially that China might move in this direction. China has a choice to make. President Xi has a choice to make. And we strongly urged him to make the right choice here, to not make it easier for Mr. Putin to kill innocent Ukrainian people.

VOA: And that kind of approach you believe will be an effective deterrent?

Kirby: That's going to be up to President Xi and the Chinese.

VOA: We know now that Iran and North Korea have supplied arms to Russia. Other than Belarus, what other third country could potentially be a conduit to funnel Chinese arms to Russia?

Kirby: Thats a great question for Vladimir Putin. Who else is he reaching out to, to try to get weapons and capabilities to continue the slaughter in Ukraine? We know that the Iranians are part and parcel of that effort. We know the North Koreans have provided, at least in some cases, artillery ammunition to the Wagner Group. And I think President Putin should have to speak for who else [is he] reaching out to, to continue these murderous ways.

VOA: Surely you must be monitoring these countries. Our sources point to potentially Myanmar as one of those countries. Do you see any intelligence to support this?

Kirby: I don't have any other third-party countries to speak to today.

VOA: We spoke yesterday about the $620 million arms sales to Taiwan. Is this how the administration is helping Taiwan prepare, to stock up munitions in case of a Chinese blockade?

Kirby: This is about helping Taiwan with their self-defense capabilities. Specifically, it's about munitions for their F-16 fighter aircraft. We work in lockstep with them about their needs, but it's very much in keeping with our commitment, both legally and from a moral perspective, to make sure that they have the sufficient self-defense capabilities that they need.

VOA: With this timing, could it also provide Beijing with an excuse to funnel arms to Russia?

Kirby: That's a question for President Xi. There should be no reason for him to want to provide arms to Russia. There should be no reason for him to want to help Mr. Putin kill innocent Ukrainian people. And that's what this would be if they moved on with that decision.

What's going into President Xi's calculus is really a question for him. The Taiwan arms sales are in keeping with our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, and our belief that we must continue to help Taiwan have sufficient self-defense capabilities. This is separate and distinct from what's going on in Ukraine.

VOA: Moving on to Iran, is the administration now seeing Iran as a global threat rather than a regional one?

Kirby: Iran has remained certainly a regional threat for quite some time, and that continues. They are fomenting instability in the Levant throughout the Middle East, they continue to support terrorist networks, they continue to threaten maritime traffic in the Gulf and beyond. And now they are directly impacting a war in Europe. So certainly, they have stretched their malign impact well beyond the region.

VOA: Do you now consider them a global threat?

Kirby: I'm not going to characterize them one way or the other, other than saying they are a malign actor in the region, and they are now stretching that influence beyond the Middle East. The other part about this that is concerning  and we've talked about this  is that they seek Russian capabilities in return. So, if that all comes to pass, then Iran would have the benefit of Russian capabilities, which makes them even more of a threat to [Western] friends and partners in the Middle East.

VOA: Any update on the poisoning of the Iranian schoolgirls? You said yesterday that you don't know what the cause is. Do you know more at this point? UNICEF has offered to help. Is the U.S. prepared to offer the same?

Kirby: I'm afraid we don't have more information about these reports of poisonings. They are deeply disturbing. We want the Iranian government  they say they're going to investigate. We want that investigation to be thorough, complete and transparent with the Iranian people as well as the rest of the world. Little girls should not have to worry about their safety when they go to school. They should only have to worry about their grades.
A once quiet border road between the United States and Canada along a stretch of sparsely populated farmland has become the focal point of a domestic argument over national immigration policy.

Roxham Road, running between the northern U.S. state of New York and the Canadian province of Quebec, has become the most heavily used street by migrants hoping to move to Canada from the U.S.

On February 21, the Conservative Party of Canadas leader Pierre Poilievre called for the road to be closed.

The solution, said Alex Neve, a University of Ottawa fellow and one of Canadas top human rights scholars, is not to close a single road but to enact policy changes that will spread immigration across the U.S.-Canada border instead of focusing it around the small communities along Roxham Road and in the province of Quebec.

Critics of the policy that has brought large numbers of refugees to Roxham Road seem to think the road should be shut down and that would be the end of everything, which is unrealistic in light of how long the Canada-U.S. border is, Neve told VOA.

This is very problematic when it comes to human rights and refugee protection, he added.

Roxham Road becomes popular

Neve argues that changes need to be made to the Safe Third Country Agreement.

The agreement, which came into force in 2004, requires those seeking refugee protection to request it in the first safe country they arrive in, unless they qualify for an exception to the agreement.

However, refugees can get around the agreement, said Laurie Trautman, an expert with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

Roxham Road became a popular place of entry, she said, because it is not an official port of entry and the Safe Third Country Agreement only applies to official ports of entry.

It is also considered safer during extreme winter temperatures than numerous crossings along the 8,900-kilometer (5,525-mile) U.S.-Canada border.

However, its popularity with refugees has prompted the Canadian Border Services Agency to set up an unofficial presence on the border.

The makeshift checkpoint created by CBSA is specifically to process the refugees of Roxham Road and that means the Roxham Road crossing evades the Safe Third Country Agreement rules.

Once there, the migrants are arrested and charged with unlawful entry and then released into Canada.

PM backs renegotiating agreement

According to government statistics, more than 39,000 people sought asylum in Quebec in 2022 after crossing into Canada outside an official port of entry, compared with 369 people across the rest of the entire border.

Neve, the human rights scholar, said overturning the Safe Third Country Agreement is the answer to preventing a concentration of refugees on Roxham Road and in the province of Quebec.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to agree.

"The only way to effectively shut down not just Roxham Road, but the entire border to these irregular crossings, is to renegotiate the Safe Third Country Agreement, which is a serious work that we are doing as a government right now," Trudeau said Wednesday, according to the CBC.

U.S. President Joe Biden is planning a trip to Ottawa this month. Trudeau said he plans to use that meeting to renegotiate the agreement.
Chinas annual parliament, which opens Sunday, will usher in the biggest government reshuffle in a decade, as well as a sweeping organizational overhaul that will bolster the Communist Partys control.

Although Chinese President Xi Jinping has already secured a norm-breaking third term as party chief and stacked the partys elite politburo with his allies during its twice-a-decade congress in October, the rubber-stamp National Peoples Congress will formally endorse Xi as president and his allies in the governments top echelon of power.

Li Qiang, a Xi ally who was previously the Communist Party chief in Shanghai, is all but certain to become premier, replacing Li Keqiang, who will step down after two terms. Li Keqiang will deliver his last Government Work Report at the opening of the NPC.

Li Qiang, to be in charge of managing the world's second-largest economy, will face severe challenges as it has been adversely affected by its draconian zero-COVID policy over the past three years. Chinas GDP last year grew just 3%, way off the official target of 5.5%.

Having suffered a very poor result of 3% growth rate in 2022, the two premiers Li [Li Qiang and Li Keqiang] are expected to project a 5% to 5.5% growth rate this year, said Willy Lam, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation.

Lam said after three years of economic shrinkage in such key areas as exports, infrastructure, real estate, and consumer spending, the government is facing a fiscal crisis and Li Qiang will likely follow the time-honored principle of government investment to jack up growth. Analysts say measures aimed at boosting consumption and foreign investment are likely to be implemented.

Xi is also expected to consolidate his power in Chinas government by filling key posts with trusted party allies and loyal state officials, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the top economic-planning body; the Peoples Bank of China, the central bank, and the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Science and Technology; said the Germany-based think tank, Mercator Institute for China Studies in a brief.

Executive Vice Premier Han Zheng is expected to be replaced by Ding Xuexiang, another close ally of Xi.

The NPC is also expected to approve military spending and the government budget, and set the tone for economic policy in the year ahead.

However, by far the most important changes to expect at the coming NPC would be the boosting of the Communist Partys control in Xis reorganization of state and Communist Party entities, analysts say.

A communique published at the end of a three-day meeting of the party's central committee Tuesday stressed the importance of institutional reform to bolster the centralized and unified leadership of the Party, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Analysts say this will likely entail the incorporation into the Communist Party system of more government ministries, especially in the realm of finance and policing, and the national security apparatus.

The administrative restructuring will further institutionalize CCP oversight over policymaking, with the areas of financial policy and national security, in particular, being put on a shorter leash, said Nis Grunberg, lead analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies.

Chen Daoyin, a former associate professor of political science and law at Shanghai University who is now living abroad, said Xis move is subverting the spirit of the reform and opening policy launched in 1978 that saved China from the brink of economic collapse after the Cultural Revolution and paved the way for its stellar economic rise.

Led by paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, the open door policy included sweeping market reform and political liberalization measures intended to separate the powers between the party and the government and diminish the partys role in the governments operation. In a party speech in 1980, Deng denounced the over-extension of the partys authority in the government and blamed it for leading to the disasters of the Cultural Revolution.

It is going against the reform and opening drive, which aimed to take power from the hands of the government and return it to society, he said.

Deng was opposed to the kind of institutional reform that Xi is now carrying out. The system that has proven a failure in the three decades under Mao  and now Xi wants to do it all over again, he said. For the sake of maintaining stability, Xi wants to bolster control.

Xi has famously said that the last 30 years of reform should not be used to negate the first 30 years of communist rule -- making clear his refusal to criticize the atrocities and catastrophes committed during the Mao era. These include the Great Leap Forward that resulted in a famine that killed between 30 million and 40 million people and numerous political campaigns, including the Cultural Revolution, that persecuted and killed millions.

The communique released Tuesday also emphasized the uncertainties and unpredictabilities that China faces amid a new period of turmoil and change in international politics  stoking a sense of crisis that is often accentuated in party documents and leaders speeches. We must be prepared to withstand the great test of high winds and even rough seas, it said, saying the countrys economy faces multiple pressures and the foundation for economic recovery is not yet solid.

In contrast with Dengs prioritization of the economy, Xi is sacrificing development for the sake of security, Chen said.

Hong Kongs Mingpao newspaper last week speculated that under the organization overhaul, the ministries of public security and state security may be eliminated from the State Council  government  system and incorporated into the Communist Partys newly created Central Internal Affairs Committee, which will have functions similar to Russias Internal Affairs Ministry. That ministry is responsible for law enforcement in Russia, including the police.

While this cannot be confirmed until the NPC, analysts say it is not improbable, given the party leaderships emphasis on national security.

Deng Yuwen, a political commentator and former deputy editor at party journal Study Times, said Xis move to formally incorporate party leadership into the government structure was motivated by a desire to preserve the party and [hence] his own authority.

Any major problems in the party will weaken and threaten his own power, so he must ensure that the party's rule is unshakable, he wrote in a commentary carried by the German-based news outlet Deutsche Welle.

Now that China is facing geopolitical threats, including U.S. restrictions over trade and technology, Xi is determined to tighten the partys control over the financial, technology and national security realms to nip in the bud any attempts by his political opponents to threaten his authority, he wrote.
A large fire broke out Friday evening at a fuel storage depot in Indonesias capital, Jakarta, killing at least 17 people.

Officials say the fire spread from the Plumpang fuel station, owned by state energy company Pertamina, to the nearby neighborhood of Tanah Merah in North Jakarta.

Video from Indonesian broadcasters showed hundreds of people in the densely populated neighborhood running in panic, while firefighters worked to put out the flames.

Officials said two of the fatalities were children and said 50 other residents had been hospitalized with injuries, some with severe burns. They said more than 600 people had been evacuated since the fire broke out around 8 p.m. local time.

At Koja Hospital, Iis Iswanti told VOA that her nephew was in the ICU suffering injuries from the fire.

My nephew was 90% burned. If only he had not walked towards that depot, he might have survived. But he was walking towards that area when there was a fire and then some expositions, she said.

Nurida Maharahap was also at the hospital because a family member was being treated for injuries.

He is seriously injured. He is in [the] ICU now. I really hope our government can help with the cost of [his] treatment, she said.

Acting Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono told reporters, "The government will bear all medical expenses of all those injured victims.

The director of Pertamina, Nicke Widyawati, said in a written statement that the companys focus at this time was extinguishing the fire and evacuating all residents near the fire location.

Pertamina will provide the best treatment for this community, she added.

The Plumpang fuel storage station supplies about a quarter of Indonesias fuel needs, according to The Associated Press.

Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir said in a video statement that he has ordered Pertamina to thoroughly investigate the fire and focus on assisting the community.

There must be an evaluation of this incident. I will monitor this case closely, he said.

This is the third large fire at the Plumpang fuel station, following blazes in 2009 and 2014. The last fire burned 40 nearby houses but caused no casualties.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
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Former President George W. Bush recently urged Washington lawmakers to reauthorize the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, an initiative he launched two decades ago against one of deadliest diseases at the time. VOA Senior Correspondent Mariama Diallo reports.
Former President George W. Bush last week urged Washington lawmakers to continue to support the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), an initiative he launched two decades ago against one of deadliest diseases at the time.

Bush made his initial plea before Congress at his State of the Union address in 2003, when nearly 30 million people in Africa had the AIDS virus, including 3 million children under age 15.

"I ask the Congress to commit $15 billion over the next five years, including nearly $10 billion in new money, to turn the tide against AIDS in the most afflicted nations of Africa and the Caribbean," Bush said at the time.

Fast forward to today: Bush, in Washington to mark his plan's 20-year anniversary, said he made the trip to remind people that American taxpayers' money is making a huge and measurable difference in providing lifesaving treatment to millions of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Check the results

"This program needs to be funded. And for the skeptics, all I ask is look at results. If the results don't impress you, then nothing will impress you," he told an audience February 24 at the U.S. Institute of Peace. PEPFAR is due for reauthorization this year.

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates was in attendance as well.

"HIV is still a huge problem. We've cut the death rates down substantially, but if we don't continue to provide these medicines, then people's viral load goes up, they become infected, and you get that exponential increase that we saw with all infectious diseases, including COVID," Gates said.

The significance of the PEPFAR program boils down to the number of lives that have been affected, said David Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas.

"Over 25 million lives have been saved as a result of President Bush's PEPFAR initiative.  And it was a vision that he [Bush] had to step in and help people that were in real need of help. He felt the U.S. was in a position to do so," Kramer told VOA.

The program has brought other benefits, Kramer said.

"The infrastructure that was set up over the 20 years under PEPFAR and also with the Global Fund [to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria] provided important assistance to health workers and officials in dealing with other crises such as the COVID pandemic."

Bipartisan backing

Since the legislation was signed into law in May 2003, PEPFAR has benefited from bipartisan support in Congress, even though funding for its abstinence programs  a requirement later removed in 2008  had drawn criticism. Former President Donald Trump unsuccessfully proposed to reduce PEPFAR's funding during his term.

Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, or UNAIDS, recognizes PEPFAR's impact.

"When he announced PEPFAR 20 years ago, our people were dying, our countries were devastated. There was fear, there was pain and suffering.  So, we come here to honor President Bush, the American government, the American taxpayers for $100 billion that has been put in this program over 20 years and saved lives," she told VOA.

She also said it was the partnerships that formed between PEPFAR, the Global Fund, UNAIDS, civil societies, governments and others that helped to turn the tide.

Former President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete, who joined Bush at the event and whom Bush referred to as his "pal," recalled getting tested publicly to encourage others who were afraid to come forward.

"I remember the 14 of July, 2007, we launched this major campaign at a big square in Dar es Salaam.  The best thing is for my wife and I to lead by example, and we should not do it under a tent where no one sees it. It would be under the tent, but let's have TV cameras beam in, blood being drawn, being taken to the labs. Of course, my veins were easy, but my wife's had some problems. They pricked her several times.  I was very sorry for her, but I said, 'That's the price of leadership.'"

Kikwete was the first African leader to do so, a gesture that Bush saluted at the event.

Fight continues

With a worldwide target of ending AIDS by 2030, stopping new infections is a must, especially given 2021 data, Byanyima said.

"We had 1.5 million infections worldwide, most of these in sub-Saharan Africa. We had 650 thousand people who died in 2021 of AIDS-related illnesses. Not one of those new infections, not one of those deaths had to happen, because we have everything we need for prevention and for putting people on treatment," she said.

She pointed out that new infections are being noticed among girls and women between the ages of 14 and 24, gay men, sex workers and young people who inject drugs.

"We know what needs to be done," Byanyima said.

"For girls and young women, we know it's about gender inequalities and opportunities to be in school where it's safe," she said. As for "gay men, transgender women, sex workers  it's the criminal laws that are in place that stop them from coming forth to get prevention or treatment services. We know from our evidence that these laws that are there do not serve any purpose."
Shot by an unidentified assailant and left bleeding on the street, Indian journalist Devendra Khare considers himself lucky to have escaped with his life.

The Uttar Pradesh correspondent for News1India had been talking with friends outside his office on February 26 when two men on a motorbike pulled up next to them. One of them opened fire.

Khare suffered gunshot wounds to his stomach and right hand, and says he is now under police protection.

Beh Lih Yi of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) told VOA that the attack on Khare underscores the precarious conditions for local journalists in India.

At least three have been killed since 2022; journalists are regularly attacked or threatened; and media offices including the BBC have been raided.

Shooting comes after report

A journalist for more than two decades, Khare told VOA he has never been attacked in this way before.

In Khare's police complaint, he named Rituraj Singh as allegedly being involved. Singh is the brother of Pushpraj Singh, president of the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJPs) Jaunpur district.

Just a few days before the shooting, Khare had reported on Rituraj Singhs alleged involvement in an assault.

Khare told VOA that Singhs associates had pressured him to retract the story.

Riturajs associates warned me not to report the incident, Khare said, adding that he believes the attack on him may be related.

VOA was unable to find contact details for Rituraj Singh.

VOA contacted the BJP state office via email to ask for comment and more information, but as of publication had not received a response.

But Pushpraj Singh was cited in local media denying the allegations against his brother.

This is a big conspiracy against me. I am the district president of BJP. My detractors are unable to find any reason to target me and are hence, finding ways to target my family, Pushpraj Singh said.

Narrow escape

On the day he was attacked, Khare had just left his office in Jaunpur.

I was talking with other journalists outside my office, he recalled. Suddenly, two men on a bike pulled up near us, and one of them, covering his face with a piece of cloth, approached us and fired a pistol at me.

One of the bullets hit Khares mobile phone before striking him.

The bullet hit my right-hand finger, which was holding my cell phone, but luckily, the phone stopped the bullet.

A second bullet missed him narrowly, and Khare fell to the ground. He believes the assailant may have assumed he had hit me as I was bleeding profusely.

A shopkeeper saw the attack and tried to stop it, throwing a stone at the gunman who fired back, Khare said. Fortunately, the gunman missed. The attacker fled the scene, firing a few more shots in the air.

Khare said that his condition is stable and that he now has police protection.

I have complete faith in the police and judiciary of Uttar Pradesh, he told VOA.

'Worrying pattern of attacks'

CPJs Beh said she hopes that state police swiftly hold the perpetrators accountable and take action to guarantee the safety of journalists under threat.

In an email to VOA, Beh said the CPJ has documented several cases in India recently, ranging from censorship to raids at the BBC offices and the killing of journalist Shashikant Warishe, who reported on a land dispute.

If India doesnt act on these issues, she said, it will be sending the wrong signal to the world in the year that the country chairs the G20.

India must realize a free press is the foundation of a functioning democracy and stop treating journalism as a crime, she said.

India is one of the most dangerous countries for media, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Journalists are exposed to all kinds of physical violence including police violence, ambushes by political activists, and deadly reprisals by criminal groups or corrupt local officials, says the media watchdogs country assessment.

On the RSF press freedom rankings, India ranks 150 out of 180 countries, where 1 has the best media environment.

Tim Crook, who is chair of the professional practices board of the Chartered Institute of Journalists in Britain, told VOA that the attack on Khare is an example of an extremely worrying pattern of attacks on journalists in India.

The reputation of Indias democracy will depend on the engagement of a robust, independent and effective investigation of such intimidation and attacks on working journalists and bring those responsible to justice, Crook said via email.

In Khares case, the violent attack left him undeterred. I will not give in to these assaults and [will] continue my work as a journalist and report the truth, he told VOA.
SHENYANG, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A new cargo consolidation hub for the China-Europe freight trains on Saturday was put into operation in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

A train carrying 55 containers left for Russia on Saturday morning, marking the inauguration of the China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub.

The hub covers a total land area of 92,000 square meters, including 80,000 square meters under customs supervision. The hub is large enough for the storage of 3,000 twenty-foot equivalent units at the same time, with the capacity of handling 1,000 China-Europe freight trains every year, said Li Haiping, deputy manager of the operation department with the China Railway Express (Shenyang) Hub Construction and Operation Co., Ltd.

The operation of the hub can further meet the needs of the development of China-Europe freight trains in Shenyang, and lays a solid foundation to create a "road-rail-sea" multimodal international logistics hub with the logistics services linking Shenyang and sea ports of Yingkou and Dalian in Liaoning, said Li. 
Worried parents and others gathered Saturday in Tehran and other cities to protest a recent series of illnesses that have sickened hundreds of schoolchildren, particularly girls, as a new wave of illness struck.

The cause of the illnesses has not been determined. Iranian officials say the girls might have been poisoned and have blamed Tehran's enemies.

The country's health minister said the girls experienced "mild poison" symptoms. Some politicians suspect hardline Islamist groups opposed to girls' education are involved.



Iran's interior minister said Saturday that investigators found "suspicious samples" and are analyzing them.

"In field studies, suspicious samples have been found, which are being investigated ... to identify the causes of the students' illness, and the results will be published as soon as possible," Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, said in a statement carried by the official news agency IRNA.



On Saturday, schoolgirls at more than 30 schools in at least 10 of Iran's 31 provinces were affected by a new wave of illnesses, Reuters reported. Social media videos showed parents taking their children home from school.

Dozens of students were sickened to the extent they needed to be hospitalized. Symptoms include feeling lethargic or unable to move, to headaches and heart palpitations. Some have described smelling tangerines, chlorine or cleaning agents.



A group of parents gathered Saturday outside an Education Ministry building in western Tehran to protest the handling of the illnesses and it turned into an anti-government demonstration, according to a video verified by Reuters.



"Basij, Guards, you are our Daesh," protesters shouted, comparing the Revolutionary Guards and other security forces to the Islamic State group.



Similar protests were held in two other areas in Tehran, along with other cities including Isfahan and Rasht, according to unverified videos.

Leaders blame 'enemies'



The outbreak of the schoolgirl poisoning comes at a crucial time for Iran's clerical rulers, who have faced months of anti-government protests sparked by the death last September of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in morality police custody. She had been arrested days earlier for allegedly violating Iran's strict Islamic dress code by improperly wearing her hijab.

Hundreds of protesters, and some security personnel, have been killed in street demonstrations targeting the governments treatment of Amini.



Social media posts in recent days have shown photos and videos of girls who have fallen ill, felt nauseated, or suffered heart palpitations. Others complained of headaches. Reuters could not verify the posts.



On Friday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blamed the nations enemies for the recent series of incidents across the nation. In a speech to a crowd in southern Iran that was carried live on state television, Raisi said the nations foes are trying to create unrest in the various fields in the country.



He said Irans enemies said seek to cause problems on the streets, markets, and in schools to disappoint the Iranian nation.

President orders investigation

Irans state-sponsored news agency IRNA reported earlier this week that Raisi ordered an immediate investigation of illness among schoolgirls in more than 30 schools in at least four cities going back to November, including in Iran's Shi'ite Muslim holy city of Qom.



It was the first time the Iranian president publicly addressed the suspected poisonings affecting the schoolchildren.



Some estimates say as many as 900 schoolgirls have been affected by the suspected poisonings, prompting international observers to suggest the incidents were attacks on educating young women.



Asked about the incidents in an interview with VOA on Friday, John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council, called the situation deeply disturbing, though he stopped short of blaming Iran for the poisonings.



"I'm afraid we don't have more information now about these reports of poisonings," he said, noting that the Iranian government is investigating.



"We want that investigation to be thorough, complete and transparent with the Iranian people, as well as the rest of the world," Kirby told VOA. "Little girls should not have to worry about their safety when they go to school, they should only have to worry about their grades."

He would not say whether the United States is prepared to offer help to solve the incidents.



The United Nation's childrens humanitarian agency, UNICEF, offered Thursday to help Iran solve the incidents.



In a statement posted to its Twitter account, UNICEF said, "School is a safe haven for children and teenagers to learn in a safe and supportive environment. Such events can have a negative impact on the high rate of education of children, especially girls, which has been achieved in recent decades. UNICEF stands ready to provide any support needed.

VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some material in this report came from Reuters, The Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse.
When Syeda received a phone call last month to say that her husband, Syed Fawad Ali Shah, was in a prison in Pakistan, she thought it was a trap.

For nearly six months, Syeda had been trying to get answers after Shah abruptly disappeared from his home in Kuala Lumpur. It wasn't until January that Malaysian authorities admitted they had deported the journalist at Pakistan's request.

And when Syeda  who asked to be identified only by her first name  first pressed Pakistani officials for details, she said officials told her that Shah was not in Pakistan.

Syeda said she also has been receiving threats for speaking out about the case, which is why she was suspicious of the February phone call.

But the call was not a trap. And on February 9, Syeda was finally able to see her husband.

The reunion was bittersweet.

"When I saw my husband in jail, I have lots of tears in my eyes. And I [couldn't] speak that time because of my emotions," she told VOA, adding that Shah too was emotional. "At that time, my heart wanted that I hug my husband," she said. But a barrier was between them.

The couple had last spoken on August 22, 2022  one of their regular calls because Shah had been living in exile in Malaysia since 2011 and Syeda was still in Pakistan.

Now that Shah has been located, his wife and lawyers are starting to learn details of what happened to him.

The journalist has said that he was transported out of Malaysia on a stretcher, and believes he was drugged. Since then, he has mostly been held in various dark cells and tortured, Syeda says.

Pakistan has detained the journalist on accusations of "defamation," "intimidation" of officials, and posting "false, frivolous and fake information" online, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Shah's lawyers and press freedom advocates say the charges are baseless and in retaliation for the reporter's critical coverage of Pakistan's powerful intelligence agencies.

And when Pakistan requested that Shah be deported, Malaysia says that authorities claimed he was a police officer wanted for disciplinary proceedings. His wife says he never worked for the police.

When asked about Shah's case and claims of abuse in detention, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told VOA that the case is before the courts.

Because of that, Baloch said, "I would not like to pass judgment on any statement made by Mr. Shah or anybody else, including the media. The courts will hear the evidence and justice will be done in this case."

Lawyer calls complaint process 'abusive'

Imaan Mazari-Hazir, an Islamabad-based lawyer representing Shah, said the journalist is dealing with several legal complaints filed across multiple jurisdictions.

"The actual process in and of itself is an abusive process, and that's what the purpose of these proceedings is. It's not actually to convict him. It's to make him run from pillar to post," Mazari-Hazir told VOA. The whole process is designed "to financially, emotionally, physically exhaust you."

Despite Shah being in Pakistan since August, police have not yet taken the steps to move to trial, Mazari-Hazir said.

Pakistan had been trying to have Shah repatriated since the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees granted him refugee status in 2014, according to RSF.

In deporting him last August, it seems the Malaysian government believed Shah was a police officer facing disciplinary charges in Pakistan, Mazari-Hazir said.

"This is at the very least negligence on the part of the Malaysian government," she said.

Amna Baloch, the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur, told VOA this week she did not have any details about the case.

The Malaysian Embassy in Washington did not reply to VOA's email requesting comment.

After speaking with Shah's lawyers and wife, RSF has concluded that Shah was held incommunicado for five and a half months in various cells of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency.

He was officially transferred on February 8 to Adiala Jail, the main prison in the city of Rawalpindi, before being moved to a jail in the city of Peshawar 10 days later.

The Pakistani Embassy in Washington did not reply to VOA's email requesting comment.

'His whole body was shaking'

Syeda was allowed to visit her husband again in the Peshawar prison on February 21.

"My husband's health and mental condition is not very good at this time," she told VOA. "He has become very weak, and his whole body was shaking."

When she first saw him in early February, she said it looked like he had been tortured.

"Lots of black marks on his face," she said but did not specify what had happened to him.

Shah's lawyers and advocates want him released and moved out of Pakistan.

"The overall objective is to just get him out of the country because obviously he's not safe here," Mazari-Hazir said. International pressure will be crucial to accomplishing that goal, she said.

The persecution of journalists has been typical in Pakistan for many years, but targeting journalists outside the country is growing more common, according to Daniel Bastard, head of the Asia-Pacific desk at RSF.

Shah's situation is dire, and it underscores the broader threats to critical journalists in and outside Pakistan, but this development is still an encouraging step, Bastard told VOA.

"It was a relief when we found him in the end," he said.

Taha Siddiqui, an exiled Pakistani journalist living in France, agreed.

"Within the larger picture of the bad news, this is a very good development," Siddiqui told VOA from Paris. "But we must not forget that the good news will be when he is completely free."

Syeda still worries that she could face retaliation. "I am not secure in Pakistan," she said. When her husband is released, she said they want to go to "any safe country."

"In Pakistan, journalists have no right to freely write," she said. "Journalists who write freely are treated like my husband."
Russias defense minister visited Russian soldiers in Ukraine on Saturday.

The ministry said in a statement on the messaging app Telegram that Sergei Shoigu inspected the forward command post of one of the formations of the Eastern Military District in the South Donetsk direction."

Shoigu has been criticized for Russias poor performance in its war against Ukraine. In a video released Saturday, the defense minister was seen handing out medals to Russian military forces.

Meanwhile, the British Defense Ministry said Saturday that intense fighting is underway in and around the Ukrainian Donbas town of Bakhmut.

Victory in Bakhmut would be a stepping stone to capturing the surrounding Donbas region, an important strategic goal. Ukraine says the city has little intrinsic strategic value but notes huge losses there could determine the course of the war.

The British intelligence update on Twitter said Bakhmut is vulnerable to Russian attacks on three sides, but Ukraine is reinforcing the areas with elite units.

Two key bridges in Bakhmut have been recently destroyed in the area, the report said, including a vital bridge connecting the city to the last main supply route from Bakhmut to the city of Chasiv Yar.

According to the Defense Ministry, Ukrainian-held resupply routes out of the town are increasingly limited.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily address that he was engaged in meetings and negotiations with a number of entities on Friday.

The president said the main focus of his meetings has been holding Russia accountable for its actions. We are doing everything to ensure that the International Criminal Court is successful in punishing Russian war criminals, the Ukrainian leader said.

The United States announced Friday a new package of military aid for Ukraine that totals about $400 million, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

"This military assistance package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers, which Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges, demolitions munitions and equipment, and other maintenance, training and support," he said.

The package will be funded using the presidential drawdown authority, which authorizes the president to transfer articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval during an emergency, Blinken said in announcing the aid.

The Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge is a portable, 18-meter folding metal bridge that is carried on top of a tank body. Providing that system now could help Ukrainian troops as they launch an expected spring offensive, making it easier for them to cross rivers to battle Russian forces.

Including this latest package, the U.S. has now provided more than $32 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The vehicle bridges and ammunition in the package can be delivered quickly to the front lines because they will be taken from existing Pentagon stocks.

European Union countries also are working to deliver thousands of shells to Ukraine under a $1 billion program.

Particularly significant will be the delivery of 155 mm NATO-standard howitzer rounds that are urgently needed in advance of an intense spring campaign, according to the Financial Times, citing anonymous EU officials. This ammunition, according to the FT report, is critical to keep Ukraine in a fight in which Russia fires on average an estimated four shells for every Ukrainian shell fired.

"We need as much ammunition as possible. There are many more Russians here than we have ammunition to destroy them," Volodymyr Nazarenko, a deputy commander in the national guard of Ukraine, told Ukrainian NV Radio.

Top US justice official

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Friday to attend a conference on justice and war crimes.

The U.S. Justice Department said Garland held several meetings at the conference in the western city of Lviv to reaffirm our determination to hold Russia accountable for crimes committed in its unjust and unprovoked invasion against its sovereign neighbor.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press.
The Hartbeespoort dam in South Africa used to be brimming with people enjoying scenic landscapes and recreational water sports. Now, the visitors are greeted to the sight of boats stuck in a sea of invasive green water hyacinth weed.

The spike in Harties - as Hartbeespoort is known - can be attributed to pollution, with sewage, industrial chemicals, heavy metals and litter flowing on rivers from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

"In South Africa, we are faced with highly polluted waters," said Professor Julie Coetzee, who has studied water hyacinths for over 20 years and manages the aquatic weeds program at the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University.

Nutrients in the pollutants act as perfect fertilizers for the weed, a big concern for nearby communities due to its devastating impact on livelihoods.

Dion Mostert, 53, is on the verge of laying off 25 workers at his recreational boat company after his business came to a standstill because of the carpet of water hyacinths.

"The boats aren't going anywhere. It's affecting tourism in our town... tourist jobs," Mostert said pointing towards his luxury cruise boat "Alba," marooned in the weeds.

He has considered using herbicides, but admits it would only be a quick fix against the weed.

Scientists and community members have, however, found a unique way to deal with the invasion by introducing a water hyacinth eating bug called Megamelus scutellaris.

The tiny phloem-feeding insects are the natural enemy to the plants, both are originally from the Amazon basin in South America, and are released by thousands at a time.

The insects destroy the weed by attacking tissue that transports nutrients produced in the leaves during photosynthesis to the rest of the plant.

The insect army has previously reduced the expanse of water hyacinths to a mere 5% on the dam, Coetzee said. At times the weed has covered at least 50% of it.

Environmentalist Patrick Ganda, 41, mass rears the bugs at Grootvaly Blesbokspruit wetland conservancy southeast of Harties, once home to more than a hundred species of birds which attracted a lot of tourists.

But now, unable to find food such as fish and small plants with much of the wetland's water covered in plants, there are only two to three species of birds left, he said.

Scientists warn that while the insects have been fairly successful in controlling the situation, more needs to be done to treat its cause, which authorities could tackle by tightening regulations on waste water management.

"We are only treating the symptom of a much larger problem," says Kelby English, a scientist at Rhodes University.
Protests have intensified in Greece days after the country's deadliest rail disaster, as thousands of students took to the streets in several cities and protesters clashed with police in Athens.

At least 57 people  including several university students  died when a passenger train slammed into a freight carrier just before midnight Tuesday. The government has blamed human error, and a railway official faces manslaughter charges.

Friday night's violence was not extensive, and the protests were otherwise peaceful. Clashes also occurred in Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki.

In Athens, riot police outside parliament fired tear gas and flash grenades to disperse a small number of protesters who hurled petrol bombs at them, set fire to garbage bins, and challenged police cordons. No arrests or injuries were reported.

The protests called by left-wing and student groups were fueled by anger at the perceived lack of safety measures in Greece's rail network. The largest on Friday was in the central Greek city of Larissa, not far from the crash site, where several thousand people marched peacefully. Similar protests were held Wednesday and Thursday.

First funeral In northern Greece

The accident at Tempe, 380 kilometers north of Athens, shocked the nation and highlighted safety shortcomings in the small and dated rail network.

As recovery teams spent a third day scouring the wreckage Friday and families began receiving the remains of their loved ones, the funeral for the first of the victims was held in northern Greece.

Athina Katsara, a 34-year-old mother of an infant boy, was being buried in her hometown of Katerini. Her injured husband was hospitalized and unable to attend.

Harrowing identification process

The force of the head-on collision and resulting fire complicated the task of determining the death toll. Officials worked round the clock to match parts of dismembered and burned bodies with tissue samples to establish the number.

The bodies were returned to families in closed caskets following identification through next-of-kin DNA samples  a process followed for all the remains.

Relatives of passengers still listed as unaccounted for waited outside a Larissa hospital for test results. Among them was Mirella Ruci, whose 22-year-old son, Denis, remained missing.

"My son is not on any official list so far, and I have no information. I am pleading with anyone who may have seen him, in rail car 5, seat 22, to contact me if they may have seen him," Ruci, who struggled to stop her voice from cracking, told reporters.

Flags at half-staff

Flags at the ancient Acropolis, parliament and other public buildings around Greece remained at half-staff on the third day of national mourning. National rail services were halted by a strike for a second day, with more strikes planned over the weekend.

Police early Friday searched a rail coordination office in Larissa, removing evidence as part of an ongoing investigation. The facility's station manager was arrested and charged with multiple counts of negligent manslaughter.

Stelios Sourlas, a lawyer representing a 23-year-old victim of the collision, said responsibility for the deaths went beyond the station manager.

"The station manager may have the principal responsibility ... but the responsibility is also broader: There are the rail operators and public officials whose job it was to ensure that safety measures and procedures were properly in place," Sourlas said.

Rail unions say the network was poorly maintained despite upgrades to provide faster trains in recent years.

Election plans delayed?

Greece's center-right government had been widely expected Friday to call national elections for early April, but the announcement and likely date was likely to be delayed.

The passenger train involved in the crash was traveling along Greece's busiest route, from Athens to Thessaloniki. The freight train was heading in the opposite direction, on the same track.

Two of the victims were identified Friday as Cypriot students Anastasia Adamidou and Kyprianos Papaioannou. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said the state would cover the cost of their repatriation and funerals.

Neighboring Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that flags on public buildings will be lowered to half-staff Sunday as a mark of respect for the victims in Greece.
Many journalists, academics and analysts expressed regret after the Slovenian Constitutional Court late last month put on hold parts of a new law on Slovenia's public broadcaster RTV that the center-left government contends would limit direct political influence in the broadcasters work.

The court said parts of the law, prepared by the center-left government, could not be enforced until the court ruled whether they were in line with the Constitution. It did not say when it would rule on the matter, but such rulings often take months.

Meanwhile, the viewership of RTV's television unit, TV Slovenia, has been falling, and many journalists report continuous pressure on their work by RTV management, which was put in place while the previous center-right government was in power.

There is less and less room for independent reporting at TV Slovenia, while a fall in viewership last year is worrisome, a senior anchor of the evening news, Tanja Staric, told VOA.

She is one of 38 staffers who in October received warnings that they faced dismissal if they breached their contract again. They had entered a studio during a live broadcast to show support for two colleagues they said were under pressure from the director of the TV unit.

Although Staric still has her job, she said the number of news slots she anchors had about halved since October.

Although none of the 38 staffers has been dismissed so far, the warnings, issued by RTV CEO Andrej Grah Whatmough, are still in place. Whatmough was in the group of managers who asked the Constitutional Court to rule on the new law, saying that the law should not change the managers before their mandates expire.

If the law is enforced, it would end the practice of parliament nominating members of the RTV program council.

At present, parliament nominates 21 out of 29 members of the program council, a body that names the broadcaster's chief executive and approves production plans. The council is not allowed to directly influence editorial decision-making.

The law got the support of 62% of voters in a November referendum, which was demanded by the opposition center-right Slovenian Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Janez Jansa. The party contended that the changes would impact RTV's independence because they were aimed solely at replacing the current management.

The Constitutional Court did not say what its final ruling could be, but stated that the position of RTV demands as fast a decision of the Constitutional Court as possible so the Court will immediately proceed in dealing with the matter.

The European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) expressed concern regarding the fact that the law was put on hold and might not be enforced.

It is critical that the disproportionate influence of all forms of politics on the RTV governance structures and editorial line is curtailed sooner rather than later and, in that sense, this latest development is worrisome indeed, Laurens C. Hueting, senior advocacy officer of ECPMF, told VOA.

The current directors and management at RTV have been accused by staff of unduly pressuring journalists and attempting to engineer a political shift in news and current affairs programming, he added. These clashes have already damaged both credibility and viewership, jeopardizing the public broadcaster's journalistic mission.

Several popular TV programs have been canceled, shortened or moved to a less prominent channel since the program council appointed Whatmough CEO in 2021.

New TV unit director

In July, Whatmough named Uros Urbanija as director of the broadcaster's TV unit, a move that sparked protests from staffers and the Slovenia Association of Journalists. Urbanija was director of the government communication office under Jansa until June 2022, when the new center-left government took over after the general election.

Whatmough and Urbanija both deny pressuring journalists and say they are acting in line with professional standards.

However, on March 1, TV Slovenia for the first time broadcast a public street protest live, a change from its tradition of providing only basic news reports about such demonstrations.

The thousands of protesters demanding a 20% increase in pensions had been organized by the Voice of Pensioners initiative led by Pavel Rupar, a former parliamentarian aligned with Jansa's Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS). Rupar told reporters, however, that the protest was in no way connected to the SDS.

RTV did not reply to VOA's question about why it opted for a live broadcast of the protest. It also did not reply to VOA's request for the latest viewership ratings.

Most analysts say that ruling parties from both sides have pressured the public broadcaster since Slovenia gained independence in 1991, but that interference has never been as intense as when the SDS was in power from 2020 to 2022.

Although Prime Minister Robert Golob, who took office June 1, 2022, had said that enabling the independence of RTV would be one of the main goals of his government, nothing has changed so far.

The law on RTV was poorly prepared, so I was not surprised by the Constitutional Court's decision [to put it on hold], Dejan Vercic, a professor in the University of Ljubljana's faculty of social sciences, told VOA.

Maybe the government wants this conflict at RTV to continue in order to keep the attention of the public away from important matters, which include the health, tax and pension reforms, he added. The fact is that the position of media and journalists in Slovenia is rapidly worsening.

Meanwhile, nominations of RTVs new program council continue in line with the new law, although the new council cannot take over until the Constitutional Court approves the law.

Looking for a solution

Culture Minister Asta Vrecko, who oversees the media, told reporters that the ministry was intensively working on how to resolve the situation at RTV and that she hoped the court would soon approve the new law.

The 8th of March Institute, a civil society group that actively supported the new law in a referendum campaign, said people were asking the institute what could be done to improve the situation at the RTV.

We are looking into what we ... can do for our public medium at this moment. We are in contact with other organizations and are looking for options, the institute told its supporters in a statement.

Staric said that RTV would survive the present limbo but added that its role in society would be reduced because it might lose even more viewers.

TV Slovenia runs a 24/7 operation and is one of the most popular TV channels in the country. The public broadcaster is financed predominantly by subscriptions that most households in Slovenia are obliged to pay.
United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi arrived in Tehran Friday for talks after his agency's inspectors in Iran found uranium particles enriched to just under weapons-grade level.

The visit by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency comes with the Vienna-based organization seeking Iran's increased cooperation over its nuclear activities.

Grossi was greeted at the airport by Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and later met with its head, Mohammad Eslami.

Details of their discussion were not immediately available.

The Argentinean diplomat is also due to hold talks with President Ebrahim Raisi and other Iranian officials during his two-day visit.

A confidential IAEA report seen Tuesday by AFP said uranium particles enriched up to 83.7%  just under the 90% needed to produce an atomic bomb  had been detected at Iran's underground Fordo plant about 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of the capital.

Tehran denies wanting to acquire atomic weapons and said it had not made any attempt to enrich uranium beyond 60% purity. Iran's government noted that "unintended fluctuations...may have occurred" during the enrichment process.

The discovery came after Iran had substantially modified an interconnection between two centrifuge clusters enriching uranium, without declaring it to the IAEA.

On Thursday, the agency tweeted that Grossi would "travel to Tehran for high-level meetings at the invitation of Iran's government."

A diplomatic source told AFP that Grossi would also meet Raisi to "relaunch the dialogue" on Iran's atomic work and to "reset the relationship at the highest level."

During the visit, the IAEA director general will try to secure "more access to the [Fordo] site, more inspections," the diplomatic source said.

On Thursday, France, a signatory to a 2015 deal that promised Iran relief from biting economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities, described the new enrichment development as "unprecedented and extremely serious."

The IAEA chief's visit comes amid deadlock in negotiations on reviving the landmark 2015 accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA.

'Greater cooperation'

Restrictions set out in the deal, including the 3.67% enrichment threshold, were intended to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

The United States unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to suspend the implementation of its own commitments.

Negotiations aimed at reviving the deal started in 2021 but have been stalled since last year.

Window for agreement 'still open'

Grossi's visit is being seen in Iran as another indication that a dialogue-based approach to resolving the nuclear standoff is possible.

"It is hoped that this trip will form the basis for greater cooperation and a clearer horizon between Iran and the IAEA," Kamalvandi said before Grossi's arrival.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in an interview with CNN that "the window for an agreement on negotiations to lift sanctions is still open, but this window will not be open forever."

Depending on the outcome of Grossi's trip, the U.S., Britain, France and Germany will decide whether to submit a draft resolution censuring Iran to the IAEA board of governors, which is due to convene next week in Vienna.

In November 2022, Western nations criticized Iran for its lack of cooperation regarding traces of enriched uranium found at three undeclared sites.

Grossi's last visit to Iran took place in March 2022 and was focused on the three undeclared sites.

The IAEA said Grossi would hold a news conference upon his return to Vienna late Saturday afternoon.
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi was in Iran on Saturday for expected talks with President Ebrahim Raisi and other officials after the discovery of uranium particles enriched to near weapons-grade level.

The two-day visit by the U.N. nuclear monitoring agency comes as the Vienna-based organization seeks greater cooperation with Iran over its nuclear activities.

Grossi arrived in Iran on Friday, and a diplomatic source told AFP that he would meet Raisi during his trip to "relaunch the dialogue" on Iran's atomic work and to "reset the relationship at the highest level.

Grossi had made clear "that he was only prepared to go to Tehran if he had an invitation to speak with the president," the source added.

Uranium particles enriched up to 83.7% -- just under the 90% needed to produce an atomic bomb -- had been detected at Iran's underground Fordow plant about 100 kilometers south of the capital, according to a confidential IAEA report seen by AFP this week.

Tehran denies wanting to acquire atomic weapons and said it had not made any attempt to enrich uranium beyond 60% purity.

Iran's government noted that "unintended fluctuations... may have occurred" during the enrichment process.

The discovery came after Iran had substantially modified an interconnection between two centrifuge clusters enriching uranium, without declaring it to the IAEA.

Grossi was greeted Friday at Mehrabad International Airport by Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and later met with its head, Mohammad Eslami.

They were to hold a joint press conference Saturday.

During the visit, the IAEA director general will try to secure "more access to the (Fordow) site, more inspections," the diplomatic source said.

France, a signatory to a 2015 deal that promised Iran relief from biting economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities, described the new enrichment development on Thursday as "unprecedented and extremely serious."

Grossi's visit comes amid deadlock in negotiations on reviving the landmark accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

Greater cooperation

The restrictions set out in the deal, including the 3.67% enrichment threshold, were intended to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

The United States unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to suspend the implementation of its own commitments.

Negotiations aimed at reviving the deal started in 2021 but have been stalled since last year.

Grossi's visit is being seen in Iran as another indication that a dialogue-based approach to resolving the nuclear standoff is possible.

"It is hoped that this trip will form the basis for greater cooperation and a clearer horizon between Iran and the IAEA," Kamalvandi said ahead of Grossi's arrival.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told CNN that "the window for an agreement on negotiations to lift sanctions is still open, but this window will not be open forever.

Depending on the outcome of Grossi's trip, the U.S. as well as Britain, France and Germany will decide whether to submit a draft resolution censuring Iran to the IAEA board of governors, which is due to convene next week in Vienna.

In November 2022, Western nations criticized Iran for its lack of cooperation after traces of enriched uranium were found at three undeclared sites.

Grossi last visited Iran in early March 2022, in a trip that was focused on the sites.

The IAEA said Grossi would hold a news conference upon his return to Vienna late Saturday afternoon.
A summary of this week's Uyghur-related news from around the world:

Uyghur mom imprisoned for sending children to Islamic school, report finds

An investigation by Radio Free Asia found this week that Ayshemhan Abdulla, a Uyghur woman, was sentenced to 21 years in prison in 2017 in China's Xinjiang region for sending her children to a local home-based religious school. Abdulla's arrest was not likely the decision of judicial authorities but rather that of the Chinese Communist Party's political and legal committee, a Uyghur former police officer told RFA.

Canadian MP whom Chinese allegedly helped skips Uyghur genocide votes

Liberal MP Han Dong, who is accused of receiving assistance from the Chinese consulate during his 2019 election, has missed two parliamentary votes declaring China's treatment of Muslim Uyghurs a genocide. A recent Global News report cited unnamed national security sources who alleged that the consulate bused in seniors and Chinese international students to vote for Dong in the nomination contest. Dong won both his elections in 2019 and 2021 with more than 50% of the vote. Dong did not respond to questions about the missed votes nor his view on the Uyghur genocide before press time. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended Dong, saying he was a valuable member of the government.

China rejects abuse allegations in UN Human Rights Council speech

China rejected U.S. allegations of mistreatment of Uyghurs and other minority Muslim groups in Xinjiang, defending its actions during a prerecorded speech delivered by Foreign Minister Qin Gang at the United Nations Human Rights Council's 52nd session.

News in brief

Investors and human rights activists are criticizing Volkswagen over claims made by Ralf Brandstaetter, the company's China chief, that he saw no evidence of forced labor during a recent visit to the automaker's Xinjiang plant. The region has been the subject of documented human rights abuses, including mass forced labor in detention camps.

Despite Brandstaetter's claims, activists and lawmakers have raised concerns about verifying labor standards in the region. Volkswagen's major investor, Deka Investment, warned that not ensuring labor standards in Xinjiang could result in violations of supply chain laws. Critics have called on Volkswagen to make a full public accounting of its supply chains and to take a stance on human rights violations in China.

Quote of note

"We remain gravely concerned about the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity that China is committing against Muslim Uyghurs and other members of minority groups in Xinjiang. The report issued last year by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights affirmed serious abuses perpetrated by the PRC [People's Republic of China] in Xinjiang, including the large-scale arbitrary deprivation of liberty of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim communities, and credible allegations of torture and sexual and gender-based violence."

 U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a speech to the U.N. Human Rights Council
Thousands of politicians from across China are set to convene in Beijing for the start of the country's annual legislative meetings known as the "lianghui" or "Two Sessions."

The tightly controlled voting on legislation already pre-approved by China's ruling Communist Party is unlikely to implement any major changes.

But it does provide a glimpse into the country's politics and priorities, with observers focused on the specific economic targets set as the country emerges from its "zero-COVID" policy, as well as institutional shake-ups and political horse-trading.

Here's what you need to know:

What are the 'Two Sessions'?

The first one, which is due to kick off Saturday, is the gathering of China's political advisory committee, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The group's members  who have included many of China's most famous celebrities, such as Yao Ming and Jackie Chan  receive a lot of attention at home, but its discussions are relatively low stakes: representatives provide lawmakers with policy suggestions that, often, have little impact on national policy.

The real focus of the "Two Sessions" is the meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's legislature, starting Sunday at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

Two-thirds of the legislature's members come from the Communist Party.

Most of the bills that will be passed have already been decided by party leaders well in advance, leading to it being described as a "rubber-stamp" parliament.

How important is it?

China goes to great lengths to make sure there are no embarrassing incidents during the parliamentary session, which is touted by the Communist Party as proof that it answers to the people despite its monopoly on power.

The meeting place in the Great Hall of the People is freshened up, traffic is shut down, factories are closed to guarantee blue skies, plainclothes policemen seem to lurk on every corner, and political dissidents are rounded up and asked  or sometimes forced  to go on "vacation" somewhere far away from the capital.

It is also the one time each year when the country's most powerful politicians are all in one place, making it a key venue for political horse-trading, glad-handing and backstabbing.

Every five years, the parliamentary session also sees the appointment of the president this year Xi Jinping is expected to start his third term in the position, complementing two top Communist Party positions he secured at a Congress last October.

This gathering will be the first since China reversed its stringent "zero-COVID" policy, although media attendees have been asked to quarantine at a hotel the evening before it begins  indicating a lingering unease with the virus.

What are the top issues?

Post-pandemic economic recovery will be the top focus of many observers this year, as analysts expect a modest GDP growth goal for 2023 of around 5.3 percent.

A communique released this week following the conclusion of a plenary session for the 20th Central Committee revealed that the meetings will include discussions of "a plan on reform of Party and state institutions," causing experts to speculate that an overhaul of the country's security apparatus may be in the works.

And the release of details on military spending will offer signals of China's confidence in current geopolitical conditions, from tensions in the Taiwan Strait and Russia's conflict in Ukraine.

Observers also will be closely assessing any plans announced on the allocation of public resources into key technological sectors or major infrastructure development projects.
Chinese technology company ZTE unveiled nubia Pad 3D, an AI-powered eyewear-free 3D tablet, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023, which was held between Feb. 27 and March 2 in Barcelona, Spain. The product creates a unique and new experience by reshaping the eyewear-free 3D display through AI.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
The U.S. announced a new package of military aid Friday for Ukraine that totals about $400 million, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

"This military assistance package includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and howitzers, which Ukraine is using so effectively to defend itself, as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges, demolitions munitions and equipment, and other maintenance, training and support," he said.

The package will be funded using the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which authorizes the president to transfer articles and services from U.S. stocks without congressional approval during an emergency, Blinken said in announcing the aid.

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The so-called Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge is a portable, 60-foot folding metal bridge that is carried on top of a tank body. Providing that system now could help Ukrainian troops as they launch an expected spring offensive and make it easier for them to cross rivers to battle Russian forces.



Including this latest package, the U.S. has now provided more than $32 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The vehicle bridges and ammunition in the package can be delivered quickly to the front lines because they will be taken from existing Pentagon stocks.



European Union countries also will deliver thousands of shells to Ukraine under a $1 billion program.



Particularly significant will be the delivery of 155 mm NATO-standard howitzer rounds that are urgently needed in advance of an intense spring campaign, according to the Financial Times citing anonymous EU officials. This ammunition, according to the FT report, is critical to keep Ukraine in a fight where Russia fires on average an estimated four shells for every Ukrainian shell fired.

"We need as much ammunition as possible. There are many more Russians here than we have ammunition to destroy them," Volodymyr Nazarenko, a deputy commander in the National Guard of Ukraine, said.

Nazarenko told Ukrainian NV Radio the situation in the besieged city of Bakhmut in Eastern Ukraine was critical, with fighting going on around the clock.

Of the Russian offensive, he said, "They take no account of their losses in trying to take the city by assault. The task of our forces in Bakhmut is to inflict as many losses on the enemy as possible. Every meter of Ukrainian land costs hundreds of lives to the enemy."

Bakhmut is being blasted to ruins as Russian troops and mercenaries shell the citys last access routes to prevent Ukrainian troops from entering or leaving the city. A bridge in the adjacent town of Khromove was damaged by Russian tank shelling.

As Russian forces inch closer into Bakhmut, the head of Russia's Wagner Group mercenaries, Yevgeni Prighozin, said the city was almost surrounded, with only one road still open for Ukraine's troops. He spoke in a video recorded about 7 kilometers north of Bakhmut.

"Only one route [out] is left," he said. "The pincers are closing."

He called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to order a retreat from Bakhmut to save his soldiers' lives.

Ukrainian soldiers, however, were working to repair damaged roads and more troops were heading toward the front line indicating Ukraine was not yet ready to relinquish the city. To the west, Ukrainians were digging new trenches for defensive positions.

Victory in Bakhmut would be a steppingstone to capturing the surrounding Donbas region, an important strategic goal. Ukraine says the city has little intrinsic strategic value but notes huge losses there could determine the course of the war.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of hypocrisy after Secretary of State Blinken said Russia cannot be allowed to wage war in Ukraine with impunity, during a security forum they attended Friday in New Delhi.

Lavrov said it was a double standard to question Russias action in Ukraine when the U.S. cited a threat to its national interest to justify military intervention in various parts of the world, including the war in Iraq, airstrikes on Libya and the bombing of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo conflict in 1999.

Meanwhile, Russian defense companies are showcasing their products at major international arms fairs, Britains Defense Ministry said Friday in its daily update about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The companies are promoting the Arena-E active protection system that the ministry said is designed to improve the survivability of armored vehicles.

The APS promotional material at a recent show said it defeats the threats that are most dangerous for armored vehicles.

There is no evidence the system has been installed on Russian vehicles in Ukraine, where Russia has lost more than 5,000 armored vehicles, according to the British ministry.

That is likely due to Russian companies inability to manufacture high-tech systems at scale, the defense ministry said, a problem which is exacerbated by the effect of international sanctions.
WASHINGTON - A Zimbabwean court has ordered five police officers, Commissioner General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe to pay ZWL$1,7 million to prominent and award-winning poet and author, Obert Dube, as compensation for violating his rights after they assaulted him in January 2021 in the resort town of Victoria Falls.

In a tweet, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said Dube was assaulted for allegedly violating a government-imposed curfew meant to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The court ruled that Dube, who was represented by ZLHRs Jabulani Mhlanga was assaulted by Constable Munashe Chikoto, Constable Samson Moyo, Constable Njabulo Ngwenya, Constable Nkosilathi Moyo and Constable Shelton Mathe.

Court documents indicate that they assaulted him using truncheons, open palms and booted feet after accusing him of loitering in Mkosana suburb in Victoria Falls in violation of a dusk-to-dawn curfew.

Victoria Falls Magistrate Godswill Mavenge ordered the five ZRP officers, Matanga & Hon. Kazembe to pay the damages within 90 days of the granting of his order.

The compensation is for medical expenses, which Dube incurred in treating some injuries he sustained, pain and suffering and other delictual damages arising as a result of the unlawful conduct of ZRP officers.

Reacting to the court ruling, Dube said, I was traumatized by police officers and they still continue victimising me. On 27 December armed police officers with dogs raided my home around 1am. I wasn't there and when I called them I didn't get a clear answer.

My kids are traumatized and don't feel comfortable when they see a police officer they run away. I don't know how that will be solved. That money (awarded by the court) won't make my kids feel comfortable at all. It was better if the court offered counselling to my kids who are very young.

Matanga and Kazembe Kazembe were unreachable for comment as they were not responding to calls on their mobile phones.
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Robert Scott, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs, says the Private Voluntary Organization Bill (PVO Bill) is a chilling piece of proposed law. The Bill gives the government power to take over or dissolve NGOs. (Video: VOA)
Marty Schultz, Mark McCabe, Sara Stadtherr, Julie Anderson, Drummond Bogatzki, Tim Ferguson, Scott Johnson, Scott Kent and Jeff Karrow were present at Monday's council meeting. They, and all involved in helping with the efforts in downtown Alexandria during and after the devastating fire, were recognized for their contributions.
* The "two sessions" are of great importance in the country's political calendar, during which the central government will deliver a work report that usually reviews past achievements and sets development targets for the year and beyond. Thousands of national legislators and political advisors will review and discuss the report, as well as reports of the national legislature, the top court and the top procuratorate.

* This year's political gatherings carry extra weight. The election of new leading officials of state institutions and the new leadership of the CPPCC National Committee is an important task of the "two sessions" this year. Also, the planned reform of the State Council institutions will be deliberated.

* As a major political event taking place after the 20th CPC National Congress, the "two sessions" are expected to further mobilize the nation to fulfill the modernization goals.

The opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body kicked off its annual session on Saturday, marking the start of the "two sessions" in a crucial year as China gathers steam for building a great modern socialist country.

President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Wang Yang, chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report to the CPPCC National Committee session, in which he said the political advisory body has built broad consensus and contributed wisdom and strength to achieving the two centenary goals.

The "two sessions" refer to the annual meetings of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, and the CPPCC National Committee. The NPC session will open on Sunday.

The "two sessions" are of great importance in the country's political calendar, during which the central government will deliver a work report that usually reviews past achievements and sets development targets for the year and beyond. Thousands of national legislators and political advisors will review and discuss the report, as well as reports of the national legislature, the top court and the top procuratorate.

This year's political gatherings carry extra weight. The election of new leading officials of state institutions and the new leadership of the CPPCC National Committee is an important task of the "two sessions" this year. Also, the planned reform of the State Council institutions will be deliberated.

In addition, lawmakers will deliberate a draft amendment to the Legislation Law. The CPPCC National Committee session, meanwhile, will review and approve an amendment to the CPPCC charter.

Addressing national political advisors, Wang hailed China's past five years as "truly extraordinary."

China has realized its First Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects on schedule, said Wang. "The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historical course."

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held in October 2022, charted the course for China to realize the Second Centenary Goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects by the middle of this century.

As a major political event taking place after the CPC meeting, the "two sessions" are expected to further mobilize the nation to fulfill the modernization goals.

The opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

"Getting off to a good start is of great importance," said Sun Changlong, a member of the CPPCC National Committee.

"We political advisors shall conduct extensive problem-oriented research to assist with the high-quality development," said Sun.

Chen Huiqing, a deputy to the NPC and mayor of Zhuzhou City in Hunan Province, agrees that the "two sessions" will pool nationwide wisdom to push ahead the course of modernization.

"We will carefully review the documents and reports and put forward suggestions in light of local conditions," Chen said.

Since the start of this year, the country has sent out fresh signals of robust consumption and factory activities.

The purchasing managers' index for China's manufacturing sector came in at 52.6 in February, up from 50.1 in January. This figure marked the strongest level since April 2012.

More than half of China's provincial-level regions have set their 2023 GDP growth targets at 6 percent or higher.

Observers have anticipated the "two sessions" to build on such momentum and further rally confidence for the world's second-largest economy under the backdrop of domestic and external challenges.

"I expect this year's 'two sessions' to offer further guidance and more policies on boosting the economy, improving the industrial structure, and encouraging corporate innovation," said Qiu Jihua, a national lawmaker.

"China is striving to secure stable economic growth this year, so the 'two sessions' are of special significance in boosting confidence and gathering strength," said Yang Hui, a national political advisor.

(Reporting by Yao Yuan, Wang Wen, Wu Ziyu, Zhang Yujie, Zhang Yuqi, Hong Zehua; Video reporters: Sun Qing, You Zhixin, Li Haiwei, Zhao Yihe; Video editors: Wu Yuzhan, Wei Yin, Shi Peng, Zhao Yuchao) 
Strike to hit Italy's transport and school services.

A national general strike scheduled in Italy on Wednesday 8 March is set to disrupt the country's education, transport and waste collection sectors.

The 24-hour strike, which coincides with International Women's Day, has been called by numerous trade unions and will affect services provided by both the public and private sector.

Unions say the nationwide strike is to protest against violence against women and to support women's rights, including abortion and equal pay.

The industrial action is set to disrupt public transport networks in Rome, Milan and other Italian cities as well as regional services.

The strike will affect rail services provided by Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord, with some services facing disruption from the evening of Tuesday 7 March.

Most rail services on Wednesday are guaranteed from 06.00-09.00 and 18.00-21.00, with full information available on the companies' websites.

In Rome the strike will affect ATAC bus, metro, tram and light-rail services, as well as Roma TPL bus lines, with services guaranteed up until 08.30 and from 17.00-20.00.

In Milan the subway will run as normal on Wednesday until 18.00, after which services are not guaranteed, and there will be disruption to ATM buses and trams from 08.45 to 15.00 and again after 18.00.

The strike could also affect waste collection and street cleaning as well as catering and cleaning services in kindergartens, schools, hospitals and health facilities.

Photo credit: Sara Sette / Shutterstock.com.
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The so-called Windsor Framework  the new agreement between the UK and the European Union to replace the woeful post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol  is so good its downright bewildering. Since well before 2016, when Britain voted to leave the European Union, this kind of commonsense deal-making between London and Brussels had become impossible. Standing on principle was everything; going along to get along was disdained. If the alternative reality that yielded this new proposal had prevailed seven years ago, Brexit would never have happened.

And its not just the content of the deal thats remarkable. The reaction to it is no less stunning. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arent being vilified for abandoning what were until recently core principles; theyre being widely applauded. What was all that stuff about the non-negotiability of UK sovereignty? Or the inviolability of the EUs single market? Its all been set to one side. Squalid split-the-difference has become bold, brave compromise. Leavers and Remainers have joined in praising the result. Good Lord, even Northern Irelands unionists might go along.

Im not exaggerating when I say those supposed bedrock principles have been dumped. To resolve the impasse, they had to be. Avoiding a border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as provided by the Good Friday Agreement, is known to be essential for peace. Starting from there, it was always literally impossible to maintain both the constitutional standing of Northern Ireland within the UK and the economic and judicial integrity of Europes single market: The first rules out a customs and regulatory border between the North and the rest of the UK; the second demands precisely that.

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The Northern Ireland Protocol didnt resolve this impasse  it simply ignored it. The EU insisted on a border in the Irish Sea, and didnt pause to worry about how this would be received in the North. In a classic performance, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson acceded to the arrangement while, in effect, denying hed done so. He then contrived to compound the damage by threatening to unilaterally abrogate the pact hed just signed, which risked an escalating trade war with the EU  a war the UK was certain to lose. The costs and nuisance caused by the Irish Sea border were keenly resented in the North. The unionists shut down the provinces legislative assembly in protest.

The need for a resolution was plain, but had been all along. The shape of the necessary compromise should have been clear as well: Make the Irish Sea border mostly invisible, worry less about single-market enforcement as it affects the North, diminish without eliminating the role of the European Court of Justice on related matters, and give unionists a way to challenge new EU rules. The new agreement lays out the details.

What changed to make this excellent messy deal possible? None of the plausible explanations seems adequate.

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Yes, Johnson was (and still is) more interested in posturing and performing than good government. He was abrasive for the fun of it. Sunak has an appetite for detail, gives a damn about results and presents a friendlier face. And no doubt von der Leyen is by temperament a more flexible negotiator than the smilingly implacable Michel Barnier. Interestingly, Europes former chief Brexit negotiator now appears, like everybody else, to have come around. Goes to show how much you gain by trust in European relations rather than zero-sum game of past governments, he tweeted after the new deal was announced. In politics, always believe in dynamic compromises. (On reading that tweet, I asked myself: Has his account been hijacked?)

Theres also Ukraine. The danger confronting Europe is suddenly plain  and the UK has proved itself to be a willing and valuable ally. But did it really take a war to persuade the EU that close cooperation with the UK was both possible and necessary? It would be odd, even disturbing, if this breakthrough was no more than a matter of contrasting political styles combined with a sudden ability to see the obvious.

In 2013, a pro-European British prime minister miscalculated catastrophically by promising to hold a referendum on membership of the EU. He aimed to cement popular support for remaining in the bloc by seeking the EUs acquiescence to what would most likely have been temporary, limited controls on migration, which had become a divisive issue. Europes governments sent him packing. The movement of workers within the EU was one of the blocs essential four freedoms, they told him  an inviolable principle allowing no exceptions. In 2016, the UK voted to leave, and both sides then set about making the departure as damaging as possible.

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The Windsor Framework breaks this pattern. Im with Barnier: In politics, always believe in dynamic compromises.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 The UK-EU Pact on Northern Ireland Is Real Progress: The Editors

 Can Brexiters Finally Take Yes for an Answer?: Therese Raphael

 Rishi Sunak is Breaking the Tory Habit of Failure: Adrian Wooldridge

Want more Bloomberg Opinion? Subscribe to our daily newsletter.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Clive Crook is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and member of the editorial board covering economics. Previously, he was deputy editor of the Economist and chief Washington commentator for the Financial Times.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

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Three years after the outbreak of Covid-19 claimed millions of lives across the world, are governments fully prepared to contain the next pandemic? The new cold war between Washington and Beijing bodes ill for prevention. There is no guarantee that China will give early warnings of another zoonotic virus outbreak. The Communist authorities have angrily stonewalled a transparent inquiry into the origins of Covid. The US Department of Energy now agrees with the FBI that the virus leaked from a state laboratory, not a local wet market as Beijing argues, although other American agencies are not convinced.

In the West, authorities are also likely to encounter new obstacles to effective public health policy at home. Social media fueled mistrust of big government intrusion into millions of private lives during the pandemic. In the UK, for instance, any attempt to reimpose social distancing, mask-wearing and lockdowns is likely to meet fierce resistance from an angry minority.

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The government needs to rebuild public trust and bolster national resilience. For that, both civil servants and voters need to know which policies in the state toolkit worked last time. The costs and benefits of lockdowns, in particular, have to be analyzed and understood. The official UK response to Covid came with a price tag in excess of 400 billion ($479.6 billion) and the highest tax burden since the 1940s. How much of that money was well spent? Stories about waste and alleged corruption over the allocation of contracts keep surfacing in the newspapers.

Sweden, which rejected lockdowns, published an 800-page report into the efficacy of its pandemic policies last year. An official inquiry into the actions of the British government during the crisis wont appear any time before the next general election, likely in late 2024.

But if the state fails to account for its actions, then the media will quite properly make its own enquiries. This week, embarrassing WhatsApp messages between ministers and officials at the height of the Covid crisis were published in the British press. The result is bound to be further paranoia about Big Brother in Whitehall.

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More than 100,00 social media messages between former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and his officials were leaked to The Daily Telegraph. Hancock unwisely handed his WhatsApp messages over to a journalist, Isabel Oakeshott, who helped him write his pandemic memoir.

A lockdown skeptic with links to politicians on the populist Right, Oakeshott broke a legally binding non-disclosure agreement with Hancock to publish her material. She invokes a public interest defense for going back on her word  Hancocks messages reveal that he rejected the advice of Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty in April 2020 that all visitors to care homes should be tested for the virus. Instead, he restricted testing solely to those transferred from hospital. Thousands died. Hancock claims that the health department simply lacked the capacity to carry out more tests.

Other embarrassing revelations have followed. Another message suggests that the decision to make mask-wearing in English schools compulsory was taken solely on the grounds of political expediency, not science. And one minister jumped the queue to have his child tested for Covid. More scoops about bureaucratic bungling will surely follow. The drip-drip effect on public confidence in the authorities can be imagined.

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Politicians, of course, should be held to account for self-serving behavior. But the easy wisdom of hindsight must not be applied to one of the most difficult crises faced by Whitehall since 1945. Nuance walks out of the door if we have to rely on limited, partial evidence. Some of those in authority panicked and made mistakes; many were forced to make swift, difficult decisions through a fog of ignorance and their WhatApp messages are unlikely to show them at their best.

No one in authority then understood the demographic and actuarial risks of infection, and none could have guessed that an efficacious vaccine against the virus could, against all precedent, be produced safely within months. Most tried their best under the circumstances. Sometimes that was not good enough.

An official inquiry is the best way to set the record straight. Thorough, impartial and considered, British inquiries are one of the glories of the system. In recent decades, however, they have become bogged down in red tape and lawyers quibbles. The inquiry into the pandemic, for instance, has not yet even taken evidence, giving weight to The Telegraphs justification for preemptive publication of its treasure trove: Many readers will thank the newspaper for preventing an official cover-up.

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Some suspicion is merited. Boris Johnson dragged his feet on holding an inquiry for months, doubtless because it would reveal his insouciance and dithering at the beginning of the crisis. In the long run, the inquiry will publish Hancocks evidence in full, alongside the testimony of other key players  but it will take months, even years.

Other recent official inquests into past injustices, like the Savile Inquiry into a British army atrocity in Northern Ireland and the infected blood scandal, have been interminable and prohibitively expensive too. On Thursday, the chairman of the Manchester Arena bombing inquiry published the third volume of his report into the death of 22 victims. The attack took place six years ago. A sizable subset of lawyers now make their living from official inquiries  they insist on time to review every item of evidence produced and advise their clients accordingly on what they should say as if they were on trial in a court of law. The process needs streamlining.

Johnsons successor-but-one Rishi Sunak is being urged to speed up the pandemic inquiry in response to The Telegraphs revelations. It may not be possible to change the trajectory and speed of the juggernaut now, but he could demand an interim report by years end into the pandemics policy implications. That would show that as well as the desire for thoroughness, the state understands the importance of timeliness too. Justice delayed is justice denied.

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More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 Rishi Sunak is Breaking the Triple Tory Habit of Failure: Adrian Wooldridge

 Wagamamas Food Fight With Hedge Fund Is Delicious: Matthew Brooker

 Brands Are Making the Same Mistake as Amazon: Andrea Felsted

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Martin Ivens is the editor of the Times Literary Supplement. Previously, he was editor of the Sunday Times of London and its chief political commentator.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

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The HBO drama Succession might be a fictional corollary to the machinations of Rupert Murdochs Fox empire. But when it comes specifically to Fox News, The Righteous Gemstones, an HBO show about a family managing its skeevy, sprawling, megachurch business may be a more apt model. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Court documents in the $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox reveal communications in which Fox News executives privately parsed the propaganda that is the networks stock in trade. In defending itself, Fox has taken the tack that flagrant lies about Dominion were newsworthy, and thus spreading the falsehoods via Fox was all in a days work in the news biz. Mistakes, however, were made. Fox Chairman Rupert Murdoch, eager to play the role of a newsman who cares about facts (and is protected by the First Amendment), testified: In hindsight, I would have liked us to be stronger in denouncing the lies.

The fundamental issue that pervades the discussions among Fox executives is this: How much lying is too much? And how much is too little?

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Its not a moral question  certainly not at Fox. A baseline of fraud is built into Foxs business model. The network that began with founder Roger Ailes insisting that his female anchors perform a twirl for him in private (along with his litany of other sexual abuse) has been spinning ever more frantically in recent years. Yet Fox remained sufficiently idiosyncratic  its propaganda varies day to day, host to host  that it has generally been easier to say what Fox isnt (journalism) than what it is.

Donald Trumps lies about his stolen 2020 election pushed Fox executives to decide how far over realitys border they would venture in an effort to retain their Trump-addled audience. Would it be acceptable, for example, to let MAGA lawyer Sidney Powell use Fox platforms to talk about sinister voting machines that magically switched votes with the aid of a deceased Venezuelan dictator? (It would be.) Could any content be too depraved to be promoted on the network? (Check ratings before answering.)

Obviously, if the work of Fox were even tangentially related to conveying factual information the network would be kaput. The executives private communications and excerpts from their depositions confirm that corruption parades behind the cameras as insistently as it preens in front of them. As Fox host Tucker Carlson wrote privately about Sidney Powells claims, Powells software sh** is absurd.

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Yet Powells claims were anything but absurd to an audience that Fox had nurtured over many years with countless previous falsehoods. Part of that audience turned to Fox precisely because it counted on the network to serve up the racial aggression, sexism and partisan propaganda that validated hard feelings about changing times.

Fox ultimately is a faith-based enterprise. It has more in common with Pat Robertsons Christian Broadcasting Network or even Westboro Baptist Church, the itinerant hate group based in Kansas, than with, say, the traditional journalism of the BBC. As the Republican Party has become the nations chief vector of White Christian nationalism, major GOP institutions  Fox is arguably the single most important pillar of the party  have acquired a more explicitly religious (and racial) cast.

Since the party and its components increasingly engage the world in nonfactual terms, the differences among Republican groups, including GOP-aligned media, are more like doctrinal disputes among religious denominations. Is White nationalist salvation achieved by grace or by works? By violent coup or by the cosmic revelations of Hunter Bidens laptop?

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Such theological fracturing is an American tradition. The Civil War propelled major splits between northern and southern denominations. But it was hardly the only factor. Drive the backroads of Appalachia or Dixie and you can see the white clapboard churches of Primitive Baptists, Regular Baptists, Old Regular Baptists, Free Will Baptists, Union Baptists  just some of the variations splintered and cast off from a single mother ship.

The contemporary GOP rose as mainline Protestantism declined. White conservatives left mainline churches in droves, joining new churches that sanctified misgivings about race, feminism or other cultural change. Reaganism and the Moral Majority marched hand in hand into the White Christian conservative future.

As Roger Finke and Rodney Stark write in The Churching of America 1776-1990, when mainstream congregations grow staid, insurgent churches emerge to sap their strength and steal their congregants. The truest believers want the hardest stuff.

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Thats the cycle that Fox executives worried would compel Fox viewers to flee to even less scrupulous networks such as One America and Newsmax  a flight that Trump encouraged after Fox made a disastrously truthful announcement that Joe Biden had won the most votes in Arizona. (According to Dominion, Fox News Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Scott and Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch subsequently discussed whether Fox should rescind the factual Arizona call in order to placate angry viewers.)

On Fox, Democrats are metaphorically devilish. But in the gospel according to QAnon, a formidable force in the GOP, Democrats are literal satanists, with Democratic leaders such as Nancy Pelosi feasting on child sex slaves. As the mass psychosis of QAnon and election denial spread through conservative America, Fox risked becoming the stately Episcopal cathedral in the town center, its spire tall, its pews three-quarters empty. Fox competitors, meanwhile, would be hothouse storefront churches, where services are lively and packed.

MAGA iconography portrays Trump as a Rambo Jesus, returned to wreak vengeance on the libs and the Blacks and the feminists and the gays and the immigrants and the drag queens who have stolen America from its rightful owners. Thats the story that Fox conveyed for years from the electronic pulpits of Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham. Its the story with which Fox and Friends greeted each MAGA morning. But when Rambo Jesus faltered in 2020, desperation in Foxland mounted. And with business competitors and political allies alike all lying like crazy, what else could Fox do?

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The pews needed to be filled, or the collection baskets would be returned empty.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 How Evangelical Voters Swung From Carter to Trump: Joshua Green

 To Regain Trust, the News Media Need Objectivity: Clive Crook

 Poor Voters Are Losing Out in the Culture Wars: Francis Wilkinson

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Francis Wilkinson is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering U.S. politics and policy. Previously, he was an editor for the Week, a writer for Rolling Stone, a communications consultant and a political media strategist.

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The misstatements are part of a pattern that has raised questions about how the justice views his obligation to report details about his finances to the public.
The opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

by Rick O'Shea

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- It is China's annual "two sessions" time again. In the following week or so, for anyone interested in observing and understanding China, the political event is something they don't want to miss.

I am an American who has been living in China for four decades. From my point of view, the "two sessions" is an important window to learn about China's current development, understand China's political system and forecast its future path. During this period, foreigners can find out what hot topics are being discussed on the ground, which issues concern Chinese leaders the most, what development objectives have been set, how China interacts with other countries, etc.

The "two sessions" refers to the annual sessions of China's National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. They are known as the country's top legislature and national political advisory body, respectively.

A PLATFORM SOLVING PRACTICAL PROBLEMS

The "two sessions" is a platform on which different regions and groups voice their opinions and reach a consensus. Lawmakers submit motions and suggestions, while political advisors offer proposals and insights.

The origins of many significant laws, regulations and policies that concern various sectors and groups -- such as those in the areas from environmental protection to poverty alleviation, from education to health care, from urban issues to rural issues -- were in the motions and proposals handed by lawmakers and political advisors to the "two sessions." The "two sessions" also works as a platform that facilitates the resolution of practical problems faced by ordinary Chinese, such as building roads in the countryside, easing extracurricular burdens on students, and protecting the rights of deliverymen, among others.

Aerial photo taken on Sept. 17, 2020 shows the Houhai area in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

DECOUPLING FROM CHINA COMES AT A GREAT COST

China is the world's second largest economy after the United States. To some extent, to observe China's "two sessions" is actually to observe Chinese economy. One of the major tasks of the "two sessions" is to map out China's annual economic development, set the growth target, and announce macroeconomic policies. And a document called the government work report gives answers to all of them.

Although the prospects for the global economy may not look bright this year, China has expressed its confidence by saying that the country's economy will "expect an upturn on the whole, and there is a high probability that the growth rate will hit its normal level." Many of my foreign friends, including those living in the United States, are closely watching what economic target the Chinese government will set for 2023, and what policies and measures will be taken accordingly.

The Chinese economy has grown so titanic and so intertwined with the rest of the world that we can't talk about the prospects of the world economy without talking about China. I've heard some Americans argue for decoupling from the Chinese economy, but I think it will come at a great cost. The fact is that China is the world's most promising market, with a middle-income population of over 400 million. Some agencies predicted that this middle-income group will surpass 800 million in the next 15 years, which is definitely an astonishing figure.

Recently I noticed that the IMF lifted its forecast of China's economic growth rate for 2023 to 5.2 percent. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said it is highly likely that China's development will be the most important factor in driving global growth in 2023. You would agree with this point if you have seen Beijing's packed restaurants, shopping malls and cinemas.

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 25, 2022 shows country roads leading to Dongmenguan Village winding on mountains in Zhushan Township in Xuan'en County, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo by Song Wen/Xinhua)

CHINESE MODERNIZATION MATTERS TO WORLD

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the country's ruling political party, was convened in October last year. The key congress stressed "to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization." As this year marks the first year of this new journey, the new measures that will be unveiled at the "two sessions" not only matter to China, but to other countries as well.

I am also attracted to topics on China's rural areas. I have been to China's countryside many times. After China announced that it eliminated absolute poverty in 2021, I am eager to find out what on earth has happened in the countryside and how it will get better in the future. That is, how will China push forward its rural revitalization? In the past decades, especially in the past ten years, great transformations have happened in China's rural areas, which may shed light on the path of narrowing the rich-poor gap for other countries.

After living in China for such a long time, one thing that I can't ignore is the bluer sky and clearer water. Green development is transforming China. China has been striving to develop new energy industries such as photovoltaics and wind energy after it announced ambitious plans to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Since China has become a world leader in tackling climate change, its future efforts to support new energy development are without doubt under the world's spotlight.

U.S.-CHINA COOPERATION INDISPENSABLE IN MANY SECTORS

In fact, any changes that happen in China will affect other countries directly or indirectly. It is no exaggeration to say that for many American multinational corporations, they have to take Chinese consumers and policies into consideration before making any big decisions. And the "two sessions" is a key opportunity to find out valuable information.

During the "two sessions," Foreign Minister Qin Gang, former ambassador of China to the United States, will answer questions from the media. U.S.-China relations are no doubt the most important bilateral relationship in the current world, and one of the topics that I personally care most about. I am eager to see how China's foreign minister will describe this relationship.

To me, and I believe it's true to many Americans as well, if the two leading countries were to lock themselves in confrontation and conflict, it would be a disaster for the world. I believe despite the twists and turns that happened in their bilateral relations in the past several years, there is still a need for cooperation. After all, people of the two countries share the same vision, which is a safe and prosperous world, and a better future for our children. 
Billions of stories held within the National Library of Australias online portal, Trove, are hanging in the balance as the federal government considers a funding plea to maintain the beloved platform.

The archives funding is due to expire on June 30 and chief executive of the Australian Library and Information Association, Cathie Warburton, said it would be disastrous if the resource was lost.

Amateur historian Irene Kearsey says she is addicted to Trove. Credit: Chris Hopkins

Trove is the envy of the world, she said. Its international reputation as a keystone of Australias national research infrastructure with free access to digital sources is a credit to Australian librarianship. It would be an unmitigated tragedy if we lost it.

The National Library has warned that without at least $7 million in additional government support in the May budget, the popular archive could cease operations from July.
As the ASIC investigation dragged into 2023, Ridgway texted Kerrilyn in February to encourage her to mislead authorities. In one of several texts obtained by the Herald and The Age, he tells her: You dont have to lie you just gotta say I dont know and be vague and confuse them. You are a smart girl. It is unclear whether Ridgway, who worked in Shaw and Partners Brisbane office, profited from any forged documents. The new details in the Ridgway case can be revealed as ASIC faces a parliamentary inquiry into long-running concerns that it is a slow, timid and ineffective regulator. Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, who spearheaded the inquiry, said ASIC was too slow to respond to warnings and didnt secure enough prosecutions. Ridgways unauthorised trading came to light in January 2022 when a client complained to Shaw and Partners head office about an investment he had signed up for that had failed to deliver on any of its promises. It raised red flags as the product wasnt on the groups approved product list.

An internal investigation found Ridgway had systematically breached compliance rules outside of the Shaw and Partners systems over an eight-year period, including engaging in trading in unauthorised products and taking secret commissions of up to 17 per cent, well above the usual commission charged of 0.05 per cent and 1 per cent. The commissions were paid directly to Ridgway. All up, he collected secret commissions of more than $1.5 million, which werent disclosed to Shaw and Partners or the clients, according to bank deposit confirmations and internal documents. The unauthorised products include Marshall Islands company Trinus Impact Capital, British Columbia company ASAF Critical Metals and the British Virgin Islands-based Steppes Alternative Asset Management, which claims to have almost $4 billion in assets under management. It was last audited in 2018. Ridgway introduced more than 90 families to financial services firm McFaddens Securities, which then put them into the unlisted products. Shaw and Partners said in a statement it was planning to remediate the families that had been put into these products. The remediation costs will be an estimated $9 million and the firm said it was happy that the process was well under way.

Shaw and Partners chief executive officer Earl Evans said the scandal had had devastating consequences for the clients. He said: They were unsuspecting of Ridgways behaviour and a year on from his dismissal, we would like to think the regulator is getting close to dealing with this individual and more light will come on these questionable products. Ridgway was sacked in February 2022 and days later walked out on his wife and three children, leaving them with a credit card bill of $40,000 and rent they couldnt afford to pay. A year on, Kerrilyn is still grappling with the emotional and financial deception. It will be a year on Monday he walked out on someone who gave his whole life to. I was a sitting duck who he kept in the dark, she said. Im heartbroken and the kids are heartbroken. We feel like he threw us out with the trash, while he is off surfing, taking women to dinner at French restaurants, and we arent even allowed to know where he lives.

Company records list Kerrilyn as a director for short periods, while other records list her as a director for longer durations with other directors that she said she had never had anything to do with. She said there were also minutes with her signature relating to meetings she claims she never attended. Kerrilyn told the Herald and The Age it was confronting to see so many documents with her forged signature. One was a loan agreement between Ridgy Enterprises and KKR Holdings as Trustee for Ridgway Family Trust. It includes her signature, which she says she didnt sign. Another is a deed of assignment of debt and release, which includes her signature and her mothers signature as a witness, both of which she says were forged. It isnt my signature and its not my mums, she said. I know what my mums signature looks like and my mum has been in high-level care for many years. She said she met Ridgway 35 years ago when she was 18. She said she never got involved in his business affairs. He left us in a bad place financially and struggling emotionally, she said.

She declined to comment on a series of text messages obtained by this masthead between herself and Ridgway relating to the alleged forged signatures and directorships and what she will tell the authorities. In one text, sent on February 22 this year, Ridgway tells her: Just remember I have looked after you and protected the kids all my life. Now I need your help to protect me from my evil boss and the shit he has stirred up. In other texts, Kerrilyn tells her estranged husband: I knew nothing of these companies and directorships. I dont want to lie and get in trouble. Thats not my mums signature. He replied: Say you cant remember as it was a long time ago and you signed a lot of papers over the years. In a text on February 26, Kerrilyn returns to the use of her mothers signature. You have clearly signed for mum. Do you want me to say you had her authority? Even though we know she didnt. He replies: They cant check on her signature; just say it is hers. Ridgway was sent a series of questions but didnt respond.
Martyn Iles has left the Australian Christian Lobby after a difference of opinion over direction. Credit:Facebook/Supplied Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The Facebook post went up at 4.56pm on Friday afternoon. After five years as the firebrand managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Martyn Iles had some news. He had been sacked. After five incredible years  my employment has been terminated by the board, Iles, the 34-year-old cultural commentator, Israel Folau supporter and occasional Q+A guest told his 219,000 followers, before also emailing every ACL supporter on the groups mailing list with the subject Im moving on. There is no question of misconduct, he wrote. The board has reviewed ACLs strategic direction and decided I am not the right person to lead the revised strategy. The board was extremely hurt and disappointed by what happened, said its chair, Jim Wallace, in an email to the Herald. But the Board is very satisfied it has acted appropriately. The ACL grew rapidly under Iles  its membership tripled, Iles said  but its size wasnt the boards problem. It was struggling for political impact. In a few short years, it recorded losses on virtually every single key issue: same-sex marriage was legalised in 2017, just months before Iles took the post; almost every state in the country has loosened laws on abortion and voluntary assisted dying; and major steps against gay conversion therapy have been made in Victoria, WA and NSW. And faced with the potential for a multi-term Labor government that saw the group as  at best  irrelevant, the Australian Christian Lobby needed a major strategic reset. The decision about strategy was made by the board. The decision about timing was not.

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Multiple sources told the Herald the lobby groups board (the makeup of which, apart from the responsible people listed on the charities register, is secret) asked Iles to stay in the position for six months as they orchestrated a transition plan. But Iles Facebook post made it clear he wasnt sticking around. It took the weekend, and half of Monday, for ACLs leaders to react to the news. The first communication came in the form of a three-minute selfie video from its national politics director, Wendy Francis, that confirmed Iles was moving on and said the lobby groups mission had not changed. A lengthier statement came that evening from the groups chairman, Jim Wallace  a former SAS commander of the Australian Army, and the founding managing director of the lobby group. I write reluctantly following Martyns email, Wallace wrote. I apologise for the delay in this official response, but we on the board did not want to act reflexively to what has been a huge disappointment. Jim Wallace speaks at a rally in support of marriage at Parliament House in 2011. Credit:Graham Tidy The objectives of the ACL had not changed, Wallace said. But it was clear that the strategy had. We believe that engagement must be on two levels, the relational and campaigning. In our view, political engagement and relationship-building in the parliaments should be reflective of the same humble relational style modelled by Jesus Christ. In that single sentence, Wallace summarised his issue with Iles leadership. The ACL had become almost entirely grassroots focussed: Iles would host rallies in the furthest ends of the country  from Tasmania to Cairns  to sold-out crowds, eager to hear him talk on faith and politics.

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He would also share countless videos and posts on his personal Facebook page discussing issues of the day. Nothing was off limits: Donald Trump (Thanks President Trump, from an Aussie who still likes you and is happy to admit it), the Voice to parliament (the wrong answer to a genuine problem), and Harry and Meghans split from the family (two wrongs dont make a right) all featured heavily. But chief among his complaints was Scott Morrison. After several years of restraint, Iles wrote in January last year, I am struggling to contain my disaffection with the Morrison government any longer. He gave 12 reasons, and invited his followers to add more. There were over 1000 comments. The activism stirred a base  many of whom had first come to the ACL for its work during the same-sex marriage plebiscite and the Israel Folau saga  but alienated the people required to win legislative change: government ministers. Australian Christian Lobby managing director Martyn Iless activism stirred a base. The ACL ended up targeting Liberal MPs who crossed the floor to change the religious discrimination bill last year. The result was a significantly reduced number of high-level government meetings. What was the point of meeting with a representative group who, come election time, would not support your party either way?

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And a Labor government, relying on even fewer Christian votes than the Coalition (in the 2016 election 41 per cent of church attenders voted for the Coalition and 24 per cent voted for Labor), made the access problem even harder. Fading influence It wasnt always this way. The Australian Christian Lobby once had the ears of leaders from both sides of politics. Ahead of the 2007 election both Kevin Rudd and John Howard spoke at an ACL-organised event that was said to have reached up to 100,000 Christians watching in 700 locations (mostly churches) across the country. Then-managing director Jim Wallace said the event was an acknowledgment that there was a Christian constituency after the last election. The fact that we had both leaders there is definitely indicative of the importance of it, he said at the time. Kevin Rudd and John Howard both spoke at an ACL event before the 2007 election. Credit:Andrew Taylor But things changed in 2012. Wallace, who is known to be personable but not media-savvy, compared the dangers of smoking with that of same-sex marriage in a debate with then-Greens leader Christine Milne at the University of Tasmania.

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Julia Gillard, then-prime minister, was due to make a keynote presentation at the groups annual conference. She hastily pulled out, labelling the comments heartless and wrong. From that point, politicians didnt stop engaging entirely with the group, but they did so on a more cautious footing. Lyle Shelton, a regional journalist-turned-conservative lobbyist took the reins the following year, shaping the ACLs campaign heavily around same-sex marriage. The group went on to play a major role in the No campaign ahead of the 2017 marriage plebiscite, and it was in this year that the lobby garnered its highest-ever number of mentions in the Australian media. The campaign  which saw Sydneys Anglican church donate $1 million to the cause  ushered in a flood of new members, providing financial and volunteer support. So when Shelton left to attempt to enter federal politics under Cory Bernardis Australian Conservatives party, incoming managing director Martyn Iles  who joined the group as a 24-year-old chief of staff  had a problem: what to do with all the new members? By the time its prominence peaked, [the Australian Christian Lobby] was associated with one side of one side of politics: conservatives in the coalition, and parties to the right, says Associate Professor David Smith, who researches religion and politics at the University of Sydney. This more conservative base of followers meant the ACL had to narrowcast its message. Iles spoke more about faith than politics, and led hundreds of volunteers in distributing a million small books containing the Gospel of John to households across Australia.

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A five-bedroom house in Concord sold for $4,500,500 on Saturday, trading for more than $1 million above its price guide.

The double-storey, double-brick house with a pool at 3 Fairview Street drew a large auction crowd and 10 registered bidders.

A five-bedroom house at 3 Fairview Street, Concord, sold for $4,500,500 at auction on Saturday. Credit: Rhett Wyman

It was one of 674 homes scheduled to go under the hammer in Sydney on Saturday. By evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 69.6 per cent from 411 reported results, while 86 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate.

The Concord auction started with an opening offer of $3 million, some $500,000 below the price guide. But that did not matter as eight parties increased the price in an almost 40-minute auction, in which agents had to work the auction floor to draw out almost every bid.
Washington: US president Joe Biden has undergone surgery to have a cancerous skin lesion removed from his chest.

In a letter released by the White House on Friday afternoon (US time) the Presidents doctor confirmed the procedure took place as part of a physical examination last month, in which the 80-year-old was declared healthy and fit for duty.

US president Joe Biden Credit: Bloomberg

On February 16, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, the president had a skin lesion removed from his chest as part of his comprehensive health assessment, said the letter from White House physician Dr Kevin OConnor.

The tissue was sent for traditional biopsy. As expected, the biopsy confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma. All cancerous tissue was successfully removed.
Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over a preparatory meeting for the first session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) gathered here Saturday morning at a preparatory meeting to elect the presidium and set the agenda for the first session of the 14th NPC, scheduled to begin on Sunday.

A 192-member presidium was elected, with Li Hongzhong as secretary-general of the NPC session, according to a statement issued after the meeting.

All the preparatory work for the annual session has been done, said Chairman of the 13th NPC Standing Committee Li Zhanshu, who presided over the preparatory meeting.

The session will be democratic, united, pragmatic and progressive. It will rally Chinese people of all ethnic groups more closely around the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core to strive in unity to build a modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, he said.

The preparatory meeting also adopted the nine-item agenda of the upcoming session.

The newly-elected presidium met shortly afterward and elected Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and 10 other deputies to the 14th NPC as executive chairpersons of the presidium.

Li Zhanshu shook hands with all executive chairpersons before heading out of the meeting hall amid warm applause.

Later, executive chairpersons of the presidium held their first meeting, chaired by Zhao.

Before the preparatory meeting on Saturday morning, chairman and vice chairpersons of the 13th NPC Standing Committee held their last meeting to make preparations for the upcoming session.

The meeting, presided over by Li Zhanshu, finalized a list of candidates for the presidium and secretary-general of the first session of the 14th NPC and heard a report on the session's draft agenda. 

Li Zhanshu shakes hands with Zhao Leji at the first meeting of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Zhao Leji presides over the first meeting of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

The first meeting of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Zhao Leji, an executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), chairs the first meeting of executive chairpersons of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), presides over the 136th meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the 13th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
Bogota, Colombia: Colombia is proposing transferring at least 70 hippopotamuses that live near Pablo Escobars former ranch  descendants of four illegally imported from Africa by the late drug lord in the 1980s  to India and Mexico as part of a plan to control their population.

The hippos, which are territorial and weigh up to 3 tonnes, have spread far beyond the Hacienda Napoles ranch, located 200 kilometers from Bogota along the Magdalena River. Environmental authorities estimate there are about 130 hippos in the area in Antioquia province and their population could reach 400 in eight years.

Hippos float in the lake at Hacienda Napoles Park, once the private estate of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. Credit: AP

Escobars Hacienda Napoles  and the hippos  have become a sort of local tourist attraction in the years since the kingpin was killed by police in 1993. When his ranch was abandoned, the hippos survived and reproduced in local rivers and favourable climatic conditions.

Scientists warn the hippos do not have a natural predator in Colombia and are a potential problem for biodiversity since their faeces change the composition of the rivers and could impact the habitat of manatees and capybaras. Last year, Colombias government declared them a toxic invasive species.
Li Zhanshu shakes hands with Zhao Leji at the first meeting of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji and 10 other deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Saturday were elected executive chairpersons of the presidium for the first session of the 14th NPC.

Zhao is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

They were elected at the first meeting of the presidium that was elected earlier Saturday at the preparatory meeting of the first session. 

Zhao Leji presides over the first meeting of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

The first meeting of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Zhao Leji, an executive chairman of the presidium of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), chairs the first meeting of executive chairpersons of the presidium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
DAR ES SALAAM, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The East African Business Council (EABC) has applauded Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating three hectares of land for building its headquarters in the East African nation's northern city of Arusha, the EABC said in a statement late Friday.

Hassan on Friday handed over to EABC CEO John Kalisa a title deed for a plot of land covering three hectares situated at Mateves in Arusha free of charge.

"The plot of land will enable East African Business Council to build its headquarters in Arusha, which is also the headquarters of the East African Community (EAC)," said the statement.

The building of the EABC headquarters will go a long way in enabling the EABC to execute its mandate as the voice of the private sector in East Africa and driving the vision of a borderless East Africa for business and investment, said the statement.

According to the statement, the EABC's mission is to advocate for a conducive business environment and promote sustainable private sector-driven growth in the EAC region.

The statement said the EABC was deeply committed to partnering with the government of Tanzania in boosting intra-EAC trade, industrialization, investments, and job creation. 
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Clouds and some drizzle or fog possible early, then clouds break for sun..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy and breezy with a round of showers overnight and perhaps a thunderstorm.
YANGON, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and 30 others injured when a passenger bus overturned on Myanmar's highway on Saturday, an official from a rescue organization said.

The traffic accident happened when the bus driver lost control near milepost 167 on the Yangon-Mandalay highway at around 5:30 a.m. local time.

"Five people died on the spot. The injured included those in critical condition. They are currently sent to Swa hospital. The emergency patients will be transferred to the Nay Pyi Taw hospital," U Min Thu, chairman of the TERT (Toungoo Emergency Rescue Team), told Xinhua.

The injured people who are in critical condition included a child, he said.

The 587-km Yangon-Mandalay highway connects the country's commercial hub Yangon and the second-largest city of Mandalay. 
BERKS COUNTY, Pa. - Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced Friday that Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is receiving $3.18 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This funding comes in the form of grants for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Houlahan, who also represents parts of neighboring Chester County, said the Chester County Intermediate Unit will receive $1.68 million for its programs.

Head Start programs are essential for the growth and development of so many children in our community. Im so thankful both BCIU and CCIU have such great programs in Berks and Chester Counties, said Houlahan.

Head Start is an HHS program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to low-income children and families.

Serving 430 children supported by federal funds across 30 classrooms, the Berks County Head Start Program focuses on supporting the growth and development of the whole child by working in partnership with families to address nutrition, parent engagement, social services, disabilities, and mental health," said Jill Hackman, BCIU executive director. "We are very fortunate to have the continued support of our Pennsylvania federal legislators and thank them for their recognition of the importance of early childhood education."
READING, Pa. - The Reading Area Water Authority announced that all North Heidelberg Water Sytem customers must minimize their water usage throughout the day and suspend it entirely overnight.

In a notice dated March 2, RAWA issued a mandatory water conservation order for anyone receiving service through the North Heidelberg Water System.

RAWA says nearly a thousand customers are impacted.

Officials believe there is a leak in the system which they have been unable to locate.

As a result, water levels in their storage tank continue to drop. If levels further deplete, officials will have to pull water from the main system and dump it into a large, 21,000-gallon tanker.

RAWA says they're working with DEP, county and local officials and engineers to resolve the problem. The conservation order remains in effect until further notice.

North Heidelberg Water System customers must immediately suspend all water usage between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. and are asked to minimize usage throughout the day.

If conservation efforts are not successful, officials say customers will experience interruptions in service.

RAWA is asking customers to look for leaks on their property and to report any instances of puddling or running water. They're also urging people to contact the authority if they're aware of any vacant properties in the service area.

More information on the conservation notice can be found at www.readingareawater.com
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh University has officially opened its brand-new Business Innovation Building.

The 74,000-square-foot building is right in the heart of the main campus, on the corner of Packer Avenue and Webster Street.

The area was formerly a parking lot. The project was green lit in February 2020 and quickly delayed by COVID.

Some materials, like the roof, had already been ordered before the pandemic hit.

"All we had was a hole and they said get it now or you take it whenever we can get it to you. We don't know when that's going to be," said Georgette Phillips, the Kevin L. and Lisa A. Clayton Dean of the College of Business at Lehigh. "We stored the roof for almost a year right down the street next to the police station."

Phillips says it was designed to foster a new way of learning within its four floors: "The building was designed and constructed thinking about flexibility and adaptability."

The building includes flexible classrooms with interactive technology, collaborative meeting and project spaces for students, a new Center for Business Communications, and an expanded financial services lab.

"Also on the second floor is one of my favorite rooms in the building," Phillips said. "It's a classroom in the round, where there are no podiums. It forces the faculty to get out with the students."

It's also the first home for the Vistex Center of Executive Education, and includes a behavioral research lab and a Lehigh ventures lab. There's even a TV studio.

"Once you give somebody permission to innovate, all you have to do is set them free," Phillips said.

A few of the spaces are already in use, but undergraduate and graduate students will be filling the entire building right after the upcoming spring break.
Beginning Monday, face masks will be optional for the public inside Lehigh Valley Health Network hospitals and health care facilities in areas not associated with patient care, according to a news release from LVHN.

For visitors, that means masks will be a personal choice in spaces including cafeterias, gift shops, chapels, pharmacies, and patient education and support group meetings on hospital campuses, LVHN said.

Masking remains mandatory in all patient care areas at all LVHN locations, which LVHN says maintains an important barrier against the spread of COVID-19 to help keep everyone healthy. Anyone with respiratory illness symptoms is asked to always wear a mask in any LVHN facility.

Across the country, hospitals and health networks are transitioning their masking guidance to allow more flexibility in certain areas, said Timothy Friel, MD, Chair, Department of Medicine, LVHN. We feel its appropriate given the state of the pandemic and the downward trend locally in positive tests for both COVID-19 and flu.

Updated signage will be placed in newly mask optional LVHN locations and masks will be available near patient care areas.

This is a small change, but one we feel is medically appropriate, based on the sustained downward trend in local COVID-19 transmission, said Alex Benjamin, MD, Chief Infection Control and Prevention Officer, LVHN. Just as with prior surges of COVID-19, we can adjust our masking policies and operations as needed to minimize the risk of the ongoing pandemic to our health care workers, patients and visitors.

Benjamin said LVHN continues to urge everyone to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, meaning a person received their primary COVID-19 vaccination series and any recommended boosters. Two-thirds of Pennsylvanians are fully vaccinated, according to state Health Department data, meaning they received their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Rates are much lower for boosters.

Here are some examples of how the new masking policy will work at LVHN in different locations:

LVPG practice locations  Masks required, including in the waiting room.

LVHN hospitals  Masks optional to enter, or in non-patient care areas including cafeterias and gift shops. Masks also will be optional in family/visitor waiting areas. Masks are required in the emergency room registration and waiting areas, on inpatient floors, and in all other patient care areas, including in procedure areas and physical therapy/rehabilitation spaces.

Diagnostic care centers  Masks required, including in the waiting room.

ExpressCARE locations  Masks required in the registration area, waiting room and in exam rooms.

Elevators  Masks are optional.
Police in Warren County on Friday announced a new program to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder during a traffic stop. It's called the Blue Envelope Program.

Imagine you're driving, and you see those blue and red flashing lights from behind. It's enough to make anyone's heart skip a beat. But for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it can cause an even greater issue, between the heightened situation, the flashing lights, the sounds of radios, and other noises.

That's why the Warren County Police Chiefs Association started a Blue Envelope Program. It's in partnership with Hunterdon County Police Chiefs Association, which already has the program.

"The goal is to avoid misunderstanding between the officers and the drivers that have ASD," Pohatcong Township Police Chief Scott Robb said.

If someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder gets pulled over, the driver shows the blue envelope. The driver will keep the license, registration, insurance, and an emergency contact inside.

The outside of the blue envelope contains instructions for the driver, like keeping hands on the wheel and warning about the flashing lights and noises.

On the reverse side of the envelope, it tells the officers what to do, like simplifying requests. A checked off box will also indicate whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.

"This way, the officer can read that, and they'll know how that individual reacts to pressure, or it might be lights or noise or whatever," New Jersey Assemblyman John DiMaio, (R) District 23, said. "It just makes it a much calmer situation."

"To be able to communicate with one another more effectively and try to lower the bar and allow officers to do their jobs," state Sen. Doug Steinhardt, (R) District 23, said.

Officials say the Blue Envelope Program is fairly new. Chief Robb told 69 News he believes New Jersey is just the second state to initiate the program, after Connecticut; and Warren County is the second county in New Jersey to start it, after Hunderdon County.

The legislators who spoke at the announcement introduced a bill, hoping to make the program statewide in New Jersey. Though it would take a while to pass, if it does, the drivers who are a part of the Blue Envelope Program would have their information entered in the database. That way, a police officer would ideally see the information, even before approaching the driver's window.

Officials say the program is now in effect, so people with ASD can get a blue envelope from their local police or sheriff's department, as long as they live in either Warren or Hunterdon County in New Jersey.
BANGKOK, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China's proposal for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis encompasses all the necessary elements that could achieve a ceasefire and lead to eventual peace, thereby meriting support, a Thai expert has said.

Kavi Chongkittavorn, senior fellow of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Bangkok-based Chulalongkorn University, made the remarks while commenting on a paper stating China's position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

In the paper, China proposes a solution to the crisis that addresses both the symptoms and root causes, and holds that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.

China's proposal for peace in Ukraine "should be given serious consideration as it encompasses all the necessary elements that could achieve a ceasefire leading to eventual peace," Kavi wrote in a signed article in daily Bangkok Post.

China's position, he said, resonated well with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which calls for respecting the national sovereignty of all countries, resuming peace talks, resolving the humanitarian crisis as well as reducing strategic risks.

"For the region, any call for a peaceful dialogue and swift humanitarian assistance reflects the reality on the ground that regional countries are facing and deserves support," he wrote. 
NEW DELHI, March 4 (Xinhua) -- As influenza cases have been on the rise across many parts of India and patients complaining of prolonged illness, cough, fever and respiratory problems, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has asked people to avoid antibiotics.

"There is a sudden increase in the number of patients having symptoms of cough, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, fever, body ache and diarrhoea in some cases. The infection usually lasts for about five to seven days," the IMA in a public advisory said.

"The fever goes away at the end of three days but the cough can persist for up to three weeks."

The top doctors' body said as per information from National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), most of these cases are due to H3N2 influenza virus.

The IMA suggested symptomatic treatment for these colds and coughs and said there was no need to give antibiotics.

"But right now, people start taking antibiotics like Azithromycin and Amoxiclav etc, that too without caring for dose and frequency and stop it once start feeling better. This needs to be stopped as it leads to antibiotic resistance," the IMA said. 
It seems like yesterday, Beaver Dam Deputy Fire Chief Lee Smith said. However, in reality this Sunday, March 5, marks the fifth anniversary of the accidental explosion at Village Glen.

Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger said that he does not believe there will ever be an answer to why Ben Morrow was making triacetone triperoxide, which is a white crystal powder called the Mother of Satan by terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, in his apartment. Morrow had a dangerous history of working with chemicals in that apartment and threw the lives around him into chaos five years ago.

A chemical explosion in the early afternoon of March 5, 2018, claimed Morrows life and forced the evacuation of his building and several buildings nearby, as well as the fiery destruction of the structure that housed the bombed-out unit days later.

You remember it like it was yesterday, Smith said. From the time of the call, to everything that went down, to the very end and then dealing with the residents after everything was taken care of, and even today you remember the residences and how they were affected by it and how it affected our members who were up there.

An unsual call in the middle of the day

Smith said that the first assumption was that it was a meth lab because they knew that everything was electrical in the building so it could not be gas or propane issue.

Kreuziger said the first 10 minutes was overwhelming to them as they tried to find out what had caused the explosion.

It was just bizarre, it was different, Kreuziger. I couldnt believe what was happening.

The first part you worry about is making sure everyone is safe so we started evacuating people, Kreuziger said.

Beaver Dam Fire Department Captain John Jatczak was going through with a meter to test for gas when they found the material that Morrow was using to make bombs.

Retired Beaver Dam Fire Chief Alan Mannel, Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger and Beaver Dam Police Department Lt. Terrence Gephardt, who has since retired, worked in the command post with the FBI, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Smith said it was from one of those meetings that they were told what to do.

It was a great help to have all the experts on hand. However, from those meetings they learned that that a similar explosion had only happened once before in the United States and that was at a house and not at an apartment building.

The first initial thought was how to get rid of that, Kreuziger said of the triacetone triperoxide.

Work begins to remove explosive material

When the plan was made the date from the original explosion, the decision was to do an implosion, Smith said. There was some thought there were still some bomb materials in the oven itself. The decision was made to do a contained explosion to the apartment itself.

There were tiny explosions during the implosion and the command post decided to burn the building down, Smith said.

There was a lot of planning put in place, Smith said. There were 27 departments, 32 pieces of equipment and 132 personnel there that day. There were three ladder trucks, 12 engines, 13 tenders, nine chiefs, two incident safety officers and three drones used.

They had to get that fire to a certain temperature to make sure all the material left from the bomb or possible bombs was destroyed, Smith said.

It was so explosive and so volatile and so unpredictable, Kreuziger said. You didnt know what you were dealing with. That was the scary part. If this was that volatile, what could really happen?

The hardest part of everything was telling people that they would have to leave their own property, Kreuziger said. A few were able to choose some special items from their apartments and the FBI went in and retrieved the objects.

The fire was as controlled as much as it could be, Kreuziger said.

In the end no one was hurt, the building came down and we were able to protect all the buildings around it, Kreuziger said.

Moving on after the fire

The apartment has since been rebuilt and only two people who lived in the building at the time remain there.

Kathy Hagen lived in the apartment building and said she has benefited with therapy since the incident. Her daughter, who was with her in the apartment that day, had struggled without it but with Kathys advice received therapy herself.

All my stuff is going to be five years old now, Hagen said. I moved up here with a rocking chair someone gave me and my mattresses from Verlo.

Hagen said she remembered one day when she went to the post office and a man came in carrying a bag, and she felt she was overly concerned about the man. She knew it was because of the explosion.

All we wanted was our old familiar, Hagen said. When you bought things, it didnt seem like my stuff. It seemed I was living somewhere else.

However, she knows that she had to lose her things in order to prevent others from losing their lives.

Every day you have to think, I have no idea what will happen at the end of the day, so be thankful and grateful through it all, Hagen said. That morning of the fifth I had no idea that my life would be changed forever.
On Friday morning, March 3, Rio residents gathered in the Elementary School gym to show the world they had a few Trix up their sleeves.

Ahead of National Cereal Day on March 7, a community-wide effort was launched by Rio Elementary School to collect unopened boxes of cereal to be donated to local food pantries. From Feb. 6 to Feb. 24, the Rio community dug in, amassing over 1,800 boxes.

We have had an absolutely amazing response from families and businesses in the area, said Rio Elementary Education Assistant Lynn Bubolz.

The donation is part of Do Good Wisconsins Cereal Box Domino Challenge, a friendly competition between Wisconsin schools to see which district could collect the most cereal boxes to donate and create the most interesting domino display with them.

Rios fourth-graders meticulously lined the boxes up in the gym, spelling out Do Good Rio, a nod to the competition. At 8:30 a.m. sharp, they were to be knocked over one by one in a massive game of dominoes.

The boxes may not have fallen perfectly, but their ripples sent waves of kindness throughout the Rio community to be felt by all. The impact of the gesture was not lost on Eric Salzwedel, co-founder of Do Good Wisconsin.

We believe that theres a lot more good happening in our communities across the state than all the negative stuff you might see, said Salzwedel. That all starts with each of us.

Salzwedel added that while other schools signed on to participate in the challenge, Rio was the first to actually invite Do Good to witness it.

When you wake up, you have the opportunity to make a positive or a negative impact on every single person you meet, he said. Even it we just donate one box, if we held the door for one more person, then we can make even a bigger impact.

Prior to the cascade of cardboard, students were invited to share what Do Good means to them. Answers varied: Clean up lakes and rivers, put recyclables in the right bin, hold the door for people.

It was their actions, though, that showcased their understanding of what it truly means to Do Good. After the dominoes fell, students were at the ready with boxes, loading up vehicles waiting to transport the donated breakfast food to the pantries. All the while, the students were laughing, smiling, boasting about how much they were able to give, how hard they worked to line up each box.

The band was in full swing, too, their rubber band and cereal box guitars all perfectly in tune.
Rebecca Blanks influence can be seen in some unexpected places.

Its embedded in a nationwide breast cancer database that examined how long patients could delay surgical treatments at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its noticeable in research endeavors she helped make possible. Its found, subtly, in portraits hanging at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.

Blank, the former chancellor of UW-Madison who died Feb. 17 of cancer at age 67, was a prolific fundraiser for the university, bringing in billions in gifts and donations during her nine-year tenure. Her memorial service begins at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Service today What: Memorial service and reception for Rebecca Blank When: 2 p.m. Saturday Where: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1609 University Ave., Madison; reception to follow at Varsity Hall at Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St. Info: rebeccablank.wisc.edu

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Associations All Ways Forward campaign aligned almost perfectly with Blanks tenure and raked in $4.3 billion alone in gifts and pledges that were then funneled into scholarships and endowed professorships. The Raimey-Noland campaign, which supports research on social and racial justice and aims to increase the number of students and faculty of color, sits at $106 million.

She was tireless, she would do whatever was necessary to help the All Ways Forward campaign over her tenure, Matt Maryl, Blanks former chief of staff, said. Theyre going to continue to provide a competitive advantage for the university going forward, whether thats scholarships to help support students attend or faculty research funding to allow us to recruit great faculty members.

And then there are buildings made possible by large gifts that Blank had a hand in: Levy Hall, the new home for the College of Letters and Science, is partly funded by $20 million given by Marv and Jeff Levy in 2021 in honor of their parents Irving and Dorothy; and the new Computer, Data and Information Sciences building is largely financed by billionaire alumni John and Tashia Morgridge.

Those donations reshaped UW-Madison at a time when it faced significant financial insecurity as state support stagnated or decreased. Through Blanks efforts, UW-Madison expanded its research enterprise, improved wages and research opportunities for faculty and found itself on sturdier financial footing.

Smart, hardworking ... compelling

Blank led the university from June 2013 through the spring of 2022. She left to become the first female president of Northwestern University, where she was previously a professor of labor economics. However, on the day she was set to start last July, she stepped down instead, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. She opted to receive treatment at UW Health in Madison.

Blank had a way with donors. Alumni Association chair and donor Mike Shannon found Blanks Midwestern charm endearing, noting that shed personally handwrite notes after meetings with potential donors and took the time to learn about them and their lives. That was her style, Shannon explained, as Blank didnt mince words but also put a positive spin on how to fix problems.

It was also her personal blend of frugality and work ethic that appealed to donors, association president Mike Knetter said.

When you see someone whos smart, hardworking, you know, when they bring ideas, theyre pretty compelling, Knetter said. The only highbrow tastes that she had were intellectual conversation.

Fostering research

When Blank joined UW-Madison, research spending was on the decline.

In 2010, federal dollars flowing into UW-Madison for research totaled $545 million; that funding continued to decline even after Blank joined, to $533 million in 2015. Industry research, which largely includes funds brought in as part of public-private research partnerships, was at less than $25 million in 2013.

It was a different picture in 2022 when Blank left: Federal research dollars had increased by nearly 30% to $742 million and industry dollars grew to $40 million.

New or enlarged endowments from the associations campaign and creating a cluster hiring program for research across departments contributed to that growth, said Steve Ackerman, vice chancellor for research and graduate education.

She was a champion for research at UW Madison and also for the Wisconsin Idea, Ackerman said. She was looking at funding and raising funds to support new and existing faculty positions and providing them with resources to help grow them.

Blank was instrumental in crafting an environment where research could thrive, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) president Erik Iverson said. That included adapting to new models of federal funding that demanded better collaboration across disciplines.

It required cross-campus multidisciplinary research, in conjunction with industry for impact on economies and workforce, Iverson said. That largesse dynamic of activity, the campus is not accustomed to responding to, and Chancellor Blank began challenging the campus to think differently, how it approached and worked with itself.

Some federal grants come with a contingency that a university must put up a percentage of matching funds. Those grants are more accessible if professors have the ability to save for them out of their endowment funds. Lee Wilke, the senior medical director at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and the Hendricks Chair in Breast Cancer Surgery Research, is doing so for breast cancer research.

Theyre very large, multimillion-dollar federal funding, but they require matching funds from the institution, Wilke said. That isnt going to come out of nowhere.

The next level

UW-Madisons Center for Journalism Ethics predates Blank, started in 2008 with an initial $1 million donation from Jim Burgess, a 1958 UW-Madison graduate who went on to become publisher of the La Crosse Tribune and the Wisconsin State Journal. But Blanks straightforward approach compelled Burgess to donate again and to expand the center.

When she was working on All Ways Forward and talking taking what were doing to the next level, Jim was inspired by that, said Katy Culver, director of the Center for Journalism Ethics. Its a very exciting time to have a campaign like that, make people think about whats next.

That inspiration helped establish 327 new endowed professorships, and faculty support increased by $516.4 million. At least $100 million of that has come from the Morgridges alone.

For Faisal AbduAllah, the endowed Chazen Family Distinguished Chair in Art allows him the time to get into the right mindset to create his art and gave him access to other UW-Madison departments to collaborate. One such collaboration is his Hairtraits collection, where he worked with the biology department to grind his own hair hed been collecting into a powder with the help of liquid nitrogen and a mortar and pestle. The ground hair is added to the ink he uses to create portraits.

Blank realized that endowed professorships were a way to recognize faculty achievements, AbduAllah said.

Having more endowed professors within the arts  within theater and drama, dance, art  for, me it was a great acknowledgement which meant that we were actually on par with some of the other larger units on campus, he said.

Other research wouldnt have been possible without new endowments. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilke pulled together data on breast cancer patients with her endowment funds. In a data set than spanned the country, she was able see what the impact of surgery delays would be and what non-surgical therapies would help.

I certainly would have never been able to do that COVID-19 study because we would have been a year in before any grants would have been (available), she said. Being able to do it right as the pandemic hit ... and having the funds and the ability to do that, really offered an opportunity to do things we dont normally get to do.
ISLAMABAD, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A terrorist was killed in an intelligence-based operation in the North Waziristan district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a military statement said.

During the conduct of the operation on Friday, an intense exchange of fire took place between the security forces and the terrorists, resulting in the killing of the terrorist, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in the statement.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorist, the ISPR said, adding that the deceased was actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces and killing of innocent citizens.

"Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the area," said the statement. 
House Oversight Chairman James Comer, seen here on February 8, announced that his panel will hold a hearing on a probe into President Joe Biden's family financial dealings.
Zelenskyy meets with European Parliament chief Metsola in Lviv 4 March, 03:27 PM President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola (Photo:Screenshot from the video)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in Lviv on March 4 to discuss Ukraine's bid to join the EU, the Presidents Office reports.

"I am grateful for the support of Ukraine from the first days of this terrible war and for important decisions adopted by the European Parliament. In particular, last year on March 1, the day after we applied for EU membership, the European Parliament voted in favor of the resolution to support Ukraine and grant EU candidate status to it," said Zelenskyy.

Video of day

He emphasized that the country is committed to implementing the European Commission's recommendations as soon as possible and ready to begin accession negotiations this year.

Read also: Ukrainian official explains importance of EP resolution on creating tribunal to punish Russia

"I have learnt many things from Ukraine the past year. But perhaps the most important lesson is one articulated by Taras Shevchenko: 'Keep fighting, you are sure to win.' True in the quest for peace & freedom as it is in life. Never give up," Metsola tweeted after her meeting with Zelenskyy.

Metsola arrived on an unannounced trip to Lviv the day before, on March 3. On that day, she met with her Ukrainian counterpart, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk.

It is Metsola's second visit to Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. She visited Kyiv in April 2022 and was the first leader of a major EU institution who came to Ukraine since the invasion.

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Tom Sizemore is seen here in 2014 in Park City, Utah.
Woman shot family before turning the gun on herself as deputies arrived at home to serve eviction papers
World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke with striking teachers from Jewish Community Secondary School in New Barnet, north London, at a rally of over 200 teachers and supportive parents held in Camden Thursdaythe last of three days of regional National Education Union strikes this week, involving close to 200,000 teachers.

Emily Smith, an Early Career Teacher in her first-year teaching, explained that even though students at their school were middle class, they still felt they were failing the children, especially those with special needs. Teachers are at breaking point. Holidays are basically recovery after working ten to twelve hours a day for weeks.

Left to right, Emma, Valerie and Emily [Photo: WSWS]

Emma Taylor agreed: Even after ten years of teaching. No matter how efficient you are, the work/life balance is not sustainable. Maintaining relationships is a struggle. And there are so many opportunities for the students that you cant access because you have no time.

Both teachers felt it was important to show support for other strikers like the nurses. Its basically about redistribution of wealth, Emily said. All the money from the government goes in the pockets of their mates. In hospitals and schools so many supplies [supply teachers, agency nurses] are being employed and a big percentage is being skimmed off.

Were outsourcing catering companies, rather than employing cooks, Emma pointed out. Im in charge of preparing students for Oxbridge [Oxford and Cambridge Universities] and we are paying for private tutors.

Many teachers have Long COVID, added Valerie Bossman-Quarshie, a teaching assistant at the school. They should be treated as human beings. I see how much they do. Everything is affecting everyone politically. The government are making education worse and then they blame the teachers or the students.

The government is playing with peoples lives for their own gain, Emma said. We should have experienced educators making decisions.

Post COVID and post Brexit there just arent enough educators in early years, Valerie added. The children arent getting enough support and neither are the teachers. I worked as a carer before, but I gave it up because I felt I was being used. Now I see teachers coming in through Teach First and they are being used. They are just bodies. They are thrown in front of classes with barely any training and if they cant manage the class its their problem.

We need to unite with other unions. We need a general strike, Emily said.

Emma added, [Labour Party leader Sir] Keir Starmer is not representing us. We were demonstrating outside parliament and he didnt even mention the strike.

Valerie agreed, asking, What happened to [Labours previous slogan] Education, Education, Education? My union is UNISON. We didnt get enough votes for a strike but they are with Labour and the Labour ministers arent even allowed on the picket lines.

The educators raised concerns about the mental health of students due to current pressures, saying that many were suicidal. It is particularly bad among 16 to 18-year-olds. Emma stated. We have students telling us that they are depressed and want to kill themselves and there is no provision. Then we have to deal with that. I would like students to have a voice. They are so far removed from decisions taken about them. They should be listened to.
After months of the unions obfuscation, the last-minute suspension of strikes and repeatedly downgrading workers expectations and wage demands, members of the University and College Union (UCU) at the University of Sheffield International College (USIC) voted to accept the latest derisory offer made by Study Group.

Around 80 educators at USIC became the very first to stage a strike at a private higher education provider in the UK last November with three days of stoppages.

Educators on the picket line outside the University of Sheffield International College, Solly Street, November 30, 2022 [Photo: WSWS]

On an 85 percent turnout of UCU members, 68 percent voted to accept the employers offer with 32 percent rejecting. The deal struck with the connivance of the UCU means the workforce will receive, for the 2022/23 academic year:

 3 percent payable from September 1, 2022

 2 percent for staff earning less than 44,000 p/a, payable from January 1, 2023

 1 percent for all staff payable from January 1, 2023

For the 2023/24 Academic Year:

 4 percent for all staff, payable from September 1, 2023.

The pay settlement over two years means just 10 percent for staff earning less than 44,000 per year and 8 percent for staff earning more than 44,000.

The vote to accept comes after the union suspended five days of strike action due to begin February 13 to ballot on the revised pay offer.

USIC UCUs Twitter account stated shamefacedly February 21, Branch negotiators have not made binary recommendation on this offer. We acknowledge this is still a real terms pay cut, but that employer has moved significantly as a result of strikes. We have stressed more strike action will be required to win further improvement.

UCUs emphasis from the start has been on preventing a broader struggle emerging in the private education sector and merging with that of educators at other UK universities, further education colleges and schools.

Study Group has the measure of the UCUs conciliatory tactics and has shifted very little over the course of the disputea couple of percentage points. The deal designed and suggested to management by the union represents nothing short of a disastrous ten percent pay cut over the next 24 months. Rather than pressuring management for concessions to the workers, the UCU has pressured the workforce to grant concessions to the corporation. It was the UCUs idea to press for a two-year deal that was eventually adopted by Study Group.

USIC educators rejected a 5 percent offer from Study Group in October and returned an 84 percent majority for strike action. Yet come the new year and two brief strikes, and the union returns to the workforce with another de facto pay cut.

The sellout by the UCU at the USIC came at the same time as the union at the national level suspended the remaining seven days of national strike action scheduled for February over pay, working conditions and pensions. The national strike involved 70,000 lecturers and other university workers at all 150 higher education (HE) institutions in Britain.

The UCUs original 13.7 percent pay demand for HE members nationally has long since been surrendered. USIC UCU members initially called for a 12 percent pay rise, which was immediately downgraded by union representatives to a more reasonable nine percent, then to eight percent and finally to 10 percent across this year and next.

The UCUs shutting down strikes is only the latest example of the trade union bureaucracys suppression of the class struggle and rank betrayal of their members interests after months of strikes that began last summer. This includes the sell-out of 40,000 BT workers in December. UCU leader Jo Grady is a leading figure in the Enough is Enough campaign, established to provide a left fig leaf for a union bureaucracy overseeing defeats of the working class.

On the USIC picket lines earlier in the year, full-time lecturers and those on short-term contracts stood together with homemade placards refuting the claim that a cost-of-living increase was unaffordable. These showed graphs of the salaries of senior Study Group managers, with the number on more than 100,000 a year trebling in the past years and director positions advertised for up to 130,000. Study Group management and the UCU union leaders both occupy this income bracket.

Meanwhile the starting rate for a full-time lecturer at USIC is approximately 32,000, well below the national average of 38,131. Office and support staff are recruited at full-time rates barely above the minimum wage.
Following two elections held over a short period of time, the despised political constellation of the Social Democratic Party and Christian Democratic Union (known as a Grand Coalition) is returning to Berlin. The state executive of the SPD decided on Wednesday by 25 votes to 12 to end its current alliance with the Greens and the Left Party in the Berlin state government, the Senate, and commence coalition negotiations with the CDU.

Franziska Giffey (SPD) casting her vote in the elections [AP Photo/Michael Sohn]

Franziska Giffey, the SPD state chairwoman, had threatened to resign if the committee did not agree to the proposal. She will hand over the office of Governing Mayor to Kai Wegner, the leader of the CDU in Berlin, and assume another office in the Senate if the coalition negotiations are successful.

The return of the Grand Coalition in Berlin reaffirms that it has become impossible to influence political events by means of the ballot box.

The term Grand Coalition is itself misleading. The expression dates from a period in the past when the SPD and CDU together received over 80 percent of the vote and voter turnout was between 80 and 90 percent. In the parliamentary elections on February 12, however, the CDU and SPD together only managed to win 46.6 percent of the votes cast, with a voter turnout of 63 percent. Taking into account nonvoters and residents of the city who do not hold a German passport, less than a quarter of adult Berliners voted for the CDU or SPD. Among young people, the result was even more pronounced. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, only 23 per cent of the votes cast went to the SPD or CDU.

The SPD and CDU have alternated in power, or shared power, for decades in Berlin. In the frontline city of the Cold War, which was subsidized for political reasons, a culture of graft and corruption developed that far exceeded what was common in other major cities and that continued after reunification in 1990. Changes of government were not infrequently triggered by corruption scandals.

The last CDU governing mayor, Eberhard Diepgen, lost his post in 2001 in the wake of the Berlin banking scandal. After a short period of an SPD-Green government, the red-red Senate (SPD and the PDS, the latter the forerunner of the Left Party), led by Klaus Wowereit, took over from where Diepgen had left off.

As one of its first official acts, the alliance of the SPD and the PDS decided to guarantee 21.6 billion debt incurred by the criminal real estate businesses of the Bankgesellschaft Berlin. The state budget was thus ruined for good. The red-red Senate spent the rest of its 10-year term in office recouping its funding of the bank at the expense of the citys population. It cut wages and wiped out tens of thousands of jobs in the public sector, privatised hospitals and clinics, cut funding to schools and sold off hundreds of thousands of publicly owned apartments to real estate sharks.

In 2011, the red-red coalition lost its majority and Wowereit returned to the tried and tested Grand Coalition, this time under Social Democratic leadership. The Grand Coalition lost its majority in 2016 and Michael Muller, who had replaced Wowereit, then formed a Senate comprised of an alliance of the SPD, Left Party and Greens.

During this time, the massive enrichment of those at the top of society, at the expense of the majority, continued unabated. Those with good connections to the Senate landed top jobs with annual salaries of several hundred thousand euros in state-owned companiessuch as the transport company BVG and the broadcaster RBBwhile Berlin developed into the countrys main centre of poverty as rents and living costs exploded. Every fifth inhabitant of Berlin is now considered poor.

The return of the Grand Coalition is a guarantee that this process of social decay will continue. After 16 years of CDU rule in the federal government under Angela Merkel12 of them in a Grand Coalition with the SPDthis form of government is hated by the working class.

In Berlin, the issue of securityi.e., arming the police and the states repressive apparatusis to be top of the agenda in the coalition negotiations between the CDU and the SPD. The Berlin CDU, which has always stood for law and order, and Franziska Giffey, the political protege of the notorious Neukolln District Mayor Heinz Buschkowsky, share the same outlook in this respect. They are preparing for the violent suppression of social opposition.

The return of the Grand Coalition underlines the importance of the recent Berlin election campaign of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party). The SGP placed the struggle against rearmament and the Ukraine war, which is supported by all the parties represented in the parliament, at the heart of its election campaign.

It made clear that there is only one way to stop war, wages and social cuts: the mobilisation of the international working class on the basis of a socialist programme. Together with its sister parties in the Fourth International it is building a socialist movement worldwide against war and its root cause, capitalism. War and the associated social attacks can only be stopped by breaking the power of the banks and corporations and bringing them under democratic control.

This perspective is now crucial. Around the world and across Europefrom France to Britain to Spain to Germanythe biggest wave of class struggles since the 1970s is developing, bringing millions of workers into conflict with the capitalist system. It is time to join the SGP and build it as the new party of the working class.
One year ago, on February 27, 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Social Democrats, SPD) gave his infamous speech declaring a new era in German foreign policy. Shortly after Russias reactionary invasion of Ukraine provoked by NATO, he announced comprehensive arms deliveries to Kiev and a massive increase in the number of German army (Bundeswehr) troops in Eastern Europe. His speech culminated in the announcement of the 100 billion special fund for the Bundeswehr, the largest rearmament offensive since Hitler.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers his speech at the German parliament (Bundestag) marking the first anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and his proclamation of a turning point for German security policy, in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, March 2, 2023. [AP Photo/Markus Schreiber]

On Thursday, on the anniversary of his speech, Scholz again delivered a government statement in the Bundestag. It lived up to his war speech a year ago. The chancellor left no doubt that the German government, under his leadership, will intensify the war against Russia and accelerate Germanys return to an aggressive military and great power policy.

Scholz explicitly advocated continuing the war in Ukraine until the defeat of the nuclear-armed power Russia and ruled out a diplomatic solution. You cant negotiate with a gun to your headexcept for your own submission, he explained. There will be no military victory for Russia, also because we and our partners continue to support Ukraine.

Then he boasted that the German government had provided support of more than 14 billion in the past 12 months. The arms deliveries allowed Kiev to defend itself and persevere.

This is due to the artillery and air defense systems, which have been operating very effectively for months, continued Scholz. And we continue to expand our support: since the beginning of the year alone with the Patriot air defense system, the Marder armored vehicle and the Leopard 1 and 2 battle tanks.

Currently, Germany is working on the establishment of a veritable tank army for deployment against Russia. The federal government alone has issued export permits for nearly 200 battle tanks and is increasing pressure on other statessuch as formally neutral Switzerlandto also provide battle tanks and other heavy weaponry.

In his speech, Scholz promised to provide additional self-propelled howitzers, multiple rocket launchers, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons and wheeled artillery for Kiev. Germany will have further self-propelled Geppard anti-aircraft guns and an additional air defense system IRIS-T  ready in the coming weeks. At the same time, Scholz said, We are working with industry on reliable supplies of ammunition and spare parts.

Scholz's war list continued seemingly without end. He stated that Germany would play a leading role in the training of the Ukrainian army. A total of more than 3,000 soldiers from Ukraine have been trained by the Bundeswehr since the beginning of the war, and for more than 1,000 soldiers, the start of training in Germany is imminent, he commented. In close coordination with initiatives by the United States and Britain, Germany is thus the central training ground for Ukrainian soldiers in Europe.

The chancellor justified his war agenda with well-known propaganda. Although NATO wars in the Middle East (Iraq, Syria), Central Asia (Afghanistan), North Africa (Libya) and in Europe (Serbia) have laid waste to entire countries over the past three decades, Scholz claimed to support Ukraine in order to defend the European peace order. In every decision his government makes, Scholz added, we make sure that NATO does not become a war party. On this, Scholz said, he agrees with the American president.

In fact, Berlin and Washington have long been war parties. And as the Ukrainian army in the Donbas is increasingly pushed onto the defensive, they are working to further increase their war effort. Scholz traveled to the US immediately after his government declaration to meet Biden in a one-on-one conversation. It is clear what is going on behind the scenes: Further military aid to Ukrainethe US government announced another $400 million package before Scholz arrivedand an even more massive NATO intervention is being prepared.

All the talk of peace, democracy and the alleged defense of international law serves only to obscure the predatory character of the imperialist war and its real goal: a military victory over Russia in Ukraine and the subjugation and plundering of the geostrategically central and resource-rich country.

Scholz claimed in his speech that there was only one man who is solely responsible for this war and could end it, and the mans name is Vladimir Putin. This claim is utterly preposterous. The Russian invasion is reactionary, but it has a history and historical causes, and it was prepared and provoked by the imperialist powers.

In fact, the conflict with Russia is a continuation of an unending series of wars and interventions launched by American imperialism since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the WSWS wrote in a perspective on the anniversary of the Russian invasion. The conflict with Russia was set into motion by the decades-long expansion of NATO up to the borders of Russia.

Germany played a key role from the outset. Berlin supported the right-wing coup in Kiev in February 2014 and allied with fascist forces such as Svoboda and the Right Sector to bring an anti-Russian regime to power. Subsequently, the Ukrainian army was systematically prepared for war. Last December, Scholzs predecessor Angela Merkel admitted that diplomatic initiatives, such as the Minsk agreement, only served to gain time to arm Ukraine.

Scholz spoke in his speech about the extent of German NATO troops in Eastern Europe, which is equivalent to a war mobilisation against Russia. The Bundeswehr has a brigade in Lithuania, supports Poland and Slovakia in air defense, and is leading the NATO spearhead rapid response force this year, for which we retain 17,000 soldiers in high readiness. From 2025 onwards, Germany will initially deploy 30,000 soldiers for the future NATO military structurecontinuously and in high operational readiness.

German war policy extends far beyond Eastern Europe and Russia. The ruling class is using the conflict in Ukraine to implement a return to the aggressive foreign and great power policy that was already announced in 2013-14. After two lost world wars in the 20th century, German imperialism is once again preparing to organize Europe under its leadership in order to participate in the struggle for the redivision of the world in the 21st century.

In his speech, Scholz also threatened China and praised a geopolitical Europe that is internationally competitive and holds its own in the multipolar world of the 21st century and sets standards. His government has already taken important steps in this direction. These included the integration of Ukraine, Moldova and, in future, Georgia into the European Union and the close integration of the defence industry in Europe. Specifically, Scholz praised the FCAS air combat system planned together with France and Spain and the European Sky Shield Initiative initiated by Germany to strengthen Europes air defense.

Another part of his speech was devoted to the comprehensive militarization of Germany. The massive defense projects, which are financed by the Bundeswehr special fundScholz mentioned, among other things, the purchase of F-35 fighter jetsshould have contracts finalised this year. Also, the replenishment of howitzers, ammunition and other goods that we have delivered from Bundeswehr stockpiles to Ukraine will be taken care of in the coming months.

At the same time, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and he talked to the defense industry about a real change of gear to a fast, predictable and efficient procurement of armaments for the Bundeswehr and other European armies. We need an ongoing production of important weapons, equipment and ammunition and long-term contracts and down payments to build manufacturing capacity and an industrial base here in Germany, he continued. All this obviously has nothing to do with peace but with the preparation for total war.

The costs of militarist madness are borne by the working classas cannon fodder on the battlefields and in the form of massive attacks on their living standards. Already last year, when the special fund was enshrined in the Basic Law in order to permanently fix rearmament, the health budget was massively reduced in the midst of the pandemic. Now the war budget is to be increased againeven before Scholzs speech, Pistorius demanded an additional 10 billion annuallyand further attacks are planned.

But the same contradictions that drive the imperialist war and the explosion of German militarism also create the objective basis for overcoming them. Resistance to militarist and anti-working class policies, which are ultimately pursued by all capitalist governments, is developing all over the world. In recent days, tens of thousands of public service workers in Germany have taken part in warning strikes. Comprehensive strikes and protests against attacks on pensions, jobs and wages are also developing in France, the UK and other European countries.

In the statement, The mass strike movement, war and the revolutionary crisis in Europe, the sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International in Europe declared, The sentiments moving millions into struggle have an incipiently anti-capitalist, anti-militarist and socialist character. The task is to transform the growing revolutionary movement of the working class into a conscious movement for socialism. This means linking the struggle against war with the struggle against its root, capitalism, and building the Socialist Equality Parties as new mass parties of the working class. The aggressive war course of the ruling class in Germany, which is supported by all parties in parliament, shows that these tasks are on the order of the day.
Norfolk Southern rail yard on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, in Atlanta. [AP Photo/Danny Karnik]

Weeks after the disaster in East Palestine began, Norfolk Southern and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWED) advanced talks to exchange four days paid sick leave for the unions support for a pilot program to automate track inspection.

It is not clear whether this quid pro quo was eventually agreed to. A draft letter agreement sent to the BMWED by Norfolk Southern, dated February 21, was later published by Jonathon Long, General Chairman of the unions American Rail System Federation, in an open letter to Republican governor Mike DeWine. The top of the letter is stamped with a note reading: Proposed by NS; Not agreed to by BMWED. On February 22, the BMWED announced an agreement with NS to add four days paid sick leave, following similar manuevers by other major, Class I railroads.

In the letter to DeWine, Long and the BMWED grandstand as bitterly opposed to the level of disregard that Norfolk Southern has for the safety of the railroads Workers, its track structure, and East Palestine and other American communities where NS operates. Long also presents it as though the proposal for automatic track inspection was proposed by NS and summarily rejected by the union.

Draft letter agreement between Norfolk Southern and the BMWED [Photo: BMWED]

But the attached letter itself makes clear that discussions on this were at an advanced stage and that the union had already agreed to it in principle. During our discussion, it was agreed that the Carrier and the Organization would execute an agreement, the terms of which will provide employees represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes with sick leave benefits, the draft letter states. In consideration for such benefits, the Organization will withdraw its letter in opposition to the Carriers pilot ATIP [automated inspection] program and issue a letter to the FRA expressing its support of the Carriers pilot ATIP program between 60 and 180 days from the date of the letter agreement.

If the union backed out of the agreement at the last second, it was only because it was fearful of the explosive impact that this would have had among railroaders and the working class as a whole.

The ATIP, or the Automated Track Inspection Program, is a foot in the door to eliminate track inspector positions, one CSX maintenance worker told the WSWS. Im not familiar with how NS will use this technology, or what kind of system they will use, but I know on CSX they attach rail cars with sensors to revenue trains. The data is sent to the inspectors.

CSX was the first railroad to announce four days paid sick leave for maintenance workers earlier this year. From the moment we heard of these sick days we asked each other what was given up in exchange. We are being told by our union leadership that CSX gave these up out of the kindness of their heart. We dont believe it. The railroad gives nothing away for free, and these railroad executives are of a hive mind with no original thoughts and ideas. You can believe if Norfolk and Southern is asking for concessions, CSX did also.

The railroads have been emboldened since Congress intervened last December to unilaterally impose a contract that workers already rejected. A critical role was played by the union bureaucracy, which delayed strike action as long as possible until after the midterm elections in order to buy Congress time. While working hand in glove with Washington to prevent a strike, the union officials tried to bolster illusions that the government and Congress would intervene on workers behalf.

The same dynamic is at work in Longs letter, which appeals to Republican Governor DeWine to use [his] influence and power to stop NSs reckless business practices. To make such a groveling appeal only covers up the fact that DeWine, as with the entire political establishment and both parties, is doing the exact opposite, covering for NS in the aftermath of the East Palestine derailment. DeWine rushed to falsely declare the water supply in East Palestine safe on the grounds of railroad-sponsored water tests, which were later shown to have serious methodological problems.

Only days after the anti-strike law was passed, the railroads announced similar pilot programs to replace on-board conductors with facilitators, effectively reducing crew sizes to a single engineer. SMART-TD official Jeremy Ferguson falsely claimed that the contract would have at least temporarily put a stop to this long-standing goal of the carriers. In reality, SMART-TD had secretly been in negotiations to implement this program. Earlier this year, BNSF announced plans to hire non-union contractors to conduct maintenance work on locomotives, which the railroad had systematically put off for years in order to save on money and downtime.

The sick day agreements themselves are pure PR maneuvers, affecting only a minority of the railroad workforce, meant to distract from this and counter the bad press from East Palestine. The unions have been full partners in this, going out of their way to hail the CEOs of the railroads for doing the right thing. But even these small concessions do not affect train crews, who work under the brutal, 24/7 on-call attendance policies such as Precision Scheduled Railroading and Hi-Viz. Non-op personnel such as maintenance workers, while also working under austere conditions, do not have these attendance policies.

Meanwhile, more is being revealed about the systematic neglect of maintenance by the railroads. The British Guardian newspaper published a report, based on leaked audio of a discussion with a manager, that Union Pacific had discouraged maintenance workers from tagging railcars for repair. He refused to bad-order [mark for repair] cars for bad wheel bearings. My boss took issue with it because it increased our dwell time, the worker told the newspaper. When that happened, corporate offices would start berating management to release the cars.

Most railroad workers are fighting against an entire system that only exists as a money-making apparatus to the wealthy, she concluded. Those trains run through our towns, but they do not run next to rich folks homes, nor next to our politicians homes. This is a top-down problem.
Thousands of people joined protests across New Zealand yesterday for this years first Global Climate Strike, demanding action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and stop catastrophic global warming.

Protesters march through downtown Wellington on March 3, 2023. [Photo: WSWS]

The event follows New Zealands worst flooding in recent memory in January and February across much of Auckland, the biggest city, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Northland and Coromandel. Fifteen people were killed in the floods and about 10,500 were displaced, with many unable to return to their destroyed homes.

Auckland received 280 percent of its usual January rainfall in less than six hours during the January 27 flooding. Cyclone Gabrielle, which hit the North Island on February 13, inundated huge areas of farmland, villages and suburbs, and destroyed roads, bridges and vital infrastructure. Napier, one of the worst-hit areas, received over 600 percent of its normal February rainfall.

Such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to more water vapour in the atmosphere, caused by warmer temperatures. Severe storms are causing similar destruction throughout the world, including recently in California and Australia.

Despite the ever-increasing urgency of the climate crisis, turnout at this weeks events was lower than previous years. In 2019, more than 170,000 people participated. Unlike in the past, the organisers School Strike 4 Climate (SS4C) did not call on young people to walk out of school for the entire day; most rallies were held at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. The group appealed for university students and workers to take part as well.

About 1,000 people protested in Auckland, with similar numbers taking part in Wellington and Christchurch. Rallies were also held in at least 10 other centres including Dunedin, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Tauranga.

Members of the Socialist Equality Group (SEG) attended the Wellington protest, which marched through the city centre to parliament, spoke with some of those in attendance and distributed the statement, New Zealands flooding disaster and the case for socialism.

Miriam, a student at Victoria University of Wellington, said it was not possible to deny the effects of climate change any more. You just have to look at whats just happened in Auckland and Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. Theres been evidence to say that this is going to happen for years and years, and it is happening, and its having an effect on everyone. So someone has to do something about it.

Miriam [Photo: WSWS]

Governments around the world, including in New Zealand, had not acted on the scientific evidence because thats just not where the money is, thats not where the incentive is, she said, adding, I dont really know how you change that.

A 14-year-old student, Will McKenzie, said he was attending out of solidarity with people affected by the flooding in Auckland, Hawkes Bay, and other parts of the country. Its horrible because thousands of people have lost their homes and on the news youve seen that people have lost their businesses, kumara [sweet potato] farms, all because some major world powers and countries decide not to do anything about [climate change].

Asked what needed to be done, he said governments should stop funding oil companies. I feel like they should break the contracts and start funding more wind farms.

A group of school students from Samoa and the Cook Islands agreed with the SEGs demand for people in Pacific island countries whose homes are threatened by climate change to be offered help to relocate and to get residence in New Zealand.

Our people deserve better, and I think people have to start taking initiatives, said Leana. The waters rising and its getting hotter, and its costing them a lot of money [to adapt] that they dont really have.

Susana added: I think the events happening here in New Zealand should make us more aware about the things that are happening everywhere. Its a worldwide issue. Across the Pacific, people are dying, our people are really hurting, families are struggling, and things need to change now.

Aimee [Photo: WSWS]

Aimee, a recent tertiary student, said the worlds going in the wrong direction and we either fight or we die. She said the corporations polluting the atmosphere were not moral entities; they are machines with one purpose, which is to make as much profit as possible. She called for more regulations on big business, and for fossil fuel companies to be taxed to pay for environmental disasters like the recent flooding.

A number of people spoken to said they hoped the Labour government could be pressured by the protests, and by the Greens, to take stronger action on the climate.

This reflects the politics of the organisers. SS4C presented five modest demands to the government: No new fossil fuel mining or exploration; lower the voting age to 16; support farmers to shift to regenerative farming; expand marine reserves; and introduce rebates for people to buy e-bikes.

In an article published by Stuff ahead of the protests, Christchurch SS4C spokesperson Aurora Garner-Randolph wrote that after five years, the government had not taken the necessary steps to address the climate crisis. Its clear that for politicians, the best interests of the people come second to short-term petty election politics and big corporate donors, she said. But she offered no way forward except more protest and direct action.

Speaking at the Auckland rally, Joe Carolan, from the Unite union and the pseudo-left group Socialist Aotearoa, called on protesters to vote Labour, vote Greens, vote for the parties that have the best policy. He suggested that this, combined with more strikes and protests, would lead to a revolution.

At the Wellington rally, Green Party co-leader James Shaw gave a speech saying the floods were a wake-up call and that the government should be acting faster on climate change.

He declared that the problem was the Greens were outnumbered in parliament, and we need more Green MPs and we need more Green ministers sitting around the Cabinet table after this election, because that is how political change happens.

This is a lie. Shaw has been the minister for climate change in the Labour-Greens government for the past five years, during which time carbon emissions have continued to increase. The Greens, like Labour, oppose any action that would harm the profits of New Zealands corporate elite.

In opposition to the capitalist parties promoted during yesterdays rallies, the SEGs statement insisted: Stopping emissions to prevent a catastrophic temperature rise demands a globally coordinated effort, incompatible with the division of the planet into rival capitalist countries. What is required is nothing less than restructuring the global economy along socialist lines. The worlds resources and major industries must be placed in public ownership and under the democratic control of the working class, so they can be used in a rational and scientific manner to address urgent social needs, not to enrich a handful of billionaires.

We call on workers and students who agree with this perspective to share our statement and to contact us.
On Thursday, Democratic Michigan attorney general Dana Nessel revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed she was one of several elected Jewish officials targeted by a heavily armed fascist terrorist as part of a plot to kill anyone that is jewish (sic) in the Michigan [government].



The FBI has confirmed I was a target of the heavily armed defendant in this matter, Nessel wrote on March 2. It is my sincere hope that the federal authorities take this offense just as seriously as my Hate Crimes & Domestic Terrorism Unit takes plots to murder elected officials.

In this April 15, 2020 photo, protesters carry guns outside the Capitol Building in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The man accused of threatening to kill Nessel, and others, is Jack Eugene Carpenter III, 41, from Tipton, Michigan. On Friday, Carpenter was ordered to remain in detention at the Livingston County Jail in Howell, on one charge of transmitting an interstate threat, which carries with it a maximum five-year prison sentence.



In a court hearing on Wednesday, prosecutor Hank Moon alleged that when FBI and local police arrested Carpenter they found approximately a half dozen firearms and ammunition, in his vehicle. Michigan police have confirmed that Carpenter had three 9mm pistols registered to him and that he had recently come under investigation after a girlfriend alleged that Carpenter had stolen a gun from her.



In their affidavit, the FBI claimed they first became aware of Carpenters threats after a tip was forwarded to their office on February 18. The tip included screenshots from a Twitter account allegedly linked to Carpenter.



The screenshots showed that on February 17, @tempered_reason tweeted out that he was heading back to Michigan to carry out the punishment of death to anyone that is Jewish. The account, which the affidavit says Carpenters mother confirmed is his, tweeted out a Google document titled Declaration of Sovereignty.



In the language of the far right sovereign citizen movement, Carpenter declared he was forming a new state on his property, located in Tipton, and that he was the King of Israel.



In the fascist manifesto Carpenter listed multiple targets, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, who is Jewish. The document is filled with deranged antisemitic and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories.



There are rats in that house, and I suggest that Jewry clean it, Carpenter allegedly wrote in his manifesto. Theyve been there long enough playing on the heart strings of mankind to manipulate them into mental and physical slavery.



In the FBI affidavit the government alleges that on February 18 Carpenters mother told police that he had reached out to her for some money so he could travel to Michigan. Based on a geofence warrant obtained from AT&T, FBI discovered that Carpenter was in Ellis County, Texas, a suburb of Fort Worth and that the violent Twitter threats had originated from a phone belonging to Carpenter.



The affidavit notes that Carpenters mother confirmed that @tempered_reason was her sons Twitter account and that he had become angry with her on the morning of February 18 after she refused to loan him money so he could travel to Michigan.



The morning of February 18, @tempered_reason tweeted, Ill be coming back to Michigan, still driving with expired plates. You may want to let everyone know, and Wayne County sheriff as well, any attempt to subdue me will be met with deadly force in self-defense.



The affidavit notes that Carpenters mother confirmed to police that her son had three handguns, a 12 gauge shotgun, and two hunting rifles, one of which is an M1A, a military style weapon.



This is at least the second time in the last three years that Nessel and other Michigan elected officials have been targeted for assassination by armed fascists. In October 2020, in a prelude to the January 6 coup, over a dozen far-right militia members were arrested on charges of plotting to kidnap and/or kill Governor Whitmer prior to the election. So far, seven people have been convicted on state or federal charges related to the plot.



Like the fascists who mobilized in 2020, it appears the defendant in this case was incited to violence based on his opposition to limited COVID-19 mitigation measures and vaccine requirements. On February 17, Carpenter warned Jewish public officials on Twitter that if they held public office on my land they were subject to immediate punishment for their participation in an unlawful war of aggression using a biological weapon against me.



It appears that a vaccine mandate implemented by Carpenter's former employer, the University of Michigan, set him off. A spokesperson for the university told the Jewish Telegraph Agency on Wednesday that Carpenter had been employed as a systems administrator in the computing department for 10 years but was fired in 2021.



While the university refused to confirm the reason for his termination, according to the @tempered_reason Twitter account, which is still active as of this writing, Carpenter was enraged over having to take a COVID-19 vaccine.



I was fired from the university of Michigan... for refusing to take experimental medication... not licensed for preventing sars-cov-2.



In an interview with CNN on Friday, Democratic Michigan State Representative Samantha Steckloff recalled that the FBI first called her and two other Jewish Michigan lawmakers a week ago to warn that they were going to arrest Carpenter based on the targeted threats they had received.



Commenting on the surge of anti-Semitism in the United States, Steckloff observed that since the election of Donald Trump in 2016, and the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, attacks against her and other Jewish elected officials had risen. Steckloff noted that since Kanye West said he was going to go defcon 3 on the Jews, it has increased even more.



Through November 2022 in Michigan, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported 220 incidents of white supremacist propaganda being distributed, which is 70 more than all of 2021, ADL Michigan Regional Director Carolyn Normandin told the Detroit News on Friday.



Normandin told the paper that in 2021 the ADL recorded 112 anti-Semitic incidents, more than in any other previous year. She added that it is possible that 2022 figures, which are still be compiled, could surpass 2021.



The arrest of Carpenter is just the latest incident that is part of a significant surge of anti-Semitic and fascistic agitation and violence in the United States. The rise of these incidents is directly linked to the growth of fascistic elements and tendencies within the ruling class as a whole, and the Republican Party specifically.



In Los Angeles, California last month, failed dental student Jaime Tran, 28, was arrested on attempted murder charges after he shot and injured two Jewish men as they left their synagogues. A criminal affidavit noted that Tran had a history of antisemitic and threatening conduct including emailing a former Jewish classmate that Someone is going to kill you, Jew, and I want you dead, Jew. Tran also sent an email with a flyer attached which blamed Jews for the COVID-19 pandemic.



This past Tuesday, former Ohio National Guard member Thomas Develin, 25, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to making and selling ghost guns and for making terroristic threats.



Develin was arrested in April 2022, after it was discovered he made threats on the online messaging app Discord threatening to shoot up the Columbus Torah Academy, a Jewish K-12 school, where he was employed as an armed security guard.



Im at a Jewish school and about to make it everyones problem, Develin wrote, adding, The playground is about to turn into a self-defense situation.



Court documents revealed that Develin shared numerous violent threats targeting Jewish people, African-Americans, and women inside a private Discord chat group that included other National Guard soldiers.



Im getting $30 an hour for executive protection, he allegedly wrote to the group on September 27, 2021. But its at a Jewish synagogue. Having an inner debate that if an active shooter comes in I might just join him.



In a separate Snapchat group with his fellow fascistic soldiers, on November 21, 2021, Develin shared a photo of himself lovingly sniffing an AK-47 assault rifle with the caption, This one smells like dead Jews. That same day Develin made another video titled Jewish Women. In the video, court documents state Develin is shown pointing a gun in the direction of unknown individuals.

Former Ohio National Guardsmen and fascist Thomas Develin.

Police became aware of the Discord and Snapchat threats after one of the National Guard soldiers, who was in the same Discord chat as Develin, provided images to police following the suicide of another Ohio National Guard soldier last year who was also part of the group.



Prior to his arrest, Develin was employed by Sahara Global Security, which provides private security services to several Jewish schools and synagogues. In a statement sent to Law&Crime.com last summer following Develins arrest, Sahara Global wrote they were surprised and appalled to find out that Develin was a fascist and anti-Semite.



Sahara Global noted that in addition to passing all background checks, to include fingerprinting, drug testing, personality exams, and an extensive interview, Develin, had, a SECRET security clearance through the US military.
More and more autoworkers at parts manufacturer Dana Inc.s Toledo Driveline Plant are stepping forward to report that the company and UAW collaborated to fire them for bogus reasons. The real aim of this ongoing purge is to remove militant workers, lower labor costs, and terrify those remaining to accept worse conditions. It is a violation of every workers rights, and it is a lesson in the reality of the capitalist system, where workers lives are sacrificed at the altar of corporate profit.

Workers who are targeted for dismissal at Dana include those who previously spoke up against management or the UAW, reported sexual harassment, became pregnant, were close to obtaining 5-year vested pension rights or reported wage theft. Dozens of workers have been fired regardless of their records or length of employment.

The report of the mass firings in Toledo has generated widespread anger among autoworkers everywhere. A World Socialist Web Site article published Thursday on the firings has been read over 10,000 times, including by Dana workers across the county and also by autoworkers at the Big Three. Dana is a critical parts supplier for Ford, GM and Stellantis, and the contract for 150,000 Big Three workers expire this year. These are necessary and powerful allies, including Dana workers family and friends at the Jeep plant across I-75.

Zareina Walker is one of the fired workers. She is a 22-year-old who began working at Dana in November 2020 and was fired in mid-December 2022 after reaching her two year mark. She was fired two weeks after informing the company that they had been underpaying her for five months.

A week or two before they fired me I noticed my pay rate was wrong, Walker told the World Socialist Web Site. They put me at $18 an hour and it was supposed to be $18.80. Two weeks later is when I got fired. I had to follow up, email them, see if they would do anything. They eventually gave me back pay but then they fired me. It felt like they fired me because I fought for my back pay.

Zareina Walker, 22-year-old worker fired from Dana using the "time card trick" [Photo by Zareina Walker]

Like many of her co-workers, Walker was fired using the time card trick, the companys main method for firing workers. Under this trick, workers who arrive a couple of minutes late are later approached by their supervisors and asked to sign a time card. The supervisors tell workers, just write the time the shift started. After the workers do so, Dana then fires them for lying on a company document, which is what they call a material violation of the contract. Otherwise, arriving late may have cost a worker a half-point on their record, but it would not have been a fireable offense.

This is how Dana fired Walker. I was called in to HR and Cherita Walker was there from the UAW, she said. I asked Cherita, can they do that? and she said, 'yes.

Another worker who was fired in late January told the World Socialist Web Site she was fired months before her pension vested. I was one of the first ones hired at the plant when it opened five years ago, she said. She was fired on the spot merely for having headphones at work.

This is widespread. The union and company are working together. I was fired last week and there were 6 people fired that same day [emphasis added], the worker said. They are targeting seniority people because we are coming up on our five years. This worker also believes she was fired because she has previously spoken up against corporate abuse: I am opinionated in there, and the union and company dont like that. If you speak out, they will target you.

The worker did not hear from the UAW for a full week after she was fired, and had to call the union to ask if there was a grievance. The UAW just said the company isnt responding. The UAW doesnt represent us, the union reps are in there with the company eating lunch together!

Chris Looney, a 29-year-old materials worker, said he was also fired on the grounds that he was wearing headphones at work. They said I was wearing headphones, but I was wearing noise cancelers because I was getting over an ear infection. The supervisor came up to me and ordered me to empty out my pockets. I said I wasnt going to do that without the union present, so they fired me. Then I talked to the UAW and they said I should have done what they said and emptied my pockets.

29-year-old fired Dana worker Chris Looney [Photo by Chris Looney]

Looney said he was also targeted because he was known for speaking up when he saw management and the UAW taking advantage of his coworkers. If you talk up against the union, you have hell to pay, he said. There is a lot of sexual harassment in there. Standing up for the workers is the worst thing you can do in their eyes. The union leaders are in it for themselves.

Kennie Brown, 33, was fired in August by the time card trick after two-and-a-half years at the plant. In Browns case, his supervisor told him to mark 10:45 on a time card, and then the company fired him, saying he lied when he really arrived at 10:49.

Fired 33-year-old Dana autoworker Kennie Brown. [Photo by Kennie Brown]

Despite this, Brown says he never saw a grievance from the UAW, which did nothing to help him get his job back. He called and texted the UAW representatives but was ignored.

Kennie Brown's unanswered request that the UAW help him come back to work under his right to "last chance" probation. [Photo by Kennie Brown]

Another victim of the time card trick was LLorhein Priddy, whose supervisor also told her to write 10:45 only for Dana to fire her for actually arriving a couple minutes later.

Priddy was fired on January 12. Three days earlier on January 9, she had written a letter to management demanding they explain why one of her coworkers was fired for standing up for herself over sexual harassment.

L'Lorhein Priddy's January 9 message demanding management investigate wrongful termination of coworker. She was fired 3 days after sending this message. [Photo by L'Lorhein Priddy]

Like all the other workers, the UAW did nothing to support her. The union is working with Dana, Priddy told the World Socialist Web Site. Clarence [another UAW official] told me my second grievance was denied and he didnt say there was even a third step. They did not inform me there was a third step. They always side with the company. Ive seen movies where they show the union helping the workers, but thats not how it is anymore.

LLorhein Priddy, fired Dana worker. [Photo by LLorhein Priddy]

The list of the fired workers goes on:

Antony Sturdevant, 34, started working at Dana as a temp in August 2021. It took the company six months to hire him in as a full-time worker, even though the contract says temporary workers must be hired-in as full-time workers after 90 days.

Sturdevant was fired in retribution for speaking-up on behalf of his co-workers. I was fired December 12, right before the paid Christmas vacation and bonus. They picked on me for speaking up, they retaliate against anyone who stands up for workers. In his time at Dana, Sturdevant had helped his coworkers to file four or five grievances against the company.

The pretext on which Sturdevant was fired is an insult to all workers. When a close relative tested positive for Covid-19, a supervisor told him to take a couple of days off. Sturdevant did so in order to protect his coworkers from the pandemic, which is still ongoing126 people die on average of Covid-19 every week in Ohio alone. The pandemic has caused 20 million excess deaths since it began in 2020.

Despite this, Sturdevant was fired for missing work. After they fired me I waited a month and did not hear anything from the UAW. Finally after I called around, [UAW rep] Kesha Self called me and said she would write a grievance. She said she would email me, and I never got an email.

Keira Poole is yet another Dana worker who was recently fired. A third generation UAW member, Poole was fired in January ten days after she filed a workplace harassment report against a team leader. Management fired her saying she was a no call/no show on a weekend shift the day after a funeral she attended for a deceased close relative. But Letter No. 17 of the contract says in the event the bereavement leave is taken continuous to weekend the employee shall not be required to work the weekend. (Page 21 of contract).

Poole says, the union did absolutely nothing. I asked for a copy of my grievance and never got it. I went to Kesha Self and then to [UAW International Servicing Rep Richard Crayon], and Kesha accepted my firing and Richard Crayon said if Kesha accepted it, there was nothing I could do.



Poole even went to the UAWs regional office but was turned away. I went down to UAW Region 2B headquarters in Maumee and walked in to ask for a face-to-face with Rich Crayon. They told me he wasnt even there. They never emailed me, never called me, nothing. I have been in the UAW for 12 years, my father and grandfather and all of my sisters were in Local 12, and I am tired of this. They take our union dues and they dont fight for us.

According to federal filings, Crayons 2021 salary was $132,360, paid for by the dues of the workers he refuses to help.

The list of fired workers is growing, and the timing couldnt be worse. The Cleveland Scene reported that Ohioans should expect higher food prices in 2023, according to USDA, caused mainly by the war the US government is escalating against Russia in Ukraine, which risks becoming a direct war between nuclear-armed powers.

The result for workers of the rising cost of living is devastating. Tayon Roach, a 22-year-old who was fired from Dana in January, told the World Socialist Web Site, Im a 22-year-old with no parents, no guidance, no anything. Ive explained this to them so many times, but they dont offer me any help. My car just got repossessed yesterday morning. Im trying to get back on track but its not easy. The union just says theres nothing we can do for you.

22-year-old fired Dana worker Tayon Roach [Photo by Tayon Roach]

The World Socialist Web Site demands all wrongfully fired workers must be rehired with full back pay. Dana workers must have democratic rank-and-file control over hiring and firing. Dana workers have the power to change the situation by coming together in a rank-and-file committee, which will share information, give workers the right to democratically discuss their demands for change, and ensure workers are united in common action, free of control from the pro-corporate UAW officials.

If you are a fired Dana worker, fill out this form.
An American money manager specializing in emerging markets just rode to the rescue of an embattled Indian tycoon accused of fraud.

More from Fortune:

Florida-based GQG Partners amassed a $1.9 billion overall stake in Gautam Adanis eponymous group of energy and infrastructure companies, accused by Hindenburg Research in January of committing what may be the largest corporate fraud in history.

The secondary market trade doesn't raise capital directly, but it could go a long way in shoring up flagging trust in the 60-year-old business magnate, once the worlds second richest person.

Adani Group finance chief Robbie Singh hailed it as a landmark deal that demonstrates the continued confidence of global investors in the governance, management practices and the growth of the industrial conglomerate.

Rajiv Jain, chairman and chief investment officer of GQG Partners, went so far as to personally give his stamp of approval in the group's beleaguered patriarch.

Gautam Adani is widely regarded as among the best entrepreneurs of his generation, Jain said in a joint statement.

GQG took small interests in four different Adani companies ranging in size between 2.5% to 4.1% companies, which among other assets own and operate the largest airport and port in India.

The largest single investment was $662 million purchase of shares in Adani Enterprises, the groups flagship tasked with helping India become more economically self-reliant.

Adani companies own and operate some of the largest and most important infrastructure assets throughout India and around the world, Jain added.

Who is Rajiv Jain?

Born and raised in India, Jain moved to the United States in 1990 to pursue a masters in business administration at the University of Miami.

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After joining the New York-based asset management arm of Bank Vontobel as portfolio manager, Jain was appointed chief investment officer in January 2002. He went on to build the business from less than $400 million in assets under management (AUM) at the time to nearly $50 billion by the time he left in 2016.

Rajiv Jain is everything that Cathie Wood isnt https://t.co/AJiOQNGYA2  Bloomberg (@business) February 22, 2023

He played such a key role for the Swiss bank that its stock collapsed the day it disclosed Jain was quitting to go into business for himself.

Put simply, Rajiv Jain was the face of Vontobel asset management in New York, an analyst with Zuercher Kantonalbank said at the time, downgrading the stock.

The star investment fund manager was described in a Feb. 23 profile by Bloomberg as everything that Cathie Wood isnt.

What is GQG Partners?

In June 2016, Jain went on to co-found GQG Partners together with Tim Carver. Within a year, the duo were already entrusted with managing $5 billion.

Despite not being a household name like ARK Invests Wood, Jain used his list of contacts to quietly build a firm with $92 billion in AUM as of the end of January.

While it is headquartered in Florida hotspot Ft. Lauderdale, it chose in October 2021 to list its shares in Australia, a resource-heavy equity market well known for catering to mining and energy companies like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto and their investors.

The fund management firm, which specializes in emerging markets, currently has a market cap of AUD$4.23 billion, or $2.9 billion.

In January, Jain informed clients his firm's investment portfolio underweighted the U.S. tech sector, a favorite of Woods.

With lofty sales expectations but slowing IT budgets, returns in that space could be disappointing, he wrote, warning of a murky outlook for earnings where the odds are not favorable to investors.

What was the reaction to GQG's decision to invest in Adani?

Nate Andersons Hindenburg Research, a short seller best known for unveiling the fraud at Nikola Motors, accused the Indian conglomerate of decades of corporate malfeasance, allegations the group has denied.

This has nonetheless failed to prevent nearly $120 billion in value erased from its seven listed firms practically overnight, with Gautam Adanis own personal fortune tumbling in the process.

We believe the Adani Group has been able to operate a massive, flagrant fraud in broad daylight in large part because investors, journalists, citizens and even politicians have been afraid to speak out about the obvious, for fear of reprisal. (54/x)  Hindenburg Research (@HindenburgRes) January 25, 2023

Early last month Adani was forced to shelve a fully-subscribed equity hike that would have raised $2.5 billion for his companies. Shortly thereafter it halved its growth target and scaled down capital expenditure plans in an effort to conserve cash.

Given the controversy surrounding the company, GQG Partners reached out to clients to explain the rationale of investing in such potentially risky assets, according to Reuters.

Theres a very high level of scepticism about what that stake means, whether theyve understood the risk theyre taking on, said Tribeca Alpha Plus Fund manager Jun Bei Liu.

Shares in GQG Partners slid 3% on Friday, underperforming the broader Australian equity market, following the news.

In an interview with Bloomberg conducted only days before the investment, Jain downplayed the charges leveled at Adani as a lot of hot air, and dismissed the idea the conglomerate may be the biggest case of fraud in India since Satyam Computer Services over a decade ago.

These are regulated assets, you can verify a lot of these revenue streams from other places, he said on Feb. 23. So I think this is not Enron, or Satyam for that matter.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

More from Fortune:






The Biden administration on Friday announced a new batch of military aid for Ukraine, worth up to $400 million. The latest allotment pushes the total value of U.S. military aid provided to Ukraine to more than $32 billion.

The aid package, to be drawn from U.S. stockpiles, will provide thousands of artillery shells of various sizes, including the 155mm shells used by the more than 100 M-777 howitzers the U.S. has supplied to Ukraine and are reportedly in heavy use as Ukrainian forces battle an attempted Russian advance near the city of Bakhmut.

The U.S. will also supply Ukraine for the first time with Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges, unarmed tank-like vehicles with folding metal bridges that allow tanks and jeeps to cross trenches and water obstacles. Combined with the equipment used to clear mines that is also part of the package, the mobile bridges could be used in a possible spring offensive against dug-in Russian forces.

The U.S. is also ramping up its training of Ukrainian soldiers. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. has nearly tripled the number of Ukrainians receiving training in Germany on equipment such as Bradley fighting vehicles and Stryker armored personnel carriers. An initial group of 600 completed a five-week course last month, and 1,600 soldiers are currently learning to use the new equipment.

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Brookfield Public Securities Group LLC.

NEW YORK, March 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSE: CEN) (the Fund) today announced its Board of Directors (the Board) declared the Funds quarterly distribution for March 2023.



Record Date Ex-Date Payable Date Amount per Share March 15, 2023 March 14, 2023 March 28, 2023 $0.225



Shares purchased on or after the ex-distribution date will not receive the distribution discussed above. Please contact your financial advisor with any questions. Distributions may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital (ROC). Any portion of the Funds distributions that is a return of capital does not necessarily reflect the Funds investment performance and should not be confused with yield or income. The tax status of distributions will be determined at the end of the taxable year.* Payment of future distributions is subject to approval by the Funds Board of Trustees, as well as the Fund meeting the asset coverage requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Brookfield Public Securities Group LLC (PSG) is an SEC-registered investment adviser that represents the Public Securities platform of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., providing global listed real assets strategies including real estate equities, infrastructure equities, energy infrastructure equities, multi-strategy real asset solutions and real asset debt. With over $22 billion of assets under management as of January 31, 2023, PSG manages separate accounts, registered funds and opportunistic strategies for financial institutions, public and private pension plans, insurance companies, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds and individual investors. PSG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $800 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2022. For more information, go to https://publicsecurities.brookfield.com/.

Story continues

Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund is managed by PSG. The Fund uses its website as a channel of distribution of material information about the Fund. Financial and other material information regarding the Fund is routinely posted on and accessible at https://publicsecurities.brookfield.com/.

COMPANY CONTACT

Center Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund

Brookfield Place

250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10281-1023

(855) 777-8001

publicsecurities.enquiries@brookfield.com

Investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

* Distributions include all distribution payments regardless of source and may include net income, capital gains, and/or return of capital (ROC). ROC should not be confused with yield or income. The Fund's Section 19a-1 Notice, if applicable, contains additional distribution composition information and may be obtained by visiting publicsecurities.brookfield.com. Final determination of a distribution's tax character will be made on Form 1099 DIV and sent to shareholders. On a tax basis, as of December 31, 2022, the most recent available figures, the Fund estimates that its distributions may be largely characterized as qualied dividend income. This amount is an estimate and the actual amount and sources for tax reporting purposes may change upon final determination of tax characteristics and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. A return of capital is not taxable and results in a reduction in the tax basis of a shareholders investment. The final determination regarding the nature of the distributions will be made after the end of the Funds fiscal year when the Fund can determine its earnings and profits. The final tax status of the distributions may differ substantially and will be made available to shareholders after the close of each calendar year. The proportion of distributions that are treated as taxable distributions may also vary and or increase in future years. The Fund invests in master limited partnerships (MLPs), which are generally treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. Distributions from MLPs are estimated as income and return of capital based on information reported by the MLPs and managements estimates of such amounts based on historical information. These estimates are adjusted when the actual source of distributions is disclosed by the MLPs and the actual amounts may differ from the estimated amounts. In setting the Funds distribution policy, PSG and the Funds Board consider a number of factors, including both expected income and distributions received by the Fund and our expectations regarding potential capital appreciation. From time to time the Fund may be over- or under- distributed when taking into account actual income, distributions and net unrealized gains or losses since actual capital appreciation is variable over time. However, our goal is to have a distribution rate that is stable over the long term.

Foreside Fund Services, LLC; distributor.




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Riesling has made its way around the world from its home in Germany, first heading to neighboring countries Austria, France and Italy before boarding ships sailing to faraway ports in the New World. While it is not the most popular grape on the planettrailing among whites behind Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blancit is the favorite of many sommeliers and wine industry insiders. They love it for its bold acidity and rich flavors of peach, nectarine, citrus fruit and rose petal. That acidity which helps Riesling age for long periods also makes it a great pairing for sushi or seafood crudo or for dishes that combine sweet and spicy elements like General Tsos chicken or fried shrimp with Thai chili sauce.

More from Robb Report

Some wine lovers shy away from Riesling fearing it may be too sweet, but that depends on the style of Riesling youre drinking. Fortunately, its common to find a sweetness scale on the back label of many Rieslings from the United States, and terms like Late Harvest or Botrytized will also let you know that theres a high amount of residual sugar in the bottle. Besides, theres a time and a place where you want to reach for a sweet Riesling, because its especially good with creamy desserts and apple or pear tarts, and its a nice match with strong blue cheese too.

Riesling is grown in just about every winemaking country around the globe. In regions like Napa Valley or Australias Barossa Valley, producers of high-end red wines also release versions that are bargains compared to their darker hued siblings. Many of these are very small production and hard to get hold of because they sell out so quickly.

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Weve rounded up a variety of Rieslings from California, Australia, Washington and New York that are among the best the New World has to offer.

Smith-Madrone 2017 Spring Mountain District Riesling Napa Valley

Aromas of Granny Smith apple, apricot blossom and grapefruit pith draw you in to this intoxicating Napa Valley Riesling. The wine made by Charles F. Smith III has flavors of apricot, white peach and lemon zest with a silky, yet waxy, mouthfeel. There is a nice balance of minerality and salinity before the long finish that keeps inviting you in for another sip.

Buy Now: $38

Henschke 2021 Peggys Hill Eden Valley Australia

Made by one of Australias premier wine families better known for their highly collectable Hill of Grace red wine, this alluring white wine has intoxicating aromas of tropical fruits, honeysuckle blossom and lemon sorbet. It has flavors of honeydew melon, yellow peach and zesty lemon peel with bracing acidity and a strong backbone of minerality that carry into the long-lasting finish.

Buy Now: $39

Chateau St. Jean 2017 Late Harvest Riesling Belle Terre Alexander Valley

Chateau St. Jean 2017 Late Harvest Riesling Belle Terre Alexander Valley

Grapes for this captivating botrytized sweet wine are grown on the Dick Familys Belle Terre Vineyard located in Alexander Valley on the banks of the Russian River. It has enticing aromas of white peach, lemon zest, honey and dried apricot. It is rich and generous on the palate with ripe fruit flavors, especially apricot, peach, mango and guava. The acidity is well balanced with the sweetness so as not to be cloying at all. A very enjoyable dessert wine.

Buy Now: $60

Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2007 Eroica Single Berry Select Horse Heaven Hills Washington

This ethereal sweet wine is a joint project by Mosel winemaker Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau. It is made in the Trockenbeerenauslese style, which means the shriveled grapes have a very high level of sugar. Botrytized grapes harvested from the Horse Heaven Vineyard near the Columbia River remained on the vine for about two months after the dry wine harvest. Expect aromas of acacia honey, honeycomb and candied orange peel with good heft on the palate and flavors of orange blossom, apricot nectar and sweet spices.

Buy Now: $213

Grosset 2022 Alea Riesling Clare Valley Australia

Grapes for this fascinating Riesling are grown in the ACO certified organic Grosset Rockwood Vineyard in Clare Valley, Australia. The wine has aromas of dried savory herbs, white citrus blossoms and lime zest. It has flavors of tangerine peel, grapefruit pith and lemon zest and a strong current of minerality with a finish that just goes on and on.

Buy Now: $45

Pewsey Vale 2015 The Contours Museum Reserve Riesling Eden Valley Australia

This luscious single vineyard Riesling comes from 50-year-old vines grown in Eden Valley, Australia. It has aromas of citrus blossoms, lemon zest and sea air and is soft, yet dry upon entry into the mouth. There are flavors of lemon and lime zest, grapefruit pith, dried savory herbs and freshly picked white peach with a strong vein of minerality and pronounced salinity in the finish.

Buy Now: $36

Chateau Montelena 2021 Riesling Potter Valley California

Made by Chateau Montelenafamous for their 1976 award in the Judgement of Paristhis delectable wine offers a hint of sweetness in the bouquet, yet it is made in a dry style and has aromas of orange zest, Anjou pear and white flowers. There are flavors of tangerine and mandarin with a hint of lemon-lime in the palate and a crisp, clean finish.

Buy Now: $35

Dr. Konstantin Frank 2019 Margrit Dry Riesling Finger Lakes New York

Dr. Frank is one of the pioneer wine makers in New Yorks Finger Lakes region. Grapes for this engaging dry Riesling are grown on a single plot in the winerys Seneca estate vineyards. It is named for Willy Franks wife, Margrit, and has aromas of mandarin orange, tangerine and grapefruit rind. There are flavors of candied orange peel and lemon zest with sensations of wet river rocks and shale in the midpalate. It has great body and balanced acidity.

Buy Now: $35

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard 2019 HJW Bio Riesling Finger Lakes New York

Grapes for this tasty Riesling were grown and harvested according to the Biodynamic calendar. The wine is whole cluster pressed and allowed to undergo wild fermentation. There is no fining or filtering, and the wine is aged half in large oak barrels and half in stainless steel. It has aromas of tangerine, Valencia orange peel and grapefruit rind and offers lively lemon-lime flavors with balanced acidity and great mouthfeel.

Buy Now: $40

Red New cellars Riesling

This dry Finger Lakes Riesling is produced with grapes from The Knoll, a block in the Lahoma Vineyard on the west bank of Seneca Lake. It has aromas of lemon blossom, lime zest and orange peel. In the mouth there are flavors of lemon zest, grapefruit juice and candied tangerine peel with bracing acidity and excellent minerality that are evident on the post palate.

Buy Now: $36

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Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers her State of the State address at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix, Jan. 9, 2023.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said the state does not intend to proceed with an execution scheduled in April for death row prisoner Aaron Gunches, she announced in a statement Friday.

The Arizona Supreme Court granted a warrant of execution for Gunches on Thursday, despite Gunches and the Arizona attorney general both asking to withdraw their request for the warrant.

"The Courts decision order and warrant make clear, however, that the warrant authorizes an execution and does not require it," Hobbs said. "This is consistent with the law and separation of powers between the judicial and executive branches on this most serious exercise of the power of the State."

Gunches was sentenced to death for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, a former longtime boyfriend of Gunches' girlfriend. Gunches kidnapped and shot Price multiple times.

Hobbs recently appointed retired Magistrate Judge David Duncan to review the execution process in Arizona, as outlined in her executive order issued in January to establish a Death Penalty Independent Review commissioner.

"Under my Administration, an execution will not occur until the people of Arizona can have confidence that the State is not violating the law in carrying out the gravest of penalties," Hobbs said.

What's next for the death penalty? This case deepens questions about capital punishment.

Nation: Florida executes death row inmate for first time in nearly four years

Hobbs said bringing the Department of Corrections up to adequate staffing levels and getting it prepared to carry out an execution would take more time.

"My hope is, in that time, the Death Penalty Independent Review Commissioner will also be able to complete his analysis and recommendations, which ADCRR will work to implement," Hobbs said.

'Death is not justice': Arizona executes first person in 8 years, advocacy groups hold vigils

Arizona has 110 prisoners on death row. The state carried out three executions last year, after a nearly eight-year hiatus following criticism that a 2014 execution was botched and because of difficulties obtaining execution drugs.

Story continues

Since resuming executions, the state has been criticized for taking too long to insert an IV for lethal injection into a prisoners body in early May and for denying the request from the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, to serve as a media witness for the last three executions.

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day.

Contributing: The Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona won't proceed with execution set by court, governor says
When the People's Bank of China (PBOC) launched pilot trials for the e-CNY at the end of 2019, it selected cities based on factors such as major national development and coordinated regional expansion strategies, as well as location-specific industrial and economic features.

Suzhou, the most populous city in eastern Jiangsu province, ticked all the right boxes just like the other initial test sites - Shenzhen, Xiongan and Chengdu. With an economy built on a large manufacturing sector, Suzhou has well-established development zones, an extensive transport network and business-friendly policies that have made it one of the country's foremost destinations for foreign investment.

Fast-forward to the present and the digital yuan's adoption in Suzhou, like in other pilot cities, appears to have slowed along with China's economy in the past few years.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

A recent visit by the South China Morning Post to Suzhou Centre Mall, the city's largest and most popular shopping venue, found a listless state of e-CNY adoption amid the more prevalent use of other digital payment systems. But that has not stopped the local government from targeting an ambitious post-pandemic goal this year.

Suzhou Centre Mall, which opened in November 2017, was developed by Singaporean real estate firm CapitaLand. It is the largest shopping centre in Suzhou, the most populous city in eastern Jiangsu province. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Suzhou Centre Mall, which opened in November 2017, was developed by Singaporean real estate firm CapitaLand. It is the largest shopping centre in Suzhou, the most populous city in eastern Jiangsu province. Photo: Shutterstock>

Similar to most stores nationwide, shops in the mall accept payments via Ant Group platform Alipay or Tencent Holdings' WeChat Pay. Few establishments put up labels at cashier's desks to indicate that China's sovereign digital currency was also accepted. Ant Group is the financial technology affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the Post.

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Alipay and WeChat Pay each have hundred of millions of daily active users on the mainland after amassing millions of features over the years between them. The two super apps each offer a myriad of services, from retailing and catering to medical services, that ensure convenience in their respective ecosystems to keep subscribers from looking to engage with other platforms. The e-CNY, in effect, became a one-time giveaway that offered consumers neither additional convenience nor any compelling reason to be regular users.

China's e-CNY roll-out, two years ahead of any other global monetary authority, offers a crucial case study to India, Sweden, Japan, the United States and the UK, which are all in various stages of studying or rolling out their own versions of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). A 2021 survey by the Bank of International Settlements found that 86 per cent of 65 global central banks were researching the potential for CBDCs, with one-fifth of the world's population likely to see a sovereign digital currency in the next three years.

Before the Post inquired, a drink shop employee at the Suzhou mall surnamed Wang said she had not encountered a single person who wanted to use e-CNY at the store since it enabled this payment function last year. "You're the first one to propose to use e-CNY," Wang said.

A staff member shows use of China's digital yuan, the e-CNY, during the first Global Digital Trade Expo held in Hangzhou, capital of eastern Zhejiang province, on December 12, 2022. Photo: Xinhua alt=A staff member shows use of China's digital yuan, the e-CNY, during the first Global Digital Trade Expo held in Hangzhou, capital of eastern Zhejiang province, on December 12, 2022. Photo: Xinhua>

Still, some stores have processed e-CNY payments. Meng Tao, who worked at another shop in the mall, said the frequency of customers using e-CNY was about "once a month" since their establishment started accepting it last year.

The lacklustre e-CNY usage discerned at the mall is in stark contrast with Suzhou's ambitious target this year. Local authorities expect the total amount of e-CNY transactions in the city to reach 2 trillion yuan (US$291 billion) by the end of 2023, a big jump from the 340 billion yuan turnover recorded last year. That target amount is also close to the city's total gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.4 trillion yuan in 2022.

That lofty goal appears to be backed by Suzhou's efforts to increase e-CNY adoption. The city had 30.5 million personal e-CNY digital wallets, more than 900,000 places to use the sovereign digital currency and support by nearly half-a-million merchants at the end of 2022, according to official data from the local government. Local authorities have also spent more than 40 billion yuan worth of e-CNY as part of the city's annual financial expenditure, including for salaries, tax payments and housing fund loans.

Suzhou has aggressively promoted e-CNY adoption through various programmes, despite Covid-19-related disruptions that have beset the country in the past three years. During the 2021 Lunar New Year holiday, for example, the city handed out a total of 250,000 e-CNY red packets, worth 50 million yuan, as part of a grand campaign to expand use of the digital currency.

Charlotte He, a 27-year-old resident in Suzhou, said she felt excited at the time for being one of the selected e-CNY red packet recipients in the city, which had a population of 12.7 million in 2021. She remembered spending 200 yuan at a local supermarket the day after receiving the giveaway. That experience, however, was He's sole memory of using e-CNY in the past three years.

She acknowledged that using e-CNY provided "a sense of security" because it was developed and backed by the state, instead of a private company such as Tencent or Alibaba. Still, she said the sovereign digital currency has not been a preferred payment option in the city because there was little support from local merchants.

Such feedback from He, as well as from other consumers and merchants, has not discouraged Suzhou authorities from finding more ways to promote e-CNY usage. After getting the digital yuan adopted by banks and utilities, Suzhou enabled e-CNY payment at one of its metro rail lines in June 2021. This was later expanded to all five of the city's metro lines.

Late last year, the Suzhou branch of the state-owned China Construction Bank (CCB) started a campaign to get businesses to open e-CNY wallets as a convenient and secure tool to make electronic payments and money transfers, according to a bank employee surnamed Zhu.

That initiative, however, was poorly received. Zhu indicated that no more than 10 per cent of local businesses have opened e-CNY wallets. If the CCB can provide more incentives, such as lower borrowing costs, interest in e-CNY wallets could be much higher, according to Zhu.

At present, it has been mostly government agencies, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and public institutions that have opened e-CNY accounts in Suzhou, according to a senior executive at a local branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. This executive, who declined to be identified because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said it remains difficult to convince enterprises to adopt e-CNY because the ecosystem has not been fully formed, which means that promoting digital yuan adoption was "more of a political task under the direction of national policy".

The PBOC, the country's central bank, started studying the development of a sovereign digital currency in 2014 and established a first-generation prototype in 2016. A year later, the State Council gave the PBOC the green light to work with the country's large commercial banks, telecommunications network operators and major internet companies to develop and test China's own CBDC. It would eventually serve as a substitute for M0, the monetary term for total physical notes and coins in circulation.

After basically completing the e-CNY's design, function development and system testing, the PBOC initiated pilot programmes in 2019 with Shenzhen, Suzhou, Xiongan and Chengdu, while testing user scenarios for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. From November 2020, the cities of Shanghai, Hainan, Changsha, Xian, Qingdao and Dalian were added as e-CNY trial sites.

The ongoing pilot scheme has been expanded to 26 cities and 5.6 million merchants, with an accumulated transaction value of 100 billion yuan at the end of August from consumer spending, bank lending and cross-border payments.

In Suzhou, 2022 statistics from the municipal government show that 130 million yuan in e-CNY were used to settle water, electricity and gas bills, as well as charges for various livelihood services during the year. About 1.1 million e-CNY transactions were recorded in transport-related scenarios such as subway and petrol stations. On the enterprise side, more than 12 per cent of corporate transactions by SOEs used e-CNY in the same period.

The southern tech hub of Shenzhen, meanwhile, spent 570 million yuan last year on 73 consumer-targeted e-CNY campaigns. The city recorded 37.7 billion yuan in accumulated e-CNY transaction value at the end of 2022, according to data from the PBOC branch in Shenzhen.

China's central bank has already included the digital yuan into the amount of cash in circulation, marking a new era for its use in the world's second-largest economy. Total e-CNY in circulation reached 13.61 billion yuan at the end of December, which represented 0.13 per cent of outstanding M0.

While it has yet to confirm a timetable for the official launch of the digital yuan, the PBOC has said it will continue its pilot programme in line with China's 14th five-year plan.

A mass roll-out could not be rushed because of efforts to advance the revision of laws and regulations, such as the Law on the People's Bank of China. The PBOC is looking to formulate relevant administrative measures to enhance personal information protection, while improving the rule book and technical codes of the e-CNY.

"To ensure managed anonymity, we need to strengthen legislation and improve top-level design," Mu Changchun, head of the PBOC's digital currency research institute, wrote in the September 2022 issue of Modern Bankers magazine.

PBOC officials have also repeatedly asserted that the digital yuan was designed to replace notes and coins in circulation, not existing digital payment services such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. Last December, for example, Alipay started offering the e-CNY as an express payment option for users of Alibaba's Taobao Marketplace and Tmall platforms.

"I think it's natural that e-CNY was used at a low frequency," said Wang Pengbo, a senior financial analyst at market consultancy Botong Analysys. "It's hard to conduct a high frequency of transactions because consumers already adopted [other payment methods]."

"After promoting the digital yuan to consumers by rolling out subsidies and red packets, the next stage of the trial should aim to make both consumers and enterprises use it voluntarily," Wang said.

The stakes are high for Suzhou because it must balance efforts to promote e-CNY with growing its fiscal revenue, which had been hammered by economic headwinds and strict Covid-19 restrictions that were not relaxed until December.

Suzhou's fiscal revenue rose just 0.1 per cent year on year to 233 billion yuan last year, compared with a 9 per cent growth in the same period in 2021. The city's GDP grew just 2 per cent in 2022.

Despite Suzhou's recent economic difficulties, some still see a way for the city to substantially grow e-CNY adoption and reach its goal of 2 trillion yuan transactions this year.

"As long as the government is pushing hard enough, it's not impossible to reach that target," Zhu of CCB said. "But for consumers, it won't make any difference."

Michelle Feng, a government employee in Suzhou, said she was asked by authorities last October to open an e-CNY wallet, where her salary and bonuses have since been deposited. Feng receives more than 10,000 yuan in the form of e-CNY each month, but said she has never used it to pay for anything.

Every time that money was received, Feng transfers the whole amount to her bank account and uses it via Alipay and WeChat Pay. She asked: "Why should I bother to download another app and use e-CNY when I'm already so used to Alipay and WeChat Pay for many years?"

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Australian regulators announced in February that psychiatrists will be able to prescribe psilocybin and MDMA as medication for certain mental health conditions starting July 1 of this year. The move makes Australia the first nation to approve the legal use of MDMA and psilocybin.

This is a major regulatory step forward as medical interest in the use of psychedelic substances for the treatment of mental health conditions has surged in recent years, and as other countries -- including the United States -- loosen restrictions on their use.

"Australia is creating an interesting model that could pave the way forward for the rest of the world," Dr. Michael Alpert, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who studies MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, told ABC News.

Australia's new rules allow MDMA to be prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psilocybin to be prescribed for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Several pivotal research studies suggested the legitimacy of these treatments as new tools in the treatment of mental illness.

MORE: Legalized mushrooms, psychedelics approved by Colorado voters

A trial published in May 2021, for example, found that MDMA (otherwise known by street names "Molly" and "ecstacy") can help people suffering from PTSD when given with talk therapy. In the study, one group of people with PTSD received MDMA along with talk therapy, and the other took a placebo with identical talk therapy. This treatment went on for 18 weeks.

Ultimately, 67% of those in the MDMA-assisted therapy group no longer had PTSD after three sessions, compared to 32% in the placebo with therapy group.

Experts think MDMA helps PTSD by adjusting fear and memory circuits in the brain and bolstering social behaviors.

PHOTO: In this Nov. 5, 2019, file photo, a police officer shows synthetic drug MDMA, also known as ecstasy, during a press conference in Jakarta. (Adek Berry/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Psilocybin, which is the active ingredient found in "magic mushrooms," creates psychedelic effects by altering neurotransmitters in the body. Researchers think it may help with depression by altering serotonin to create a positive mental state of interconnectedness, termed a "mystical experience" in research studies.

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In a 2021 trial, psilocybin worked just as well as the antidepressant escitalopram, with significant improvements in well-being noted in the psilocybin group.

Many other governments, organizations and businesses have looked favorably upon these research findings, speculating that FDA approval, marketing and distribution of this new class of medication may be imminent.

MORE: A child psychiatrist breaks down Biden's youth mental health priorities: Analysis

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is anticipating an eventual FDA approval of MDMA and psilocybin treatments, according to a letter from the department in May 2022. Financial experts estimate the market for psychedelic treatments will soon be valued in the billions.

Despite the promise of psychedelic drugs, they also place users in a vulnerable state due to their altered mental status during treatment, said Alpert of Harvard Medical School. As MDMA and psilocybin become legalized for prescription in Australia, the country is thinking proactively about how to ensure proper surveillance and quality of treatment.

They have specified that the medications may only be prescribed by psychiatrists in medically controlled environments. They're requiring specific training for clinicians to create safe therapeutic conditions, which includes medical and psychiatric evaluation prior to use, monitoring of response, and supportive integration therapy.

PHOTO: In this May 24, 2019, file photo, a vendor bag of psilocybin mushrooms is shown at a cannabis marketplace in Los Angeles. (Richard Vogel/AP, FILE)

"Australia will need to have clinicians demonstrate some familiarity working with these substances, provide a sort of additional training requirement or possibly some degree of clinical supervision while getting started, as well as accountability measures to identify a standard of care for these treatments and consequences for violations," Alpert said.

Although no other countries have legalized psychedelics for depression and PTSD, others are taking steps to make them more accessible. Canada approved MDMA and psilocybin for those suffering from "life-threatening mental illnesses" in 2022. A number of South American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, have legal frameworks to allow the use of other psychedelics.

In the United States, many cities and states are taking steps to loosen legal restrictions around psychedelics. The city of Denver, Colorado was first to decriminalize psilocybin, removing legal penalties for possession in 2019. Other cities, including Santa Cruz, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, followed suit in 2021.

MORE: What to know about post-traumatic stress disorder

Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize it for therapeutic use in 2020. The drugs are not officially approved for medical use, but the state issues permits to trained facilities allowing them to offer sessions using the drug. Colorado passed similar guidelines in 2022.

Whether the United States will follow Australia's lead and lift restrictions on MDMA and psilocybin at the federal level is still to be determined. Researchers are still gathering data and regulatory systems are still being developed to ensure that psychedelics are safe, effective and can be responsibly administered.

Experts working in this space will be keeping a close eye on how the Australian policies play out, Alpert says.

"It will be interesting to see what Australia is going to do to ensure that patients receive a consistent standard of care when receiving these services. Proper implementation will be key in ensuring that patients have access to life saving treatments for diseases that lack other great options," he said.

Nicholas Nissen, M.D., is an author, host of the "Brain Health with Dr. Nissen" podcast and a contributor to the ABC News Medical Unit.

Australia will allow prescription MDMA and magic mushrooms for some people with mental illness originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Businesswoman Barbara Corcoran has recalled her awkward first meeting with Shark Tank co-star and billionaire, Mark Cuban, while on set of the reality show.

The 73-year-old entrepreneur, who boasts one million followers on TikTok, shared with her followers on Thursday the most embarrassing moment she had while filming the ABC show. Get ready with me while I tell you my most embarrassing moment on Shark Tank, Corcoran began the candid video, as her makeup artist glammed her face.

The Corcoran Group founder recalled the incident took place when she was rushing to Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, California to begin shooting her fourth season of Shark Tank  a popular reality show in which aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their products to a team of successful business titans in order to invest in their company.

When I jumped in the van, I see this guy sitting in the back seat and I was surprised because I always had the van to myself, said Corcoran, as her makeup artist contoured her face.

I had three big pieces of luggage so I decided to ask him: Hey, do you mind helping me put my luggage in the back of the van? she recalled, to which Cuban replied: Yes, maam.

When they arrived on the set, Corcoran pointed out her trailer and asked Cuban if he could bring her bags inside the trailer. He didnt mind, she noted. He just said: Yes, maam.

Two hours later, Corcoran walked onto the set of Shark Tank when she took her seat in the iconic Shark Tank chair, only to realise that the so-called bellboy was actually her new co-star.

I look at the guy next to me, and its the luggage guy sitting in the seat next to me, she told her TikTok followers. So I said to him: What are you doing here?

He said: Im Mark Cuban. Nice to meet you, she recalled.

Corcoran, who has a net worth of more than $100m, first made her fortune when she founded her own real estate firm  The Corcoran Group  in 1980. In 2001, she sold the company to National Realty Trust for $66m.

She then joined the reality series Shark Tank in 2009 as one of the shows original investors, and has since appeared in all 13 seasons. As of January 2023, Corcoran has made 130 deals with a total of $5,465,000 invested on the show.

Since then, Corcoran has gained renewed fame on TikTok, where she gives fans a glimpse into her career in real estate. Earlier this month, Corcoran went viral when she revealed how she made $1m in just one day.
U.S. Border Patrol agents found 171 migrants hidden in four stash houses throughout El Paso County, officials said.

Agents with the Border Patrol's Anti-Smuggling Unit, along with troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, received information Feb. 26 about a possibly stash house near Fairbanks Drive and U.S. 54 in Northeast El Paso, U.S. Border Patrol officials said.

U.S. Border Patrol agents found 171 migrants between Feb. 26, 2023, to March 2, 2023, hidden in four stash houses throughout El Paso County.

Agents found 50 migrants from Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador inside the car garage at the house. The migrants were being kept in "deplorable conditions," officials said.

The migrants were found to be in good health and were detained to be processed for deportation, officials said.

Two Mexico citizens were detained on suspicion of smuggling and will face prosecution in Texas state court, officials said.

Agents received more information Tuesday about a stash house in Central El Paso.

Agents found 25 migrants at the stash house located near Pershing Drive and U.S. 54, officials said. The migrants were from Mexico, Ecuador and Colombia.

An unaccompanied juvenile from Mexico also was found in the group, officials said.

More:Colorado murder suspect detained at El Paso port of entry

The migrants were medically evaluated and found in good health, officials said.

On Wednesday, agents who had received information through a previous stash house investigation found 78 migrants crammed inside a small house near Paisano Drive and Frutas Avenue in South-Central El Paso, officials said.

The migrants were from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. The group included three unaccompanied juveniles from Guatemala. The migrants were found in good health.

The "smuggling facilitator" was detained and will face federal prosecution for smuggling, officials said.

Agents also raided a stash house Thursday in Horizon City where they found 18 migrants who had been smuggled into the U.S., officials said.

The migrants were from Mexico, Ecuador, Honduras and Guatemala.

U.S. Border Patrol agents found 171 migrants between Feb. 26 and March 2, hidden in four stash houses throughout El Paso County.

The investigation into the stash house revealed one of the migrants from Ecuador had a prior conviction for second degree rape of a child from New York in 2014, officials said.

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The Ecuadorian will face charges for the illegal re-entry, officials said.

All migrants detained in the four stash house busts will be deported to Mexico under Title 42 or transported to theCentral Processing Center to be processed under Title 8.

U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector agents have busted 95 stash houses, resulting in the discovery of more than 1,200 migrants illegally in the U.S. in the 2023 fiscal year, which started in October, officials said.

Our multi-layer and whole of government approach, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners has been crucial to our border security mission," U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector acting Chief Patrol Agent Peter Jaquez said in a statement. "We will continue to work together to disrupt Transnational Criminal Organizations and their illicit activity in this border region. I am grateful for our community and local law enforcement support and partnerships.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials urge community members to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol by calling 1-800-635-2509. Community members can remain anonymous.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Border Patrol in El Paso County busts stash houses, finds 171 migrants
Pablo Escobar Hippos

Fernando Vergara/AP/Shutterstock

Colombia has announced a plan to transfer more than 70 hippos to India and Mexico in an effort to control their population. The animals are descendants of four African hippopotamuses illegally imported by the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s.

According to USA Today, the so-called "cocaine hippos" have become an invasive species in the South American country, where more than 130 are now settled into a favorable habitat that stretches beyond Hacienda Napoles, Escobar's former estate, along the Magdalena River.

In the years since the animals  which have no natural predators in Colombia  were introduced by Escobar, they have damaged the ecosystem and continue to pose a threat to humans, the outlet said.

Hippos are aggressive, territorial animals that can weigh up to three tons and are among the world's most dangerous animals, per National Geographic. They are also responsible for an estimated 500 deaths around the world each year, NPR reported.

RELATED: Dog Shoots and Kills His Owner, 32, in Freak Hunting Accident, Kansas Authorities Say

Scientists have raised concerns that the hippos' insatiable appetite for vegetation is crowding out native animals, polluting soil and water, and threatening biodiversity, USA Today also noted.

Per CBS News, the Colombian government declared them a toxic invasive species in 2022. After being sued over its plan to sterilize or kill the animals, a federal court ruled that the hippos can be recognized as "interested persons" with legal rights in the U.S. The order, however, does not carry any significance in Colombia.

RELATED: First Grader Gets Government Approval to Keep Pet Unicorn: Needs 'Regular Access to Rainbows'

Colombian officials now plan to lure the hippos with food into large, iron containers and transfer them by truck to the international airport in Rionegro, about 93 miles away.

"It is possible to do, we already have experience relocating hippos in zoos nationwide," David Echeverri Lopez, a spokesman for Cornare, the local environmental group leading the relocations, told CBS News.

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RELATED VIDEO: Alaska Woman Gets Kicked in the Head by a Moose While Walking Her Dog

From there, the hippos will then be flown to their new home countries.

Sixty will be sent to the Greens Zoological Rescue & Rehabilitation Kingdom in India, per USA Today.

The remaining 10 hippos will go to zoos and sanctuaries in Mexico, including the Ostok in Sinaloa, along the Gulf of California.
[Source]

A California couple has filed a $5 million lawsuit against a snorkeling company in Hawaii for allegedly abandoning them a half mile away from shore.

In September 2021, Elizabeth Webster and Alexander Burckle of Hayward booked a snorkeling excursion during their honeymoon in Hawaii with the company Sail Maui, reported Hawaii News Now.

When the boat arrived at the snorkeling destination in east Lanai, the captain informed the group that they had one hour to explore that area before the boat would be taking them to their next destination.

According to the lawsuit, the tour company failed to provide further information on how to get back to the boat or steps to take in case of an emergency.

More from NextShark: Elderly Asian Man Given New Fitbit After Attack and Robbery in San Leandro

The couple, who are both experienced snorkelers, claims to have made attempts to swim back to the catamaran boat after they were suddenly faced with rough waters, but the boat had already departed without them.

It was basically a traumatizing event where they thought they were going to die and they thought their spouse was going to die, the couples attorney, Jared Washkowitz said.

The catamaran had allegedly left them at least a quarter to half a mile away from the nearest shore. After 20 minutes of swimming in turbulent and unstable waters, they managed to reach a shoreline in Lanai.

More from NextShark: Pentagon releases selfie of U-2 pilot with Chinese spy balloon taken before shootdown

Webster sent distress signals by carving HELP and SOS in the sand, but no one came to their rescue until two Lanai residents who were driving by gave them water and allowed them to use their phones, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also claims that the Sail Maui crew conducted three separate head counts, but were unaware that two members had gone missing until Webster called them.

Another snorkeler on the same catamaran, Jessica Hebert, later called the tour disorganized and claimed that the crew had failed to properly perform the head count after their second destination.

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More from NextShark: Devastating Fire Damages Vietnamese American Community Center in Oakland

Hebert, who happens to be a U.S. Coast Guard member, said she contacted a local unit.

I know that theyre doing their own investigation, she said.

Since the incident, Sail Maui has changed its head count procedures but has declined to comment pending the lawsuit.

More from NextShark: Decorated NYPD officer charged with murder after fatally shooting ex-GFs new lover

The couple is seeking compensation for emotional distress and general damages.
Cincinnati fire crews battled two major fires in less than 24 hours: One in Camp Washington and an earlier fire that was contained on Vine Street.

The blaze in Camp Washington started at approximately 9 a.m. on the corner of Arlington Street and Colerain Avenue. Heavy smoke was still billowing in the air three hours later.

Cincinnati Fire Department Chief Michael Washington said the building that caught fire is a large, vacant commercial structure.

The main body of the fire has been knocked down, though crews are still cautiously and defensively battling the blaze due to some structure collapse, Washington said.

Around 120 Cincinnati firefighters responded to the fire, with assistance from other local departments. The Queen City Barrel fire in 2004 was the last time a similar number of firefighters responded to an incident in Cincinnati, the chief said.

A neighboring vacant building was also impacted, Washington said, adding crews are working to ensure the blaze doesnt extend to any other buildings.

He said hes quite sure the nearby historic Crosley building has not been affected.

No injuries to firefighters or civilians have been reported, so far. Crews will remain on scene for some time, the chief said.

https://twitter.com/CincyFireEMS/status/1631898020227760128?s=20

Late Friday night, fire crews were on scene in the 8400 block of Vine Street. According to fire officials a structure fire quickly escalated from a one alarm response to a three alarm fire. Officials estimated the damage to be $750,000.

No injuries were reported in that fire either.

The American Sign Museum released a statement regarding the Camp Washington fire.

"Due to a neighborhood emergency and for the safety of both our visitors and public servants, the Museum will be closed today, Saturday, March 4," the release stated. "The Museum is unaffected and will resume normal hours of operation tomorrow, Sunday, March 5 from 12-4 p.m."

The Enquirer will update this story when more information becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati fire crews battle massive blaze in Camp Washington
Netflix dropped a teaser for the upcoming limited series Florida Man, which premieres April 13.

With creator, showrunner and executive producer Donald Todd (This is Us), the show depicts an ex-cop (Edgar Ramirez) who has to come home to Florida and find a runaway girlfriend. The quick gig turns into a long journey that uncovers family secrets.

More from Variety

In addition to Ramirez, the show stars Anthony LaPaglia, Abbey Lee, Otmara Marrero, Lex Scott Davis, Emory Cohen, Clark Gregg, Isaiah Johnson, Paul Schneider and Lauren Buglioli. Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan executive produced the series for Aggregate.

Check out the trailer for the seven-episode series below.

Also in todays TV news:

PROGRAMMING

E! announced three original romantic comedy films, Arranged Love, Ms. Match and Platonic, will premiere on the cable channel this summer.

Arranged Love will follow Meera after she leaves both India and her inheritance behind until she suddenly finds herself going back to India to collect her inheritance. But, to receive the inheritance, Meera needs a husband, so she recruits Rama  as the two try to keep up the facade, the fake relationship naturally progresses into something more real.

Ms. Match follows as Athena navigates the sudden reappearance of her college ex-boyfriend, all while trying to maintain her job anonymously reporting on the Los Angeles dating scene. Balancing the two gets difficult, and Athena ultimately has to decide exactly what she wants professionally and personally.

Platonic focuses on two best friends Peter and Lexa after theyve made the baffling decision to date each other. The two friends will learn if their chemistry is romantic or strictly platonic.

*

CNNs latest news special, Navalny And the Cost of Standing Up to Putin, will air on March 3 at 9 p.m. ET.

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CNN anchor Erin Burnett will sit down with the lead Russia investigator for Bellingcat, Christo Grozev, and Dasha Navalnaya, the daughter of jailed Putin opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Navalnaya will provide updates on her fathers health and case, since his nine-year sentencing began in March 2022.

Burnett will also speak with Daniel Roher, the director of the Oscar-nominated documentary feature, Navalny, which focuses exclusively on the Russian prisoner. Following the premiere of CNN Primetime: Navalny & the Cost of Standing Up to Putin, CNN will air Navalny on Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET.

INITIATIVES

NBCU announced the NBCU TV Writers Program application window has opened and will close on March 7.

The initiative invites aspiring and emerging TV writers to develop their skillset in effort to join a writers room, and one day become showrunners and content creators. The program runs for eight months, and those selected will attend weekly evening workshops, that will cover TV writing topics from branding, pitching and interviewing.

The program will include opportunities for the participants to work with industry professionals and conclude with the participants developing an original pilot and a possible consideration to join an NBCU writers room.

See here for more information about the application process and eligibility requirements.

EXECUTIVE NEWS

Common Sense Networks, the for-profit affiliate of Common Sense Media, announced the formation of its first board.

Those selected for the board include former Sesame Workshop CEO and National Geographic Partners chairman Gary Knell; Common Sense Networks co-founder and CEO Eric Berger; Cumulus Media president/CEO Mary Berner; Nickelodeon and Oxygen co-founder Geraldine Laybourne; President/CEO of Miller Publishing Group Robert L. Miller; impact investor and entrepreneur Robert S. Townsend and Common Sense Media co-founder and CEO James P. Steyer.

The newly appointed board joins Common Sense Networks as they work to develop safe digital media options for kids, in an effort to help brands and media companies engage with families.

The collective expertise of this board is staggering and will be an extraordinary asset as we enter this next chapter of Common Sense Networks growth. I couldnt imagine a more powerful team of executives to partner on our journey to improve the state of digital media for children, said newly elected board member Steyer.

Berger added, Its a privilege to partner with this esteemed board of changemakers in navigating the next stage of Common Sense Networks evolution. With our sights set on driving meaningful business outcomes at scale for the worlds biggest brands, we feel optimistic about what the future holds.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Netflix has dropped the first Florida Man teaser trailer for the upcoming crime drama starring Golden Globe nominee Edgar Ramirez. The video features Ramirezs Mike Valentine as he unwillingly returns back home to Florida for a case involving a mobsters runaway girlfriend. The miniseries will be available for streaming on April 13.

Florida Man is created and executive produced by Donald Todd (This Is Us), who is also serving as the showrunner. Described as a wild odyssey into a sunny place for shady people, the limited drama stars Edgar Ramirez, Anthony LaPaglia, Abbey Lee, Otmara Marrero, Lex Scott Davis, Emory Cohen, Clark Gregg, Isaiah Johnson, Paul Schneider, and Lauren Buglioli.

Check out the Florida Man teaser trailer below:

When a struggling ex-cop is forced to return to his home state of Florida to find a Philly mobsters runaway girlfriend, what should be a quick gig becomes a wildly spiraling journey into buried family secrets, and an increasingly futile attempt to do the right thing in a place where so much is wrong, reads the logline.

The series is executive produced by Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan for their Aggregate Films banner as part of their first-look deal with the streamer. The project marks Ramirez latest collaboration with Netflix after previously starring in the films The Last Days of American Crime and Yes Day.

The post Florida Man Teaser Trailer: Edgar Ramirez Leads Netflix Crime Drama appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
A Brookfield substance abuse treatment center owes more than $2 million after receiving fraudulent reimbursements for medications that weren't actually given to patients, a U.S. Department of Justice news release said.

The now-closed Healing Corner LLC, 19115 Capitol Drive, has been accused of cheating the Medicaid system by ordering refills of Vivitrol, a medication used to treat alcohol and drug addiction, that weren't actually prescribed to current patients.

Instead, the clinic's sole practitioner, Dr. Siamak Arassi, ordered Vivitrol prescriptions in the names of former patients, which were then reimbursed by Medicaid; Arassi subsequently sold stockpiled doses of Vivitrol to patients for out-of-pocket cash, according to the March 3 release.

The malpractice came to light after a former Healing Corner patient's stepfather realized Arassi had ordered Vivitrol prescriptions in his stepson's name, which he never asked for or received, the release said.

Arassi sold the excess Vivitrol to his patients for over $1,000 per month, according to the release, and free samples were incorrectly submitted to Medicaid for reimbursement.

According to a statement on his website, the clinic closed after Arassi became "sick and tired of the vindictive justice department, department of health and family service, medical board of Wisconsin, and department of quality assurance."

"They (are) a bunch of gangsters all working under the same roof and the same building in Madison, and theyre not there to help you, theyre there to make sure that you fail," the statement read. "They only help their own bodies. It is an exclusive club. Shame on them for treating me so badly."

U.S. District Judge Joseph Stadtmueller entered default judgement against Arassi in the amount of $2,346,545 for violations of the False Claims Act, which holds individuals accountable for defrauding governmental programs.

Quinn Clark can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Quinn_A_Clark.

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Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brookfield doctor repeatedly defrauded Medicaid, owes $2 million: DOJ
Antonio Vivaldis (4 March 1678  28 July 1741) influence on the development of Baroque music was immense. He introduced a range of new styles and techniques to string playing and consolidated one of its most important genres, the concerto. Vivaldis best-known work The Four Seasons, a set of four violin concertos composed in 1723, are the worlds most popular and recognised pieces of Baroque music. The four violin concertos broke new ground with their programmatic depiction of the changing seasons and their technical innovations. Our guide to Vivaldi's The Four Seasons analyses the secret of the concertos runaway success and explains why this now-familiar music was so radical for its time.

Listen to our recommended recording of Vivaldis The Four Seasons performed by Janine Jansen right now.

The Four Seasons: A Guide To Vivaldi's Radical Violin Concertos

Stravinskys Rite of Spring, Beethovens Fifth and yes, Vivaldis The Four Seasons. Like those other seismic cultural milestones, Vivaldis most popular concertos also changed the course of musical history. They might not have provoked a riot but, when Vivaldis Four Seasons were first heard in the early 1720s, their audience hadnt heard anything quite like them before. And it wasnt just the concert-going folk of northern Italy who experienced Vivaldis stylistic shot-in-the-arm. The Four Seasons had the theorists frothing too. In these seemingly polite and pretty works, the composer opened a philosophical can of worms that continued to brim over with wriggling controversies for centuries.

The crux of the issue was musical description. If youve ever wondered how on earth a composer can describe specific human interactions or states of mind, in an orchestral work without recourse to setting words, then youre thinking on the very same quandary that was occupying the sizeable brain of Antonio Vivaldi in the early 1720s.

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Vivaldi was working in Mantua and had already written dozens of violin concertos prompted by the fact that he was probably the best violinist on the planet. But he was itching to explore something more: the depiction of particular landscapes and scenes (in this case, the earths cycle of seasons) in music that would also convey specifics of human behaviour. The concerto form  one soloist playing opposite a bigger ensemble  would be preserved throughout.

Programme Music

Vivaldi had set himself quite a challenge, but hed also hit upon an idea that a lot of music theorists didnt like. So-called programme music existed before, but it was seen by some as inferior and regressive. Vivaldi was determined to prove that descriptive music could be sophisticated, intricate and virtuosic enough to be taken seriously  and that it could advance the cause of the concerto at the same time. With his unequalled gift for orchestral colour and melody, if anyone could do it, Vivaldi could.

So did he succeed? Yes and no. With his elevation of descriptive music, Vivaldi ignited a debate that lasted for centuries and saw the art of telling stories through wordless sounds criticised by those who believed music should transcend earthly description. Programme music hasnt exactly been welcomed into compositions hallowed sanctuary with open arms, despite the best efforts of Haydn, Beethoven and Richard Strauss. Where Vivaldi undeniably did succeed was in his successful exploration of compositional techniques  those that made The Four Seasons.

The structural thinking behind Vivaldis The Four Seasons was that each movement  twelve in all (three per season)  would establish a certain mood, against which narrative events could then play out. When it came to the detail of those occurrences  barking dogs, drunken dancers, buzzing insects  Vivaldi delivered elegance and originality where other composers had barely moved beyond crude animal-noise cliches. Just listen, in the final movement of Winter, for Vivaldis portrayal of a man skidding across ice using descending octaves on the second violins and violas. In the same concerto, the soloist and lower strings conjure what one Vivaldi expert has called fireside warmth while violins depict icy rain falling outside.

Added to that are Vivaldis verbal instructions to the players. In Spring he asks the solo violin to play like "il capraro che dorme"(the sleeping goatherd) and the viola like "il cane che grida" (the barking dog). No wonder musicians talk of the intense imagination and character required to bring these concertos off. Those musicians have never lost their appetite for a rapid ramble through the earths meteorological cycle courtesy of Vivaldis The Four Seasons.

Recordings of The Four Seasons

Performances of Baroque music have transformed beyond recognition since the first recording of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons in 1942. The earliest taping still available was made by violinist Louis Kaufman and the strings of the New York Philharmonic in 1947  it sounds robust but pretty unsubtle, too.

In 1984 the young virtuoso Anne-Sophie Mutter made her first recording of the work, conducted by Herbert von Karajan  who insisted strings should sound rich and sustained in Baroque music just as in Brahms. Theres no doubting their sincerity, but it seems the playful agility of the music is missing in these grand performances. At around the same time attitudes towards the performance of Baroque music had started to change.

With the emergence of the historically informed performance movement we started to see fewer players in front of microphones, and instruments strung with animal gut instead of metal; both things that are historically in-tune with Vivaldi. More important than what we now see is what we now hear: a lightness, clarity and a tremendous energy thrust into the music that makes sense of Vivaldis reputation as an energetic firebrand.

Recommended Recording

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons performed by Janine Jansen

"With nearly 100 different versions currently available you would have thought that record companies, soloists and public would have had enough of The Four Seasons. This version, however, is different with the orchestra pared down to single instruments and the solo part played stunningly well by this wonderful young Dutch violinist. The result is a zesty, vivid and colourful performance of great individuality and distinction." - Classic FM

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons performed by Janine Jansen can be bought here.

For the latest music news and exclusive features, check out uDiscover Music.

uDiscover Music is operated by Universal Music Group (UMG). Some recording artists included in uDiscover Music articles are affiliated with UMG.
Climate change is altering our bodies and changing our lives every day. But as with all public health crises, the health impacts of climate change are not evenly felt. Those who already suffer the brunt of systemic inequalities are also those who face the most severe consequences of climate change.

One of the most serious effects on our health is the sharp uptick in droughts and drought conditions worldwide. Access to drinking water is only the tip of the iceberg regarding the health risks associated with shortages. Increasingly severe and prolonged drought periods impact sanitation, nutrition, and air quality. They can also lead to more disease. West Nile Virus, carried by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Also, drought conditions can increase dangerous fungi in soils that cause Valley Fever. This dangerous fungal disease is a growing problem in Arizona and California.

Related A Step-by-Step Process for Overcoming Compulsive Work and Living More Intentionally

Like dry conditions, wet conditions such as flooding, hurricanes, and cyclones that impact sewage systems and water sources can intensify the risk for diseases such as norovirus, hepatitis, malaria, and dengue. In the book Changing Planet, Changing Health: How the Climate Crisis Threatens Our Health and What We Can Do About It, Paul Epstein and Dan Ferber explain that the strong winds from hurricanes, cyclones, and other extreme storms can carry infectious agents over thousands of miles, introducing pathogens to regions ill-equipped to handle them. For example, in 2022, flooding from Hurricane Ian led to an influx of deadly bacterial infections from Vibrio vulnificus, or the flesh-eating bacteria, with over 65 cases and 11 deaths reported in Florida.

Research from the Fourth National Climate Assessment indicates that climate change and warming temperatures contribute to increased levels of particulate matter and ozoneelements of harmful air pollution such as smog. These amplified levels of particulate matter and ozone contribute to a wave of new and uncertain health outcomes related to increased morbidity and mortality. In particular, wildfire smokecapable of traveling thousands of miles and yet another consequence of worsening droughtsand other pollutants can penetrate deep into our respiratory and circulation systems, triggering problems related to inflammation such as asthma, depleted immunity, respiratory conditions, diabetes, and hypertension.

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The effects of air pollution are not limited to the here and now, putting the health of future generations at risk. In a recent study conducted by the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom and Hasselt University in Belgium, researchers found that unborn babies have air pollution particles in their developing lungs and other vital organs as early as the first trimester. Whats more, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found that the healthcare costs related to air pollution will rise from $21 billion in 2015 to over $175 billion by 2060.

Related Confessions of a Climate Convert

Though the various health risks associated with climate change are scary and overwhelming, those with adequate healthcare and resources can combat them successfully. Vulnerable populations and those who lack financial resources are not so lucky. Marginalized groups and communities, such as people of color and those in low-income zip codes, face inflated risks due to systemic inequalities such as racism and discrimination.

Dr. Robbie M. Parks, Ph.D., a professor at Columbia University, explains that Its not just about exposure. Its also about your preparedness and resilience. The United States is a microcosm for the world. The story is how unequal the health detriments of climate change are for vulnerable populationsin terms of increased exposure and how these communities lack the resources to recover from and combat environmental insults.

According to a 2021 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, minorities are the most likely to live in areas that suffer the brunt of climate changeareas with the highest projected escalation of climate-related morbidity and mortality. The EPA found that due to pernicious historical policies such as redlining, Black individuals are over 41 percent more likely to live in areas with the highest projected increases in premature death due to extreme heat and poor air quality.

Likewise, Hispanic individuals are 21 percent more likely to live in the hottest parts of cities, and yet a third of Hispanic households lack access to air conditioning, leaving them susceptible to extreme heat exposure and its health-related impacts. As Hispanics and Latinos make up almost half of all agricultural workers and a third of construction workers in the United States, a 2016 report by the National Resources Defense Council found that U.S. Latinos are about three times more likely to die on the job from heat-related causes than non-Hispanic whites.

Related How Investing in People Leads to Bigger Payoffs

An often-overlooked minority group that faces some of the most profound health risks from climate change are Asian and Pacific Islanders. In a 2020 study, researchers found that most major EPA violations in the Pacific Islands are associated with pollution from U.S. Military Sites. In Guam, the Anderson Air Force Basea site placed on the National Priority List in 1992 due to hazardous substancessits in an aquifer that provides drinking water to over 70 percent of the islands residents. According to census bureau data, almost a quarter of Guam residents live below the poverty line. They have no say in their generational exposure to fuel compounds, lead, and heavy metals, and they also lack the resources needed to protect themselves from harmful pollutants.

Beyond ethnic and racial minorities, all low-income communities are more likely to have their health be disproportionately affected by climate change. This kind of inequality is a moral, ethical component of climate change that is easy to understand but is often overlooked, says Dr. Parks. A 2017 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that people with low socioeconomic status are more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards and have a limited capacity to prepare themselves for extreme climate events. Similarly, the Shriver Center on Poverty Law found in 2020 that 70 percent of the United States most hazardous waste sites are located within one mile of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-assisted housing facilities.

The ironic crux of the climate crisiss disproportionate and damaging health impacts on vulnerable populations is that those who suffer the most contribute to climate change the least. In 2021, researchers found that people in the global top 1 percent of income cause twice as much consumption-based CO2 emissions as those in the bottom 50.

Related Mental Health Tips for Effective Corporate Leadership

Those with access to financial resources and the capacity to create systemic change must not take that responsibility lightly. Its a classic balance between individual and collective action, comments Dr. Parks. High net individuals have one of the greatest capacities to decrease their carbon footprints.

As custodians of wealth, our small, individual decisions to protect our environment, such as impact investing, choosing to fly commercially, or driving an electric car, carry far more weight than we know. To protect our health and to effect positive, systemic change for the populations who need it the most, we must take action to ensure the health of our planet.

The post Climate Change Threatens Everyones Health appeared first on Worth.
Due to the Big Apple's mayor's snub, four New Yorkers will get a free taste of Topeka. Meanwhile, Gov. Laura Kelly says he owes Kansas an apology.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly says New York City Mayor Eric Adams owes the Sunflower State an apology.

Meanwhile, four Big Apple residents will get a free taste of Topeka because of their mayor's snub.

Visit Topeka and Kansas Tourism announced Friday they were giving away the trips as part of a sweepstakes created in response to comments Adams made Tuesday belittling the position of Topeka's mayor.

Gov. Laura Kelly: 'You owe Kansas an apology'

Adams said at a prayer breakfast Tuesday that he strongly believed God decided to take "the most broken person" and elevate him to a place as the mayor of the "most powerful city on the globe" adding "He could have made me the mayor of Topeka, Kansas."

Adams had previously used Kansas as a punchline on Sept. 27, when he insulted the Sunflower State by saying New York City has a brand that's recognizable around the world, unlike Kansas.

"Kansas doesn't have a brand," Adams said.

The New York Times reported some of Kelly's family members responded by personally delivering a gift basket to Gracie Mansion, the New York mayors official residence.

More:'He could have made me the mayor of Topeka, Kansas.' Who hurt New York Mayor Eric Adams?

"Turns out Kansas and New York have the same brand: electing great governors," Adams said last November on Twitter after Kelly was re-elected.

Kelly responded Friday on Twitter to Adams' latest comment regarding the Topeka mayor's position.

"I was in NYC visiting my granddaughter when you disparaged my hometown Topeka KS," she wrote. "It was this granddaughter who, with her parents, delivered Kansas kindness to you at Gracie Mansion when you disparaged my state last September. Enough already. You owe Kansas an apology."

Adams' remarks had been addressed Thursday on Twitter by Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Quinton Lucas, who tweeted, "Y'all need to keep Topeka's name out your mouths."

Visits to Topeka includes roundtrip airfare and $500 in local spending

Residents of New York City  including the five boroughs of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island  are eligible for the chance to win an all-inclusive, three-day, two-night stay in Topeka, Visit Topeka and Kansas Tourism said in a news release Friday announcing that giveaway.

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The visit will include roundtrip airfare for four people into Kansas City, Mo., as well as hotel accommodations, tickets to local attractions and $500 in gift certificates to local restaurant and retail locations, the release said.

We are excited to partner with Visit Topeka on this incredible opportunity for New Yorkers to discover Kansas, said Bridgette Jobe, director of Kansas Tourism. Many people overlook Kansas, writing it off as a flyover state. I am excited that this contest will give new people a reason to explore the history, beauty and culture of Topeka.

Entries will be accepted through March 31, with the winner being selected randomly. Further details can be found here.

More:Jeff Kready bringing Broadway and family to Topeka, 'There's no place like home'

Sean Dixon, president of Visit Topeka, said Friday his organization looked forward to one day welcoming the mayor of New York City to Topeka.

The mayor, like many New Yorkers, may not realize everything Topeka has to offer," Dixon said. "We decided to do something about that by partnering with Kansas Tourism to offer residents of New York City the opportunity to try out Topeka, and the great state of Kansas, for themselves!

Friday's news release also quoted Topeka native Jeff Kready, start of the 2014 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder."

Topeka was my home for 23 years, but for the last 17 years, I have been a New Yorker," Kready said. I am so excited for my fellow New Yorkers to have the chance to visit Kansas for themselves. Topeka will surprise you. It is a city rich with art, culture, music and more!

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas governor, tourism groups react to NYC mayor's belittling Topeka
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

gwyneth paltrow

gwyneth paltrow/instagram; amazon

Wide-leg and bootcut silhouettes have been the stuff of denim dreams over the past year. But one style you probably haven't seen in a while? Cuffed jeans. However, Anne Hathaway and Gwyneth Paltrow are making a case for the relaxed look.

Earlier this week, The Devil Wears Prada actress took a phone call on a New York City sidewalk in a pair of medium-wash blue jeans that were cuffed at the hem. Just a day later, the Goop founder shared seven "OOTD" (Outfit of the Day) mirror selfies, one of which included a light wash, straight-legged pair of jeans with a folded bottom.

Not only does this easy tweak add a dash of nonchalance to any pair of jeans, but it's really practical, too. Cuffed jeans give your footwear its time to shine, unlike the billowy bottoms that are splashed all over Hollywood right now. Plus, with spring approaching, it's smart to pull the hems of your pants up from the ground so they don't drag and get wet on rainy days.

Below, shop similar cuffed jeans at Amazon, Nordstrom, Zappos, and Madewell, starting at just $32.

Cuffed Jeans

RELATED: Anne Hathaway Strutted Through Paris in the Hollywood-Loved Flattering Jeans Trend You Can Get for $38

Nearly 10,000 Amazon shoppers have given these Lee jeans a five-star rating, deeming them comfy and "super cute." The $32 pick is available in light, dark, and medium washes, plus black and white options. One reviewer loves how the lightweight feel makes them suitable for year-round wear.

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Riders by Lee Indigo Women's Fringe Cuff Boyfriend Jean

Amazon

Buy It! Riders by Lee Indigo Fringe Cuff Boyfriend Jean, $31.99; amazon.com

This medium-wash, wide-leg pair resembles Hathaway's pick, and it's nearly 40 percent off right now. But if you prefer a smaller cuff, these straight-leg jeans are more subtle. The NYDJ pair features a slimming fabric for a flattering fit, too.

NYDJ Cuffed Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans

Nordstrom

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Take a cue from Hathaway and Paltrow, and refresh your denim collection for spring with a pair of cuffed jeans. Your shoes will thank you. Shop more cuffed jeans at Nordstrom, Zappos, Madewell, and Amazon below.

1822 Ripped Cuffed Slim Fit Girlfriend Jeans

Nordstrom

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Liverpool Marley Girlfriend w/ Double Roll Cuff

Zappos

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KSUBI Brooklyn Straight Leg Jeans

Nordstrom

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Madewell The Momjean in Leacrest Wash: Cuffed Edition

Madewell

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Silver Jeans Co. Women's Avery High Rise Straight Leg Jeans

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What Happened To Alex Murdaugh? Everything You Need To Know About Disgraced Attorney

A little after 10 p.m. on June 7, 2021, prominent South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh placed a frantic call to 911 dispatchers. He said he had just arrived home to his familys hunting compound in Colleton County and encountered a horrific scene  his wife, Maggie, and youngest son, Paul, lay dead on the ground by the propertys dog kennels, each killed by a gunshot.

Its bad, he told dispatchers, urging them to please hurry.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was called in to investigate, but didnt name a suspect for more than a year. In that time, the case took so many twists and turns that it became hard to keep track of, even for the most ardent true crime enthusiasts:

RELATED: Murders, A Boat Accident, And More  Everything You Need To Know About The Alex Murdaugh Story

There was the revelation that Paul, 22, faced criminal charges for allegedly piloting and crashing a boat while intoxicated, causing the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach.

There was renewed scrutiny on the death of Murdaugh family housekeeper Gloria Satterfield, who sustained a fatal head injury in an alleged trip and fall accident at the familys home in 2018, according to previous Oxygen.com reporting. She died 10 days later, but her death was never reported to the coroner and an autopsy never performed. In addition, her two sons, Michael Satterfield and Brian Harriott, said Alex Murdaugh put them in touch with an attorney friend of his, Cory Fleming, in order to sue Murdaughs insurer for the accidental death. Though they reached a $4.3 million settlement, the sons attorney said they never received a dime of the money, with Murdaugh and Fleming allegedly pocketing it. (They subsequently sued Murdaugh, who agreed in December 2021 to pay them the settlement amount, according to South Carolina news outlet WPDE.)

There were further allegations that Murdaugh had been stealing money from his law firm and clients, for which he is still facing an active criminal case involving nearly 100 charges.

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Alex Murdaugh becomes emotional after seeing his family in the courtroom

Alex Murdaugh becomes emotional after seeing his family in the courtroom as opening statements begin in his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Photo: AP

There was the bizarre September 2021 incident in which Murdaugh reported being the victim of a roadside shooting. Murdaugh suffered a graze wound to the head in the incident, which he originally told authorities was a random act of violence inflicted while he was changing a flat tire. Authorities later alleged that he staged the whole thing, recruiting a former client and distant cousin, Curtis Edward Smith, to kill him in what amounted to an assisted suicide plot, allegedly so his surviving son, Buster, would be able to cash in on his $10 million life insurance policy, which wouldnt have been paid out if Murdaugh took his own life. Murdaugh and Smith were both indicted in the case.

And there was the revelation, made by Murdaughs attorneys in the wake of the September shooting, that Murdaugh had struggled for decades with an opioid addiction.

But the real shocker came on July 14, 2022, when South Carolina authorities announced that they did indeed have a suspect in Maggie and Pauls murders  and it was Alex Murdaugh himself.

Who Is Alex Murdaugh?

Alex Murdaugh is a member of a prominent legal dynasty in the South Carolina Lowcountry. In 1910, his great grandfather, Randolph Murdaugh, Sr., founded the law firm that would become Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth & Detrick, for which generations of Murdaughs would work, including Alex, over the next century, according to WJCL.

Not only did the Murdaugh clan have their private practice, but in 1920, Randolph was elected solicitor for the states 14th Circuit. The position was essentially a prosecutor overseeing several counties in South Carolina. Alexs grandfather and father also held that position, up until the latter retired in 2006. Alex served as a volunteer prosecutor in that office, for approximately 20 years, as he would describe at his trial.

Did Alex Murdaugh Kill His Wife And Son?

Alex Murdaughs trial for the double murder of Maggie, 52, and Paul, 22, began in January 2023. Since being charged the previous July, he consistently denied being responsible. He initially told investigators he wasnt even at the scene when the killings took place, having been out visiting his ailing mother, who lived 15 to 20 minutes away. When he returned to the Colleton County property at around 10 p.m., he found Maggie and Paul dead, he said. Paul had suffered a fatal shotgun wound; Maggie had been killed with an assault-style rifle.

At trial, however, prosecutors played video obtained from Pauls phone that had been taken at around 8:44 p.m. the night of the murders. He was at the dog kennels with his mother and one other persons voice could be heard in the background. Multiple witnesses testified that the voice was unmistakably Alexs, upending the timeline of events hed given to authorities.

Alex Murdaugh prepares for jury selection

In something of a surprise, Alex Murdaugh took the stand himself and admitted to lying to authorities about his whereabouts that night. He was, indeed at the kennels, as the video appeared to prove. But he insisted that he left soon after to visit his mother, denying killing his wife and son. Murdaugh said he lied because he became paranoid while under questioning from investigators, blaming his opioid addiction for clouding his mind, and noting hed developed a deep suspicion of SLED.

His defense team sought to cast doubt on the investigation, arguing that authorities hadnt properly maintained the crime scene, or the evidence it contained, undermining any conclusions theyd drawn from it. They also put forth the theory that there had to have been more than one attacker that night, given the fact that Maggie and Paul were killed with two separate firearms.

In the end, the jury was unconvinced. On March 2, after deliberating for less than three hours, they found Alex Murdaugh guilty of murder in the deaths of Maggie and Paul.

Why Did Alex Murdaugh Kill His Wife And Son?

Prosecutors argued that Murdaughs drug addiction fueled his alleged financial crimes, but that the tangle of deceptions was quickly coming undone, placing him under enormous scrutiny and pressure. His attorneys estimated at trial that he spent around $50,000 a week on drugs, arguing that the enormous sums could have provided motive for unnamed drug associates to target the Murdaugh family. Alternatively, they offered up the theory that someone angry over the fatal boating accident that Paul had been involved in had targeted the 22-year-old.

Oxy App

But prosecutors argued that the expensive drug habit only deepened a financial hole that Murdaugh attempted to steal his way out of. Jeanne Seckinger, the chief financial officer of his law firm, for example, testified that on the day of the murders, she had confronted Murdaugh about $2.8 million in missing funds. In addition, there was an ongoing civil lawsuit related to the boating accident Paul was involved in. The family of victim Mallory Beach was seeking a $10 million settlement. Their attorney Mark Tinsley testified that hed been told Alex Murdaugh was struggling financially and would only be able to scrape together $1 million. Another round of settlement negotiations was scheduled for June 10, 2021, three days after the murders.

Prosecutors contended that with all the financial pressure mounting, Murdaugh murdered his wife and son to gain sympathy and time as his alleged web of lies began to quickly unravel.

Drawing a parallel between the murders and Murdaughs alleged assisted suicide plot in September 2021, prosecutor Creighton Walters told the court, Theres a symmetry between what happens on the side of the road and what happens on June 7, because when the hounds are at the door, when Hannibal is at the gates for Alex Murdaugh, violence happens.

Where Is Alex Murdaugh Now?

Alex Murdaugh first surrendered to authorities on Sept. 16, 2021 on charges related to the roadside shooting incident, according to NBC News. He was granted bond, but was ordered to surrender his passport and enter a drug rehabilitation program.

On Oct. 14, 2021, he was arrested again, this time on charges related to the Satterfield settlement case, according to NBC News. He was initially denied bond and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. His bond was ultimately set at $7 million, but he was unable to come up with the money and remained in Richland County Jail.

After his indictment on murder charges on July 14, 2022, Alex Murdaugh was ordered held without bond. After being convicted of murdering Maggie and Paul, he received a sentence of life in prison without parole. He is still awaiting trial on nearly 100 other charges, including insurance fraud and tax evasion, according to the Associated Press.

He was formally disbarred in South Carolina on July 13, 2022.

You can watch the Oxygen special "Alex Murdaugh. Death. Deception. Power." here or on Peacock.
This week brought troubling news of an actor calling the shots on his own project, but before we get into that subject for this weeks column, its worth acknowledging the auteurs around the corner. Cannes buzz is in the air, with reports of premieres for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Killer of the Flower Moon hinting at plenty of Hollywood on the Croisette. Theres another movie expected in the lineup that wont enthrall red-carpet gawkers, but should thrill true cinephiles: a 20-minute short directed by the late Jean-Luc Godard.

Funny Wars marks the last complete cinematic vision by the French New Wave legend before his assisted suicide last year, and sources say its locked in the lineup. (He left notes behind for another short, Scenario, that his longtime collaborators Fabrice Aragno and Jean-Paul Battagia are working to complete.)

More from IndieWire

The Funny Wars premiere should provide a bittersweet salute to one of the most adventurous filmmakers in history. Like much of Godards late-period work, Funny Wars had no need for actors: Godard used a collage-like approach that blended fragments of images and text to convey more abstract ideas than any performer could provide. Expect a wide range of philosophical meditations on the modern world, possibly including some chilling references to suicide as a form of insubordination. Godard didnt just make movies up until the very end; he lived inside them, better than any actor. Filmmaking was his state of mind.

I was thinking about Godards growing disinterest in actors in light of new reports about the production of HBOs upcoming The Idol. Much of this troubled story isnt new: As I reported in this column last year, series director Amy Seimetz was pushed out after Abel The Weeknd Tesfaye, the series star and co-creator with Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim, took issue with the shows so-called female perspective.

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Euphoria creator Levinson was already an executive producer on The Idol  the shows shared multiple producers  but with Seimetzs exit, he became its writer and director. Anonymous sources have assailed the revised show for containing draft scripts steeped in sexual violence, including one scrapped scene in which Tesfayes character gets an erection while assaulting his romantic partner, played by Lily Rose-Depp.

As much as the internet-fueled rage machine may want to take issue with Levinson for conceiving of such grotesque material, in all likelihood, hes operating in deference to his star. Nobodys talking, but when I heard about the aforementioned scene, it sounded oddly familiar  and then I realized that it was essentially stolen from Takashi Miikes Ichi the Killer, the ultra-gory 2001 Japanese cult classic featuring a murderer aroused when he kills.

And, it just so happens, that Tesfaye acquired the English-language remake rights to Ichi the Killer a few years ago, going so far as hiring Paul Schrader to write a script  then ghosting him. I asked if he was sure he wanted to play Ichi, Schrader told me when I asked about their initial exchange. Ichi was a supporting character. He said he did. That made me think he hadnt given the venture a lot of thought. Ichi was in the title, so of course he wanted to be Ichi.

Its also possible that once Tesfaye moved on from that idea, he decided to sublimate it into another project. By all indications, The Idol is The Weeknds project first and a From the Creator of Euphoria' joint second. The same guy who bankrolled his own Super Bowl performance seems to have bought his way into the extended universe of HBOs most-watched series after Game of Thrones.

Its hard to say how this will play out. The Idol may get to shrug off the drama if it becomes a hit, but the outcome comes at the infuriating cost of headaches that no one should have. Sources tell me Levinson wanted to keep his distance from The Idol while trying to take a break between Euphoria seasons, but was enlisted more for the purposes of talent management than creative oversight. There was too much on the line for him to outsource: the future of Euphoria, as well as its role not only within HBO but as a critical part of A24s growing TV presence and overall market value. (The company recently launched a makeup line inspired by the show.)

However the final result comes together, The Idol suggests a cautionary tale of giving inexperienced talent too much creative control. The Weeknd may be an extraordinary musician and stage presence, but in this case, hes cosplaying an auteur despite greener than your average production assistant.

The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp in The Idol - Credit: Screenshot/Instagram

Screenshot/Instagram

More and more American stars have insisted on producing credits in recent years to ensure they receive appropriate compensation on the end result. These credits often lead to the perception that actors can run the show, too. Theres a reason why France still embraces the auteur theory, to the point where the country actually has laws defending the directors final cut: The best storytelling in film and TV requires tremendous collaboration, but the greatest results come from a singular vision. With movies, thats the director; in TV, it should be the showrunner  although for the moment the official showrunner for The Idol is Joe Epstein, who has no other credits on IMDb. Again, theres no real question whos actually calling the shots here.

Major actors looking to influence popular culture, as Tesfaye has done, might consider the potential of producing new work without starring in it. Thats what Emma Stone has done with her new production company, which premieres Julio Torres directorial debut starring Tilda Swinton, Problemista, at SXSW this month. (Buzz for this timely comedy, also produced by A24, is strong.) Stones talent and stardom is secure; if Problemista goes on to wide acclaim, she can bask in some credit without having forced her way into it.

Of course, The Weeknd didnt just want to see The Idol get made; he wanted to be the literal star of the show, and got his wish. But talent with such extraordinary resources should think twice about whether its better to force others to tell their stories or enable genuine storytellers to create their own work. Whatever the best solution, when dramas like this play out in public, its hard not to imagine Godard looking down on the mess with a wry grin and having the last laugh.

As usual, I encourage feedback on the problems highlighted in this weekly column via email: eric@indiewire.com

Check out earlier columns here.

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Iceland isnt exactly a hot spot for gourmands, but The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is helping to change that.

The elegant all-suite hotel, which opened on a private inlet of the UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018, recently launched a new culinary series at its fine-dining restaurant Moss. I was invited to a dinner spotlighting top-tier Burgundy producer Bonneau du Martray in mid-February that proved Icelandic cuisine could become as much of a driving factor for tourism as the countrys prevalent natural beauty. There are three more events scheduled for this year if you want to put that theory to the test.

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Executing high-end fare in Iceland is no easy feat, either. The islands harsh climate means that restaurants have to be extra inventive when it comes to produce. Ingi Fririksson, who was the executive chef at Moss before becoming Blue Lagoons food and beverage director, discusses the provenance of the ingredients at the five-course dinner with a sense of pride, and its not long before I see why. The Icelandic wasabi that accompanies the tuna, for example, packs a heat that pairs perfectly with the 2018 Corton Charlemagne. Wasabi is notoriously difficult to grow, but Icelands farmers sustainably cultivate it and other vegetables in high-tech geothermal greenhouses. Similarly, the Icelandic lamb, which was slathered in a moreish mustard to complement the 2018 Corton, was sourced from one of the countrys small but many sheep farms. (There were about 1,429 operating in 2020, according to Statistics Iceland.)

The creative plating at Moss.

Fririksson does point out that some ingredients hail from Icelands Nordic neighbors, such as the Norwegian King Crab that is served alongside the 2011 Corton Charlemagne. He also acknowledges the influence that French and Danish chefs have had on the industry at large. I can certainly see a bit of Rene Redzepi in Moss creative Noma-like plating. Still, the five courses feel authentically Icelandic and further illustrate the culinary strides the country has made over the past few years. Indeed, Dill earned Iceland its very first Michelin star in 2017, then Ox gained the nations second in 2022. Moss appears to be heading on that same trajectory after scoring a recommendation in the guide last year.

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The chefs table at Moss.

It would be remiss not to mention the spectacular wine cellar hidden beneath the restaurant. Set within a cavern of lava rock dating back to 1226, the subterranean space is stocked with more than 4,000 bottles that have been arranged to look like they are floating frozen in time. The cellar houses predominantly old world wineswith a wall dedicated to Bordeaux and Burgundy, respectivelythough there is also a selection of new world plonk from the Americas and Australia. You can sample the goods with a private wine tasting in the cellar ($350 for two) or even a Champagne and caviar pairing (from $360).

The cellar.

In the leadup to each culinary event, chef Agnar Sverrisson works with Moss sommeliers, the guest chef and/or chosen winery to ensure harmony between sips and bites. In this instance, Bonneau du Martray provided the powerful yet precise vino. The estate produces exclusively grand crus; one white from Chardonnay grapes (Corton Charlemagne) and one red from Pinot Noir (Corton), though head winemaker Thibault Jacquet told me a third is in the pipeline. Its this kind of insider knowledge you can expect to glean from one of these evenings at Moss. Upcoming events include dinners by Michelin-star chef Claude Bosi and Dom Perignon on May 26, noted London chef Ollie Dabbous on August 26 and another big name on November 11.

Lava restaurant.

The Retreat offers less formal dining options, too. The aptly named Lava Restaurant, which is built into a historic lava cliff right by the lagoon, again highlights indigenous ingredients such as fish from the nearby harbor in Grindavik. Its also a great place to savor a brightly hued Blue Lagoon cocktail or sip on a local gin like Marberg. Spa Restaurant is more relaxed still, as you can enjoy light, seasonal fare in your plush white robe and matching slippers. You seldom have to take this comfy ensemble off, in fact, save for dinners at Moss and Lava. You can even eat breakfast and afternoon tea in the lobby in the extra roomy attire.

The lobby.

Perhaps the best thing about The Retreat is the fact that you can balance any indulgence with healthier activities. The morning after too much Corton, for instance, I oscillate between the icy cold well and sauna until I feel so revitalized that I end up doing group yoga in a studio overlooking the snow-covered landscape. Another day I sweat out the chocolate truffles from turndown in the hotels swish gym.

The yoga studio.

Then, theres the restorative lagoon itself. Over the past 30 years, the healing properties of the geothermal seawater have been detailed in a myriad of peer-reviewed studies. Essentially, the supercharged H20 contains silica, minerals and microalgae that together work wonders on the skin. In fact, the bioactive water has been used as a natural psoriasis treatment at Blue Lagoons medical clinic since the 90s, and the nearby research and development center continues to pioneer innovative new skincare products. (Youll find a few in your suite and can also order the range online.)

The private lagoon.

The water in the hotels private lagoon sits between 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit and is instantly soothing. You can order a glass of French Champagne from a secret window near the spaits like a more sophisticated version of a swim-up barthen make your way down the cascading pools. The main lagoon is a short stroll away, but its now one of Icelands top tourist attractions so be prepared for a chat. (It welcomed around 800,000 guests in 2022 and is expected to greet 1 million this year.)

The subterranean spa.

The spas signature Ritual is another way to experience the power of the mineral-rich water. The self-guided treatment, which takes place in three dimly lit underground chambers, involves rubbing a lava salt scrub all over your skin to exfoliate the dead top layer. You then lather yourself in silica to draw out any impurities and strengthen your skins protective barrier, before you marinate in a microalgae extract that generates collagen and leaves your body feeling smoother and more refreshed.

If youd rather relax and let someone else do the work, opt for a 60-minute in-water massage. As you lie on a floating mattress in a secluded section of the lagoon, a masseuse will work out every knot while regularly submerging your body to keep you cozy. Its difficult to put the transformative experience into words, but the chap who awoke next to me aptly described it as a sort of baptism. You can also book the Lava Cove (from $900) for a more exclusive spa experience; its equipped with a private lagoon, a couple of heated chaises for treatments and a kitchen in which a private chef can prepare meals.

The Blue Lagoon Suites living room.

In a similar vein, the hotels preeminent Blue Lagoon Suite (from $12,600 per night) is a secret sanctuary that offers privacy in spades. Spanning just shy of 2,500 square feet, the suite features two generous bedrooms, a spacious living room and a large kitchen, along with a private lagoon and spa. It even has its own helipad to facilitate discreet comings and goings. Like the rest of The Retreat, the decor is the epitome of Scandi chicminimalist yet warmwith swathes of polished concrete juxtaposed by rich woods and intricate light fixtures. Guests of the suite will also enjoy a dedicated butler and private chef.

The Blue Lagoon Suites main bedroom.

Speaking of staff, the service throughout the hotel is top-notch. The affable gents in the lobby know you by name and always seem to have a glass of bubbly at the ready. The front desk will happily organize a Northern Lights wake-up call or arrange a guided hike through the otherworldly terrain. If thats not enough action for you, however, the Blue Lagoon team is opening a new hotel in the central highlands of Iceland this summer that will be geared toward adventure buffs. Highland Base in Kerlingarfjoll wont be as swanky as The Retreat, but it will give you a chance to explore the deep wilderness.

The northern lights at The Retreat.

Most excitingly, the group is eyeing a site for a fourth hotel as it sees Icelands luxury travel market far from saturated. (For the unacquainted, the group also helms the 35-room Silica hotel in Grindavik.) Sounds like youll soon have even more reasons to journey north.

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More often than not, an internationally known freedom fighter will have a personality and temperament as heroic as the actions that made him famous. Just look at Nelson Mandela, Alexei Navalny, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, or  as controversial a figure as he remains  Edward Snowden, who for 10 years has conducted himself as a profile in courage. But there are times when the personal and the political dont sit so easily in the same person.

Julian Assange is one of those people. From the moment he launched WikiLeaks, the renegade website that provided an anonymous home for journalists and whistleblowers to spill the secrets and dump the documents of global power, there was an air of absolutism about him, a bombs-away belief in the rightness of his actions that teetered, at times, into anarchistic recklessness. Assange, like Snowden, exposed important revelations about how governments, in particular the government of the United States, operate: the corruptions and cover-ups and collateral damage. Unlike Snowden, he served up his exposes in an aggressive, indiscriminate way that seemed designed to place himself at the center of the conversation.

More from Variety

By the time Assange was accused of sexual misconduct in Sweden, and took diplomatic refuge in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, whether or not he was guilty (the facts of that 2010 case remain murky) the Assange brand had acquired a degree of damage. On the media stage, hed become the freedom fighter as left-wing celebrity narcissist, a smirking lizard in his rock-star white hair, like Sting as a radical philosophy professor.

Yet you can believe all that about Assange and still think its wrong  deeply wrong, not to mention dangerous  for the American government to be trying to throw him in prison for the crime of revealing secrets about the Iraq War. The new documentary Ithaka is all about the Assange case, even though hes barely in the movie (we see surveillance footage of him inside the Ecuadorean Embassy, where he was confined for seven years, and we hear his voice on the phone). The film was shot after Assange was arrested from the Embassy, in 2019, and imprisoned in HMP Belmarsh in London, where he spent the next nine months waiting for his extradition hearing in a UK court.

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Would the court accede to the demand of U.S. authorities that Assange be extradited to America, where he would be placed on trial for violating the Espionage Act of 1917? If that happened, hed be the first journalist or publisher to be tried for that. The effect would be (and already has been) chilling. Its basically the government threatening future whistleblowers, who from the days of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers onward have been an essential check and balance on the excesses of American power.

Assange, on WikiLeaks, published documents in partnership with The Guardian and The New York Times. Why have those papers not been accused of violating the Espionage Act? Because its much easier to target an underground agitator like Assange. The U.S. authorities have tried to focus on the crime of hacking, but make no mistake: Whats being threatened is what the mainstream media does, or is supposed to do  print the news it deems essential, even if it reveals government material its technically forbidden to expose. Even if Assange did violate the law, to say hes an international traitor, guilty of espionage, is quite the sinister stretch.

Laura Poitrass 2017 documentary Risk was a close-up portrait of Assange, shot during his early years of infamy and as fascinating, in a squirmy way, as Assange himself. Ithaka is less about the man than the cause  how the continued prosecution of Assange fits into the issue of free speech. Its a more morally clean-cut watch. But its a lot less dramatic. The central figure in the movie is Assanges father, John Shipton, who arrives from Melbourne to visit his son during the start of his incarceration at Belmarsh. Shipton spends the months leading up to the extradition hearing trying to drum up support for Assange in Europe.

After all these years in captivity, Assange is not in good shape. He has suicidal thoughts and feels mentally shattered; he has trouble remembering when his birthday is. But during his time in the Embassy, he got engaged to one of the lawyers on his team, the South African-born Stella Moris, and they had two children (whom we see). Moris and Shipton share space in the documentary, and the whole movie is a kind of family affair, having been produced by Assanges half-brother Gabriel Shipton. (The writer-director is Ben Lawrence.)

Im sorry, but family affairs dont tend to make for good documentaries. Julian didnt know John Shipton when he was growing up; Shipton left the family when Julian was three and didnt see him again until Julian was in his 20s. Assange considered his stepfather to be his father (which is why he took his last name), though he and Shipton ultimately reconnected.

None of this suggests that Shipton showing up to help his son is anything less than genuine and loving. Yet as you watch Ithaka, their connection remains rather abstract. Shipton, who speaks mostly of what his son means as a cause, is a forthright spokesman, but hes a not a very dynamic one. Hes 76 (with a 5-year-old daughter), tall, bearded, and bespectacled, with a longish fringe of white hair and a bearing that makes him seem every inch the elder statesman. He speaks in low tones of cultivated courtliness, saying things like The mass media serves only power and money, reallyIf they drift from that, they will no longer exist. A little of that voice (and those thoughts) and you are getting very sleepy.

Shipton keeps standing up for his son on British media, but would anyone expect him to do otherwise? Ithaka takes a narrow view of Assanges troubles, one that ultimately merges with a black-and-white view of his politics: Hes right, the American government is wrong. Maybe so, but whats placed on the back burner is the indiscriminate nature of WikiLeaks, and the issue of whether governments should ever have secrets. Alex Gibneys superb documentary We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks (2013) took a far more balanced view of the Assange mystique. That it is a mystique is part of what clouds the issue. Assanges cause, in my view, is just, but his vision of freedom of the press would be easier to embrace if it wasnt bundled with a lingering sense of his own entitlement.

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Jake Gyllenhaal appears ready to rumble, as he stripped down for a surprise appearance at UFC 285 in Las Vegas on Friday.

A ripped Gyllenhaal was shooting scenes for the forthcoming reimagining of the 1989 film Road House, playing an ex-UFC fighter. He staged a weigh-in with former UFC fighter Jay Hieron, who plays his opponent in the film.

More from Deadline

After weighing in, he faced off with Hieron and slapped him  all part of the script.

On hand to stir up enthusiasm for the scene was former UFC champion Conor McGregor, whos also in the film.

The update of Road House is directed by Doug Liman and produced by Joel Silver, who also did the 1989 film. The new cast includes Daniela Melchior and Billy Magnussen. Road House is set to be released by Amazon Studios.

Watch the weigh-in scene below.



Jake Gyllenhaal and former UFC fighter Jay Heiron film a scene for the Road House remake after #UFC285 ceremonial weigh-ins.  pic.twitter.com/jl48bOXIbv  MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 4, 2023

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CKAvXIrpAEM/?hl=en. Chris Candy/Instagram; American actor John Candy (1950 - 1994), circa 1990. (Photo by Darlene Hammond/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Chris Candy/Instagram; Darlene Hammond/Hulton Archive/Getty

John Candy's legacy lives on nearly three decades after his death.

The late screen legend's son Christopher and daughter Jennifer paid tribute to their father on Saturday, which was the 29th anniversary of his death, sharing a throwback photo of the Uncle Buck star.

"Sending love to my father today. 29 years ago you started a new journey," wrote Chris, 38, in the caption. "I miss you and think of you often. I still think of you daily. Loss is never easy but I can optimistically say it is one of the great teachers in life."

RELATED: Ryan Reynolds and Colin Hanks Are Making a Documentary About John Candy: 'Expect Tears'

"You will always be around  You will always be missed  You will always be loved ," Jennifer 43, wrote for the caption of a picture from her youth.

John Candy died of a heart attack at age 43 in March 1994 while filming Wagons East in Durango, Mexico. He was survived by son Christopher, daughter Jennifer and wife Rosemary.

A veteran of Canada's Second City improv comedy troupe, Candy became a household name in the 1980s with films like Stripes (1981), National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Spaceballs (1987) and Uncle Buck (1989).

PEOPLE confirmed last October that the Candy family is working with Canadian countryman Ryan Reynolds and Colin Hanks on a documentary about the late comedian's legacy through Reynolds' Maximum Effort production company.

RELATED: Ryan Reynolds Remembers Fellow Canadian John Candy on the 26th Anniversary of His Death

"The Candy family is giving Maximum Effort access to his archive and home video footage," a rep for Reynolds told PEOPLE.

Reynolds, 46, made the announcement after Candy began trending on Twitter ahead of the Planes, Trains and Automobiles 4K re-release.

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"With John Candy trending, I'll just say I love him," Reynolds wrote on Twitter of his fellow Canadian national treasure. "So much so, @maximumeffort is working on a documentary on his life with @colinhanks. Expect tears."

RELATED VIDEO: Kim Porter's Cause of Death Remains a Mystery as Her Death Certificate Is Released

Christopher quote-tweeted Reynolds' announcement, writing: "This is all true."

"Boom! So looking forward to working on this with them and our family. This project is in great hands," wrote Jennifer shared in another tweet.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Maximum Effort also celebrated the news in a quote tweet, sharing one of Candy's lines from 1987's Planes, Trains and Automobiles. "You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better. I'm an easy target," the tweet read.
The walls of the Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center fall during demolition Wednesday morning.

The former Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center building is expected to be completely demolished in two to three weeks, Richland County Land Bank board members were told Wednesday during their monthly meeting at the Richland County Courthouse.

C & J Construction of Cleveland has made substantial progress with the demolition, having started on Monday at the site at Harker and Bowman streets, Land Bank Manager Amy Hamrick said. The final step, the planting of grass seed, will depend on the weather, she added.

Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center:

A Mansfield City Schools bus passes the former Creveling School, most recently known as Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center, as the building is being demolished.

Wednesday, the board confirmed an email vote approving the Ocie Hill change order to remove additional asbestos-containing materials beneath 20,000 square feet of tiles on the second and third floors for a cost of $38,200.

The state had announced in October the Land Bank had been awarded up to $2 million for the Ocie Hill project, part of the $500 million statewide for demolition and brownfield remediation.

The demolition projects are being funded as part of the Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, developed to help local communities tear down dilapidated commercial and residential buildings and revitalize surrounding properties to attract investments, businesses, and jobs, according to the Land Bank.

Ocie Hill, a community building for numerous agencies in recent years on the city's north end, was closed in March 2020 for safety reasons. Repair and maintenance of the building were cost-prohibitive, officials said. Initially it was the home of Creveling School.

The building was named for Ocie Hill, the first Black resident to be elected to Mansfield City Council.

Jackie Rawls uses her phone to record the demolition of the Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center on Wednesday morning. Rawls was a student in the building from kindergarten until 6th grade when it was known as Creveling School.

Free bricks from former Westinghouse "A" Building available

Hamrick said the Crestline demolition contractor will pick Westinghouse "A" Building bricks from the rubble for $1,020 and stack them on pallets that they will put outside of the fenced area during working hours.

Effective Monday, March 6, the Land Bank is making the bricks from the former Westinghouse "A" Building available to the public free of charge.

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Members of the public who wish to have a brick may find one on the pallets outside the fenced area on East Fourth Street, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather permitting) while bricks last.

The former Westinghouse "A" Building, shown here in December 2022, has been demolished.

The bricks are available on a first-come, first served basis. The land bank cordially asked individuals desiring a brick from the (A) Building to respect the continued demolition taking place at the former Westinghouse site. No unauthorized individuals may enter the fenced area nor any active Westinghouse work area for any reason without express written permission from the Land Bank.

Westinghouse update:

Crews from R&D Excavating of Crestline are still working at the East Fifth Street site on digging up the dirt to check for contamination.

The former Westinghouse "A" building has been demolished.

Members of the Richland County Land Bank board worked throughout the year to successfully coordinate the removal of the historic doorway from the Westinghouse building, to be used for a future memorial at the site to honor Westinghouse, Mansfields manufacturing history and the history of women in the work force.

In April 2022, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was in Mansfield to announce the first round of the Ohio Department of Development Brownfield Program awards, providing funds for demolition and remediation of the former Westinghouse "A" building and the concrete slab along West Fifth Street. The governor announced the Mansfield project is getting $3 million for cleanup of petroleum tanks and hazardous materials and demolition. City and county funds, in the amount of $500,000 each, also were designated for the project.

Daisy Barker House:

The first home in Richland County built and owned by African Americans, condemned in April 2022, is in imminent danger of falling down.

The Land Bank took ownership of the house at 89 Wood St. on July 14, 2022.

Wednesday, a PowerPoint presentation showed updated photos inside the house. Hamrick said it was hard to tell if the interior structural beam in the kitchen was "bowing more."

Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero said he would make a couple of calls to individuals who earlier expressed interest in saving the house.

Also, Hamrick announced that she had signed up the Land Bank for one-year extensions offered by the state for completion of demolition and cleanup for Ocie Hill, Westinghouse, the Swan Cleaners site downtown and the Madison Fire Department, Expressview Drive sites. Completion dates would be in 2024.

lwhitmir@gannett.com

419-521-7223

Twitter: @LWhitmir

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Free Westinghouse bricks starting Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
LSU will have to fight off Wisconsin for one of the top 150 players in the class of 2024.

Kellen Lindstrom is a 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive lineman from Springfield, Missouri where he plays for Glendale High School.

Lindstrom is currently ranked as a top 150 player in the country by Rivals. There are no Crystal Ball projections for him yet but Wisconsin is a 25% favorite per On3.

Film Analysis: Lindstrom stars as a defensive end in the Falcons 4-3 defensive scheme. As you can see in his film, he has to face a few teams that run the Wing-T offense so he is very aware of containing his side of the field.

FILM

Ratings

Stars Overall State Position 247 3  33 9 Rivals 4 133 6 6 ESPN     On3 Recruiting 4 228 22 6 247 Composite 4 223 24 7

Vitals

Hometown Springfield, Missouri Projected Position DL Height 6-6 Weight 240 Class 2024

Recruitment

Offered February 23, 2023

No visits yet

Offer List

LSU

Wisconsin

Missouri

Kansas State

Oklahoma

Recruiting Projection

No Crystal Ball Projections at this time

Wisconsin is a 25% favorite per On3

Twitter

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1389 tag=16461237]

Story originally appeared on LSU Tigers Wire
FILE PHOTO: Ex-Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng exits the United States Courthouse after being found guilty in Brooklyn, New York

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors on Friday urged a judge to sentence former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng to 15 years in prison after he was convicted of helping loot billions of dollars from Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign wealth fund.

A jury in Brooklyn federal court had last April found Ng, Goldman's former head of investment banking in Malaysia, guilty of helping his former boss Tim Leissner embezzle money from the fund, launder the proceeds and bribe government officials to win business.

Leissner had been Goldman's Southeast Asia chief.

U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie is expected to sentence Ng on March 9.

In his own sentencing request on Feb. 25, Ng asked that he be given no prison time and be allowed to return to Malaysia.

He had spent six months in a Malaysian prison before waiving his right to contest extradition to the United States in 2018. Ng has been free on bail but subject to a curfew since his conviction.

The charges stem from some $6.5 billion in bonds that Goldman helped 1MDB, which was founded to finance development projects in Malaysia, sell in 2012 and 2013.

Prosecutors said $4.5 billion of that sum was embezzled by officials, bankers and their associates, in one of the biggest scandals in Wall Street history.

In October 2020, Goldman agreed to pay $2.9 billion and its Malaysian unit pleaded guilty to a corruption charge.

Ng had pleaded not guilty, and argued that $35 million in kickback payments he was accused of receiving was actually a return on an investment his wife had made.

Leissner pleaded guilty and testified against Ng as part of a cooperation agreement. He has not yet been sentenced.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Additional reporting by Anirudh Saligrama in Bengaluru; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
A Michigan Circuit Court judge dismissed all lawsuits filed against the Oxford Community School District in connection with a 2021 school shooting at Oxford High, claiming that the district and its employees have governmental immunity and cannot be sued as the shooter is the most direct cause of the attack.

Nearly a dozen lawsuits were filed by filed by victims and families of victims of the shooting, accusing the school district and several school employees of negligence, gross negligence and violation of the Child Protection Law, among other claims.

MORE: Victims, parents of Oxford school shooting victims sue school employees

Several lawsuits have alleged that accused school shooter Ethan Crumbley had exhibited "concerning behavior that indicated psychiatric distress, suicidal or homicidal tendencies and the possibility of child abuse and neglect," but the school did not act appropriately. The suits argue that school officials failed to act appropriately to prevent violence when the teenage shooter exhibited several warning signs leading up to the shooting.

PHOTO: In this Dec. 7, 2021, file photo, a exterior view of Oxford High School is shown in Oxford, Mich. (Emily Elconin/Getty Images, FILE)

Crumbley, 15, a student at the school, allegedly shot and killed four of his classmates and injured seven others in November 2021. Crumbley was charged with 24 counts.

Crumbley pleaded guilty to all charges against him last October. He also admitted that his parents bought him the gun used in the shooting with his own money and that it was kept in an unlocked safe.

The school district has claimed that civil lawsuits filed against it, alleging Fourth Amendment violations, are barred because the district has governmental immunity. Governmental immunity shields government agencies from legal liability if the agency is "engaged in the exercise or discharge of a governmental function," according to court documents.

In her decision, Oakland County Circuit Judge Mary Ellen Brennan said the conduct of the school district and its employees who were named in the suit were not the "proximate cause" of the victims' injuries.

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MORE: Michigan school board rejects state attorney general's 2nd offer to investigate shooting

PHOTO: In this Dec. 3, 2021, file photo, a memorial is shown outside of Oxford High School in Oxford, Michigan. (Scott Olson/Getty Images, FILE)

The suit accuses several school employees of failing to properly respond to Ethan Crumbley's conduct in the day and a half prior to the shooting, according to court documents.

Brennan ruled that Crumbley's act of firing the gun was the most "immediate, efficient and direct cause of the injury or damage," not the actions of the district and school employees, arguing that their conduct did not cause immediate harm to the plaintiffs.

Ethan Crumbley's parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, are also charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter after allegedly failing to recognize warning signs about their son in the months leading up to the shooting. They have pleaded not guilty.

Attorney Ven Johnson, who represents the families of students who were killed in the shooting, criticized the ruling and the law behind it, saying his clients feel victimized all over again.

"On behalf of our Oxford clients, we are deeply saddened and disappointed by Judge Brennans dismissal today of all the Oxford Community Schools defendants. We maintain that governmental immunity is wrong and unconstitutional, and the law should be changed immediately," Johnson told ABC News in a statement.

MORE: 20 Oxford High School students to file federal lawsuit against school district months after shooting

He added, "Under the law, everyone should be treated the same. No one should have more rights than others just because they work for the government. If this shooting happened at a private school, this case would be sent to trial and none of these defenses would exist."

Johnson also called on the Michigan legislature to change the governmental immunity law. He said he plans to appeal the judge's decision to the Michigan Court of Appeals.

In a statement to district families released to ABC News, the school board said, "we recognize that the decision will affect each of our school community families differently. Oxford is still grieving. Oxford is still healing. As we continue this journey, Oxford Community Schools remains committed to providing a world-class education to our students, a workplace of choice for our staff, recovery supports for our community and a safe and healthy learning environment for all lives in which we are privileged to be a part."

Michigan judge dismisses all suits against Oxford school district related to 2021 shooting originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
More Red Flags Than A Chinese Communist Rally: Utah Cop Says Brian Laundrie Was Emotional Bully To Gabby Petito

A Utah police officer who encountered Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito weeks before the travel influencers murder described Laundrie as a mental and emotional bully, newly filed court documents show.

Moab police officer Eric Pratt is one of several officers who responded to a domestic violence call on Aug. 20, 2021 involving Petito and Laundrie shortly before Petitos body was recovered from Wyomings Grand Teton National Park, according to ABC News, citing a civil complaint. Pratt was one of the first on the scene that day.

RELATED: Two Brothers Convicted Of Murdering Groom After Crashing His Wedding In California

Comments he made surrounding Laundries demeanor and alleged emotional abuse of Petito were added to part of an amended complaint filed by Petitos family against Utah authorities alleging negligence following the 22-year-olds death.

"Officer Pratt has also admitted, 'I thought he was an emotional threat to her,' court records cited by ABC News stated. 'I thought he was a mental threat to her.' Similarly, he says he concluded during the traffic stop that Brian 'seemed like a mental and emotional bully.'

Brian Laundrie Gabby Petito 4 Ig

Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito Photo: Instagram

The Moab police officer admitted that Laundrie had ultimately raised more red flags than a Chinese communist rally during the traffic stop in question, per court papers. He made the admission when questioned about the incident by Price City Police Department Capt. Brandon Ratcliffe following Petitos death.

"Officer Pratt has also colorfully admitted, 'I know these kind of guys. Brian didn't get away with anything for being cute. Brian showed more red flags than a Chinese communist rally," the amended complained read.

Pratt said that Laundrie clearly has influence over [Petitos] mentality that looked unsavory.

Hes mentally messing with her, Pratt said. Hes just a weird, not healthy dude, and that was clear ... I thought he was an emotional threat to her. I thought he was a mental threat to her.

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Gabby Petito Ig 3

Gabby Petito Photo: Instagram

The Utah cop, however, defended his decision to not arrest Laundrie or escalate the matter, saying that there's no law against "being a sty boyfriend and gaslighting and taking advantage of people mentally and emotionally for your own reasons," per the amended filing.

The lawsuit also accuses authorities of treating Petito more like an aggressor in the situation than a victim.

After Moab officers ultimately let the couple go, they continued traveling west, where officials allege Laundrie fatally strangled Petito and dumped her body in the Wyoming wilderness. Petito was reported missing on Sept. 11, 2021. Laundrie later returned to Florida and killed himself a short time later, according to authorities. His partial skeletal remains were located in an environmental park on Oct. 20.

Gabby's murder might have been prevented if the officers had acted properly," the lawsuits complaint stated.

Oxy App

Lawyers for Petitos parents last month released a graphic selfie showing Petitos battered face, injuries that they allege were inflicted by Laundrie shortly before Moab police arrived on the scene on the day of the domestic violence call. The images, according to the Petito family attorneys, are further evidence that law enforcement failed to intervene.

He, like, grabbed my face, Petito then-told police, according to court documents. Well, he like grabbed me, like with his nail, and I guess thats why it hurts."

I definitely have a cut," she added. "Like, I can feel it.

Petitos family has also sued Laundries family for exacerbating their emotional distress.
Chase Elliott (#9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet) prepares for qualfying for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Xfinity 500 on October 29, 2022 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA.

Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Chase Elliott is taking several weeks away from the track as he recovers from a broken leg.

The NASCAR driver, 27, suffered a fractured tibia in his left leg during a snowboarding accident in Colorado and "underwent a successful surgery" on Friday, Hendrick Motorsports shared in a news release, announcing that he will not race Sunday at the NASCAR Cup Series in Las Vegas.

"There is no timeline at this point," said Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports president and general manager, in a statement about Elliott's recovery, noting that it will likely take "several weeks" and the team is working with Elliott's doctors to find out more.

RELATED: NASCAR's Chase Elliott Says He's Glad 'No One Got Hurt' During Ross Chastain's Risky Racing Move

"For Mr. Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports, the most important thing is Chase's health and his well-being. We'll work with him on that timeline," added Andrews. "We are going to race a long time together with Chase Elliott, and we are going to win a lot more races together. Certainly, this is a little bit of a setback and Chase is very disappointed. We'll have a seat ready for him when he is healthy and ready to get back in a race car."

Following Friday's three-hour surgery, Elliott is expected to be released from the hospital on Saturday. Hendrick Motorsports is applying for a waiver from NASCAR to keep Elliot eligible for the playoffs.

RELATED: Nascar's Chase Elliott Gives Kyle Busch the Middle Finger at Toyota 500

Meanwhile, Josh Berry will fill in for Elliott at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Berry, 32, said that Elliott reached out to him ahead of Sunday's race.

RELATED VIDEO: NASCAR's Chase Elliott Talks About Sacrifices He Made to Go After a Career in Racing

"He shot me a text and just thanked me for helping out," he said. "I thanked him for thinking of me and considering me for this fill-in position. Chase has been a good friend to me over the years. Even dating back to when I would make a couple of Xfinity Series starts years ago at JR Motorsports. He was always one of the first ones to help me whenever I needed it."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"I'm thankful for these guys for giving me this opportunity. I obviously wish him well and going forward, I'll do whatever these guys need and we'll take it from there," added Berry.
PATERSON  In barely 36 hours, authorities tracked down a man they say shot and injured a New Jersey State Police officer in Paterson and arrested him on attempted murder charges in South Carolina on Friday afternoon.

The suspect, Jocquise Timmons of Paterson, allegedly stepped out from behind a parked vehicle, assumed a shooting stance, and opened fire on two unmarked vehicles driven by troopers early Thursday morning near the corner of 9th Avenue and East 26th Street, said Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

At the time of the shooting, the troopers were following another vehicle they believed to be involved in a break-in at a nearby house, Platkin said. One trooper suffered a nonfatal wound to the leg, and he is expected to make a full recovery, the attorney general said.

Police at the scene where a New Jersey State Trooper was shot on Ninth Avenue near E29th Street in Paterson around 1 a.m. on March 2, 2023.

Timmons, who was born in 1994, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and four counts of aggravated assault. Authorities have not explained the aggravated assault charges. Timmons previously was convicted on drug dealing charges, according to state court records.

Officials have not released the troopers name. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. said the wounded trooper is the father of a 1-year-old child.

The trooper in the other vehicle that was fired upon was not injured, Platkin said.

Platkin said investigators have recovered the gun from the shooting and that theres no evidence of any other weapons being involved. But numerous questions remain unanswered about the incident.

One of our @NJSP troopers was shot and wounded in the leg in Paterson early this morning.



We will ensure that all those responsible for this violent and heinous act are caught and brought to justice. pic.twitter.com/nqcIag7BPZ  Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 2, 2023

Authorities have not revealed why State Police officers in unmarked vehicles would be investigating a low-level crime like a house burglary. Officials also have not said whether the gunman knew police officers were driving the vehicles that he shot at. Nor have they said if there are other suspects.

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None of the troopers at the scene fired their guns, Platkin said.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, law enforcement officials said they were looking for multiple people connected to the crime and police officers swarmed the neighborhood where the shooting happened.

Platkin said that when he visited the wounded trooper at St. Josephs University Medical Center, the officers brushed aside questions about his own health and wanted to talk about another case and saving lives.

The New Jersey trooper who was shot yesterday in Paterson is in great spirits, Platkin said. Were not releasing his name at this time out of concern for his safety.

Platkin said the trooper was expected to be released from the hospital soon. Its a small miracle, he added.

The complaints filed by the New Jersey State police said Timmons and another man, identified as John John, tried to get inside a house on East 26th Street at 10:54 p.m. on Wednesday night. The two men  wearing masks and gloves  were recorded by a doorbell camera trying to get inside the front door, the complaint said.

When they couldnt get in the front door, the two of them tried getting inside a side door, before leaving, the complaint said.

Later in the night, state police conducted surveillance of the house and one unmarked vehicle began following a blue Odyssey, the complaint said. The trooper who was wounded and another state police officer were joining the pursuit in separate vehicles when they were ambushed by Timmons, police said.

Investigators found ballistics evidence of nine shots being fired and five bullet holes in the two vehicles, authorities said.

The blue van later was found abandoned near East 29th Street and Park Avenue, the complaint said. Surveillance video show three people flee the van. Timmons and John John escaped while the third person, identified as a confidential witness, was captured soon afterward, police said.

Earlier:State trooper shot in leg in Paterson, one suspect in custody as police seek others

On the surface, the area of Paterson where the trooper was shot doesnt look like other places in the city where gunfire is commonplace. The single-family homes with well-tended lawns stand in stark contrast to Patersons most-troubled neighborhoods.

But dont be fooled by appearances. The shooting happened in a part of Paterson very familiar to the State Police and the Attorney Generals detectives who investigate gangs. A block away from the shooting is 10th Avenue, a thoroughfare notorious for open-air drug dealing.

Back in 2019, state law enforcement officials conducted a five-month probe targeting the Bloods-affiliated So Icy Boys gang, which authorities said was based at the corner of 10th Avenue and East 28th Street.

That crackdown resulted in nine arrests and afterward, gang activity in the area declined for a little while, according to residents and public officials. But the problems are back on the upswing. Just three weeks ago, two people suffered nonfatal gunshot wounds in a shooting at the corner of 10th Avenue and East 23rd Street.

Authorities have not indicated whether Thursdays shooting was connected to the gangs in the area.

Retired pastor John Algera, who has served many years with Patersons Cease-Fire antiviolence community group, lives less than two block from the shooting scene.

In the summer, when we have the windows open, we often hear shots, said Algera. But weve never been afraid to walk in our neighborhood. Weve lived here 45 years and Ive never felt unsafe in my neighborhood.

Algera said he was offended by the crime.

It makes people want to move out of our city, he said.

The shooting also happened near the home of Pascrell, a former mayor of Paterson.

When something hits your neighborhood, its a little different from reading about it in the newspaper, Pascrell said. That trooper was trying to help us and he got shot.

The congressman bemoaned the widespread availability of guns.

Everybody has a gun, you cant even keep track of them, he said.

Mayor Andre Sayegh said he also visited the injured trooper in the hospital and told him he was a hero. The mayor said despite the trooper shooting, Paterson is making improvements in public safety.

The city had record numbers of homicides in 2020 and 2021.

Last year we saw double digit decreases in shootings and homicides, Saygh said. In the first two months this year we have also seen double digit decreases in shootings and homicides. We are making progress and having our state troopers helps to drive down gun violence.

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com

Nicholas Katzban is a staff writer for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network New Jersey. Email: katzban@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson state trooper shot: Man arrested in South Carolina, charged
For the millions of people who have sexual characteristics that dont neatly fit into the typical definitions of male or female, life is a constant struggle against misconceptions, biases and cultural norms that, from the moment of birth, attempt to fit us into the box that defines our sex  and, often, how well be perceived for the rest of our lives.

To explore that conflict, veteran Romanian actor Tunde Skovran  making her directorial debut  traveled to South Africa to follow two intersex people with parallel but divergent lives: Sharon-Rose Khumalo, a beauty queen who suffers an identity crisis after finding out shes intersex, and Dimakatso Sebidi, a male-presenting intersex activist who is in many ways Khumalos polar opposite.

More from Variety

The result, Who I Am Not, is an intimate, emotional portrait of intersex people living in a binary world, a reality that according to some estimates is experienced by up to 2% of the worlds population.

Following its world premiere at Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Festival, the film travelled to SXSW for its North American premiere on March 11, with screenings at the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival and CPH:DOX to follow. CAT&Docs is handling world sales.

Written and directed by Skovran, the film is produced by Andrei Zinca and co-produced by Paul Cadieux and Patrick Hamm. Executive producers are Patricia Arquette, M.J. Peckham, Andrei Zinca, Tunde Skovran, Marc Smolowitz, Jafta Mekgoe, Danielle Turkov and Maryse Rouillard.

Intersex is an umbrella term that refers to a wide range of variations that might affect genitals, hormones, chromosomes and sexual or reproductive organs. Sometimes those variations appear at birth, sometimes in puberty. Sometimes, theyre not apparent to the naked eye at all. Amnesty International notes that around 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits  comparable to the number of people born with red hair.

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Dimakatso Sebidi (left) is an intersex activist in South Africa.

As a woman accustomed to appearing on the other side of the camera, Skovran said she was always really attracted to stories and characters that somehow fall outside of the norm  that challenge societys expectations. They make the audiences uncomfortable. They make the audiences grow.

It was her fascination with the human body  the instrument she works with on stage and on screen  that led Skovran to question what life is like for those whose bodies dont conform to societal norms. That, in turn, led to South Africa, where in the early 2010s, a roiling debate took shape over the case of Caster Semenya, an intersex woman and Olympic gold medal-winning track star whose success had come under scrutiny because of her elevated testosterone levels.

Skovrans research brought her into contact with Khumalo and Sebidi, who were already two figures from South Africas intersex community accustomed to the public spotlight. Their stories were out, but they wanted to share with the wider world their experiences, Skovran said. They were activists, and I started championing the champions.

It took five years for the trio to find our shared voice, said the director, noting that despite the disruption of the pandemic and the thousands of miles separating them, We never gave up on each other.

The long gestation of Who I Am Not allowed Skovran to earn the trust of her protagonists, enabling and emboldening them to reveal the raw emotion of their life stories on screen. The director incorporated group therapy, psychodrama, acting and even dream interpretation into their work, making the film as much a journey of self-exploration as cinematic invention.

Tunde Skovran

I think the whole process was not about making the documentary, Skovran said. It was about how can we elevate their vulnerabilities? How can we access the identity that is buried because of the trauma they had to endure?

That process helped the director achieve powerful results on screen. In some of the films most heart-wrenching moments, Sebidi confronts their father about the painful  and unnecessary  surgical procedures they endured for the first six years of their life, because of their familys misconceptions about Sebidis intersex birth.

Its a subject that is rarely broached on screen, despite the growing number of gay, trans and other stories from across the LGBTQ spectrum being told through film. While Who I Am Not will perhaps shatter those taboos, it is also a touching, humorous and deeply cathartic celebration of intersex life  for both its protagonists and for the audience.

It was very important to show participants in their journey that are very sympathetic and in the light side of being intersex as well, said Skovran. I wanted to send a very positive message, because they have a positive life. Dimakatso and Sharon, they experience life with humor as well. They have people who love them, they have faith. Its not only about the traumas.

As a Romanian woman splitting her time between Europe and the U.S., Skovran admitted she questioned whether she was the right filmmaker to document her protagonists lives on screen, asking herself: Why me? How am I entitled to tell their stories? Why am I the right person to tell their stories?

But it was Sebidi who ultimately reassured her. The intersex community is not limited to South Africa. It has many colors and nationalities, they said. This is beyond male-female, black-white, rich-poor divide. The film you are making is about all of us, and I hope it will help others understand that we are one.

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The orca swimming at the surface, with a pilot whale calf alongside her.

Researchers aboard a whale watching boat in Iceland were baffled in 2021 when they saw a female orca swimming alongside a very unusual calf. The tiny animal didn't have a white spot near its eye like orcas (Orcinus orca) do and, as it turned out, wasn't even from the same species.

Orca researcher Marie-Therese Mrusczok was working as the spotter on the top deck of the Laki Tours whale watching boat off the island's west coast when she sighted the orca and what she suspected was a pilot whale.

"You know what you're seeing, but your mind is saying, 'No, that can't be,'" Mrusczok, president of conservation nonprofit Orca Guardians Iceland, told Live Science. "When I came down from the top deck, the whole crew was like, 'Wow, this is the tiniest orca calf we have ever seen.'"

Mrusczok told the crew that it was no orca calf and, after consulting with other researchers, confirmed that they had seen a long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) calf.

Mrusczok and her colleagues published their findings Feb. 17 in the Canadian Journal of Zoology in what may be the first documented case of an orca caring for the offspring of another species.

Related: Orca males are burnouts who let their moms do all the hunting, surprising study finds

The researchers watched the orca and calf for 21 minutes before the boat moved on. In that time, the orca, given the Icelandic name Sdis, appeared to be looking after the pilot whale.

"She was showing protective behavior, and she was showing caregiving behavior towards the calf," Mrusczok said.

The calf, however, was in poor condition, and it's unlikely that Sdis was feeding it. Mrusczok noted that Sdis hasn't had any calves in the nine years the researchers have been studying her, possibly because she was too old and probably wasn't producing milk. When Sdis was spotted again in 2022, the calf wasn't with her.

Mrusczok noted that the calf likely died, but the researchers still had to figure out why the two were together in the first place. One possible explanation put forward in the study is that the orca came across a stray pilot whale calf and adopted it as a substitute calf.

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Another, more sinister possibility is that the orca abducted the calf. Pilot whales will chase off orcas in Icelandic waters , possibly in response to food competition or a perceived predation risk. But Mrusczok observed something new when Sdis and her podmates were being chased by pilot whales in 2022. "Once the pilot whales stopped, the orcas would turn around and go back towards the pilot whales," Mrusczok said.

A pilot whale calf swims next to a female orca as if she were its mother.

A pilot whale calf swims next to a female orca as if she were its mother. (Image credit: Orca Guardians Iceland)

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The study authors suggested that Sdis, now calfless, may have been repeatedly approaching the pilot whales to try to find another pilot whale calf she could take and that's why the pilot whales were chasing her off. Mrusczok noted that they are collecting data every year on the social interactions between these two species and hope to learn more in the future.

Erich Hoyt , a research fellow at Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the U.K. and author of " Orca: The Whale Called Killer " (Firefly Books, 2019), said that while the researchers' observations were nicely detailed, he found it difficult to draw as many conclusions as they did.

"The conclusions are a stretch for me," Hoyt, who was not involved in the study, told Live Science in an email. "I don't feel that there is enough evidence to say that the calf was actually adopted. This could just be curiosity on the part of the female killer whale having found a lost or abandoned pilot whale calf."
Pamela Anderson attends the

Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix

It took becoming a centerfold for Pamela Anderson to come out of her shell.

The Baywatch alum, 55, said that posing for Playboy for the first time in 1989 was "my first feeling of freedom" as she told ET Canada suffered from "debilitating" shyness as a child while discussing her new documentary and memoir.

"I became painfully shy, and the shyness was something that was so debilitating" she explained. "When I was little, I would wear a hat over my head and pull the hole closed, so I could only see out this much.

RELATED: Pamela Anderson Confirms She Does Actually Bleach Her Own Hair at Home: 'I Can Do It Myself'

"I hated the way I looked, I hated everything. I was so shy, and I always thought everybody was pretty, and I just didn't have that confidence or self-confidence," added Anderson.

She almost didn't jump at the chance to pose for the glossy's October 1989 cover, admitting she turned down the Hugh Hefner publication at first.

Pamela Anderson

Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty

"Then I was in Vancouver and Playboy approached me a few times and I said no. Finally, I was in a situation and thought, 'Why not? Let me try this.' Then I got to L.A. and I was horrified," she recalled.

RELATED: Pamela Anderson Reveals She Still Has One of Her Iconic Baywatch Swimsuits  and It Still Fits!

"Then I did my first photo shoot with Playboy it was the first flash when I opened my eyes and it felt like I was falling off a cliff. It really felt like I was just allowing, instead of trying to control. And it was my first feeling of freedom," Anderson continued. "Then I was off to the races."

Anderson previously spoke to PEOPLE at the Los Angeles premiere of Pamela, A Love Story, explaining how personal the documentary and her Love, Pamela memoir were for her.

RELATED VIDEO: Pamela Anderson Says 'It's Emotional' to Watch Her Life Story in New Netflix Documentary

"Of course, it's emotional for me," Anderson says. "It's just all these wonderful memories and hard memories too. But I wanted to go back into those feelings and feel those feelings."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Pamela, a love story is now streaming on Netflix, and Love, Pamela is available wherever books are sold.
Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. Courtesy of Jackson Mahomes/Instagram

Patrick Mahomes brother, Jackson Mahomes, is being investigated for assault after a restaurant owner alleged he forcibly kissed her after he allegedly shoved a waiter at the establishment.

Per a report published by the Kansas City Star on Saturday, March 4, Jackson, 22, was dining at Aspen Vaughns restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas, on Saturday, February 25, when he allegedly became aggressive with two staff members.

"I was going into our office downstairs where the employees are in the employee area, and hes downstairs for I dont know what reason," the 19-year-old waiter claimed to the Kansas City Star about Jacksons alleged assault. And Im trying to get to the office, and hes like, pushing me out  And hes like, No, get out, get out."

Vaughn, who told the outlet that she smelled marijuana coming from the room where Jackson and his friends were seated, got involved after the alleged shoving incident. The restauranteur claimed that Jackson asked to speak to her privately about the situation, which is when he allegedly assaulted her.

"He forcibly kissed me out of nowhere, and Im telling him, pushing him off saying, What are you doing? Vaughn claimed. And then he proceeded to do it two more times, where the last time I was pushing him off, and I can see on the cameras that somebody was outside the office door, and I was yelling for them to come help, because hes big and massive."

"I was in shock," Vaughn added. Its disgusting. Like youre a child, and he was trying to say, We should be a power couple, and Im like, Clearly youre out of your mind right now."

Jacksons lawyer Brandan Davies denied the allegations in a statement to the Kansas City Star.

"Jackson has done nothing wrong. Our investigation has revealed substantial evidence refuting the claims of Jacksons accuser, including the statements of several witnesses, Davies said. We have reached out to law enforcement to provide the fruit of our investigation so that they may have a complete picture of the matter."

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This is not the first time that Jackson has been involved in a spat with a Kansas City restaurant. In December 2021, after he complained about his experience at SoT  calling the service absolutely terrible and the waiters so rude via his Instagram Stories  the bar clapped back with a scathing response about his alleged behavior at the establishment.

Jackson Mahomes Justin Rex/AP/Shutterstock

Dear @jacksonmahomes, we are sorry that we set boundaries that you tried to ignore. Often times people with un-earned status and a sense of entitlement think they are above the rules and will lash out at the employee enforcing them, SoT wrote via social media. We are sorry we could not seat your very large group. As you probably saw, our bar is very small. We are sorry that you have the reach that you do, or at least that you think you do and that instead of using it for something positive you decided to use it to try and crush a small business. We survived a global pandemic, well survive your ego. We are sorry you didnt reach out to us first before taking to social media, but then again that is an expectation we would have from a mature and rational person, not someone who pours water on fans and dances on the memorials of tragically lost people for TikTok clout.

Jackson  along with other members of the Mahomes family, including Patricks wife Brittany Matthews  has frequently made headlines for his controversial behavior, which some Kansas City Chiefs fans believe detracts from his brothers fame as a two-time Super Bowl champion.

In September 2021, three months before the incident at SoT, Jackson faced backlash after pouring water on Baltimore Ravens fans who were trolling his family after the Chiefs lost to the Maryland team. Patrick, 27, spoke out about his younger brothers antics at the time.

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Obviously, its something we dont want to necessarily do, the quarterback said during a press conference. There were things that were said to him and [Brittany] that you dont see on the clip. Hes been good at trying not to respond to that stuff. He takes a lot and hes usually pretty good at it and hell learn from it and try to stay away from those people as best he can.
Prince Harry covered a wide array of topics during a livestreamed sit-down with physician and author Dr. Gabor Mate on Saturday, ranging from victimhood and the war in Afghanistan to the royals thoughts on generational trauma and psychedelics.

Mate brought up passages from Harrys memoir, Spare, in which he spoke about experimenting with various substances, including cocaine, marijuana and alcohol.

While the royal said that cocaine didnt do anything for me, he said his experience with marijuana was different because it actually did really help me.

The duke also discussed his use of psychedelic drugs, which he said are like the cleaning of a windshield for him and helped remove lifes filters.

It removed it all for me and brought me a sense of relaxation, release, comfort  a lightness, he said. I started doing it recreationally and then started to realize how good it was for me.

The royal added, I would say that it is one of the fundamental parts of my life that changed me.

Prince Harry's memoir on display in a bookstore on Jan. 22 in Bath, England.

Prince Harry's memoir on display in a bookstore on Jan. 22 in Bath, England.

Harry had opened up about his use of psychedelics in his book, writing:

They didnt simply allow me to escape reality for a while, they let me redefine reality. Under the influence of these substances I was able to let go of rigid preconcepts, to see that there was another world beyond my heavily filtered senses, a world that was equally real and doubly beautiful. ... There was only truth.

The Duke of Sussexs talk  which took place in California, but not at his residence in Montecito  was his first since it was confirmed that he and wife Meghan Markle were requested to vacate Frogmore Cottage, their U.K. home on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Though there was no mention of the looming eviction during the talk, Harry didnt shy away from any of Mates questions, as the physician kicked things off by asking if the prince felt like a victim.

I certainly dont see myself as a victim, the Duke of Sussex said, adding that he was really grateful to be able to share my story and hoped that it would help others.

Story continues

I do not and I have never looked for sympathy in this, he said.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit One World Observatory on Sept. 23, 2021, in New York City.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit One World Observatory on Sept. 23, 2021, in New York City.

During the fireside chat, Harry also spoke about feeling slightly different to the rest of my family throughout his life and upbringing.

I felt strange being in this container, he said. I know that my mum felt the same. And so it makes sense to me. I felt as though my body was in there, but my head was out. And then sometimes it was vice versa.

In regard to Harrys life, Mate said he found that one of the central points of Spare was the theme of deprivation. Harry wrote about wanting to hug his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, which wasnt allowed or ever done.

He also wrote about the rare moments when his father, Charles, or brother, William, would pat his leg or shoulder, such as when his mother died and when he came back from his military service in Afghanistan.

While Mate said that he did not support the war in Afghanistan, Harry shared an interesting perspective.

One of the reasons why certainly so many people in the United Kingdom were not supportive of our troops, was because they assumed that everybody that was serving was for the war, the royal explained.

But no, you, once you sign up, you do what youre told to do. So, there was a lot of us that didnt necessarily agree or disagree, but you were doing what you were trained to do. You were doing what you, what you were sent to do.

Prince Harry, right, races out from a tent with his fellow pilots at Camp Bastion on Nov. 3, 2012, in Afghanistan.

Prince Harry, right, races out from a tent with his fellow pilots at Camp Bastion on Nov. 3, 2012, in Afghanistan.

The Duke of Sussexs talk with Mate was his first since an initial round of publicity interviews released around Jan. 10. for the publication of his memoir.

Despite the incredible security surrounding the book, Spare leaked in its entirety five days before it was set to go on sale, when Spanish booksellers began handing it out. HuffPosts Lee Moran was able to obtain the memoir in Spain at a local store.

Neither Kensington Palace nor Buckingham Palace has officially commented on any of the claims made in the book.

More revelations from Prince Harrys Spare memoir and media tour:

Related...
Pueblo native and U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews has been selected by President Joe Biden to fill an upcoming vacancy on Colorado's federal trial court.

A Pueblo County native has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as a District Judge for the State of Colorado.

Judge S. Kato Crews has served as a United States magistrate judge for the District of Colorado since 2018. Crews was the first Black magistrate judge for the District of Colorado, according to U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper.

Magistrate judges assist the district judges by handling pre-trial matters in civil and criminal cases and sometimes conduct trials. They also facilitate litigants in negotiating settlement agreements.

"Magistrate judges are typically the first judge the parties see in their case," Crews said in a 2019 interview with the Chieftain. "In civil cases, we might be the only judge the parties see over the life of their case."

While on the bench, Crews founded the Federal Limited Appearance Program (FLAP) with the Colorado Bar Association (CBA) Young Lawyers Division, which provides pro bono representation to pro se litigants during certain court hearings. He also sits on the Colorado Bar Association-Continuing Legal Education board, and regularly makes himself available to students and young lawyers for mentoring and guidance.

Crews was a founding partner of Mastin Hoffman & Crews LLC from 2011 to 2013, and Hoffman Crews Nies Waggener & Foster LLP from 2013 to 2018, where he focused on civil litigation and labor and employment law.

He was an associate at Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP from 2001 to 2008 and a partner from 2008 to 2010. From 2000 to 2001, he was a staff attorney at the National Labor Relations Board in Denver. Crews received his J.D. from the University of Arizona in 2000, and his B.A. from the University of Northern Colorado in 1997.

Crews also has deep ties to Pueblo.

One of his grandfathers, DeSoto Jordan, founded New Hope Baptist Church and his father, Napoleon Crews, was an attorney who earlier in his career ran a company that supplied security officers for the Colorado State Fair.

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Before moving to Rye for high school, the future judge attended Belmont elementary and Heaton middle schools.

A Pueblo native, Judge Crews has demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to the law for over two decades. He has used his experience in both private practice and as a Magistrate Judge to give back to the community, make the judiciary and his courtroom more accessible, and mentor the next generation of Colorado lawyers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds," Bennett said in a joint statement with Hickenlooper.

With his experience, intellect, and character, Judge Crews will make a remarkable addition to Colorados District Court. I look forward to supporting his nomination, and urge my colleagues to quickly confirm him with a strong bipartisan vote.

Judge Kato Crews will bring his experience, intellect, and integrity back to the bench. His nomination is a win for Coloradans and the rule of law, Hickenlooper said.

Crews declined to comment when contacted by the Chieftain.

Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on twitter @jayreutter1.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo County native nominated to serve as Colorado District Judge
Nvidia's plans for sales to Huawei imperiled if U.S. tightens Huawei curbs-draft FILE PHOTO: The logo of Nvidia Corporation is seen during the annual Computex computer exhibition in Taipei

By Alexandra Alper

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. chipmaker Nvidia Corp's plans to sell technology to China's Huawei would be thwarted if the U.S. government proceeds with a proposal to further restrict shipments to the blacklisted company, a draft report by a government contractor shows.

The Biden administration has been considering limiting the items it authorizes U.S. companies to ship to telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies Co, which was added to a U.S. trade blacklist in 2019 but which continues to receive billions in U.S. goods under a special plan implemented by the Trump administration.

"The proposed 2023 amendment of (the Commerce Department's) licensing will likely have a high economic impact on Nvidia," according to excerpts of the draft report seen by Reuters, referring to the company's "pending license value."

Nvidia's plans to sell to Huawei have not been previously reported.

A Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment on the document, saying: "The China market presents a significant opportunity for the U.S. semiconductor industry. While we are unable to comment on any pending license requests, we work with customers and partners worldwide to comply with all applicable export controls and meet market demand.

A senior State Department Official said the document was a preliminary draft prepared by a contractor, and the department "would not have approved of the report in its current form." It also said the government "has written and contracted multiple reports on this subject, based on different contingencies, which arrive at very different conclusions."

The White House and Commerce Department declined to comment. Huawei did not respond to a request for comment.

The document shows the Biden administration is seeking to assess the impact on U.S. companies of proposed Huawei policy changes before imposing new rules that could crimp projected revenue streams at a time when the tech industry is already reeling. It also provides unusual insight into the politically sensitive question of which U.S. companies are seeking business ties to Huawei, one of Washington's most penalized Chinese companies.

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Reuters could not learn the details of the specific policy change whose impact was being assessed in the report.

The report suggested Qualcomm would likely suffer a "moderate economic impact" from the change in policy, in contrast to Huawei. Indeed, the loss of access to Qualcomm's modem chips would have a bigger impact on Huawei, the report forecast, since Huawei "relies heavily on Qualcomm's modem chips to support its smart phone offering."

Qualcomm did not respond to a request for comment.

Reuters reported in 2021 that U.S. officials had approved license applications worth hundreds of millions of dollars for Huawei to buy chips for its growing auto component business, including vehicle components such as video screens and sensors, as trade restrictions crippled other business lines.

Huawei was placed on the "entity list" in 2019 amid fears it could spy on Americans and allegations it was stealing intellectual property and violating sanctions. The U.S requires that suppliers seek a special license that is usually denied when selling U.S. goods to companies on the list. But the Trump administration instituted a more lenient policy for Huawei, blocking its access to 5G chips but allowing other items like 4G chips to be shipped to the firm.

The Commerce Department's top export controls official, Alan Estevez, said this week the Trump-era policy allowing U.S. technology below the 5G level" to be shipped to Huawei was "under assessment."

But sources say there are differences within the administration odds over how far to go: some officials advocate blocking all licenses to Huawei suppliers and revoking existing authorizations, while others want to extend restrictions only to 4G chips and other targeted technologies going forward.

(Reporting by Alexandra Alper; Additional Reporting by Karen Freifeld and Stephen Nellis; Editing by Chris Sanders and William Mallard)
RuPauls Drag Race season 15 continued on March 3 with the next step in the competition toward discovering Americas next drag superstar. Last week, RuPaul Charles invited the queens to The Crystal Ball, a fashionable celebration of the shows 200th episode. This week, the 8 remaining girls in 50/50s Most Gagworthy Stars.

Seated at the judges dais for episode 10 was Emmy winning host RuPaul, longtime bestie Michelle Visage and recurring judge Ts Madison.

More from GoldDerby

The 10 queens still in the competition are: Anetra, Loosey LaDuca, Luxx Noir London, Malaysia Babydoll Foxx, Marcia Marcia Marcia, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Salina EsTitties, and Sasha Colby.

Check out our full recap of episode 10 below:

Following the Salina EsTitties Lip Sync for Your Life win over Spice, the girls gathered themselves in the Werk Room to reflect on their performances in the ball. As has become true of this group, Marcia Marcia Marcia expressed her disappointment at being just safe and admitted to the others that she expected to be in the top. Loosey LaDuca took personal offense to the others allowing Marcia to express that point of view because they took her to task for it after past challenges when she said something similar. At this point in the competition Loosey felt like she deserved more respect for her three wins (between mini and maxi challenges), but Mistress Isabelle Brooks was unwilling to let Loosey slide, clocking her for being in her bitch era.

The next morning, Ru joined the girls in the newsroom to announce their next maxi challenge. This week theyd get up close and personal with celebrities as journalists in the news magazine 50/50. Ru delivered the assignments: Marcia and Sasha Colby with Charo; Anetra, Loosey and Malaysia Babydoll Foxx with Frankie Grande; and Luxx Noir London, Mistress and Salina with Love Connie. Ru clarified that their interviews will be broadcast live and that she wants the queens to get their celebrities to reveal themselves in unforgettable ways.

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As the queens sat down to brainstorm and prepare their interviews, Luxx broke it down for us that each would be divided into three segments: a walk-and-talk, an activity, and a sit-down. On Team Love Connie, Salina wanted the sit-down because its where she felt strongest and thought that this was a challenge shed be able to finally win. Team Frankie Grande focused on dividing the subjects of their segments so that they didnt overlap with one another. Because Team Charo only had two members, they combined their efforts more closely and then focused on throwing shade at Mistress. Naturally, once Mistress caught on she threw shade back, telling Luxx and Salina that she thinks Marcia will have a tough time matching Charos energy.

As promised, the queens shot their 50/50 segments live and under the microscope of their peers who watched from a monitor in the Werk Room. Up first was Team Love Connie. Salina kicked it off with the sit-down where she practiced the art of patience and letting Connie speak, followed by Luxxs well-researched walk-and-talk segment where she got a taste of Connies unpredictability and then Mistress struggling to maintain her composure in a cupcake decorating segment.

Team Charo started their interview with Sashas activity segment where they made a salad and Sasha learned that keeping up with Charo will be a challenge. Marcia took the reins for the sit-down, but there was quite a bit of awkward silences from Marcias end where it was clear she wasnt fully following Charos storytelling.

Team Frankie Grande had Loosey sit-down with Frankie that had the other queens shaking in their boots over how perfect of a role the position was for Loosey. Anetra visited Frankie on set for the walk-and-talk and surprised everyone by giving her resting bitch face a rest. Malaysia closed out with a pizza-making segment that repeated the subject of Frankies recent marriage, a subject that both Loosey and Anetra had already covered with him.

For the runway, the queens walked in the Night of 1000 Beyonces category. Luxx walked in a Bob Mackie homage to Tina Turner, Mistress added two dummy heads to her shoulders for a Destinys Child era look, Salina went with the 2004 Grammys dress, Sasha wore a 2006 BET Awards mini dress, Marcia wore a charity event dress, Anetra took inspiration from a tour look, Malaysia copied the 2018 Global Citizens Festival performance look, and Loosey went with the iconic baby bump reveal suit from the 2011 VMAs.

Based on their challenge performances and runway presentations, this weeks safe queens were Marcia and Anetra. Luxx rose to the top for impressing Michelle with her matching Connie tit for tat and Ru for wearing well a version of a Beyonce dress that she herself also wore. Ts was disappointed in Mistress for missing the mark in her interview segment, but Michelle thought she picked it up with a creative take on the runway theme. Michelle also really loved Salinas runway look, but she thought Salina spoke over Connie too often in their interview. Sasha was another top performer for the judges because of a flawless runway look, but they also thought that she was easy and casual with Charo in a way that really worked for the audience. The judges clocked Malaysia for showing her nervousness too much in the interview which prompted her admitting to playing it safe. Ts thought that Loosey rose to the challenge of meet your guest where they are and Michelle said she was able to pull out the real Frankie out of him.

After further deliberation, Ru announced that this weeks winner was Sasha, making it a back-to-back win for the legend and giving her a solid position as frontrunner with three maxi challenge wins compared to only one from anyone else. Luxx, Loosey and Mistress all earned safety, leaving Malaysia and Salina in the bottom two. They lip synced to Single Ladies where both very obviously incorporated the iconic elements of the dance. In her third trip to the LSFLY, Salina could have faltered in showing the judges what theyve already seen from her, but her dedication to Beyonces original choreography offered her the chance to do something different. Malaysia wove in some comedic elements that created a contrast to Salina, but kept it just as fun and engaging. But ultimately this was not a week Ru was going to give a double shantay and so she made the executive decision to keep Salina one more time and delivered the sashay away to Malaysia.

NEXT WEEK: The series returns to the hour and a half format just in time for the queens to make us laugh in a stand up comedy challenge.

Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Dont miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why?

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Click here to read the full article.
A winter storm moving toward the Seacoast is expected to bring the highest snowfall amounts of the winter season beginning late Friday night and into the weekend.

Beginning close to midnight Friday, the region could see snow accumulate 1 inch per hour until sunrise, with snow lasting through Saturday before tapering off mid-afternoon, per projections from the National Weather Services office in Gray, Maine.

A Dover City plow clears the surface of Silver Street during a recent storm in February. An even larger storm is expected to begin Friday evening into Saturday. Forecasters say it is likely to be this winter's biggest snowfall yet.

Meteorologist Chris Legro said Friday afternoon that towns along beaches in New Hampshire and Maine could receive 4-7 inches of snow. In Portsmouth and communities along Interstate 95, between 8-12 inches, while Strafford County and interior York County may get more than a foot, possibly 15 inches of snow.

Throughout the Seacoast, Legro noted that a possibility exists for sleet and rain to mix into the forecast Saturday morning before reverting to snowfall as the day progresses.

Itll be less of a mix and that heavier snow will linger longer, he said of precipitation slated to come to Strafford County and York County.

More:Portsmouth Gas Light, Liquor Commission in settlement talks after fatal Thanksgiving crash

Snow is expected to wane throughout the region Saturday afternoon, likely by 4 p.m., with the highest amounts of accumulation anticipated to occur during the early morning before sunrise.

Based on our forecast right now, especially in the Seacoast and into southeastern New Hampshire, its the biggest storm that weve had so far this year, Legro added.

Winds on Saturday could gust upwards of 40 to 45 miles per hour along the immediate coastline of the two states, while both interior Strafford County and York County could be pelted with gusts above 30 miles per hour.

Seacoast temperatures on Sunday are expected to rise back to the low 40s after Saturdays storm.

It should be pretty good weather for storm cleanup, said Legro.

Cities across the region have announced parking bans will begin on Friday evening, while Kittery, which has enacted its winter-long parking ban, noted that the towns library and dump, along with the Kittery Community Center, will be closed on Saturday.

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Wicked Tuna:Seabrook woman reels in monster catch in TV debut- It was awesome

Unitil, Central Maine Power prepare for storm

In advance of potential power outages, Unitil Corporation has secured additional crews to aid with possible restoration efforts, and the electricity supplier is opening its Emergency Operations Center on Saturday at 6 a.m.

Weve seen a very active weather pattern in recent days with several systems impacting our area, but it appears this storm will be the most significant in terms of snowfall amounts, said Unitil spokesperson Alec OMeara. The consistency of the snow is always critical and sometimes just a degree or two can make all the difference between a drier snow and one thats wetter, heavier and more problematic.

Central Maine Power spokesperson Jon Breed stated that the company will be pre-staging additional line and vegetation management crews in its service territory starting Friday night.

During weather events like these, it is not uncommon to see power outages caused by vehicle accidents involving our electric poles," said Breed. "We urge all Mainers to use caution if driving on Saturday.

The Front Porch in Ogunquit:New kitchen, rooftop bar with ocean views, and more planned

NH officials urge drivers to stay off roads during storm

The New Hampshire Department of Safetys Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) urges residents and visitors to use caution and avoid traveling if possible.

Before the snow arrives Friday evening, take some time to prepare yourself and your family, said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. Stay informed by listening to local weather reports and signing up for NH Alerts and make sure all members of your family know your family emergency plan.

Buxton offered these additional winter weather reminders:

Visit ReadyNH.gov to learn more preparedness tips to help you and your family stay safe, including information on making a family emergency plan and building an emergency kit.

Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.

Clear all snow and ice off your car, including your roof, around lights, and license plates before traveling.Bridges, overpasses, and exposed road areas are the most prone to slippery conditions.

Find the latest road conditions at newengland511.org.

Plan two ways out of your home in case of an emergency.

Clear the driveway and front walk from ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Saturday snowstorm forecast to dump foot of snow or more on Seacoast
Farm owner Dave Bishop, left, and tenant Kira Santiago of Kira's Flowers stand near a Sears and Roebuck dairy barn built in 1927 on Bishop's property on the edge of East Peoria. Bishop and Santiago have mounted a campaign to fund the restoration of the rundown barn, which suffers from a badly leaking roof.

EAST PEORIA  In just the last few years, shingles laid in 1962 have begun to reveal small pinpoints of light, like stars, in the wooden rafters of the barn on Dave Bishops Tazewell County farm.

From the outside, the roof declares its age not only by how weathered it has become, but also by the style of shingle  a textured deep green that is no longer available. Its only the second of two roofs the old barn has sported in its long life; the first was installed in 1927 when a new barn was raised to replace another destroyed by fire. The disaster led to the purchase of a round-top barn from the Sears and Roebuck catalog because the style was known to withstand brisk Midwestern winds. The massive barn arrived in pieces by train, and was transported to the farm by horse and carriage.

With one of a dwindling number of historic Sears and Roebuck barns still standing in the area, the barn's owner has launched a $50,000 fundraiser to replace the roof and do other repairs. But the financing of repairs is not the only goal for the GoFundMe campaign.

The barn is on almost 100 acres owned by the same family since 1868; it once sustained a family, and today its sixth-generation owner is exploring ways it could be used to help sustain a community. The fundraiser is the first effort to introduce that community to the project, and to create buy-in supporting sustainable farming.

The future of food

A lifelong farmer and owner of PrairiErth Farm, an organic farm in Atlanta, Illinois, Bishop envisions a future where communities are fed not by long supply chains, but by small farms within driving distance of the city center.

Its a European idea that works very well over there and seems like a foreign concept here, but we think thats probably going to be the future, said Bishop, while standing outside the old family farmhouse.

More:'What if we did this?' Couple realize their dream of opening a pet store and spa in Peoria

Change is coming to the farming industry, necessitated by the unsustainable nature of modern farming and nutrient-depleted soils, said Bishop.

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We are basically now using the soil to hold the plant up, and feeding it all chemical nutrients. Even if that werent harmful, you are using non-replaceable natural resources to produce your food. At some point that becomes a problem," he said.

The supply of chemical nutrients is finite.

The three major nutrients are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. The weak link in that chain is phosphorus  75% of the global supply of phosphorus is in Morocco. If you look at how long that can last, there are different scientific studies that range from 25 to 80 years  none of them go past the end of the century. And if you take that one macronutrient out, everything falls apart. Youve got to have all three, said Bishop

Fortunately, there are other well-tested methods for creating fertile soils, said Bishop.

If you really want a sustainable future, then you have to have a farm that is self-sufficient, that uses animals and plants together to provide the fertility on the land, and to address the weed control and pest control, you do that with a diverse rotation of crops  all the things we used to do when I was a little kid.

Organic farming  past, present and future

Holes have appeared in the roof of an old dairy barn on farm owner Dave Bishop's property in East Peoria. The barn, built in 1927, has served many purposes over the decades, most recently for gatherings hosted by Down River Farm and Kira's Flowers, who have rented out the land for their respective businesses.

Bishops family farm has been the home base for a pair of organic farms over the last few years. Evan Barry, owner of Down River Farm, grew vegetables on the property, while Kira Santiago grew flowers for her business, Kiras Flowers. Though Barry will not be using the property this year, Santiago is beginning her eighth year there, and is working with Bishop to make it into an asset for the entire community.

Every city center needs small farms to provide them with flowers, with fiber, with foods, with all the things that a farm can provide to be truly sustainable," said Santiago. We saw, during those weird early days of the pandemic, when the grocery stores werent able to keep certain things stocked, a lot of the smaller businesses and farmers were able to because its a direct-to-consumer approach, as opposed to having to go through such a long supply chain.

More:After 7 years, popular salvage business is closed. Here's how you can buy a piece of history

As part of the effort, Bishop has placed the property into an agriculture conservation easement through The Conservation Fund, which ensures that it will always be a farm and can never be sold and subdivided into a housing development. The Bishop farm sits on the edge of East Peoria, in an area pinpointed for future residential growth.

The upper level of the Bishop family dairy barn in East Peoria has recently hosted community gatherings organized by tenants Down River Farm and Kira's Flowers, and served as a drying facility for crops. But severe leaking in the roof has put an end to that for now.

This is for forever  the easement is on the titles of the property, said Bishop. Long after Im gone, it still has to be a farm.

For Bishop, a legacy is more important than future financial gain from the sale of property. The entire effort is about preservation  of a barn, of farmland and timber, and even the surrounding community. Bishop envisions the property being used not only to provide food, but also as an educational site where future farmers responsible for ushering in a new era in farming learn sustainable practices.

Repairing the barn is just the beginning of what Bishop hopes will be a long, productive conversation with the surrounding community.

Lets talk about our food future," said Bishop. "What do you see in terms of how communities like Peoria are going to feed themselves in coming years, and would you be willing to support an effort out here?

Leslie Renken can be reached at (309) 370-5087 or lrenken@pjstar.com. Follow her on Facebook.com/leslie.renken.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Historic Tazewell County barn in need of repairs and new roof
Marianne Williamson formally announced her 2024 bid for the presidency during a planned campaign launch in Washington, D.C. on Saturday afternoon.

The self-help author and Texas native, 70, is the first notable Democratic candidate to jump in the race and potentially challenge Joe Biden, 80, who is expected to run for reelection.

Williamson, who has written 14 books, also ran in the 2020 presidential race. She struggled to gain traction with primary voters, pulling out in early January 2020 and endorsing progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders, who eventually lost the Democratic Party's nomination to Biden.

Project Angel Food Founder Marianne Williamson is seen at the AIDS Monument Groundbreaking on June 05, 2021 in West Hollywood, California.

Emma McIntyre/Getty Marianne Williamson

Williamson's signature 2020 policy proposal called for $200 to $500 billion to be distributed by Black American leaders for community development and education. Many pieces of her policy platform aligned with the Democratic mainstream, including proposals to reform gun laws, combat man-made climate change and provide universal health care.

RELATED: Who Is Running for President in 2024? Confirmed and Rumored Republican and Democratic Candidates

Democratic presidential candidate and self-help author Marianne Williamson speaks at a LGBTQ presidential forum at Coe Colleges Sinclair Auditorium on September 20, 2019 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The event is the first public event of the 2020 election cycle to focus entirely on LGBTQ issues.

Scott Olson/Getty Marianne Williamson

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

During a Democratic debate in June 2019, Williamson gained attention for her unconventional answer when asked what her first action as president would be.

"My first call is to the prime minister of New Zealand, who said that her goal is to make New Zealand the place where it's the best place in the world for a child to grow up," she said of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. "And I would tell her, 'Girlfriend, you are so on, because the United States of America is going to be the best place in the world for a child to grow up.'"

During her 2020 run, Williamson also said the best way to defeat then-President Donald Trump was by channeling "love."

RELATED: What to Know About Vivek Ramaswamy, the 'Anti-Woke' Entrepreneur Who Just Entered the 2024 Presidential Race

Wiliamson's 2024 bid comes after Republicans Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley also announced their bids.

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Williamson revealed she was formally announcing her candidacy for Democratic nomination on social media.

"Some have already said of course, Well obviously she can't win. Or Well that's good; she'll add to the conversation," she wrote. "But since the election of 2016 it's odd for anyone to think they can know who can win the presidency. And I'm not putting myself through this again just to add to the conversation. I'm running for president to help bring an aberrational chapter of our history to a close, and to help bring forth a new beginning."

RELATED: Nikki Haley, Ex-Governor and Diplomat, Launches 2024 Presidential Run

The spiritual adviser also shared in her post, "I feel my forty years being up close and personal with the trauma of so many thousands of individuals gives me a unique perspective on what is needed to help repair America."

"We need a politics that treats not just symptoms, but cause. That does not base itself on the crass imperatives of endless corporate profit, but on the eternal imperatives of our principles and values. Einstein said we wouldn't solve the problems of the world from the level of thinking we were at when we created them. It's time for a new beginning, and this will only happen if we're willing to look at the world in a different way."

Williamson was raised Jewish in Houston and according to the Guardian, she is a spiritual adviser to Oprah Winfrey. PEOPLE profiled the author in 1992 due her close ties to celebrities.
The sentencing of disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh for the murders of his wife and son is unlikely to end the publics fascination with the family: There are already TV specials, docuseries and podcasts about the slayings and at least two scripted shows on the way.

Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison on Friday after being convicted a day earlier of killing his wife, Margaret Maggie Murdaugh, and their youngest son, Paul. He was found guilty on all charges, including two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon in the commitment of a violent crime.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

In June 2021, Maggie and Paul were found shot to death on the familys estate in Colleton County, South Carolina. But the prominent familys legacy began unraveling years earlier when questions arose following the death of Mallory Beach in a boating accident involving Paul, the unsolved 2015 death of Stephen Smith (a former classmate of the Murdaughs eldest son) and the 2018 death of Gloria Satterfield, the familys longtime housekeeper. Other allegations against Alex Murdaugh, who denied killing his family, include drug trafficking, bank fraud, an insurance scheme and a botched suicide plot.

Below are shows and podcasts covering the Murdaugh family, the murder trial and everything in between.

Netflixs Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal

The three-part docuseries, directed by Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst, follows the Murdaugh family scandal early on  beginning with Beachs death in February 2019, where Paul Murdaugh was the alleged boat driver, to when Paul and his mother Maggie were found shot to death in 2021. The series also includes first-hand accounts from those involved in the boating tragedy and covers a century of corruption, power and cover-ups in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina that the murder investigation brought to light.

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Murdaugh Murders Podcast

Award-winning journalist Mandy Matney hosts the podcast, with co-host Liz Farrell, which follows all the deaths, investigations, corruption and secrets surrounding the Murdaugh family. Listeners can follow along in real time as the podcasts exclusive sources help guide the dark journey.

The podcast is also being developed into a scripted series at Hulu, with Erin Lee Carr directing and Michael D. Fuller producing. The true-crime drama was first picked up by UCP in April 2022. A release date has not been set.

ABCs 20/20  Murdaugh Family Murders

An episode of 20/20, which debuted Friday night, takes a deep dive into the murder trial and features new interviews surrounding the high-profile case.

Unsolved South Carolinas The Murdaugh Murders, Money & Mystery podcast

For a more local perspective on the investigation, The Murdaugh Murders, Money & Mystery is part of the Unsolved South Carolina series of podcasts from WCIV-TV in Charleston. The podcast from the news station, based less than two hours away from the Murdaugh familys hunting lodge in Islandton, South Carolina, where Paul and Maggie were found murdered, gives an in-depth look at the unfolding criminal saga. Its hosted by journalist Anne Emerson, former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon and producer Drew Tripp.

HBO Maxs Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty

The three-part HBO Max docuseries, directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, was released in November 2022, months before Alex Murdaughs murder trial began. The network said the series explores the legacy of the once-prominent South Carolina family as their decades of powerful influence over the South Carolina Lowcountrys legal system starts to unravel amid accusations of fraud, deception and murder.

True Crime Todays The Trial of Alex Murdaugh podcast

When the murder trial started on Jan. 25, True Crime Todays podcast started covering all the developments coming out of the courtroom. The podcast recaps the shocking and intense moments every hour of each day of the trial.

Discovery Plus Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty

The three-part series, released in June 2022, covers the Murdaugh family saga from corruption to the murders and suspicious death. The show includes never-before-seen footage surrounding all the headline-making tragedies connected to the family.

Understand Murdaugh podcast

One of South Carolinas largest newspapers, The Post and Courier, gives listeners local insights into the Murdaugh family investigations. Award-winning reporters bring the latest news and in-depth analysis of the once-powerful Lowcountry family.

The Murdaugh Family Murders: Impact of Influence podcast

The true-crime podcast, hosted by Matt Harris and Seton Tucker, takes a look at the tragic story of the Murdaughs  a family connected to power, mysterious deaths and murders.

The Murdaugh Murders (In Development)

A scripted drama series is also in the works at Lionsgate TV. The studio has optioned rights to a book proposal by journalist and author Matthew Lysiak called Money, Mayhem and Murder in South Carolina: The Murdaugh Family Saga and a TV project going by the title The Murdaugh Murders.

Click here to read the full article.
Disney Imagineers worked with disabled cast members to make sure Disneyland's dolls authentically reflected the way children would independently use wheelchairs.

It's a small world, but it just got a little bigger for disability representation at Walt Disney World.

A new wheelchair-using doll debuted this week at "it's a small world" at Magic Kingdom in Florida, months after two others joined its a small world at Disneyland in California.

"When you go on this ride, it's supposed to represent the children of the world. There's a whole subset of kids that could never see themselves because (the dolls) are standing there, they're dancing, they're moving," said Melissa Temple, who started Disabled DISventures to share tips with fellow travelers with disabilities. "Now they have one in a wheelchair and they can see themselves and be like, 'Hey yeah, that is me.' "

Which cities are the best for disabled travelers: These 3 US destinations rank among the best

Take notes: What people with disabilities and their families wish fellow travelers would know and do

"This is the first time someone like me is represented in an attraction at the Disneyland Resort." Disney accessibility manager Erin Quintanilla told the Disney Parks Blog when Disneyland's dolls debuted over the holidays. Disney World had previously featured mannequins with wheelchairs and cochlear implants in merchandise displays.

Quintanilla co-chairs The Walt Disney Company's ENABLED Business Employee Resource Group, which champions accessability and which worked with Disney Imagineers and Resort Enhancement, Animation, Wardrobe on the dolls from start to finish.

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LEGOLAND parks are becoming more autism friendly: Here's how and what guests can expect

Disneyland was the first Disney resort to debut "it's a small world" dolls with wheelchairs, over the holidays.

I was able to help consult on the design of the wheelchairs so that the dolls authentically represented those of us who live life on wheels, she said. "Its also critical that the dolls move just like everyone else in order to be fully inclusive."

Inclusion is one of the Five Keys, or core princip of The Walt Disney Company. And many guests with disabilities have praised Disney parks for their accessibility programs.

"Could they be better? Of course there's always ways to improve and room for improvement. But Disney is really amazing," said Temple, who has fibromyalgia, arthritis and a number of other conditions that cause her incredible pain and can make her muscles seize up. "I've been to other parks, and Disney by far is the best at trying to make sure they're as inclusive and as accessible as they can be ... If you talk to them and tell them what you need, they try as hard as they can to make that happen for you."

A wheelchair-using doll is also planned for "it's a small world" at Disneyland Paris.

Eve Chen is a Consumer Travel Reporter for USA TODAY based in Atlanta.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Disney World debuts wheelchair-using doll in 'it's a small world'
[Source]

Thai transgender model Poyd Treechada Petcharat, who is colloquially known as Thailands most beautiful transgender woman, has tied the knot with her businessman beau in an extravagant Peranakan wedding.

Poyd, 36, and Oak Phakwa Hongyok were married in a traditional Peranakan ceremony in Phuket on Thursday.

The actor shared the news on Instagram along with their wedding photos.

More from NextShark: Chinese Son Teaches Mom to Dance, Now They Are Going Viral

The intimate ceremony was reportedly held at Baan Ar-Jor, a heritage hotel, museum and restaurant owned by Oaks family.

Poyd wore an embroidered traditional Peranakan wedding dress with a flower crown that was handmade by artisans from Thailand's Ranong province and antique jewelry. Oak wore a western tuxedo with two gold brooches. They reportedly spent about 20 million baht (approximately $580,000) for their traditional wedding costumes, which took months to complete.

More from NextShark: Bretman Rock to release first memoir You're That Bitch

The actor and model is best known for being crowned the winner of transgender beauty pageants Miss Tiffanys and Miss International Queen in 2004.

Poyd ventured into Hong Kong cinema in 2013 and has starred in films such as The White Storm and Insomnia Lover.

Poyd and Oak, who is the brother of her best friend, have known each other for 20 years. She began using Oaks family name at her bachelorette party in Bangkok last month.

Oak is a member of an elite business family that spearheaded the tin mining industry in Phuket. His great grandfather, Tan Jin Nguan, was a Chinese immigrant who established tin mining in the province. He was bestowed with the royal surname Hong Yok for his contributions to the industry.
Tom Sizemore Memorable Roles- Bringing Out the Dead, Saving Private Ryan, Heat

Everett Collection (3)

He may not have made his name as a leading man, but Tom Sizemore, who died on March 3 at age 61 following a ruptured brain aneurysm, could be counted on to bring a certain reckless intensity to the roles he played. He was an indelibly salty presence and a reliable scene-stealer, even when he shared the screen with acting giants such as Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington.

Though personal troubles (abuse, addiction, numerous cycles through rehab) famously plagued him throughout his nearly 35-year career, directors like Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, and Martin Scorsese continued to champion him for good reason. In projects as varied as Heat, Saving Private Ryan, Wyatt Earp, and Passenger 57, the Detroit native rarely missed the chance to convert small parts into moments of both crisis and catharsis.

Below, we celebrate seven of Sizemore's most memorable turns.

<i>True Romance</i> (1993)

The cameo list in Quentin Tarantino's cult caper is bananas: Brad Pitt, Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gandolfini. So you'd be forgiven for not immediately recalling Sizemore's turn as an L.A. cop with a penchant for both f-bombs and good grammar (just watch him school his on-screen partner, the late Chris Penn). Still, the actor tears gleefully into his few memorable scenes; if you were Bronson Pinchot's panicky, coke-riddled actor with a police wire attached to his scrotum, wouldn't you trust that face?  Leah Greenblatt

TRUE ROMANCE, Christopher Penn, Tom Sizemore

<i>Devil in a Blue Dress</i> (1995)

Sizemore is one heavy among many here, but his chilling pivot from affably shifty to scary makes his screen time as jolting as that of costars Denzel Washington and Don Cheadle. His Albright, a suspender-clad fixer in this noir's suffocating portrait of 1940s Los Angeles, is the kind of charismatic scumbag Sizemore could play in his sleep. Still, his cold, darting eyes never stop telling stories, teasing a moral rot that runs deep.  Randall Colburn

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DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS, Tom Sizemore, Denzel Washington, 1995.

<i>Heat</i> (1995)

Michael Mann's cool-blue crime epic looms largest in his filmography these days (he wrote a best-selling sequel novel to it last year), and Sizemore supplies the toughest of crews with a glint of playfulness  even when he's all-business. His Michael Cheritto coolly cuts down a hired hand who thinks the robbery is a yap session ("Stop talking, okay, slick?"). Then, when it's time to decide on that proverbial One Last Job, Sizemore steals the scene from Robert De Niro  re-read that sentence, please  with the finest take of his career, a glance or two to the side, the smallest flash of wildness, then a full-on commitment: "Well, you know for me, the action is the juice. I'm in." Joshua Rothkopf

Heat Tom Sizemore

<i>Saving Private Ryan</i> (1998)

"What if, by some miracle, we stay and actually make it out of here?" Sizemore's Sergeant Mike Horvath tells his friend and captain, John Miller (Tom Hanks), in the ruins of WWII France, as their ragtag company attempts to rescue a young foot soldier (Matt Damon) who is the last survivor of four brothers. "Someday, we might look back on this and decide that saving Private Ryan was the one decent thing we were able to pull out of this whole god-awful s----y mess." There are no miracles for Horvath in the end, but his understated performance remains a gritty, grounded highlight of his career.  LG

Saving Private Ryan (1998)TOM SIZEMORE (L) and TOM HANKS

<i>Bringing Out the Dead</i> (1999)

Landing a gig in a Martin Scorsese movie  even a minor one  was a coup for Sizemore, and he's doubly fortunate to have been in that film's most memorable scene: a coked-out midnight ambulance run scored to the Clash's "Janie Jones," reminiscent of Taxi Driver. (Yes, that's Marty himself on the radio doing the dispatching.) Bleary-eyed and impulsive, Sizemore brings a broad smile to the proceedings and lets us laugh at the wildness of the moment. "Something's gonna happen," he yells, "I can feel it," and for the briefest instant, he's out-crazy-ing Nicolas Cage.  JR

BRINGING OUT THE DEAD Tom Sizemore

<i>Robbery Homicide Division</i> (2002)

Mann executive-produced this tragically forgotten midnight-city procedural, starring his Heat scene-stealer Sizemore as LAPD detective Sam Cole. It's a live-wire star turn, all that nasty Natural Born Killers energy sizzling undernearth broadcast-cop nobility. The show might have been Sizemore's mainstream crossover, uncovering the glamour in his gravelly dark humor. But low ratings demoted RHD to a Saturday doomslot by December, when a domestic battery charge began a long run of career-derailing legal trouble for the actor.  Darren Franich

ROBBERY HOMICIDE DIVISION, Tom Sizemore, 2002

<i>Twin Peaks: The Return</i> (2017)

Playing a corrupt insurance agent so deep into his paycheck-and-arrest period sounds like sleazeball stunt casting. But Sizemore's bit part in this kaleidoscopic revival is a tender, full-bodied portrait of dandruffy emotional dissolution. When a coworker threatens his scam, he attempts to poison the man's coffee (the ultimate David Lynch sin). In a single scene, Sizemore cycles a full Crime and Punishment of monstrous evil, confused conscience, and spiritual regret, before blubbering out a confession. It's a Mighty Have Fallen moment, so pitiful it's funny, but also a bright burst of unexpected humanity.  DF

TWIN PEAKS, l-r: Tom Sizemore, John Savage in 'What story is that, Charlie?' (Season 1, Episode 13

Related content:
The health community is growing more concerned about Shigella bacteria infections that have shown a resistance to drugs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week issued a health alert for a rise in infections caused by a drug-resistant strain of Shigella, bringing new attention to a pathogen that is likely unfamiliar to many in the United States.

As the CDC noted in its alert, five percent of Shigella cases in 2022 were caused by extensively drug-resistant infections of the bacteria, referred to as XDR infections. This marked an increase from when no cases were considered XDR infections in 2015.

We received increased reports of XDR infections from our state health partners in several regions of the U.S. and then we also received multiple communications from physicians, from IV docs in particular, who were inquiring about treatment options for these really challenging cases, CDC Medical Officer Naeemah Logan told The Hill.

CDC officials said its unclear if some regions of the U.S. are seeing more Shigella cases than others as not all regions have the same level of surveillance and reporting data can lag. But the rise in drug resistant Shigella infections is notable.

CDC Medical Officer Louise Francois Watkins noted that XDR infections from other bacterias could take decades to increase from zero to five percent of cases, but Shigella accomplished this in just a few years.

Were not seeing one single strain of Shigella thats causing this emerging phenomenon. What were seeing is the development of this resistance in a number of different strains that are occurring all over the country and in fact all over the world, Francois Watkins said.

According to Francois Watkins, the increase in XDR cases indicates some selective pressure that is driving the Shigella bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance. She noted that a common driver in antibiotic resistance is the use of antibiotics not only in people but in animals and environmental settings.

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We think that some of the best ways to combat this problem are to really have what we call judicious use, or conscientious use, of antibiotics in all of these different settings, said Francois Watkins.

George Garcia, professor and chair of medicinal chemistry at the University of Michigans College of Pharmacy, told The Hill that labs like his are looking into treatments that block a pathogens ability to infect instead of targeting the pathogen itself. According to Garcia, these potential methods, targeting what are called virulence factors, would places less pressure on bacteria to become antibiotic-resistant.

Shigella is a close relative to the better-known E. coli bacteria and can similarly be spread through contaminated food and water, but is also spread through oral contact with feces. What sets Shigella apart from E. coli is its extremely high virulence, with as little as 10 microorganisms of the bacteria capable of causing an infection.

In comparison, other common causes of gastrointestinal infections require hundreds or even thousands of bacterial organisms to cause illness.

Symptoms of Shigella infections include diarrhea  which can be bloody  as well as fever and abdominal cramping. Most cases of the Shigella infection will resolve on their own without medical intervention.

Garcia noted that blood in stool or diarrhea can be a telling indication for some that they have contracted Shigella.

A lot of diarrheal diseases dont quite do that, but Shigella does, said Garcia. Its not unique to Shigella but it would certainly be a red flag to me.

The CDC noted in its health alert that it has observed an increase in Shigella cases among men who have sex with men, which Garcia attributed to the bacteria accumulating in the intestines and the prevalence and anal intercourse among this demographic.

Francois Watkins said Shigellas potential as a sexually transmitted disease has been under recognized in the medical community.

We think that often its reputation within the medical community is more of a foodborne and person-to-person transmission mode that occurs like among young kids at daycares and things like that, Francois Watkins said. So we think that it is under recognized as a sexually transmitted disease, but in the medical literature its been known for many years that this is a possibility.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A conflict over what it means to be Christian is forcing a school in Kansas City, Missouri, to close.

Urban Christian Academy is a private, K-8 school with an enrollment of 100 that describes itself as providing "a tuition-free, high-quality, Christ-centered education for low-income students."

The schools mission statement has always stressed inclusivity in general terms, noting that following Jesus "opens up doors and makes room at the table." But last year it added a paragraph to its website, which read in part, "We are an affirming school. We stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and believe in their holiness. We celebrate the diversity of God's creation in all its varied and beautiful forms."

According to the school, that update prompted donors to stop contributing, many of them citing their interpretation of Christianity as the reason. Now, UCA has announced it will close at the end of the school year due to the loss of financial support.

Kalie Callaway-George, UCAs executive director and co-founder, said this new language "is kind of what started the backlash from our donor base, which we anticipated. It was just that we anticipated a 50% loss in funding and made adjustments for that. We had an 80% loss in funding and that was too much to overcome."

PHOTO: Urban Christian Academy in Kansas City, a private tuition-free K-8 school with 100 mostly lower income students. (Courtesy Urban Christian Academy)

The dramatic drop-off in donations came quickly. Soon after the new language appeared on the schools website, eight churches withdrew their support. Although those institutions were responsible for just 2% of the schools funding, church members were a donor base that gave much more.

"We lost our network" of donors, Callaway-George told ABC News. "In December of 2021, right before we publicly supported the LGBTQ community, we raised $333,985. One year later, after we had posted on our website and made a stance, [in] December of 2022 we raised $14,809."

MORE: New Missouri bill takes 'Don't Say Gay' law even further

Although the school would not disclose the names of churches or individuals who ended their financial assistance, it shared several of their missives with ABC News.

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A lengthy letter from one church, which characterized the LGBQIA+ community as a "diverse collection of behaviors," explained: "Our greatest concern about the Accepting and Affirming stance is that it denies the Biblical definitions of sin and identity and thereby renders the grace of God meaningless."

Messages from individuals were far more blunt. One read, "Do not call yourself a Christian school if you are affirming sin. Jesus died to set us free from sin, not so we can die in it. You abuse kids by telling them sin is good. You are wicked."

Another declared, "By teaching them tolerance & acceptance and even to celebrate the gay lifestyle, you are setting them on a course to embrace the world and anti-God philosophy."

The controversy surrounding UCA's coming closure has brought new attention to the school's history. A recent article in the Kansas City Star quotes former employees who criticized its leadership.

Even though administrators expected negative reaction and some loss of resources, they believed an explicit show of support for this community was necessary because of an influx of teenage students and changes in society.

MORE: Gender-affirming care for trans youth improves mental health: Study

UCA began as a kindergarten in 2014 and added a grade each year. With seventh and eight graders enrolling in just the past few years, Callaway-George said "we were having more conversations about growth and development."

Referring to events that roiled the nation at the same time, she added, "Society gave us lots of fodder for conversations around injustice and looking at marginalized communities. As our kids got older, they had access to phones [and] theyre just engaging with the world more."

With that engagement came questions about sexuality and inclusion plus an awareness among school administrators of high suicide rates among adolescents struggling with those very questions. So UCA concluded that publicizing its supportive stance was necessary for students dealing with those issues to feel welcome and safe.

Callaway-George called it "a life-saving endeavor," adding, "We wanted our families and our kids to know where we stood and to be really clear about that."

Darnisha Harris has four children who attended UCA. Her youngest is still there but she transferred the others to area public schools when she learned in December that UCA would be closing. Her kids were "so sad," she told ABC News. "They wanted to not have Christmas and give up their Christmas gifts to pay for the funding of the school."

Jamie Visser's five children are all enrolled at UCA. While she has alternatives lined up for them, she said the end of UCA "feels like an injustice to me."

"I am LGBTQ-affirming and I identify as Christian," she told ABC News. While sympathetic to what she calls "a discrepancy in biblical interpretation," she said "it's unfortunate that children who have nothing to do with the argument are the ones that are going to suffer because of it."

Although the explicit embrace of the LGBTQ community has now resulted in the school having to close in May, Callaway-George still argues it was the right thing to do and has no regrets.

"The essence of the Christian faith is promoting and offering love," she said. But she understands that even this benign view of the faith is seen differently by believers who withdrew support for UCA.

As Rob Philips of the Missouri Baptist Convention, a network of 1,800 churches in the state, explained to ABC News, "to embrace desires and behaviors that are outside of scripture is not ultimately loving and caring." Philips said it is unlikely that any of the conventions member churches would have supported the school.

Callaway-George expressed hope that "there will be conversations in churches and around dinner tables where people ask critical questions about what they believe and how their beliefs are affecting other people."

Christian school that embraced the LGBTQ community is forced to close its doors originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Gatos Silver, Inc.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gatos Silver, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: GATO) (Gatos Silver or the Company) is providing this bi-weekly default status report in accordance with National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders (NP 12-203). In its March 18, 2022 news release (the Notice), the Company announced the delay in the filing of its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which includes its audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2021, together with the auditors report thereon and the notes thereto, its managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2021 relating to the audited annual financial statements, and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certificates relating to its annual filings by the filing deadline of March 31, 2022. In its May 13, 2022 news release, the Company announced the delay in the filing of its interim financial filings on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022, which includes interim financial statements as at and for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022, together with its managements discussion and analysis for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022 relating to the interim financial statements, and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certificates relating to its interim filings by the filing deadline of May 16, 2022. In its August 5, 2022 news release, the Company announced the delay in filing its interim financial filings on Form 10-Q for the quarterly and year to date periods ended June 30, 2022, which includes interim financial statements as at June 30, 2022 and for the quarterly and year to date periods ended June 30, 2022, together with its managements discussion and analysis for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022 relating to the interim financial statements, and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certificates relating to its interim filings by the filing deadline of August 15, 2022. In its November 11, 2022 news release, the Company announced the delay in filing its interim financial filings on Form 10-Q for the quarterly and year to date periods ended September 30, 2022, which includes interim financial statements as at September 30, 2022 and for the quarterly and year to date periods ended September 30, 2022, together with its managements discussion and analysis for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022 relating to the interim financial statements, and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certificates relating to its interim filings by the filing deadline of November 14, 2022.



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On November 14, 2022, the Company announced the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately. EY will be auditing and reporting on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the financial years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022 and will be reviewing the Companys quarterly unaudited interim financial information for 2022. The Company expects all delayed filings, including the audit of the financial statements required to be included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the reviews of its quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022, to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2023. The Company expects to hold its 2023 annual shareholders meeting later this year.

As previously disclosed, in connection with its ongoing review of the mineral reserve reporting errors and its preparation of its 2021 annual financial statements and 2022 interim financial statements, the Company has identified material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting. The Company has determined that the material weaknesses relate to its failures to design and maintain (i) an effective control environment commensurate with the financial reporting requirements of a public company in the United States and Canada, and (ii) effective controls over the assessment of certain key assumptions, inputs and outputs contained in its 2020 Technical Report. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of these material weaknesses and whether any other material weaknesses exist. On January 9, 2023, the Company engaged a third-party expert to assist management in documenting key processes related to the Companys internal control environment, designing and implementing an effective risk assessment and monitoring program to identify risks of material misstatements and ensuring that the internal controls have been appropriately designed to address and effectively monitor identified risks. The Company expects to provide additional information in its upcoming public reports.

A management cease trade order was granted by the Ontario Securities Commission on April 1, 2022 (the Original MCTO) and the Ontario Securities Commission granted additional management cease trade orders on April 12, 2022 and July 7, 2022 (the Additional MCTOs and together with the Original MCTO, the MCTO).

Pursuant to NP 12-203, the Company must file bi-weekly status reports in the form of further news releases during the period from the Notice until the MCTO is revoked. The Company reports that since the Notice: (i) there have been no material changes regarding the information contained in the Notice that have not been disclosed in a bi-weekly default status report or in a news release referenced therein; (ii) there have been no failures by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203; and (iii) there has not been any specified default subsequent to the defaults announced in the Notice and the news releases dated May 13, 2022, August 5, 2022 and November 11, 2022.

About Gatos Silver

Gatos Silver is a silver dominant exploration, development and production company that discovered a new silver and zinc-rich mineral district in southern Chihuahua State, Mexico. As a 70% owner of the Los Gatos Joint Venture (LGJV), the Company is primarily focused on operating the Cerro Los Gatos mine and on growth and development of the Los Gatos district. The LGJV consists of approximately 103,087 hectares of mineral rights, representing a highly prospective and under-explored district with numerous silver-zinc-lead epithermal mineralized zones identified as priority targets.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements and forward looking information(collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of U.S. and Canadian securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements about the timing for filing of the Companys interim financial information on Forms 10-Q and the Companys annual report on Form 10-K, and timing for holding the annual shareholder meeting. While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations about future events, the statements are not guarantees of the Companys future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors include, amongst others, the evaluation of material weaknesses in its internal controls and timing for completing the audit and review of financial statements. Further, although the Company has attempted to identify factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. As there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Investors and Media Contact

Tiffany Osburn

Director, Financial Reporting & Corporate Communications

investors@gatossilver.com

(720) 726 9662




The nightmare gripping Ken Middleton's family appeared to be possibly over in 2005.

The same judge who in 1991 sentenced the Kansas City, Missouri, man to life without parole plus 200 years for the shooting death of his wife, ruled to vacate that same ruling and ordered that he receive a new trial based on a series of irregularities that the judge concluded made his original trial unconstitutional.

However, Middleton was never granted a new trial despite that overturned conviction nearly 20 years ago.

MORE: Man sentenced to life in prison walks free after Missouri judge vacates his conviction

The reason is a technicality in Missouri state law that gave jurisdiction in the case to the Missouri Court of Appeals, not with the Jackson County circuit court. Despite the evidence Judge Edith Messina cited in her motion to declare his trial unconstitutional due to ineffective assistance of counsel, her ruling was overturned and ultimately proved toothless.

As a result, Middleton, 78, remains behind bars. He maintains his innocence and said his wife shot herself by accident while he was sleeping.

According to the decision obtained by ABC News, his lawyer failed to present evidence to the jury that no blood was found on his shirt, gun residue evidence went missing, there were irregularities involving the handling of the body at the crime scene, and, among other things, Middleton's original attorney failed to perform basic duties like interviewing witnesses and calling independent experts. In fact, he presented no evidence at all, the ruling said.

"It upsets me so much," Cliff Middleton, Ken Middleton's only child who has dedicated his life to making sure his father does not die in prison, told ABC News. "The justice system in Jackson County is broken."

The saga is now in its 32nd year, but the family said a state law passed in 2021 gives them renewed hope. It bypasses the appeals court by empowering local prosecutors to file a motion that asks the court to vacate or set aside a guilty verdict based on new information that shows the convicted person is not guilty.

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PHOTO: Ken Middleton in a booking photo. (Missouri Department Of Corrections)

The new law is already responsible for the release of several men in Missouri, including Kevin Strickland, who spent four decades in prison in a triple murder case, and Lamar Johnson, who walked out of prison a free man after serving 28 years for a murder. The reversals of more cases are expected over the coming year, experts told ABC News.

MORE: Prosecutor says man was wrongfully imprisoned for decades, yet he remains behind bars

Now all the family must do is to get the Jackson County District Attorney Jean Peters Baker to appeal for Middleton's release based on all the constitutional violations Messina cited nearly two decades ago.

But she said she will not.

Baker will not re-open the Middleton case because, unlike Messina in 2005, she does not believe the new evidence presented at that time reflects a wrongful conviction, according to spokesperson Michael Mansur.

"Our office greatly admires [Messina] and knows she has a reputation as a fair judge. But we don't agree with her on this particular ruling in this case," Mansur told ABC News.

What constitutes 'new' evidence

In a 2019 memo provided to ABC News by Mansur, Baker's office challenges Middleton's claims of new evidence primarily because of a procedural reason: The failure to introduce it at his original trial was "the result of counsel's incompetence," even though, according to Baker, it was available at the time. Robert Duncan, Middleton's original attorney, died of a heart attack in 1996.

"By this definition of new evidence, Middleton does not have any new evidence. All of his witnesses either were available at the time of trial or  in the case of experts  could have been available at the time of trial if Mr. Duncan had sought out such experts," Mansur writes. In addition to arguing ineffective assistance of counsel, Middleton has claimed the missing gun residue evidence from the victim's left hand suggests police tampering, Baker's office said it is unclear if it was collected at the scene, but even if it was, "it would not be conclusive" that the victim shot herself.

MORE: Wrongfully convicted man speaks out after governor's full pardon

"Middleton was aware of this issue at least as early as 1993  and could have raised his current complaints at the proper time," the memo reads. "The weight of the evidence does not support the sinister spin" by Middleton.

The family and supporters characterize Middleton as the victim of a bureaucratic mess.

"We have unchallenged information of an erroneous conviction, yet [Baker] will not file. That's just unbelievable to me. It's a dereliction of duty," Cliff Middleton said.

Jason Flom, a co-founder of the Innocence Project, a legal non-profit involved in criminal justice issues, told ABC News in a statement that Middleton's case "is one of the most insane and terrifying miscarriages of justice I have ever heard of."

Missouri's exonerations record

Retired Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Wolff, now a professor emeritus at the Saint Louis University School of Law, said the failure to initially grant Middleton a new trial in 2005 "was a procedural glitch." "The new statute was intended to correct that, but the problem is, it's a narrow pathway because it's only at the bequest of the prosecutor" who is not obligated to pursue exoneration," he said.

In Missouri, which remains one of 24 states that still has the death penalty, "there's a lot of bias in favor of keeping convictions final," Wolff said.

"This new [law] does bring some hope to people but hope is only pivotal if the prosecutor can be persuaded to pursue this," Wolff said.

MORE: Missouri inmate Amber McLaughlin executed: Report

Another issue with the law is politics, said Ken Middleton's attorney Kent Gipson. Because district attorneys are elected positions, he said putting the power in their hands is inherently "stupid."

"A prosecutor doesn't want to politically admit that their office put an innocent man in prison for 30 years. That couldn't do anything for their future political career, even if it wasn't on their watch," he said.

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, a project jointly operated by the University of California at Irvine, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, exonerations nationwide have been steadily rising over the last three decades: from 24 in 1989 to 268 in 2022. However, Missouri only logged a single exoneration last year and the highest yearly number of those exonerated in the state since 1989 is five  in 2010 and 2013, respectively.

Maurice Possley, a senior researcher at the registry, said the reason for such diminished numbers is cultural. "It's a state that is not particularly open minded to the idea that people are wrongly convicted. Prosecutors tend to be more willing to dig in to preserve convictions," he said.

MORE: Man imprisoned for 17 years now freed after lookalike mix-up: 'I made it through'

Even counties with conviction integrity units, like Jackson County, are not immune to slow-walking wrongful verdict cases, Possley said.

According to Mansur, the unit helped to successfully overturn just one case in its four years of existence and currently doesn't "have another one right now in which we're planning to move ahead on."

New prosecutor, judge sought

Gipson is currently asking for a special prosecutor and a new judge to address Middleton's case. Last week the Kansas City Star editorial board blasted Baker and said she needed to reopen the case or recuse herself due to several conflicts of interest that Gipson outlines in his filing. For one, the judge who refused to hear Gipson's motion to disqualify Baker worked under Baker in the prosecutor's office before her current appointment.

Mansur said no conflict exists because Phillips "sits over criminal cases from our office routinely" and "was not a member of this office at the time of Middleton's trial."

Man remains behind bars nearly 20 years after conviction overturned originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Thousands of formerly incarcerated people in Minnesota woke up Saturday morning with a right they lacked the day prior.

On Friday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed House File 28, which restores the right to vote to convicted felons who complete their term of incarceration. According to the governor's office, 55,000 individuals who previously were deprived of voting rights now can register to vote, the most significant expansion of that right in Minnesota in a half-century.

PHOTO: In this Jan. 9, 2023, file photo, Elizer Darris, co-executive director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund, speaks at a news conference in St. Paul, Minn., to call on the Legislature to restore voting rights for felons after they get out of prison. (Steve Karnowski/AP, FILE)

"Minnesotans who have completed time for their offenses and are living, working, and raising families in their communities deserve the right to vote," Walz said.

The new law followed the unsuccessful legal challenge to state law, Schroeder v. Minnesota Secretary of State. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled last month that the state constitution does not guarantee convicted felons the right to vote. House File 28 passed the Democratic-held Minnesota Senate and House following the court's decision.

Under the new law, Department of Corrections or judiciary system officials will provide newly released persons a written notice and an application to vote.

"People who are prohibited from voting, they have to pay their taxes, they have to obey all the laws, they have to do everything, but they don't have any choice in who represents them," said Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison. "Now they do."

PHOTO: Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, left, and Sen. Warren Limmer, joke with each other on the floor of the Minnesota Senate on Feb. 21, 2023, (Steve Karnowsk/AP)

The passage of the Minnesota law follows a nationwide shift in voting policy to enfranchise those convicted of felonies. According to the nonprofit The Sentencing Project, roughly 4.6 million Americans are disenfranchised due to a prior felony conviction, a 24% decrease since 2016 due to the passage of several state policy changes, as well as a declining prison population through the pandemic.

MORE: In a twist, Supreme Court could table major election law dispute -- for now

Despite the change in Minnesota, 11 states still deprive convicted felons of their voting rights indefinitely for some crimes, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, two states, Virginia and Kentucky, permanently deprive anyone convicted of a felony of the right to vote.

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Over a million people convicted of felonies are still banned from voting in Florida, making the state the nation's leader in felon disenfranchisement, according to The Sentencing Project, despite a 2018 ballot referendum when 65 percent of voters decided to restore voting rights in the state. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law months later requiring felons to pay outstanding legal financial obligations before being eligible to vote.

MORE: New York City's noncitizen voting law struck down

A total of 25 states ensure that felons have the right to vote, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Voting rights restored to more than 55,000 Minnesota felons under new voting rights law originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
DENVER  As western water woes continue, some experts and authorities say a national-level problem like this requires an innovative solution.

The U.S. has plenty of drinking water  it's simply in the wrong place. That's a seemingly fixable problem that has inspired a number of creative ideas. Unfortunately, everything except conserving water has proven to be a longshot proposal riddled with logistical, legal or cost problems.

The problem : The Colorado River is drying up from drought and overuse. It's the literal lifeblood of the West.

A rainy year doesn't solve the water crisis : Rain and snow, particularly in California, has offered temporary relief to water worries. But experts say the water demand in the west is set to keep exceeding supply  unless major conservation efforts successfully roll out.

Demand remains high: Native American tribes increasingly demanding their legal rights to water, fast-growing Phoenix and Las Vegas are consuming more water to support development and California and Arizona farmers are under increasing pressure to keep food costs low and production high.

Meanwhile, massive amounts of fresh water are readily available to the East. Ocean water can be processed into drinking water. And even glaciers could be helpful sources of fresh water.

FEBRUARY: Massive reservoir Lake Powell hits historic low water level

BACKGROUND: Western water crisis looms as California complicates critical water deal

It's an ironic problem that hearkens back to a famous quote from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 1834 poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner: "Water, water, every where; Nor any drop to drink."

Here's a few ideas, some old and some new, about how the West could get more drinking water  and why experts generally regard these as desperate longshots.

Draining the Great Lakes

The idea: Divert water from the Great Lakes into the Colorado River. (A similar proposal has suggested diverting the Mississippi River into Lake Powell.)

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How it could work: With 20% of the available surface fresh water in the world, the Great Lakes are essentially massive reservoirs that could quench the thirst of states like Arizona and California.

In 2017, hydrologist Jay Famiglietti, who was then with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, suggested that national solutions are needed.

"...You can imagine that 50 years from now, well were already talking about this, but 50 years from now there might actually be a pipeline that brings water from the Great Lakes to Phoenix," he said in an interview. "I think thats part of our future."

Why it's a longshot: First, to get across the Continental Divide and into the Colorado River, you'd need an uphill pipeline about 1,000 miles long, which is longer than any other drinking water pipeline ever built, and longer than even the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline, which is 800 miles long. There here might be a flatter route, but it would likely add hundreds of miles in length.

Second, pulling any large amount of water from the Great Lakes is illegal. Water diversions from them are barred by the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement between the eight surrounding states, along with a similar agreement between the United States and Canada.

How does climate change affect you?: Subscribe to the weekly Climate Point newsletter

READ MORE: Latest climate change news from USA TODAY

Nuclear-powered desalination plants

The idea: Build a network of facilities to remove saltwater from the Pacific Ocean.

How it could work: Desalination on a large scale is a proven technology, widely used in areas with limited drinking water, from Tel Aviv to Saudi Arabia. California already has several itself.

Why it's a longshot: Desalination is a massively energy-intensive process that makes drinking water by either boiling seawater and capturing the steam, or by pumping it through special membranes under high pressure, called reverse osmosis.

Using solar arrays to power desalinization plants is enticing but faces obstacles. The Persian Gulf nation of Dubai is experimenting with the technology but it's still a pilot project.

Plus there are environmental concerns with dumping the concentrated saltwater back into the ocean.

Harvesting icebergs

The idea: Round up fresh-water icebergs and float them to thirsty coastal cities.

How it could work: About 75% of the Earth's fresh water is frozen in glaciers, almost all of it in Antarctica. California-based engineer and oceanographer John Isaacs is credited with kicking off the debate with a 1949 presentation at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in which he suggested it would be cheaper to tow an iceberg to California than alternatives like desalinating seawater.

In subsequent decades, consultants proposed plunking a nuclear power plant atop a massive iceberg to power electric motors, or surrounding one with a cradle of cables attached to a tugboat. In 1977, a Saudi royal sponsored an Iceberg Utilization conference at Iowa State University, complete with a two-ton chunk of ice hauled down from Alaska. Saudi Arabia ultimately invested instead in desalination plants.

Why it's a longshot: So far, no one has figured out a practical way to move an iceberg before a significant amount melts away in the warmer ocean water.

Chopping down forests

The idea: Thin large portions of the national forests to free up more water, either by logging or controlled burns.

How it could work: A single healthy tree needs about 11,000 gallons of water annually, and some Utah authorities are pushing to seriously consider large-scale thinning projects that would remove large swathes of forest. They argue that water could then be used to replenish the shrinking Great Salt Lake.

The National Science Foundation in 2018 published a study that found over a nearly 20-year period starting in the late 1990s, wildfire-burned forests allowed an extra 20 billion gallons of water to flow through the Kings and American River Basins. That study was based on losing half of the trees in a given area.

Why it's a longshot: Wildfires generate massive amounts of pollution, including releasing large quantities of carbon, which can accelerate climate change. Allowing large-scale commercial logging, especially near big cities, would likely draw lawsuits from environmental groups over concerns about habitat loss. And let's also not forget that trees take up carbon dioxide, so cutting them down might be a short-term solution that could exacerbate climate change.

Contributing: Elizabeth Weise

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What's the solution to West's water crisis? Desperate ideas explained
Here are 12 remote places that you can visit around the world.

CampPhoto/Getty Images

Looking to reconnect with nature in an off-the-grid locale? From secluded islands to old-growth forests, there are isolated destinations around the world that are well worth the trek. Here are 12 of the most remote places on Earth that you can visit.



1. Savusavu, Fiji

Donyanedomam/Getty Images

Planted on the remote southern coast of Vanua Levu is Savusavu. The island is known for its outdoor experiences, including first-rate scuba diving at Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, kayaking Salt Lake in Vatudamu, and hiking to see Maroroya Falls. Travelers can reach this verdant destination by flying one hour from Fijis Nadi International Airport to arrive in Labasa and driving an hour and a half to Savusavu.

2. Carmen Island, Mexico

CampPhoto/Getty Images

The magical Loreto Bay National Park is a biodiverse UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of five islands. One of the five, Carmen Island, is nicknamed white gold because of its now-defunct salt mine. Look out for barking sea lions on outcroppings near the island as you arrive by boat charter from the mainland of Loreto. Visitors to Carmen Island can hire a local adventure outfitter that will provide overnight tents along the beach. Enjoy spectacular scenery with a kayak ride around the island, stargaze without light pollution, and hike to see stunning cliffside views.



3. Punta Islita, Costa Rica

marunde/Getty Images

Tucked away from the bustling towns of Costa Rica, Punta Islita is located in the province of Guanacaste and is home to one of the worlds five Blue Zones, regions where people are expected to live the longest. The destination has beautiful white-sand beaches and bays separated by volcanic rock thought to be 80 million years old. You can take nature walks with Hotel Punta Islita to see creatures like scorpions, howler monkeys, and even golden web spiders, which hold the record for creating the strongest webs. Punta Islita is a 2.5-hour drive from Liberia Airport.



4. Bartang Valley, Tajikistan

Travel_Nerd/Getty Images

Nestled in the Pamir Mountain Range, the Bartang Valley is replete with lush, green alluvial plains, turquoise alpine lakes, and raging rivers. Get your blood pumping with adrenaline-boosting activities in the Bartang, like road-tripping through the valley and exploring the rugged scenery in all-terrain vehicles. Getting to the valley involves flying into Dushanbe and accessing the mountains in four-wheel-drive vehicles via a side road from the Pamir Highway. Activities include overnight hiking in the Jizeu Valley and trekking to the popular Sarez Lake.



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5. Ko Rawi, Thailand

Chris Mouyiaris/robertharding/Getty Images

With rugged old-growth jungle and only a handful of hiking trails, Ko Rawi is a remote island located in Thailands Tarutao National Park. Its accessible only by boat from Ko Lipe, and there arent any accommodations on the island. The tropical haven is ideal for travelers looking to snorkel or swim along white-sand beaches and mangrove forests.



6. Bastimentos, Panama

Damocean/Getty Images

Accessed only by water taxi from the larger island of Colon, Bastimentos is one of nine islands that belong to the Bocas del Toro archipelago. The action-packed island allows visitors to spot seahorses sleeping on coral while diving, see and hear monkeys and sloths feasting on leaves in the tree canopies, and kayak through the mangrove trees at Cayo Crawl, a shallow channel on the tip of the island. One of the most popular reasons for visiting is to see the inch-long, endemic red frogs found all over the island, especially in the forested areas of the Red Frog Beach Resort.



7. Abia State, Nigeria

The Abia State is a bustling region in the eastern part of Nigeria and can be reached by a two-hour flight from Lagos. The local produce markets  where you can shop for goods like yams, bananas, and local greens  are among the areas best attractions. You can also hail a keke (a Nigerian tuk tuk) to tour the Abia State and see the everyday life of the local Igbo people  keep an eye out for masquerade festivals during the holiday seasons.



8. Chiloe, Chile

Benjamin Greavez/Eye Em/Getty Images

Chiloe, a remote Pacific island off the coast of Chile, is known for colorful, pastel palafitos (stilt houses on the water) and beautiful countryside. The island produces large amounts of wool and salmon and is regarded as the birthplace of the countrys salmon industry. Visitors can reach the island via a 30-minute ferry ride from the mainland.



9. Longyearbyen, Norway

Sabrina Huiqun Wen/Eye Em/Getty Images

Located in the isolated Svalbard Archipelago, the town of Longyearbyen is known as one of the most beautiful places in Scandinavia, thanks in part to the midnight sun and northern lights that illuminate night skies throughout the year. Despite its remote Arctic location, Longyearbyen has much to offer tourists, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice caving, and more. You can get a direct flight to this remote city from Troms, Norway.



10. Saaremaa, Estonia

fotoman-kharkov/Getty Images

The tucked-away Baltic country of Estonia boasts the idyllic island of Saaremaa. The rural island has a bit of everything: You can explore quaint beaches, a lighthouse, and even a large medieval castle that towers over the town of Kuressaare. Visitors can book a stay at The Pilguse Manor House, which dates back to 1558 and is surrounded by gorgeous lakes and untouched nature. The easiest way to the island is a 30-minute ferry from the mainland harbor of Virtsu.



11. Great North Woods, New Hampshire

PictureLake/Getty Images

Packed with serene and rugged wilderness, New Hampshires Great North Woods lies just north of the White Mountains and just south of Quebec. Access the region on a road trip from Canada or southern New Hampshire. The Great North Woods is home to animals like moose, deer, bald eagles, and other rare birds. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, hiking in Weeks State Park, and overnighting at cabins like the Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg, the northernmost town in New Hampshire.

12. Deception Island, Antarctica

Leamus/Getty Images

Located on a caldera brewing with geothermal energy, Deception Island is a remote destination absent of hotels or vehicles. Accessible via cruise ships, the island is home to black-bellied storm petrels, seals, and penguins that you can spot as you explore its black-sand beaches and hot springs.\



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Set sail on these itineraries to try to spot the aurora borealis.

If seeing the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is on your travel list, you've probably already looked into the best places to see them: northern destinations like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia among them. But have you ever considered visiting those destinations by sea rather than land? Many cruise lines not only offer itineraries to those regions but also offer northern lights-specific sailings, too. Cruising is particularly appealing for northern lights seekers because the ships can access remote areas without light pollution, allowing guests to see the aurora in its full brilliance. So if you haven't yet seen the northern lights  or if you're looking to see them again  here are seven northern lights cruises to help you accomplish your goal.



RelaxFoto.de/Getty Images

Over the course of 13 days, a luxurious Viking ocean ship transports guests from London to Amsterdam, then all the way up the coast of Norway and north of the Arctic Circle, before returning back south to the Norwegian city of Bergen. (Although some sailings operate in reverse.) The Norwegian fjords themselves are a sight to behold  and if they're paired with the northern lights, that's all the better! The sailings run from January to March when daylight is limited in the Arctic Circle, making for prime aurora opportunities. Rates start from $4,999 per person in 2023, and it should be noted that Viking is an adults-only cruise line.



Considering the cruise line is named after the atmospheric phenomenon, it should come as no surprise that it offers a northern lights itinerary. At 19 to 22 days long, depending on the departure, there is plenty of time to hope for a northern lights appearance  or two, or three, or more. The sailings start in the northern Norwegian city of Kirkenes before sailing south along the coast, heading back north to the remote archipelago of Jan Mayen (a polar bear hotspot), over to the scenic fjords of East Greenland, and around the northern half of Iceland. The longer itinerary continues with a visit to the Faroe Islands and disembarkation in Bergen, Norway. Aurora offers just one of these sailings per year in September. Rates start from $19,705.50 per person in 2023.



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Hurtigruten is something of an outlier in this group because it doesn't offer specific northern lights itineraries. But the routes of this coastal ferry company in Norway just happen to traverse the perfect latitudes to see the aurora. In fact, Hurtigruten is so confident you'll see the northern lights during the auroral season (Sept. 26 through March 31) that if they don't show up on a sailing of 11 days or more, the company will give you a free six- or seven-day cruise to try again. For the best odds of seeing the northern lights, we suggest the 12-day round-trip itinerary from Bergen up the coast of Norway and back. Rates start from $2,309 per person in 2023.

Specializing in polar voyages, Quark Expeditions knows a thing or two about the northern lights, which is why the company offers aurora sailings each fall. These 14-day itineraries cruise from Iceland to Greenland and back from September into early October. As the majority of the voyage takes place above the Arctic Circle, the odds of seeing the northern lights are high, especially as solar activity tends to peak around the autumnal and vernal equinoxes in September and March, respectively. And if they don't show, well, you still get to explore Iceland's Westfjords and Greenland's eastern shores  and that's a worthwhile journey in itself. Rates start from $8,501 per person in 2023.



If you don't have two or three weeks to take off work to go northern lights watching, consider Oceanwide Expeditions' eight-day aurora borealis sailings from Iceland to Greenland and back. The adventure begins in Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland, before heading for Greenland's breathtaking Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. If you do have a little more time, you can opt for the 13-day Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis itinerary, which embarks in the Svalbard archipelago before sailing to Greenland and down to Iceland. Both take place in the late summer into early fall, as darkness returns to the skies in the Arctic. Rates for the eight-day itinerary start from $4,600 per person for the 2023 sailings.



RelaxFoto.de/Getty Images

Each fall, one or two of the ships in Cunard's legendary fleet head north for Norway, where guests are treated to scenic cruising along the coast. The 12-day itineraries depart from Southampton, England, before traveling to Alesund, Troms, Narvik, and Haugesund, sailing through majestic fjords along the way. Since the ships sail this itinerary from October to November, the skies will be dark enough to see the northern lights, should they decide to appear. In 2023, the voyage will be undertaken by Queen Victoria, while next season, the Queen Mary 2 and the upcoming Queen Anne will take the reins. Rates start from $1,689 per person in 2023.



The most affordable option on this list, British cruise line P&O operates 12-day sailings to Norway year-round, but during the auroral season, there's a strong chance you'll see the northern lights while onboard. Guests embark in Southampton, England, before sailing north to Norway, traveling as far north as Troms, well north of the Arctic Circle. We recommend splurging on a room with windows for the best northern lights viewing options. However, those in interior cabins can always run up on deck  which you should do anyway to witness the full grandeur of the atmospheric phenomenon. Rates start from $1,385 per person in 2023.



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The model was featured in the SI Swimsuit Issue four years in a row.

Hannah Ferguson was photographed by Yu Tsai in Fiji. Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Hannah Ferguson made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2014 with two features. She posed for photographer Walter Iooss Jr. in St. Lucia and was also included in a special bodypaint feature for the brands 50th anniversary that year.

Ferguson left the beach for a unique photo spread along Route 66 the following year. In 16, she was photographed by James Macari in the beautiful Turks and Caicos. The models most recent feature with the franchise was in 17, when she traveled to Fiji with photographer Yu Tsai.

Today, the 30-year-old continues to model and has worked with notable brands including Victorias Secret and David Yurman. She has also graced the covers of publications like Elle France and Harpers Bazaar Greece.

[Im] so stoked for the wardrobe this issue because lately Ive been super obsessed with 80s, 90s, you know, high-cut bikinis, she said of her 16 feature.

Ferguson also singled out a netted gold swimsuit as her top look from her photo shoot in Fiji.

I think this ones probably my favorite, I just like the gold, I feel like its really pretty with tan skin, she gushed of the swimwear. Its very revealing but I think its my favorite so far.

Below are eight of our favorite images from Fergusons photo shoot in Fiji.

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla are packing their bags and preparing to jet across Europe later this month. The royal couple just revealed that they will be embarking on their first state visit of the new reign.

The news was shared on the official royal family Instagram account, with a post that read, The King and The Queen Consort will travel to France and Germany for the first State Visit of the new reign, from 26th March to 31st March 2023. The visit will celebrate Britains relationship with France and Germany, marking our shared histories, culture and values. (The caption was also typed out in French and German.)

This will be the couple's first state visit since His Majesty became king back in September 2022. Then, later in the spring, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will officially be coronated into their new roles on Saturday, May 6.

Further details of the trip were shared on the royal family website, where they wrote, [This trip] will also provide an opportunity to look forwards and demonstrate the many ways the U.K. is working in partnership with France and Germany, whether that be to tackle climate change; respond to the conflict in Ukraine; seize trade and investment opportunities or share the best of our arts and culture.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The royal pair will be in France from March 26 to March 29 and then spend time in Germany from the 29th until the 31st of the month. For a full breakdown of their trip, you can read the itinerary here.

Since ascending to the throne, King Charles has visited a number of spots across the U.K. with his wife, but we'll be looking forward to their trip to foreign country as monarch and queen consort.

Andrew Milligan/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Safe travels to the couple!

Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.

King Charles & Camilla Parker Bowles Seemingly Broke a Royal RuleBut There's a Heartwarming Story Behind It
Because it's not just ski season, it's also maple syrup season.

From left: Kevin King; Courtesy of Palmer's Sugarhouse

In Vermont, the winters are cold and the maple trees plentiful  resulting in jar after jar of some of the worlds best maple syrup. But its one thing to buy a jar at the store and another to watch the extraction process take place. If youre interested in exactly how liquid gold can be extracted from a tree, make your way to Palmers Sugarhouse, in Shelburne, Vermont, a family business thats been in operation for more than 50 years.

During sugaring season, when the trees are ready to be tapped, Palmers Sugarhouse hosts their annual Sugar on Snow events, which kicks off on Mar. 4 and runs every Saturday and Sunday. This year, the fun continues through April 16, with weekend visitors coming to experience Palmers iconic pancake breakfast  featuring endless maple syrup  followed by hikes through the maple trees, boiling sap for syrup, and plenty of maple samples. And it wouldnt be sugaring season without sugar on snow, a snow cone drizzled with maple syrup thats become a Vermont delicacy.

Courtesy of Palmer's Sugarhouse

And while maple syrup season is the reason for the celebration, theres plenty of other outdoor fun to be had at Palmers Sugarhouse. According to their website, they have a Nordic trail system, horseback rides with views of the Adirondacks, and goats and chickens visitors can say hello to.

Foodies wont want to miss the Mud & Maple Adventure Dinner at the sugarhouse on April 1. The one-night-only adventure kicks off in the sugarbush (a forest of maple trees) at Palmers Sugarhouse. Dinner guests must follow a meandering path through the forest to their first course, which is paired with a cocktail served deep in the woods near the relics of the propertys original sugar shack. From there, guests will head to the smokehouse, where a multi-course dinner  featuring threads of maple  will be served. The night ends by the bonfire with desert and a nightcap followed by a sendoff and a mini bottle of maple syrup.

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Kevin King

Palmers Sugarhouse is located a short drive east of Shelburne, Vermont, and less than 20 minutes from Burlington. In this nook of Vermont, sugaring season tends to run from March to April, although its worth noting that thanks to the warmer-than-average winter in the east, maple syrup season is starting early this year.

If youre unable to make it to Palmers Sugarhouse for the festivities, you can order their goods online. They ship their products  which range from a half-pint of syrup for $11 to a gallon for $55  worldwide, and also have maple confections like maple cream, maple sugar, maple candy, and maple peanut brittle available for sale.

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BALTIMORE  The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is working with the Congressional Tri-Caucus to write a statement opposing the Biden administrations new rule that would restrict which migrants can apply for asylum at the border, revving up the groups disapproval of the plan and setting the stage for a clash with the White House.

Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.), the chair of the CHC, announced the effort on Thursday during a press conference at the House Democrats issues conference in Baltimore. She was joined by other members of the group.

One of the things were doing in this Congress is were working closely with the Tri-Caucus. Right now were in the mix of working with the Tri-Caucus to see if we can come up with a unified comment opposing the rulemaking on the proposed changes on making asylum harder on the southern border, Barragan said.

The California Democrat said she has had conversations with the other Tri-Caucus chairs  those who lead the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus  who have expressed concern and opposition to it.

So we see this as one of many opportunities to work together as a Tri-Caucus on many issues, she added.

Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), the deputy chair of the CHC, said the Hispanic Caucus is drafting the statement and were gonna run it by them.

We want to hear their concerns regarding the new rules and whether they create additional hurdles for people that are seeking asylum. That should be dealt with and I think theres room for  always room for improvement all the time, he added.

The Tri-Caucuss stand against the administrations asylum proposal piles on to a barrage of negative commentary about the policy from advocates and Democrats, including members of the three groups.

Advocates have already said if the rule is enacted, they will sue the Biden administration on grounds similar to lawsuits they won against Trump administration immigration policies.

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The Tri-Caucuss stand on the asylum proposal is also somewhat of a revival.

The alliance saw its heyday opposing a series of Trump administration policies that members believed to be unfavorable to the communities the group represents, but the group has been relatively quiet under the Biden administration.

Still, many Tri-Caucus members have personally voiced their personal opposition to the asylum proposal.

The proposal would essentially make it more difficult for migrants to request asylum in the United States when they arrive by land.

It would also make it more difficult for migrants to apply for asylum if theyve transited through a third country on their way to the United States, a feature of the policy thats drawn direct comparisons to the Trump administrations so-called transit ban.

Administration officials have vehemently denied any comparison to the Trump transit ban, mainly on the grounds that it would impose a rebuttable presumption, rather than an outright ban on asylum applications.

The rule would also push migrants to seek asylum using the CBP One app, a platform thats been criticized for issues like lacking indigenous languages used by many Central American migrants.

Paired with the administrations new immigration parole policy  which has proven popular among Tri-Caucus members  the asylum rule seeks to redirect flows of migrants away from the border.

The rollout of the new asylum and parole policies is also intended to prepare border officials for the end of Title 42, a pandemic-era authority that the Biden administration has used to execute more than 2.5 million expulsions.

Few Democrats have backed the administrations asylum rule, but one CHC member, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), came out in favor of the rule Sunday, calling it reasonable.

Cuellar, who represents a border district that relies heavily on trade with Mexico, has in the past been a proponent of strong border security measures that put him at odds with other CHC members.

Cuellar, who in November said he flat-out rejected Republican entreaties to switch parties, says opposition to the Biden asylum proposal stems from unfamiliarity with life on the border.

Media, usually theyll call up the immigration activists, New York, Washington, Virginia and all that. But when was the last time the media called the border mayors, border landowners, the border county judges, the border communities, the cities, the counties, the ones that have to deal with this every single year, Cuellar said.

So I think as Democrats we can have border security but then at the same time, have a way to respect and provide dignity to any migrant that wants to seek asylum or any other relief under the law.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V.

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, March 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V., (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (the Company or GAP) announces preliminary terminal passenger traffic figures for the month of February 2023, compared with the same period of 2022.



For February 2023, the total number of terminal passengers at GAPs 12 Mexican airports increased by 21.8%, compared to the same period of 2022. Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Los Cabos, and Tijuana presented an increase in passenger traffic of 31.9%, 26.0%, 24.5%, and 12.5% respectively, compared to February 2022. On the other hand, Montego Bay increase by 49.5% and Kingston 43.0%, compared to 2022.

Domestic Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Feb-22 Feb-23 % Change Jan - Feb 22 Jan - Feb 23 % Change Guadalajara 735.3 913.7 24.3% 1,472.8 1,904.8 29.3% Tijuana* 562.5 636.1 13.1% 1,155.3 1,349.7 16.8% Los Cabos 157.0 204.3 30.1% 327.5 434.1 32.5% Puerto Vallarta 144.8 183.5 26.8% 306.9 409.6 33.5% Montego Bay 0.0 0.0 N/A 0.0 0.0 N/A Guanajuato 114.8 151.3 31.8% 243.2 331.7 36.4% Hermosillo 110.2 142.2 29.0% 232.7 299.6 28.7% Kingston 0.0 0.1 22.4% 0.1 0.1 (7.1%) Mexicali 88.7 102.5 15.5% 188.2 225.9 20.0% Morelia 46.6 55.8 19.9% 98.0 123.1 25.6% La Paz 72.3 68.9 (4.7%) 147.0 146.7 (0.2%) Aguascalientes 46.3 44.9 (3.0%) 96.6 99.3 2.8% Los Mochis 29.7 29.9 0.7% 60.6 62.1 2.5% Manzanillo 7.8 8.5 9.5% 15.6 17.7 13.4% Total 2,115.9 2,541.6 20.1% 4,344.6 5,404.2 24.4%





International Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Feb-22 Feb-23 % Change Jan - Feb 22 Jan - Feb 23 % Change Guadalajara 276.4 361.3 30.7% 638.1 818.2 28.2% Tijuana* 274.4 305.7 11.4% 603.0 699.1 15.9% Los Cabos 342.2 417.3 21.9% 660.9 868.6 31.4% Puerto Vallarta 321.3 431.1 34.2% 628.0 892.1 42.0% Montego Bay 274.7 410.7 49.5% 542.3 859.6 58.5% Guanajuato 49.6 59.7 20.5% 117.3 137.6 17.3% Hermosillo 5.5 5.7 3.7% 12.2 12.3 0.5% Kingston 78.4 112.0 43.0% 169.8 258.0 52.0% Mexicali 0.4 0.4 19.0% 0.7 0.9 33.4% Morelia 34.7 45.3 30.5% 79.0 102.1 29.2% La Paz 2.3 1.1 (54.0%) 4.7 2.2 (52.0%) Aguascalientes 13.7 17.0 24.7% 32.5 40.0 23.2% Los Mochis 0.5 0.5 6.7% 1.1 1.1 3.4% Manzanillo 8.2 10.4 26.6% 17.0 19.8 16.8% Total 1,682.0 2,178.2 29.5% 3,506.6 4,711.6 34.4%





Total Terminal Passengers (in thousands): Airport Feb-22 Feb-23 % Change Jan - Feb 22 Jan - Feb 23 % Change Guadalajara 1,011.7 1,275.0 26.0% 2,110.9 2,722.9 29.0% Tijuana* 836.9 941.8 12.5% 1,758.3 2,048.8 16.5% Los Cabos 499.2 621.5 24.5% 988.4 1,302.7 31.8% Puerto Vallarta 466.0 614.6 31.9% 935.0 1,301.7 39.2% Montego Bay 274.7 410.7 49.5% 542.3 859.6 58.5% Guanajuato 164.3 211.0 28.4% 360.6 469.3 30.1% Hermosillo 115.7 147.9 27.8% 244.9 311.8 27.3% Kingston 78.4 112.1 43.0% 169.9 258.1 51.9% Mexicali 89.1 102.9 15.6% 188.9 226.8 20.1% Morelia 81.2 101.1 24.4% 177.0 225.2 27.2% La Paz 74.6 70.0 (6.2%) 151.7 148.9 (1.8%) Aguascalientes 59.9 61.9 3.3% 129.0 139.3 7.9% Los Mochis 30.1 30.4 0.8% 61.7 63.2 2.6% Manzanillo 16.0 18.9 18.3% 32.5 37.5 15.2% Total 3,797.9 4,719.8 24.3% 7,851.1 10,115.9 28.8%

*Passengers in Tijuana who use CBX in both directions are classified as international.





Story continues

CBX users (in thousands): Airport Feb-22 Feb-23 % Change Jan - Feb 22 Jan - Feb 23 % Change Tijuana 272.7 303.1 11.1% 599.7 694.1 15.7%



Highlights for the month:

Seats and load factors: The number of seats available during February 2023 increased by 18.6%, compared to February 2022; load factors for the month went from 70.8% in February 2022 to 77.9% in February 2023.





New routes:



Montego Bay  St. Louis: Frontier Montego Bay  Denver: Frontier Montego Bay  Chicago Midway: Frontier



Company Description

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates 12 airports throughout Mexicos Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAPs shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PAC and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GAP. In April 2015, GAP acquired 100% of Desarrollo de Concessioner Aeroportuarias, S.L., which owns a majority stake in MBJ Airports Limited, a company operating Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In October 2018, GAP entered into a concession agreement for the operation of the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica and took control of the operation in October 2019.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts and are based on managements current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, plans and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

In accordance with Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and article 42 of the Ley del Mercado de Valores, GAP has implemented a whistleblower program, which allows complainants to anonymously and confidentially report suspected activities that June involve criminal conduct or violations. The telephone number in Mexico, facilitated by a third party that is in charge of collecting these complaints, is 01 800 563 00 47. The web site is www.lineadedenuncia.com/gap . GAPs Audit Committee will be notified of all complaints for immediate investigation.



IR Contacts: Saul Villarreal, Chief Financial Officer svillarreal@aeropuertosgap.com.mx Alejandra Soto, IRO and Corporate Finance Director asoto@aeropuertosgap.com.mx Gisela Murillo, Investor Relations gmurillo@aeropuertosgap.com.mx / +52-33-3880-1100 ext.20294




President Biden on Friday hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House, where the two leaders tried to project a united front in support for Ukraine as it enters the second year of a war against invading Russian forces.

Scholz last visited the White House in February 2022, when Russia was amassing troops along the Ukrainian border. Fridays visit came after a year of war and as both leaders have sought to assure the Ukrainians and other allies that their respective governments will back Ukraine for as long as it takes to end the conflict.

I want to thank you, Olaf, for your strong and steady leadership. I mean that sincerely. Its made a world of difference, Biden said during an Oval Office meeting. You stepped up to provide critical military support. And I would argue, beyond the military support, the moral support youve given Ukrainians has been profound. Profound.

Scholz added that it was important for Germany and the United States to aid Ukraine and that we give the message that we will continue to do so as long as it takes.

That message echoed what Biden has said repeatedly during the past year, including during a trip to Kyiv last month to mark the anniversary of Russias invasion.

The two leaders did not respond to questions from reporters in the Oval Office, and they were not scheduled to hold a joint press conference that has typically accompanied foreign leader visits to the White House.

But continued support for Ukraine was likely to be at the top of the agenda for Biden and Scholz. The U.S. and Germany, along with other Group of Seven allies, have for the past year attempted to coordinate on imposing sanctions against Russia to squeeze the Kremlins war effort, as well as military and economic assistance for Ukraine.

Biden and Scholz were initially not on the same page earlier this year over whether to send tanks to Ukraine, with Germany reluctant to Leopard tanks unless the U.S. agreed to send Abrams tanks. Both countries eventually came to an agreement to provide the armored vehicles to Ukraine.

Story continues

As the war enters its second year, maintaining support will be a major test for both leaders, and the U.S. has warned that China is considering providing support to Russia in its war effort, though it has not yet done so.

Polls have shown softening support among Americans for providing additional aid to Ukraine, and U.S. officials have deferred to Ukrainians to map out what they would accept for terms of ending the war.

Fifty percent of respondents in a late February poll from Fox News said America should continue to back Ukraine through the end of the war, while another 46 percent said there should be a limited timeframe on U.S. support.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden's team is working to assemble a "national advisory board" designed to publicly demonstrate Democratic Party unity as he prepares for a likely reelection bid, four sources familiar with the plans tell CBS News. The panel, which has not officially been announced, is expected to include some of the party's political stars, including governors and lawmakers.

Details of the panel were first reported by the Washington Post and are said to include more than 20 national figures who will speak and travel on behalf of the president, in hopes of unifying the party amid months of polling showing Democratic voter reluctance or concern for a second Biden campaign, given his advanced age.

The board will include a mix of the president's former primary rivals, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and allies, such as Delaware Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. Governors Gavin Newsom, of California; J.B. Pritzker, of Illinois; Gretchen Whitmer, of Michigan; Josh Shapiro, of Pennsylvania; Phil Murphy, of New Jersey; and Wes Moore, of Maryland, are also expected to be part of the group.

"I will absolutely support him because I know how important this partnership has already been to the state of Maryland," Moore said in an interview earlier this week with CBS News. "I plan on going everywhere to be able to do it  both to areas that may be blue areas or areas that may not be blue areas."

"I will go everywhere to be able to talk about how the economic growth of our society, as we're seeing here in the state of Maryland, it needs to be inclusive and it needs to incorporate everybody, and that means everybody needs to hear the message, Moore added.

While the president, who is 80, has said he intends to run in 2024, he has not indicated if he has made a final decision. CBS News asked Mr. Biden on Capitol Hill Thursday when he plans to announce his reelection campaign.

Story continues

"When I announce it," he replied.

In a series of interviews while traveling to Africa last month, first lady Jill Biden gave one of the strongest indications yet that her husband intends to run. She told the Associated Press there's "pretty much" nothing left to do but figure out the time and place for the announcement.

The forthcoming advisory board is expected to be housed at the Democratic National Committee. The DNC has not responded to requests for comment.

One person familiar with the forthcoming board said their boss, who will be a member, was asked to join the group by multiple White House officials, but declined to say which ones. Mr. Biden's counselors, including Anita Dunn, Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti and Bruce Reed, and deputy chief of staff Jennifer O'Malley Dillon are expected to play at least part-time roles in a campaign, while O'Malley Dillon and White House political director Emmy Ruiz are among the names mentioned for senior management roles in the campaign.

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When most people think of Coinbase, the decade-old publicly traded crypto company, product innovation may not be the first thing that comes to mind. At ETH Denver, however, Coinbase head of protocols Jesse Pollak says the company aims to change that.

If we look at the history of Coinbase and crypto over the last 10 years, its been very trading-centric, Pollak told Decrypt. Our investment in Base is an investment in creating a platform that makes it easy for developers to build useful products on an on-chain platform, and then makes it easy for users to use those products through interfaces like Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet.

Last month, Coinbasethe largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United Stateslaunched Base, an Ethereum layer-2 sandbox for decentralized applications. Joining Coinbase in the launch are several high-profile blockchain companies, including oracle network Chainlink, Ethereum block explorer Etherscan, and DeFi protocol Aave.

Coinbase Shares Up 6% Since Unveiling Layer-2 Ethereum Network Base

In January, Coinbase added new features to its Coinbase Wallet, including transaction previews, token approval alerts, a blocklist of flagged dApps, and a spam token manager that automatically hides malicious airdrops.

In April 2022, Coinbase launched an NFT marketplace that did not catch on as strongly as the company had hoped.

The first version of the product didnt work as well as well as wed like to, Pollak said. But weve been iterating quickly on that over the last year, and I think were seeing a lot more signs of life and a lot more growth there.

Coinbase NFT Pauses Creator Drops, Insists Marketplace Is Not Shutting Down

For Pollak, the experience with the NFT marketplace is indicative of the innovation culture at Coinbase: taking big bets on big projects like NFTs, Base, and USDC.

We launched the NFT marketplace last year and the goal was basically to help folks coming from the off-chain world access NFTs, learn about them, and participate in this economy thats emerging, he said.

Coinciding with ETH Denver, Coinbase announced the acquisition of One River Management, a digital asset management firm, that the cryptocurrency exchange plans to roll into its new Coinbase asset management business line. Pollak says this will help Coinbase bring in new customers as a registered investment advisor.

Thats our mission; thats why were here, Pollak said. Were here to create useful applications that can be globally available that increase economic freedom and bring billions of people into a better way of living.
Image via Juancho Torres/Anadolu Agency and Eric VANDEVILLE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty

Colombia is looking to get rid of at least 70 of Pablo Escobars infamous cocaine hippos because they wont stop multiplying.

As CBS News reports, the hippos originally came from Escobars former ranch Hacienda Napoles, and have been multiplying ever since the late drug lord illegally imported just four of them from Africa in the 80s. The hippos have since moved further from the ranch, and have made their home along the Magdalena River. According to environmental authorities, there could be as many as 130 hippos in the Antioquia province and that number could rise to 400 in less than a decade.

When the drug lord was fatally shot by police in 1993, his ranch was left abandoned and the hippos were able to reproduce in the rivers nearby. Since they do not have a natural predator in Colombia, where they have been able to thrive due to favorable climate conditions, scientists said they pose a problem for biodiversity in the area because their feces could change the composition of rivers. They were declared a toxic invasive species by Colombias government last year, as they pose a threat to the habitat of capybaras and manatees among other native animals.

The Colombian government was sued over plans to sterilize or even kill the animals in 2021, and it resulted in the hippos being legally recognized as people with legal rights in the United States. Biologists have in the past called the species territorial and dangerous, although some locals have described them as village pets. Hippos are known to cause more human deaths than any other sizable animal in Africa, but there have been no documented attacks in Colombia so far.

If Colombias plans to export the hippos is a success, they will be transported to Mexico and India in an effort to control their populations. Lina Marcela de los Rios Morales, director of animal protection and welfare at Antioquias environment ministry, said the plan would be to focus on transporting the hippos living in the rivers rather than the ranch, because the latter remains a controlled environment. They would need to be lured into large containers that would then be taken to an international airport for flights to India and Mexico.

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MONTE CARLO, Monaco  Coty Inc.s skin care business is rebooting, and to kick that off the Lancaster brand has revamped and will relaunch its most premium skin care collection on March 17.

Called Ligne Princiere, the line was originally the official beauty brand for Princess Grace of Monaco and her family in the 60s. The updated range today has four products, including an essence, a serum, moisturizer and eye cream.

More from WWD

Its a royal secret that comes to life in a few days in China, which is the most premium skin care market, said Sue Nabi, Cotys chief executive officer. We are putting into Ligne Princiere the companys best know-how that is tested and confirmed by consumers to be best in class.

She said Ligne Princiere is the only range to have such a heritage and triple combination of technologies to activate skins self-repair. These include exclusive cationic liposomal retinol, patented oxygen in a matrix and patented double liposomal skin enzymes.

The brand will first launch in tight brick-and-mortar distribution as well as travel retail and online.

Lancaster is already known in China, where its 365 skin care was tested on the island of Hainan in the midst of the coronaivrus pandemic.

On Thursday, Nabi was in Monte Carlo, the birthplace of Lancaster in 1946. Sitting in a boardroom of the lush Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Nabi talked strategy with WWD just hours before taking Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Graces son, on a walk-through of Lancasters laboratory and factory, based in the principality.

Monaco was the first place Nabi traveled to for business after becoming Cotys CEO in 2020.

I was visiting the Lancaster facility to understand its know-how in skin care, she said. It is where I had this incredible moment of truth, where I discovered that we own patents, know-how and expertise in probably the four or five key areas that are going to shape the world of skin care.

Story continues

This includes protection against light and pollution. Lancaster has the only patent covering the largest spectrum of both visible and invisible light emissions, according to Nabi. The brand was also a pioneer in formulating the use of retinol, starting in the 70s.

This was the first line to launch DNA repair in the 80s, the first line to launch what we call oxygen therapies, she continued.

Its all about delivering the actives to the right place, at the right dose, with the right scientific know-how, said Nabi, adding that was what the facility has been working on over the last 20 years.

When Nabi first joined Coty, people had lauded Lancasters high-end sun care, which ranks first in Europe, and suggested she launch skin care to match that. (Two decades prior, the brand was already a category leader, alongside Lancome and Estee Lauder.)

That planted a seed, which blossomed. When Nabi met the Lancaster team, they quickly showed her products from the Ligne Princiere line coming in royal blue-and-gold packaging. They never thought it would go to market, but were mistaken.

Nabi said: We have a great idea, with a fantastic, true story.

During the royal visit, she would share with Prince Albert Lancasters know-how and eco-conscious mission thats multifaceted. Recently, the brand debuted the Sun Sensitive Protection SPF 50 line, the only sun protection doubly certified by Cradle to Cradle, for instance. And Coty uses carbon-captured emissions from factories to produce its fragrances.

We are going to create with the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco probably whats to be the most advanced sun care/sustainability formulation and packaging that can exist, Nabi said. That should happen in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Lancaster is rebranding. The word Monaco will ultimately appear on all product packaging, under the Lancaster name.

Ligne Princiere products

We are going to unify the end look of the full line, so that there is one story between cleansers, classical moisturizers, 365 and the jewel in the crown, Ligne Princiere, Nabi said.

Simultaneously, Lancaster cleansers are being revamped, and the brand will likely launch other products, such as lifting and firming creams.

We are reconstructing the must-haves if you want to become a contender in this very competitive skin care market with very unique stories  be it technologies or heritage, Nabi said.

After she took the reins at Coty, Nabi and her team set out to transform the company, morphing it into a triple-axes beauty powerhouse. That included tackling opportunities in fragrances, especially with the creation of an ultra-premium portfolio; makeup, with high-end color cosmetics brands Gucci, Burberry and Kylie Cosmetics, and consumer beauty.

The growth of the company is balanced between the two divisions, said Nabi, referring to prestige and consumer beauty.

What was missing at Coty was skin care, she added. Skin care is the queen category in Asia, but also in many markets. Its the second-largest category in the U.S. and in Europe. This was a huge opportunity for the company.

Coty has recently confirmed that it will double its skin care business by the fiscal year 2026.

Nabi would not discuss sales projections for Ligne Princiere, however.

The way I see the KPIs of success of skin care are the rankings of productivity per store, Nabi said. There are also endorsement by skin care experts, awards and word-of-mouth.

Whats important in skin care is reputation and trust, she continued. Sales are a consequence.

Cotys other skin care brands are Orveda, in the ultra-premium segment, which should be relaunched in the fall, and Philosophy, the entry-level prestige brand being reintroduced in the U.S.

These are three strong stories that will help us to start this skin care transformation, Nabi said.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis appears to have given the Florida Legislature the go-ahead to approve an open carry measure when they meet next week for the start of the 2023 legislative session, and gun rights groups are pressuring lawmakers to act.

Havanas Luis Valdes recorded DeSantis Thursday night saying that he supports allowing Floridians to openly display firearms in public, but DeSantis doesnt believe lawmakers will be willing to amend a permitless carry bill moving in the House.

Yeah, absolutely, DeSantis is heard to say when asked whether a permitless carry bill HB 543 should be amended to allow people to carry and display firearms in most public places.

The exchange took place in Jacksonville where DeSantis was promoting his book, The Courage to Be Free, which is widely believed to be the opening act of a presidential campaign.

Presidential ambition:14 things to know about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Session preamble:With DeSantis directing, here are five issues to watch this Florida Legislature session

DeSantis leads the way:Before presidential bid, DeSantis has policies to push. Florida lawmakers are set to comply

During the 2022 session, Suwannee County residents crowd into Rep. Chuck Brannan's office to ask him to schedule an open carry measure in the Criminal Justice committee he chaired.

"I dont think theyll do it, said DeSantis about lawmakers giving gun rights groups what they want.

"But, I would absolutely," said DeSantis.

Valdes, the executive director of the Florida chapter of Gun Owners of America, said he found the exchange with DeSantis encouraging for the open carry movement.

Florida issues licenses to residents to carry concealed weapons in most public places. HB 543 by Rep. Charles Brannan, R-Macclenny, repeals longstanding requirements for a concealed weapon license that includes fees, a criminal background check and completion of a firearms training course.

Rep. Chuck Brannan, R-Macclenny, presents House Bill 543: Concealed Carry of Weapons and Firearms Without a License at a Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.

Opening salvo:Florida gun expansion caught in a crossfire

The Gunshine State?DeSantis, Trump stump state as more gun violence raises leeriness about 'constitutional carry'

Pushing back:Leon sheriff, State Attorney not in support of Republican-backed permitless carry bill

Story continues

But the bill has drawn heavy fire from both sides of the gun control debate, with advocates calling it dangerous and Second Amendment boosters saying it doesn't go far enough.

The GOA argued during a committee hearing last month, the restrictions on open carry infringed on a God-given right to self-defense enshrined in the Constitution.

Brannan explained the bill aims to, allow Floridians to carry their concealed (weapon) without the red tape and expense of government  thats what its really about. When pushed on adding an open carry provision, he added that the bill is what it is as its filed, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Valdes calls Brannans apparent unwillingness to amend his proposal discouraging, and the lack of action in the Senate on an amendment, hypocritical for Republicans.

The Republican Supermajority is refusing to advance true constitutional carry legislation, even though the governor promised to give Florida's voters exactly that, and its what the citizenry is demanding, said Valdes in a prepared statement. A real constitutional carry law will allow law-abiding Floridians and our guests to legally conceal and open carry firearms without a government permission slip.

Last year, DeSantis said he intended to sign a permit-less carry bill before he left office. Thursday was at least the second time he publicly said he would sign an open carry bill. But last August he explained, it really requires the Legislature to get it to my desk.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announces his budget for the new fiscal year at the Florida Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 in Tallahassee, Fla.

HB 543 has cleared all committee stops and awaits debate on the House floor.

Opponents call the proposal shortsighted and playing with peoples lives to further political ambitions.

This bill does not represent the values of Floridians. The world knows this is not normal. It is not normal thinking, said March for Our Lives representative Sara Paquette about relaxing gun laws in the wake of a series of mass shootings across the country.

The 2023 session of the Florida Legislature begins Tuesday, March 7.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis puts 'open carry' target on Florida Legislature before session
The UFC going to Africa is still a focus for UFC president Dana White.

According to White, dealings with Cameroonian-French fighter and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou are off the table. Hell never be in the UFC again, White said about Ngannou, who became a free agent in January after failed negotiations with the company.

Even though the two parties have parted ways, White said hosting an event in Africa is still a priority for him, despite losing one of the continents most popular fighters, and having no current champions with African ties.

We absolutely will, White told reporters in a media scrum after the UFC 285 ceremonial weigh-ins (via ESPN). That doesnt have anything to do with any one guy. Thats like saying we wouldnt go back to Mexico without Cain Velasquez or something like that. Were going everywhere, regardless. If you look at some of the fights that we put on with the nationalities, that sh*t was unheard of 30 years ago.

Hosting an event in Africa has been in discussion for years. In September, White said an event would happen very soon although no targeted countries or cities were discussed publicly.

Until August 2022, the promotion had three champions from Africa: Nigerians Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya, along with Cameroonian Ngannou. With so much representation at the top, it seemed like a prime opportunity to bring an event to the continent, but it never came to fruition. Since then, Usman and Adesanya lost title fights and Ngannou exited the promotion, vacating the heavyweight throne.

Established African stars like Usman and Adesanya will have their shot at reclaiming their titles soon, and the talent pool from Africa is growing. White plans to invest in the region by bringing a UFC Performance Institute to Africa, in addition to hosting events.

Africa is very, very on my radar, White said. Africa will get done. Not only will Africa get done before Im done, well have a PI in Africa before Im done too.

Story continues

More UFC!

UFC 285 'Embedded,' No. 6: David Goggins visits Jon Jones, fighters hit the scales before final faceoffs UFC 285: Quick picks and prognostications Jon Jones downplays run-in with Bo Nickal, gives prediction for his MMA future

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie
Attorney General Merrick Garland reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to hold Russia accountable for war crimes it has committed in an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Friday.

Garland met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and law enforcement officials in the western city of Lviv while at the United for Justice Conference, according to a readout of his visit from the Department of Justice.

Garland said at an address that the conferences mission is to hold Russian leaders accountable for the actions its military has taken during the war in Ukraine, according to the readout.

It said Garland reaffirmed our determination to hold Russia accountable for crimes committed in its unjust and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Garlands visit was reportedly not announced publicly in advance for security purposes.

Just over 12 months ago, invading Russian forces began committing atrocities at the largest scale in any armed conflict since the Second World War, Garland said at the conferences opening session. We are here today in Ukraine to speak clearly, and with one voice: the perpetrators of those crimes will not get away with them.

The readout states that Garlands presence at the conference is symbolic and strategic to push forward the work of the Justice Departments War Crimes Accountability Team. He also met with other top officials such as Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink to discuss increasing cooperation to address to Russian war crimes and illegal financing.

Garland is the latest top U.S. official to visit Ukraine as the war enters its second year. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met with Zelensky during a trip earlier this week to pledge continued economic assistance to Ukraine.

President Biden made a surprise trip to Ukraine late last month, shortly before the anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of the country. During the visit, he vowed to stand by Ukraine for as long as is necessary to turn back Russian forces from captured territory.

Story continues

Garland also previously visited Ukraine in June to discuss the prosecution of Russian war crimes.

Russian soldiers have been documented committing many war crimes, including rape, torture and summary executions, during the conflict. The United States officially declared last month that Russia had committed crimes against humanity in the war.

At least 20 torture chambers, which were funded by the Kremlin, were found in the Ukrainian city of Kherson after a Ukrainian counteroffensive freed the region late last year, according to a report released this week.

This story was updated at 6:59 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said the state does not intend to proceed with an execution scheduled in April for death row prisoners Aaron Gunches, she announced in a statement Friday.

The Arizona Supreme Court granted a warrant of execution for Gunches on Thursday, despite Gunches and the Arizona attorney general both asking to withdraw their request for the warrant.

"The Courts decision order and warrant make clear, however, that the warrant authorizes an execution and does not require it," Hobbs said. "This is consistent with the law and separation of powers between the judicial and executive branches on this most serious exercise of the power of the State."

Gunches was sentenced to death for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, a former longtime boyfriend of Gunches' girlfriend. Gunches kidnapped and shot Price multiple times in a desert area off the Beeline Highway.

Arizona death row:These are the prisoners awaiting execution

Hobbs recently appointed retired Magistrate Judge David Duncan to review the execution process in Arizona, as outlined in her executive order issued in January to establish a Death Penalty Independent Review commissioner.

"Under my Administration, an execution will not occur until the people of Arizona can have confidence that the State is not violating the law in carrying out the gravest of penalties," Hobbs said.

Hobbs said bringing the Department of Corrections up to adequate staffing levels and getting it prepared to carry out an execution would take more time.

"My hope is, in that time, the Death Penalty Independent Review Commissioner will also be able to complete his analysis and recommendations, which ADCRR will work to implement," Hobbs said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Katie Hobbs says Arizona won't move forward with execution
Culture warrior Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, is laying the groundwork for a 2024 presidential bid. That includes a new manifesto against the way corporate America tries to navigate shifting attitudes on race, gender, climate change, and other issues pitting those who want power against those who have it.

DeSantis has been waging a very public war with the Walt Disney Company (DIS) that now looks like a template for a broader crusade against companies practicing woke capitalism, as DeSantis and other conservatives put it.

The left has pressured big corporations like Disney to use their enormous power to advance woke political ends, DeSantis writes in his new book, The Courage to be Free, which The Wall Street Journal excerpted on March 1. There is little upside for big companies to take positions on contentious political issues.

Republicans fed up with former President Donald Trumps antics think DeSantis could be their nominee in 2024. His book became an instant bestseller, and DeSantis won reelection to the governor's mansion last year in a rout, establishing strong momentum should he run for president. Hes also a military veteran with a Harvard law degree whos only 44 and could bring the generational power shift many voters crave.

But DeSantis is badly misreading corporate America and, by extension, the convulsive societal forces CEOs are grappling with. The CEOs that DeSantis dings arent craven tools of the left or rudderless weather vanes. Big brand-name companies sometimes have no choice but to take a stand on controversial issues, because large blocs of their customers and employees want them to. They mess up sometimes, but as an alternative, staying silent or doing nothing is often worse.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

'The target was purely political'

The Disney flap arose over a 2022 Florida law that limited what schools can teach young kids about sex and gender issues. Opponents dubbed the measure the Dont say gay law and pressured Florida companies to lobby against it. Disney initially took no stance that angered some Disney employees, who staged walkouts and other types of protests. The CEO at the time, Bob Chapek, then apologized for the companys silence and said Disney would work to overturn the bill.

Story continues

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That angered DeSantis, who worked with the state legislature to revoke a special self-governing status Disney has enjoyed near its Disney World theme park since 1967. Instead of managing its own municipal affairs, Disney will now have to answer to a five-person board staffed with DeSantis allies. DeSantis characterizes the move as the long overdue end of a corporate boondoggle, yet it reeks of political retribution.

People ask us: Was there any merit behind this? Was Disney deficient? says David Kotok, chairman of investing firm Cumberland Advisors, which is based in Sarasota. When we do the research, there is no merit financially or in a business context for the attack on Disney. Disney is a huge employer, a model citizen, it attracts huge economic interests to Florida. Why attack a model corporate citizen? The target was purely political.

DeSantis argues that small cadres of loud and militant liberals are driving companies like Disney to embrace radical issues most Americans disagree with. He extends this to ESG investing and has taken new steps to prohibit any consideration of environmental, social, and governmental factors for the investors managing Floridas pension money.

This is another area where DeSantis goes awry: by dismissing substantial shifts in public opinion on hot-button issues as mere manipulation by liberal activists. Those shifts are much deeper. The Florida education bill, for instance, is pushback against new efforts to normalize LGBTQ representation in public education. A company such as Disney needs to think not just about its employees, but about customers, suppliers, partners, and everybody else it does business with.

Visitors pose for photos with the cartoon character Tigger during the Lunar New Year celebrations at Disney's California Adventure Park in Anaheim, the United States, on Jan. 21, 2022. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua via Getty Images)

If Disneys customer base reflects the overall population, then around 7% of them identify as LGBTQ. More than that, public attitudes are clearly liberalizing over time. More than 71% of Americans, for instance, think same-sex marriage should be valid, according to Gallup polling, up from just 27% in 1996.

As society evolves, companies need to update their policies to keep up. Thats not "wokeism"  its sensible business. And it's inevitable that there will be uncomfortable moments when cultures clash and companies get tangled in fights theyd rather avoid because they end up alienating somebody.

Members of the National Rifle Association, for instance, tried to boycott Delta Air Lines a few years ago when it ended an NRA discount in the aftermath of a mass shooting. The flap blew over. Most of the time, the best way for a company to navigate cultural minefields is to take a principled stand that will endure the test of time. You cant please everybody, yet people respect resolve.

'Make America Florida'?

Republicans in general are testing the war on woke capitalism as a bedrock theme of their 2024 electoral efforts. While the terms woke and antiwoke are vague, so-called ESG investing is a more tangible target because some adherents call for disinvesting in fossil-fuel companies and others with a big carbon footprint or other demerits.

But again, its a mistake to assume this is some goofy liberal plot. Polls show Americans generally support the goals of ESG investing, even if they dont feel strongly that investment portfolios are the right tool. Solid majorities of Americans favor more action to combat climate change. Young voters are most passionate about the issues fueling ESG investing.

Guess who obsesses about the coveted 18-to-34 demographic? Consumer companies that want to capture young spenders as theyre forming their values, and make them customers for life. This is a much more powerful motivator for companies than any political agenda, liberal or otherwise. Ambitious politicians aiming for a long career might even learn something from successful companies that align with the values of people they aim to convert into customers.

The last chapter of DeSantiss book is titled, Make America Florida. Thats pretty clever. Its a variation on Donald Trumps Make America Great Again thats meant to highlight Floridas booming economic growth and a lifestyle that has made the Sunshine State a top target for relocators. You may hear that in 2024 as a DeSantis campaign slogan.

New College of Florida student Fatima Ismatulla speaks during a rally at the New College of Florida, where students staged a walkout from the public liberal arts college to protest against a proposed wide-reaching legislation that would ban gender studies majors and diversity programs at Florida universities, in Sarasota, Florida, U.S. February 28, 2023. REUTERS/Octavio Jones

But how many Americans want to be Florida-fied? Probably a lot fewer than DeSantis thinks. Even some Florida Republicans dont love DeSantiss war on business. Billionaire Ken Griffin is a DeSantis supporter who moved both his hedge fund Citadel and his market making firm Citadel Securities from Chicago to Miami last year. He agrees with the dont say gay legislation, but he objects to DeSantiss heavy-handed tactics against Disney.

I dont appreciate Governor DeSantis going after Disneys tax status, Griffin said last year. It can be portrayed, or feel, or look like retaliation.

Swing voters crucial to winning national elections dont seem especially interested in wokeism, either for or against it. In focus groups with swing voters in DeSantiss own state, research firm Engagious mostly evoked yawns on the topic of wokeism, with some respondents interpreting DeSantiss attacks on business as his own effort to rouse extremists on the right.

He has clearly tapped into sentiment on the right that is profound, says Rich Thau, president of Engagious. But it doesnt seem to have much traction with swing voters.

DeSantis may also be undermining the type of support Republicans typically get from businesspeople who favor low taxes and gentle regulation.

I have Republican friends who are disillusioned with whats happening in Florida, says Kotok of Cumberland Advisors. Im worried on the business side because I know businesses that are reexamining their investments in Florida and looking at other locations because they dont like what they see here.

Maybe DeSantiss Florida should be a little more like the rest of America.

Clarification: This post was updated to mention both Citadel and Citadel Securities.

Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter at @rickjnewman

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Handout

The Navy SEAL who admitted to killing a Green Beret in Mali in 2017 has hired one of former President Donald Trumps lawyers to help reduce his 10-year prison sentence.

Navy SEAL Tony DeDolph pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the strangulation death of Army Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar, a Special Forces soldier assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group. DeDolph also pleaded guilty to hazing, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice for trying to cover up the cause of Melgar's death.

A military jury sentenced DeDolph, a member of the elite SEAL Team 6, to 10 years in prison, and he was also hit with a reduction in rank to E-1, forfeiture of his pay and allowances, and will be dishonorably discharged.

But an appeals court overturned the sentence in 2022 after it came to light his defense team didnt know one of the witnesses asked for clemency as part of his deal to testify against DeDolph. In anticipation of a new sentencing hearing, DeDolph has called in high-profile defense attorney Tim Parlatore to help with his case.

Navy SEAL Who Choked Green Beret to Death Sentenced to 10 Years

A white-collar defense attorney, Parlatore represents former President Trump in the special counsel investigation into his handling of classified material and the investigation into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He has also represented organized crime figures, Bernard Kerikthe former New York City police commissioner who plead guilty to tax fraudand two daredevils who parachuted from the World Trade Center. But his most high-profile military client was Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher, who was accused of war crimes. Gallagher, a former member of SEAL Team 7, faced a court martial for war crimes charges including murder but was only convicted of posing for a picture with a dead body.

Obviously I've built a reputation within the special operations community of winning, said Parlatore, a graduate of the Naval Academy who served in the Navy before earning his law degree from Brooklyn Law School.

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Parlatore confirmed DeDolph is out of prison while awaiting a new sentencing but would not disclose his location. It is unclear how DeDolph, who was reduced to the Navys lowest rank when he pleaded guilty and has already served some of his sentence, has the money to pay for a New York criminal defense attorney. When asked, Parlatore declined to discuss finances but confirmed he is working at a discounted rate.

Am I getting paid full freight? Absolutely not, Parlatore said. Am I in this to make money? No. This is not the case that is going to pay my rent.

DeDolph was part of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, commonly known as Seal Team 6. He and Melgar were part of an intelligence operation in Mali supporting counterterrorism efforts against al Qaedas local affiliate, known as al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, in 2017.

DeDolph told a military judge he and the other men were avenging a perceived slight after Melgar left them to attend a party at the French Embassy in Malis capital city of Bamako. DeDolphs job during the hazing incident was to place Melgar in a rear naked choke that restricts blood flow in the neck.

DeDolph said the attack was intended to be a joke and the severity escalated during a night of drinking. But Michelle, Melgars widow, was one of the first to alert authorities about inconsistencies in the SEAL's statements, including lying about her husband being drunk.

Slain Green Berets Widow Speaks: I Knew They Were Lying

DeDolph was the third of four defendants to plead guilty in the case. Navy SEAL Adam Matthews, 33, pleaded guilty to hazing and assault charges and attempts to cover up what happened to Melgar. Before he was sentenced, Matthews hit on Melgar's widow at a Las Vegas gun show. He was sentenced in May 2019 to one year in military prison. Marine Raider Kevin Maxwell, 29, was sentenced to four years of confinement after pleading guilty to negligent homicide, hazing, and making false official statements in June 2019. The fourth defendantMarine Raider Mario Madera-Rodriguezwas convicted and sentenced in 2021 to six months in confinement, hard labor, and a reduction in rank.

But a military appeals court last year overturned DeDolphs 10-year sentence after Navy prosecutors failed to disclose that Maxwell, who took part in the hazing and later testified against DeDolph, had asked for clemency in exchange for his testimony. Specifically, Maxwell asked for two years instead of the four he got. The SEALs defense attorneys missed the chance to question Maxwell about a potential motive to misrepresent events, according to the appeals court. His sentence was later reduced from four years to three years. The fact that (Maxwell) sought additional clemency... in exchange for his testimony is clearly information that tended to demonstrate (his) bias, and bore on his credibility, the appeals court wrote. (T)here is a reasonable possibility that the outcome of the trial would have been affected by the disclosure of the clemency request.

Parlatore is focused on reducing DeDolphs sentence.

This case at this stage is all about making sure that he gets an appropriate sentence, he said. There was no intent to kill. This was unfortunately an incident that went badly. So, what is there to win? Making sure that a good man who is involved in a mistake doesn't lose the rest of his life by spending 10 years in jail. Getting him back with his family and getting him back to a position where he could be a good contributing member of society.

The re-sentencing is currently docketed for the first week of June, according to a Navy spokesperson, but Parlatore says it is unlikely to be held that quickly. He is still working to gain a security clearance that will allow him to review court records and evidence.

There are complicating factors, Parlatore said. We're of course negotiating to see if we can work out a deal to do it in a much simpler manner. But to the extent that it's going to be a full contested hearing before Christmas, maybe.

Melgars widow, Michelle, rejected the idea that DeDolph should get a lesser sentence, arguing in a statement to The Daily Beast that it is her husband who suffered an injustice.

Tony and his wife will have a chance to live life together again, while Logans life and our time together, on Earth, was cut short, Michelle Melgar said. Tonys situation is temporary. Our situation is permanent.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Maggie Murdaughs sister has revealed how Alex Murdaugh reassured her that his wife and son did not suffer when they were brutally murdered.

Taking the stand in Mr Murdaughs double murder trial on Tuesday, his sister-in-law Marian Proctor described comments the disgraced legal scion made following the brutal shootings of Paul and Maggie on 7 June 2021. The trial is now in its fourth week at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Questioned by the prosecution, Ms Proctor recounted the moment she found out her sister and nephew had been killed. Ms Proctor became emotional as she testified that she initially could not wrap her hand around the tragedy, and thought there had to be a mistake.

Ms Proctor said that in the aftermath of the killings, she had a conversation with Mr Murdaugh that struck her as odd. She recalled asking him whether he believed Maggie and Paul had suffered painful deaths, with Mr Murdaugh reportedly reassuring her that was not the case.

Now I dont know that thats true, Ms Proctor told prosecutors through tears.

Later on, Ms Proctor said she asked Alex: Do you have any idea whos done this? Weve got to find out who could do this.

She said he replied that he did not know who it was but that whoever did it had thought about it for a long time.

Ms Proctor said Mr Murdaugh seemed more eager to clear Pauls name than he was about finding the killer. Ms Proctor described Paul as a sweet boy who had been misrepresented by the media because of his role in a boat crash that left one of his friends dead.

At the time of Pauls death, he was awaiting trial over the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach who died in a 2019 boat crash where Paul was allegedly drunk driving behind the wheel. He was charged with boating under the influence and faced up to 25 years in prison but was killed before the trial.

[Mr Murdaugh] said that his number one goal was clearing Pauls name, Ms Proctor said. And I thought that was so strange because my number one goal was finding out who killed my sister and Paul ... I dont know how he could have thought about anything else.

Story continues

We never talked about it. We never talked about finding the person, who could have done it. It was just odd. We were sort of living in fear because we thought this horrible person was out there, Ms Proctor said.

We were mostly afraid for Alex and Buster but we didnt know the motive behind the killings. We thought it probably had something to do with the boat case. And we thought that up until September. And then things started to change a little bit.

Ms Proctor said that she was scared about the safety of Mr Murdaugh and his surviving son Buster. Mr Murdaugh, however, did not seem to be worried, she said.

Although Ms Proctor said she initially found it odd that Maggie had not visited Mr Murdaughs mother along with him, she said during cross-examination by the defence that Ms Proctor noted that it made sense Maggie did not go to Mr Murdaughs parents house if his father had already been readmitted to a hospital.

Ms Proctor said that Mr Murdaugh was grieving terribly following the murders. She later told the court that she believed clearing Pauls name could have been Mr Murdaughs way of honouring his son.

Ms Proctor also testified that the Murdaughs did not have any financial burdens and Maggie was happy with their lifestyle, although she was not involved in the family finances.

The prosecution also asked Ms Proctor about Mr Murdaughs alleged conspiracy to pay a hitman to shoot him dead so that Buster would inherit a $10m life insurance windfall. Mr Murdaugh initially claimed he was ambushed in a drive-by shooting while changing a tyre on his vehicle, but his story quickly unravelled and he confessed to orchestrating the plot.

With the jury out of the room, Ms Proctor testified she and her husband got a call in September 2021 from a friend who said they were sorry to hear about Alex.

They didnt know what they were talking about and were told that Mr Murdaugh had been shot.

I thought whoever had killed Maggie and Paul had now shot Alex. I was horrified that Buster was next, Ms Proctor said.

In the four weeks of trial so far, the prosecution has argued in court that Mr Murdaugh killed his wife and son to distract from his mounting financial and legal scandals.

Mr Murdaugh has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty last June.

The double murder trial is far from Mr Murdaughs only legal problem. Besides the case, Mr Murdaugh is facing at least 100 other criminal charges over a string of financial fraud allegations.
At drag queen story hours and LGBTQ Pride events across the country, two at-odds groups may be found facing off.

On one side, a group protesting the event -- be it the Proud Boys, Patriot Front, or the Westboro Baptist Church, all of which are designated as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

On the other side, the Parasol Patrol. It's a group of dedicated volunteers who use rainbow umbrellas to shield children and families so they can enjoy these events without the watchful eye of anti-LGBTQ protestors.

"It's been humbling to see the number of people that will come out to stand in the face of hate, even when that hate is dressed in black bloc [black clothing and face coverings] and yelling and screaming," said Eli Bazan, a co-founder of the group. "To see that support, and that love from the community is just amazing."

PHOTO: The Parasol Patrol uses rainbow umbrellas to protect children and families from facing hate groups protesting their events. (Courtesy of The Parasol Patrol)

The group's roots begin in 2019 in northern Colorado, when a friend of Bazan hosted an all-ages drag show. The event received an influx of threats: "The hate mail was fast and furious. We had death threats coming in, they were gonna lock the doors and burn the buildings. It was really some nasty stuff," he said.

Bazan, a Marine Corps veteran, stood guard at the event, and continued to stand watch at following events, helping families to and from the venue safely. Each event brought a rapidly growing group of volunteers seeking to help protect these events and their patrons.

Activist Pasha Ripley and Bazan joined forces to rally hundreds more volunteers, activists and allies to keep LGBTQ-friendly safe spaces across the country as they are meant to be -- "safe."

Volunteers go through a training, where they're taught to be non-confrontational, and to not engage with potentially dangerous protestors.

"Nothing that makes protesters more angry than to simply twirl your umbrella and smile," said Bazan.

Instead of yelling or fighting, you'll find the Parasol Patrol crew playing music, singing, and laughing, they said.

Story continues

Volunteer Heather Spillman recalled facing off with a vocal group of protestors, and the volunteer patrollers broke into Disney songs -- singing "the entire score from 'Frozen.' Kids were so distracted and enamored with these volunteers singing that they never even knew that the protesters were there," she told ABC News.

PHOTO: The Parasol Patrol uses rainbow umbrellas to protect children and families from facing hate groups protesting their events. (Courtesy of The Parasol Patrol)

According to Ripley, a volunteer was once hit in the face by a Proud Boy protestor, and more than 250 volunteers showed up the following weekend in solidarity.

"We're there because of the protestors, not for the protestors," Ripley said. "We're there for the kids. And we love and support them not in spite of who they are, but because of who they are."

MORE: Book bans and anti-LGBTQ laws: how queer authors are responding

In recent years, the U.S. has seen a record number of bills targeting the LGBTQ community -- from restricting LGBTQ content in schools to banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth and young adults. So far, in 2023, there have been at least 351 anti-LGBTQ state bills introduced or passed, according to the ACLU.

The Parasol Patrol says the "political vitriolic" rhetoric from legislators and groups against the LGBTQ community has kept them busy, noting an increase in calls for protection from venues and event hosts.

For many Parasol Patrollers, the mission is personal.

PHOTO: The Parasol Patrol uses rainbow umbrellas to protect children and families from facing hate groups protesting their events. (Courtesy of The Parasol Patrol)

Ripley, who is queer, said she hopes to be the adult that she wishes she could have had during her youth.

"When I grew up in a very rural area in Oklahoma, and being Asian and being queer  it was a struggle, it was a very lonely time," Riply said.

Hillman, who has a gay child, has been part of the group since the first Parasol Patrol event: "I was one of those 100 that showed up," she said.

"My daughter is gay, and I cannot sit by and let what's happening right now happen. I need to be out there helping," she added.

As LGBTQ spaces continue to be targeted, members of the Parasol Patrol say they will be there to help. Amid the protests and threats, Bazan urges hosts and venues to "stop canceling events."

"There are so many events that get brought up and things are going great and then in pour the death threats from the right," Bazan said. "When we cancel these events, it says something's wrong. We're not doing anything wrong."

Meet the team facing off against anti-LGBTQ groups at drag queen story hours originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
An Ohio man is facing federal sex trafficking charges after two 16-year-old girls missing from separate Indiana cities were recovered from his home, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio.

Payton Jamar Brown, 26, is charged with sex trafficking of minors and sexually exploiting children, federal court records show.

On Oct. 27, investigators received a report from the safe harbor/human trafficking coordinator with the Hamilton County Juvenile Court after one of the girls was screened at the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center as a possible human trafficking victim, according to a criminal complaint.

The girl was identified as missing from Evansville, Indiana, the document states.

Two days prior, that juvenile and another girl, who was missing from Greenwood, were recovered from Brown's home at the 3300 block of Niagara Street by Colerain Township police, an FBI special agent said in an affidavit.

Federal prosecutors say Brown met the first victim on a dating app.

From June to October 2022, Brown posted photos of the teenager to a website to advertise sexual encounters and she had sex with numerous men for money, prosecutors said. That money was then given to Brown.

The girl even went on a trip with an older man to a motorcycle rally in South Dakota with the expectation that she'd be paid $2,000, the affidavit states. "When she told Brown (of the invitation), his response was, 'you gotta do it, its $2,000.'"

Court records: Man filmed sexual encounters with teen

According to prosecutors, Brown also filmed sexual encounters with the girl and tried to sell the videos to others.

The affidavit says Brown and the teenager picked up one of her friends, identified in court documents as the second victim, from Indianapolis and returned to Brown's residence.

Colerain police took both juveniles to the detention center not long after, the document states. Court records do not indicate the second teenager was involved in any sexual activity.

Story continues

Crime:Jodessa Cooper's family 'devastated' after prosecutor declines charges against boyfriend

Court records show Brown was arrested Feb. 24.

Payton Jamar Brown ordered to remain in custody pending trial

Prosecutors said Brown appeared in federal court in Cincinnati on Wednesday and was ordered to remain in custody pending trial.

Scott Croswell, Brown's attorney, said the case is being reviewed and Brown is anticipated to plead not guilty.

The sex trafficking charge carries a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, prosecutors say. Sexually exploiting children is punishable by a prison sentence of 15 to 30 years.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Feds: Ohio man accused of trafficking after missing Indiana teens found
A Grammy Award-winning Oklahoma City band celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023 is now planning a home-state show to mark the 20th anniversary of one of its seminal albums.

The Flaming Lips announced Monday, Feb. 27, additional tour dates featuring a special performance of the band's trailblazing 2002 album "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" in its entirety. The trek celebrating the 20th anniversary of the gold-certified album's release now includes a June 17 show at the historic Tulsa Theater.

Tulsa tickets to "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Live!" go on sale at 10 a.m. March 3 at the venue box office and www.tulsatheater.com. Tickets prices range from $39.50 to $69.50.

The 2002 album features several beloved Lips tracks, including the Grammy-nominated opener "Fight Test," the Grammy-winning instrumental "Approaching Pavonis Mons By Balloon (Utopia Planitia)" and the emotional anthem "Do You Realize??," which in 2009 was named Oklahoma's official state rock song.

20th anniversary of 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots'

Along with the tour, the Lips will celebrate "Yoshimi's" anniversary with the recently released "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots: 20th Anniversary Edition" 6-CD box set, which includes a whopping 101 tracks, including the original album and EP tracks and a cornucopia of B-sides, demos, live radio sessions and previously unreleased rarities. The 5-LP box set  a 56-track version on baby pink vinyl  is due out April 14.

The iconic art-rockers also are releasing the fan-favorite "Yoshimi"-era EPs "Fight Test" and "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell" on limited edition vinyl for the first time on March 17.

The Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne performs at one of the Oklahoma City band's hometown Space Bubble Concerts at The Criterion.

And it's the 40th anniversary of The Flaming Lips

But 20 years of "Yoshimi" isn't the only big anniversary the Lips will celebrate in 2023. The influential alternative rock band formed in OKC in 1983, meaning this year marks the group's 40th anniversary.

Over those four decades, the band has earned three Grammy Awards and a Tony nomination, landed on Q Magazine's 50 Bands to See Before You Die" and had an alley named after them in downtown OKC. The band has collaborated musically with Miley Cyrus, Coldplays Chris Martin, Kacey Musgraves, Yoko Ono, The Chemical Brothers and more, plus frontman Wayne Coyne teamed with iconic visual artist Damien First on a large-scale painting now displayed inside the OKC Convention Center.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: The Flaming Lips will play an Oklahoma show to mark a big anniversary
INDIANAPOLIS  Dr. Shawn Greiner, superintendent of the West Lafayette public school district, said subjecting school employees to prosecution for providing questionable books to children would stifle the education process and exacerbate a teacher shortage already existing in the state.

Indiana Senate Bill 12, now headed to the House for a vote, would allow teachers, school librarians and other school employees to be charged with a Level 6 felony for making "divisive" materials or books deemed "harmful" available to students.

The felony conviction would carry a maximum penalty of 2.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, ramifications that would hinder the education process, Greiner said in a Twitter post Wednesday.

"Suggesting that educators may be prosecuted for their work in support of education and students," tweeted Greiner, superintendent of the West Lafayette Community School Corporation, "will stifle the work of our educators if not cause them to leave the profession overall which exacerbates the teacher shortage faced at the state and national levels."

Sen. Spencer Deery, a Republican representing parts of Tippecanoe County who voted in favor of the bill, told the Journal & Courier that SB 12 does not change existing law and defines the content in question as pornography, "not divisive content."

Deery said educators such as Greiner "felt that anxiety primarily because the (Indy)Star reporting didn't define 'material harmful to minors.' Once readers understand that's defined and what the definition is, then they can judge fairly what the bill would do.

"I agree with everything Dr. Greiner says," Deery added, "and that's why I voted for the bill."

The bill passed through the Senate Tuesday on a vote of 37-12. Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, voted against the bill, saying existing law already provides an avenue for questionable materials to be removed from a school library or classroom.

Story continues

"I talk to my librarians and school board members," Alting said from the Senate floor, "and they have had parents come to them, particularly the librarians, and the book is immediately taken off the shelf. That has never been an issue at any of the schools I represent."

The bill now goes to the House.

Authors of SB 12 are: Sen. James Tomes, R-Wadesville; Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen; and Sen. Tyler Johnson, R-Leo.

Greiner prefers a scenario where the scrutiny over questionable material is addressed at a local level and not subject to criminal ramifications.

"We believe parents and schools working together at the local level is always the preferred approach to legislation that may demoralize our educators and erode trust between the school and community," Greiner tweeted.

Existing law carves out educators from the threat of jail and fines, providing a defense to criminal prosecution for accusations of disseminating materials or performances harmful to minors. SB 12 places educators and school employees in a criminal net. Colleges and universities would be added to the list of entities eligible for a defense to criminal prosecutions.

Alting acknowledged the good intentions of those supporting the bill, but didn't see the need, given his experience with school districts in areas he represents.

"This has been beat to death," Alting said from the floor, "and I appreciate what youre doing. And there are some definitions in (the bill) that are really loose, that I think its going to be hard to narrow down. But I'm not sure its as big a problem as what we think.

"But having said that, even if its a small problem and its affecting our children, it needs to be addressed."

Deery told the Journal & Courier the bill shouldn't be viewed quite as controversial as some may be interpreting SB 12. Serving his first term in the General Assembly, Deery said he welcomed the bill's attempt at transparency and establishing a process for addressing parents' concerns.

"SB 12 has two important sections," Deery said Friday. "The first one .. outlines a part of the bill that is not controversial at all. In fact, it has bipartisan support, from school librarians and teachers. All it does is it requires schools to make their card catalog available online or for parents who want a printed version. And then it sets up a process, followed by many if not most school districts in the state, if there is a concern."

First, concerns over material would go before the principal and the librarian, who would hear the parent's perspectives. One of three things could then happen, Deery said: the school could decide not to pull the book or material because the claims were unfounded; the material could be moved to another area of the library exposed to older students; or the material could be pulled completely.

If the decision is not to the parent's satisfaction, then the issue could go before a school board for review.

"That's the most substantive part of the bill," Deery said.

The less consequential part of the bill, Deery said, is found in the second section of SB 12, but seems to be causing the most controversy and lack of understanding.

The second section "addresses what has always been considered material harmful to minors in Indiana code since at least the 1980s."

The definition of harmful material includes that which is patently offensive to minors and lacks serious literary or scientific value to the education of a minor.

"When I read that," Deery said, "and when I talk to our attorneys who write the law in the legislature, we're talking about hard-core pornography, which would lack literary value to minors. If you don't get that definition, the bill looks frightening," especially the part about how educators could be subject to criminal prosecution if such material is available to young students.

"But if you go back into the bill, it lists what the defenses are to not be found guilty (as an educator or school employee)," Deery said.

Transparency and a grievance process are key components to the bill, Deery said, aspects that make public education stronger and less susceptible to parents pulling their children out of district schools.

"Although I get that there are many people for which this is not a concern," Deery added, "but I've talked to others who are afraid to send their children to schools, and I don't feel the right approach is to ignore it. Those fears lead to pulling students from public schools. We need to do it in a way that protects teachers and the mission of libraries.

"That's what SB 12 does to me  it creates process, transparency and a way to hear parents' concerns."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Senate bill allows prosecution of educators over 'bad books,' transparency
Schindlers List director Steven Spielberg, appearing Thursday on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, had some chilling words on the rise of public antisemitism in recent years. The director, whose most recent film is the Oscar-nominated The Fabelmans, said that not since Germany in the 30s have I witnessed antisemitism no longer lurking but standing proud with hands on hips like Hitler and Mussolini, kind of daring us to defy it.

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The director, in what was billed as Spielbergs first late-night interview, was asked by Colbert whether he is surprised by the recent, headline-making increase in incidents of antisemitism.

More from Deadline

I find it very, very surprising, Said Spielberg. Antisemitism has always been there  its either been just around the corner and slightly out of sight but always lurking, or it has been much more overt like in Germany in the 30s. But not since Germany in the 30s have I witnessed antisemitism no longer lurking, but standing proud with hands on hips like Hitler and Mussolini, kind of daring us to defy it. Ive never experienced this in my entire life, especially in this country.

Somehow, the marginalizing of people that arent part of some kind of a majority race is something that has been creeping up on us for years and years and years, Spielberg added. Somehow in 2014, 2015, 2016 hate became a kind of membership to a club that has gotten more members than I ever thought was possible in America. And hate and antisemitism go hand in hand; you cant separate one from the other.

Story continues

Asked by Colbert whether he had a countervailing message hed like to share, Spielberg said that, without painting a naive portrait of myself, hed turn to Anne Frank for such a message. I think she was right when she said that most people are good. She said she saw good in most people. And I think essentially at our core, there is goodness and there is empathy.

Spielberg also was asked about his initial reaction to seeing Fabelmans stars Paul Dano and Michelle Williams in costume as the characters based on his own parents. The director said he was expecting just another routine day on the set but, I turned around and there was my father and my mother, and I just burst into tears.

Watch the Colbert-Spielberg interview above, with the comments about The Fabelmans arriving at the 4:10 mark and the discussion of antisemitism at the 6:08 mark.

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Richard Knight.

High on a mesa where everyone can see it, a trophy house is going up in the northern Colorado valley where I live. Some of my neighbors hear that the house will be as big as 15,000 square feet. Others say it will take three years to complete. Whether that is valley gossip or truth, the house is now the center of everybodys attention.

Until this happened, my valley seemed to offer much of the best of what Colorado has to offer, including views of a snow-capped mountain range, and spread out below, irrigated hayfields with black cows on tan rangeland. But now, right in the center of the valley, will be one person acting out a lack of consideration for others.

Gigantic trophy houses seem to signal, I built here to see, but also to be seen. Its a jarring reminder that we in the New West are remaking the Old West in our own image, a job that apparently requires a drastic redoing of topography. These big homes seem to follow a pattern of complicated rooflines, lots of windows that reflect the light and ego gates at the beginning of driveways.

Most of us in this valley delight in what weve been able to see from our front door: Uninterrupted ridgelines, cliffs, and the rounded slopes that converge to make foothills, which then rise into mountains. Nature made these views, and weve been fortunate to have them in our lives every day.

But more and more, houses that resemble castles are sprouting on ridgelines and hilltops, here and all over the mountains. And sometimes its ordinary houses or trailers that get built on ridgelines, interrupting the natural flow of the land.

Where only a few years ago our eyes might find comfort in tracing a ridge's backbone  wondering how it got to be named White Pine Mountain

when no white pines grow there  now we look at manmade structures that irritate the eyes.

People who have lived in my valley for decades share a different style. Appreciating what a winter wind can do to steal warmth from inside a house, they looked for sheltered areas to build. They saw it made sense to build low, tucking a home against the south side of a hill or cliff.

Story continues

Most yard lights were few and hard to see, as were their homes. But the new Western lifestyle broadcasts yard lights at night for all to see, just as the homes are conspicuously visible during the day.

In this newfangled West that has ranched the view, people apparently need to stand out to enjoy an amenity lifestyle. Will these new folk ever take time to appreciate the human and natural histories of the place they live in now, to show respect for the land and its natural beauty? Will they learn to be considerate of neighbors and not take away from the views that define where we live?

Its shameful to think that just as we first moved into the West to exploit its valuable resources, we now exploit the last resource our region has to offer  its heart-stopping beauty.

There is some good news, because in many parts of the West we are learning how to sustainably log, graze, divert water and develop energy. I hope its not too late for us to also realize the value of fitting into the land as residents, to keep intact our ridgelines, mesas, mountains and valley floors. Once a house caps a hilltop, however, that view is irretrievable, gone forever.

I hope we can learn how to value homes that blend with the land in shape, color and location. Maybe a new generation of home builders, architects, and developers will lead the way in paying due respect to our regions natural beauty.

But Im afraid that it's too late for our valley. The great writer Wallace Stegner told us that the task of Westerners was to build a society to match the scenery. From what I see, were not doing the job.

Richard Knight is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit that hopes to inspire lively conversation about the West. He works at the intersection of land use and land health in the American West.

This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Writers on the Range: The West is an exploiter's paradise
[Source]

The kebaya, a traditional Southeast Asian garment, is being nominated by Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore for 2023s UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.

Singapore has been running a campaign on Facebook to get the kebaya included on UNESCOs list since it first announced the effort in a press release on Nov. 23, 2022.

While Singapore distributed the press release, the Southeast Asian city-state noted that Malaysia proposed and coordinated the plan.

In a Q&A posted on Feb. 16, Singapores National Heritage Board explained that the countries would be sending their nomination to UNESCO by this month. As part of the submission process, each of them would need to showcase their efforts in promoting and safeguarding the kebaya and gather community support and consent for the nomination.

More from NextShark: Community, confidence and Coco: How fashion designer Andrew Kwon is making his way to the red carpet





Although Indonesia was not listed in the first official draft of the press release for the nomination in November 2022, the Southeast Asian country was eventually added to the list by Singapores National Heritage Board.

"The five countries agreed to work together on this multinational nomination as the kebaya represents and celebrates the regions rich shared history, promotes cross-cultural understanding and continues to be actively produced and worn by many communities across Southeast Asia," the National Heritage Board wrote.

More from NextShark: Asian Americans celebrate historic release of Anna May Wong quarters

The kebaya, which Indonesia has recognized as its national dress since 1945, may have Middle Eastern roots.

Javanese royals and society women were seen wearing the outfit when Portuguese explorers arrived in Java in 1512.

The national outfit became a symbol of defiance and national solidarity when Javanese women refused to wear anything else at a Japanese incarceration camp during World War II.

Story continues

More from NextShark: Meet Hazel Ying Lee, The First Chinese American Woman to Be a Pilot in the U.S. Military During WWII

The kebaya also became the official uniform of the female crew members of Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Indonesia's Garuda Airlines.

The joint effort to nominate the kebaya reportedly did not take off smoothly, as Indonesia was seemingly undecided during the first few months following the announcement.

Over a dozen cultural groups in Indonesia had urged the government to join Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei in their effort, with Lia Nathalia, head of Komunitas Perempuan Berkebaya (Community of Kebaya-Wearing Women), telling The Straits Times in late November 2022, Its better for us to bring the spirit of Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] as one community.

More from NextShark: New Zealand prime minister welcomed to Japan by giant kiwifruits dancing to sad music

While Irini Dewi Wanti, the director for cultural protection at Malaysia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, confirmed that her agency and other officials were at the November 2022 meeting, she noted that they were only present as facilitators.

One Indonesian official proclaimed that the country should nominate the kebaya to UNESCO alone.

Kebaya belongs to Indonesia, and this is non-negotiable. Thats why we have to be firm in registering the kebaya to Unesco as a sole nominee, House of Representatives member Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti said in August 2022, as reportedly quoted by Kompas.

Several Indonesian social media users were also against the plan to jointly nominate the dress, as reported in December 2022.

"The big question here is, of these four countries, how many and how often do they wear the kebaya? None," one Instagram user wrote.

"Stop claiming Indonesian culture," another user wrote, while another user said the kebaya "only belongs to Indonesia."
Off Broadways historic, if long financially beleaguered, Cherry Lane Theatre has been purchased by The Whale and Everything Everywhere All at Once film studio A24.

The 179-seat mainstage venue, located on one of the most picturesque side streets of Manhattans West Village neighborhood, is a central part of Off Broadway history, founded as a playhouse in 1923 and eventually providing a home space for such major theatrical figures as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Edward Albee, Clifford Odets, Tennessee Williams, Harold Pinter, Eugene Ionesco, LeRoi Jones, Sam Shepard, Lanford Wilson, Joe Orton and David Mamet.

More from Deadline

Recent years have seen the small, tucked-away venue hitting one financial brick wall after another, most recently when executive director Angelina Fiordellisi agreed to sell the theater to the Lucille Lortel Theatre Foundation for $11 million in 2021. According to The New York Times, that deal fell through over the selling price.

A deed filed today  and first reported by the real estate website Curbed  indicates A24 has purchased the venue (which also includes a smaller 60-seat theater) for $10,026,428.

As reported by Deadline a year ago, A24, currently riding high with Oscar nominees Everything Everywhere All at Once and The Whale, had secured a $225 million equity investment to fund a strategic growth plan, with stated plans to use the capital to expand production and distribution worldwide and develop high-quality initiatives beyond the screen.

Though A24s plans for the Cherry Lane have not yet been detailed, the purchase dovetails nicely with the studios previously announced desire to develop non-film projects.

Story continues

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GUANGZHOU, China, March 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Foreign investment in Guangdong mainly falls into three types: foreign trade-oriented, manufacturing-oriented, and service-oriented. Service-oriented foreign-funded enterprises have shown a rapidly increasing trend in recent years," Joanne Wang, Guangdong Markets Leader of PwC China, told GDToday and Lianhe Zaobao at a joint interview on the high-quality development in Guangdong, the province perceived as the economic engine of China.

The GAC TOYOTA production line in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

She took Shenzhen as an example, saying that the city's actual use of foreign investment in the high-tech industry hit 4.5 billion USD in 2022, accounting for 41 percent of the city's total. The actual use of foreign investment in the high-tech service industry increased by 13 percent year-on-year, indicating a rise in the quantity and quality of foreign investment.

Manufacturing industry to see "qualitative breakthrough"

The Guangdong government vowed to boost high-quality development at a grand conference held on January 28, the first working day after the Chinese New Year holiday, which indicates a shift in focus from quantitative economic indicators to sustainable and environmentally-friendly growth.

The province emphasized the role of manufacturing industry in its new round of development, and highlighted its 8 industrial clusters with more than 1-trillion output, including new-generation electronic information, green petrochemicals, intelligent home appliances, advanced materials, modern light industry and textiles, software and information services, modern agriculture and food, and automobiles.

"Guangdong's OEM service took off 45 years ago and drove the province's foreign trade and overall development for years. Now that Guangdong's manufacturing industry has achieved leapfrog development, it needs a qualitative breakthrough to drive further growth," said Guo Wanda, Executive Vice President of China Development Institute (CDI).

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Wang Jun, Former President of the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences, analyzed that Guangdong is now driving the quality of its manufacturing industry through increasing the investment in basic research, saying, "It indicates that the province attaches great importance to original technological innovation."

According to the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangdong's basic research funding accounts for 4.23 percent of the total research and experimental development (R&D) expenditure in 2018, which is relatively low nationwide. The number grew up to 5.87 percent in 2020 and 7.64 percent in 2022, and is expected to reach 10 percent by 2025 and 13 percent by 2030.

In addition, Wang believes that the electronic information industry which is a pillar industry of Guangdong, will provide the technologies and industrial facilities needed for smart manufacturing.

Position in global supply chain maintained with focus shifted

To draw in investment and boost the economy, emphasis is also placed on efforts to improve the business environment for foreign companies. Guangdong Governor Wang Weizhong said the province would implement the national treatment of foreign-funded enterprises and expand their market access.

Joanne Wang explained that policy transparency, government efficiency and tax costs are the three factors that foreign-funded enterprises are concerned with most when evaluating a business environment.

Klaus Zenkel, Vice President of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China and Chairman of the European Chamber South China Chapter, added that factors such as intellectual property rights protection, tax incentives as well as the supply of green energy are key to foreign companies when it comes to high-quality and sustainable development.

Guangdong is drafting an action plan to optimize the business environment, addressing issues such as the inadequate implementation of policy documents and prominent feedback from enterprises, according to Huang Huadong, Deputy Director-general of the Guangdong Development and Reform Commission.

Some foreign companies, including Toshiba and Samsung, have relocated their production lines from China to Vietnam, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries over the past two years, sparking discussions about China's changing position in the global supply chain.

Zenkel considers it a China Plus One Strategy that has been adopted by most multinational companies, that is, setting up factories in both China and other countries, to ensure a more flexible and complete supply chain ecology. "Our Business Confidence Survey shows most companies would like to stay in China and have no plan to move away from the country," he said.

"China has maintained an important position in the global supply chain and served the global market for a long time with a complete range of industries, well-developed infrastructure and abundant industrial professionals. Southeast Asian countries lack these elements, as a result of which, the relocated manufacturers have not yet shown particularly good economic benefits," said Joanne Wang.

Based on the Government Work Report, Guangdong will adopt a new pattern of investment promotion in 2023 and attract domestic and foreign capital to the entire industrial chain. It will prioritize technological and manufacturing enterprises with strong competitiveness.

Wang Jun said that compared with the labor-intensive industries such as furniture, clothing, and textiles in the 1980s and 1990s, future competition and opportunities lie in high-tech manufacturing and services. Provinces and regions of China are now putting solid efforts into attracting foreign investment in these sectors.

Cision

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Disgraced South Carolina former attorney Alex Murdaugh has been convicted of murdering his wife and son and sentenced to life in prison in the closely watched double murder trial involving a shocking web of scandal that quickly began to unravel in the summer of 2021.

On June 7, Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and Paul Murdaugh, 22, were found dead with multiple gunshot wounds near the dog kennels at the family's estate Moselle in Islandton, South Carolina. Alex Murdaugh, who reported the discovery to police, was charged with their deaths 13 months later.

A new "20/20" airing March 3 at 9.p.m. ET delves into the high-profile case, covering Alex Murdaugh's alleged financial crimes, an alleged assisted suicide attempt, opioid addiction and a deadly boating accident involving his son Paul in 2019.

A prominent legal family with deep roots in South Carolina's Lowcountry, the Murdaughs helped found a Hampton County law firm that's more than a century old. Several generations have worked as top prosecutors in the area.

"In the area, the Murdaughs weren't above the law, they were the law," Pilar Melendez, a Daily Beast reporter who covered the case, told ABC News.

PHOTO: The entrance to the kennels at the Murdaugh Moselle property is seen during a visit to the crime scene on March 1, 2023, in Islandton, S.C. ((Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool)

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the state's top police agency, led the double homicide investigation.

Alex Murdaugh told investigators early on that he was not down by the kennels the night of the murders and had last seen his wife and son at dinner before finding their bodies upon returning home from visiting his mother, who has dementia.

But Alex Murdaugh's voice can be heard on a video taken by his son at the kennels several minutes before the victims were believed to be killed, according to witnesses called by the prosecution at trial. It took investigators months after the deaths to get into Paul Murdaugh's locked phone and find the video. With a lack of physical evidence tying Alex Murdaugh to the crime, it became a key piece of evidence in the prosecution's case.

While testifying on the stand, Alex Murdaugh admitted to lying to investigators about his whereabouts that night, but denied that he committed the brutal murders. When asked why he lied about the last time he saw his wife and son, Murdaugh blamed his 20-year addiction to opioids, which he said caused "paranoid thinking." On the stand, he claimed he had been clean for 535 days.

Story continues

"On June the 7th, I wasn't thinking clearly. I don't think I was capable of reason and I lied about being out there and I'm so sorry that I did," Murdaugh said.

MORE: Alex Murdaugh says he lied to investigators during testimony in double murder trial

The defense portrayed Alex Murdaugh as a loving husband and father and argued that police ignored the possibility that anyone else could have killed them.

"I would never hurt Maggie. ... I would never hurt Paul," Alex Murdaugh said.

In the months following his wife and son's murders, Alex Murdaugh left his law firm, which sued him for allegedly embezzling money from clients and the law firm for years. He also said he entered a rehab facility.

A major twist came when Alex Murdaugh said he was shot in the head while changing a tire on the side of the road on Sept 4, 2021. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of a superficial wound to the head, investigators said. Murdaugh later claimed in an affidavit that he had asked the alleged gunman to assist him in dying by suicide, so his remaining son, Buster Murdaugh, could collect a $10 million life insurance policy. The alleged gunman denied shooting Murdaugh and claimed he wasn't aware of any alleged insurance fraud scheme.

Less than two weeks after the shooting, Alex Murdaugh surrendered to police on charges of insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and filing a false police report.

Alex Murdaugh was also charged with misappropriating settlement funds in the death of his former housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who died in the Murdaugh family home after a falling accident in 2018.

PHOTO: Alex Murdaugh sits with his attorneys before he takes the stand in his trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse on Feb. 23, 2023 in Walterboro, S.C. (Joshua Boucher/The State via AP, Pool)

At the time of his death, Paul Murdaugh was awaiting trial in connection with a deadly 2019 boating accident. Paul Murdaugh was accused of crashing the boat while under the influence, resulting in the death of his friend Mallory Beach.

Beach's family and others in the community argued that Paul Murdaugh was being given special treatment due to his family's legal connections.

Authorities said that the Murdaugh family name had no sway on their investigation.

MORE: Murdaugh murders and mysteries timeline

The resulting wrongful death lawsuit filed against Alex Murdaugh by Beach's family, who alleged he allowed his underage son to drive under the influence, one was factor in bringing years of alleged theft from his law firm and clients to light.

Before Maggie and Paul were killed, Mark Tinsley, a lawyer for the Beach family in the lawsuit, was pushing for access to Alex Murdaugh's financial records after Murdaugh's lawyer told Tinsley that he didn't have the money to pay for a potential judgment.

"If you claim that you're broke, I want to see your bank accounts, cause I don't trust what you're going to say," Tinsley told ABC News.

Three days before a court hearing was set for a judge to rule if Alex Murdaugh would have to hand over his financial records in the Beach wrongful death lawsuit, his wife and son were murdered.

In their reply to the wrongful death lawsuit, Murdaugh's attorneys denied all wrongdoing and even that Paul was driving the boat the time of the crash.

Prosecutors argued that Alex Murdaugh killed his wife and son to gain sympathy and distract from his alleged financial wrongdoings that were starting to go public.

The murder trial catapulted the Murdaugh family name into the national spotlight and has been called "South Carolina's trial of a century."

"In the entire history of this newspaper, this is the biggest, most impactful story that we've ever covered," Michael DeWitt, managing editor for the Augusta Chronicle, told ABC News.

How Alex Murdaugh's web of scandal came crashing down originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Argentine ambassador to the U.S. on Thursday denounced a Florida Republicans comments on alleged Chinese military involvement in the South American country, calling the remarks inaccurate and offensive.

In a letter to Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, Ambassador Jorge Arguello lashed out at the lawmaker, who at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing Tuesday accused Argentina of joining other Latin American countries such as Venezuela and Bolivia in giving China a military foothold in the Americas.

Some of the remarks that you made at that meeting are not only clearly inaccurate but are also offensive, Arguello wrote.

Salazar, who chairs the Western Hemisphere subcommittee within Foreign Affairs, warned about a growing Chinese presence, accusing Argentina of playing host to its regional aspiration.

We know the Chinese are not here for trade, they are here for war, Salazar said.

Arguello pushed back against the idea of Chinese military presence in his country.

First of all, I would like to emphasize that there is no infrastructure or military presence of an extra-regional power in Argentina, with the exception of the one that corresponds to the illegal occupation of the Malvinas Islands by the United Kingdom, wrote Arguello, referencing Argentinas claim to what are known in English as the Falkland Islands, over which Argentina and the United Kingdom fought a brief war in 1982.

At the hearing Tuesday, Salazar also said Argentina was considering building a Chinese jet fighter factory in its territory and warned of a Chinese space installation in the country.

Arguello pushed back against both those claims, calling the jet fighter factory accusation absurd, and comparing the space communications station, run jointly by China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control Center General (CLTC) and the Argentine Space Agency (CONAE), to a nearby project run with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Story continues

Argentina is currently looking to update its supersonic fighter fleet following the 2015 retirement of the last of its Dassault Mirage III interceptor fighters, which were active in the Falkland Islands War.

The country is considering buying either used U.S.-made F-16 fighters from Denmark, the Indian LCA Tejas or the Chinese-Pakistani Chengdu-PAC JF-17 Thunder, according to a report from Air Data News.

Arguello wrote Salazar that the supply of jet fighters available to Argentina is very narrowly reduced because of British sanctions on the country related to the 1982 war.

I would like to draw your attention to a very specific obstacle to the acquisition and operation of combat aircraft manufactured by the United States and allied countries, for which the United States Congress collaboration would be valuable, Arguello wrote.

Taking into account that these aircraft contain parts of British origin, the United Kingdom exercises an unjustified veto that prevents any transaction whatsoever with our country.

A congressional aide familiar with the debate pushed back on Arguellos claim, saying the U.K. veto would not apply to U.S.-made F-16 planes or other options such as the Teja. The British veto played a part in ending talks in 2015 between Argentina and a Swedish company, Saab, to buy Gripen fighters, said the aide.

[Its] a hallmark of Argentine Peronist politics that the ambassador represents  the current party in power  is being anti-U.K., so its fairly standard on a letter like this to have language against the U.K., said the aide.

Arguello also defended the Chinese deep space tracking station thats been running since 2018 on land leased to China in 2012 on a 50-year lease, and promised Salazar further information on the project.

Two provinces in western Argentina are generally considered prime real estate for such stations, in part because of their arid weather, lack of radio interference and stable geological conditions.

CONAE and the ESA have operated a deep space tracking station in the region since 2012 that serves a similar stated purpose as the joint venture with China.

[I]t has exactly the same characteristics as the one operated by the European Space Agency located in our country, less than 300 miles from it, wrote Arguello.

The problem is that Argentina has no idea whats going on there because the Chinese dont let them in, Salazar said at the hearing.

In response to Salazars question on the installation, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink responded, Perhaps it would be more appropriate in a classified session.

U.S. officials have in the past raised concerns about the station, though by its stated purpose it serves the Chinese space agency as a relay to deep-space projects like the probe China landed on the far side of the Moon in 2019.

But Salazar said Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner sold her soul by allowing the Chinese space installation in the country.

Fernandez de Kirchner is a controversial figure in Argentina and in Latin American politics as a whole. She was president of the country from 2007 to 2015 before joining current President Alberto Fernandezs ticket in 2019 amid heavy criticism and allegations of corruption.

Fernandez de Kirchner and Fernandez are not related; Fernandez de Kirchner is currently appealing a six-year prison sentence she received in 2022 as part of a billion-dollar fraud case.

Despite the conviction, Fernandez de Kirchner is not serving her sentence because of immunity tied to her office.

Arguello panned Salazar for attacking Fernandez de Kirchner in her role as Argentinas vice president.

Offensive, insulting references to the highest authorities of a free and sovereign country since 1810 and a friend of the United States do not, under any circumstances, contribute to a better understanding and greater proximity; rather, quite the contrary, Arguello wrote.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The tail of a dead beached whale on Rockaway beach, Queens, New York, Dec. 13, 2022. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

Since December, more than 23 whales have washed up dead along the east coast of the United States, leading wind energy skeptics to lay blame on the pending installation of offshore wind projects. But some scientists with the federal government say that there is no evidence to support those claims.

Last year, the Biden administration sold six leases to produce wind from turbines off the mid-Atlantic coast, part of its effort to fight climate change by boosting production of clean, renewable energy. Some pundits and politicians have concluded that preconstruction activity on new wind turbines has resulted in an increase in the death of whales.

Fox News Sean Hannity recently accused wind turbines of contributing to the deaths of whales and bird life, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., claimed dead whales keep washing up on the beach from wind farms. The mayors of 12 towns along the Jersey Shore signed a letter calling for a pause in offshore wind development. The environmental group Clean Ocean Action has joined Republican New Jersey Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew to demand a suspension of wind development.

A wind turbine generates electricity at the Block Island Wind Farm on July 7, 2022, near Block Island, R.I. (John Moore/Getty Images)

On Tuesday, Fox News reported that Sean Hayes, chief of protected species for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), wrote a memo last May warning that the development of offshore wind poses risks to [whales] ... at varying stages, including construction and development, and include increased noise, vessel traffic, habitat modifications, water withdrawals.

Federal agencies that track whale populations and the threats to them have reached a different conclusion, noting that the increase in whale deaths predates offshore wind leasing and is attributable to other causes, such as collisions with ships.

To date, no whale mortality has been attributed to offshore wind activities, Lauren Gaches, a spokesperson for NOAA Fisheries, said in a late January media teleconference. On Feb. 21, the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission provided an update, reiterating that despite several reports in the media, there is no evidence to link these strandings to offshore wind energy development.

Story continues

Have whale deaths suddenly spiked after offshore wind leasing?

Wind turbines at the Block Island Wind Farm on July 7, 2022. (John Moore/Getty Images)

No. The increase in whale deaths along the U.S. Atlantic coast began more than five years before offshore wind leasing. Since 2016, according to NOAA, humpback, minke and right whales have been experiencing an unusual mortality event. In that time, 335 dead whales of those three species have washed up on the east coast. Ten or more humpback whales have been stranded on beaches each year since then, with a high of 34 in 2017.

This winter has been especially notable, with 23 whales found since December, including 16 humpbacks  almost half as many that washed ashore in all of 2017, the peak year for humpback deaths.

Are the planned wind turbines to blame?

That would be quite a feat on their part, since construction has not even begun. Some wind energy opponents have suggested the vibrations of seismic testing being conducted for wind development may play a role. NOAA says this conjecture is unsupported and studies have found no effect on whales from seismic surveying.

We do not have evidence that would support the connection between the [wind] survey work and these recent stranding events or any stranding events in the last several years, said Ben Laws, deputy chief of the permits and conservation division of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources.

Major environmental groups agree with NOAAs conclusion. Theres no evidence that weve seen implicating wind turbines and the deaths of whales on the East Coast," Greenpeace oceans director John Hocevar told USA Today.

So what is killing these whales?

Officials examine a dead beached whale on Rockaway beach, Dec. 13, 2022. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

Being struck by ships and getting caught in fishing nets seem to be the biggest reasons for the number of recent whale deaths.

NOAA Fisheries says it has performed necropsy examinations on roughly half of the 178 humpback whales that have died on the east coast since 2016. Of the whales examined, about 40% had evidence of human interaction, either ship strike or entanglement, said Sarah Wilkin, coordinator of Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response.

All three whales that washed ashore during the third week in February showed signs of having been hit by a boat, according to federal investigators.

Human-caused mortality and serious injury, particularly entanglements and vessel strikes, is the greatest threat to recovery of North Atlantic Right Whales, the Marine Mammal Commission has stated.

Why are more whales being hit by ships in recent years?

People look at a dead, 35-foot humpback whale, in Lido Beach, N.Y., Jan. 31. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)

Two reasons stand out: the recovery of whale populations means there are more whales in shipping channels, and increasing global trade means there are more large vessels in U.S. waters. Since the 1986 ban on commercial whaling, the species has made a dramatic comeback from the brink of extinction. The population is especially robust in southern New England, according to Hayess memo.

As the Gulf of Maine stock of humpback whales continues to grow, more young animals are choosing to overwinter along the Atlantic coast where they are vulnerable to being struck by ships and becoming entangled in fishing gear, the Marine Mammal Commission noted in its update.

Global ship traffic has tripled since 1992. In the last two years, a post-pandemic surge in demand for consumer products has led to increased trans-oceanic commercial shipping. That is especially true in the New York-New Jersey area. In 2017, ports near New York City were opened for the first time to the worlds largest container ships, and traffic has boomed. In 2022, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey moved 27% more cargo than in 2019.

Is there any evidence that offshore wind farms harm whales?

The GE-Alstom Block Island Wind Farm, Sept. 14, 2016. (Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

There have only been very limited studies concerning the effect of offshore wind turbines on aquatic life, but so far they have not found any adverse affects. A pair of 2006 studies of offshore wind turbines in Germany and Denmark found the noise involved in wind energy development  including seismic testing, construction and the spinning of rotor blades  did not harm marine mammals auditory organs, although the study was not focused on whales specifically.

The metal bases of the first offshore wind turbines in the United States, off the coast of Virginia, have reportedly served as hospitable artificial reefs for schools of fish, algae and sea turtles. And off the coast of Taiwan, windmills are being used to help regenerate coral species.

Environmentalists say more study is needed and that it is still possible wind turbines could harm whales, but no proof has been found.

Do other energy projects kill whales?

Oil on Huntington Beach, Calif., from a 126,000-gallon oil spill from an offshore oil platform, Oct. 3, 2021. (Nick Ut/Getty Images)

Offshore oil spills are documented to have killed many whales through inhalation of the toxic substance or consumption of contaminated fish. According to the conservation group Oceana, at least 150 dolphins and whales were found dead after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico Brydes whales, among the most endangered whale species in the world, lost 17% of their population.

The 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska killed roughly one-third of the killer whales in two separate pods and stunted the growth of surviving calves.

What else is killing whales?

A dead whale on Rockaway Beach, Queens, N.Y., Feb. 17. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Fishing and climate change. The ropes and nets used for commercial fishing operations regularly entangle whales. A 2012 Department of Interior study found that 80% of right whales will be caught in fishing gear at least once in their lifetime. Whales are frequently injured in these situations, and they can be killed, as in the case of a whale that died in Massachusetts after suffering skull-bone fractures while trying to escape.

Another threat is rising water temperatures due to climate change. The average ocean temperature has risen 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1901. Those warmer temperatures are killing the fish populations that North Atlantic whales rely on for food, according to a 2021 study in the journal Oceanography.

Forced by climate-driven changes in the Gulf Stream, warm slope waters entered the region and created a less favorable foraging environment for the endangered North Atlantic right whale population, the report noted. Climate-driven changes in ocean circulation have altered the foraging environment and habitat use of right whales, reducing the populations calving rate and exposing it to greater mortality risks from ship strikes and fishing gear entanglement.

At a January press conference, Allison McLeod, policy director for the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, hammered that point home.

There is no evidence that any of the recent strandings so far have been tied to offshore wind, she said. The number one threat to the marine environment is climate change. Offshore wind is one of the most important tools we have to protect the entirety of our marine ecosystem.

What about that NOAA memo?

In an email to Yahoo News, Gaches of NOAA said Hayess memo was designed to advise the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which sells offshore wind development leases, on whether to create buffer zones to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Since then, NOAA Fisheries and BOEM have released a joint draft strategy to protect and promote the recovery of North Atlantic right whales while responsibly developing offshore wind energy, Gaches said.

How can whales be better protected?

Photo: Getty Images

Last year, NOAA proposed a new rule that would extend speed limits to cover smaller ships and expand the zone in which the speed limits apply along the east coast. (If ships move slower they will cause less harm in collisions, according to the agency.) The agency also issued a report last year with a strategy to switch the fishing industry to ropeless fishing systems that would reduce the risk of entangling whales.

The Natural Resources Defense Council argues seismic testing should be subject to noise limits  the group is unpersuaded that it cannot hurt whales and dolphins hearing  and that more study for the underwater transmission cables used for offshore energy projects is needed to see if they risk entangling marine mammals.

Some environmental activists say that the stated concerns about whales from conservatives such as Hannity and Greene are insincere and ill-informed.

Its just a cynical disinformation campaign, Hocevar of Greenpeace said. It doesnt seem to worry them that its not based in any kind of evidence.

USA Today noted that none of the 12 mayors in New Jersey had ever spoken up about whale deaths previously, even though dead whales have been showing up in increasing numbers on their states beaches for the last six years. Two of them, however, have previously spoken out against offshore wind, which they worry will damage the local fishing and tourism industries.

While the climate deniers and the right-wing pundits are tilting at windmills, Hocevar said, most of us are focused on the real threats to whales  climate change, entanglement with fishing gear, ship strikes and plastic pollution.
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - At 13, she was too young to be cleaning a meatpacking plant in the heart of Nebraska cattle country, working the graveyard shift amid the brisket saws and the bone cutters. The cleaning company broke the law when it hired her and more than two dozen other teenagers in this gritty industrial town, federal officials said.

Since the U.S. Department of Labor raided the plant in October, Packers Sanitation Services, a contractor hired to clean the facility, has been fined for violating child labor laws. The girl, meanwhile, has watched her whole life unravel.

Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.

First, she lost the job that burned and blistered her skin but paid her $19 an hour. Then a county judge sent her stepfather to jail for driving her to work each night, a violation of state child labor laws. Her mother also faces jail time for securing the fake papers that got the child the job in the first place. And her parents are terrified of being sent back to Guatemala, the country they left several years ago in search of a better life.

"I have no words," the mother said last month, sobbing in the doorway of their pale-peach house hours after police had led her husband away in handcuffs. The girl, now 14, hugged her mother and struggled to describe how she felt.

"Bad," she said, finally.

A sweeping investigation of Packers found 102 teens, ages 13 to 17, scouring slaughterhouses in eight states, part of a growing wave of child workers illegally hired to fill jobs in some of the nation's most dangerous industries. Driven in part by persistent labor shortages and record numbers of unaccompanied migrant minors arriving from Central America, child labor violations have nearly quadrupled since 2015, according to Labor Department data, spiking in hazardous jobs that American citizens typically shun.

Homeland Security Investigations has opened a criminal investigation into possible human trafficking related to the Department of Labor's civil probe, a spokesperson said, and the Biden administration this week pledged a broader crackdown. But the fallout in Grand Island illustrates the painful complexity of enforcing the nation's child labor laws.

Story continues

Packers has faced no criminal charges, despite evidence that it failed to take basic steps to verify the age of its young employees. Last month, it quickly resolved the case by paying a $1.5 million civil fine. The families of the teen workers, by contrast, have been exposed to child-abuse charges and potential deportation. None have applied for work permits and the protection against deportation that is available to the child workers, fearing retaliation in a company town where almost everyone's job is somehow tied to the meatpacking industry.

Since the October raid, some of the children are nowhere to be found - dismissed from their jobs and no longer in school, according to two school employees. Migrant advocates said Labor Department officials raided the Grand Island plant with no plan for making sure all the children were safe and then declined to provide the children's names to organizations that could have helped them.

"It's maddening," said Audrey Lutz, a former director of the nonprofit Multicultural Coalition, which provides services to immigrants. "We have no idea where they are."

The Grand Island teens had been hired to scour blood and beef fat from the slippery "kill floor," using high-pressure hoses, scalding water and industrial foams and acids, according to the Labor Department in federal court records. They sanitized electric knives, fat skinners and 190-pound saws used to split cow carcasses, according to court records. Some students suffered chemical burns and were so sleep-deprived after working their night shifts that they dozed off in classes, according to a local prosecutor and court records.

Packers officials said they have dismissed all the minor workers and fired two managers in Grand Island. They accused "rogue individuals" of using counterfeit documents to prove that the children were of legal age and emphasized that the 102 workers made up a tiny share of the company's 17,000-member workforce. The full statement from Packers is available here.

"As parents and citizens, we don't want a single person under 18 working for [Packers], period," spokeswoman Gina Swenson said in an email.

"Our company has a strong corporate commitment to our zero-tolerance policy against employing anyone under the age of 18," Swenson added. "As soon as we became aware of the [Labor Department's] allegations, we conducted multiple additional audits of our employee base, and hired a third-party law firm to review and help further strengthen our policies in this area - among numerous other steps."

Packers is owned by Blackstone, one of the world's largest private-equity firms, which is valued in the market at more than $100 billion. A Blackstone official said that company, too, opposes child labor and is "pleased that PSSI has resolved this matter with the Department of Labor."

The Grand Island meatpacking plant is owned by Brazil-based JBS, one of the world's biggest beef producers, which owns two other plants where children worked. In 2016, the Brazilian government fined JBS for illegally employing children, and, in 2021, a Brazilian anti-slavery group accused the company of buying cattle from ranches that used slave labor.

None of the children in the Packers case were hired directly by the beef company. They all worked for Packers, a third-party contractor, said JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson. She said JBS has severed contracts with Packers in Grand Island and Worthington, Minn. JBS has faced not penalties in the case.

"JBS USA has zero tolerance for child labor," Richardson said. "We expect and contractually require our vendors to adhere to the same high standards that we apply to the screening and eligibility of our own workforce."

Since 1938, U.S. federal law has prohibited employers to hire people under age 18 to work in certain hazardous occupations. It also prohibits children under 16 from working long hours or late at night.

The growth in violations comes at a moment of extraordinary scarcity in the labor market. The national unemployment rate fell to 3.4 percent in January, the lowest since 1969, and it's even lower in places such as Nebraska. In covid-ravaged industries such as meatpacking, employers have struggled to fill vacancies, prompting lawmakers in Iowa and Minnesota recently to propose lowering the legal age at which teens may work in some dangerous jobs.

"We have never in my memory found the types of violations that are being found in hazardous occupations," said David Weil, a professor of social policy and management at Brandeis University who was a top labor official in the Obama administration. "It's outrageous."

The Labor Department does not track how many child workers are immigrants, saying that is not relevant to its investigations. But advocates and industry watchdogs say immigration is a key factor in the increase.

The girl in Grand Island - who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation in the community - is among a record number of unaccompanied minors arriving at the southern border, nearly half from Guatemala, since the Biden administration exempted them from a pandemic policy that expels migrants who cross illegally.

Critics say the exemption is encouraging young people to head north, with many settling in rural areas in desperate need of workers. Grand Island, a town of 52,000 on the Nebraska plains, has received roughly 260 unaccompanied minors since 2019, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for placing unaccompanied minors with parents or guardians in the United States.

The girl arrived in 2021 from Joyabaj, a poverty-stricken municipality in the Guatemalan highlands. The girl and her older sister had been living with grandparents since 2016, when their mother left for Grand Island, where she works 3 p.m. to midnight as a JBS meat cutter. After five years, she paid smugglers to bring her daughters north.

The mother, who has seven children, said she wanted the girl to focus on school. But the girl said she grew bored in Grand Island and last summer applied online for the job at Packers so she could buy nice clothes and an iPhone 13.

"I like money," the girl said with a shy smile during a recent interview in the family's sparsely furnished living room, which is dominated by a large shrine to Jesus and the Virgin of Guadalupe. "I like to buy things."

She said she worked at the plant for barely three months, from June 1 to Aug. 22, 2022, emptying trash and cleaning sinks. The job came to an abrupt end after a nurse at Walnut Middle School found chemical burns, blisters and open wounds on her hands and one knee, according to county prosecutors. At the time, the girl said the wounds had been caused by cleaning chemicals that soaked through her gloves and clothes. Packers officials said internal records show no report of such injuries.

The school alerted local authorities, who had received previous reports of children working at the plant. In 2016, Grand Island police were called to Walnut Middle School to investigate a 14-year-old student with injured hands, police records show. Local prosecutor Sarah Hinrichs said she reviewed a March 2022 report about another 14-year-old girl who fell asleep in class after working the night shift cleaning the JBS facility.

In the 2022 case, the girl told authorities she was abused and forced to work for Packers to repay an $8,000 bill for smuggling her north from Guatemala. Her uncle pleaded no contest to felony child abuse and is awaiting sentencing; and the aunt has yet to enter a plea. In an interview, she denied mistreating the girl.

Packers said the company was not alerted to either incident. Grand Island police said they forwarded the 2016 report to the Labor Department, but federal investigators say they have no record of that. The Labor Department staged the October raid after receiving a tip in August and interviewing some of the child workers at home and at school.

In an interview, Shannon Rebolledo said she and other investigators had no trouble spotting underage workers when they searched the Grand Island plant. Many were suited up in green rubber overalls, steel-toed boots, gloves, hard hats and goggles - a clear sign that the job was hazardous.

Some of the teens worked more than 40 hours a week in close contact with a multitude of adult employees, the Labor Department said in court records: Supervisors trained them for weeks. Security guards greeted them each night at the door. Co-workers did calisthenics with them before each shift and ate meals with them in the cafeteria.

"You've got people within the community seeing them coming and going late at night and arriving to school," Rebolledo said. "All I keep thinking is: 'How did this happen? How did no one say anything?'"

One former Packers worker who witnessed the raid told The Post that his young colleagues sometimes joked about their fake identities. He recalled one particularly childlike worker who claimed to be 37. The former worker spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of harming his prospects for future employment.

Swenson, the Packers spokesperson, said company policy requires workers to report suspicions of identity fraud so the company can investigate and terminate minor workers. She said the company was tricked into hiring the children, calling identity fraud the "only way" to circumvent Packers' rigorous process of checking all new hires through the government's E-Verify system.

Fake papers are a common hazard for employers. In January, a federal judge sentenced a Grand Island man from Guatemala to 15 months in federal prison for selling counterfeit driver's licenses and Social Security cards. It is unclear whether the man, who will be deported after serving his sentence, had any link to the Packers case.

Indeed, the provenance of the fake documents remains a mystery. The girl from Joyabaj and her mother offered conflicting explanations of how the middle-schooler obtained papers saying she was 22. The mother told The Post a woman gave her daughter the documents; the girl said she got them at work. Local prosecutors have accused the mother of supplying the papers and confiscating the girl's earnings.

Labor Department investigators said E-Verify is no shield against hiring child workers. The internet-based system allows employers to check an applicant's eligibility to work but does not verify age. Managers who are hiring workers are responsible for scrutinizing applicants' IDs, officials said, to make sure their faces match the photos and other identifying information.

Packers also uses software that asks applicants to confirm that they are over 18. Several applicants declined to answer that question, Labor officials said, causing the software to issue warnings that Packers disregarded.

"They're doing a lot of blaming of documents. But they've demonstrated that they would not have been looking regardless," said Michael Lazzeri, Chicago regional administrator of the Labor Department wage-and-hour division, which led the investigation.

The Packers spokesperson said that the federal government promotes E-Verify as the best way to check identities, but it is just "one among a comprehensive set of tools we use to enforce our absolute prohibition against employing anyone under the age of 18," Swenson said.

In response to the allegations, Swenson pointed to a sworn statement from Paul DeCamp, a former Labor Department official who oversaw child labor investigations during the George W. Bush administration. DeCamp, who has been retained by Packers as an expert witness, wrote that the department had investigated Packers at least a dozen times since 2010 without finding any child labor violations, a sign that the company generally complies with federal law and that "there is in no sense a broad practice at the company of hiring minors."

Packers officials said Labor had given them the names of only 23 of the 102 minors. "The remaining 79 were not disclosed to us, because they were allegedly former employees," Swenson said. "Our audits and DOL's investigation confirmed that none of the individuals DOL cited as under the age of 18 work for the company today, and many had separated from employment with PSSI multiple years ago."

Labor officials said they declined to give Packers all 102 names for fear of retaliation against the children or their relatives. Instead, Lazzeri said investigators instructed the company to find them. "It's really up to them to figure that out," he said.

Lazzeri said investigators observed numerous Packers workers who appeared to be underage at the plants - far more than the 102 identified. Based on surveillance photos and investigator observations, he said, the actual number of teen workers could be "five times as many."

Investigators did not try to track down those additional children, he said, adding: "We can only confirm so much."

Though Rebolledo, the investigator, called Packers "the worst case that I've seen," the allegations of child labor have barely rippled the civic fabric of Grand Island.

The matter has not come up at school board or city council meetings, minutes show. School officials and most school board members declined to comment, while most city councilors did not respond to phone calls from The Post. Mayor Roger Steele, a Republican, declined to be interviewed.

Vaughn Minton, a former city councilor who left office in December, said reaction was muted because JBS immediately fired Packers. "The meatpacking plant did all the changes they were required to make," he said.

Grand Island City Councilor Jack Sheard offered another reason for the silence.

"It's embarrassing for any community to be attached to something like this," Sheard said. "I've tried to help make our community better about being more tolerant and open to immigrants, immigrant families, people who don't look just like me. . . . A lot of us are embarrassed it happened here."

Grand Island is predominantly White. Immigrants make up about 16 percent of the local population. In interviews with more than two dozen residents, business owners, church leaders and lawyers, many said rumors of child labor at the meatpacking plant had circulated for years - long before JBS bought the plant in 2007 after an immigration raid upended the city.

Former school board member Carlos Barcenas Jr. said he remembers a small number of classmates cleaning the plant at night when he was in high school in 1998. Another Grand Island resident, a migrant from Honduras who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid being deported, said he cleaned the meatpacking plant at night in 2002 when he was 17.

"I wasn't the only one who worked there. There were many minors," said the man, who recalled blasting carcasses on the plant floor with chemicals for $14 an hour and napping between classes in the high school cafeteria. He said he quit after six months.

"I don't understand how these children today . . . could have done something like this, because it's really rough," he said. "Working all night in a difficult place and then going to school."

JBS has since donated millions for a city preschool, a high school medical program, food banks and a new bike path that leads to the plant. The company is widely viewed as a civic leader.

While none of the 27 children identified by Labor investigators still work at the plant, it is unclear what happened to most of them.

Only about a dozen were enrolled in school, according to community advocates and school staffers. Immediately after the raid, some skipped school for days to avoid talking to investigators. At least four have since dropped out, according to a school employee with direct knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case.

Two of those students have fled town, the employee said, adding: "When the authorities came, the kids thought they would be taken away or deported."

Labor officials said they tried to help the child workers by referring them to the schools and to other federal agencies such as HHS. They also asked the Department of Homeland Security to consider work permits and protection from deportation for current and former Packers employees. (A DHS official said department welcomes applications, but that, so far, none have been received.)

However, caring for the minors is not part of the Labor Department's mission, Labor officials said.

"I hope that they're safe. I hope that, if they're working, that they're working under safe conditions," Rebolledo said. "But I don't know."

The lack of follow-up has frustrated immigrant advocates. The Immigrant Legal Center of Nebraska asked the Department of Labor to identify the child workers so the center could provide legal assistance and help them to apply for federal aid. Labor declined, citing the children's privacy rights, said the center's executive director, Erik Omar.

"We are here to help. But we can't help if we don't know who the kids are," Omar said.

A Labor official said the agency refers minors only "in accordance with privacy laws," adding that the White House has announced a task force to foster better collaboration with other agencies in such cases.

As potential victims of human trafficking, the underage workers also may be entitled to federal assistance buying groceries and paying rent, said HHS spokeswoman Alyssa Jones. The mother of the girl from Joyabaj said her daughter received a letter offering such aid. But the mother, who said she cannot read or write in any language, said she was afraid the government would take her children away if the family accepted the money.

Already, the mother faces charges of child abuse for allowing the girl to work at Packers. She has pleaded guilty and faces up to one year in jail. Her $24-an-hour job at JBS - with paid holidays and benefits she had hoped to keep forever - is at stake.

One blustery day last month, the girl's stepfather, Manuel De la Cruz, arrived at the county courthouse in downtown Grand Island for sentencing in his own misdemeanor case. He had pleaded guilty to violating child labor laws by driving the middle-schooler to a dangerous job, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail. His lawyer asked the judge to impose a fine.

The judge, Arthur Wetzel, called the case "extremely difficult." He accused Packers of "forcing young children to work on a kill floor." He blamed the girl's mother for obtaining the fake papers and collecting her pay. And he blamed "the elephant in the room, JBS," for "hiring a cleaning company such as this."

"However, Mr. De la Cruz, you also are at fault," the judge said. "To have a 14-year-old daughter employed eight hours before she's expected to attend school under dangerous circumstances simply could not be condoned by this court."

The judge sentenced De la Cruz to 30 days in jail. After serving his time, court records show, he could be deported. Through his lawyer, he declined to comment.

An officer's handcuffs clicked open. At the back of the courtroom, De la Cruz's 19-year-old stepdaughter sobbed. Outside, his wife and young children watched as he was led away.

The 14-year-old girl did not attend the hearing. For the moment, at least, she was still in school.

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Supermodel Coco Rocha has been an icon in the fashion world not only for her moves on the runway, but also for her voice in fighting sexism, harassment and for worker's rights in the industry.

Now the "Queen of Pose" is creating a boot camp to improve the fashion industry for the next generation of models. In addition to practicing poses, runway walks and other modeling skills, Rocha's camp provides students with what she says are important tips and an understanding about the industry's less glamorous and sometimes toxic aspects.

"There is no school. We don't go to a university of modeling. There isn't a business program for us to understand contracts, your rights, agencies [or] the accounting system," Rocha told "Impact x Nightline's" Juju Chang. "It is mind boggling the sort of behind the scenes that models are expected to understand on Day One."

PHOTO: Model Coco Rocha teaches students at her model camp how to pose. (ABC News)

Rocha gave "Impact x Nightline" an inside look at her camp in an episode now streaming on Hulu and spoke about her career and activism in the industry.

MORE: Christian Siriano shows stunning gowns with matching masks at backyard fashion week show

Rocha, who grew up in Canada, began modeling after she was discovered at an Irish dance competition. After rising to the spotlight on the runway, she began using social media to talk candidly about the industry and speak out against body shaming and harassment.

Rocha recalled one incident when she was 16 when she was told by a photographer to pose seminude in front of them without her mother present.

PHOTO: Juju Chang talks with model Coco Rocha about her career. (ABC News)

"I remember saying, 'I don't think so.' And they said, 'Well, it's either this or you go home back to Canada,'" she said. "And I think at the time, I just wanted, let me do what the adults need me to do and then, like, let me get out of here."

Rocha's calls for change were more empowered after Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour encouraged her to give a public address and talk about her experiences.

"It was literally the wild, wild West here," she said. "Do not bring a chaperone. You don't have to really feed them. You don't even have to worry about their schooling. If anything should happen physically, mentally [and] emotionally, no one would know. And it was very easy to just get a new model."

Story continues

Rocha's activism was instrumental in passing a New York State labor law in 2013 that recognizes models under the age of 18 as child performers. The law limits the number of hours young models can work at a time with strict curfews, includes a mandatory financial trust and requires chaperones and tutors on set.

Five years ago, Rocha and her husband James Conran opened up the Coco Rocha Model Camp and encouraged models of all backgrounds and experience levels to attend.

Rocha herself is on hand for many classes, including poses and runway walking. But, she said, most importantly she and her husband have sit-downs with the students to talk about how they can navigate the dangers of the industry.

PHOTO: Coco Rocha and her husband James Conran speak with students at her model camp about the dangers of the modeling industry. (ABC News)

"So someone said, 'How can I deal with creeps on set?' Ask other models their experience. Even then, if it's the first time working with someone, bring a friend," Conran told a group of students. "If there's a weird vibe, that friend is going to be ready to grab your stuff, and you're going to walk out of that situation."

"However you react, it was right for that moment, because your safety matters more than anything," Rocha added.

MORE: Models take over Disneyland Paris to celebrate Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Angela Vaughan, a 22-year-old college graduate who attended the camp, told "Impact" that she was excited to attend the classes and welcomed Rocha's advice.

"Regardless of what I do, I just want to make sure I'm still Angela at the end of the day," she said.

PHOTO: Students at the Coco Rocha Model Camp pose for a selfie. (ABC News)

Rocha said she plans to continue helping future models and changing the industry to eliminate harassment and unfair working environments.

"I think too many times I was trying to tell the industry, "This is how you could change." And it worked to a point. But also it felt like I was forcing it down people's throats," she said. "So to create Model Camp, it was my way of saying, 'I'll train you. Now you go out there and tell them how it's done.'"

Coco Rocha looks to transform next generation of models with boot camp originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Yery Noel Medina Ulloa, center, pleads guilty Friday to second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the 2021 stabbing death of 46-year-old Francisco Javier Cuellar in Jacksonville. He is a Honduran citizen who was living her illegally and now has been sentenced to 60 years in prison.

A Jacksonville murder suspect living here illegally and politicized by the governor now will be staying in Florida a lot longer.

Yery Noel Medina Ulloa pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the 2021 stabbing death of 46-year-old Francisco Javier Cuellar. Following the plea agreement, Judge Mark Borello sentenced him to 60 years in prison, according to the State Attorney's Office.

The 25-year-old Honduran citizen was initially apprehended by Border Patrol agents in Texas after attempting to illegally enter at the U.S.-Mexico border, the State Attorney's Office said. He claimed to be a juvenile and provided a false name. Medina Ulloa was then served a notice to appear, released and later flown to Jacksonville.

It's unclear exactly how he arrived here, but The New York Post wrote about the Medina Ulloa case quoting the victim's daughter as saying she believed he came in on resettlement flights, which DeSantis lambasted during an unrelated news conference in Jacksonville.

"He should have never been in this country to begin with, and definitely should not have been dumped in the state of Florida," DeSantis said.

Nate Monroe: How DeSantis used his office to politicize tragedy and gin up outrage

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State Attorney Melissa Nelson followed that up with her statement Friday.

As we have seen time and time again, the federal governments failure to secure our nations borderhas led to a travesty in a local community," Nelson said. "This time, tragically, it was our community after an illegal alien murdered an innocent man. This 60-year sentence, however, ensures Medina Ulloa will never beable to harm another law-abiding citizen.

Early on Oct. 7, 2021, police were called to the area of Lone Star and Monument roads for a report of a male covered in blood walking along the roadway, according to an arrest report. They located Medina Ulloa, originally identified as a 17-year-old named Reynel Alexander Hernandez.

Story continues

Witnesses provided officers with the location of where he was first observed walking, and Cuellar was found dead inside an unsecured home where they both lived. Medina Ulloa did not have any significant injuries, but another person who arrived told officers he called him saying he had killed Uncle Francisco because he hit him, the arrest report said. Home security video showed Medina Ulloa repeatedly stabbing him and hitting him with a chair.

Gov. Ron DeSantis calls out President Biden's immigration policies

On the same day Medina Ulloa pleaded not guilty during a court appearance  and after the Governor's Office tipped media about the hearing  DeSantis was in Jacksonville to announce a $6 million grant to fund the construction of a road at Cecil Airport to service a planned Boeing facility and future spaceport growth. He also took the opportunity to rail against President Joe Biden's immigration policies. He said he will seek legislative help to stop the flights of private contractors hired by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to bring refugees to Florida.

Last year DeSantis thrust himself into the national immigration debate even further when he used taxpayer funds to relocate nearly 50 Venezuelan migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard, unbeknownst ahead of time to the authorities there, according to The Tallahassee Democrat

He said the flights were part of a $12 million Florida program to transport undocumented immigrants to so-called sanctuary destinations and to protest Bidens reckless border security policies. Other state governors orchestrated similar stunts.

"Our message to them is we are not a sanctuary state, and it's better to be able to go to a sanctuary jurisdiction," DeSantis said in the story. "And yes, we will help facilitate that transport for you to be able to go to greener pastures."

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Immigrant politicized by DeSantis in Jacksonville death pleads guilty
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo dished red meat to the GOP grassroots at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) but faced a tepid response in front of a largely pro-Donald Trump crowd.

Haley, who launched her presidential bid last month, and Pompeo, who has said he's considering a run of his own, laid into Democrats during their speeches as they tried to gin up support for their challenges to former President Trump, hitting on topics that typically rile up the crowd at the annual gathering.

"The socialist Democrats just don't want to spend our money. They want to take our freedom," Haley said. "Now they want to ban gas powered cars and gas stoves. When it comes to destroying our freedom, the socialist Democrats will never stop. It's time for the American people to stop them."

"Our greatest threats are here, they're from within," Pompeo added in his own speech shortly after. "We're losing respect for individual freedom."

Haley repeated her controversial calls for mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75 years old, suggesting she would be amenable to lowering the age threshold.

She and Pompeo also dedicated sections of their speeches to debates over education, warning that Democrats were seeking to sway vulnerable children in public schools.

PHOTO: Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), March 3, 2023, in National Harbor, Md. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

MORE: Republican 2024 hopefuls gather at CPAC with Trump and Nikki Haley set to speak

"I will get the self-loathing out of our schools. I will get the self-destruction out of our culture," Haley said.

"Every parent knows what's going on in our schools today," added Pompeo. "They've had about enough of it."

Both candidates leaned into their backgrounds, with Haley underscoring the historic nature of her bid, noting she is the daughter of Indian immigrants, and Pompeo underscoring his military service in Germany during the Cold War.

"I'm a woman, I'm a minority, and I'm the daughter of immigrants. I'm the proof that liberals are wrong about everything they say about America," Haley said.

Story continues

The duo notably declined to mention Trump by name, but they glanced at Republicans' electoral struggles in recent years, noting GOP losses in the 2018, 2020 and 2022 elections with nearly identical calls for a return to conservative values.

"We've lost the popular vote int eh last seven out of eight presidential elections. Our cause is right, but we have failed to win the confidence of a majority of Americans," Haley said.

PHOTO: Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at Gaylord National Convention Center, March 3, 2023, in National Harbor, Md. (Sarah Silbiger/Reuters)

MORE: Why some big-name Republicans are skipping CPAC, even as Trump, 2024 hopefuls gather

"We lost three elections in a row, the popular vote in seven of the last eight. There are many reasons for this, but one of them is they've lost trust in conservative ideas," Pompeo said in his own address.

Pompeo also hinted at grumbles among some Republicans over Trump's personality.

Pompeo said he'd heard Americans say that "we're electing a president, not a Sunday school teacher. That's true. But having been a Sunday school teacher, maybe we could get both."

But in a sign of how tough of a climb the two have at winning over a grassroots still largely in line behind Trump, both were met with largely lukewarm responses during pauses seemingly intended for applause.

Haley was also confronted by supporters of the former president who yelled "Trump 2024" at her shortly after leaving the ballroom where she gave her speech.

Several Trump supporters at CPAC shouted Trump, 2024! at Nikki Haley in the hallways after her speech. Conservatives lose when we fight each other, another man chimed in. pic.twitter.com/ZlW5THhOvF  Libby Cathey (@libbycathey) March 3, 2023

In an attempt to halt the confrontation, one man shouted back, "Conservatives lose when we fight each other."

But most attendees at CPAC seemed to side with the Trump supporters, saying they wouldn't consider a vote for Haley in the 2024 GOP primary.

"Only if Trump wasn't running, I would," Adam Radogna, a small business owner from Cleveland, said when asked if he'd consider voting for Haley in the primary. "It's Trump first before anyone."

Nikki Haley, Mike Pompeo get tepid response at CPAC originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Courtesy of Netflix

Content warning: This article contains references to murder some may find upsetting. Reader discretion is advised.

The bulk of Netflix's newest true crime series, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal, focuses on both a deadly boating accident that injured five teenagers and killed one of them, as well as on a double murder of a mother and son. However, there are more deaths involved with the wealthy and somewhat notorious Murdaugh family from South Carolina.

Whether you're about to dive in and want a preview of what's to come, or you've just finished binging the series and need a refresher, check out our timeline of this chilling true crime case.



July 8, 2015

Stephen Smith's body was found in the middle of the road in Hampton County, South Carolina, his car parked a few miles away. The 19-year-old had severe head trauma and, as one of the troopers there that night said in the documentary, "Nothing at the scene appeared that it was a vehicular accident." The incident happened not too far away from where classmate Mallory Beach (more on her later) lived.

Stephen was an openly gay teenager, who, as his friend Olivia said, "did not give a sh*t about what people thought about him."

Stephen's case went cold, and when a private investigator hired by Stephen's mother dug into the murder, he spoke with many people who all said they had heard Buster Murdaugh  Alex Murdaugh's eldest son  allegedly committed the crime. There were rumors Stephen and Buster were secretly intimate together, which would have "damaged" the Murdaugh family name.

One theory went, according to Olivia, that Stephen ran out of gas and called Buster for help. Buster, and possibly one or two other people, who happened to be in the area, pulled up and offered him a ride. But not long after, "that's when it all started to unravel."

Once the Murdaugh's name entered the chat, the investigation into Stephen's death "just fade[d] away," according to private investigator Steve Peterson. His murder has never been solved and, per People, how Stephen died "remains a mystery to this day."



Story continues

February 2, 2018

Three years after Stephen died, the Murdaugh housekeeper (who was a second mother to Alex Murdaugh's youngest son, Paul Murdaugh, according to Paul's ex-girlfriend, Morgan Doughty), Gloria Satterfield, was injured while working at the Murdaugh house and later died. Maggie Murdaugh, Paul and Buster's mother, called 911, saying Gloria had "fallen," and had done so "going up the [brick] steps" to the Murdaugh house.

According to Valerie Bauerlein from The Wall Street Journal, who investigated the murders and was interviewed for the docuseries, Gloria's family members were told Gloria "tripped over the [Murdaugh] family dogs on the stairs, and fell backward, and hit her head violently and died."

Gloria's death wasn't immediate; she died on February 26. But, as her brother Eric put it, his sister "really wasn't responsive to [her family] the whole time she was in the hospital."

Morgan Doughty, Paul's girlfriend, shared that Alex Murdaugh was addicted to painkillers and Gloria had allegedly found drugs taped underneath Alex's bed. According to Morgan, Gloria told Paul what she had found because she was "scared" to go to Maggie, Alex's wife, about the situation.

According to the docuseries, some people felt Gloria knew too much and that knowledge got her killed.

In June 2022, news broke that Gloria's body was going to be exhumed, since, as reported by WJCL, "her death was never reported to the coroner. And no autopsy was performed [at the time]." (However, there does not appear to be any new updates about the exhumation at this time.)

February 23-24, 2019

Courtesy of Netflix

After a night of drinking and partying at an oyster roast, a group of six friends  three sets of couples  headed home on Paul Murdaugh's boat. However, Paul, who was reportedly driving the boat while intoxicated, accidentally crashed it into a piling, according to both the docuseries and The Post and Courier. Five of the teens were thrown from the boat and suffered serious to mild injuries, but the sixth person on the vehicle, 19-year-old Mallory Beach (pictured left in the above photo), never surfaced. No one could find her.

Seven days after the crash, Mallory's body was recovered. According to the docuseries, she had blunt-force trauma to her head and, after that, she drowned.

Two months after Mallory's death, Paul was charged with boating under the influence causing death and two counts of boating under the influence with great bodily injury. Paul pled not guilty. Unfortunately, he was murdered before he could stand trial.

June 7, 2021

Courtesy of Netflix

Paul Murdaugh, then 22 years old, and Maggie Murdaugh were murdered at their home, near the dog kennels, which, as The Wall Street Journal's Valerie Bauerlein put it, "were a short drive away from the main house."

Alex Murdaugh allegedly came home from checking on this ailing parents to find his wife and younger son had been shot and called 911.

Maggie had been shot several times in the chest and back. Paul was shot once in the chest and then shot a second time at the neck and head.

As of this writing, Alex is currently on trial for the double homicide of Maggie and Paul.

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For the first time in a generation, theres going to be activity in the central area of what used to be "the steel plant in Gadsden.

Magneco/Metrel, a producer of refracting materials for heavy industry, is leasing a 100,000-square-foot building at the Gadsden Industrial Park, on the old Republic/Gulf States Steel property in Alabama City.

Its the Deerfield, Illinois-based companys first venture into the South, according to Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority Director David Hooks. The operation will initially employ 30 people, at an average salary of $25 an hour, with the potential of that jumping to 70 jobs in a second round of hiring.

Magneco/Metrel, a producer of refracting materials for heavy industry, is leasing a 100,000 square foot building at the Gadsden Industrial Park

The facilities that surround the plant property have developed pretty well, Hooks told the Gadsden City Council on Tuesday, but the core area has not.

Magneco/Metrel will be moving into a large building running horizontally through the center of the property. So now well have internal and external growing together, Hooks said, and hopefully we can fill up the whole site.

The Gadsden Industrial Park website currently lists four tenants  Eco-Vac, which provides environmental services in industrial and municipal markets; Praxair, which produces industrial gases; Universal Environmental Services, an oil collector and processing company; and Valiant Steel and Equipment, a steel pipe supplier. Hooks said between 250 and 300 people are current employed at the park.

The council approved tax incentives for Magneco/Metrel, which plans to invest about $5 million in the new operation. It will be exempt from construction, sales and use taxes for the equipment it buys during the construction period, then from ad valorem taxes on its equipment for a 10-year period moving forward.

Because the building is being leased and not purchased, it will still be subject to ad valorem taxes.

This is a very good project for that site, Hooks said. Refurbishing that part of town is imperative to making Gadsden better in the long run.

Story continues

David Hooks, left, is pictured with Eric Boring and Joey Moore of Magneco/Metrel following Tuesday's Gadsden City Council meeting, where the company was given tax incentives to locate on the old Republic/Gulf States Steel property in Alabama City.

He called it a collaborative effort on behalf of the City of Gadsden, the IDA and the owner of the property, and also thanked Spire Gas and Alabama Power for their assistance.

Mayor Craig Ford noted that Magneco/Metrel plans to use local suppliers. We are excited to see their company succeed and grow along with others as we move Gadsden forward together, he added.

According to its website, Magneco/Metrel was formed in 1981 when two smaller companies merged: Magneco, which made fired shapes; and Metrel, which produced monolithic refractories.

Its Metpump system uses colloidal silica combined with other chemical additives to form a seamless binding system that it says is superior to bricks for lining industrial furnaces and the like.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Magneco/Metrel opening at old Gadsden steel plant site
SPOKANE, Wash., March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Phat Panda  the Spokane-based vertically-integrated cannabis company currently ranked #1 in Washington State sales and known for their house of brands including Dabstract, Hot Sugar, Snickle Fritz, and Phat Panda, has announced a continued partnership in California with Sweetleaf Collective, a 501c3 non-profit that helps low-income medical patients and veterans access free medical cannabis.

Phat Panda and Sweet Leaf Collective Announce Partnership

The partnership includes the donation of Phat Panda pre-rolled joints in conjunction with various dispensary partners.

This Saturday, March 4th, Phat Panda will be a sponsor for the Sweetleaf Collective event at Kannabis Works in Santa Ana. Proceeds from the sales of Phat Panda's products will go to Sweetleaf's network of nearly 2,000 medical patients and veterans.

"For every dollar we raise, our network is able to access one free gram of medical cannabis," said Sweetleaf Joe, Founder of Sweetleaf Collective. "With thousands of joints being donated, we're creating access for people that really need it. Together we're saving lives with free cannabis from partners who are willing to help patients and veterans."

"We are proud to be a part of our community and want to do everything we can to ensure we are always giving back and supporting, like working with Sweetleaf." said Laniakea Evans, General Manager at 365 Recreational in Santa Rosa.

"Phat Panda is committed to compassion and giving back to our community, one way we've been able to accomplish this is through our strategic partner program." said Dre Ramirez, Director of Sales at Phat Panda (CA). "It's also great to work alongside our retailers as we expand communities."

Phat Panda's award-winning products are available in licensed and legal retailers throughout Washington and California.

About Phat Panda:

Phat Panda has positioned itself in the market as the leading contender of top-shelf cannabis with affordable pricing. The brand has garnered multiple industry awards and has cultivated a cult following for both the high-quality strains and for iconic branding. Phat Panda strives to redefine high standards and continues to challenge the status quo through exclusive crosses, state-of-the-art grow methods, and branding with an unmistakable attitude.

Story continues

About Sweetleaf Collective:

Founded in 1996, Sweetleaf Collective has helped thousands of low-income terminally ill patients, veterans, the LGBTQ community, and people of color access millions of dollars of free medical cannabis.

Contact Information:

Andres Ramirez

Director of Sales @ Phat Panda

Email: aramirez@phatpanda.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phat-panda-partners-with-sweetleaf-collective-501-3c-to-help-low-income-terminally-ill-patients-get-access-to-medical-cannabis-301762639.html

SOURCE Phat Panda
[Source]

Japanese health authorities conducting a test of a luxury onsens bathwater found that Legionella bacteria levels were 3,700 times over the standard limit.

On Tuesday, the Futsukaichi Onsen Daimaru Besso inn apologized for failing to conduct a weekly replacement of the water in compliance with Fukuoka prefectural laws.

The guesthouse admitted to only changing the water twice a year, on the days when the inn was closed. Additionally, management failed to maintain chlorine in the bath at the required concentrations, which is 0.4 milligrams per 1 liter of hot water, since 2019.

Makoto Yamada, whose company operates the inn, said during a press conference, It was a selfish reason in regards to why the facility had failed to maintain the water properly, adding that he didnt like the smell of chlorine.

More from NextShark: Meet Japan's first esports team comprised entirely of elders

The nearly 160-year-old inn, which once hosted former Emperor Hirohito, had forged documents to claim proper use of chlorine in the water.

In October, the inn self-reported to the prefectural government that their bacteria levels were below the standard.

Health inspectors conducted an examination in August after legionella bacteria caused an individual to get sick after visiting a number of hotels, including Daimaru Besso.

More from NextShark: Study finds that Japanese children walk differently from those in other countries

The inspection concluded that the bacteria levels reached twice the acceptable amount under local law. However, another inspection three months later determined that the levels had reached 3,700 times the limit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires disease, which is a serious form of pneumonia transferred through contaminated water.

The disease results in death for one out of every 10 patients.

More from NextShark: South Korea's new face mask that can cover only noses so its wearers can eat confuses netizens

"My understanding of the law has been lax. I was complacent in thinking that legionella bacteria was just an ordinary germ that can be found everywhere," Yamada said.

An investigation is currently underway to determine if the inn violated the Public Bath Houses Act.

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ROCKPORT, Maine (AP)  Fishers of Maine lobster, one of the most lucrative seafood species in the U.S., had a smaller haul during a year in which the industry battled surging fuel and bait prices, rebukes from key retailers and the looming possibility of new fishing restrictions.

Maine lobster has exploded in value in recent years in part due to growing international demand from countries such as China. The industry brought about 98 million pounds of lobster to the docks worth about $389 million in 2022, Maine regulators said Friday. That was more than 11% less than the previous year, in which they harvested more than 110 million pounds of lobster worth more than $740 million.

Lobsters sit in a crate at a shipping facility on Nov. 18, 2020, in Arundel, Maine. Fishers of Maine lobster, one of the lucrative seafood species in the U.S., hoped for a large haul in 2022, a year in which the industry battled surging fuel and bait prices, rebukes from key retailers and the looming possibility of new fishing restrictions.

The value of lobsters also fell to a little less than $4 per pound at the docks, the lowest since 2017, a year after setting a record of more than $6.70 in 2021.

The industry has experienced growth in recent years, as fishermen have caught more than 96 million pounds of lobster per year for 13 years in a row after never previously reaching that mark. But it is also wrangling with threats such as proposed rules to protect rare North Atlantic right whales, which are vulnerable to entanglement in gear.

Southern Maine Lobster:Company eyes major expansion in challenging times. Here's how.

Last year was a real steady season, for the most part, but the high price of doing business and a diminished price per pound for lobsters were challenges, said John Tripp, a fisherman from St. George.

It's getting pretty costly to do what we do," Tripp said.

The lower price to fishermen last year did not necessarily translate to lower prices for consumers, as lobsters remain a premium seafood product. Fishermen are typically paid $4 to $5 per pound for their catch, while retailers often charge consumers more than twice that.

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The potential threats to the industry include the warming of the Gulf of Maine, which is a key fishing area off New England. The gulf experienced its second-warmest year on record last year, scientists have said.

Story continues

Maines lobstermen were facing tremendous uncertainty about their future last year over pending federal whale regulations, compounded by the high costs for bait and fuel, said Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat. Yet they still brought to shore nearly 100 million pounds of quality Maine lobster, which reflects this industrys resilience when confronted with a difficult and dynamic economic environment.

Lobstermen Riley Austin, left, and Ed Hutchins load the Christina Mae II with traps on the Cape Porpoise pier on May 3, 2022.

The lobster fishing business has also lost some customers in the wake of sustainability organizations suspending their certifications of the industry over concerns about threats to whales. Retailers including Whole Foods said they would halt sales of Maine lobster after the groups, Maine Stewardship Council and Seafood Watch, pulled the certifications.

Fighting back:Maine lawmakers target Whole Foods for blacklisting lobster

Some scientists and conservationists have called on government regulators to treat the threat to whales more urgently. The whales are also vulnerable to collisions with large ships.

With fewer than 350 individuals remaining, and their numbers in decline, North Atlantic right whales are at risk of extinction, wrote a group of conservationists including Peter Corkeron, a former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientist, in a February issue of the journal Science.

The vast majority of U.S. lobster come to the docks in Maine, though some also come ashore in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and further south. Canadian fishermen also catch millions of pounds of the same species off the eastern provinces of the country.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine lobstermen have slower year amid industry challenges
On Dec. 12, 2022, Azerbaijan imposed a blockade on the Armenians of Artsakh, also called Nagorno-Karabakh. The 120,000 Armenian residents are prevented from receiving food, medicine, fuel and other vital goods which would normally pass through the Lachin Corridor, the only land route that connects Armenians with the outside world. The situation worsens every day the blockade continues.

The government of Azerbaijan, a very repressive and despotic regime, has long promoted official hatred toward Armenians and has repeated threats to conquer not only Artsakh, but also Yerevan, Armenias capital, and other regions of Armenia by force, which it claims is Western Azerbaijan.

Artsakh was arbitrarily handed over to the Soviet province of Azerbaijan by Joseph Stalin in 1923 when he was Commissar of Nationality Affairs for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. He promoted a divide and conquer strategy of destabilizing non-Russian states in order to suppress any rising nationalism among the various ethnic groups that comprised the burgeoning Communist country. Stalin made this decision despite the fact that Artsakh had been overwhelmingly Armenian for 2500 years, never during that extensive time having a population less than 75% Armenian. At the time of its transition to Azerbaijan, it was 95% Armenian. It is part of the core historic Armenian homeland. Artsakh was referred to as a province of Armenia by such ancient authors as Strabo, Pliny the Elder, Ptolemy, and Plutarch. During the breakup of the Soviet Union, Artsakh declared its independence in a democratically held referendum in 1991 in which the vote was over 99% in favor. This was before Azerbaijan declared its independence and became a nation.

Azerbaijani armed forces attacked the peaceful Armenian residents of Artsakh on Sept. 27, 2020. They were assisted by corrupt Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans military with armed drones, heavy artillery, rocket systems, and special forces. About 5000 Armenian fighters and civilians were killed during the 44-Day War with 30,000 Armenian residents of Artsakh permanently settling in Armenia to escape the conflict. Armenian churches, schools, hospitals, and civilian homes were targeted. Numerous verified cases were reported of Azerbaijani soldiers mutilating dead bodies, beheading and executing both combatants and civilians, and using banned weapons, such as cluster bombs and white phosphorus gas.

Over the decades, Azerbaijan has destroyed some of the areas holiest Christian sites. It has been actively promoting a campaign of Armenian cultural erasure, as it has done in Nakhichevan  an Azerbaijani exclave bordering Turkey, Armenia, and Iran--where over 50,000 Armenians lived in 1920, but which today bears no trace of Armenian heritage or population. Hatred for Armenians is formally taught to Azerbaijani children in the schools.

Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev has made clear that he desires a passageway, the Zangezur Corridor, to go through Armenia, a sovereign nation, that will connect Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan whether Armenia wants it or not. If Armenia wants it, then the issue will be resolved easier. If it does not want it, we will decide it by force. Just as before and during the [44-Day War], I said that they must leave our lands, or we will expel them by force. And so it happened. The same will be the fate of the Zangezur Corridor. Aliyev continued his fanatical anti-Armenian animosity by stating, Yerevan is our historical territory, and we, Azerbaijanis, must return to this historical land. This is our political and strategic goal, which we must gradually approach.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague on Feb. 22 ordered that Azerbaijan should take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Nevertheless to this date Azerbaijan has refused, establishing that it does not consider itself part of the civilized world, refusing the decision of the highest court on the planet, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

The World Council of Churches and the Conference of European Churches denounced the blockade by Azerbaijan of Artsakh as a violation, among other things, of international humanitarian and human rights law ... creating a humanitarian emergency for the 120,000 ethnic Armenian residents of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, and trying to terrorize ethnic Armenians into abandoning their ancient homeland.

The siege of Artsakh could be the next stage of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, during which the Ottoman Turkish government systematically planned and implemented the murder of 1,500,000 Armenian men, women, and children, a heinous crime still denied by Turkey and its accomplice, the Azerbaijanis.

Deputy Director of the French newspaper Le Figaro Jean-Christophe Buisson said, The Azerbaijanis dont respect the living or dead, yesterday in Nakhichevan, today in Artsakh, tomorrow in Armenia. He tweeted, Under the leadership of Aliyev they have one goal, to erase the Armenian people, their faith, their history, their heritage, their identity. Who will stop them?

This hatred toward Armenians has reached the United States. Spread across utility poles throughout Beverly Hills, California, during the last weekend of Jan. 2023 were flyers that threatened: Azerbaijan, Turkey, Pakistan . . . WILL WIPE Armenia OFF the MAP Inshallah [if God wills]!!!! Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse immediately denounced the flyers as did several local, state, and federal officials. Its a shame that no condemnation of the flyers has been publicized by any Azerbaijani, Turkish, or Pakistani group or individual from that area.

Though President Biden courageously stood for the truth and acknowledged the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2021, he then loosened Section 907, a law that restricted military assistance to the government of Azerbaijan. The subsequent arms sales to Azerbaijan emboldened them to attack the Armenians of Artsakh and triumph over them in the 44-Day War.

Azerbaijan clearly desires to remove the Armenian population from Artsakh. It hopes that the growing suffering of Armenians will compel them to conclude that they have no future there. The Armenians of Artsakh are facing a situation where they might be forced to leave their native soil to survive. This is a form of genocide.

The Rev. Dr. Gary Shahinian is the intentional interim minister of the Federated Church of Charlton (United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist Association). He is also an Instructor in the WISE program of Assumption University.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Minister draws attention to plight of Armenians of Nagorno-Karabak
The Ukrainian army fires a captured Russian tank T-80 at the Russian position in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. AP Photo/LIBKOS

Russia's tank force  once seen as formidable  is being ripped apart by the Ukrainian military.

Western officials say Russia has likely lost up to half of its tanks on the battlefield, if not more.

Military experts told Insider that this is because Russia doesn't know how to use them properly.

Russia's tanks were once seen as fearsome, formidable threats, but the war in Ukraine shows it doesn't know how to use them.

The Russian tank force has taken a beating. US officials have said on more than one occasion that Russia has likely lost as many as half its main battle tanks while fighting in Ukraine, if not more. According to an open-source intelligence analysis by Oryx, more than 1,780 Russian tanks have been destroyed, damaged, captured, or abandoned since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022.

Russia's staggering tank losses  which include the T-72, T-64, T-80, and T-90 tanks  can be attributed to its failure to provide adequate fire support in combat, military experts told Insider. The Russian tank force has also shown extremely little adaptability and common sense.

These problems were underscored during a recent tank battle near the eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, where Russia lost scores of tanks and armored vehicles. Moscow repeated detrimental mistakes it made during its assault on Kyiv in the early days of the war: it sent columns of tanks straight into Ukrainian ambushes.

This image provided by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and taken in February 2023 shows damaged Russian tanks in a field after an attack on Vuhledar, Ukraine Ukrainian Armed Forces via AP, File

Just like like last spring  where the long columns were assaulted by the defending Ukrainians  this tactic proved unsuccessful for the Russians in Vuhledar, where it lost over 100 armored vehicles. Moscow's troops appear to have botched the use of their tanks on the battlefield in other instances as well.

Russian tanks have fallen prey to Ukrainian soldiers using anti-tank Javelin missiles because they're hanging out aimless in open fields, with little to no support or protection. At the same time, they've been seen driving straight through minefields and exploding. Due to the design of many of Russia's tanks, a hit can cause the ammunition to detonate, killing the crew as the overpressure blows the top off.

Story continues

Russia can't seem to integrate its tanks

One serious misstep by Russia's military has been its failure to protect its tanks with a combined-arms approach that provides additional support and integrate its armor with other units.

"There's the structural problem of not having enough dismounted infantry to provide security for tanks," Jeffrey Edmonds, a Russia expert at the Center for Naval Analyses and former US Army armor officer, told Insider. "I'm just not seeing units do what you expect military units to do."

Russia is mostly relying on artillery but would likely benefit from having more air superiority so it can avoid carrying out complicated maneuvers on the battlefield, Marina Miron, a postdoctoral researcher at King's College London's Department of War Studies, told Insider. And it's "questionable" how well Russia's tanks are integrated into its overall operations.

Ukrainian troops fire a Javelin anti-tank missile during drills in Ukraine, February 2022. Ukrainian military/Handout via REUTERS

"I think that they are kind of fighting a war that they were not prepared for, in tactical and operational terms," Miron said. "They have lost a lot of tanks. A lot of them  probably most of them  just because of negligence. And the tanks they are using are in no way superior to what the Ukrainians are using."

Russia and Ukraine have often squared off against each other using the same Soviet-era military equipment, encompassing everything from tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to aircraft. Ukraine has lost less than 500 tanks throughout the conflict, according to an Oryx tally. Russia started off with a larger tank force and thus had more to lose.

A destroyed Russian tank covered by snow stands in the village of Kamyanka, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka

At the moment, Ukraine is waiting for a wave of advanced Western tanks, including German-made Leopards and British Challenger 2 tanks. These modern systems are better equipped than those that have largely dominated the battlefield so far.

'It seems like they just don't care'

Even without these advanced systems, Kyiv's military has still been able to inflict significant damage on some of Russia's elite tank forces. One prestigious unit, the 1st Guards Tank Army, has suffered heavy losses on multiple occasions while battling against Ukrainian troops.

"The Russians are not very good at using the tanks, and they're not very good at integrating the tanks," Miron said. "They could have used mechanized infantry to protect tanks, but it seems like they just don't care."

Another issue plaguing Russia's tank force has been its lack of creativity or maneuverability. For example, Edmonds explained, Russia has a problem with minefields, as was seen recently in Vuhledar.

Ukrainian servicemen of the 3rd Separate Tank Iron Brigade take part in a drill, not far from the frontlines, in the Kharkiv area, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File

Clearing a minefield is a slow, complicated, and deliberate process that involves several steps, but Russian tanks appear to drive right through them. Some of the tanks blow up, some retreat, and some are hit with anti-tank guided missiles like the Javelin, and the process just repeats itself when the Ukrainians lay more mines.

"It's just dumb," Edmonds said. "And you just see them do this over and over again."

"I'm not seeing any tactical-level adaptability," he continued. On one hand, there's no display of basic levels of training, like knowing how to react to contact. Additionally, there's no development or innovation from the Russians, which he attributes in part to Russia's style of warfare  a top-down type of leadership as opposed to something like the ground-level "upwelling" of initiative seen in Western militaries.

"You would think at this point maybe you would see the better application of maneuver and combined arms," Edmonds said of the Russian tactics. "But I'm not seeing it."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose speaks during an election night party for Republican candidates at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Columbus in November.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose joined a national GOP conference on Saturday to tout Ohio elections alongside Republicans who have amplified false claims of election fraud.

The panel, dubbed "They Stole It From Us Legally," was part of the Conservative Political Action Conference that gives Republicans a platform to shape policy priorities and often throw red meat to their base. LaRose was among four Ohio Republicans who appeared at the multi-day event, which concluded Saturday night with remarks from former President Donald Trump.

Cleveland.com first reported LaRose's plans to participate in the panel. He was also a table host for a dinner featuring Kari Lake, a vocal election denier who lost the race for Arizona governor in November.

Join CPACs all-star list of table hosts who will be at the Ronald Reagan Dinner and come hear @KariLake speak on Friday, March 3rdhttps://t.co/VDtCzuXZ6i pic.twitter.com/D4mbrYXHqP  CPAC (@CPAC) February 27, 2023

LaRose's time at CPAC underscored the tightrope he walks on election integrity as he mulls a U.S. Senate run in 2024. The secretary of state frequently touts Ohio's elections as safe and secure, and his office showed little patience for conspiracy theorists who questioned the state's 2020 results. He used most of his speaking time Saturday to discuss proposed legislation that would centralize voter data and ensure it's available to the public.

We run elections so well in Ohio  transparently, honestly  we run them so well that even the loser knows they lost," LaRose said. "Thats part of that idea that on election night, you should be able to know you trust and can believe those results.

CPAC initially presented the panel topic to LaRose's office as "Easy to Vote, Hard to Cheat," according to a document obtained by the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau. Organizers later changed the title.

Story continues

LaRose takes CPAC stage with election deniers

Still, CPAC illustrated LaRose's willingness to associate with Republicans who have cast doubt on recent elections. His fellow panelists included Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman and Trump ally who objected to the 2020 results, and Abe Hamadeh, who claims there were election irregularities in his 2022 loss for Arizona attorney general.

The panel's moderator was Hogan Gidley, a former Trump campaign spokesman who promoted conspiracies about how states counted mail-in ballots in 2020. Gidley is affiliated with the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute, which is working with LaRose on his election data initiative.

The policies you want implemented, you have to have the people elected you want to implement those policies," Gidley said during the panel. "Its getting more difficult in this country to elect those folks if we have countless examples of irregularities, illegalities, anomalies, and yes, fraud, in our election system."

LaRose also jumped at the opportunity to go after U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown when asked about his Senate ambitions.

"(Brown has) passed himself off at this workingmans hero," LaRose said. "Everybody in Ohio knows better. 2024 is the year we beat him. Our party needs to nominate a good candidate that can actually take it to him and finally defeat this guy. Its something Im looking at, but no announcement here on the CPAC stage."

Its easy to refute the garbage claims of Stacy Abrams, Sherrod Brown and fringe Leftists without paling around with election deniers and conspiracy theorists. There's a reason why Republicans who do tend to lose elections. Voters are sick of it. https://t.co/bXvikHNtX8  Christopher Maloney (@CHRISMAL0NEY) March 4, 2023

If LaRose enters the race, he could face a primary with state Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, and other possible GOP contenders. Dolan has urged the Republican Party to move on from the 2020 election, and his campaign appeared to take a shot at LaRose's CPAC debut on Saturday.

"It's easy to refute the garbage claims of Stacy Abrams, Sherrod Brown and fringe Leftists without paling around with election deniers and conspiracy theorists," tweeted Dolan's campaign strategist, Chris Maloney. "There's a reason why Republicans who do tend to lose elections. Voters are sick of it."

U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance expresses his frustration about the Norfolk Southern train derailment outside Centenary United Methodist Church in East Palestine on Feb. 16.

Dave Yost, J.D. Vance among CPAC guests

Aside from LaRose, CPAC attendees heard from several other Ohioans: Attorney General Dave Yost, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, and presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy. Yost, who is seen as a possible candidate for governor in 2026, ripped into efforts to allow noncitizens to vote during a border security panel on Saturday.

Illegals shouldnt be in the country," Yost said. "Why are we even talking about voting?

Yost also pledged to go after a Democratic attorney whos suing Ohio over its new voter ID law, one of the most restrictive in the country.

Earlier in the week, Vance joined U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas to talk about a range of issues from the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic to the future of the GOP.

Ohio's new junior senator has shown some willingness to work across the aisle since taking office, particularly when it comes to the train derailment in East Palestine. He and Brown introduced rail safety legislation and have penned multiple letters together in search of ways to help their constituents.

But that didn't stop Vance from joking that Democrats working less would be better for the country. He also laughed along as Cruz went after the Biden administration for its response to the derailment.

"Democrats don't give a damn about East Palestine because it's a blue-collar, red place, and they're like, 'To hell with you,'" Cruz said. "If you were a bunch of transgender tech workers, you'd have the entire Biden cabinet down there for a listening session and sit-in to feel their pain."

Vance replied: "That's right."

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: CPAC: Frank LaRose, Ohio Republicans attend national GOP conference
Another storm on the West Coast this weekend will bring more heavy snow to California amid a wet winter that has helped ease the widespread drought in the state.

The National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center expects that the storm will move southward across the Pacific Northwest into California on Saturday, bringing moderate to heavy precipitation along coastal areas and possible heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges.

Several feet of snow are possible in the ranges, and the heaviest is most likely to fall in the northern Sierra Nevada.

The precipitation will move inland on Sunday, and heavy snow will be possible at the higher elevations of the Intermountain West, according to the prediction center. The storm will then move east toward the Rocky Mountains before shifting northeastward into the Plains.

It appears that the storm system will miss Southern California, where a storm last weekend brought frigid temperatures, strong winds, flooding and snow to Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of households in the area lost power, and the region only had a one-day break before another winter storm hit on Monday.

Snowfall in the mountains east of the city also stranded many in their homes as their cars were buried and people did not have time to shovel themselves out before more snow came.

But the storms have had a silver lining, as the precipitation has helped almost half of the state come out of its drought. Amid the rain and snow, moisture levels in the soil have increased, reservoirs have been replenished and snowpack, which provides about a third of the Californias water, has seen huge gains. State water officials said on Friday that the total snow water equivalent, or the amount of water stored in snowpack, was 44.7 inches, about 190 percent of the average amount for this time of year.

The U.S. Drought Monitor showed on Thursday that only 49 percent of California was in drought conditions, while almost the entire state was experiencing drought three months ago.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
[Source]

Over 100 Texans testified before the Texas Senate on Thursday against Bill 147, which originally sought to prevent Chinese, North Korean, Iranian and Russian citizens from buying property in the state.

State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, who filed the proposed legislation in November 2022, made several revisions to the bill prior to the hearing so that it would only apply to foreign governments and not individuals. It also now specifies that those who are already U.S. citizens or have dual citizenship are exempt from the bill.

Kolkhorst said she made changes to the bill in a bid to make it crystal clear that dual citizens and legal permanent residents are able to purchase property. In fact, anyone fleeing these authoritarian regimes will be able to purchase a home.

The bill's author previously stated that her proposal was in response to attempts by Chinese nationals with connections to the communist regime to purchase land in the state. She claimed it is necessary for national security and would not impact legal residents or green card holders.

More from NextShark: Survey: Asian American approval of Biden plummets despite White House efforts

Her revisions were made after the bill was heavily criticized by the Asian American community in the state, with several rights groups conducting protests in different cities to block its passing.

On Thursday, Kolkhorst testified before the Committee on State Affairs, stating that she "rejects any notion that SB 147 is a racist bill."

"I come before you as a liberty-lover and someone that wants to protect our food security, our mineral security, and the future of our great state," Kolkhorst said.

More from NextShark: Billionaire investor Chamath Palihapitiya says 'nobody cares' about Uyghurs in China

The State Affairs Committee also heard testimonies from Asian American Texas residents who denounced the bill as discriminatory as it targets specific communities. Those who testified, many of whom have been living and working in Texas for years on employment visas, argued that the bill violates the property rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

Story continues

While some thanked Kolkhorst for her changes to the bill, others urged her to make further revisions as those on employment visas would still be barred from buying a home under the modified bill.

The hearing, which lasted for hours, also saw many lamenting the direct effects the legislation would have on themselves and their families.

More from NextShark: NY governor Kathy Hochul says racism is a public health crisis after signing 6 anti-hate legislations

Some speakers expressed fears that the bill would fuel anti-Asian hate incidents and crimes, which have plagued the community since the height of the coronavirus pandemic. For them, it is a reminder of the country's dark periods of Asian American discrimination.

According to some speakers, it took them years to obtain green cards or become citizens because of extensive backlogs and long wait times.

Wei Li, a college professor who has lived in the U.S. for 17 years and is eligible to apply for citizenship later this month, spoke emotionally about how the bill is a slight to himself and his children.

More from NextShark: New York Democrats cite residency issues in push to block Asian Republican elected to state assembly

"It scoffs at me: 'Sorry, youre not Texan. People like you would not even deserve to own a home,'" he said through tears, adding that he is raising "four young Texans, proudly."
Three women across the country are reeling from a scam that held their loved ones ashes hostage.

Kari Ide wanted to do something beautiful in her mother's memory, so the woman from Maryville, Tennessee, sent her mothers ashes to an address in Woodstock, Georgia, after a TikTok artist said hed incorporate the ashes into a painting  free.

It was December, and Ide thought the artist's offer was aligned with the spirit of Christmas giving. They began lengthy conversations about her moms personality, colors and the design for the painting.

A week later, she checked in with the artist, who went by the name Chad. He told her he got a big contract to work in Cambodia. Later that day, she got an alarming email.

Kari Ide received this email purportedly from Cambodian customs demanding $3,576 in exchange for her mother's ashes. It was a scam.

The subject line read, PACKAGE CLEARANCE. The Google email claimed to be from Cambodian customs and said that a package containing a portrait and ashes needed to be cleared.

If she wanted it, shed have to pay $3,576.

It was a scam. Ide was heartbroken.

And she wasnt alone. The hoax included two victims from other states, the real artist whose online identity had been stolen, and a Georgia man confused about why ashes began showing up at his door.

Also fooled  according to the victims  was the woman whose CashApp was being used to send money to the person possibly behind it all  a man in Nigeria.

Its unknown if there are more victims in this scam, but reports indicate scams have grown over time and affect every demographic of people. Though there are ways to protect yourself, advocates are calling on lawmakers to do more.

Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention at AARP, said that as more people headed online during the COVID-19 pandemic, scams grew. And scams can affect everyone, across demographic boundaries.

You can be the smartest person in the world, and that doesnt matter, she said. Because they get you with emotion. And all of us have emotion.

Story continues

And it would be hard to hold social media platforms responsible when it comes to scams and fraud. The Communication Decency Act Section 230 of 1996 protects social media platforms like TikTok from being liable for content users post on their platform.

TikTok did not return a request for comment about scams on the platform.

Though none of the victims sent the suspected scammer any money, two of the women are still missing their family's ashes. They filed reports with the FBI, their local police departments and the Woodstock Police Department in Georgia, where the ashes were sent.

Kari Ide at her home in Maryville, Tenn. on Monday, February 27, 2023 with a collage of family photographs. Ide sent her mother's remains to someone who would turn the ashes into a painting, but it was a scam. Her mother Kathy Jones died in July 2021.

In January, Ide warned people about the scam in a TikTok video.

My heart is really broken, because its kind of all I had, and for somebody to do this to me, its one of the most disgusting things you can do to another human being, she said while tearing up in the TikTok video. I just want my moms cremation remains back.

The comments came pouring in. There were two more victims.

A free offer in California

More than 2,500 miles away from Ide, Jocelyn Cronin of Petaluma, California, shipped her husbands ashes to the same Woodstock address in December after commenting on one of "Chad's" videos on TikTok.

A woman messaged her back, saying she wanted to gift Cronin a painting from the artist. All Cronin had to do was ship her husband's ashes. Cronin didnt think it was unusual. People often gave things to widows on TikTok, she said, and there was trust in the widower community.

Jocelyn Cronin stands in her window in Petaluma, California.

Jocelyn Cronin puts her hand on her husband's urn at the altar she made in his memory in her home in Petaluma, California.

Jocelyn Cronin holds a wedding photo of her and her husband in Petaluma, California.

I thought it was lovely, she said.

Cronin found solace in TikToks widower community after her husband, John, 61, died in 2019 of a heart attack.

Her husband was a longtime firefighter and paramedic in Redwood City, California. Theyd been married for 32 years and raised two children and two grandchildren.

I never doubted Johns love, she said. He always put me first.

A few days after she shipped her husband's ashes, Cronin got the same email as Ide, telling her a package was in Cambodia and shed have to pay $3,576 to clear it.

By the time Cronin found out about Ides TikTok warning, she also learned there was another victim.

Wendy Bailey, right, and her spouse Ajay Bailey pose at their home in Albertville, Ala., on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023.

In Albertville, Alabama, Wendy Bailey shipped her grandparents ashes to the same Woodstock address in December. Chad contacted her through TikTok as well, asking only for an online shoutout instead of money in exchange for the art.

A few days later, the artist messaged her on WhatsApp, asking for $200 to buy supplies. Bailey didnt have the money, she said, and asked Chad to return the ashes.

He said he sent the ashes to Cambodia, and if she wanted them back, hed need $1,000.

It didnt sound right to Bailey. So, she called the Woodstock Police Department in Georgia.

I wasnt going to pay

Woodstock resident James Turner, 62, had lived at his address for 14 months when the ashes started showing up in his mail.

He said he tried to return the first package of ashes that came his way but didnt have the money.

I wasnt going to pay for something I had nothing to do with, said Turner. He said there was no name on the package and he couldnt recall where it was from.

So he threw the ashes away.

A second package of ashes arrived in January, but this time a Woodstock police officer came asking for them and told Turner he might be caught up in a scam.

The officer kept Bailey's grandparents' ashes until she made the two-hour drive from Alabama.

Had she waited any longer, Turner would have thrown those ashes away, too.

Scammer offers a deal

The scammer would occasionally email Ide asking for money, but she stopped responding.

What is stopping you from getting you getting your ashes? read the email sent on Christmas Eve.

The scammer also reached out to Cronin via text, saying hed pay $1,500 to get the ashes back, but she needed to send him $2,000. He coaxed her to pay in installments and sent her a picture of ashes in a bag. He said he was losing his patience.

Cronin made another video on TikTok and mentioned she had more of John's ashes in an urn at home.

The scammer sent her a screenshot of her video and made a threat  she had two days to come up with the money.

Otherwise  I dont need to tell you what Ill do, he wrote.

Two weeks later, he told Cronin he would send a video of himself throwing the ashes away.

He would taunt Bailey, too.

I'll give you a deadline to pay, otherwise I'll throw them away, he wrote in a WhatsApp message. He promised to send her a video.

When Bailey got her ashes back, she sent Chad a picture and told him she was going to tell Turner.

Well, the owner of the place isn't aware, he said in the message. Fool.

Why do humans do this kind of stuff?

Federico Portalupi, the artist behind the legitimate work, displays his painting and process on TikTok. As he prepares his canvas, he tells viewers the story about the person he is memorializing and incorporates their ashes into bright colored resin paintings that look like the ocean waves or nebulas.

In January, Portalupi began to wonder why his videos werent getting the views they normally did. He had lost nearly 1,000 TikTok followers in a matter of days, he said. His art business depended on how well his videos did, he said.

Other users messaged him about multiple accounts impersonating him on the social media platform, but when he was told about the user account that convinced Cronin, Bailey and Ide to send ashes, Portalupi discovered that he had been blocked.

I am mind blown by this, he said. You gain popularity, and people abuse what you do. Why do humans do this kind of stuff?

TikTok Creator and memorial artist Federico Portalupi.

Paintings created by memorial artist and TikTok creator Federico Portalupi.

Cronin, Bailey and Ide said they banded together and devised a plan to find the culprit.

Cronin messaged the scammer and said she was ready to send money. He sent her a CashApp address.

To send large amounts of money on CashApp, users must use their full name, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number, according to the CashApp website.

Cronin, Bailey and Ide thought they would be able to reveal the culprits identity, but they were further confused when a picture of a womans face popped up in the CashApp address.

The women said they spoke to the woman, an Alabama resident in her 50s. They believe she, too, had been duped by someone sitting halfway across the world.

Their trail ended there, leaving Ide heartbroken about the likely loss of her mother's ashes. Cronin also has resigned herself to the fact that she may never get her husband's ashes back.

SUBSCRIBE: Help support quality journalism like this.

Cronin and Bailey gave USA TODAY two phone numbers they used to contact Chad  one was a Florida-based Google Voice number that shared the same area code as Portalupi's phone number, and another had a Cambodian country code. USA TODAY contacted both numbers but did not receive a reply.

Turner, in Woodstock, said he had no idea why his address was chosen. He has not been charged with any crime.

He has been vigilant, hoping no more ashes show up at his door. He intends to call the police if they do.

Im sorry whats going on with these ladies. This is just where the world is nowadays.

Amritpal Kaur Sandhu-Longoria is the consumer watchdog investigative reporter on USA TODAYs Money team. Send her your tips at asandhulongoria@usatoday.com, @AmritpalKSL, or on Signal at (279) 789-2462, or fill out a form here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TikTok artist scammed three women out of their loved ones' ashes
How much more U.S. aid should be sent to Ukraine is emerging as dividing point among Republican presidential hopefuls, posing a new test of the GOP grassroots' appetite for overseas involvement and whether foreign policy is potent enough to move the needle in the race.

The debate is part of an early melee for support under a tent that includes a base transformed by Trump's isolationist-tinged "America First" ideology and a swath of voters still aligned with conservative orthodoxy on projecting strength abroad. But whether the fission makes an electoral difference remains an open question given history of foreign policy failing to move enough votes to change a national election outside of wartime.

"Well, we're gonna find out," veteran GOP pollster Whit Ayres said when asked about the impact the Ukraine debate will have on the primary. "It is a major story, but how that is going to shake out compared to domestic concerns remains to be seen."

Former President Donald Trump first upended the bedrock of GOP foreign policy during his 2016 presidential bid, railing against "forever wars" amid mounting frustration over U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and other battlefields. With his rise within the party, many ultimately came on board with his worldview, shedding advocacy for an omnipresent military and instead focusing on fixing domestic issues plaguing blue collar Americans.

MORE: A year into Ukraine war, bodies dug up in once occupied town

On one side of the debate are current and would-be contenders like Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who voice skepticism over a supposed "blank check" to Ukraine and the broader danger posed by Moscow. On the other side are more traditional foreign policy conservatives like former Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley who have advocated for muscular support for Ukraine and warn that Russia's military goals extend beyond Ukraine's borders.

Trump has lambasted Biden's policy of aiding Ukraine, warning that U.S. assistance could escalate to a broader conflict and maintaining that his method would help bring peace between Kyiv and Moscow -- without actually detailing what that method is.

Story continues

"If you watch and understand the moves being made by Biden on Ukraine, he is systematically, but perhaps unknowingly, pushing us into what could soon be WORLD WAR III," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to supporters from The Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

DeSantis, for his part, hasn't called for cutting off aid as some hard-liners in Congress have, but he too has bashed Biden's "blank-check policy."

"These things can escalate. And I don't think it's in our interest to be getting into a proxy war," he said on Fox News last month, warning Biden should instead focus on Chinese aggression.

Still, others haven't shed their traditional foreign policy bona fides.

"We are involved in a proxy war against the Soviet Union, the Ukrainians are fighting it," Pence said on Fox News last month. "[L]et's get them what they need, the tanks, let's get them the F-16s and support them as they finish this fight."

Others, like Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have also advocated for keeping up the aid deliveries, suggesting that a defeat for Kyiv -- rather than the assistance -- risks letting violence spill over Ukraine's borders.

"If we win this fight for freedom, it will send a signal to every enemy we have. If we lose this fight for freedom, Russia has said Poland and the Baltics are next, and then we've got a world war," she said in February.

Some Republican operatives warn against reading too deeply into the rhetoric, noting that even hawks would favor some limits and are not that far apart from those warning of "blank checks."

"It's, 'sure, we don't want the Russians to encroach. We think what they did was wrong. This aggression was wrong. But we have to have limits on what we do, what we can do, and we sure don't want to send American troops to Eastern Europe.' I think that's kind of the plurality position," said GOP strategist Brendan Steinhauser.

However, with several candidates struggling to come up with domestic policy differences with Trump, even tonal disagreements on Ukraine could be one of very few chances for differentiation among the candidates.

"I think it's smart for Trump to also focus on issues like foreign policy and trade where he creates the most contrast with the rest of the field," said one longtime Trump aide close to his 2024 team.

"You're not going to differentiate yourself from the field by opposing critical race theory or sex changes or hormones for minors," the person said.

Those conflicting stances could pose an even greater contrast should one side of the war gain the upper hand or even win outright.

"If the Ukrainians have some success, it will tamper down some of the worries and concerns and criticisms. People will want to be on the side of the winner. I think if it goes really poorly, and  the Russians make gains, I think you'll see Republicans pick up their critique and say, 'we need to get to a negotiated settlement,'" Steinhauser said.

Whether those differentiations ultimately will matter electorally remains an open question.

Foreign policy's traditional failure to impact elections has become almost a cliche in politics. And even as the war in Ukraine emerges as a potentially history-altering struggle and one of the lone differentiators in the mushrooming primary field, strategists are forecasting that the fighting won't be top of mind when voters decide who to send to the general election next year.

That's already playing out in early endorsements, with both Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a hawk, and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, a skeptic of Biden's broad support for Kyiv, both endorsing Trump.

MORE: Russia-Ukraine live updates: Blinken talks to Russia foreign minister: 'End this war'

"I'm as engaged as I think just anybody is, but I can tell you this, the decision I make on who to support for president or senator or whatever is in no way going to be affected by their position on Ukraine," said Allegheny Country, Pa., GOP Chair and Marine veteran Sam DeMarco.

"I think it will be a differentiator. Whether it is used as the differentiator, I don't know. To me, the more important differentiators in some ways are just the strategic questions about who can actually win the election," Republican strategist Scott Jennings added.

Conversations with several attendees of this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) back up those assessments.

Conferencegoers, who in recent years have largely fallen in line behind Trump, almost unanimously insisted on limits on aid to Ukraine in interviews with ABC News.

"I think we've given them quite enough, I really do," said Sandy Bellucci, a surgical coordinator from northern New Jersey supporting Trump.

Still, "I think there's other issues higher on the list," she said when asked how a candidate's Ukraine policy could impact votes. "I think what we have to worry about here is more important to people than what's going on somewhere else."

Ukraine aid debate fracturing the 2024 GOP field. Will it matter? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
One of the nation's largest pharmacies said Friday it wouldn't dispense abortion pills in some states, including several where medication abortion remains legal.

A group of 20 Republican attorneys general warned CVS and Walgreens in a letter last month that they could face legal consequences if they sell abortion pills by mail in their states.

The letter, from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, was cosigned by attorneys general in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

THREATS TO MEDICATION ABORTION: A Texas judge could soon force a major abortion pill off market nationwide

On Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration finalized a rule change that allows women seeking abortion pills to get them through the mail, replacing a long-standing requirement that they pick up the medicine in person.

Walgreens responded to the letter by saying it will not dispense the abortion pill mifepristone in these states, Jim Cohn, a spokesperson for the company, confirmed to USA TODAY on Friday.

The list of states in the letter include some where abortion is legal both generally and regarding medication abortion. These states include Kansas, Alaska, Iowa and Montana, Planned Parenthood representatives confirmed to USA TODAY.

Cohn said Walgreens is not currently dispensing mifepristone and instead intends to go through the certification process to be able to distribute the drug "in those jurisdictions where it is legal and operationally feasible."

Earlier this year, the FDA ruled retail pharmacies could get certified to dispense mifepristone and agree to accept prescriptions from certified providers if they meet standards in shipping, tracking and confidentially storing drug-prescribing records

Pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, quickly responded by saying they intend to undergo the certification process to provide the drug in states where it is legal to do so.

HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP URGE UN INTERVENTION: US abortion bans violate international law, 200 human rights groups say in letter

Story continues

CVS has not responded to multiple USA TODAY requests for comment about their plans to dispense mifepristone in the 20 states included in the letter.

Melissa Fowler, chief program officer at the National Abortion Federation, the professional association of abortion providers, voiced concerns over pharmacies not providing mifepristone in states where the abortion pills are legal.

"When corporations give in to anti-abortion demands, patients are the ones who lose," she said in a statement. "Too many patients have already lost access to essential health care due to state abortion bans and we should not allow abortion opponents to continue playing games with peoples lives and denying them the care they needespecially in states where abortion remains legal. Every patient deserves to obtain abortion care in the time and place thats right for them."

Meanwhile, abortion rights advocates are awaiting a decision by a federal judge in Texas that could decimate medication abortion access nationwide as anti-abortion groups target the decades-long government approval of a key abortion drug. Medication abortion is the most common method for ending a pregnancy in the U.S.

Contact Christine Fernando at cfernando@usatoday.com or follow her on Twitter at @christinetfern.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Walgreens says it won't sell abortion pills in 20 GOP-led states
VANCOUVER, BC, March 3, 2023 /CNW/ - Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. (the "Company" or "Prospect Ridge") (CSE: PRR) (OTC: PRRSF) (FRA: OED) Prospect Ridge announces that it has granted an aggregate of 900,000 stock options exercisable at a price of $0.20 for a period of 5 years to directors and consultants.

Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. Logo (CNW Group/Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.)

About Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.

Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. is a British Columbia based exploration and development company focused on gold exploration. Prospect Ridge's management and technical team cumulate over 100 years of mineral exploration experience and believes the Knauss Creek and the Holy Grail properties to have the potential to extend the boundaries of the Golden Triangle to cover this vast under-explored region.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, positive exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects and the Company's use of proceeds from the Private Placement. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that future exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects will not be as anticipated and that the Company will use the proceeds from the Private Placement as anticipated.

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In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that future exploration results at the Knauss Creek and Holy Grail projects will be as anticipated and that the Company will use the proceeds from the Private Placement as anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

Cision

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SOURCE Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 70,000 Russian war crimes have been recorded over the past year since Russias full-scale invasion began last February.

Zelensky said on Friday during the United for Justice conference that officials still do not know about all the war crimes that have been committed during the conflict and they cannot predict how many will be discovered after Ukrainian forces liberate the territory Russia has taken. The conference was held in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv and designed to focus on holding Russia accountable for the war crimes it has committed.

However, it is clear how serious these crimes are. What the scale of the criminal manifestations of Russias aggression is, the Ukrainian president said. We remember everything.

Zelensky referenced war crimes that occurred in Bucha, where bodies were burned and piled up and unarmed civilians were executed, in the village of Yahidne, where Russian soldiers turned the basement of a school into a concentration camp, and in the widespread raping of adults and children.

He noted that Ukrainians have found torture chambers and mass graves as Russian forces have fallen back. Investigators determined the Kremlin funded at least 20 torture chambers in the Kherson region after Ukrainian forces retook it, but more likely exist in the region and throughout the country.

Mariupol and Volnovakha, Olenivka, and dozens of other places where Russia brought death and suffering have yet to reveal the full truth to the world about the atrocities of the occupiers in Ukraine, Zelensky said.

He said the world has a moral and legal responsibility to the victims of Russian terror, and any other country that might be threatened by Russian aggression must hold Russia accountable for their own security.

Attorney General Merrick Garland also attended the conference to reemphasize the U.S. commitment to holding Russia responsible for the actions and atrocities its soldiers have conducted during the war. He announced during a prior visit in June the creation of the Justice Departments War Crimes Accountability Team to investigate and advance the departments goal to prosecute those who have committed these crimes.

The United States officially determined last March, just a month into the war, that Russia had committed war crimes, and last month declared that the nation has committed crimes against humanity.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Business Reporter

Joel Donofrio is the business reporter for the Yakima Herald. He was born and raised in the Chicago area, but he and his wife, Cathy, fell in love with the beauty (and low humidity) of the West and moved here in 2009, eventually relocating to Yakima in September 2021. They have two young adult children, Anthony and Joanna, and a dog, Molly. When he is not taking photos of construction sites, tracking down new and relocating businesses or catching up on agricultural trends, Joel enjoys playing guitar, singing, listening to music and playing and watching sports.
Yakima County Government, Lower Valley Reporter

Hi, Im Phil Ferolito, longtime reporter with the Yakima Herald-Republic, where I have gained an array of experience from covering small city governments and school districts to big-picture issues concerning county government, crime and the Yakama Nation, a federally recognized tribe with important historical and cultural ties to the land. I began with the Herald-Republic in Oct. 2000 as a copy editor, designing pages, writing headlines and proof-reading stories. Over the years I have covered four Lower Valley municipalities, Granger, Toppenish, Wapato and Harrah, and the Yakama Nation. My goal always has been to shine a light in dark places and bring readers closer to concerning issues, important people, and other events in our community.
A state rule requiring masks in health care and correctional facilities is being lifted. (Greg Gilbert / The Seattle Times, 2021)
Spray "N" Playground at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park is photographed Thursday, October 15, 2015 in Yakima, Wash. The City Council has approved a feasibility study as they consider building a pool on the city's east side.

(MASON TRINCA/Yakima Herald-Republic)
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2023 / Regal Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Regal") is pleased to announce that it has completed the third and final tranche ("Third Tranche") of its previously announced private placement (the "Private Placement") of units ("Units"). Through the Third Tranche, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,000,000 Units for gross proceeds of $100,000.

Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share (a "Share") and one half of one (1/2) Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable by the holder to acquire an additional Share at an exercise price of $0.20 for a period of two years after issuance. The Company closed a first tranche of the Private Placement on January 25, 2023 and a second tranche of the Private Placement on February 21, 2023 (see news releases disseminated January 31, 2023 and February 28, 2023). Through all three tranches of the Private Placement, the Company has issued an aggregate of 3,500,000 Units for gross proceeds of $350,000.

Crescat Capital LLC ("Crescat") is the subscriber under the Third Tranche. The Company is pleased to welcome Crescat as a strategic investor in the Company. In connection with its investment, Crescat has been granted the right to participate in future financings of the Company so as to maintain its pro rata interest (the "Participation Rights"). The Participation Rights will remain in effect as long as Crescat holds greater than 2% of the total issued and outstanding Shares.

"We are very pleased to welcome Crescat Capital as a strategic investor," said Greg Thomas, CEO of Regal Resources."

The Third Tranche was completed pursuant to a partial revocation order (the "Partial Revocation Order") issued by the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BCSC") on December 14, 2022. The Partial Revocation Order partially revoked a cease trade order that was issued by the BCSC against the Company on December 11, 2015 (the "BC CTO"). The Company is also subject to a reciprocal cease trade order issued by the Alberta Securities Commission ("ASC") on December 11, 2015 (the "AB CTO") and a cease trade order issued by the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC") on December 30, 2015 (the "ON CTO", and together with the BC CTO and the AB CTO, the "CTOs"). The CTOs were issued against Regal for failure to file its annual financial statements, annual management's discussion and analysis, and certification of annual filings for its fiscal year ended July 31, 2015.

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The proceeds of the Private Placement will be applied towards, among other things, (i) accounting, audit and legal fees associated with the preparation and filing of the relevant continuous disclosure documents, (ii) filing fees associated with obtaining the Partial Revocation Order and the full revocation orders of the CTOs, (iii) legacy accounts payable and (iv) working capital and general and administrative expenses.

Completion of the Private Placement should permit the Company to prepare and file all outstanding continuous disclosure documents with the applicable regulatory authorities. Once those filings have been completed, the Company expects to apply for a full revocation of the CTOs.

Each investor received a copy of the BC CTO, ON CTO, and the Partial Revocation Order and provided an acknowledgement to the Company that all of the Company's securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will remain subject to the CTOs until the CTOs are fully revoked, and that the granting of the Partial Revocation Order does not guarantee the issuance of full revocation orders of the CTOs in the future.

In accordance with applicable securities legislation, all securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a hold period of four months and a day from the closing date of the Offering. Further, the Shares and Warrants issued pursuant to the Private Placement may not be transferred and the Warrants issued pursuant to the Private Placement may not be exercised until full revocation of the CTOs, of which there is no guarantee.

About Crescat Capital LLC

Crescat is a global macro asset management firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Crescat's mission is to grow and protect wealth over the long term by deploying tactical investment themes based on proprietary value-driven equity and macro models. Crescat's goal is industry leading absolute and risk-adjusted returns over complete business cycles with low correlation to common benchmarks. The company's investment process involves a mix of asset classes and strategies to assist with each client's unique needs and objectives and includes Global Macro, Long/Short, Large Cap and Precious Metals funds.

About the Company

Regal Resources is a junior mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, British Columbia whose sole mineral project is its interest in the Sunnyside Project near Nogales, Arizona. Regal Resources is a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Greg Thomas

Chief Executive Officer

For further information contact:

Regal Resources Inc.

Telephone: (604) 512-6041

Email: info@regalres.com

Statements in this news release contain "forward looking information" under Canadian Securities Laws (referred to as "forward-looking statements"). Forward looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward looking statements in this news release include comments regarding the sufficiency of the proceeds of the Private Placement, the Company's intention to bring its continuous disclosure record current, and the Company's expectation to apply for a full revocation of the CTOs. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, receipt of regulatory approvals, the actions of third parties investors who may invest in the Company, and the state of financial markets. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly the reader should not place undue on forward looking statements.

SOURCE: Regal Resources Inc.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/742029/Regal-Resources-Inc-Announces-Closing-of-Final-Tranche-of-Private-Placement




Remote workers are not coming back to the office, says Kevin OLeary, and some of the younger ones have never worked in one at all.

More from Fortune:

According to the investor and Shark Tank star, that changes how companies and workers are managed.

Over the last three years theres a new generation of workerparticularly in financial services and in technology or in engineeringthat has no intention of working in an office, he told CNN on Friday. They never have, they never will. People keep saying, Oh, theyre gonna all come back. Theyre not.

According to OLeary, 44% of the employees across his venture portfolio work remotely, and they aint coming into the office, period. Thats it. Thats just the way its gonna be.

He said that with unemployment under 4%, his companies are forced to compete for workers, and part of the negotiation is where theyre going to work.

Asked whether remote work has hurt productivity, OLeary replied: I found that it hasnt changed anything because they dont know anything else. Some of them just got out of college and started working out of their homes. Theyve never worked in an office. Basically what it changes, its project management.

Remote workers, he noted, are not working nine-to-five, and it doesnt particularly matter in terms of productivity. You say to somebody, Look, you gotta get this done by next Friday at noon. You dont really care when they do itas long as it gets done.

The tradeoff for workers, he noted, is theres probably less private time on weekends. He said he feels free to call his employees at any time on any day of the week. Thats the deal. If you dont work in the office, I can call you at two in the morning if weve got a crisis. And theyre gonna answer. Thats the way theyre used to it now.

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OLeary isnt alone in believing the offices diminishment will last.

Marc Andreessen, cofounder of venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz, believes that while companies are discussing having workers come back three or four days a week, the spirit is gone in terms of workplaces being the primary source of connection in American life. Elvis has left the building for these kinds of environments, he said at the American Dynamism Summit in Washington, D.C., in November.

That can particularly hurt younger workers who havent had time to forge professional connections and start families. The focus then turns to where you live, Andreessen said. Are you literally by yourself? Do you have roommates? Are you in a small [apartment] complex, are you in a big complex? Do you have any sense of connection whatsoever?

The risk, he said, is more workers feeling alienation and loneliness.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

More from Fortune:
A man who fled Nebraska in 2017 after he was charged in the rape of a minor in Omaha was taken into custody last week by the U.S. Marshals Service in Houston, according to jail records.

Gabino Vargas-Perez, a 26-year-old immigrant from Guatemala, has been held in the Montgomery County Jail since Feb. 16 and will be extradited to Omaha.

Douglas County prosecutors charged Vargas-Perez with suspicion of first-degree sexual assault of a child in 2017 for the rape of a 14-year-old, the World-Herald previously reported.

After Vargas-Perezs bail was set at $50,000, someone posted the necessary 10%  $5,000  cash bail on his behalf and he left jail on Feb. 21, 2017. He then skipped bail and did not show up for a March 13, 2017, preliminary hearing, reports stated.

At the time he was charged, Vargas-Perez was a 20-year-old former Central High School student and was living in Omaha.

The 14-year-old girl told police that she met Vargas-Perez in fall 2016 and that he told her he was 16, according to previous reporting. Vargas-Perez asked her to come home with him to meet his family, took her upstairs and raped her, she told police.

Under Nebraska state law, it is illegal for anyone 19 or older to have sex with anyone under age 16.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2023
OMAHA  A 21-year-old Hastings woman is being held in the Douglas County Jail after Omaha Police said she assaulted a 36-year-old man and threatened to maim police officers early Thursday morning.

At about midnight, two officers responded to a reported assault at North 11th and Nicholas streets. A Council Bluffs, Iowa, man told officers the woman hit him in the neck and shoulder multiple times with a stick, according to the police report. The man told officers the woman  who he did not know  then proceeded to hit his vehicle. The man suffered no apparent injuries and refused medical attention. He reported his vehicle was not damaged.

Although the officers took the woman into custody without incident, the police report stated that she threatened to cut off the officers fingers and "castrate" them if the officers touched her tablet. The report said the woman also threatened officers by telling them she would have "associates murder them" upon her release.

The woman was arrested for suspicion of assault and battery and disorderly conduct.

Lincoln police want the public's help solving these cases Assault at D'Leons Bike burglar Bullseye Burgled Cash me outside Dog poisoning Dollar General disagreement Dollar General distraction Door Dash crash Exotic gift emporium Fill 'Er Up! Fraud alert Fraudulent charges Garage go-getters Graffiti'D Grocery go-getter Grom to go Hosed Jeepers Medical boot Road rage Rocky Rooftop Run Your Pockets Shattered window Tire-d of it Urban Air flair Vape shop burglary Villa Amore 2.0 Villa Amore Want Your Bad Romance
A top official claims that the civil aviation ministry has given the nation's largest airline, IndiGo, permission to wet lease up to two aircraft in order to operate flights to the United States and Canada. IndiGo is concentrating on internationalisation. according to a senior official, to wet lease up to two aircraft for using trips to the United States and Canada. In February, IndiGo began using the wide-body Boeing 777 on the Delhi-Istanbul route for the first time. Turkish Airlines has granted wet lease access to the aircraft. The ministry has given the airline the go-ahead to wet lease two aircraft for use on this route.

The official, on the condition of anonymity, said on Friday the ministry has also given approval for IndiGo to wet lease up to two wide-body aircraft which can be used for flying to the US and Canada. Queries sent to IndiGo on this issue remained unanswered.

Also read: IAF C-295 Transport Aircraft Unveiled, To Be Made By Airbus-Tata In India: Check Pics

It could not be immediately ascertained whether IndiGo has firmed up plans on operating flights to the US and Canada. Indian carriers require approval from the ministry to wet lease aircraft.

Under the wet lease arrangement, planes are leased along with the operating crew and engineers. Generally, wet leasing of planes is allowed for short periods to tackle supply constraints and ensure that airfares do not surge significantly.

In an interview to PTI last month, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said the airline has always kept the option of wide-body aircraft open but did not divulge specific details.

"IndiGo has never ruled out any option. We do have a significant order book. We have almost 500 aircraft on order... We have a steady stream of deliveries coming. Our focus and emphasis will be on that part. We do have the XLRs order that will further stretch the range of operations for IndiGo," he had said.

Meanwhile, IndiGo, in a statement said the airline is constantly in talks with the manufacturers as "we plan our next phase of growth" amid reports that it is looking to place a significant order for planes.

"However, we haven't finalised anything till now. We do not comment on speculations and will share information as and when we have an update," the spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.

Last month, aviation consultancy CAPA said that IndiGo could place orders for 500 aircraft. IndiGo had planned to place a significant order of around 300 aircraft before COVID-19 but deferred it due to the pandemic. This is now likely to proceed and could be even larger than previously envisaged, increasing to around 500 aircraft now, it had said.

Currently, IndiGo has more than 300 planes in its fleet. In a separate statement on Friday, IndiGo said its "application with Turkish Airlines is part of our codeshare expansion to offer access to a wider network."

According to reports, the airline and Turkish Airlines have sought the US authority's approval for codeshare flights to the US. "We are constantly exploring opportunities to cater to customer demand for air travel to newer geographies," the airline said in the statement. Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence.

With PTI Inputs
A SpiceJet flight with a destination of Patna was diverted to Varanasi due to brake problems, sources said on Saturday. At 8.30 a.m. on Friday, the plane was supposed to touch down at Patna airport after taking off from Delhi. But as it got to around 50 kilometres from Patna, near the city of Arrah, the brake malfunctioned.

As the runway of Patna Jay Prakash Narayan International airport is smaller than other airports, the pilot refused to land there despite the permission given by ATC, after which the aircraft was diverted to Varanasi.

Also read: Plane With World's Largest Hydrogen Fuel Cell Takes First Flight: Watch Video

Sources said after fixing the technical glitch; the plane reached Patna at 11.30 a.m. After deboarding, passengers expressed disappointment at the Patna airport Spicejet counter.

With IANS Inputs
New Delhi: Have you ever noticed the instant elevation in your look when you just come out of the salon with a fresh haircut? This is the magic of "the right haircut." Depending on the shape of your face, there are different hairstyles that might or might not suit your looks. A wrong hairstyle is no less than a nightmare for any person. And when it comes to celebrities, they can by no chance compromise their looks, especially their hairstyle.

Having previously worked for television star Karanvir Bohra, Shahnuzz stands for breaking away from traditional hairstyles. He is continuously experimenting with new hairstyles. His looks give a modern touch to classic hairstyles. Be it for business, industry, or any professional event, Shahnuzz is the name that comes up when talking about hairstyles.

When our hair comes into regular contact with styling, it becomes really important to take great care of it. Shahnuzz, thus, shares many ideas on how to take care of hair and treat it properly. A master of this skill, Shahnuzz also experiments with different colours and textures to create unique and eye-catching looks.

Shahnuzz now has his own salon in Mumbai, where he is visited by many influencers and celebrities. He suggests that people should not follow the trend set by celebrities. They have to try their style because everything doesnt suit everyone. Every face has a different and unique frame, so why not find your unique look by experimenting with new hairstyles and colors!
New Delhi: Microsoft co-founder, Philanthropist, and Billionaire Bill Gates met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Indian visit and shared the highlight in his official blog - GatesNotes. He said he was even more optimistic than ever about Indias progress in health, development and climate. Gates is currently on his official Indian visit and meeting several dignitaries across the wide field including business, politicians and social media influencers. He also visited research centres like Indian Agriculture Research Institute (ICAR).

A highlight of my trip was Fridays meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was generous with his time, as we talked about how science and innovation can help reduce inequity in India and around the world, Bill Gates wrote in his official blog.

ALSO READ | 7 Books That May Make You Rich & Successful

He added: I commended the Prime Minister on India's efforts to eliminate deadly and debilitating diseases like tuberculosis, visceral leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis. He told me about a fascinating movement taking shape in India: Communities are adopting TB patients to make sure they get the nutrition and care they need. India has used a similar approach with HIV, and its been shown to produce lasting results.

Gates also praised Indias digital public infrastructure and said India was also able to transfer emergency digital payments to 300 million people, including 200 million women, during the pandemic. This was only possible because India has made financial inclusion a priority, investing in a digital ID system (called Aadhaar) and creating innovative platforms for digital banking. Its a reminder that financial inclusion is a fantastic investment.

The countrys Gati Shakti program is a great example of how digital technology can help governments work better. It digitally connects 16 ministries, including rail and roads, so they can integrate their plans for infrastructure projects and accelerate the work of Indian scientists and engineers, he added.

Bill Gates Gives Tadka to Khicdhi With Smriti Irani

Gates now tried his hands to give tadka to popular Indian food Khichdi with Union Cabinet Minister in charge of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani. The MP shared the video on her official Instagram handle with the caption Recognising the Super food of India and its POSHAN componentWhen Bill Gates gave tadka to Shree Ann Khichdi.

It appeared in the video that Smriti Irani and Bill Gates were in the kitchen where Irani was helping Gates to give tadka to Khichdi. He heated the ghee (Indian butter) on a pan and then put some cumin seeds and fry lightly until they begin to splutter. Finally, he poured the tadka (tempering) into the kichdi in the saucepan and stirred it. He even tasted Indian super food Khichdi.
SpaceX's Crew Dragon Endeavour capsule carrying the four astronauts of NASA's Crew-6 mission is seen with the blue Earth as it approaches the International Space Station on March 3, 2023.

Early Friday morning (March 3), SpaceX's Dragon Endeavour spacecraft carrying the four astronauts of the Crew-6 mission approached the International Space Station (ISS).

Crew-6's dramatic meetup with the space station, which culminated with a docking at 1:40 a.m. EST (0640 GMT) on Friday, was captured in a breathtaking time-lapse video created using NASA footage.

The docking maneuver had been postponed by an hour while SpaceX worked an issue with a faulty sensor associated with one of the 12 hooks on Dragon that connect the capsule to the space station. After a software override was uploaded to Endeavour, the capsule was able to successfully link up with the space station.

Related: Live updates about SpaceX's Crew-6 mission for NASA

SpaceX Crew-6 Crew Dragon approaches the International Space Station on March 3, 2023.

The time-lapse video demonstrates the high drama of the off-Earth operation, showing Endeavour as it approaches the ISS at an altitude of around 260 miles (418 kilometers).

Dominating the video is the image of Earth, against which Endeavour appears as a slowly growing gray speck as it is filmed from the ISS. In other shots, the Dragon craft is seen from above as it races over the tops of fluffy white clouds on Earth.

Another part of the video shows the Dragon's target, the ISS, from the perspective of the spacecraft, no doubt a reassuring sight for the Crew-6 astronauts  NASA's Stephen Bowen and Warren "Woody" Hoburg, United Arab Emirates astronaut Sultan Alneyadi and cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaevsee.

SpaceX's Crew Dragon Endeavour capsule carrying the four astronauts of NASA's Crew-6 mission is seen with the blue Earth as it approaches the International Space Station on March 3, 2023.

The footage also gives a glimpse inside Endeavour as it makes its nail-biting approach to the ISS with commander Bowen and pilot Hoburg at the helm. The video also demonstrates how space missions like Crew-6 are the result of a massive collaborative effort, as shots show the busy scene at mission control here on Earth.

The hatch between Endeavour and the ISS was opened at 03:45 EST (0845 GMT) after the space station's crew conducted standard leak checks and after pressurization, according to NASA .

Following this, the Crew-6 astronauts met up with current ISS occupants, the Expedition 68 crew of NASA astronauts Frank Rubio, Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada, as well as Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitri Petelin and Anna Kikina.

Story continues

Related stories:

 SpaceX launches Crew-6 astronaut mission to space station for NASA

 SpaceX's Dragon: First private spacecraft to reach the space station

 UAE astronaut on SpaceX Crew-6 mission will spend Ramadan in space

Cassada, Mann, Kikina and Wakata flew to the ISS on SpaceX's Crew-5 mission in October 2022 and are scheduled to return to Earth in just a few days.

During their six-month science mission, the Crew-6 astronauts will engage in a series of cutting-edge science experiments, including tests designed to assess the effects of long-term space missions on human health.

The team will also use the Combustion Integrated Rack to test fuel burning in microgravity, assessing the effect of altering various test parameters like airflow, oxygen concentration, pressure and radiation levels.
Chhadimar Holi: India is a diverse country where numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Currently, the nation is gearing up to celebrate the festival of colours, Holi. Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals in India which adds colours to the monotonous life. This year Holi will be celebrated on March 8. However, Holi is a festival that is celebrated in a different way in every other state. Some Indian states witness it as Lathmar Holi, or Chhadimar Holi, while some see it as Phoolon wali Holi or Rang wali Holi.

Mathura, a city in Uttar Pradesh celebrates Holi in a very different way and is famous worldwide. People from across the globe visit Mathura to visit the 'types of Holi' in the temple city. Thousands of devotees and tourists are attracted to Mathura to celebrate the festival of colours.

Holi is played in many ways in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana, from flowers to Lathmar, the festival of colours is famous in these cities. Barsana in Mathura is famous for its Lathmar Holi celebration. While Gokul has a tradition of playing Chhadimar Holi. But what is Chhadimar Holi?

Also read: Barsana Holi: What Is Lathmar Holi? Historical Significance Of This Festival In Mathura

What is Chhadimar Holi?

Gokul has a tradition of playing Chhadimar Holi, which this year will be played on March 4. In Chhadimar Holi, women beat men with sticks. The tradition goes back to Hindu mythology where Lord Krishna used to tease Gopis and teach Lord Krishna a lesson, Gopis used sticks to drive Lord Krishna away from the village, and hence Chhadimar Holi tends to recreate that.

How Is Mathura Holi Different From Other States

Holi in Mathura is celebrated for around 25 days. It is celebrated at different locations in different ways. From 'Phoolo kee Holi' (Holi of flowers) at Raman Reti, to celebrating 'Chhadimar Holi' in Gokul, Mathura has its way of celebrating the festival of colours. All these Holi celebrations together are called Rangotsav.

(Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on general information.)
Holi Vrindavan: On March 6, in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, hundreds of widows will celebrate the festival of colours. One of the city's seven temples, Radha Gopinath Temple, will host a Holi celebration there. Officials claim that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a two-year delay in the celebration at the historic temple, which first started in 2013.

The majority of the widows who live in Vrindavan are said to be from West Bengal. The majority of these widows are living in terrible conditions without access to adequate nutrition, healthcare, or hygiene facilities.

In 2017, the Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the issue of widows living in Vrindavan and ordered the central and the Uttar Pradesh government to take "all steps to rehabilitate the widows of Vrindavan.

The Supreme Court then directed NGO Sulabh International to take care of widows living in Vrindavan nearly ten years ago after noticing their miserable conditions.

Widows in Vrindavan are compelled to live a life of loneliness, despair, and poverty. Vrindavan widows travel here in search of peace and salvation.

The vice-president of social organisation Sulabh International said, "Hundreds of destitute and widowed mothers living in shelter homes of Vrindavan will celebrate the Sevayat Gopinathlal Dev Goswami of Radha Gopinath temple said preparations for Holi have started in the temple. Gulal and colours have been brought in from Delhi along with a ton of different types of flowers."

Most of the widows joining this celebration are elderly and are more than happy to welcome change and happiness with open arms after leading years of monotonous life thanks to oppressive and conservative notions.

In white yet colourful sarees, widows in Vrindavan get a sense of belongingness when applying colours at the feet of the Lord Krishna statue, showering flower petals on each other, singing Rasiya (traditional Holi song of Brij) with faces smeared in 'gulal' and chanted Krishna bhajans.

These celebrations give a toss to orthodox traditions that forbid

widows from taking part in the festival of colours and staying away from celebrations altogether.

(With PTI inputs)
Tesla recently announced plans to set up a new Giga factory in Mexico. The new Tesla Giga factory is expected to be one of the largest manufacturing plants in the automotive industry. Confirming the news, Elon Musk's company revealed an image of the planned site. However, the electric vehicle manufacturer has kept quiet about the manufacturing details. Just so you know, this new site will be used to produce the new generation of all-electric Tesla cars.

Following the announcement, the Mexican government revealed a few details about the Tesla Giga factory. As per the details revealed earlier, the manufacturer's factory stretches across about 4,200 acres in an industrial area in the Santa Catarina municipality close to Monterrey (Nuevo Leon). This is 68 percent more than the Tesla Giga Texas has (2,500 acres).

Also read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny Imagined As An Electric SUV Gives Genuine EV Vibe, Check Pics

The size of the investment, which is believed to be $10 billion and 10,000 people ($5 billion and 5,000 initially), represents the scale of the factory. Although the specifics are unknown, it may involve both the manufacture of vehicles and other components like drivetrains and battery cells.

Reuters' report claims that a top Mexican official suggested an annual output of one million automobiles. One million units per year may be the starting goal, with another million units per year to be added later.

When the Tesla Giga Mexico is set up, it will be the company's third manufacturing plant outside of the US, alongside the factories in China and Berlin. The manufacturer will attempt to duplicate the success of the Gigafactories in Shanghai and Texas, which Tesla was able to bring into production quite rapidly.

The fact that Monterrey is within a seven-hour drive from Tesla's corporate offices and the Gigafactory Texas is one of the factors that led to the decision. Also, Tesla was able to get an intriguing agreement that will improve transportation between the locations.
Kolkata: Calcutta High Court counsel and Congress leader Koustav Bagchi, who was arrested by Kolkata Police on Saturday morning for allegedly making derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was granted bail by a lower court on the same day. Senior advocate of Calcutta High Court and CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, who appeared as Bagchi`s counsel, made a strong argument on behalf of his client. "Is my client a terrorist? Who gave the right to the police to barge into his residence in the wee hours at around 3 a.m.? There is directive even from the Supreme Court barring police from barging into anyone`s residence in the wee hours or late in the night. The arrest was made without serving any notice under Section 41A of CrPC. This is an infringement on the fundamental rights of a person," Bhattacharya argued.

He also said that the investigating officer in the case should be slapped with a show-cause notice for issuing the notice under Ssection 41A.

"We as legal practitioners are highly terrified. How can the police barge into the residence of a lawyer during the wee hours in a democratic country? Was that residence owned by a terrorist," Bhattacharya questioned.

In his counter-argument, the public prosecutor said that some comments by Bagchi could trigger violence, which need to be investigated. After hearing both sides, the court granted bail to Bagchi against a personal bond of Rs 1,000.

After the results of the bypoll to the Sagardighi Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district was announced on Thursday, in which Left-backed Congress candidate Baryon Biswas trounced Trinamool Congress nominee Debasish Bandopadhyay by 23,000 votes, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had launched a scathing attack against state Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, referring to his daughter`s suicide in 2006.

On Friday, Bagchi held a press conference where he referred to a book written by former IAS officer Deepak Kumar Ghosh, which reportedly has some references about the personal life of the Chief Minister.

Bagchi said that since Banerjee has started making personal attacks by referring to the suicide of Chowdhury`s daughter, he would now counter them by circulating soft copies of Ghosh`s book through WhatsApp.

The arrest evoked strong criticism from all corners, including from within the Trinamool Congress.
Kolkata, Mar 4 (PTI) West Bengal Congress spokesperson Kaustav Bagchi was on Saturday morning arrested from his residence for his alleged comments against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a senior police officer said.

A huge team of the city's Burtolla police station conducted a raid at Bagchi's residence at Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal at around 3.30 AM and arrested him, he said.

A complaint was lodged against Bagchi at Burtolla police station on Friday for his alleged comments against the chief minister.

"We have arrested Kaustav Bagchi from his residence in Barrackpore. We cannot talk much about it. Our officers are talking to him," the officer told PTI.

Bagchi, a lawyer had reacted sharply and allegedly criticised the CM and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee for her "personal attacks" on West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury after the Congress' win in the Sagardighi bypolls.

After the arrest, Bagchi was brought to Burtolla Police Station even as party workers staged a protest outside the police station.

Bagchi has been booked under several sections of the IPC including 120(B) (criminal conspiracy), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and other sections, he added.

(The above article is sourced from news agency PTI. Zeenews.com has made no editorial changes to the article. News agency PTI is solely responsible for the contents of the article)
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is set to spend the festive day of Holi behind bars as a Delhi court deferred the hearing on his bail plea to March 10. Sisodia, in his bail plea, had mentioned the festival of Holi and his wife's health as the primary reasons to grant bail. However, the court didn't grant relief to Sisodia today, deferring the matter for March 10.



Meanwhile, CBI has also sought further 3-day remand of Sisodia as hearing begins in Rouse Avenue Court. Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan, appearing for Manish Sisodia, has opposed CBI's application for an extension of remand. During the hearing, the CBI counsel while seeking three days extension of remand said that Sisodia is not cooperating and he was interrogated daily till almost till around 8 p.m.

Opposing the extension of remand, Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan appearing for Sisodia said that the inefficiency of the agency cannot be ground of remand. "Today you have a simple ground to say he is not answering, not cooperating. Keeping in police custody will trace the documents they were not able to find? It cannot be a ground," Krishnan argued.

"Remand is exception. You have 15 days doens`t mean court will give 15 days. Court will have to see. What is the compelling reason? It is my submission that When you grant remand for first time, parameters have been met. When it is granted second time, test is higher. Scrutiny has to be more," he added.

Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, appearing on behalf of Sisodia, argued that when they (CBI) have to now come up and say that he`s not disclosing true facts, not cooperating. "This was their previous remand application. It`s today too. What prevents them to say same thing again after three days?" he argued. Sisodia on Friday moved a bail plea in the same case.

Special judge Nagpal on Monday had sent Sisodia to five days CBI custody. The agency arrested Sisodia on February 26 after eight hours of questioning. The CBI had said that they arrested him for alleged irregularities in framing and implementation of the excise policy as he gave "evasive replies" and "did not co-operate in the investigation".

It said that the present case was registered against the former Deputy Chief Minister & In charge Excise Minister, and 14 others for investigation into the matter of alleged irregularities in framing and implementation of Excise Policy for 2021-22 and extending post tender benefits to private persons.

Live TV
Kolkata: Clearing the way for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to take senior Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal to Delhi for questioning in connection with a cattle smuggling case, the Calcutta High Court on Saturday set aside a petition by him challenging a production warrant issued by a special CBI court. The court also ordered Mondal to pay a fine of Rs one lakh for forum shopping. Rejecting the petition by Mondal challenging a production warrant issued by the special CBI court at Asansol in West Bengal, Justice Bibek Chaudhuri directed that the TMC Birbhum district president be taken to Delhi by air. He directed that doctors posted in a central government hospital in Kolkata in the department of general medicine, cardiology and general surgery will examine Mondal and issue a medical certificate stating the condition of the health of the petitioner before he is handed over to the ED.

Justice Chaudhari directed that a medical officer will accompany Mondal to Delhi and he will be examined medically by doctors immediately after his arrival in the national capital.

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee Turns Her Back On Opposition Unity, Says 'Our Alliance Only With People'

It was directed that such medical papers be produced before the trial court in Delhi at the time of the production of Mondal before it.

The court said that Mondal resorted to forum shopping by approaching high courts in Calcutta and Delhi to prevent the ED from taking him to the national capital.

Justice Chaudhari directed him to "pay compensatory cost of Rs one lakh in the High Court Legal Services Authority as a compensation for instituting successive, harassing applications of similar nature before the highest seat of judiciary of two states of the country to obviate the process of the court."

The TMC leader was arrested by the ED in November last year. He was taken into custody by the CBI in the cattle smuggling case in August 2022.

His lawyer moved the petition claiming that the order on the basis of which Mondal is sought to be shifted to Delhi is bad in law and cannot be issued by the special judge, CBI Court at Asansol.
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday alleged that the government has granted "monopolies" to the Adani Group, allowing it to "fleece" consumers who need to use essential infrastructure services such as airports and electricity. The opposition party also said that persistent demand for a JPC on the Adani issue was not to embarrass Prime Minister Narendra Modi but to unravel its full dimensions.

Posing a set of three questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the party's "Hum Adani ke Hain Kaun" series, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the focus of the posers was on how the "monopolies granted" to the Adani Group have allowed it to "fleece" consumers who need to use essential infrastructure services like airports and electricity.

The Congress is persisting with its attack on the government weeks after Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses after US-based short seller Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipulation.

The Gautam Adani-led group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.

Also Read: Centre Overturned Eight Elected Governments, Misuing Anti-Defection Law: Kapil Sibal

In his statement addressed to the prime minister, Ramesh claimed that the Adani-operated Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, India's 11th busiest airport, has proposed an "exorbitant increase" in the user development fee (UDF) paid by passengers.

"If approved by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), user fees will rise from Rs 192 to Rs 1,025 for domestic passengers and Rs 561 to Rs 2,756 for international passengers by the fiscal year 2025-26," the Congress general secretary claimed.

AERA has already approved a six-fold fee increase for domestic passengers and a 12-fold fee increase for international passengers flying out of the Adani-operated Ahmedabad airport by 2025-26, he said.

"And AERA outdid itself in the case of the Adani-operated Mangaluru airport by not only hiking user fees for departing passengers but also imposing them on arriving passengers," Ramesh claimed.

Is this not the "inevitable outcome of the PM's decision to grant an airports monopoly to his friend Gautam Adani by handing him six out of six airports over the objections of the NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance", the Congress leader asked.

"Will customers have to pay out of their pockets for the electoral bonds that your cronies are transferring to BJP coffers?" Ramesh said.

He also claimed that in 2008, Adani Power signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Haryana's state-owned power distribution companies to supply 1,424 megawatts (MW) of electricity for 25 years at a levelised tariff of Rs 2.94 per unit.

But it began to default on its power supply obligations from December 2020, forcing Haryana to buy spot electricity at Rs 11.55 per unit, he claimed.

"Far from recovering what it was due, the Manohar Lal Khattar government decided to approve a supplementary PPA on June 27, 2022 through which it will procure a reduced 1,200 MW from Adani at Rs 3.54 per unit and will source the remaining 224 MW at a far higher price from Adani," he alleged.

"Did you pressure CM Khattar to bail out your cronies yet again? How many thousands of crores of rupees will be fleeced from Haryana consumers by Adani to pay for the BJP's electoral bonds?" Ramesh said.

He also claimed that on March 1, 2023, Adani Power made a disclosure to the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange that it had signed supplementary PPAs with Haryana's two power distribution companies.

However, no such PPA had been signed at that time, he alleged. Was this a crude attempt to shore up flagging Adani share prices, Ramesh asked.

"Will this be yet another case of SEBI turning a blind eye to blatant violations and deceptions by your favourite business group?" he said.

Responding to a media report which quoted senior lawyer Harish Salve as saying that the demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe was aimed at only embarrassing the Centre, Ramesh tweeted, "My friend Harish Salve with whom I worked closely as environment minister is completely wrong.

"The persistent demand for a JPC on the Adani scam is not to embarrass the PM but to unravel its full dimensions, which no technocratic committee can or will be willing to do."
CHENNAI: The fake news being spread on social media on the attacks on north Indian workers in Tamil Nadu is disheartening and Tamils don't support separatism and hate propaganda against our north Indian friends, State BJP chief K Annamalai said on Saturday. The State is aware of the great contribution of north Indian workers to infrastructure development, manufacturing and service sectors and various other development works in Tamil Nadu, he said.

"We Tamils do not support separatism and hate propaganda against our north Indian friends. Tamil Nadu, which nurtures those seeking shelter (Vandhaarai Vazhavaikkum Thamizhagam), welcomes and embraces all people and accepts them as a part of the society. The common people of the State accept and welcome the contribution of north Indian brothers and sisters," Annamalai said in a release here.

His party strongly opposed the spread of the false news on the attack and urged the State government to take strict action against those spreading such fake news. "This hate campaign, which started with the anti-Hindi survivalist activities launched by the DMK has now reached a point affecting the poor people," he said.

The current situation is the result of the DMK culture of mocking the people of northern States and humiliating their profession in the name of anti-Hindi stance, Annamalai claimed and added that since the DMK started it to till this day, they have been sowing hatred towards some community.

Since the last two years after the DMK came to power, many derisive speeches were made by DMK MPs and Ministers, Annamalai alleged.

"DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran insulted the northern Indian workers, our domestic workers, Gurkhas, construction workers and their profession. Minister Ponmudi said north Indians are selling Panipuri on the streets of Tamil Nadu. Minister Murthy incited by saying that businessmen from the north should not be allowed to do business in Tamil Nadu," he said.

DMK's ally Thol Thirumavalavan of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) spoke in an intimidating tone saying the exodus of people from northern States has increased and his party members and another ally of the DMK, T Velmurugan of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Party, demanded that those workers be sent back.

But Chief Minister M K Stalin did not utter a single word to condemn the campaign against the migrant workers nor did he take any steps to rein in the hate campaign, he said.

Claiming that the Chief Minister was compelled to react to the assault in a train on a Bihari worker, Annamalai said it is the DMK's responsibility to stop this ongoing campaign of hatred against the brothers in the north through strict measures and also to dispel their fears.

Taking to twitter, he said "the divide that DMK always stood for is coming back to bite them, and it is now their responsibility to fix this situation and is an opportunity for them to put an end to their defunct propaganda."

Party State vice president T Narayanan said Tamils lacked the culture to offend others. The State government should realise that if such false news continued to spread, then it will spell disaster to the State development and work atmosphere, as well.

"It will be a setback to infrastructure development and Tamil Nadu's economic growth will weaken. Hence, the government should identify those behind the circulation of unwarranted rumours and take stringent action against them," he said.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, recently spoke at the American Bar Association India Conference 2023 on the theme "Law in the age of Globalisation: Convergence of India and the West". The CJI discussed several issues, including technology's use by the judiciary, issues confronting the legal profession, and the need for more women judges. However, one of the most thought-provoking issues he addressed was the impact of false news in the age of social media and how it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

According to the CJI, "truth has become the victim in an age of false news." The CJI went on to say that people today are short on patience and tolerance, and are not willing to accept perspectives that are different from their own.

For every little thing we do - as judges we are no exception to this - for everything you do, you face the threat of being trolled by someone who doesn't share your point of view. We live in an age where people are short in their patience & short on their tolerance: CJI (03.03) pic.twitter.com/MdfFm158Ul  ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2023

"For every little thing that we do, and believe me, as judges we are no exception to this, for everything that you do, you face the threat of being trolled by someone who does not share your point of view," the CJI said as quoted by PTI.

In addition to the impact of social media, the CJI also discussed the role of technology in the justice system, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted how video-conferencing has led to a decentralisation of justice, which has the potential to promote greater access to justice. By using technology, the judiciary can reach citizens in the smallest villages in the country, and take justice to their doorsteps.

However, the CJI also noted that technology is not a panacea for all the challenges facing the justice system. He highlighted the need for reform in the legal profession, which is still patriarchal, feudal, and built upon kinships and relationships of community. He also noted the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the profession, particularly when it comes to women judges.

The CJI's speech highlighted some of the key challenges facing the justice system in India and around the world. Technology has the potential to promote greater access to justice, but it is not a panacea for all the challenges facing the justice system.
GENEVA: Pakistan has the "unique distinction" of hosting the most number of UNSC-designated terrorists and terror organisations, and its policies are directly responsible for thousands of civilian deaths in the world, India has said as it slammed Islamabad for its 'malicious propaganda' against it. Exercising its right of reply to Pakistan's statement at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Friday, India said when it is not entirely focused on suppressing its own population, Pakistan actively lends its energies to aid, host and abet international terrorists.

"It has the unique distinction of hosting the most number of UNSC designated terrorists and terror organisations. Osama bin Laden lived next to Pakistan's premier military academy. Its security agencies have nurtured and sheltered Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar for decades," First Secretary of India's Permanent Mission to UN Seema Pujani said.

"These are but a few dreaded names from the annals of Pakistan's history of supporting terrorism. Pakistan's policies are directly responsible for the death of thousands of civilians around the world," she said in response to a statement delivered by Pakistan.

Pujani said Pakistan's obsession with India while its population battle for their lives, livelihood and freedom is an indication of the state's misplaced priorities.

She said its leaders and officials should focus their energies on working for the benefit of their own population instead of 'baseless propaganda' against India.

"Pakistan's representative has once again chosen to misuse this august forum for its malicious propaganda against India," she said.

Pujani raised the issue of enforced disappearances, saying students, doctors, engineers, teachers, and community leaders are regularly disappeared by the State never to return.

"Pakistan is a State which responds to any calls for reforms with enforced disappearances. In the last decade, Pakistan's own Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has received 8,463 complaints. The Baloch people have borne the brunt of this cruel policy," she said.

In her statement, Pujani also expressed regret over a statement made by Turkiye at the UN session.

"We regret the comments made by Turkiye on a matter that is an internal affair of India and advise it to refrain from making unsolicited comments on our internal matters," she said.

Pujani also spoke about the persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan and asserted that no religious minority can freely live or practice its religion in the Muslim-majority country.

The Ahmadiya community continues to be persecuted by the state for simply practicing their faith. To even obtain a Pakistani passport, the community has to denounce its founder. Equally worse is the treatment of the Christian community. It is frequently targeted through draconian blasphemy laws.

"State institutions officially reserve ?sanitation' jobs for Christians. Underage girls from the community are converted to Islam abetted by a predatory state and an apathetic judiciary. Hindu and Sikh communities face similar issues of frequent attacks on their places of worship and forced conversion of their underage girls," she said.

The Indian diplomat said the state's crackdown on those who wish to raise their voice against any of these heinous policies is also incomparable.

"A bill which proposes a five-year jail term for anyone who 'scandalises or ridicules' the military or the judiciary is currently on the table in Pakistan's Parliament," she said.
Jammu: Kashmiri Pandit government employees demanding relocation outside the Kashmir Valley in the wake of targeted killings by terrorists, suspended their 310 days long strike, saying they were "surrendering" as authorities had "stopped" their salaries.

The protesters comprised Kashmiri Pandits working in different government departments under a prime minister's employment package. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has neither accepted nor rejected the demand but the protest had to be suspended as stopping of salaries is "choking us financially", protesters affiliated to the All Migrant (Displaced) Employees Association Kashmir (AMEAK) said. Last year in May, following the killing of their colleagues Rahul Bhat and Rajini Bala by terrorists, many had also moved to Jammu from the Kashmir division of the Union Territory.

While Bhat was shot dead inside his office in central Kashmir's Budgam on May 12, Bala, a school teacher, was gunned down in south Kashmir's Kulgam district on May 31 last year.

The employees said the core committee of AMEAK will meet to take a decision over resuming their duties in the Kashmir Valley. "We have unanimously decided to suspend the ongoing agitation and are surrendering before the government. We have projected our demand for relocation but the government neither accepted nor rejected our demand," senior member of AMEAK Ruban Saproo told reporters.

He said since Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha had time and again assured a secure atmosphere to them in the Kashmir Valley, the core committee of the organisation decided to suspend the agitation and wait for the government's response.

Rohit Raina, an AMEAK member, said that "we have only suspended the protest and the next course of action will be decided by the core committee of AMEAK".

"Our only concern for which we had fled the Valley is our security," he said, accusing the administration of twisting arms by stopping their salaries.

The killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Sharma by terrorists in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 27 reflects the ground situation but "we hope that the government will ensure our security in the Valley", Raina said.

Neha, who was part of the protest, said they are left with no option but to "surrender" before the government after it "stopped their salaries".

"We do not feel safe there (in Kashmir) but nobody is listening to us. The government exploited the employees by stopping our salaries and choking us financially," she said.

RK Bhat, the president of Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS), an organisation of Kashmiri Pandits, urged Kashmiri Muslims to come forward to ensure the security of minority Hindus living in the Valley.

"The real custodian of ensuring the safety and security of the miniscule Kashmiri Pandit population in the Valley is the majority community and they have to ensure it to maintain real Kashmiriyat. Kashmiriyat is meaningless until and unless Kashmiri civil leaders, political leaders and religious preachers do not publicly and consistently denounce killings of Pandits," Bhat told reporters here.

He said Kashmiri Pandits belonged to Kashmir and the central government should involve grassroot level leadership of the community for preparing a blueprint for their return and rehabilitation in the Valley.

"We hope the J&K Reorganization Bill, 2019, will end our miseries and reconnect our lost roots and ancestral motherland soon. We hope the process of delimitation and new arrangements should make (Kashmiri) Pandits politically empowered democratically," he said. Bhat also appealed to various Kashmiri Pandit groups to unite for their rights.

"At this crucial time when our own people are again being killed, we have to rise above party lines, personal interests and affiliations to form a 'joint action committee' of all (Kashmiri) Pandit organisations globally and work for comprehensive rehabilitation of the entire community," he said.

He said the community needs to be united and speak in one voice for a dignified return to their roots in the Valley.
KOHIMA: The Sharad Pawar-led NCP, which won seven seats in the Nagaland assembly, said on Saturday it will soon decide whether it will join the NPP-BJP government in the state or remain in opposition. Addressing a press conference here, NCP national general secretary Narendra B Verma said threadbare discussions were held on the issue at the first meeting of the legislative party.

"I have gathered the views of the MLAs, and also the opinion of the state party leaders. The final decision on whether to join the government or to remain in the opposition and also the leader of the legislative party will be taken by the high command in Delhi in the next couple of days, after I return and apprise national president Sharad Pawar on Sunday," Verma said.

The NCP had fielded candidates in 12 seats of the 60-member assembly for the February 27 elections.

Verma said the seven MLAs of the party will work for the welfare of the downtrodden people of the state.

The NCP will also support the demand of the Nagas for an early solution to the peace talks, he said.

Meanwhile, Senior NPP MLA Timothy D Shira was sworn in as the protem speaker of the Meghalaya assembly on Saturday, officials said. Shira, the MLA of Resubelpara, was sworn in by Governor Phagu Chauhan at the Raj Bhavan in presence of outgoing chief minister Conrad K Sangma and senior leaders of the NPP.

Sangma had on Friday staked claim to form the next government in the state with the support of 31 MLAs. Among them are 26 NPP MLAs, two MLAs each of the BJP and HSPDP, and two Independents.
DAVANGERE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday appealed to the people of poll-bound Karnataka to give his Aam Aadmi Party a chance to give a corruption-free government for five years. He also promised to give free electricity, quality education in government schools and good healthcare for the state's people. Addressing his maiden election public meeting in Karnataka, the AAP supremo said the party has zero tolerance for corruption as a minister and an MLA in party-ruled Punjab were jailed.

"We are staunch honest. We will give a corruption-free government. We will give free electricity, build good government schools and provide quality education," Kejriwal said. Assembly elections are due in Karnataka by May.

The AAP chief alleged that corruption in the state doubled since the last assembly polls in 2018 and urged the people to vote in a 'new engine' government by throwing out the 'double-engine' regime of the BJP.

Taking a dig at the ruling BJP in Karnataka, Kejriwal alleged that there is a 40 per cent commission government running in the state.

"The people of Karnataka are good but the leaders are not. They defamed and destroyed the state before the world. There is a 40 per cent commission government here in which 40 per cent cut is taken in every public work," Kejriwal alleged.

In this context, he mentioned the recovery of Rs 8.23 crore unaccounted cash from Channagiri BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa's son Prashanth Kumar M V.

Karnataka  3 Lakh Crore   

 BJP Govt -,  free  



AAP Delhi-Punjab     



: 12 Lakh

: 27,000 Jobs 



  40%    AAP 0% Commission  Govt 



-CM @ArvindKejriwal #KarnatakaWantsKejriwal pic.twitter.com/jD3td9ZJtg  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 4, 2023

"Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah came to Karnataka and appealed to the people to give absolute majority in the upcoming assembly election so that a corruption-free government can be established in the state. Then, someone reminded him that already there is a BJP government in the state. I want to ask him why you could not eradicate corruption in the last four years," the Delhi Chief Minister said.

He said the very next day after Shah flew back to Delhi, a BJP MLA's son was caught with crores of unaccounted cash.

"That MLA and his son who hail from Davangere have not been arrested yet. Instead, Manish Sisodia was arrested," Kejriwal said referring to Delhi Deputy CM Sisodia's arrest by the CBI in the excise policy scam case.

He added that the raids at Sisodia's house could not yield anything.

"They (BJP) alleged that Sisodia hushed up hundreds of crores of rupees. If that was true, then at least some crore of rupees should have been found but only Rs 10,000 was found," Kejriwal claimed.

Taking a jibe at the BJP, the Delhi Chief Minister said the MLA in the dock may be given Padma Bhushan award next year. "All the criminals be it thieves, robbers, rowdies or rapists are absorbed in the BJP," he further claimed.

After the BJP formed governments in Nagaland and Tripura and formed a coalition government in Meghalaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech during the victory celebrations in Delhi asked people to stay away from 'staunch honest people', Kejriwal said.

"We did not fight the election in these three states but the Prime Minister mentioned us. He asked people to stay away from staunch honest people. He is afraid of us," the Delhi Chief Minister said.

He 'advised' Modi not to be jealous of "AAP, the fastest growing party". "Learn from us. You too become honest just like us," the AAP supremo quipped.

Stating that AAP is a 'staunch honest' party, Kejriwal said raids never led to any recovery.

The Delhi Chief Minister said during the 2018 assembly elections in Karnataka, there was a '20 per cent commission government' in the state.

"The Prime Minister came to Karnataka and alleged that there is a 20 per cent commission government (during 2018 polls). He assured that he will eradicate corruption if the 'double-engine government' is formed in the state," the AAP chief said.

He added that people trusted the Prime Minister's words and formed the 'double engine government' (BJP government in the Centre and the state).

Corruption doubled in the state from 20 per cent to 40 per cent commission, the Delhi CM alleged.

Kejriwal said: "I will tour across the country and tell everyone not to form the double engine government. Corruption doubles in double-engine government. We need a new engine government."

PM said- make Double Engine Govt. in Karnataka and I will eradicate corruption.



Now the commission is 40% from 20%.



Don't make a Double Engine Govt. this time or the commission will go to 80%.



Karnataka needs

AAP's New Engine Govt.



-CM @ArvindKejriwal #KarnatakaWantsKejriwal pic.twitter.com/GZQxbp349F  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 4, 2023

BJP MLA Virupakshappa has been booked while his son Prashanth, a government officer, was arrested by Lokayukta following raids in several places in the state.

The AAP chief added that the state contractors' association president Kempanna wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the ministers in Karnataka are demanding 40 per cent commission.

Instead of addressing the octogenarian office-bearer's grievance or taking action against the ministers and MLAs, the 82-year-old contractor was arrested in a defamation case, Kejriwal alleged.

The Delhi Chief Minister charged that 40 per cent commission is charged from contractors, private unaided schools and Maths (hermitage).

Kejriwal said in the last five years, Rs 20,000 crore was spent on repairing the pothole ridden Bengaluru roads but not even 20 potholes were filled. Due to this indifferent government, over 100 people lost their lives due to potholes, he claimed.

Highlighting the corruption prevailing in the state, Kejriwal said bribes are taken to recruit police sub-inspectors and lecturers.

In Karnataka:



Give 75 Lakh

Become Police sub-inspector



Give 25 Lakh

Become a Lecturer



What will such policemen do?

Loot people.



BJP MLA says in 2,500 Crores, you can become CM!



Throw these parties away, bring the honest AAP.



-CM @ArvindKejriwal #KarnatakaWantsKejriwal pic.twitter.com/1UGmRkuB7C March 4, 2023

"Even the MLAs are on sale. The ruling party MLA has said that anyone who has Rs 2,500 crore can become the chief minister in Karnataka. Throw them out and give a chance to the staunch honest AAP," the party chief said.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann too addressed the public meeting.
The National Investigation Agency on Saturday attached property of a slain Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist in Kralpora area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district. The property belonged to Bashir Ahmed Peer alias Imtiyaz Alam, who was recently killed in Pakistan.

He said Imtiyaz was also declared a terrorist under the UAPA by the Union Home Ministry.

The official said land measuring 3 Kanals was attached by the NIA, which was assisted by local police.

Its the third terrorist property that NIA had attached in last three days. Earlier, properties of Mushtaq Zargar Al Umar and Basit Reshi of Hizbul Mujahideen, both presently residing in Pakistan, were seized by NIA. Home ministry had a month before published a list of 150 such people designating them as terrorists under UAPA.
New Delhi: India exercised its right to reply at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to criticize Pakistan for its handling of religious freedom for minorities. Seema Pujani, India's representative, spoke out against Pakistan, stating that no religious minority can practice their faith freely in the country. Specifically, Pujani mentioned the persecution of the Ahmadiyya community. She also accused Pakistan of misusing the UNHRC to spread "malicious propaganda" against India as per an ANI report.

In addition to religious freedom, Pujani brought attention to enforced disappearances in Pakistan. She cited statistics from Pakistan's own commission of inquiry, which received 8463 complaints in the last decade. Pujani stated that the Baloch people are the most affected by this policy and that individuals such as students, doctors, engineers, teachers, and community leaders are regularly disappeared by the state.

"No religious minority can freely live or practice its religion in Pakistan today", Indian Diplomat @IndiaUNGeneva @SeemaPujani at UN HRC pic.twitter.com/tIwCVlO7bX  Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 3, 2023

Pujani also criticized the treatment of the Christian community in Pakistan. She stated that Christians are frequently targeted through draconian blasphemy laws, and that state institutions officially reserve sanitation jobs for Christians. Moreover, she raised concerns about the conversion of underage minority girls, stating that they are often converted to Islam with the aid of a predatory state and an apathetic judiciary.

Pujani also noted that Hindu and Sikh communities face similar issues of frequent attacks on their places of worship and forced conversions of underage girls. She also criticized Pakistan's proposed bill to impose a five-year jail term for anyone who scandalizes or ridicules the military or the judiciary.

Furthermore, Pujani slammed Pakistan for its support of terrorism, claiming that Pakistan's "security agencies have nurtured and sheltered Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar for decades."

She accused Pakistan of actively aiding, hosting, and abetting international terrorists. Pujani recalled that Osama bin Laden lived next to Pakistan's premier military academy, and that Pakistan's policies are directly responsible for the death of thousands of civilians around the world. Pujani also criticized Pakistan's obsession with India, while its population battles for their lives, livelihoods, and freedom.
Rajasthan: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Sekhawat on Saturday filed a defamation suit against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at New Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court for making misleading statements against him. Sekhawat, BJP Lok Sabha MP from Rajasthan`s Jodhpur, has sought financial compensation against Rajasthan CM for damaging his reputation. The Rajasthan CM has accused the Union minister of being involved in the 'Sanjeevani Cooperative Society Scam', which he said has "looted the lifetime deposits of more than one lakh victims amounting to more than Rs 900 crore". Earlier today, Gehlot had said that he will welcome the move of Shekhawat to file a defamation case against him as this will bring the matter into national focus.

"I will welcome it (defamation case). This would expedite the case and help the victims who have lost money to the scam," the chief minister told reporters when asked about Shekhawat's plan to file the defamation case against him in Delhi.

The CM has accused me, he is not worried about the transactions & investments of the credit cooperative society. Even after repeated FIRs, he didnt stop. I have filed a defamation suit against the CM: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat pic.twitter.com/bPlLxpTRE3  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2023

"This man (Shekhawat) should be ashamed of himself. Being a Union minister, he should have called the victims and helped them get justice," he said.

Gehlot said the Rajasthan government is ready to cooperate in the investigation of the case. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah should take note of the scam.

The scam pertains to multi-state cooperative societies. Had it pertained to our state, we would have dealt. Now, this is the Centre's job. We had written to ED for action. But nothing happened: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot pic.twitter.com/0VLbSaw31l  ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2023

The senior Congress leader added that his government has written to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to probe the matter but in vain. He said the right to confiscate property is with the ED and the Special Operations Group of the state police cannot seize the property of the accused.
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], March 4 (ANI): A video of Nitin Girls Senior Secondary School (NGSSS), Jaipur on the UGC-NET examination is circulating on social media where students are seen taking the UGC-NET examination amid chaos and disorder and in the absence of any supervision.

The UGC NET Examination scheduled for March 3, started a bit late at Nitin Girls Senior Secondary School, Jaipur at 9.15 am when 174 candidates successfully logged in, the National Testing Agency (NTA) said in an official statement.

The examination was however disrupted at around 9.30 am by some unscrupulous elements.The electricity supply to some of the rooms was snapped by these elements and amidst the commotion thus created, the examination had to be stopped and Police had to be called in, NTA said.

The UGC NET Examination scheduled for March 3, started a bit late at Nitin Girls Senior Secondary School, Jaipur at 9.15 am when 174 candidates successfully logged in, the National Testing Agency (NTA) said in an official statement.

An additional Observer was also rushed to the spot to assess the situation.According to the statement, finally, the examination started peacefully at 11.15 am and all the candidates were given full three hours to take the examination once it started.

Some candidates opted to appear in the second shift in the same centre.As a proactive measure, seeing the sensitivity of the situation, NTA arranged for the examination of candidates of the second shift at other Jaipur centres, the statement added.

NTA also arranged for buses for candidates to be carried to other Jaipur centres from this centre.Forensic analysis of the answers submitted by the candidates will be done by the NTA before declaring their results.

An FIR is being filed against the miscreants who tried to disrupt the examination, said the statement.A Committee, including cyber security experts, has also been deputed by the NTA to ascertain the other attendant facts.

Meanwhile, till the time the Report of the Committee is received, the Centre in question will not be used for any NTA examination.It is to reiterate that NTA stands committed to the highest standards of professionalism in the conduct of the exams, the statement said. (ANI)

(The above article is sourced from news agency ANI. Zeenews.com has made no editorial changes to the article. News agency ANI is solely responsible for the contents of the article)


Indian Railways is working on the modernisation of the railway network across the nation. The modernisation process includes the revamping of multiple railway stations across India. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal train stations in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai will be renovated as a part of the process using a fund sanctioned by the Union Cabinet of Rs 10,000 crore. Recently, the Ministry of Railways shared pictures of the proposed design of the Ahmedabad Railway Station via their social media handle.

Sharing the pictures, the Ministry of Railways wrote on Twitter, "A grandiose revamp awaits the Ahmedabad Station, inspired by the Modhera Sun Temple, which is integrated with the Ahmedabad HSR station."

Also read: Indian Railways To Run Vande Bharat Express On Mumbai-Goa Route, Minister Danve Confirms

An elevated roof plaza of 648 m by 140 m will be constructed at the Ahmedabad Train Station. Additionally, it will incorporate connectivity with current BRT, bullet trains, metro stations, city buses, and taxis. 13 lane kilometres of elevated roads are planned for the stations.

A grandiose revamp awaits the Ahmedabad Station, inspired by the Modhera Sun Temple, which is integrated with the Ahmedabad HSR station.#NayeBharatKaNayaStation pic.twitter.com/052Csed0KC  Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) March 4, 2023

As per information released earlier, the Modhera Sun Temple served as inspiration for the station's enormous arch and other sun-themed architecture. A new hallmark for the Ahmedabad city will be the new distinctive towers and arch.

In the first phase of modernisation, 199 stations with a daily footfall of 50 lakh are slated to be renovated. On both sides of the railroad tracks, the stations in these cities will be interconnected. There will be amenities like a food court, waiting for space, a kids' play area and a location to sell regional goods.

Earlier, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that the other stations undergoing development are Mehmadabad, Bhavnagar, Dakor, Jamnagar, Ambaji, and Dwarka. It was also revealed that the Ahmedabad Railway Station redevelopment project will cost around Rs 2,372 crore. For redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Program, the national transporter has identified 1,275 railway stations around the nation, including those near the borders.
India's eleventh Vande Bharat Express train will be operated on the Mumbai-Goa route. A group of parliamentarians from Maharashtra were briefed by Union Minister of State for Railways Raosaheb Danve that a Vande Bharat semi-high-speed express train would soon operate on the Mumbai-Goa line. Niranjan Davkhare, who represents the Konkan grads constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, provided this information.

On Friday, Danve and the legislative delegation met. According to a release from Davkhare, the Union minister informed the group that a Vande Bharat Express train would run between Mumbai and Goa.

Also read: Baisakhi 2023: Indian Railways Adds New Destinations to Guru Kripa Yatra Tourist Train

This express train will be operated between Mumbai and Goa on the lines of the ones introduced recently on Mumbai-Shirdi and Mumbai-Solapur routes to curtail travel time, Danve said.

The minister told the delegation that the electrification of the Mumbai-Goa railway route had been completed, and the new train service will be introduced following an inspection.

The delegation discussed several issues concerning railways in Thane and Konkan region with the minister during the meeting. Issues like allotment of stalls to the railway project-affected persons or their relatives, mobile stalls at each railway station for farmers, raising the height of platforms to reduce the gap between them and trains, taking measures to prevent flooding due to the railway bridge at Mahad in Raigad, also came up for discussion, the release said.

The delegation discussed with Danve the demand to extend the Sawantwadi-Diva train service till Dadar, rehabilitation of those residing along the railway tracks under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme, and other issues, it added. The legislators also demanded that the Mumbra station in Thane be renamed as Mumbra Devi station. Danve assured them that action will be taken after the state government submits a proposal to this effect.

With PTI Inputs
Massachusetts and Oregon residents will pay the largest share of their income in taxes this spring, according to a new study from the personal finance site FinanceBuzz.

The average American will pay 19.68 percent of their income in taxes this year, but residents in 24 states face a tax burden that is higher than the national average, the study found.

Massachusetts residents filing as individuals can expect to pay 24.07 percent of their income in taxes this year, while couples filing jointly will pay 23.47 percent.

This steep tax burden is in part due to the Bay State having the highest individual median income in the country  $72,321.

This puts many Massachusetts residents into higher tax brackets where more significant portions of their income are taxed at higher rates, the study states.

Meanwhile, Floridians and Tennesseans will pay the smallest percentage of their income in taxes this year, with residents in both states who file as individuals set to part with 15.67 percent of their 2022 income in taxes.

Florida and Tennessee residents lower tax burdens are due in part to neither state charging state-level income tax, the study noted.

There are at least seven states in the U.S. that do not have state-level income tax, including Florida and Tennessee. But those states usually make up for lack of individual income tax by charging higher property or sales tax.

Here are the 10 states where people will pay the highest share of their income in taxes:

Massachusetts (24.07%) Oregon (23.48%) Connecticut (23.37%) Maryland (22.85%) New York (22.70%) Hawaii (22.66%) Virginia (22.20%) New Jersey (22.10%) Minnesota (21.94%) Illinois (21.50%)

Here are the states where people will pay the smallest share of their income in taxes:

Florida (15.67%) Tennessee (15.67%) South Dakota (15.80%) Nevada (15.93%) Wyoming (15.99%) Texas (16.01%) North Dakota (16.71%) Alaska (17.10%) New Hampshire (17.51%) Arizona (18.01%)

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
New Delhi: Nothing appears to be adding speakers to its range in addition to cellphones and earphones. A render of the company's first-ever speaker has also been leaked by renowned tipster Kuba Wojciechowski, thanks to 91mobiles. The company's other products, the Nothing Phone (1) and Ear (1) TWS earphones, may have a distinctive design comparable to the Nothing speaker, which may not be the marketing brand.

The device will look boxy and contain buttons for volume, power, and other features on either side, according to the rendering. The 'Nothing' logo is in a tiny circular ring on the front of the Nothing speaker, and there also appears to be a red-accented button on the left fascia. (Also Read: International Women's Day 2023: 3 Investment Options You Can Consider)

Moreover, two black speaker cutouts are visible in the photograph. These could be tweakers. Subwoofers might be the two white cutouts at the bottom. Going on, it appears that the device has rubber paddings at the bottom, which, when set on level surfaces, should provide good support and traction.

Regrettably, the Nothing speaker's technical details are currently unknown. The debut date for the Nothing speaker is also unknown at this time. As previously said, we are unsure of the speaker's official title at this time. Nonetheless, we will monitor the information about the device that comes next.

Additionally, the company announced that the Snapdragon 8-series chipset would be used in the Nothing Phone (2) during the MWC 2023 exhibit earlier this week. Although the phone's actual launch date hasn't been disclosed, previous rumours have indicated that it would appear in Q3 2023.
New Delhi: Later this year, OnePlus is anticipated to release the OnePlus Nord CE 3, which is rumoured to be the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G's replacement. A few specifics about the alleged midrange smartphone have previously been alluded to in earlier stories, and online live photos have also appeared.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3's entire specifications and release date were leaked online, and some of this information conflicts with past rumours. As a follow-up to the OnePlus Nord 2 handset, which was released in July 2021, the business is also anticipated to release the Nord 3 smartphone soon. (Also Read: International Women's Day 2023: 3 Investment Options You Can Consider)

According to a report by My Smart Pricing, the OnePlus North CE 3 is scheduled to go on sale in July. The OnePlus North 3 is anticipated to go on sale between mid-June and July. (Also Read: ATTENTION PNB customers! Now You Have To Do THIS While Submitting HIGH-VALUE Cheque)

The OnePlus CE-branded handset would have a 6.72-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, according tipper Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks), who was referenced in the article. Earlier leaks that claimed the phone will probably use an IPS LCD screen are refuted by this information.

A rumoured octa-core Snapdragon 782G processor, together with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, are believed to be included in the OnePlus North CE 3.

According to the rumour, the next OnePlus One CE 3 will have three back cameras: a 2-megapixel macro lens, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 50-megapixel Sony IMX890 main sensor. A 16-megapixel front-facing camera with a hole-punch cutout in the centre will likely be included on the smartphone as well. This camera will be utilised for selfies and video calls.

The phone is anticipated to have an in-display fingerprint sensor and a 5000mAh battery that supports 80W rapid charging, according to the rumour. Also, a variety of connectivity options, like as dual-band Wi-Fi, 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth, and a USB Type-C connector, are predicted for the future OnePlus Nord CE 3.
New Delhi: Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday asserted that freedom of speech cannot be a cover for criminality, illegality and user harm, and emphasised that intermediaries have to be accountable for the content on their platforms. The minister was addressing the valedictory session of the National Conference on Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) organised by the National Human Rights Commission in New Delhi.

Chandrasekhar made it clear that safety and trust cannot be sacrificed at the altar of freedom of speech and privacy, according to an official release. "For decades the model that was followed was that intermediaries were not accountable about the content on their platforms, and encouraged anonymity to prevent traceability of the illegal content. This helped the proliferation of child sexual abuse and other illegalities on the internet," Chandrasekhar said.

An intermediary wanting to do business in India is under obligation to carry out due diligence over the kind of content it carries, the minister said as he outlined the government's firm resolve in ensuring that platforms are accountable to users.

"An intermediary, if it wants to do business in India, is now under obligation to carry out due diligence over the kind of content it carries and if there is content which is illegal or CSAM, it has to inform us about the first originator when a court order is produced," the minister said. He pointed out that the government and the intermediaries are not in any kind of adversarial relationship, and said it is in their joint interest to ensure that the internet is safe and trusted from exploitative material such as CSAM.

The minister - while referring to CSAM content in the domain of online gaming - said, "there are thousands of games which are gamified CSAM's ? we are in the process of enacting news rules under the IT Act which will make it very difficult for games that will incorporate CSAM to be available on the Indian internet". The minister also spoke of the upcoming Digital India Act, that will be a contemporaneous legislation, to deal with everything necessary to ensure that the internet in India is safe and trusted for the digital 'nagriks'.

"India will chart its own course to ensure that the internet is safe and trusted, not just for adults but also for children," Chandrasekhar asserted.
Kanpur: A GRP constable saved the life of a woman who jumped from a moving train at Kanpur Central Railway Station. The woman, who mistakenly boarded the wrong train at Platform No. 1 jumped from it with her child and fell. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. In the video, a woman carrying a child can be seen trying to get down from a moving train when she loses her balance and falls on the platform. Thankfully, a GRP cop saw the incident unfolding and saved the woman and her kid. The cop was identified as Head constable Shailendra Kumar, posted on duty at GRP station. The woman named Rachna Srivastava from Gwalior was travelling with her two kids to Unnao.

Train(ed) to rescue- Saluting the heroic act of HC Shailendra of #UPGRP who saved a woman from falling off the railway track with incredible agility at Kanpur central railway stn. Boarding or disembarking a moving train can be fatal & should be avoided at all cost. #HeroesOfUPP pic.twitter.com/IaHdZvvDli  UP POLICE (@Uppolice) March 4, 2023

The entire incident was captured in the CCTV camera. UP Police's official Twitter handle applauded the brave act of the cop. It said, "Train(ed) to rescue- Saluting the heroic act of HC Shailendra of UP GRP who saved a woman from falling off the railway track with incredible agility at Kanpur central railway stn. Boarding or disembarking a moving train can be fatal & should be avoided at all cost."
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Theres a specter haunting the housing market: the ghost of last years mortgage rates. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hit 7.10% on Thursday, the highest reading since November of last year. Higher mortgage rates triggered a drop in demand. Meanwhile homeowners whove locked in lower mortgage rates are choosing not to sell, tightening available inventory. That means that the market is losing buyers looking to move up and losing sellers looking to move up, so this lock-in effect is constraining both sides of the market.

More from Fortune:

Record-low homeowner vacancy rates have essentially depleted housing inventory and materially tightened supply, Goldman Sachs analysts wrote in a research note last week. On net, this implies a muted impact from [new build] completions on the current supply/demand balance of housing and, ultimately, prices.

Even if every single-family home under construction was completed and listed on the market immediately afterward, Goldman Sachs added, that months supply of homes would still be below historic averages, despite the current pipeline of new homes under construction being historically large.

With rates moving closer to their peak of 7.37%, homeowners that locked in lower rates during the Pandemic Housing Boom (or earlier, as rates had been low for years), are choosing not to sell and retain their low rates, often of 3% or less. According to Goldman Sachs, 99% of borrowers have a mortgage rate lower than 6% or the current market rate, and around 28% of those have rates below 3%.

Think about it like this, if you took on a $600,000 mortgage and your rate is 7%, your monthly principal and interest payment would be $3,992. But with the same size loan and a rate of 3%, your monthly payment is slightly over $2,530 a month.

Story continues

Finance and economics professor at the University of South Alabama, Bob Wood, told Fortune that he locked in a fixed 15-year mortgage rate of around 3% when he purchased his home in Mobile, Alabama, in 2014.

The way that the rates are up so much right now, it just doesnt make sense [to sell], Wood said.

Wood and his wife were looking to downsize, and after pricing it out a few times, they were happy with the numbers they were seeing. But now that rates have gone up, if they sell, theyll have to pay almost double for a smaller home. Wood said theyre just not willing to do that, so theyre planning on holding off and waiting for rates to moderate.

Weve got time to do this, and its not critical, Wood told Fortune. So we just think that well ride it out, and hopefully in the next 12 to 18 months, the market will move down. As Goldman writes, they are far from alone.

In January, existing home sales fell by 0.7%, for the twelfth straight decline, with all regions experiencing a year-over-year decline, according to the National Association of Realtors. Additionally, the number of new listings fell 18.7% in January compared to the same time the previous year, according to Redfin.

So it seems that inventory will stay tight and we might see greater declines, as the 99% of borrowers that have rates below the current market rate hold on to their old rates.

Retail district manager, Cory Kinman, refinanced his home in Riverside, California in August 2021 with a rate around 2.42% after purchasing it in 2016 at around 3.68%. Kinman told Fortune he saves around $500 on his monthly payments after refinancing. But hes actually splitting his time between California and Portland, Oregon, after getting a new job. Instead of losing his low rate that hes locked in and selling his home, hes renting an apartment in Portland and traveling between the two states for workwhich he says is cheaper because of how reasonable his mortgage payments are.

I cant afford to sell because I dont want to lose that rate, Kinman told Fortune. If I ever want to move back to California, its going to be impossible because Ill never get a rate lower [than that]. So I am scared as hell to let go of the house at that rate, and I also cant afford to buy in Portland because the pricing and the rates are too high.

If rates werent so high, Kinman said, hed sell the home and purchase in Portland. Kinman's hoping to eventually purchase a second property in Portland, so that he wont have to give up his low rateif he doesnt find a job back in California right away.

While Goldman Sachs expects the so-called lock-in effect to constrain the U.S. housing market, the investment bank doesn't think it'll be enough to stop the home price correction. Heading forward, Goldman Sachs expects national house prices will fall 6.1% in 2023.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

More from Fortune:






FILE PHOTO: The logo of Foxconn is seen outside a company's building in Taipei, Taiwan

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn said on Saturday it was seeking cooperation in India in new areas like chips and electric vehicles (EVs) after a visit to the country by its chairman, Liu Young-way.

Apple has been shifting production away from China after the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions disrupted the manufacturing of new-model iPhones and other devices, and amid tensions between Beijing and Washington.

In January, India's trade minister said Apple, which began iPhone assembly in the country in 2017 through Wistron Corp and later Foxconn, wants India to account for up to 25% of its production from about 5% to 7% currently.

Taiwan's Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker and formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, said Liu had visited India from Feb. 27 to Saturday.

"My trip this week supported Foxconn's efforts to deepen partnerships, meet old friends and make new ones, and seek cooperation in new areas such as semiconductor development and electric vehicles," Liu said in a statement.

Foxconn has ambitious plans to make EVs, and is also looking to make chips.

"On the basis to share, collaborate and thrive together, Foxconn will continue to communicate with local governments to seek the most beneficial development opportunities for the company and all stakeholders," Liu added.

He did not mention any new concrete investment plans in the country, and Foxconn has not announced any since his trip.

Apple's iPhones will soon be assembled at another site in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, and 300 acres (120 hectares) have been aside to set up a factory, the state government said on Friday.

Currently, iPhones are assembled in India by at least three of Apple's global suppliers - Foxconn and Pegatron in Tamil Nadu, and Wistron in Karnataka.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by William Mallard)
Press Release

March 4, 2023 Villar calls for wildlife protection Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, encouraged everyone to protect our wildlife, noting that we will be adversely affected by its damage or loss. "We owe it to the future generation to conserve and protect our wildlife resources. It is part of our duty to leave this world better than we found it," said Villar during the celebration of World Wildlife Day 2023 in the Philippines led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Toni Loyzaga. "Let us not act harshly in ways that will threaten the delicate balance that sustains all life on earth. Let us make sure that the future generations will still encounter and co-exist with an abundance of plants and animals, and not just see them in old pictures," further stated Villar. On March 3 of each year, she said, we observe the World Wildlife Day to celebrate and to raise awareness on our amazing biodiversity due to the presence of wild animals and plants, and their contributions to our lives and the earth. The senator noted that March 3 also commemorates the birth of CITES or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed in 1973. "This year is a milestone for it is the 50th anniversary of the Convention. And the theme "Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation" was chosen in recognition of the collaborative work and partnerships done for sustainability, wildlife and biodiversity conservation." As an advocate for wildlife conservation, she extolled championing the protection of a Ramsar site and a legislated protected area (PA) in her home city- the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park {LPPWP). LPPWP is a habitat and sanctuary of wild migratory and endemic birds. When Villar was first designated as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment in the 17th Congress, she strongly pushed for the passage of RA No. 11038 (ENIPAS Act of 2018) which strengthened the legal framework for the establishment, management and maintenance of all PAs. The Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018 facilitated the legislation of 94 protected areas (PAs) and 13 PAs individually legislated under the original NIPAS law. Under the 18th Congress, seven more PAs were legislated under her watch- to a total of 114 legislated protected areas measuring 4.4 M hectares. She expects to sponsor at the plenary the committee report on the Revised Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection bill before Congress adjourns sine die this coming June. "The revision of the law is needed because the violative act and other atrocities being committed against wildlife and their habitats today are made up of acts that were not contemplated 22 years ago," she said. " The incidence of wildlife crimes has evolved and grown, the violators have become more equipped, made use of modern technology and social media, and they act in syndicates," she further stated. She hopes to get the support of all her fellow senators. Villar, nanawagang protektahan ang wildlife Tinagubilinan ni Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson ng Senate committee on environment and natural resources, ang lahat na protektahan ang ating wildlife dahil sa masamang epekto ng pinsala o pagkawala nito. "We owe it to the future generation to conserve and protect our wildlife resources. It is part of our duty to leave this world better than we found it," pahayag ni Villar sa pagdiriwang ng World Wildlife Day 2023 sa pangunguna ni Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Toni Loyzaga. "Let us not act harshly in ways that will threaten the delicate balance that sustains all life on earth. Let us make sure that the future generations will still encounter and co-exist with an abundance of plants and animals, and not just see them in old pictures," ani Villar. Tuwing March 3 kada taon, ipinagdiriwang ang World Wildlife Day upang pukawin ang kamalayan sa mga nakamamanghang biodiversity dulot ng wild animals at halaman at ang kanilang ambag sa atin. Ipinagdiriwang din sa March 3 ang pagbuo sa CITES o ang Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora na nilagdaan noong 1973. "This year is a milestone for it is the 50th anniversary of the Convention. And the theme 'Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation' was chosen in recognition of the collaborative work and partnerships done for sustainability, wildlife and biodiversity conservation." Bilang advocate ng wildlife conservation, isinusulong ni Villar ang pag-aalaga sa Ramsar site at legislated protected area (PA) sa kanyang bayan sa Las Pinas City- Ang Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park {LPPWP). Habitat at sanctuary ng wild migratory at endemic birds ang LPPWP. Nang unang italagang Chairperson ng Senate Committee on Environment noong 17th Congress, isinulong niya ang RA No. 11038 (ENIPAS Act of 2018) na nagpapalakas sa legal framework sa pagtatayo, pangangasiwa at pagpapanatili sa lahat ng PAs. Napadali ng Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018 ang legislation ng 94 protected areas (PAs) at 13 PAs na individually legislated sa ilalim ng original NIPAS law. Noong 18th Congress, may pito pang PAs ang naisabatas sa ilalim rin ng kanyang pamumuno na ngayon ay nasa kabuuang 114 legislated protected areas at may sukat na 4.4 M ektarya. Umaasa siyang ma-sponsor sa plenaryo ang committee report sa Revised Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection bill bago mag-adjourn ang Kongreso sa Hunyo. "The revision of the law is needed because the violative act and other atrocities being committed against wildlife and their habitats today aremade up of acts that were not contemplated 22 years ago," sabi pa ni Villar. " The incidence of wildlife crimes has evolved and grown, the violators have become more equipped, made use of modern technology and social media, and they act in syndicates," dagdag pa niya Umaasa siyang makukuha suporta ng mga kasamahang senator.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A program to address the risks of outbound U.S. investment in areas with sensitive technology potentially harmful to national security would cost $10 million if set up this fiscal year, according to a U.S. Treasury Department report obtained by Reuters.

The report surfaced as President Joe Biden's administration weighs restrictions on outbound investments, and the president prepares to release his proposed budget for the next fiscal year that starts in October.

U.S. lawmakers have been pushing the administration to boost oversight of investments by U.S. companies and individuals in other countries, particularly China, citing concerns over national security and supply chain issues, and have urged the president to issue an executive order.

Congress sought the analysis from the Treasury Department, which would lead any such program's implementation, as well as a review by the U.S. Commerce Department, which would coordinate with Treasury.

In its analysis, Treasury said it would need about $10 million to set up the program for fiscal year 2023 and that it anticipated Biden would ask for additional resources in his proposal, scheduled to be released on Thursday.

While the president can request resources, it is up to Congress to pass any funding into law.

"I am excited we should expect to see support for outbound investment review reflected in the president's ... budget," Rosa DeLauro, the ranking Democrat on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, said in a statement. She added that she would seek to support any executive action on outbound investment through legislation.

The Treasury report did not cite China specifically.

"As currently contemplated, the program would ... focus on investments that could result in the advancement of military and dual-use technologies by countries of concern. The investments that would be subject to the program are of a nature that they are not presently captured by export controls, sanctions, or other related authorities," it said.

Story continues

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, speaking at a Bloomberg News event on Thursday, said any ultimate restrictions on U.S. investors should not "be overly broad," and added that the department was considering a "pilot program" on outbound investment controls.

Asked by Reuters after the event how long it would take to put restrictions in place, Raimondo said: "months not years for sure. We're on it every day working it. We're talking to industry, talking to stakeholders, talking to Treasury whose going to have to administer this."

The Commerce Department, in a separate report to Congress seen by Reuters on Saturday, said it would need adequate resources to take action but did not cite a specific amount, adding that it expected Biden's budget to seek additional funding.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; writing by Susan Heavey; editing by Paul Simao)
Hy-Vee has announced its newest initiative to help fight hunger across its eight-state region.

The supermarket chain is launching a major campaign now through the end of the year to provide 100 million meals to the Feeding America network of partner food banks across the Midwest. This collaborative campaign brings together Feeding America partner food banks, manufacturers and suppliers, as well as Hy-Vee customers to help support people across the Midwest who are experiencing food insecurity.

The 100 Million Meals Challenge began March 1 with a register round up across all Hy-Vee, Dollar Fresh Market and Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations. Customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar during checkout to donate to the challenge. All funds collected at stores will go directly to partner food banks serving their local community. Customers can also donate online by going to www.feedingamerica.org/hy-vee.

In addition to customer donations, Hy-Vee is working with national food manufacturers and suppliers to provide food and funds to benefit the 18 Feeding America partner food banks that operate in its eight-state region. Those food banks support thousands of local pantries that provide food to families every day. For every $1 donated, Feeding America can help provide at least 10 meals on behalf of local member food banks.

The 100 Million Meals Challenge launches in conjunction with the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The new season takes the green flag on Sunday, March 5, on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Hy-Vee will promote the challenge throughout the race season with prominence and special activities during its Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend, July 21-23, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.
The public is invited to obtain free tickets to see Ken Jennings, Jeopardy! co-host and former champion, who will headline this years Nebraska Science Festival on April 6 at the Boys Town Music Hall on the Boys Town campus.

Tickets for the general admission seating to Artificial Intelligence: Are Humans in Jeopardy? will be released online at Eventbrite (up to four per person) at 6 a.m. on Monday, March 6, on a first-come, first-served basis. The link will go live that morning; check the Nebraska Science Festival website for more information.

Although the April 6 presentation is free, tickets are required for admittance when doors open at 7 p.m. The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for past keynote speakers have gone quickly. If you are unable to obtain tickets online, you may come to the venue on April 6 and any open seats at 7:25 p.m. will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jennings will headline the 2023 Nebraska Science Festival, which runs from April 1 through 30 and features an array of science- and technology-related activities in communities across the state. The festival is geared toward making science accessible, interactive, relevant and fun for all ages.

Jennings rose to fame in 2004 when he spent six months as a contestant on Jeopardy! His 74-game streak and $2.52 million in winnings still are Jeopardy! records. Today, he is a permanent co-host for the show with Mayim Bialik.

During his keynote, Jennings will describe the behind-the-scenes account of his 2011 epic battle with IBMs Watson, the super-intelligent supercomputer specifically designed to beat the worlds best players at Jeopardy! He also will pose important questions for anyone interested in  or, thanks to Hollywood, terrified by  the idea of increasingly sentient machines that can reason and learn.

Presented by UNMC, the Nebraska Science Festival is a collaboration of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy. In addition to UNMC, other sponsors, to date, are Boys Town, Metro Credit Union and media sponsor KETV.

In addition to the Nebraska Science Festival website, SciFest updates and information are available on Twitter and Facebook.
Saturday

HomeStore open, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 701 E. Dodge St., Fremont. The HomeStore sells donated items at discounted prices. Proceeds support the mission of Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity.

Men of Integrity Prayer Breakfast, 8 a.m., Lighthouse Ministry Center, 84 W. Sixth St., downtown Fremont. Men of all ages are invited for a time of fun, fellowship and breakfast by Valentinos. The music guest will be Ken Gasken. The guest speaker will be Lt. Nick Morris of the Fremont Fire Dept.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous womens heart-to-heart group, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Cedar Bluffs PTO Adult Bingo Night, 7 p.m., Cedar Bluffs Auditorium. This is a 21-and-over event. Admission is $10 at the door (cash only). Bingo cards will be one for $1 or six for $5. Sixteen games will be played. There will be drawings and a grand prize. Snacks and water will be served. Attendees also are welcome to bring a beverage of their choice.

Spiritual 12-Step Recovery Program, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous The Lie is Dead meeting, 8 p.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Sunday

Alcoholics Anonymous Happy Sober Sunday Group, 9 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Seekers of Serenity meeting, 10:30 a.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511.

Fremont Eagles Club open, noon to 6 p.m., 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business.

Chili Cook Off, 4-7 p.m., Five-O-Five Brewing Co, 349 N. Main St., Fremont. Attendees who provide a freewill donation can try the chili and vote for their favorite. The winner of the chili cook off will get to choose a local non-profit organization to donate all freewill donations collected.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Dodge County Radio Emergency Associated Communication Team (REACT), 6:30 p.m., St. James Church, Fifth and D streets, Fremont. For more information, call 402-687-2160.

Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday speaker, 7:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Monday

TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 9 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 850 N. Broad St., Fremont. Weigh-ins begin at 8 a.m. Visitors (preteens, teens and adults  male and female) are welcome. The first meeting is free.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont.

Lightkeepers Womens Group, 10 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.

Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. There will be a trustees meeting at 4 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont

Celebrate Recovery, 6:30 p.m., Fremont Church of the Nazarene, 960 Johnson Road.

American Legion Post 20 meeting, 7 p.m., Eagles Club, 649 N. Main St., Fremont.

Fremont Parks & Recreation Board meeting, 7 p.m., Fremont Municipal Buildings second-floor conference room, 400 E. Military Ave. The meeting is open to the public.

Fresh Hope Mental Health Support Group, 7 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont.

Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont.

Alcoholics Anonymous 12x12 meeting, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont.
In last months column, I discussed the various functions and responsibilities of the Attorney Generals Office. For this months column, I want to focus on a very important role of your Attorney General helping to ensure that the boundaries in the Constitution are respected. These boundaries are crucial to the functioning of our democratic republic.

One critical boundary is the separation of powers. This principle is straightforward  it means no one individual, or no one branch of government, has complete power. Thomas Paine once observed, no country can be called free which is governed by an absolute power, and our common sense and our knowledge of the human condition tells us that supreme power in one individual puts us on a dangerous path. Americans of goodwill  whether Democrat, Republican, or anything else  should be wary towards the concentration of power, no matter the policy at stake.

That means enforcing the United States Constitution. Our founding document distributes power in multiple ways. It distributes power between the states and the federal government, and it distributes power between various branches of the federal government. Congress has the power of the purse and the power to create legislation; it does not enforce laws. The President enforces legislation yet cannot enact laws. The Judiciary interprets laws, but it cannot enforce them.

The distribution of power sometimes may make change slower than one would like. Legislating is difficult and often times our preferred policy initiatives cannot muster the necessary votes to pass. When I served in the Nebraska Legislature, including as the Speaker, there were policy battles in which my preferred policy fell short of the votes needed to pass. The appropriate answer to those moments was to win more elections and persuade more people  not to give the Governor the power to write his or her own laws.

This principle is at stake in a current and important case pending before the United States Supreme Court, Biden v. Nebraska. Student-loan debt, including the causes of such debt and the impact on students and taxpayers, is a hotly debated topic in our country. And it is a topic that has grabbed the attention of Congress. During the 2019-2020 legislative session, more than 80 student-loan-forgiveness bills and other student-loan legislation were introduced in Congress, including a COVID-relief bill that provided for discharge of student loans up to $10,000. Yet despite multiple opportunities to do so, Congress has not passed student-loan-discharge legislation.

Congresss refusal to enact such a law presents one set of choices for change  persuade more members of Congress or elect more members of Congress who would vote to discharge student loan debt. The Biden Administration decided that the loans should be discharged anyway  resulting in more than a $400 billion hit to the federal treasury (far more than the annual budget of the Department of Homeland Security) without a vote of Congress. If Congress did not pass the specific student-loan-discharge bills, how could the President claim the authority to discharge those loans?

Through a 9/11-era bill known as the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003 (HEROES Act). But that law, which was enacted shortly after the start of the Iraq War, was passed for the primary purpose of ensuring that active-duty military may pause their student-loan payments while serving our country. Congress gave no hint when adopting the HEROES Act that it intended to eliminate student loans, let alone the massive amount of debt canceled through this program. And no administration has used it to erase student-loan debt.

How does the Administration justify its action? By claiming that we are in a national emergency because of COVID-19. But the Administration has repeatedly told the American public that the pandemic is over. The President cannot tell the public one thing and the Court another.

Nebraska, leading a coalition of other states, has called foul. Because the HEROES Act was never intended to provide this kind of widespread loan discharge, it does not contain the language necessary to support such an action. And because utilizing that law to support the discharge would allow the President to usurp the power of Congress, we have argued that the action was unlawful. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit put the program on hold, and the Administration has appealed to the United States Supreme Court. As this column publishes, the Court is considering the merits and has not acted yet.

The scope of the power the President claims is breathtaking and should alarm Americans of good faith and goodwill  no matter their political stripe and no matter what they think of the merits of the policy of student loan discharge. If the Presidents actions here are found lawful, you can bet that future Republican and Democrat administrations will scour old and obscure laws to find a slim legal hook to achieve their major policy preferences not contemplated by the original legislation.

National crises are problems to be navigated  not causes for amassing presidential power. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the President keeps pushing his luck, and the Supreme Court keeps pushing back. The pandemic is now behind us. One can only hope the same is true of the Presidents efforts to use it to expand his powers.
Is journalism really necessary? I mean weve got TikTok and Twitter and Facebook now, and the internet lets any person, company or government entity that wants to tell their story themselves become their own publisher.

Clearly many Americans dont think journalists add much to society given our low approval ratings and the hundreds of towns that have let their papers die. And certainly many politicians dont see the need. A law proposed last week in Florida would presume information from anonymous sources to be false and remove protections that allow journalists to shield the identity of sources if they are sued.

But a few hundred of us who got the once-in-a-lifetime honor of hearing Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov last week in Denver and Colorado Springs heard a powerful testament to the importance of journalism.

Muratov is editor of Novaya Gazeta (New Gazette), a fiercely independent newspaper in Russia that has been a tenacious watchdog for many years. Seven of his journalists have been killed during his long fight to expose corruption, electoral fraud and human rights violations. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2021 for risking his life to bring light to Russia.

Yes, we growl and bite, he said of the press. Yes, we have sharp teeth and strong grip. But we are the prerequisite for progress. We are the antidote to tyranny.

Muratov reminded us that for a brief shining moment, thanks to Mikhail Gorbachev, Russia was a democracy with an unfettered free press. And then in the blink of an eye, it was gone.

Boris Yeltsin, Gorbachevs successor, at one time said, I am ready to grind my teeth into flour, if necessary, but I will not shut the press down, Muratov said. Yeltsin kept his word while he was premier.

Gorbachev and Yeltsin were able to say goodbye to communism with no bloodshed, Muratov told a crowd of 600 at the Ent Center in Colorado Springs. Then the Russian elite betrayed the Russian people. The people wanted democracy. He said they still do.

It was bracing to hear the unalloyed, unspun, unfiltered people's view from inside Russia.

When Putin took power, the oligarchs who were loyal to Putin gained access to all the oil, gas, and natural resources, but the Russian people were left with nothing.

Democracy is goods you sell at boutique store, the oligarchs told the Russian people, according to Muratov. It is something you cannot afford. They told people we have democracy, we do have it, but you dont have it because you cannot afford it. As a result, those in power had yachts to ride around in, and the people had to line up in queues for bread.

That was how democracy was killed by people who call themselves democrats.

His implicit warning was that it could happen here as well.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Muratov and other journalists co-founded Novaya Gazeta, which soon became a leading advocate for democracy and freedom of expression in Russia.

Gorbachev helped fund the paper and became co-owner in 2006.

But when Putin took power, he decided all media outlets must be turned into state outlets again.

When we started investigating corruption, the journalists started facing problems," Muratov said. "The corruption turned into an industry in its own right.

During Putin's early years, Muratov lost two journalists, including his deputy, who were working on corruption in the government at the highest levels of power. Muratov said his deputy was poisoned. No skin was left on his body. I saw him a few days before he passed away. He was 53 years old at the time. But in the coffin I saw a 100-year-old man.

Afterwards, Muratov wanted to close the newspaper down, because it was dangerous for a journalists life. The journalists opposed their editor in chief," he recalled. "So did Gorbachev, so we continued our work."

He said his journalists wanted to fulfill what they saw as their duty to society. And theyre risking their very lives. And yet, a lot of young, beautiful, promising young people are coming to our editorial office who want to work for us.

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But the newspaper was shut down anyway, by a judge, after the Ukrainian war started.

Novaya Gazeta was shut down completely because it was in the way of covering what was called the special military operation. A European edition was launched soon after to get around the censorship, but its website was soon blocked. But Russians are still reading Gazeta journalism via Virtual Personal Networks (VPNs) that the government cant block.

Muratov was not alone. Over 300 independent media outlets were shut down over the last year. Journalism is essentially outlawed in Russia.

Thousands of professionals are simply forced into emigration, Muratov said. But Muratov is not one of the emigrants.

When asked why he isnt concerned about the risks to himself despite still living and working in Moscow, he demurred.

Journalists of Novaya Gazeta never publicly discuss their own safety, he said. Instead he shifted the focus quickly to the greater risks faced by political prisoners, the protesting mothers of soldiers, and the children of Ukraine.

On average last year, he explained, a Ukrainian kid spent 960 hours in a bomb shelter while being bombed. I cant imagine the trauma these kids will retain for the rest of their lives.

Inside Russia, people are being trained to embrace death, rewarded for it. "Each dead soldier is compensated at around $180,000," Muratov said. It would take 25 years for a Russian to normally earn that much.

Just like in the days of Stalin, "The cult of death is being celebrated."

He made a heartfelt plea for the worlds support for the scatterlings of Russia, for the journalists who have left but are still doing their job.

They must be read and should be read," he added. "This generation should be helped, supported. They are where the future of the country lies.

I think the world is wise enough and smart enough to understand this, and the world is helping."

He mentioned, for example, that when he decided to auction off his Nobel Prize to help the children of Ukraine, the prize sold for $103 million, and the money was used to help almost half a million Ukrainian kids.

This must continue. Everyone must overcome their own fatigue of the war.

After three standing ovations, he ended his testimony with a parable and a plea.

Theres a beach covered in thousands of starfish, and theres a boy who is throwing one after another back in the ocean. The boy is asked, what is the point of all of this?

And the boy said, I saved the fish that I could save, Muratov told us.

Everyone must have a fish that they should save.

I do not know how much time we have left on earth, but lets live it as human beings.
Across the nation, a drug-resistant stomach bug is on the rise.

Colorado saw an uptick over the fall in similar bacterial infections that can cause diarrhea for several days to a week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about the bacteria, called Shigella, last week because the number of drug-resistant cases of the infections are up and treatment options for those cases are limited.

Typically, the bacteria infects about 450,000 people each year and the number of cases that don't respond to antibiotics are up to 5% from none in 2015, according to the CDC.

The agency asked health care providers to report cases because of the "potentially serious public health concerns" the rise poses.

In Colorado, the spread of shigella increased last fall, a time when it normally would have been on the decline, said Paul Galloway with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Overall the number of reported cases rose from about 250 in previous years to 373 in 2022, he said.

Among those cases, 32 were "extensively drug-resistant." The state health department identified several outbreaks and clusters of cases mostly among men, he said.

Last year in El Paso County, 57 cases were reported, including three drug-resistant cases. This year, nine cases have been reported in the county, said Michelle Beyrle, a spokeswoman for El Paso County Public Health.

Transmission has slowed this year, Galloway said via email.

While drug-resistant cases are up, most people with shigella recover without treatment. In rare cases, however, it can cause hospitalization and death.

Children under 5 are the most at risk of infection, the CDC said.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as well as those with depressed immune systems also are at higher risk.

Shigella is spread by swallowing it, according to the CDC. Often people get it on their hands after touching surfaces, such as bathroom fixtures and then touch their mouth. Contaminated water, such as lake or improperly treated swimming pool water can spread the disease. It can also be transmitted through sexual or person-to-person contact.

To avoid infection, wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food and after changing diapers. Also avoid sexual contact with those who have an infection for two weeks after their diarrhea has ended, Galloway said.
A lawsuit filed in federal court alleges that a former Colorado Springs police officer sustained injuries that forced him to retire as a result of a "reckless" car chase by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

The lawsuit, filed by the Antero Law offices in the U.S. District Court of Colorado on Oct. 15, 2022, is seeking relief for damages incurred by former officer Steven Wren in the 2019 accident.

"We are seeking justice for Mr. Wren and to hold (the El Paso County Sheriff's Office) accountable for failing to follow its own policies and procedures governing vehicle pursuits," Antero attorney Zachary Mugge wrote in a statement to The Gazette. "The pursuit put the lives and safety of the community in danger, and it was not a question of if, but when, someone would be hurt. "

The incident began on Oct. 18, 2019, when the Sheriff's Office witnessed Kaleb Miles driving a stolen truck in the Falcon area.

Miles' and his girlfriend Brooke Macklin's interaction with law enforcement began when the couple drove by a sheriff's deputy's vehicle, and the deputy began to pursue. However, the lawsuit alleges the deputy "called off the pursuit out of concerns over creating an unreasonable risk of danger to those involved and to innocent bystanders," due to the dangerous speed at which Miles was driving.

Later the same day, the Sheriff's Office was notified of Miles and Macklin being seen stealing gasoline at a Safeway in Falcon, according to the lawsuit, and responded by sending deputies in pursuit.

The second pursuit of Miles would result in deputies chasing Miles as he drove upward of 70 mph, even reaching speeds of 100 mph at times, according to the lawsuit, and driving into oncoming traffic.

The lawsuit claims that CSPD was asked to join the pursuit, but that CSPD determined the pursuit was too dangerous and declined.

The lawsuit goes on to claim that several sheriff's deputies also deemed the pursuit too dangerous and backed off, while other deputies did not. The lawsuit claims that the Sheriff's Office violated its own policies in continuing the pursuit.

"(The El Paso County Sheriff's Office)s vehicle pursuit policies and procedures required the Lieutenant and Deputies to properly weigh the risks of danger and harm to the public," Mugge said via statement. "Instead of doing so, (the Sheriff's Office)s chase reached speeds of 100 mph, blew through red lights and stop signs, drove into oncoming lanes of traffic, and cut through medians and over curbs.

"Traffic conditions that Friday afternoon were heavy, and countless civilians had to swerve off the road and slam on their brakes to avoid collisions."

The second pursuit of Miles lasted nearly an hour and resulted in three multicar collisions, one in the county and two in Colorado Springs, with the third multicar collision occurring when Miles captured and arrested by sheriff's deputies.

The lawsuit alleges that on the afternoon of Oct. 18, Wren was sitting at a red light at the intersection of North Academy Boulevard and Austin Bluffs Parkway when the stolen truck "came barreling down Austin Bluffs Parkway traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes and blew through a red light at a high rate of speed into cross-traffic traveling with the green signal, all while two (sheriff's) vehicles driven by Deputy Scott Brettell and Nicholas Witherite, respectively, continued in pursuit."

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Miles' truck hit a vehicle driving through the intersection before crashing into the driver's-side door of Wren, who was still sitting at the red light, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit says the collision resulted in Wren suffering a multilevel compression fracture of his thoracic spine, as well as injuries to his left shoulder, arm and hand.

"The Fire and Police Pension Association determined that Mr. Wren suffered a Permanent Occupational Disability, and Mr. Wren, who was 37 years old at the time of the collision, was medically retired from the Colorado Springs Police Department," the lawsuit says.

CSPD spokesperson Lt. Pamela Castro confirmed a Steven Wren was a former officer with the department, but retired in 2021. Castro said it's against CSPD policy to disclose why Wren retired or if medical status played a part.

The lawsuit alleges that Wren has not been able to "return to meaningful work," due to the injuries suffered in the collision, Mugge said.

Previous reporting from The Gazette says that on Oct. 15, 2019, Miles approached a couple at a Walmart, attempted to steal their car, and a shotgun into the bumper of the car when the couple refused to give them the keys.

Previous reporting also confirms Miles was part of a car chase with the Sheriff's Office on Oct. 18, 2019, and that he plowed his pickup truck "through at least a dozen cars as he fled sheriffs deputies."

Inmate records show Miles is currently in the Crowley County Correctional Facility on a 28-year prison sentence split between three different 2019 cases in El Paso County, including convictions in to the theft and law enforcement pursuit on Oct. 18.

Wren and his attorneys have made a jury demand over the claims listed in the lawsuit, which names the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, El Paso County, former Sheriff Bill Elder and four sheriff's deputies as defendants.

Sheriff's spokesperson Lt. Deb Mynatt told The Gazette: "Per Sheriffs Office policy, we do not provide comment to pending litigation."

In the scheduling order for the case filed in February, it's stated that it's the position of the defendants that all injuries sustained by Wren were at the direct fault of Miles, and not the Sheriff's Office or its deputies.

The document also states its the position of the defendants that "the injuries [suffered] by Plaintiff following the collision with the Miles vehicle, if any occurred, preexisted that October 18, 2019, collision," and "defendants dispute the nature and extent of the Plaintiffs damages as well as the causation of any claimed damages and/or injuries."

The lawsuit against the Sheriff's Office remains open, with discovery from both parties due on Aug. 31.
MESA COUNTY, Colo.  A Mesa County jury on Friday returned a split verdict against former county clerk Tina Peters, who was arrested on multiple obstruction charges in February 2022.

Jurors found Peters guilty of obstruction of government operations but acquitted her on a charge of obstruction of a peace officer. She's scheduled for sentencing April 10.

Grand Junction Police approached Peters in a bagel shop in Feb. 8, 2022, to execute a warrant related to her iPad, on which she is suspected of improperly recording a court hearing for her deputy clerk.

The arrest affidavit states that officers detained Peters while attempting to seize the iPad, and Peters attempted to kick one of the officers.

The verdict on Friday only applies to Peters' obstruction case. She still faces felony criminal charges in a separate case related to her alleged involvement in a data security breach involving the county's election equipment.

For more on this story about Tina Peters' split verdict, visit our news partners, 9NEWS.
Former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters was convicted Friday in Grand Junction on a misdemeanor obstruction charge for refusing to turn over a tablet computer authorities allege she used to record a court hearing in defiance of a judge's instructions.

The county jury split its verdict after a two-day trial, acquitting Peters on a related misdemeanor charge of obstruction of a peace officer. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10.

The obstruction charges are separate from criminal charges Peters faces related to allegations she helped breach the county's secure election equipment in 2021 in an attempt to find evidence that Colorado's voting system is rigged.

She has pleaded not guilty to seven felony and four misdemeanor charges in that case, which is scheduled to go to trial in August.

A leading promoter of the baseless theory that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump, Peters is campaigning to run Colorado's Republican Party as its state chair in a March 11 election.

Last summer, Peters lost a GOP primary for secretary of state, the state's top election official. She didn't seek reelection to a second term as county clerk.

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Police handcuffed and briefly detained Peters on Feb. 8, 2022, after she tried to kick one of the officers at a Grand Junction bagel shop while local prosecutors attempted to seize an iPad under a search warrant, according to the arrest affidavit.

Authorities said they were seeking to determine if Peters had recorded portions of a court hearing a day earlier involving a former subordinate after the judge had reminded Peters that use of electronic recording devices was prohibited in the courtroom.

That hearing involved Belinda Knisley, a former Mesa County chief deputy clerk, who had been suspended the previous year based on allegations she created a hostile work environment. She was later also charged in the voting system data breach.

Witnesses at Peters' trial this week testified that she repeatedly told investigators that the iPad wasn't hers and belonged to someone named Tammy Bailey, though her lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, said that the name was an alias used by Peters, possibly for security reasons, The Associated Press reported.

Knisley and another former clerk's office employee, Sandra Brown, both pleaded guilty last year and agreed to testify against Peters in the election equipment tampering case.

The Associated Press and 9News contributed to this story.
Elnur Enveroglu

The Summit-level meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group in response to Covid-19 in Baku on March 2 under Azerbaijan's chairmanship will incontrovertibly go down in the history of the world's second-largest global institution with projects implemented to relieve pains of nations under the strain of Covid-19 pandemic and initiatives made by the rotating chairman to elevate NAM to the level deserved and status anticipated by member nations.

The summit with delegations from over 70 nations also heard Azerbaijan's clear-cut crystal position on and denunciation of France's neo-colonial policies in the XXI century.

The Azerbaijani leader in his epigrammatic and pungent comments on France's dubious roles at home and abroad as well the mistreatment of its own colonies, including unwarranted and unwished intrusion in the processes unfolding in the South Caucasus between Azerbaijan and Armenia, urged neo-colonial Paris to learn a proper lesson from the inglorious past.

"Unfortunately, nowadays, we observe a rising tendency towards neo-colonialism. NAM, which came into existence due to the historical decolonization process, should unify its efforts toward completely eliminating this shameful page of mankind. NAM always strongly supported the unquestionable sovereignty of the Union of Comoros over the island of Mayotte, which continues to be under the colonial rule of France. As reflected in fundamental NAM documents, we call on the French Government to respect the rights of the New Caledonian people and other peoples in French overseas communities and territories. The French-administered territories outside Europe are nasty remains of the French colonial empire. We also call on France to apologize and admit its responsibility for its colonial past and bloody colonial crimes and acts of genocide against NAM member countries in Africa, South-East Asia, and other places," Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on March 2.

France is one of the five permanent UNSC members and though in this capacity its mandate calls for fair and just protection of other non-UNSC members' rights, Paris has long forgotten the significance of the mandate and is dancing to Armenia's pipe. Since Azerbaijan's independence, the relations between Baku and Paris have experienced ups and downs but have never reached the current level to trigger the sharpest criticism but fact-based.

France was one of the states that recognized Azerbaijan's independence in January 1992 and even opened its embassy in Baku second after Turkiye.

Now the major question is what is behind France's anti-Azerbaijani policies and prejudice? Why has official Paris always defended the aggressor Armenia irrespective of the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia?

Indeed, the fact that France never demonstrated this urgency when Azerbaijans territorial integrity was violated for 30 years raises questions about the true nature of Frances approach to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and the implications of Paris policies for the future of the relations between the two South Caucasus countries. These are well-grounded questions as France  along with Russia and the United States  was one of the three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, and thus, was legally obliged to show neutrality and coordinate peace negotiations between Baku and Yerevan.

Apparently, unlike previous French leaders, the sweat shed by current President Emmanuel Macron for Armenia is not in vain. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's meme with a telephone receiver that went viral waiting for France's Macron is an illustrative example of intimacy and chemistry between the two that goes against other interests since they are deprived of respect for respect third-party interests demand.

For instance, the majority think that Macrons statements were more linked with the existence of a large Armenian community in France, whose votes were also necessary for his next shot in his latest presidential elections back in 2022, and as such, should not be taken seriously. This interpretation misses the fact that his hasty support to Armenia in the border dispute was by no means an isolated case. This has been, in fact, an integral part of Macrons policies since the beginning of his presidency and, more fundamentally, is just another episode in Frances historically biased position on the Armenian question.

Of course, this should not be surprising if the matter is with France. The extensive experience in prejudice, defending the wrong against the right, and most importantly, colonialism relies on its deep historical background. Hence, the Azerbaijani president's address at the NAM Contact Group meeting saying - The French-administered territories outside Europe are nasty remains of the French colonial empire - also made Frances past exposed.

If not for its position in the Minsk Group or different platforms, this bias would not require any criticism as such support could be seen as inherent to any alliance between states. With this, France has not only turned Azerbaijan, which has a leading position in the South Caucasus, the Union of Comoros over the island of Mayotte which is still under its colonial rule, and New Caledonia against itself but unfortunately, has negatively affected Armenias relations with its Turkic neighbors (Azerbaijan and Turkey) with its immense support.

By supporting the wrongdoings of Armenians, refusing to pressure Armenia to stop its illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories, and by attempting to downplay  if not justify  this illegality, France has emboldened Armenias nationalist groups and acted as a catalyzer by encouraging them to a more radical position. As a historic example, Frances policies in the 1980s vis-a-vis members of the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA), an Armenian terrorist organization, were long criticized for being lax and were even seen to appease the group, despite them having committed terrorist attacks against Turkish diplomats in France and around the world.

In a nutshell, the current French state policy is not balanced but openly pro-Armenian, and with Macron in power, Paris is uninsured against fresh debacles both domestically and externally and with slaps on his face from French citizens in protest at his unpopular policies, and Azerbaijan's president's Ottoman style slap will make him lose his bearings forever as a young and promising politician he was once tipped.




Fire investigators said the 3-alarm blaze at a commercial building in southeast Colorado Springs Friday night was caused by a small electrical fire in the building.

The blaze was reported at 2540 South Academy, near Astrozon Boulevard, around 8 p.m. A total of 55 firefighters responded.

Firefighters arriving at the scene reported seeing flames through the roof of the single-story building, which contains multiple businesses.

Colorado Springs Fire Department spokesman Capt. Mike Smaldino said the fire was contained to one unit of the building a construction business  but multiple units suffered smoke damage.

By 9:30 p.m., the fire was mostly extinguished, but crews were still at the scene, and were cutting open the roof to ensure the fire was completely out.
Residents of Flying Horse on Colorado Springs' north side have concerns and questions about millions in debt they owe to local metro districts and the limited resident oversight on boards that oversee property tax spending in the sprawling upscale neighborhood.

Dan Mulloy, a resident and board member with Flying Horse Metro District 2, said he is concerned about the $58 million in debt the district owes, the likelihood of debt ballooning with interest and the potential need to raise taxes to pay it back.

The district encompasses 1,599 homes and owners pay about 40% of their property taxes to the district to cover the debt that financed infrastructure, such as streets, water and sewer mains and parks.

In addition to the overall debt, Mulloy and Bill Graziano, a resident and former certified public accountant, said they also question millions in expenses charged to the district and believe the developer of the neighborhood has too much control over the district. The agreements that allow the district to review the proposed budgets and construction schedules also have not been honored, Mulloy said.

The district that Mulloy and Graziano live in is one of three districts set up by Classic Homes, the developer of Flying Horse and all of them have been governed solely by Classic Homes employees since 2004 until recently.

Developer control is one of the key problems for Mulloy and Graziano, because even if residents gain more control on the District 2 board during an upcoming election, they will have limited oversight. Flying Horse District 1 governs the two other districts, has the right to spend their money, and residents are not allowed to run for its board.

"This is a classic feudalistic system. This goes back to medieval times.  We get the cost. They own everything and run everything," Graziano said. Colorado Springs banned small governing metro districts, like the one in Flying Horse, last year in all new developments.

Classic Homes CEO Doug Stimple responded in a letter to The Gazette about concerns raised by the residents, saying the Flying Horse Metro Districts funds have been properly spent on eligible public infrastructure and the governance structure granting District 1 control over spending allows for cohesive management of the community.

"Everything we have done has complied with law and we have gone further than the law even required," he said in a brief phone interview.

Stimple said he does not expect to see a need to ask voters to raise taxes to cover debt.

Millions owed across city

The Flying Horse Metro Districts are three of more than 100 metro districts across Colorado Springs that collectively owe about $700 million for public infrastructure, such as roads, that will be paid back through property taxes over time, said Carl Schueler, comprehensive planning manager for the city. The districts are a form of local government, such as a library district.

However, the metro districts are set up by developers who often continue to control the districts as board members after residents move in. A city auditor's report found in 2021 fewer than 10 metro districts have transitioned to resident owner representation. Schueler did not have an updated number of boards with resident representation.

Metro districts have become highly controversial in the state legislature, in part, because developers sometimes buy and profit from the bonds used to finance their projects. State lawmakers are debating a measure this year that could ban the practice.

In recent years, the state has passed some reforms to help residents better understand and get involved in metro districts, such as requiring the districts to maintain websites and inform residents of board elections.

Mulloy joined the Flying Horse Metro District 2 board because of the rule requiring metro districts to inform residents about elections.

Educating people about the metro district is a process for Mulloy because residents tend to confuse it with the homeowners' association. He often points out to his neighbors they are paying 40% of their tax bill to the district and that tends to prompt questions.

Once they understand the metro district is run by the developer that built the neighborhood and oversaw the construction of the improvements and is getting reimbursed by the board they run, they are concerned that's allowed, he said.

"People get upset about it, when they know about it," he said.

Flying Horse spending

Since joining the board, Mulloy has requested detailed records of the projects the district is paying off and found expenses he has questioned because they don't appear valid.

For example, the district was charged $2 million for a buried electric line, $1.8 million in a 5% management fee and $1.145 million for the Flying Horse edifices, including elaborate features such as a clock tower. None of those expenses are specified in the service plan approved by the Colorado Springs City Council that governs District 2, Mulloy said.

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In addition, a contract does not exist for the 5% management fee that was charged on each line item from 2005 to 2015, he said.

In response, Stimple said, the electric line needed to be relocated and the district contributed to that cost to allow for the construction of roads and other infrastructure.

Electric lines are not listed as eligible improvements in a copy of the service plan provided the city gave to The Gazette.

Stimple also stated the entryway monuments are listed in the service plan; however, the document simply lists entryways.

As to the 5% management fee, Classic Homes charged it for overseeing proper installation and completion of the infrastructure and a third-party engineer deemed it reasonable, and it is less than the going rate, Stimple said.

In his review of district documents, Mulloy found a third-party engineer hired to make sure the infrastructure is eligible for taxpayer reimbursement wrote reports that were inconsistent and incomplete. In November, he proposed the board pay for a review of all the projects.

I wanted to get a third-party forensic accountant to take a look at all of these transactions and figure out if everything was fine.  The vote was one non-Classic Homes employee for the third party and four Classic Homes employees against, he said. Mulloy is the only non-Classic employee on the board.

John Henderson, with the activist group Coloradans for Metro District Reform, said in other metro districts in Colorado the third-party reviews have been problematic, because the engineers are hired by the developers and they don't provide objective reports.

Stimple said such a review would cost tens of thousands and is unnecessary because the spending has received multiple legal reviews.

'Extraordinary' ratio

District 2 brings in about $3.4 million in revenue to pay off its $58 million in debt, the 2023 budget showed.

Thats an extraordinary ratio and an unacceptable ratio, Graziano said. He expects property taxes will need to go up to pay for the debt.

Metro District 1 is also carrying $17 million in debt, according to its 2023 budget. But it doesnt generate any revenue on its own, so those debts probably will have to be paid back by either Flying Horse Metro District 2 or District 3.

Additional business and home development would generate additional property tax revenue that could help pay off the debt, Mulloy said. For example, a King Soopers is planned in District 3. At the same time, the real estate market is slowing.

Stimple said he did not expect a property tax increase would be needed to cover the debt and that revenues would rise as construction in Flying Horse nears completion.

Resident oversight

Mulloy said he should be educated on revenue projections and construction plans because under an intergovernmental agreement District 1 is supposed to consult with other districts on critical documents, such as estimates of operations and maintenance costs, a proposed construction schedule for the budget year, estimates of capital costs for the year, and actual construction contracts, among others.

Mulloy said reviews of those documents did not happen last year. Stimple disagreed.

City governments can intervene when metro districts fail to follow a service plan or an intergovernmental agreement, Henderson, with the metro district reform group, said. For example, they could take away the district's right to issue bonds, he said.

Colorado Springs city councilmembers have emphasized residents should get involved in their metro districts to provide needed oversight.

More residents could be elected to the Flying Horse Metro District 2 board in May with six residents and three Classic Homes employees, including Stimple, running for three seats.

Stimple said it was important for employees to stay on the board, because their expertise and historical knowledge is important to the operation of the districts.

Mulloy countered that residents provide important insight.

"We think we can run the districts better, because we are residents and taxpayers of the districts," he said.
The El Paso County Sheriffs Office said the teenager missing from east Colorado Springs in unincorporated El Paso County has returned home safely after being missing for nearly a month.

EPCSO announced the return of Adrianna, 15, early Friday morning through their Twitter account

Sheriffs deputies originally asked for the publics assistance in locating the teen on Feb. 8. Deputies had originally described her as at risk.

On Feb. 28 authorities said they had a reason to believe the teen was safe but had yet to return home. As of 7:20 a.m. Friday, the office announced she had returned.
For the hundreds of Denver youths who took to the streets Friday in protest against gun violence in the wake of the shooting death of 16-year-old Luis Garcia, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy had this message:

My heart goes out to you, Murthy said. But also, I am so sorry that as a society we have failed our young people in addressing the crisis of gun violence.

Grief counselors have been on hand all week to help East High School students and staff cope with the death of Garcia, who was shot in his car on Feb. 13 by the school.

Garcia died Wednesday.

Murthys apology to the citys youth followed an hourlong discussion on the youth mental health crisis at Childrens Hospital Colorado in Aurora, in which El Paso County Commissioner Cami Bremer also participated.

In 2021, the Childrens Hospital declared a state of emergency  the first in the health systems nearly 120-year history  after seeing a 57% increase over two years in pediatric patients coming to the emergency department with mental health concerns.

Hospital officials report a steady increase in emergency department visits since the declaration.

Murthy and a panel that included Bremer and Kari Eckert, who lost her 15-year-old son to suicide, discussed solutions.

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While not the only marker to gauge the mental health of todays youth, the prevalence of suicide in the country tells a sobering story.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for the states youth and young adults, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health. Its the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. among those ages 10-14 and 25-34.

Suicide is often connected to injury and violence such as child abuse, bullying or sexual assault. Feeling connected to family and friends and access to health care can reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bremer highlighted the $9 million El Paso County commissioners earmarked for youth resiliency programs after Colorado Springs nabbed headlines for a spate of teen suicides between 2013 and 2015.

Its preventable if we can see it, if we can pay attention, Bremer said.

A societal problem as deep and concerning as the youth mental health crisis can feel overwhelming, Murthy said. But something as simple as what he practiced in his office  talking about photos shared with coworkers  could go a long way toward building connections that heal.

About 50% of youth report feeling lonely and isolated. Its a problem likely compounded by the 24/7 nature of todays technology and social media, which often stokes fear and anxiety, Murthy said.

Murthy added: When kids have healthy relationships in their life, it reduces the risk.
A man tried to hijack an elderly couples car outside Walmart three days before plowing his pickup truck through at least a dozen cars as he fled sheriffs deputies, authorities said Tuesday.

Caleb Miles, 21, is being held on suspicion of attempted aggravated robbery and crimes against at risk persons, Colorado Springs police spokesman Lt. Jim Sokolik said.

Miles, whose first name is also listed as Kaleb in court documents, approached the couple Oct. 15 as they unloaded groceries into their car in the Walmart parking lot, 1725 N. Union Blvd., police said. When they refused, Miles fired into the rear bumper of their car and fled.

This idiot tried to kill me, the male victim told Gazette news partner KKTV. We had just finished shopping for groceries and I was coming back to the car and I started to put the groceries in the car and my wife, she headed back to take the shopping cart back and we saw this guy approach me.  As he got closer to me, I realized he was holding a shotgun.

At the time, police couldnt identify Miles, whose face was covered during the attempted carjacking.

Three days later, Miles was seen stealing gasoline from a womans car in the Safeway parking lot on McLaughlin Road, El Paso County Sheriffs Office said.

After dispatch confirmed the vehicle was stolen, sheriffs deputies started to chase the truck, the Sheriffs Office said. Four sheriffs vehicles were involved in the chase, hitting speeds up to 60 mph.

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Authorities said Miles and Brooke Macklin, also in the pickup, fled from East Blaney Road and Garrett Road, in eastern El Paso County, all the way to Austin Bluffs Parkway, crossing jurisdictional lines between the county and the city of Colorado Springs.

After causing three crashes along Austin Bluff Parkway, Miles and Macklin were pried from the pickups cab by deputies at North Academy Boulevard, a witnesss cellphone video shows.

The Sheriffs Office said deputies knew both suspects and were looking for them earlier that day based on information they received that linked the duo to violent crimes throughout the county.

Miles had several open warrants, including felony vehicular eluding, theft, obstruction, criminal mischief, driving under restraint, license plate violations, criminal trespassing, violation of bail bond conditions and multiple counts of motor vehicle theft, the Sheriffs Office said. Days later, he faced additional charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated motor vehicle theft, false imprisonment, reckless driving and domestic violence.

After his arrest, Colorado Springs police detectives identified Miles as the suspect in the Oct. 15 incident.

Miles remains in custody at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. His bond was set at $498,000, jail records show.

Reach Olivia Prentzel at olivia.prentzel@gazette.com.
An innovative program born out of the COVID-19 pandemic gives new meaning to the old proverb, waste not, want not.

Wastewater surveillance, which involves analyzing human feces for indications that people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, better known as COVID-19, has become world-shattering in a quieter way than the germ.

After nearly three years, the practice is now a vitally important means of tracking the highly infectious disease, experts say.

The science of identifying emerging bodily contamination days before people realize theyre sick is a silver lining amid the detrimental effects of the 21st-century pandemic, said Rick Johnson, laboratory manager for Colorado Springs Utilities.

Because you produce antibodies even before you start showing symptoms, those antibodies are processed through your body, your poop, and we can pick that up through testing techniques to give us an early indication of the virus, he said.

The pandemic gave us an opportunity to evaluate this technique, which could help us with other illnesses and challenges we have in the community.

The idea seems like its here to stay.

Federal funding is available for states to conduct COVID wastewater surveillance through 2025, said Allison Wheeler, waterborne disease unit manager in the Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The agency has received $9.4 million in federal funds from January 2021 through July 2023, with extensions expected, she said.

The money covers the costs of personnel, supplies, equipment and other expenses of the surveillance program.

While other countries have routinely tested wastewater for disease for years, its a fledgling practice in the United States.

Colorado was one of the early adopters of the technique, Wheeler said, and among the first to launch statewide monitoring after the pandemic began.

City-owned Colorado Springs Utilities was one of 17 initial utilities companies along Colorado's Front Range to band together in April 2020, following the onset of COVID the prior month, with the intent of determining trends in the population of how the virus was spreading.

With supply chain shortages, it was difficult to get materials and supplies at first, Johnson remembers, but that's no longer the case.

Even with COVID waning, the virus remains actively infectious, and samples continue to be extracted two times a week from Colorado Springs two wastewater treatment plants, one on East Las Vegas Street and one on North Nevada Avenue.

Its been pretty awesome to see all these communities and utilities come together and continue to work through this, Johnson said.

The program is voluntary, Wheeler said, and excludes septic-system users and utilities with fewer than 3,000 customers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend monitoring areas with fewer than 3,000 people, to avoid possible identification of individuals, she said.

Colorado State University initially did the testing, but now state-sponsored laboratories test the majority of the samples of excrement  about the size of a roll of quarters.

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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the lead authoritative agency throughout the pandemic, got involved in August 2020, as testing began to become cost prohibitive for individual utilities, and they needed assistance with funding, Wheeler said.

Each viral detection sample costs $60, she said, which does not include personnel and maintenance costs.

Over the years, the program has grown from the original 17 participant utilities to 64 of the states 523 permitted domestic wastewater facilities.

Higher-education campuses began testing excrement from specific dorms but some, including Colorado College, have since discontinued their involvement.

Collectively, participating utilities providers serve 70% of the states population, Wheeler said, which provides a healthy measure of whats going on in Colorado with COVID.

The benefit has been significant to state and local public health officials, and communities overall, she said.

The cool thing about this is that this is a community sample, so were able to capture data on asymptomatic and symptomatic (presence of COVID)  so we dont have to rely on clinic testing, which people arent really seeking anymore, Wheeler said.

Since many residents now use at-home COVID testing, the number of cases tracked by public health agencies no longer provides an accurate representation of the prevalence of the disease, Johnson agreed.

Thus, the health agencies are finding the data a lot more valuable, even now, he said.

The state public health department continues to compile surveillance results at https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/d79cf93c3938470ca4bcc4823328946b.

Researchers also are examining how utilities companies can watch for the presence of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and other respiratory pathogens.

Experts are developing and validating testing panels, Wheeler said, with a goal of launching additional testing in the fall, as the respiratory illness season begins.

Colorado and other states reported a trifecta of respiratory illnesses beginning last fall and extending into this winter season, with the flu, RSV and COVID-19 simultaneously hitting the population, which pushed many hospitals to capacity.

Knowing whats happening with different pathogens around the state enables communities to prepare and take precautions, Wheeler said.

Local health departments can alert the public and issue recommendations about social distancing, masking and vaccinations, which can be particularly important and helpful for people who are more at risk for illness, she said. The information also is helpful in determining which communities need more resources to help stop the spread, Wheeler said.

Said Johnson: This really does have value for the future; hopefully none of us have to go through this (a pandemic) again, but at least its another tool well have at our disposal that we didnt have before.

Colorado Springs Utilities plans to continue its involvement in the process, possibly even after federal funding expires, he said.

Weve all become virologists over the last few years, and its really an interesting science, Johnson said.
The city of Colorado Springs has installed a new red-light camera at the north-side intersection of Woodmen Road and Campus Drive as part of its red-light safety camera program, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Starting Monday, and during a 30-day period that will be in place through April 6, motorists who run a red light in the eastbound lanes of Woodmen at Campus Drive, and who are caught on the new camera, will receive a warning by mail.

On April 6, the camera will go live and drivers will face a $75 citation for entering the intersection after lights turn red, the department said.

According to a CSPD news release, the camera will capture images of vehicles running red lights in the intersection 24 hours a day. Signs will be posted surrounding the intersection to make drivers are aware of the camera's presence. Violations are not issued until police personnel confirm the incident, the release said.

The newest camera joins 19 others across Colorado Springs, which make up the red-light camera safety program.

The program works to improve driver behavior by increasing enforcement of red-light laws and bringing awareness to the possible consequences of running red lights, the release said.

List of intersections with red-light cameras Fillmore Street and Union Blvd

East Platte Avenue and Chelton Road

Briargate Boulevard and Lexington Drive

North Academy Boulevard and North Carefree Circle

North Academy Boulevard and Dublin Boulevard

Lake Avenue and East Cheyenne Mountain

Airport Road and South Academy Boulevard

East Platte Avenue and North Union Boulevard

East Woodmen Road and Duryea Drive

Austin Bluffs and North Academy

Platte and North Murray

Woodmen Road and Black Forest Road

Barnes Road and Tutt Boulevard

Maizeland and North Academy

Voyager Parkway and Academy Boulevard

Colorado Ave and 31st Street

Academy Blvd and Astrozon Boulevard

Voyager Pkwy and Interquest Parkway

Dublin Boulevard and Powers Boulevard (Information provided by City of Colorado Springs)

Data shows that red-light safety cameras can change driving behavior and city officials chose the locations after evaluating several factors including crash data and where the technology would have the most impact, the department said.
By Azernews





Sabina Mammadli





Organized by the parliamentary permanent committee on human rights, the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis held hearings on the topic "Overcoming mountains: Peaceful and legal return to Western Azerbaijan".





The committee chairman, Zahid Oruj, Deputy Foreign Minister Xalaf Xalafov, Chairman of the Western Azerbaijan Community MP Aziz Alekperli, other parliamentarians, and representatives of NGOs attended the hearings.





Addressing the session, Xalafov said that the return to Western Azerbaijan is voluntary, noting that when they do return, their security and socio-economic stability must be ensured.





The official underlined that Armenia should voluntarily take on these issues and resolve them, emphasizing that the issue should be one of the components of the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.





"The issue of the return of the Western Azerbaijanis should be approached from a serious, national, and state position. We have to focus on certain legal aspects," he added.





Xalafov stressed that the steps taken by the Western Azerbaijan Community and the support for this process by state structures should be conducted as part of certain laws, political and legal mechanisms for the achievement of national goals.





"The return of Western Azerbaijanis is the dream and national goal of the entire Azerbaijani people, and not just our compatriots who have been expelled from Western Azerbaijan for many years. Its relevant to raise the issue of return to Western Azerbaijan now in the context of the new political realities that emerged after the 2020 Second Karabakh War," he said.





Xalafov stressed that the potential of the community of Western Azerbaijanis fully allows the implementation of the 'Concept of Return' put forward by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.





Furthermore, MP Aziz Alakbarli shared that a list of 237 villages in Western Azerbaijan has been compiled and documents of about 20,000 families have been collected.





"Our goal is to convey to the international community the whole truth about Western Azerbaijan. We, as a community of Western Azerbaijanis, have addressed a letter to President of the Council of the European Union Charles Michel, and the current EU mission in Armenia," Alakbarli added.





Previously, on January 27, 2023, the Concept of Return to Western Azerbaijan was adopted at the final meeting of the Supervisory Board of the Community of Western Azerbaijanis.





Under the concept, the Community of Western Azerbaijanis will initiate contacts with the Azerbaijani government, permanent members of the UN Security Council, the countries in the region, and other relevant states and organizations in order to formulate the international legal framework of return.
A national conservative nonprofit aligned with Republican House leadership is targeting U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo with a six-figure ad campaign calling on the Thornton Democrat to oppose cuts to Medicare  a position the pediatrician says she's always held.

The American Action Network charges in the ads that a Biden administration proposal to adjust payments to insurance companies through the Medicare Advantage program could lead to higher costs or reduced benefits for the 30 million seniors who participate in the plan, though Democrats reject the contention.

The dark money issue advocacy group, which is tied to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's Congressional Leadership fund and doesn't disclose its donors, plans to spend $115,000 to air the ads aimed at Caraveo for three weeks on broadcast, cable and digital platforms, a spokeswoman told Colorado Politics.

Part of a more-than $2 million ad campaign targeting 14 House Democrats  most of whom represent potential swing seats  are the latest sign that Colorado's 8th Congressional District could be in play next year.

Caraveo, a former state legislator, won a close race last year in the nearly evenly divided district, which covers parts of Adams, Weld and Larimer counties north of the Denver metro area. Last month, the Cook Political Report included the 8th CD among fewer than two dozen seats nationwide that it considers toss-ups.

In the 30-second ad, a narrator accuses President Joe Biden of proposing "massive Medicare Advantage cuts to seniors" and says Caraveo "is silent," then urges viewers to "speak out" by calling Caraveo to tell her to "protect Colorado seniors and stop Biden's Medicare cuts."

American Action Network ad vs Yadira Caraveo

A spokeswoman for Caraveo's campaign told Colorado Politics the lawmaker's record of protecting Medicare speaks for itself.

Congresswoman Caraveo has spent her career caring for our community as a doctor and standing up for hardworking families," Kaylin Dines said in an emailed statement. "She will not support plans to cut Medicare or Social Security, which millions of Coloradans rely on. Caraveo has always protected Coloradans in retirement, including cutting taxes for Colorado seniors by exempting Social Security income from taxation.

The ad echoes recent attempts by Republican politicians and insurance industry groups to put Democrats on the defensive over Medicare spending as the parties negotiate ahead of a vote this summer to raise the federal debt ceiling.

Joe Biden and his liberal friends in Congress are talking out of both sides of their mouth: Promising to protect Medicare while pushing benefit cuts for seniors, AAN President Dan Conston said in a statement. Each and every liberal in Congress needs to speak out now and stop Bidens cuts to Medicare benefits before its too late.

Last month, in response to similar rhetoric from Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, the nonpartisan Poynter Institute's PolitiFact site determined that claims proposed Medicare Advantage changes amount to "cuts" are false.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra fired back at the accusation on Twitter.

"Any claim that this Administration is cutting Medicare is categorically false," Becerra tweeted. "Leave it to deep-pocketed insurance companies and industry front groups to characterize this year's proposed increase in Medicare Advantage payments as a pay cut."
An El Paso County jury will decide whether the University of Colorado fired an employee because he was rude, abusive and unprofessional, or because he filed a whistleblower complaint against his supervisor, the state's second-highest court ruled on Thursday.

A trial judge previously found the evidence showed Russell Allen's supervisors were concerned about his persistently bad behavior on the job, and a reasonable jury could not view the whistleblower report as a factor behind his firing. But a three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals determined the facts could also show CU decided to terminate him only after Allen alleged his direct supervisor was misusing public resources for personal gain.

"Although we agree with the district court that the evidence supports an inference that the University had reason to terminate Allens employment, and might have done so anyway," wrote Judge Karl L. Schock, "that evidence does not foreclose a finding that Allens report played an important or significant part in that decision."

Under Colorado law, government employees are protected against disciplinary action for disclosing information about the waste of public funds or abuse of authority. Allen's case arrived at the Court of Appeals after CU moved for summary judgment, asserting that the key, undisputed facts showed Allen's whistleblower complaint against executive chef Corey King at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs played no role in Allen's firing.

Allen began working at UCCS as the catering chef and bakery manager in February 2016. Six months later, the university placed him on a performance improvement plan because of his abrasive behavior toward others. Allen completed the plan a month later, although university staff continued to hear reports that Allen acted unprofessionally.

In spring 2018, Allen received two new supervisors: King and Robin Margolin, the executive director of auxiliary services. Both of them learned of Allen's ongoing rudeness and anger toward coworkers, students and vendors. By late September, Margolin was working with the human resources department to address Allen's behavior, with options including another performance improvement plan or even termination. Margolin had not yet made up her mind about what to do.

On October 8, both Margolin and King left for a conference, with Margolin planning to speak to Allen upon her return. Four days later, Allen alleged to the financial office that King had used UCCS suppliers and equipment to cater his family events, which Allen believed violated the ethics code.

The university initiated an audit, with UCCS and Allen later disputing whether the findings exonerated King.

Days after Allen's complaint, Margolin wrote that she was in the process of writing another performance improvement plan for Allen, but his report "complicates things." Instead, she sent five pages of complaints against Allen to Anja Wynne, the director of human resources, in order to show "that this is not a retaliatory act on our part."

On November 13, a vendor emailed King, "Per your request," to describe Allen's reaction to a shipment of vegetables that arrived late and was infested with worms. The vendor noted Allen was "rightfully" upset, but yelled and used profane language.

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Wynne and Margolin agreed that firing Allen was appropriate, as his outburst was the "last straw." Three days later, UCCS terminated him.

Allen filed suit to allege the university actually fired him in violation of the whistleblower protection law, and also claimed UCCS did not follow its own policies in dismissing him.

In November 2021, District Court Judge Michael McHenry granted summary judgment for the university, believing "no reasonable jury" could find the whistleblower report was a substantial factor in Allen's termination given all of the other concerns about his performance.

Although the termination occurred only a month after Allen's report, "the altercation with the vendor, which took place after the filing of the fiscal misconduct report and after the University had been documenting concerns about Plaintiff's behavior, was an intervening event that defeats any inference of retaliation based on timing," McHenry noted.

Allen appealed to the Court of Appeals, where the panel took a different view of the facts.

On the one hand, Schock detailed in the March 2 opinion, it was plausible the university fired Allen simply because he was a problem employee for nearly two years. Margolin was going to take some type of action against him anyway, but Allen's outburst to the vendor convinced her that Allen was not a good fit for UCCS.

On the other hand, Allen's behavior was not new and Margolin's preferred option appeared to be another performance plan  that is, until Allen's whistleblower report "complicated" things. Afterward, Margolin abandoned her intention to meet with Allen, instead sending a list of grievances to human resources. The list, plus the vendor's email to Allen's supervisors  sent per their request  could have provided UCCS with cover to get rid of him.

"Because we conclude the evidence could reasonably support either of these narratives (or perhaps a middle ground), it is not our role to choose between them," Schock wrote. "Rather, our role is simply to decide whether a reasonable jury could find that Allens report was a substantial or motivating factor in the termination of his employment. We conclude that a reasonable jury could so find."

The panel returned the whistleblower claim to the trial court, while agreeing McHenry properly dismissed Allen's other claims that UCCS fired him in violation of university policy.

The case is Allen v. Board of Regents.
 Ridicule  et  dangerous  : the White House criticized Friday March 3 a text of law just signed by the Republican governor of Tennessee which will largely limit the shows of drag queens in public places.

These kind of ridiculous decisions are not only pointless, they are dangerousespecially at a time when LGBT + Americans face a higher risk of violence, mental health problemsdenounced Karine Jean-Pierre, spokesperson for President Joe Biden.

Tennessee is the first American state to legislate against the representations of drag queens in the name, according to the local authorities, of the protection of children against shows deemed too sexualized.

Similar texts proposed in other States

He could be joined by others. Texas, Kansas or even Arizona: in more than a dozen states, elected officials have proposed similar texts.

Drag queen shows are one of the newest battlegrounds in what is known in the United States as the culture wars. These are debates fueled by conservative elected officials and the religious right, essentially revolving around gender, sexuality and identity.

The opposition to  drag shows  sometimes takes a violent turn. In 2022, 141 protests or threats against performances of drag queens were recorded by the LGBT+ rights organization GLAAD.
Qabil Ashirov

Azerbaijans Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov received Csaba K?rosi, the President of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly, who is on a visit to our country in connection with participation in the summit of the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group in response to COVID-19.

Azernews reports, citing the ministry that Parviz Shahbazov briefed Azerbaijans rich oil history and modern energy strategy and spoke about the work done in the direction of energy transition in our country and strategic targets for renewable energy.

It was emphasized that Azerbaijan is one the few countries which has fully ensured energy security at the expense of internal resources, as a reliable partner, also contribute to the energy security of neighboring countries and the region.

At the meeting, the steps taken towards the new goals declared at the COP 26 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to 40% in Azerbaijan and creating a net zero emission zone in the liberated territories were brought to the attention.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on a number of issues arising from international cooperation.
Signal Peak mine has been ordered to stop mining federal coal at least until a study can be done to determine the environmental impacts of burning the fuel.

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy has vacated federal approval allowing Signal Peak to mine federal coal at its underground mine 40 miles north of Billings.

Signal Peak is Montanas only underground coal mine. It had asked for permission to keep mining federal coal a while longer.

The court had previously concluded that Signal Peaks coal mining approval was based on bad permitting. Molloys order comes as Signal Peak prepared for a March expansion into 900,000 tons of federal coal, a first step in a planned 175 million-ton expansion. The company will now relocate its longwall mining equipment into a pocket of state and private coal.

To be clear, prohibiting the mining of federal coal will yield no environmental benefit, said Signal Peak CEO Parker Phipps in a letter outlining the court orders impact. Signal Peak will continue to mine non-federal coal and will maintain historic production levels. On the other hand, this prohibition will cause significant and immediate harm, including increased risks to Signal Peak miners, increased greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in tax and royalty revenues for the state of Montana, the federal government and local communities.

Most of the mines coal is burned in Japan, South Korea and South America. Signal Peak is owned by Ohio-based First Energy and international commodity trader Gunvor Group. The mine produced 7.4 million tons of coal in 2022, according to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. Mining has picked up since a low point brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The 10-year peak for production was 8.6 million tons in 2013.

Signal Peak had introduced testimony requesting that it be allowed to continue mining federal coal, but putting it in stockpile, a move that would save the company money but delay the impact of the order vacating the mining of federal coal.

Conservationists who challenged OSMREs light touch in permitting, argued that what Signal Peak was really asking for was simply a request for the do-over. Sierra Club, 350 Montana, WildEarth Guardians and Montana Environmental Information Center are plaintiffs.

"They didn't do their job. They didn't provide the legal arguments that they should have, when the time was right. When the court asked them to provide a notice," said Anne Hedges, MEIC director of policy and legislative affairs. "And now they want to go back and go, 'Wait a minute, we didn't know what you meant.' These are really high-priced attorneys. They know exactly what the court was asking for. They could have made these legal arguments at that time. They chose not to."

Molloy said the mine owner could have presented its options to continue mining back in January, but because it didnt the court would deny entertaining the options late.

Signal Peak feigns confusion by asking for remedies it knows were not previously ordered because it never presented them as options in the first instance, Molloy ruled.

In court, Signal Peak indicated that relocating its equipment into state and private coal would take up 8 months.

Molloys ruling dealt specifically with a permit issued by OSMRE in 2018. The scope of the courts work was narrowly defined last April by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which concluded that OSMRE had ignored the climate impacts from burning the mined coal. The Appellate Court concluded that 190 million tons of carbon dioxide would be released when the coal was burned.

Federal approval of expansion of the mine has been under scrutiny dating back to decisions made the administration of President Barrack Obama, which like the administration of President Donald Trump, concluded that a months-long environmental study of the mines impacts was unnecessary.
Former Montana FBI agent Ricky James Shelbourn has been sentenced for misdemeanor charges of stalking his ex-girlfriend and obstructing the officers investigating the allegations.

He has told the court he will appeal. The Municipal Court judge denied his request for a stay.

On the stalking charge, he was sentenced to 365 days in jail with 351 days suspended, leaving him with 14 days to be served before July 1. He also received 18 months of supervision and 40 hours of anger management, authorities said.

And Shelbourn must register with the county's Victim Services Office, provide monthly proof of compliance and pay a supervision fee, and remain law-abiding, authorities said. He was also ordered to pay a $200 fine.

On the obstructing charge, Shelbourn received 180 days in jail with 180 days suspended, according to court documents. And he was ordered to pay a $100 fine.

He was also ordered to pay a restitution of $759.59 and jury cost of $2,473.87.

His sentencing was held Wednesday in Helena Municipal Court with Judge Anne Peterson presiding.

Shelbourn, who worked in Helena, was arrested on March 16, 2020. In the affidavit, Bruce McDermott with the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation said Shelbourn was "obsessing about (the woman) and unwilling to let their relationship end, according to prior news reports.

Shelbourn had dated the woman for about three years, a time the woman described to McDermott as months of substantial emotional distress."

According to his LinkedIn page, Shelbourn has retired from the FBI. He said he had been with the FBI for 26 years.
The Legislature's fourth and final stab at introducing partisanship into judicial elections died on the House floor Thursday.

Friday was the deadline for policy bills that have no budgetary implications to pass over to the other chamber. Four bills that sought to require or allow partisan judicial races each died along the way, either in committee or in a floor debate. The proposals were fueled by last session's extraordinary conflict between the Legislature and the judicial branch.

The bills presented through the first half of the legislative session primarily stood on Republicans' contention that voters are often empty-handed on information when they are considering nonpartisan judicial candidates and that a party affiliation would fill in the blanks. The Judicial Code of Conduct prohibits candidates from discussing on the campaign trail what they think  and by extension, how they might rule  on certain issues that are typically front of mind during election season.

But the proposals also rode on the majority party's assertion that the judicial branch is stacked with left-leaning judges. The GOP has been able to get its priorities through the Governor's Office, but many of those ideologically driven laws have been stalled in the courts.

"This is a voter transparency bill  to shine the light on the implicit bias that each one of us, every single person has," Rep. Scot Kerns, R-Great Falls, said in presenting his House Bill 595 on the House floor Thursday before it was voted down. The bill would require Supreme Court justices be nominated and elected on a partisan ballot, although the candidate could still declare themselves an independent.

"Anybody that thinks our current Supreme Court, a number of them at least, are nonpartisan, probably also believes in the tooth fairy," Rep. Ed Butcher, R-Winifred, testified in support of Kerns' bill.

At a press conference Friday, Democrats applauded the bills demise. Deep in the minority this session, Democrats have framed the Republicans' effort as one to hobble the one branch the GOP doesn't actively control.

"Thats the last check on them and its designed in our constitution as an important check and balance, and they are doing everything they can to find ways to diminish the authority of our judiciary so they can have even more control," Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers told reporters Friday.

Generally, moderates in the majority joined with Democrats to knock down the proposals. Freshman Rep. Wayne Rusk, a Republican from Ravalli County, said in a stately prewritten speech during Thursday's hearing that his opposition to Kerns' bill was in defense of the branch, not its office holders.

"I acknowledge that candidates need a level playing field from which to run, but it is not achieved by installing a partisan teeter-totter on that field," Rusk said. "To sow the wind of mandatory partisanship into our courts is to ask a man to lean when he does not lean and would offer insult to those who are best qualified for the position."

Kerns' bill went down on a 46-54 vote on the House floor. That wasn't even the closest a bill came to passing through the lower chamber; Rep. Paul Fielder's House Bill 464, which would allow, rather than require, judicial candidates to declare a party, died on a 49-51 vote.

Fielder's bill had the support of the Montana Freedom Caucus, a newly formed and steadily growing band of Republicans from the party's right wing.

Two bills in the Senate have also died after varying degrees of endurance through the process. Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, also had a proposal to push partisanship into the judicial races, separated from the other bills by its requirement for a party declaration. That bill died 16-34 in the Senate on Wednesday.

Another measure, Senate Bill 200 by Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, failed to escape committee. That bill was by far the broadest attempt, opening all nonpartisan races, including county and city officials, to partisan races.

House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, said it was "fun" to see the GOP's efforts fall flat before Friday's transmittal deadline.

"It felt good to leave the building defeating a couple of bills to make the judge races partisan, and ideas that Montanans dont like," Abbott said.

The majority party and its many factions, however, are not yet done tinkering with what will remain the nonpartisan branch.

Rep. Bill Mercer, a Billings Republican and former U.S. Attorney for Montana, said in a press conference Friday that he'd be carrying a significant proposal to change the state Supreme Court in the second half of the session.

"You will be seeing a constitutional amendment proposal in the second half which will seek to place on the ballot a proposal that Supreme Court justices be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate," Mercer said.

"That's something to look for, and I think we will have other constitutional amendments that may encroach on that subject. So I guess I'd say stay tuned."
Decatur Christian Women's Connection

The Decatur Christian Women's Connection will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Scovill Activity Center, 3909 W. Main St., Decatur.

The guest speaker will be Lee Ann Terry who will share "Upcycled and Restored" and Dream big even when life is challenging. Dan Foster from Gods Shelter of Love will share with us what they do there.

A chef prepared meal with drinks and dessert will be available for $20 per person. Reservations are required and due by Wednesday, March 8.

Call Karen at 217-433-7522 or Pam at 217-433-9814 for reservations and or cancellations.
CHICAGO  A downstate judge on Friday struck down the ban on high-powered firearms and high-capacity ammunition magazines that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law earlier this year, a ruling the Illinois attorney generals office immediately appealed to the state Supreme Court.

The scope of the ruling was a subject of dispute, with the attorney for the state lawmaker who was the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit arguing that it applies statewide and Pritzkers office contending it does not.

We expected political grandstanding from those more beholden to the gun lobby than to the safety of their constituents and todays ruling comes as no surprise, Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough said in a statement, adding that the governor is confident the law ultimately will be held constitutional.

Macon County Judge Rodney Forbes wrote in a two-page ruling that the ban, passed by the Democratic-controlled legislature in response to the deadly mass shooting at Highland Parks Fourth of July parade, violates the equal protection and special legislation clauses of the Illinois Constitution.

The ruling in some ways mirrors earlier circuit and appellate court rulings that temporarily lifted the ban for hundreds of plaintiffs in legal challenges brought by unsuccessful Republican attorney general candidate Thomas DeVore.

An attorney for GOP state Rep. Dan Caulkins of Decatur, lead plaintiff in the Macon County lawsuit, said in a statement that Fridays ruling applies more broadly.

Under well-established Illinois authority the ruling means the ban is void, as if the law never existed, and is unenforceable in its entirety, in all applications, Decatur attorney Jerrold Stocks said.

Caulkins lawsuit, which names Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, among others, as defendants, alleges the ban violates a state constitutional provision that guarantees no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law nor be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Among other issues, the lawsuit, like those brought by DeVore, argues that the law violates the equal protection clause by exempting certain groups, such as retired police officers, but not others, such as retired members of the military.

Fridays ruling, represents a victory in one battle that is not, necessarily, the end of the war against the subject legislation, Stocks said, acknowledging both the states intention to appeal and other ongoing legal challenges to the law.

In this case, the final decision likely will rest in the hands of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Raouls office filed its notice of appeal with the high court Friday and expects it to be accepted Monday, spokeswoman Jamey Dunn-Thomason said in a statement.

We will ask the court for an expedited schedule, and we look forward to defending the act, Dunn-Thomason said.

A federal court in Chicago last month denied a Naperville gun shop owners request for an injunction blocking the citys newly minted ban on the sale of certain semi-automatic weapons along with the state ban.

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall found that the city and state bans constitutionally sound.

Illinois and Naperville compellingly argue their laws protect public safety by removing particularly dangerous weapons from circulation, Kendall wrote.

At the same time, the Illinois Supreme Court last month agreed to consolidate three related cases brought by DeVore but declined to include the Caulkins case.

The state also is defending the law against a group of lawsuits brought in federal court in the Southern District of Illinois.

In at least one of the cases, plaintiffs are seeking a temporary restraining order on Second Amendment violation grounds. The plaintiffs cite two U.S. Supreme Court cases, including one from last year that greatly expanded Second Amendment protections by imposing a new constitutional test requiring gun laws to be historically consistent with laws on the books in the 18th century.

Signed by Pritzker hours after it was passed by legislators in early January, the law immediately banned the delivery, sale, import and purchase of guns that are designated in the law as assault weapons.

Starting next year, people who possess guns covered by the ban must either register them with the state or face a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses.

States with the biggest gun industries States with the biggest gun industries #50. Washington DC (tie) #50. Hawaii (tie) #49. Rhode Island #48. Delaware #47. New Jersey #46. Vermont #45. New York #44. North Dakota #43. Illinois #41. Alaska (tie) #41. Maine (tie) #40. Massachusetts #39. South Dakota #38. Nebraska #37. Wyoming #36. West Virginia #35. Connecticut #34. New Mexico #33. California #32. Montana #31. New Hampshire #30. Maryland #29. Mississippi #28. Idaho #27. Iowa #26. Utah #25. Louisiana #24. Arkansas #23. Nevada #21. Oregon (tie) #21. Washington (tie) #19. Oklahoma (tie) #19. Minnesota (tie) #18. Kansas #17. South Carolina #16. Kentucky #15. Wisconsin #14. Alabama #13. Missouri #12. Indiana #11. Michigan #10. Tennessee #9. Colorado #8. Georgia #7. Virginia #6. Ohio #5. North Carolina #4. Pennsylvania #3. Arizona #2. Florida #1. Texas
What would you say is the most important responsibility of a U.S. President? My view of the Presidents most important task is foreign policy. Congress drives domestic issues and often weighs in on foreign policy. But foreign policy is primarily the responsibility of the President. The President is the decider on this front. So, how have our last two Presidents done? Here is my take.

Within a few weeks of taking office, Trump met with Chinas president Xi Jinping at Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence. While we dont know what all was discussed, we do know that Trump told XI that the U.S. just launched an attack on a Syrian air base for their using gas warfare on their citizens. That was a great way of letting the Chinese president and all other world leaders know that Trump would take action. That established Trump to be respected -- and feared -- on the world stage.

Better trade agreements with China were to follow. In Trumps presidency, Russia made no moves to conquer, North Korea eventually stopped nuclear and missile testing and Palestine stopped missile strikes into Israel.

Contrast that to Biden who has yet to challenge China on anything. The recent balloon incident drew a lukewarm admonishment from Biden after waiting days to take action. And he has not pursued the origins of the China virus which has killed millions worldwide since 2020.

Trump moved our Israeli embassy to Jerusalem despite dire warnings that the Arab states would rebel. They didnt. Instead, his administration managed to get the Abraham Accords, which foster relationships between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors. Biden? Expressing the desire to work again with Iran went nowhere but certainly caused angst to Israel and other Arab nations.

Trump encouraged our NATO partners to pay their fair share (which in this instance really meant something) and warned Europe about depending on Russia for oil and gas. NATO members did increase their contributions but ignored Trumps warning.

On his first day as President, Biden stopped the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada while blessing the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia. That made Russia happy and irritated Canada. Nicely done. Reward our adversary and punish an ally.

While Biden takes credit for unifying NATO against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia is actually responsible for that. Bidens contribution was a reluctant agreement to support NATO and Ukraine after offering Zelenskyy a ride out of Kyiv to safety, which Zelenskyy abruptly declined. Bidens contribution to a coalesced NATO was not screwing it up as he did in Afghanistan.

Trump defeated ISIS and maintained a stabilizing force in Afghanistan. His administration was in the process of orchestrating an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan contingent upon commitments from the Taliban. Biden announced a withdrawal date with no such Taliban checks. The result was a disaster. The Afghan military folded without our support.

We lost $7 billion worth of equipment, lost U.S. and allied lives and irritated NATO allies who were not consulted about the abrupt and total withdrawal. And the tragic mistaken killing by the US of 10 innocent Afghans in retaliation after the Taliban suicide bombing murder of U.S. troops was driven by a public desire for retribution. Yet another tragic mistake.

Trump worked with Mexico and was building a wall to slow the flood of illegal immigrants from crossing our southern border. Biden, in his few campaign speeches, made it clear that all are welcome and immediately when in office stopped the wall construction. By also reversing all Trump initiatives, we now have a literal invasion of illegal migrants with all of the associated problems of drug smuggling, wealth transfer to the Mexican cartels and U.S. costs for processing, housing and feeding migrants. The pain suffered by local border residents is incalculable. Another foreign policy fiasco.

Robert Gates, former Defense Secretary, observed in 2014 that Joe Biden has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades. Robert Gates was right. Bidens foreign policy is a train wreck. Adding to his incompetent policies, Biden chose administrators and cabinet members based on diversity and political expediency. That exacerbates his foreign policy shortcomings. No one can credibly advise him against his erroneous instincts. Trumps team was based on merit and performance.

Biden is far more likable than Trump, but likability is not a necessary characteristic for a good President. Judgment, fortitude and decisiveness trump likability. (Pun intended.) I dont know who from either the Republican or Democratic camps will replace Biden in 2024. I just hope that person has good foreign policy judgment for our and the worlds sake.
I had surgery the other day at HSHS St. Marys Hospital. I had my arm repaired, and the team of doctors and nurses was top-notch. They were kind, attentive and on point with the diagnosis and repair of my arm. I was in agony, and they took it away. I was a lion with a thorn in my paw and they dealt with my rage and pain and gave me a new working limb.

But this isnt about my surgery. Instead, its about a nurse I had that day who was also a former Decatur Public Schools student  a wonderful, caring soul whom I had the honor to teach. She was my surgical prep nurse and she made me feel like 10 tons of steel and ready to assume the surgical task placed in front of me by my crumbling body.

Her gift of kindness, nurturing and reminding me of why I teach is a gift Im going to hold on to for a very long time.

I taught Elizabeth at Eisenhower High School, and she was a precocious and fantastically outgoing student. I never had a problem with her and from what I recall, she never had a problem with me. The 2013 graduate was like the hundreds of students who grace our building hallways, showing up to learn and make our community better after they walk across the stage to nab their high school diplomas.

Recently a Central Florida student assaulted a teacher and beat her into serious jeopardy. Descriptions of the attack filled news channels, and the video of the beating was shown again and again. People spewed opinions about how dangerous our schools are, the problems that are bringing down the foundations of education and the undisciplined youth ruling our classrooms.

I didnt see any videos of Elizabeth when she was in school. Her kindness and hard work were never talked about in public restaurants, civic sites and businesses. Her greatness was never featured on CNN or Fox News, never fodder for the 48-hour news cycle. She just showed up and clocked in and did her best. Her like far outnumbered the ruffians that people feel are running amok in our schools.

I went into surgery terrified. I had lost the use of my left arm. When I was put on the runway to go into surgery, Elizabeth was there, waiting to prep me and prop me up. Her nursing care was meticulous and caring. She gave me professional answers to my fear-filled attempts to understand the surgery they were going to do on my arm.

Elizabeth told me stories of my teaching. She laughed about lessons learned from me and other teachers as she glided across the surgical prep ward like a moth dancing around the flame.

I watched, smiled and was granted a moment's peace from a gifted former student giving back to make my life better, safe and hopefully pain-free.

Im going to defend all the Elizabeths in DPS61, the hundreds of children, tweens and teens that are a blessing and becoming part of what we are as a community.

Ive seen academic feats that would amaze you. Ive been brought to tears by poetry and songs sung by angels sent from on high. However, all we hear about are fights and lack of discipline.

Do you realize every day in education is not like what happened in Central Florida? Do you understand we have a 10-to-1 good-to-bad student ratio in our schools? Many beautiful children who will never hurt you, who will eventually help you in some profession, business and or health care system. Our students are trying, and they are dealing with issues and things I personally didnt have to deal with until I was much older.

Hundreds of my former students are nurses, police officers, soldiers, firefighters, pastors, quality factory and restaurant workers, and I could go on forever. They walked DPS61 hallways. DPS61 provided them with avenues to grow, mature and learn. Some of them may have caused a problem or two. We stood by them and now they stand for us.

Yes, students fight, and they challenge me in rude and aggressive ways sometimes. There are students who dont try to the best of their abilities, and there are those who give you every ounce of ability and kindness they have as they sit in my desk chairs.

An out-of-control young man in Central Florida attacked a teacher. I refuse to let him be the representation of students around my state and city. He will not set the narrative.

Let Elizabeth Johnson set the DPS61 narrative. A nurse. A quality woman. She is engaged to a great young man and will be married soon. A woman fighting to help others even as your eyes dance over my words. Im going to let her set the framework, design and be the model of the fantastic DPS61 students in our schools.

Thanks, Elizabeth. Thank you for helping to pull the thorn from the lions paw and being there during his pain. Thanks for giving back to Decatur.

Lastly, thanks for being a blessing to DPS61s hallways and making us proud.
KIEV, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his visiting Latvian counterpart, Egils Levits, on Friday signed a joint declaration confirming Latvia's support for Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Zelensky's press service reported.

The document was inked during the meeting of the two presidents in Ukraine's western city of Lviv.

While speaking after the meeting, Zelensky highlighted the importance of the declaration and appreciated Latvia's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and its movement towards membership in the EU and NATO.

For his part, Levits noted that his country would continue its support for Ukraine. "We will provide help for as long as it takes," he said.

The parties also discussed ways to strengthen the Ukrainian army, the continuation of sanctions against Russia, Latvia's participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine and other issues. 
Representatives of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) held a number of meetings in Rabat and Casablanca, Azernews reports, citing AZPROMO.

Within the framework of the visit, the study of the characteristics of the Moroccan market, the exchange of views on the export of Azerbaijan's non-oil products to Morocco, and the investment opportunities of Azerbaijan, especially of the territories freed from occupation, were brought to attention, and agreements were reached on the exchange of advanced practices and information

AZPROMO representatives met with the Association of Moroccan Exporters (ASMEX), Casablanca-Settat Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services (CCISC), Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE), General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Moroccan Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry and Innovation (FMIIP) ), the National Administration of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), City Concept consulting company, as well as the Turkish BIM branch in Morocco and the Turkish embassy in Rabat.
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An 18-year-old and a juvenile were arrested on Friday in connection to a threat made against Maiden High School.

Miriam Angel-Hernandez, 18, of Maiden, and the juvenile are both facing a felony charge of communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property, the Maiden Police Department said in a news release.

The charges are related to threatening statements and social media posts indicating threats of violence at Maiden High School. The threats gained significant attention due to widely disseminated social media posts and online messages, Maiden police said.

The threats were made prior to Friday, Maiden Police Capt. Jamey Fletcher said.

Maiden police strongly encourages parents, students and anyone with a smartphone or computer to think closely about what they post to social media or on the internet in general, according to the release.

Threats can and do spiral and can cause community concern and significantly impact school activities and the learning process, Maiden police said.

Angel-Hernandez was arrested and taken before a Catawba County magistrate who ordered her to be held in the Catawba County Detention Center for 48 hours or until a bond could be set by a judge, Maiden police said. According to the Catawba County Whos in Jail website, bond had not been set for Angel-Hernandez as of Saturday morning.

The juvenile was turned over to the N.C. Department of Juvenile Justice, Maiden police said.

The Maiden Police Department was assisted in this investigation by the Catawba County Sheriffs Office and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
HICKORY  The annual Hickory Elks Lodge Americanism Awards and Recognition Ceremony recognizing area students, city and state employees, and military veterans was held on Feb. 4.

This event, sponsored by the Lodges Americanism Committee, honored a select few in the community who have demonstrated love of country and community through their actions, deeds, and selfless service.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), with over 2,000 lodges, promotes the concepts of Americanism and patriotism and is nationally recognized for its support of military veterans.

Celebrating the 155th anniversary of BPOE, this years awards and recognition ceremony served to highlight the purpose and mission of Hickory Elks and Elks nationwide.

Honorees in the ceremony included fifth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students who participated in the Hickory Lodges annual Americanism Essay Contest, a national event sponsored by the BPOE national headquarters in Chicago.

This years essay theme was, What Is Your American Dream?. More than 100 essays were submitted by students from Jenkins Elementary as well as Northview and Grandview middle schools. Each essay was judged by criteria established by the national headquarters of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Chicago.

Winners in Division I, which features students in the fifth grade, were Genevieve Melon, first place (Jenkins); Alexi Willis, second place (Jenkins); and Avery Hawley, third place (Jenkins).

There were no essays submitted by sixth-grade Division II students.

The winners in Division III featuring students in the seventh grade were Jebediah Joyner, first place (Northview); Elisa Perez Reynoso, second place (Northview); and Ignacio Juarez, third place (Northview).

Winners in Division IV, eighth-grade students, were Sam Bridges, first place (Grandview); Demaris Estala-Saesee, second place (Grandview); and Aliyah Swinton, third place (Northview).

Each of the winners received a commemorative plaque and cash award. Winning essays will be submitted to the North Carolina Elks West District essay judges for district and state winning essays in each of the divisions.

The February ceremony also recognized the 2023 exceptional services of Hickory Firefighter Russell Kruse, Hickory Master Police Officer Chris Berry, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Master Trooper Zach Beam, of Troop F, District 5.

Each was nominated by their respective departments based on their exemplary job performance and service to their community.

Commemorative plaques and cash awards were presented to each honoree. Assisting in the presentations were speeches and commentaries by Battalion Chief Matt Hutchinson, Hickory Fire Department; Chief Reed Baer, Hickory Police Department; and 1st Sgt. Bobby Lineberger, N.C. State Highway Patrol, Troop F, District 5.

Five military veterans, each representing one of the four military branches and the U.S. Coast Guard, were recognized as the Hickory Elks Exceptional Military Service Persons of the Year.

Selection was based on each veterans exemplary service consistent with the tenets of duty, honor and country as described by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in his 1962 speech at West Point to the Corps of Cadets.

The U.S. Army recipient selected by Army cadets of Fred T. Foard High School was 1st Sgt. Dale Sloan. The U.S. Navy recipient selected by Navy cadets from St. Stephens High School was Senior Chief Shawn Shepard. The U.S. Marine Corps honoree selected by Marine Corps cadets of RS Central High School in Rutherfordton was Master Sgt. David Hernandez. Technical Sgt. Adam Anthony Hein, U.S. Air Force, was selected by the Air Force cadets of Maiden High School. And the Navy cadets at Newton-Conover High School selected Chief Petty Officer Andrew Rupp, an active-duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard, as this years exceptional Coast Guardsman.

Each recipient received a commemorative plaque and cash award. Assisting in the presentations were Army Cadet Capt. Claudia Goodykoonz, Fred T. Foard; Navy Cadet Petty Officer 1st Class Yadria Cruz, St. Stephens High School; Marine Corps Cadet Staff 2nd Lt. Harlee Southerland, RS Central High School; Air Force Cadet Lt. Col. Cathrine Hentschel, Maiden High School; and Navy Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Harlan Sterling, Newton Conover High School.

A joint military service color guard consisting of JROTC cadets from each of the participating high schools opened the ceremony with the presentation of colors.
The 150-acre foster community in Nebo, known as Southmountain Estates, experienced a captivating upgrade in late 2022, thanks to a bequest by the late Crystal Young.

Operated by Southmountain Children and Family Services, Southmountain Estates implements a one-of-a-kind model, hybridizing group care and traditional foster care.

The campus consists of eight neighborhood-style homes and the ability to serve up to 40 foster children. Professional parents are employed by the agency, eliminate the need for shift work and provide stability and love craved by children in foster care. Further, the parents have unique built-in support from Southmountain staff, consistent training and models of care to help with emotional and behavioral support.

Crystal Young, a native of Burke County, loved life. After graduating from college, she accepted a job with Cornings IT department and spent years flying between North Carolina, New York and New Jersey. A promotion in 2015 resulted in a permanent move to New York; however, five years later, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Crystal was presented with the opportunity to telework permanently. Crystal died shortly after returning to Burke County to be closer to her parents, sisters and large extended family.

Youngs estate was divided between causes she was deeply committed to, including the children at Soutmountain Estates. Southmountain used the funds donated from Crystals bequest to erect an 18-foot by 18-foot octagonal gazebo situated in the center of the neighborhood, adjacent to the playground.

Crystal Young was taken from this world too soon, said W. Chris Jernigan, Southmountain Children and Family Services executive director. I have learned about her faith and commitment to children through her sister Sherry Lail, and I regret never having the opportunity to meet such an extraordinary person. Ms. Youngs memory will live on in the laughter and memories made under this shelter. Whether its popsicle parties, hopscotch, or respite from the hot summer sun, children will benefit from this gift for years to come.

Rocking chairs flank the structures interior, a large ceiling fan provides comfort from the heat and a memorial plaque honors Crystals life and love of children.

A ribbon cutting on Nov. 19, dedicated the gazebo to Youngs life and legacy. Loved by many, it was no surprise to Crystals family when friends from across the country attended her memorial service.

We wanted to memorialize this testament to her character and her love of humanity with a gift to Southmountain, said Shery Lail. Our family is proud and comforted to have a lasting legacy of our sister, daughter, aunt, cousin and friend at Southmountain Estates that will provide a place for children to play and relax in nature.

The work of Southmountain Children and Family Services relies heavily on charitable gifts. To further support the cause, make a secure gift online at www.southmountain.org/donate or by mail at P.O. Box 3387, Morganton, NC, 28680.

For information about the Burke County Childrens Advocacy Center, call 828-430-9949 or visit https://www.burkecac.org/.
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For the longest time Ive meant to write a column about how Ive always believed theres a parallel universe version of me who didnt become a writer, Instead, I went to cosmetology school, moved back home and opened a salon. But thats not the kind of thing you just launch into without some explanation, is it?

Growing up in Cooks Mills, there were a handful of reasons wed have to make the arduous trip to town. Groceries, mainly. But then there were the haircuts. I may be misremembering this, but I recall haircuts being a big deal in my family. Maybe it was because of the drive involved, but the phrase, Dont worry, itll grow back wasnt something we had stitched into a sampler above the bathroom mirror.

For a history of my hair, heres the short version. I rocked a pretty-upsetting, but standard-for-the-age, bowl haircut that slowly morphed into a modified Dorothy Hamill. Then right around the third grade I fell in with the rough crowd who took their Transformers seriously and decided to get the spike. I even tried my best to make that look my brand, which is why, if you have a Humboldt Tigers yearbook from the 80s and you see a signature listed as Spike, thats me.

Although, the spike I had never really turned out like I pictured. What I wanted was a real jagged, gelled-up, pointy spike, but it always turned out like a poufy mullet; less Billy Idol than that guy who played the bass with no headstock from The Outfield. Oh, I had a rat tail too. A girl in my fourth grade class braided it once during a filmstrip.

But you cant keep up a rad hairstyle on your own. Sooner or later you need help. But where to go? I remember a few trips to the JC Penney hair salon. I remember they were located conveniently right next to the restrooms, which had a little waiting area with one of those nifty self-cleaning ashtrays just perfect for a bored kid to pretend is Pac-Man puking used Virginia Slims into the canister below.

Of course, I went to a genuine-article barber at some point. Didnt we all? Im sure it was The Bears Lair, a little one-man, one chair, operation located conveniently at 2121 Western, that little finger of an island that pointed to one of Mattoons more famously bizarre intersections. I remember there was a small ashtray recessed into the arm of the barber chair. I think theres a bank there now.

But cmon, when it came time to take your haircuts seriously, by which I mean you needed to get a style, in those ever-so-stylish 80s, there was only one place to go. Cmon, you know the one. You went there, your friends went there. OK, probably your female friends, but I was welcome there too. City Hair Works, located at 1404 Broadway, a location thats nowwho knows what.

Oh, how I remember; the wood railing that went around that raised platform where the stylists practiced their trade; a strange four-pronged heat lamp contraption in the corner that I never saw anyone sitting in; and plants, lots of plants. OK, I could be misremembering the plants. I cant vouch for what their ashtray situation was either.

City Hair Works was one of my first glimpses into the hip and sassy grownup life that lay over the horizon someday. They had cool hair, listened to cool music, and whats more, seemed interested in every dumb thing my pre-teen mouth had to say. Maybe thats the trick; just treat every male customer like hes Mr. Charming, no matter how old they are. We fall for it every time.

If youre reading this and youre my age, you remember what it was like there. I know I wasnt the only one. I know because Ive got a good friend who, over the years, has helped me craft an unofficial play list consisting of most pop music from about 87-91, like Lisa Stansfield, Jane Child, Brent Bourgeois, Go West, or Living in a Box, all songs where well stop in our tracks and say, Oh wow  I feel like Im in City Hair Works again. I wanted to put Joe Jacksons Steppin Out on that same list, but she said that song makes her feel like shes trying on jeans at Debs and I cant speak to that as they didnt have husky sizes.

Hairs still a big deal to me. At least in the sense that I still feel like I dont dare step out unless Ive got those sides nice and good the way I want them. No lie, that same friend recently told me she had a nightmare where she needed to rush out the door due to a family emergency but couldnt because I had to run to the bathroom to put product in my hair first.

So yeah, like I said, a parallel universe  me  a salon of my own. Why not? I mean, cutting hair seems like a pretty sturdy profession, one thats survived both the Flowbee craze and the whole Hey, we can cut our own hair experiments of the early pandemic.

And yeah, you heard me right, I said salon not barbershop because, well, with all due respect to those who think a room full of old dudes shooting-the-Shinola is something I can learn from, Ill take a pass. Trust me, Ive learned plenty already.

Besides, I want to be cool. And I want people to come to me to make them look cool. I mean, Ive already got the music all lined up. Thats why I would have called my salon, Clints New City Hair Works. I wonder if anyone still has the sign.
By Azernews

Representatives of Baku Shipyard and Balkan Shipyard and Ship Repair plant discussed the development prospects of bilateral cooperation, Azernews reports.

The parties got acquainted with information about the capabilities, structure, activity and cooperation of both companies at the meeting held in the city of Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, great attention was paid to the development of the shipbuilding systems of the two countries and opportunities for the exchange of experience.

In addition, the representatives of Baku Shipyard visited the production areas of the Turkmenistan enterprise and got acquainted with its infrastructure, techniques, and equipment.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that Azerbaijan soon to prepare final proposals for the regulation of mutual activity in the field of shipbuilding.
CHICAGO  A Cook County judge ordered an 18-year-old man held without bond Friday after he was accused of murder in the death of Chicago police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, who was shot and killed responding to a domestic-related call this week.

Steven Montano, 18, who remains hospitalized, was charged Thursday with first-degree murder, two gun-related felonies and misdemeanor counts of interfering with a report of domestic violence and assault. Judge Mary Marubio issued the no-bond order at a hearing attended by a number of uniformed Chicago police officers.

This case from start to finish, it begins with violence and ends with violence, Marubio said.

Marubio made the order after Assistant Cook County States Attorney Anne McCord told the judge Montano took his girlfriends cellphone as she first tried to call 911. The shooting then took place near a playground, where children had to take cover, the prosecutor said.

Montano was represented by a Cook County public defender who said no one from the office had been able to meet with him so they would withhold mitigation.

Vasquez-Lasso was among officers responding to a call for a man with a gun late Wednesday afternoon in the 5200 block of South Spaulding Avenue in the Gage Park neighborhood. The officers encountered someone in the street with a weapon, police have said.

The officers chased the suspect, and shots were exchanged at close range between the suspect now alleged to be Montano, and Vasquez-Lasso, Chicago police Superintendent David Brown said after the shooting. The officer, 32, was shot multiple times and was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital where he died, authorities said.

Several hundred people, mostly Chicago police officers, gathered Thursday night at Hale Park on the Southwest Side for a vigil for the fallen officer, with Vasquez-Lassos widow in attendance. Earlier in the day, community members gathered at the crime scene to pay respects, and lawmakers in Springfield held a moment of silence.

Montano was arrested last year and charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting a peace officer. Prosecutors alleged he ran after officers investigating a shooting stopped the car he was in. Witnesses of the shooting had described the car and its license plate to police.

Police eventually curbed the car, and the suspect and two others ran away, the report alleged. All three were taken into custody and officers recovered two guns in the vicinity, a police report said.

Prosecutors later dismissed the charge, as prosecutors offered him community service as an alternative to traditional prosecution, according to a statement from a spokesperson for Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx. The statement said the facts of the case did not support a gun charge.

At least one person charged in the incident is facing pending felony gun and fleeing counts.

Montano is scheduled to appear in court again on March 22.

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DECATUR  A Macon County judge has declared that Illinois' semiautomatic weapons ban violates the state's constitution, a ruling that will likely set up a final showdown before the Illinois Supreme Court.

Judge Rodney Forbes' ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by state Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, and a group of area gun owners. Forbes had previously issued a temporary restraining order halting the state from enforcing the ban on the plaintiffs.

Forbes, in his ruling, said that the law was "facially unconstitutional," which would apparently strike down the law in its entirety pending appeal.

Unlike temporary restraining orders that have been issued in a handful of state courts, which have only shielded named plaintiffs from the law's enforcement, this ruling appears to apply statewide.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office has disputed this notion, however.

"We expected political grandstanding from those more beholden to the gun lobby than to the safety of their constituents and todays ruling comes as no surprise," said Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough. "It does not apply statewide."

Gough added that "the governor is confident the constitutionality of the Protect Illinois Communities Act will be upheld."

Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office, on behalf of himself and Pritzker, filed an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court late Friday afternoon to "reverse and vacate the circuit courts order."

"We filed our notice of appeal today, and we expect the Court to accept it on Monday," said spokeswoman Jamey Dunn-Thomason. "We will ask the Court for an expedited schedule, and we look forward to defending the Act in the Illinois Supreme Court."

Attorney Jerry Stocks, representing the plaintiffs, said that Forbes' ruling "represents a victory in one battle that is not, necessarily, the end of the war against the subject legislation."

The Legislature passed and Pritzker signed the legislation banning semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines in January, and it took effect immediately. Illinois is the ninth state in the country to enact such a measure.

But a slew of legal challenges, including Caulkins', immediately followed. Cases in federal court argued that the ban violated the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Caulkins' lawsuit, however, alleged that the process by which the law was passed violated requirements from the Illinois Constitution that legislation get three public readings on three separate days in both houses, and that each bill be limited to a single subject. He also argued that the law violates the constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law by exempting certain classes of people, such as corrections officers and retired police.

Forbes ruled in favor of Caulkins and his fellow plaintiffs on the latter subject, but in favor of Pritzker's administration on the former, citing appellate court rulings in both instances.

In a hearing last month, Stocks and Darren Kinkead, an attorney representing Pritzker and the attorney general, acknowledged that Forbes' hands were essentially tied by the higher court's ruling.

However, Kinkead asked that Forbes not extend protections from the order to the entire state  a request that the judge apparently did not grant.

Raoul's office has appealed the initial appellate court ruling to the state Supreme Court as well.

During a hearing early Friday afternoon, Forbes said he wanted to delay issuing a ruling until he had a chance to further review the case and said he would do so quickly, and to expect a ruling in "a couple of days."

But the ruling ultimately came in only two hours.

"I'm sure the (Illinois) attorney general is ready to file an appeal," Caulkins said, speaking after the hearing but before Forbes issued his decision.

Other plaintiffs in the case are Decatur Jewelry & Pawn owner Perry Lewin and those under the banner of "Law-Abiding Gun Owners of Macon County." A list provided to the court included about 2,000 names of people who are members of the association.

Though the three state court lawsuits filed by unsuccessful attorney general candidate Tom DeVore are similar in their arguments, Caulkins' lawsuit took a different approach to the process in forgoing the extensive discovery process in the former cases in favor of an expedited ruling that would get gun owners across the state out from under the law.

Their likelihood for continued success is uncertain, however, once it leaves friendly downstate circuits to the high court, which has a 5-2 Democratic majority.

The state challenges were viewed by many has the fastest way for gun owners to get relief from the law. But in the long run, the real battle is expected to play out in federal court, where Second Amendment arguments will be heard.

READ THE RULING

Staff Writer Valerie Wells and the Associated Press contributed.

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From Fox News and legacy media, important facts about the January 6 riot failed to reach the public. The January 6 House select committee did not help either.

Julie Kelly, an investigative reporter, wrote a book to give us greater balance to the story of what happened that day. She reports President Trump's tweet sent at 2:38 pm that day. "Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!" So, how is this a call for insurrection? At 3:13 p.m. again. " I am asking for everyone at the U. S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law and Order -- respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

As one piece in the system of checks and balances, the January 6 certification meeting allows for objections to be raised against the electoral votes as received, a questioning of the election results. In this case 3 U.S. Senators and a House member objected -- all part of regular order. The following members were ready to object, a few did until interrupted by the riot. Senators Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, James Lankford, and other senators. House Rep. Paul Gosar objects to the Arizona result. All of this crashed after the riot.

The facts and quotations provided here are from the book "January 6" by Julie Kelly, Eastern Illinois University, Class of 1990.

-- Leonidas H. Miller, Mattoon
In observance of National Womens Month we bring you the story of Dr. Mary Martin Sloop. She and her husband, Eustace, were medical missionaries in the mountains of North Carolina in the early to mid 20th century. This story first appeared May 28, 2000, in the Journal.

Dr. Mary Martin Sloop never expected to carry out major surgery when she set out as a newlywed with her doctor husband to the mountains of North Carolina.

It was 1908, and they were going to be medical missionaries. Sloop and her husband, Dr. Eustace H. Sloop, whom she always referred to as Doctor, settled in a place named Plumtree, a mining hamlet on the Estatoe River.

She expected hardship and loneliness.

But not surgery. That changed when a young blacksmith, writhing in pain, showed up at the door of the Sloops makeshift medical office.

Hes got somethin awful wrong in his belly, and Ive seen lots of them die with that, the mans father told her. But I blieve you could cut him open and take it out, whatever it is. So I brung him to you. Just open him up.

Sloop knew immediately that her patient had a ruptured appendix.

She described what she did next in her autobiography, Miracle in the Hills, published in 1953. She walked across the river to the general store and got an empty lard can and a 10-cent tin pan, and with the pan and the can she made a sterilizer.

She spent the night sterilizing bandages and instruments, and the next day she helped her husband remove the mans appendix.

So began a life of improvisation, courage and faith. She and her husband moved across the mountain to Crossnore, where they made house calls on horseback and operated outdoors under an apple tree or by lantern light on kitchen tables.

In her book, she describes how she had to keep the neighbors away from the kitchen table during an operation on a 13-year-old girl.

I thought it was just too trying, too hopeless, to do an abdominal operation in such an infected atmosphere. But I had about gotten them where theyd stand back just a little so that we could get light, when all at once there was an awful squawk. An old hen had come in to see what was happening....

Somebody thought she ought to get out, and so kicked her. She rose in the air with a frightening squawk, and she settled down right on the little girls abdomen and cocked her head to one side and looked down into the wound. And then she flew off.

The girl survived. Mary Sloop went on to become world famous for her work as the reformer of Avery County.

She founded the Crossnore School, which still runs as a school for children from broken homes throughout the state, including in Winston-Salem.

Sloop raised money for the school by selling used clothes, and she campaigned against child marriages and moonshine. In 1951, she was named American Mother of the Year.

Sloop died in 1962 at 88, having lived the life she set out for. We wanted to be missionaries, Doctor and I, and what could be better than to spend our lives helping to bring to these people of the mountains, these fine, high-principled men and women so capable of great things, a more fruitful, happier manner of living?
A Winston-Salem man received a prison sentence Thursday after he pleaded guilty to a murder charge and other offenses, authorities said.

Javarius Jeron Ford, 35, pleaded guilty to second degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon and a possession of a firearm by a felon in Forsyth Superior Court, the Forsyth County District Attorneys Office said.

Judge Gregory Horne sentenced Ford to serve a minimum of 10 years and four months to a maximum of 13 years and five months in prison, the district attorneys office said.

Ford is accused of killing Apaulenal Eric Areyano, 26, on May 30, 2017, in a hotel room at the Sleep Inn on Hampton Inn Court, the district attorneys office said.

Winston-Salem police found Areyano on the floor inside the hotel room with multiple gunshot wounds.

He died at the scene.

Investigators learned that Michael LaPointe had rented the motel room for Ford in exchange for the deposit money, which would be returned after the room was vacated, the district attorneys office said.

LaPointe got a call from Ford who said LaPointe needed to come to the room because someone had tried to rob him, and that he had gotten shot, the district attorneys office said.

Text messages between Ford and Areyano revealed plans setting up a drug deal with Areyano to sell Ford cocaine, the district attorneys office said. Areyano had a history of dealing in illegal narcotics and served time in prison for trafficking in cocaine.

Police found empty wrappers with cocaine residue on them next to Areyano and cocaine residue on the dresser, the district attorneys office said.

Video surveillance showed that Ford entered the hotel room about 7 p.m., carrying a backpack. Areyano entered the room 20 minutes later, carrying a blue bag.

About 15 minutes after Areyano got to the room, three gunshots were heard, the district attorneys office said. After the shots, Ford then left the room, carrying his backpack.

Ford turned himself in to police two weeks later. Medical records showed that he had suffered a recent gunshot wound, the district attorneys office said.
Sheriffs deputies joined police officers on the streets of downtown Winston-Salem Thursday night, and were a welcome sight to bar owners frazzled by two fatal shootings in as many months.

Just Thursday morning, Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough had downtown bar and business owners clapping and shouting approval when he announced that he would send deputies downtown to help give police more coverage.

Police are 150 officers short of a full force, and city officials have been saying they have no officers to spare to beef up downtown patrols.

Police officers and sheriffs deputies on the street ... had parked their cars and were walking around making a physical presence, David Havens said on Friday, talking about Thursday night. Havens is the owner of Eastern Standard, one of the bars on Burke Street close to where the two fatal shootings occurred.

More deputies are on the way, Kimbrough said in a telephone interview on Friday.

We do what we say, Kimbrough said. Next weekend you will see us double down.

Kimbrough said he will be offering overtime to deputies so they can work downtown on weekends, putting nine to 12 deputies on the street to augment the citys downtown police coverage.

Kimbrough has deputies who work on what is called a juvenile intervention team who concentrate their work in eastern Winston-Salem. Expanding their area of coverage to downtown on the weekends and offering overtime should improve safety, he said.

Deputies will love doing this because you are getting paid to hang out downtown, Kimbrough said, adding that it really isnt taking juvenile officers away from their main focus because there is a high population of teens floating through the downtown area on weekends.

During the week, when crowds are not as thick, deputies will be incorporating a swing through downtown into their patrols as they begin and end their shifts, Kimbrough said.

Its all being done with the full approval and cooperation of Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn, Kimbrough said. The sheriff and Penn sat beside each other during Thursday mornings meeting with downtown business owners at the Millennium Center. Kimbrough said he and Penn had a chance to confer and agreed on the sheriffs plan to beef up the law enforcement presence downtown.

Anxious bar owners pleaded for help when they met Thursday morning at the Millennium Center, speaking of their anguish over the loss of life in the two shooting incidents, and voicing their fears about their own safety.

When Bobby Kimbrough just made that mic drop of a statement to say that this is not a county or city thing and we are in this together, that was a turning point in the mood of the room, Havens said. I know a couple people who walked into that room nervous and apprehensive and upset, and walked out feeling a lot better.

Police were living up to their promise to be more visible on their patrols, Havens said. He saw the officers and deputies around 9:30 p.m.

Police had their red and blue bar lights on just like they said they would, he said.

Although many business owners called Thursday for more community policing  officers spending time to build relationships and trust in their patrol areas  the shortage of officers keeps police in a response mode, said Patrice Toney, an assistant city manager whose oversight includes law enforcement.

People want to go back to a time where when we were fully staffed, officers could stop in an establishment and speak, and get to know the community, she said. We just dont have the people. They have to respond to 911 calls  riding around and greeting people may not be an option.

Kimbrough has his own manpower shortage problems, but theyre in the jail. Kimbrough said his patrol force is only short by some 12 positions.

City officials say that while the officer shortage limits what police can do downtown, technology can put more eyes on the street through a proposal to link downtown business owners in a network to share surveillance camera feeds with police. The system would also allow bar owners to share information with each other in real time.

Havens said he thinks most bar owners will want to join in such a system. While the system comes with a $25,000 annual price tag, officials say that funding sources may be available for much or all of the costs.

The shooting on Feb. 27 took the life of Quantae Tae Wilder in front of Gatsbys Pub on Burke Street. During January, Kane Jacob Bowen died as a result of a gunshot wound he received when a man fired into Burke Street Pub across the street from Gatsbys.

Noting that he plans to have his deputies doing foot patrols downtown so they can spend time in the businesses, Kimbrough said having a safe downtown is important for him as it is for city police.

A downtown must thrive for the city to thrive, Kimbrough said. People have to have somewhere to go to have dinner and breathe fresh air. We are in this together.
Local behavioral health advocates are sponsoring the showing of a 25-minute documentary Thursday in their latest attempt to draw attention to the more than 16,000 North Carolinians on what is known as the Registry of Unmet Needs.

UNMET: North Carolinas Two Developmental Disability Crises will be shown at 7 p.m. in the ACE Theatre complex on the UNC School of the Arts campus, 1533 S. Main St. in Winston-Salem. A panel discussion will follow.

There are more than 800 in Forsyth County on the registry list of unmet needs.

WANT TO GO? What: UNMET: North Carolina's Two Developmental Disability Crises When: 7 p.m. Thursday Where: ACE Theatre complex, UNC School of the Arts, 1533 S. Main St. in Winston-Salem

The states Medicaid innovations waiver initiative allows people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive services and assistance in their homes and communities instead of in an institution. The services involve skill building, intensive recovery support and transitional living. A slot is created for each individual receiving the additional services.

The more than 16,000 North Carolinians on the registry are awaiting the state funding necessary to place them in a slot. Some people have been waiting more than 20 years.

There has been an increasing bipartisan awareness in the state legislature of the need to provide additional state funding to take individuals off the registry. There are at least 266 Forsyth residents currently receiving the services, according to Partners Health Management, a behavioral health managed care organization.

The 2021-22 state budget included $37.5 million in funding to provide an additional 1,000 innovations waiver slots.

Still, Forsyth has gained limited slots since 2017.

Expanding innovation waiver slots has been a priority for me, said state Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, who has been a primary sponsor of bills that would add innovations waiver slots. I believe it is crucial to provide services to this vulnerable population. I do believe that the timing is right. I will not give up until services to this group of citizens have been provided.

The funding shortfall began in earnest during the Easley and Perdue administrations when the Democratic-controlled legislature reduced overall state spending in order to balance the state budget during the Great Recession. During the 2019-20 state budget debate, Senate GOP leaders focused on reducing the waiting list in an attempt to counter building momentum for expanding Medicaid.

In March 2020, a coalition of behavioral health advocates held what was known as the 2Long2Wait rally to draw attention to the registry and waiting list.

Bill Donohue, one of the rally organizers, wrote in an opinion piece published in the Winston-Salem Journal that the registry represents people of all ages and socioeconomic groups who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Donohue and Deborah Woolard are the parents of Jeremy Donohue, 38, who has a rare disease combination of FSH (facioscapulohumeral) muscular dystrophy and Down syndrome.

Donohue said he is encouraged that bill sponsors recognize the notion of addressing those in North Carolina who have waited the longest.
Services

Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, will celebrate the second Sunday of Lent services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Pastor Tyler Tankersley will continue his sermon series, Lent: The Struggle is Real, with a sermon titled Struggling with Expectations. The 10:45 service will be live streamed on YouTube and Facebook. All Together Ardmore activities will resume Sunday with a new semester of classes. For more information, go to www.ardmorebaptist.org.

Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem, will have worship at 10 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school is at 8:45 and childrens church starts at 9:30 a.m. There will be a New Beginnings dinner church for all ages from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month for all ages. Everyone is invited for a free meal, a message and music in the church fellowship hall.

Victory on the Frontline Church and Event Center, 4307 Welcome-Arcadia Road, Arcadia, Victory on the Frontline Church and Event Center, Sunday mornings begin with a fellowship breakfast. Fellowship breakfast is at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages begins at 10 a.m. The Victory worship service with Pastor Michael Duffield begins at 11 a.m. Contemporary and traditional gospel music will be performed by Victory Praise Band and the Victory Choir. Victory@pm starts at 6 Sunday with Preacher Don Faulkner. Contemporary and traditional gospel music will be performed by Victory Praise Band and the Victory Choir. On Wednesday, choir practice is at 6 p.m., the fellowship meal at 6:30 and the Just as I Am service with Pastor Duffield is at 7. For more information, email mktvfl@att.net or call 336-577-2873.

Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 S. Green St., Winston-Salem, will have an in-person service at 8:45 a.m. Sunday. The 11 a.m. service is held in-person and is streamed online via Facebook and YouTube and is a blended service featuring jazz and blues musicians as well as hymns, spirituals and elements of social gospel. The 8:45 a.m. service is a quiet, contemplative space including prayer, scripture, preaching and communion. Masks are optional in the building for services with some exceptions. For more information, go to www.greenstreetumc.org.

Trinity United Methodist Church, 3819 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, invites you to worship with us at 10 a.m. each Sunday. The Rev. Doug Miller is the lead pastor. During worship there will be special music, busy bags for children plus a kids message each Sunday. There are two Sunday school classes for adults. One is at 9 a.m. and the other is at 11 a.m. You are invited to the Connection Cafe which consists of a continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall. For more information, call the church office at 336-765-0150.

Burkhead United Methodist Church, 5250 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, will celebrate worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with guest speaker the Rev. Russell Peak. There will be two Sunday school classes, one beginning at 9:15 and the other at 9:30. If unable to attend, the worship service will be on Facebook or on the churchs website, burkheadumc.org under Pastors Messages. Masks are optional.

First Baptist Church, 700 Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, will have a service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. A. Ray Campbell will continue his sermon series Seven Last Words from the Cross, with a sermon titled Third Word: Never Alone. The scripture will be John 19:25-27.

Lewisville United Methodist Church, 6290 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will have contemporary worship at 9 a.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. and traditional worship is in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. For more information, go to lewisvilleumc.org.

Unity Moravian Church, 8300 Concord Church Road, Lewisville, will have adult Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. The service at 11 is in-person and live streamed. A nursery is provided. Childrens church is offered during the worship service. For more information, go to www.unitymoravianchurch.org or call 336-945-3801.

Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, 3543 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, offers two Sunday services: 9 a.m. modern worship in the Alspaugh Worship Center, and 11 a.m. traditional worship in the sanctuary. Both services are available online at http://youtube.com/MountTaborUMCVideoStreaming and the Mount Tabor United Methodist Church Facebook page. Persons not fully vaccinated, immune-compromised or uncomfortable without a mask, are encouraged to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing. For more information, visit www.mttaborumc.org or call 336-765-5561.

Winston-Salem Friends Meeting, Quaker church, meets at Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem. Sunday morning live services begin with Unprogrammed (silent) Worship at 9:15, First-Day (Sunday) school for adults at 9:30, and Meeting for Worship at 10:30. David Teague will bring the message Sunday. We are a community of seekers who meet together to worship God. We seek to express our faith through action, focusing on peace and social justice. We seek to find the Light of God in ourselves and in others. We seek to treat all persons with equality and integrity. For more information, email mary.simmons51@icloud.com.

New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, will meet in-person at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday and will live stream its 9:30 service on Face-book.com/newphiladelphiamoravianchurch. You do not need a Facebook account to view the service. If you are unable to view the live stream, a recorded version is on the churchs YouTube page.

Ardmore United Methodist Church, 630 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, has a traditional service at 10 a.m. and a contemporary service at 11:15 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. Neill Shaw and the Rev. Katy Medinas-Lockley welcome all and lead the worship service. Both services are streamed on Youtube. For more information, go to ardmoreumc.org or call the office at 336-723-3695.

Lewisville Baptist Church, 125 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Lewisville, invites all to celebrate Jesus Christ at 10 a.m. Sundays. Services are live streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. There will be midweek activities for all ages at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, go to lewisvillebaptist.com.

Olivet Moravian Church, 2205 Olivet Church Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and an inside worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The worship service will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, call the church office at 336-924-8063.

Salem Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) meets in the parsonage of Fries Memorial Moravian Church, 271 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem. The unprogrammed meeting for worship starts at 10 a.m. each Sunday. For more information, email clerk@salemcreekfriends.org.

Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, 3401 Konnoak Drive, Winston-Salem, will have a worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The church receives a drive-thru food offering for Sunnyside Ministry each Sunday. Drop off non-perishable donations from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Primary needs are canned vegetables, crackers, pasta, rice, cereal, dry/powdered milk and bread. For more information, call 336-788-9321.

Clemmons First Baptist Church, 3530 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, will have Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and an in-person worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. A guest speaker will bring the message. For more information, call 336-766-6486 or go to cfbctoday.org.

First Waughtown Baptist Church, 838 Moravia St., Winston-Salem, front doors will open at 8 a.m. for in-person Sunday school at 8:15 Sunday. Senior Pastor Dennis W. Bishop will continue the series Characteristics of the Holy Spirit: Trusting the Timing of the Holy Spirit (Nehemiah 2). He will also lead the congregation in partaking of Holy Communion. Completed waiver forms and masks that cover the nose and mouth are required and are available in the church lobby. People who prefer to worship virtually can find the service on YouTube, www.youtube.com (First Waughtown); Facebook, www.facebook.com/FirstWaughtown/; and the First Waughtown website, www.firstwaughtown.org. Services posted online are a one-week delay.

Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, will have in-person and live stream worship at 10 a.m. Sunday. Bible discussion via Zoom and in-person after the service using the adult programing link on the churchs website.

Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3930 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, will observe the second Sunday in Lent with a worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The services are in-person and live streamed on YouTube at youtube.com/ClemmonsPresbyterianChurch. The Rev. Leigh Wisner will bring the morning message on Jesus teaching Nicodemus found in John 3:1-17. For more information, go to www.clemmonspresbyterian.org or call 336-766-4631.

Kingswood United Methodist Church, 6840 University Parkway, Rural Hall, will have in-house Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. The Rev. Bruce Updyke will lead the service which includes live music. Masks are optional for Sunday school and the worship service. The service will also be available on Kingswoods Facebook page. Visitors are welcome. For more infor-mation, email bruceupdyke@yahoo.com or call 336-969-5437.

Rural Hall Christian Church, 280 Bethania-Rural Hall Road, Rural Hall, will hold the following in-person services on Sundays: The BLEND at 10 a.m. with Christian classes for all ages and congregational worship at 11 a.m. Youth ministries will continue at 6 p.m. Sundays, unless otherwise announced. For more information, go to RuralHallChurch.org and the churchs social media pages.

Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 1200 Lewisville Clemmons Road, Lewisville, offers a service in-person and livestream via YouTube at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Masks are optional. The outdoor Labyrinth is open for walking every day from dawn to dusk. For more information, go to spcnc.org or call 336-766-3178.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4055 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday will be held in-person, and also livestreamed at uufws.org/virtual-worship-service. The Rev. Ed Brock will discuss the compatibility of spirituality and science. The Forum will be at 9 a.m. The Rev. Ed Brock will discuss The Evolutionary Origins of Cooperation and Compassion. The Forum will be in person, and also live streamed at https://uufws.org/virtualforum. For more information, go to www.uufws.org.

St. Philips Moravian Church, 911 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, is worshipping regularly in the brick church in Old Salem at 11 a.m. Sundays. All are welcome for traditional Moravian worship in the historically African American church.

Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 4950 Warner Road, Pfafftown, will have services at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. The topic at 11 a.m. will be Discovering the Beautiful Son of God, based on the Gospel of John. The topic at 5 p.m. will be Unusual Things in the Bible. There will be Bible study at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The topic will be Doing the 52, studying 52 chapters, 52 verses, in 52 weeks. On the last Sunday of each month there will be a Singspiration. The Joyful Sounds Trio will be the guests Feb. 26. For more information, go to BFBCnow.org or call 336-462-4844.

Faith and Family Baptist Church, 105 Nathan Ave., Winston-Salem, schedule of services: Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. and the midweek service is at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The church live streams all services at www.facebook.com/faithandfamilybaptist. A Facebook account is not required to access the video, scroll down for the live stream. Archive services are available there if you are unable to watch live. For more information, contact Pastor Robert Hutchens at 336-782-3747.

Liberty Baptist Church, 1548 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, is open for all services and also broadcasts all services on Facebook Live on Pastor Gary Styers Facebook page. Masks, gloves and hand sanitizer are provided. The entire facility is sanitized each week. For more information, go to www.libertybaptistnc.org.

Rural Hall Moravian Church, 7939 Broad St., Rural Hall, has in-person Sunday School for all ages at 10 a.m. Sundays, followed by worship service at 11 with the Rev. Andrew Craver. Worship services are also available via online streaming at https://www.youtube.com/user/RHMoravian. For more information, go to www.rhmc.org.

Pfafftown Christian Church, 3323 Transou Road, Pfafftown, will have indoor worship service in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. Sunday. CDC guidelines will be observed requiring masks and social distancing. For more information, call 336-692-5214 or the church office at 336-924-9925.

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 357 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 10 a.m. and a worship service with Pastor Emily Schlaman Larsen at 11 a.m. Sunday in the sanctuary or in your car (tune to 88.7 FM). Masks are optional. The nursery is open. Weekly sermons are available on YouTube for people who prefer to join worship remotely. Search for: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Winston Salem NC. For more information, go to www.standrewsnc.org.

First Christian Church, 2320 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, will have an in-person worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. Childrens worship and youth worship are available. A noon-day prayer service will be held at noon Wednesday. Worship services are also available by online streaming at www.wearefcc.church. For more information, go to www.wearefcc.church or call the church at 336-722-2714.

St. Paul United Methodist Church, Winston-Salem, will live stream its 11 a.m. worship service Sunday at www.facebook.com/stpaulumcws/live. Facebook does not require an account for access to the page. Additional information regarding prayer services and Bible study may be found on the churchs website at www.stpaulumcws.org or by calling the church at 336-723-4531.
A 42-year-old Lincoln man is facing decades in prison after he allegedly sexually abused at least one child for eight years and subjected three other children to some form of abuse.

Prosecutors with the Nebraska Attorney General's Office on Tuesday charged Jesse J. Widick with two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child, four counts of felony child abuse and two additional felony sex crimes for the alleged abuse, first reported to police in November 2021, according to court records.

"My God," Widick said at his initial court appearance Friday, after Judge Laurie Yardley read aloud the charges levied against him and the possible penalties the charges carry, which could include a life sentence.

"This is just  wow," he said.

A judge signed a warrant for Widick's arrest Wednesday and ordered the affidavit for his arrest and the criminal complaint against him sealed.

In an affidavit for a search warrant filed in November 2021, Lincoln Police Investigator Lynette Russell said that a high school-aged girl told a friend in Texas that Widick had been sexually abusing her for eight years.

The friend relayed the report to Texas authorities, who contacted police in Lincoln, Russell said in the affidavit.

The girl later told investigators that Widick had sexually assaulted her about 2,000 times starting in 2013 in a string of assaults that lasted until about a week before her interview with police, Russell said in the affidavit for a search warrant for Widick's computers and hard drives.

Widick at times would bribe the girl for sex, she told police, paying her money after assaulting her.

He also threatened to kill her if she reported the abuse, Russell said in the affidavit.

It's unclear what led to the child abuse charges, which describe the teenage girl and three other children as victims. Documents relating to those charges were sealed from public view.

At his court appearance Friday, which Widick attended via Zoom from a Lancaster County Jail cell, he said he had been in counseling at the direction of authorities for nearly 18 months and seemed to be surprised by his arrest.

"Now all of a sudden they pulled me out of the cab (of a truck)," he said, describing his Thursday arrest.

"What's all this?" he asked.

Yardley set his percentage bond at $500,000. He must pay $50,000 to be released.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers
Zach Hammack K-12 education reporter Zach Hammack, a 2018 UNL graduate, has always called Lincoln home. He previously worked as a copy editor at the Journal Star and was a reporting intern in 2017. Now, he covers students, teachers and schools as the newspapers K-12 reporter. Follow Zach Hammack Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Strike up the band.

A bevy of basses, trumpets, trombones, violins (violas, too), tubano drums, saxophones and more  117 instruments in all  will soon be in the hands of musically inclined students at five Lincoln schools.

Lincoln Public Schools was recently gifted more than $122,300 worth of instruments by the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, which donates music equipment to schools in need.

The instruments will be distributed to three elementary schools (Belmont, Clinton and Hartley) and two middle schools (Goodrich and Park).

This is the first time the district has submitted a grant application to the foundation, said LPS Music Supervisor Lance Nielsen.

Eligible schools must have more than 62.5% of students enrolled in the federal free- and reduced-lunch program, a number districts use to measure poverty.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation is inspired by the 1995 movie of the same name that tells the story of a composer-turned-teacher  played by Richard Dreyfuss  and his impact on a generation of students.

The instruments will be used in the schools' string orchestras and bands (they've already started arriving at schools). Students can join orchestra in fourth grade and band the following year.

In general, families without their own instruments can rent them from LPS for a flat fee  or nothing at all, if they qualify for the district's fee waiver program.

The donation is huge, Nielsen said, not only because extracurricular programs like music are tied to greater success in the classroom, but for the help it offers families who might not be able to afford an instrument.

"Now they're going to have that opportunity."

One year for mobile lifeline

Since it was first launched one year ago, the My Companion app has been downloaded by nearly 700 Nebraskans looking for a lifeline.

Launched in February 2022, the app was designed by the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition to help young people manage their mental health and prevent youth suicide.

There is no doubt this app saves lives and helps the youth of Nebraska," said Dave Miers, founder of the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition and senior director of behavioral health services at Bryan Medical Center. "Its important to provide these types of resources to those who need them during such a transformative time in their lives.

My Companion allows users to input daily reflections, save emergency contacts, access resources, submit anonymous tips and reach hotlines.

Don't Panic Labs, a Lincoln-based software development company, and the Boys Town National Hotline started developing the app in 2018 before launching it last year. It's modeled after a similar app released in Utah.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Nebraskans between ages 15 and 24, according to the suicide prevention coalition. It's the 10th-leading cause of death in Nebraska overall.

Suicide is preventable and there is hope, help and resources, Miers said. "Even if just one person has been helped by the app, its made a difference.

The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Solutions for the future

There are some pretty cool things happening at Dawes Middle School.

The school in northeast Lincoln was recently named the state winner in the 13th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, which challenges students in grades 6-12 to explore how science, technology, engineering and math can address some of the world's biggest issues.

Dawes was one of 300 finalists named in January, joining other Nebraska schools from Broken Bow, Gering, Ogallala and Omaha.

For the competition, Dawes students are working on a drone that will assist firefighters, tackling a broader issue of uncontrolled fires in the state. Finalists were asked to draft a lesson plan detailing how their proposed STEM project could help solve an issue in the community.

Winners from each state receive $12,000 in technology and school supplies, as well as a video production kit to document their STEM project. State winners will be required to send in a 3-minute video demonstrating how their project works.

Based on those videos, the 50 state winners will be whittled down to 10 national finalists, which will pitch their projects to judges during an in-person event in May. Samsung will then name three national winners, which will each get a $100,000 prize package.

Quick hits

* Ryan Robley stepped down as Lincoln Public Schools director of transportation Feb. 17. Phil Skorupa will serve as the interim director while LPS works to fill the position, officials said.

* Crete Public Schools was one of 55 schools named a 2022 Elementary and Secondary Education Act distinguished school, an award recognizing thriving Title I schools.

* Theater students will pack the state Capitol on Tuesday as part of the Nebraskan Thespians' "Theatre in Our Schools Advocacy Day," promoting positive arts legislation.
By Azernews





A quiz dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the founder of the modern Azerbaijan state, and genius statesman, was held in one of the military units, Azernews reports citing the Defense Ministry.





First, the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids (Martyrs), who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Motherland, was honored with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan accompanied by a military orchestra was performed.





A video about the life and activities of the national leader was shown.





Speakers at the event emphasized that the declaration of 2023 as the Year of Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan by the relevant Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mr. Ilham Aliyev is the embodiment of nationwide love and deep respect for the great leader.





The team 'Gunners' took the 1st place, the team 'Commando' - took the 2nd, and the team 'Tankmen' - took the 3rd place and were awarded honorary diplomas, cups, and medals.





In the end, a group of servicemen who distinguished themselves in combat training were also presented with valuable gifts.
Leaders from the University of Nebraska and two prominent industry groups asked members of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee on Friday to fund the full state appropriations request over the next biennium.

Last August, the NU Board of Regents approved a proposal to seek a 3% increase in state appropriations from the Legislature for each of the next two years.

The increase sought by NU would have boosted state support to $665 million in 2023-24 and $696 million in 2024-25.

Gov. Jim Pillen  who was a member of the Board of Regents that approved that request before he won the gubernatorial election last November  included a 2% increase to the university system in his budget proposal.

The Appropriations Committee's initial budget reflected Pillen's proposed support for NU with a 2% increase in state support.

Speaking to committee members, NU President Ted Carter described the university's request as "carefully considered, balancing the basic needs of the university with our commitment to being good partners to you."

Carter said the budget request would not cover all of NU's needs and suggested the university would look at some combination of modest tuition increases and budget cuts in order to close any funding gaps.

He added NU has already slashed $75 million from its budget over the last five years to keep its budget balanced, which has eliminated any "low-hanging fruit" the university could cut.

"It is too early to know what kind of tuition increase we might bring to the board," Carter said. "We will not make that decision until after you and your colleagues have completed your work, but I can tell you that we will not balance our budget on the backs of students."

Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, who serves as chairman of the board this year, told the committee that "a stable base of state support is crucial to our ability to keep tuition affordable."

In turn, he added, affordable tuition would keep NU accessible to students from Nebraska and elsewhere as the state seeks workers to fill tens of thousands of open positions.

"We need to remain affordable and accessible so every student who wants to pursue a university degree can do so," Clare said. "At the end of the day, more access for students means more workforce for Nebraska."

Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, said the university was key to developing the state's workforce and attracting talent to the state.

"This has always been the case, but as we face a growing workforce shortage and a decrease in college enrollment in our institutions of higher education, it's more important than ever that we look to increase enrollment in our colleges and university campuses, to develop our talent pipeline," Slone said.

He also told lawmakers that NU was doing its part to be a good steward of public resources and increase the impact its teaching, research and outreach has on the state.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue said the university also played an important role in supporting the state's largest industry  agriculture.

Reducing the reliance on property taxes to fund government remains Nebraska Farm Bureau's top priority, McHargue said, but the organization also backs "maintaining a strong and future-focused university system."

McHargue said the university trains agronomists that work with Nebraska farmers, as well as mechanical engineers and veterinarians that work with producers. In the future, agriculture is going to need more data scientists and computer programmers, he added, all of which are trained at places like NU.

The committee also heard from a pair of student regents, including Nicole Kent, who told senators about her experience at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, which offered her a path to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she is now in her third year in the College of Medicine.

"The University of Nebraska provides opportunities for students like me to rise and achieve all that we are capable of," Kent said, "but it takes support from lawmakers like yourselves to maintain high-quality, affordable education."

Top Journal Star photos for March 2023
OMAHA  Some Nebraska school districts did not receive bulletins warning that schools across the state could be subject to a string of phony shooting reports.

But the apparent communication slipup, according to education officials, did not impede responses to a wave of hoax calls that involved at least 10 schools across Nebraska on Thursday morning, including Lincoln High School.

The Nebraska State Patrol issued multiple bulletins regarding the trend of "swatting," or making a prank call to elicit a large emergency response. Such incidents have occurred across the country in the past month, including in Kansas, Minnesota and Colorado.

Multiple Nebraska districts did not receive the bulletin.

The bulletin was distributed via email earlier in the week to law enforcement agencies across the state and to the Nebraska Department of Education, said Cody Thomas, a spokesman for the State Patrol.

The previous week, bulletins were sent directly to law enforcement agencies and numerous school districts that are "actively engaged in a growing partnership" with the State Patrol's Nebraska Information Analysis Center, Thomas said.

The Department of Education did not distribute the bulletin to districts because officials felt comfortable with the State Patrol sending it directly, said David Jespersen, department spokesman.

Jespersen said he heard some schools received the bulletin, but it was filtered into "junk" folders. And, he added, the State Patrol may not have as extensive a distribution list as the Nebraska Department of Education.

But overall, Jespersen said emergency response teams and local law enforcement handled the situations well in affected districts.

"The school districts that got the call, there were a lot of different reactions and responses to it and they all did great," he said. "Sometimes people think if an incident happens, everyone should follow this and it's just not reasonable. What's good for one district might not be good for another."

Omaha Public Schools did not receive a bulletin, said Bridget Blevins, OPS spokeswoman.

"We work closely with local and state agencies when there is a safety concern at one of our schools, but we are not aware of anyone in our district receiving a specific bulletin in advance of this week's swatting incidents," Blevins said in an email.

The district follows a standard response protocol for all safety concerns, regardless of whether officials have advanced warning, Blevins said. Officials were grateful for the quick response from law enforcement partners at Omaha South High School on Thursday.

Blevins said there haven't been any other swatting calls in the district in recent years.

While the district does not currently have a formal partnership with NIAC, Blevins said conversations are ongoing on how district officials "can best connect with them on safety matters in the future."

Lincoln Public Schools received the bulletin, but a spokeswoman was unclear on what agency distributed it to the district's security director.

An LPS school was among those subjected to a hoax call Thursday, according to a statement from LPS.

"Lincoln Police, working with our staff, were able to quickly determine the call was a hoax and part of a national trend aimed at disrupting the learning environment in our schools," the statement said.

This wasn't the first time the district experienced a swatting call, said district spokeswoman Mindy Burbach. Another incident occurred last fall.

But the bulletin issued by law enforcement allowed school officials to prepare for a potential incident  and eventually manage things once the hoax call was made, Burbach said.

Kearney Public Schools did not receive a bulletin, but officials did receive a call from the Kearney Police Department last week regarding the trend, said spokeswoman Tori Stofferson. It speaks highly, she said, of the positive relationship between local police and the school district.

Officials at Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus received communication from NIAC, but it was filtered into a "junk" folder. Officials never saw notice of the "swatting trend."

"It was troubling yesterday, reading that law enforcement and NDE had received information about this. I felt like we were not privy to this information," said Jeff Ohnoutka, school president.

But Ohnoutka praised local police, who arrived inside the school building in less than one minute from the time the hoax call was placed.

All districts previously were invited to join a partnership between NIAC, the State Patrol, the Nebraska Department of Education and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Public Policy Center.

"A large number have signed on to the effort and NIAC will continue working to add schools to the school safety partnership," Thomas said in an email.

After Thursday's incident, Thomas said the State Patrol has been in communication with numerous schools that are joining NIAC's partnership program, which includes providing threat assessments, safety presentations in schools and situational awareness bulletins.
The upcoming city election features a crowded City Council race that includes 12 people vying for the four district seats, while Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird faces two challengers in her run for a second term in a contest shaping up to be one of the most expensive in the citys history.

State Sen. Suzanne Geist, backed by deep-pocketed Republican donors, is challenging Gaylor Baird, a Democrat, as is Stan Parker, a Republican and former Husker football player who runs the Christian ministry MyBridge.

Members of the Peed family and their company Sandhills Global have donated more than $800,000 to Geists campaign, along with $100,000 from U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts.

In elections to the City Council, in which just one of the incumbents is running for a second term, northwest Lincolns District 4 and southeast Lincolns District 2 each have four candidates.

In two of the districts, just two candidates are running, which means they will both advance from the April 4 primary to the May 2 general election.

City elections are nonpartisan, meaning no party labels appear on the ballot and the top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. However, the political parties do recruit and support candidates.

In northeast Lincolns District 1, the race is between incumbent James Michael Bowers, a Democrat and social worker, and Taylor Wyatt, a Republican real estate agent who operates a small business with his wife.

Bowers is the only incumbent running for reelection. Wyatt ran against him in 2019, when Bowers won with 52.7% of the vote.

In southwest Lincolns District 3, Elina Newman, a registered nonpartisan, and Justin Carlson, a Democrat, will compete for the seat vacated by Jane Raybould when she was elected to the Legislature in November.

Newman, a first-generation immigrant from Azerbaijan who is a pharmacy technician and teaches psychology, ran for an at-large City Council seat in 2021.

Carlson is director of development for the University of Nebraska Foundation and former chairman of the Lancaster County Democrats.

Four candidates are vying for each of the other two district seats. Neither southeast Lincolns District 2 councilman, Richard Meginnis, or northwest Lincolns District 4 councilwoman, Tammy Ward, are running for a second term.

In District 2, two new candidates threw their names in the ring Friday:

Peter Katt, a Republican, announced his campaign, saying his focus would be on keeping Lincoln affordable by lowering taxes and keeping our community safe.

Katt, who served on the Lincoln Board of Education, is a founding member of the investment group INA Group LLC, a principal in several residential land development companies and a partner in several homebuilding companies, he said in a news release.

A lawyer, he was a partner with Pierson, Fitchett, Hunzeker, Blake & Katt from 1989 until 2007 and at Baylor Evnen LLP from 2007 to 2016.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Doane College and his law degree from the University of Nebraska.

He is on the Lincoln Independent Business Association board, and has been President of Interfaith Housing for more than 10 years.

Thien Chu, a Democrat, is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate who teaches math and science at Blessed Sacrament School. He said hes running for many reasons, but top among them is because he wants to see the city provide more funding for education programs for young people and adults.

Two other District 2 candidates previously announced campaign plans: Tom Duden, a Republican and former Lincoln police officer, private investigator and criminal justice teacher; and Bailey Feit, a Democrat and educator who now works for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a STEM pathways coordinator at Lincoln Northeast.

In District 4, three Democrats and one Republican are vying for the northwest Lincoln seat.

Wayne Reinwald, the only Republican running in District 4, is a retired businessman who spent his career in the food and beverage industry.

The Democrats include Brodey Weber, vice president of client relations for Mid American Casing Supply, a locally owned family tire warehouse business in Air Park. He ran against Sen. Mike Hilgers for a seat in the Legislature in 2020.

Maggie Mae Squires, who teaches yoga and works for Medical Solutions, a company that places traveling nurses, is making her third run for City Council after campaigns in 2017 and 2021. She also ran for a seat on the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District board in 2014.

The third Democrat running in District 4 is Kay Siebler, an assistant professor of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a staunch supporter of the Fairness Ordinance. She was among those who tried to get the question on the ballot after the council repealed the ordinance it had passed that expanded protections against discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

Five candidates have filed for two open seats on the Lincoln Airport Authority, meaning one will be eliminated in April's primary election. The officially nonpartisan race includes three registered Republicans (Chris Hove, Sammy Luci and Chris Stokes) and two Democrats (Vanessa Emlich and Nathan Janulewicz).

The city election also includes races for Lincoln Board of Education seats in three districts. Each district includes two candidates who will advance to the general election.

In District 2, Piyush Srivastav and Emmy Pollen both seek to replace Connie Duncan on the school board. Alaina Brouillette will challenge incumbent Annie Mumgaard in District 4, while Richard Aldag will oppose incumbent Bob Rauner in District 6.
WALTERBORO, S.C.  In the culmination of the once-prominent lawyer's fall from grace, Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday after he was convicted of murdering his wife and son.

Judge Clifton Newman asked Murdaugh if he had anything he wanted to say before sentencing him to two consecutive life terms, and the South Carolina attorney maintained his innocence.

"As I tell you again, I respect this court. But I am innocent. I would never under any circumstances hurt my wife, Maggie, and I would never under any circumstances hurt my son Paul-Paul," Murdaugh responded.

"And it might not have been you. It might have been the monster you become when you take 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 opioid pills. Maybe you become another person," Newman replied, noting Murdaugh's decadeslong addiction to painkillers.

Newman asked Murdaugh what he meant when he said "Oh, what a tangled web we weave" while on the stand in his own defense, when he admitted lying to investigators about being at the kennels where Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were killed.

"I meant when I lied, I continued to lie," Murdaugh replied.

"And the question is when will it end? You continued to lie and lie throughout your testimony," Newman said.

Newman also touched on the Murdaugh family's history as they stood in a courtroom on the circuit where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather tried cases as the elected prosecutor for more than 80 years.

"A lawyer, a person from a respected family who has controlled justice in this community for over a century. A person whose grandfather's portrait hangs at the back of the courthouse that I had to have ordered removed in order to ensure a fair trial," Newman said.

Prosecutors asked for a life sentence to hold Murdaugh responsible for what they say were decades of lying, stealing and using his family's considerable clout in the tiny county to his advantage. The Colleton County jury deliberated for less than three hours before finding Murdaugh guilty of killing his 22-year-old son with a shotgun and his 52-year-old wife with a rifle on June 7, 2021.

Juror Craig Moyer told ABC News that when deliberations began, the jury immediately took a poll that came back with nine guilty votes. It didn't take long to convince the other three.

The juror agreed with prosecutors that the key piece of evidence was a video locked on Murdaugh's son's cellphone for a year  video shot minutes before the killings at the same kennels near where the bodies later were found.

The voices of all three Murdaughs can be heard on the video, though Alex Murdaugh insisted for 20 months that he hadn't been at the kennels that night. When he took the stand in his own defense, the first thing he did was admit he lied to investigators about being at the kennels, saying he was paranoid of law enforcement because he was addicted to opioids and had pills in his pocket the night of the killings.

"A good liar," Moyer said. "But not good enough."

Prosecutors didn't have the weapons used to kill the Murdaughs or other direct evidence like confessions or blood spatter. But they had a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including the video putting Murdaugh at the scene of the killings five minutes before his wife and son stopped using their cellphones.

The now-disbarred attorney admitted stealing millions of dollars from the family firm and clients, saying he needed the money to fund his drug habit. Before he was charged with murder, Murdaugh was jailed awaiting trial on about 100 other charges ranging from insurance fraud to tax evasion.
OMAHA  A former Nebraska corrections employee who gave birth in December now faces a felony charge after DNA testing confirmed that a convicted murderer is likely the father of the baby boy.

Samantha Cedillo, 31, was charged Wednesday in a warrant in Douglas County with sexual abuse of an inmate. The charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and no required minimum sentence. She was not yet in custody as of 5 p.m. Thursday.

Authorities had recently collected DNA of the infant, who was born in December, and the inmate, James E. Price, who is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder in connection with a 1995 homicide. Lab testing in mid-January revealed that Price, 47, could not be excluded as the father of the child.

The babys mother, Cedillo, had worked as a non-clinical program manager and oversaw three inmates at the Omaha Correctional Center last spring, one of whom was Price.

Nebraska law prohibits anyone from subjecting an inmate or parolee to sexual penetration or sexual contact.

Although the relationship between Cedillo and Price may be a legitimate, loving one, based on messages between the two, consent is not a valid defense, according to state law.

According to affidavits filed by a Nebraska State Patrol investigator:

* Cedillo, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, oversaw programs not involving substance abuse or medical needs at the Omaha Correctional Center. Cedillo had an office in the library and wore a gun belt while on the job.

* She was in her second stint as an employee for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services  she started in June 2021 and had previously worked at the center from April 2018 to July 2019, said Dayne Urbanovsky, a spokesman for the department.

* In November 2021, informants told prison staff that they suspected Cedillo, then 30, was having an inappropriate relationship with her library clerk, then-46-year-old Price.

* Over the next four months, staff members observed and documented at least 10 questionable interactions between the two or prison code of conduct violations by Cedillo.

* One rule that was routinely broken was that Cedillo and Price were in her office with the door shut or partially closed  in several different instances lasting from three minutes to roughly an hour. A motion-activated security camera captured part of Cedillos office, so staff members were able to corroborate the twos interactions.

Urbanovsky declined to answer specific questions about prison policies regarding contact between staff and inmates and said only that it ranges based on the position of the staff member and the type of communication required.

Deputy Warden Shawn Freese had given Cedillo a verbal warning, then removed Price from his library clerk job and later told Cedillo and Price to avoid contact with each other except during an active, non-clinical program session.

Yet the two continued to talk in the library and in Cedillos office  staff members even reported that Cedillo blew kisses to Price, an allegation she denied.

On March 30, video surveillance captured Cedillo taking off her radio belt when Price was in her office. The two moved behind the door, out of the cameras view. The camera stopped recording for three minutes until a correctional employee entered the library, triggering the cameras motion sensors.

Cedillo hurries back to her chair, staff members wrote in a report. She appears to be adjusting her shirt and bra. Her shirt is untucked, and her hair is in a loose ponytail.

Cedillo had entered her office with her shirt tucked and her hair in a bun. The entire interaction occurred within roughly 12 minutes.

Freese asked Cedillo to file an incident report justifying the interaction. She turned angry and said she was fed up with having to explain. She resigned that day.

After having gone through this conversation before and having put in my notice once before withdrawing it, I have made the decision to discontinue working for NDCS, she wrote in an incident report.

Investigators later found a baby registry created by Cedillo, with a due date in mid-December  nine months after that March interaction.

State Patrol investigators interviewed Cedillo in July, and showed her the video of the March 30 interaction. Cedillo said she couldnt remember why they were both in her office and said she had untucked her shirt because it was uncomfortable.

Cedillo denied rumors that she was having sex with inmates and staff and said she resigned because she felt her concerns about verbal assault and physical intimidation from inmates were not taken seriously. State Patrol Investigator CJ Alberico noted that Cedillo didnt mention that at all in her resignation letter.

After Cedillo left her job at the correctional center, she and Price continued to message each other  either via an illegal phone that Price had possession of in his cell and later destroyed when authorities searched for it, or via legitimate prison communications.

Cedillo was approved to send letters and messages to Price through the correctional communication system. The two exchanged 14 letters and 371 emails and messages as of early January and also spoke on the phone.

They had nicknames for each other, told each other they loved each other and recorded Nov. 22 as their anniversary. They talked about family, her pregnancy and her baby shower. In letters, Cedillo said the baby was her first and planned only child and also wrote sexually graphic messages.

I took care of him so hes growing bigger, Cedillo messaged Price in October. Also I like to push on his head so he moves.

You better be nice to him, Price responded.

Its kind of cute. He does get irritated when I push on him, Cedillo messaged Price in October. I wish you could feel this. Wed be up all night botherin (sic) him.

Two months later, Cedillo sent messages to Price when she was having contractions and going into labor at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs.

I cant sleep Mama. Tell me whats going on? Price wrote.

Just got to hospital annoyed with nurses and this (expletive) hospital but otherwise Im good, Cedillo responded.

You are amazing babe and I love you so very much, Price said.

Thank you baby. Its getting harder but it seems to be progressing, she said.

After the boy was born, Cedillo told Price she would send photos once theyre approved.

Im so thankful you are allowing me to be a part of your lives and to step in as this little ones father means the world to me, Price wrote. I hope I can make you both proud. Love you.

Top Journal Star photos for March 2023
ASHLAND  An Environmental Protection Agency attorney who oversees enforcement in Nebraska said its unlikely AltEn, the former biorefinery near Mead that used pesticide-coated seed to make ethanol, will be designated a Superfund site.

David Cozad, the director of EPA Region 7s enforcement and compliance assurance division, told more than a dozen people at a community meeting in Ashland last week the agency believes the seed companies that sent AltEn their unused products are ultimately responsible for the cleanup.

We have a fundamental principle that we operate under when were working on this kind of site and thats the polluters should pay, not the taxpayers, Cozad told Saunders County residents and members of a research team studying the former ethanol plants impact on the environment and human health.

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) passed by Congress in 1980, the EPA has the authority to clean up contaminated sites or order the parties responsible for the contamination to do the cleanup or reimburse the government for costs incurred.

Cozad said in the case of AltEn, the law better known as Superfund would likely not apply because the pesticides found in high concentrations at the plant are not deemed hazardous, limiting the EPAs authority to deal with them.

As one of the toughest sites hes worked on during his 30 years at the agency, Cozad said both the EPA and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy believe responsibility rests with the agri-chemical companies that sent discarded seed to AltEn at no cost.

Six of those companies  Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta, Bayer, Becks Superior Hybrids, AgReliant and Winfield Solutions  agreed in June 2021 to shoulder the cost and burden of cleaning up the site through a voluntary cleanup program that allows third parties to assume responsibility at no cost to taxpayers.

The Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program was created in 2006 through a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Environment and Energy and the EPA to "facilitate the expeditious cleanup of contaminated sites."

According to the state environmental department, it also "offers protection from federal Superfund enforcement for those eligible sites that successfully complete cleanup" through the voluntary program.

After enrolling in the program, the so-called AltEn Facility Response Group hired Newfields, an environmental engineering and construction firm, to oversee the remediation efforts, and according to attorneys representing the companies, has spent more than $28 million since assuming responsibility for the site two years ago.

Cozad said the EPA believes the voluntary program is the right approach for the unique situation at AltEn and said the agency is 100% in support of NDEE being in the lead on this project while it continues to offer technical and legal support.

There are, under federal law, several ways in which (the seed companies) are responsible for cleaning up this contamination, he said. Theyve chosen to carry out that responsibility through the voluntary cleanup plan, which we support.

And as long as they continue to work and make progress through that cleanup plan, I think were comfortable with that approach, he added.

Mounting frustrations

Several individuals who took part in last week's meeting with EPA Region 7 officials said they did not share Cozads confidence in the approach to the cleanup, however.

Joan Schrader, a retired veterinarian and research scientist, said many residents who live near AltEn felt the Department of Environment and Energy failed to act with urgency in bringing the ethanol plant to heel when it was obvious an environmental crisis was taking shape.

NDEE has not fostered much goodwill in the way they have handled this from the onset, Schrader said. I dont think theres a lot of trust there.

Both she and Stan Keiser, whose property 6 miles downstream from AltEn was the collection point for pesticide-contaminated wastewater running away from the facility in violation of state environmental regulations, also said the slow rate of progress has yet to stop pesticide pollution from moving offsite.

Researchers from the University of Nebraska and Creighton University found concentrations of pesticides in streams and ditches running away from the plant have subsided in the two years since AltEn shut down, but have also discovered neonicotinoids in blood and urine samples, in detectable levels of soil taken near the water table, and in dust and air samples gathered from area homes.

Schrader, in an email to the EPA that initiated the meeting, said until the contaminated material was properly disposed of, she felt like she was living on a nuclear waste dump waiting for the radioactivity to fade.

Last month, two years after state regulators ordered AltEn to stop pumping wastewater into its damaged lagoon system, the Department of Environment and Energy approved a plan to pump treated wastewater with reduced concentrations of pesticides to area farmland.

The seed companies are also expected to submit a plan for disposing of nearly 100,000 tons of pesticide-laden wet cake, sludge and other solids now entombed under cement and clay  the second of three expected phases of the remediation effort  later this spring.

Meanwhile, state and federal regulators are anticipating a third plan looking at addressing groundwater and soil affected by AltEns ethanol production in the surrounding area, but the timeline for when that plan could be submitted and approved is unclear.

Were (at) the third stage of the process and theyre not even through the first stage yet, said Keiser, whose private well that supplies his familys farm has shown the presence of neonicotinoids, but far below levels deemed concerning for human health, so I dont know when our stage is going to get cleaned up.

Cozad said the work done to control stormwater runoff, minimize dust and airborne emissions and other activities has stabilized the facility, and said the Facility Response Group has been successful in reducing the amount of pesticides present in wastewater.

But he also acknowledged there is often tension on environmental cleanup projects between doing it fast and getting it right, and said the methodical approach is often best.

You dont want to go down a route on a cleanup approach that isnt ready because you rushed it, he said, adding he has full faith in the state environmental department to continue managing the project, and believes the solid waste will be addressed at the same pace and have the same outcome as the wastewater.

Insiders and outsiders

In December, Cozad and others from the EPA met with Jim Macy, director of the Department of Environment and Energy, state Sen. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard, who represents Saunders County, and about 10 residents of Mead to address their concerns.

At that meeting, according to multiple people who attended, members from the community told the EPA they did not want AltEn to be named a Superfund site.

That was news to many who live outside of Mead's village limits, particularly those living downwind or downstream of the ethanol plant, or close to where wet cake or wastewater has been land-applied, who are not part of the monthly meetings.

In a statement, NDEE said it has hosted two public information sessions and three public hearings as it considered renewing permits or approving remedial action plans, and keeps the public updated via its website and public records portal.

The department said it has chosen to not invite more residents to its monthly meetings for a reason:

"The Mead community group is the most directly affected by the AltEn site. NDEE wants to be sure the community members are informed when they see activity taking place at the facility."

But residents and members of the Perivallon Group, a coalition of researchers, advocates and community members that has coordinated a response to the environmental crisis, said the problem created by AltEn extends well beyond Mead.

"It is questionable for any state or federal agency to claim that AltEn is primarily a 'Village of Mead problem' and to justify meeting with a select group as the only affected people," said John Schalles, a professor of biology at Creighton University who is part of the research team studying the plant's impacts.

"This unique environmental catastrophe is a Saunders County and Nebraska problem," he added.

Drainage channels that collected and moved wastewater from AltEn eventually join with the Platte River near Ashland and ultimately the Missouri River, Schalles explained, while high concentrations of neonicotinoid pesticides have been located in areas where wet cake was dumped.

Former state Sen. Al Davis, who is now a registered lobbyist for the Nebraska chapter of the Sierra Club, said the closed-door meetings are "a breathtaking breach of trust" by the state environmental department.

"There is no justification for NDEE to hold private and secret informational meetings with a small, selected group while excluding other victims of this disaster as well as the media," Davis said. "All citizens across Nebraska deserve timely and accurate information about this disaster to make the best decisions about how to protect themselves and their families from harm."

Jody Weible, whose efforts to draw attention to AltEn started in 2018, is part of the small group of Mead residents who meet monthly with officials from the Department of Environment and Energy and representatives from the seed companies.

Now that they have a direct line to the ear of the entities responsible for cleaning up the site, Weible said the town doesn't want to lose that access.

"I think that we have a working relationship with NDEE where they trust us, Newfields trusts us, and nobody wants to upset that apple cart," Weible said.

Bostelman, who has taken part in the meetings, said he believes the current process is working.

"The community leaders are supportive of it, cleanup is happening and has been happening, so we need to continue down that path," he said. "I think we've come a long way, there's more to be done, obviously, but we're going down that path."

Carrot vs. stick

The question of whether or not AltEn would qualify to be designated as a Superfund site has lingered since the environmental concerns at the plant first gained national attention two years ago.

The residents of Mead are no stranger to the federal governments environmental cleanup program: the EPA named the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant a national priority in the mid-1990s after several chemical solvents and explosive residues were discovered to have leached into the groundwater.

Since that time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has managed an extensive network of monitoring pumps and filters to clean an estimated 100 billion gallons of groundwater at a cost of more than $140 million to date.

To Schrader, living near an existing Superfund cleanup for two decades has made her appreciate the expertise, implementation, and monitoring that the EPA can apply to point source pollution, and is something she said should be replicated for AltEn.

We are in desperate need of federal help in this situation, she said.

But Cozad said the type of pollution in AltEns case  agricultural chemicals  is not considered a hazardous substance under CERCLA, which limits the EPAs legal authority to use the program.

The EPA has another tool, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, governing the disposal of solid waste that Cozad said could be used if state or federal regulators feel AltEn or the seed companies are slow-walking progress or beginning to withdraw from the voluntary program early.

Under one provision of RCRA  section 7003  the EPA can order anyone who has contributed to the past or present handling, storage, treatment, transportation or disposal of any solid or hazardous waste that presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to health or the environment to clean up that waste.

We think the seed companies, by providing the seed at no charge to the ethanol producer, contributed through the disposal of solid waste to creating an endangerment that they are responsible for, Cozad said. If push came to shove, I think we would be prepared to use that authority  not Superfund.

In late November, the EPA used the RCRA statute to order ESE Alcohol, a small biofuel plant that began operating in western Kansas in 1998, as well as Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a subsidiary of Corteva, to clean up several thousand tons of pesticide-contaminated wet cake.

Pioneer supplied ESE Alcohol with 1.3 million bushels of unused treated seed between 2018 and 2021, according to the EPA, while the ethanol plant had land-applied nearly 20,000 tons of wet cake in 2020 and 2021 combined.

A spokesman for Corteva said the company and the ethanol plant are voluntarily working with the EPA to evaluate and determine if there is a need for remediation on the land on which wastewater and solids were applied by ESE Alcohol.

Cozad said while the situations are vastly different  the state of Kansas turned over enforcement to the EPA  he believes the same authority would apply at AltEn. He said the RCRA law incentivizes the seed companies to stay in the voluntary cleanup program.

I believe they are committed to this for the long haul, he said. I think that wasnt clear at the beginning, but its clear now.

Top Journal Star photos for February 2023
While much of the current news from Ukraine involves the conflict in the eastern part of the country where Russia continues to attempt a takeover, the long-term future of the country is pretty much out of the news but nevertheless very real in orphanages in western Ukraine.

Thousands of children are housed in orphanages in western Ukraine, having lost parents and other family members to the war. However, Rotarians in Poland recognize that it is the children in those orphanages who will help foster a promising future for their country. So they are making regular visits with vans loaded with food, sleeping bags, warm clothing and even generators.

The effort is coordinated by Rotarian Piotr Jankowski, district governor of Rotary in Poland, and Janus Lisiecki, Rotary Club of Wolsztyn, Poland. Just a few days ago, they loaded vans with supplies, some of which were purchased with funds from Rotary members in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. This humanitarian effort is a demonstration of the power of networking and working together, which is at the very foundation of Rotary.

Nearly a year ago, as the invasion by Russia caused many people in Ukraine to flee to Poland, Barbara Bartle of Lincoln headed to Poland on a life-altering trip to help the people of Poland welcome the influx of refugees. Bartle is governor of 39 Rotary Clubs in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. She answered the call from fellow Rotarian Steve Glenn, as he used his connections to secure rooms in a hotel in Warsaw so refugees would have a place to get a good nights sleep, a warm shower and a good meal following harrowing days of escape from the war.

It was during that week in Poland that I met my counterpart, Piotr Jankowski, and learned of his work to unite Rotarians across Poland to help orphans, said Bartle. I was so touched that when I returned to Nebraska, I launched a campaign to raise money to help with this effort. Rotary members from the clubs in District 5650 contributed $10,000 to help purchase supplies for the orphanages.

We transmitted our donations to Rotary in Poland, and they in turn purchased the supplies and drove their vans into Ukraine, Bartle added.

As the Polish Rotarians prepared for their drive into Ukraine, Bartle sent this message via email:

You and the Rotarians in your clubs are in my heart at the turnstile of a second year of war in Ukraine. Your district has inspired us with your compassion and incredibly hard work to bring lifesaving supplies, equipment and warmth to the people in Ukraine. We will never forget the impact and sacrifice that you are making for the rest of the world. You are people of action putting love into action.

We stand with you on this anniversary with our prayers for peace, love and understanding.

Gratefully, Barbara

When Jankowski was asked about his involvement and leadership in this effort, he said, We cannot change the whole world as Rotary, but we can change the world for children and mothers. Rotary clubs in the United States, United Kingdom and throughout the world have helped in so many ways, raising money for ambulances, sending medical supplies and supporting our supply trips to orphanages. I feel great support from Rotary members. They dont ask questions, they just want to help.

I get emotional each time I tell the story, he added. It brings to mind the pictures of the boys and girls were helping.

Nearly 50,000 Rotary clubs are located in more than 200 countries throughout the world. Members volunteer for projects in their local communities, connect regionally to make a positive impact and join forces internationally to serve mankind wherever they are located.

The Rotary International Foundation has awarded nearly $15 million in disaster response grants to more than 270 districts throughout the world. In addition to projects such as this one helping orphans in war-torn Ukraine, Rotarians have risen to the call for humanitarian relief in Turkey and Syria following the earthquakes. If youd like to know more about Rotary and find a club near you, visit https://rotarydistrict5650.org/.
RACINE  Joe Kneiszel will be honored as the 2022 Democrat of the Year when the Democratic Party of Racine County holds its annual awards banquet Sunday, March 19, at Infusinos Banquet Hall, 3201 Rapids Drive. Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sarah Rodriguez will be the guest speaker.

The Democrat of the Year Award recognizes a person who has supported democratic principles, promoted the Democratic Party of Racine County to the community and beyond, supported Democratic candidates for elected positions and participated in related political events in a positive way. This member should demonstrate they live by the principles of our organization.

Kneiszel is a retired Racine Unified School District teacher, specializing in high school German and French. Since retirement, he has been working with the Racine Democrats, helping to make its office better. He was the historian because he created easy to look through files out of our piles of paper. Kneiszel participates on every project and can be counted on to improve the DPRC as it works to get Democrats elected to office.

Pastor Ernest NiA is the recipient of the Spirit of Democracy Award. It honors a person who has worked to further democratic principles such as equality, justice, peace, quality education, affordable health care, environmental protection, or labor equity by his/her efforts in the community, state and/or nation. This person need not be a member of the Democratic Party of Racine County, but they should demonstrate their commitment to its democratic principles.

NiA is a leader of a large church and is one of the leaders of the effort to recognize and empower Black people in Racine via the Heritage Ball, the African-American Roundtable and through his extensive mailing list. He uses the mailing list to keep the community informed about actions they can take and events they can attend.

The public is invited. A social hour begins at 4 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $60 and are available at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2023awardsbanquet. People can also mail a check payable to DPRC to P.O. Box 081825 Racine, WI, 53408.
PURIM CELEBRATION

RACINE  Beth Israel Sinai, 3009 Washington Ave., will host a Purim celebration on Monday, March 6. A Megillah reading begins at 6 p.m., followed by Klezmer music with the Maxwell Street Orchestra at 7 p.m.

It will be in-person or via zoom. Zoom link meeting, ID 811 5151 1468; passcode, 833720; phone, 312-626-6799.

Donations are accepted.

FEAST OF DEKOVEN

RACINE  A celebration of the Feast of Blessed James DeKoven will be held Wednesday, March 22, at The DeKoven Center, 600 Caron Butler Drive. DeKoven was the most widely known and respected leader of the Anglo-Catholic movement of the 19th century and is listed on the calendar of the Episcopal Church.

The day begins at 11 a.m. in the Collegiate Chapel of St. John with the Eucharist and memorial at DeKovens tomb. A light lunch follows in Taylor Hall with Dr. John Magerus providing a short presentation on his work of writing a full biography of James DeKoven. The cost of the meal is a $20 donation. A tour of the DeKoven campus will follow. To learn more about the day and to RSVP, visit dekovencenter.org/dekovenday.
By Azernews





Azerbaijani MPs Tural Gancaliyev and Sevil Mikayilova met with Permanent Secretary for Exterior Relations of New Caledonia Mikael Forrest, who is in Baku to attend the Summit-level Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Contact Group in response to COVID-19, Azernews reports, citing the Milli Majlis.





MP Tural Gancaliyev, welcoming the guest, expressed his satisfaction with the presence of the representative of New Caledonia in the Azerbaijani parliament, and his participation in the event of the NAM in Baku.





He highly appreciated the chairmanship of Azerbaijan in the NAM, the second largest international institution after the UN, and drew attention to the significance of holding the summit of the Contact Group of the NAM in response to COVID-19 in Baku and the issues raised there.





For her part, MP Sevil Mikayilova spoke about the benefits of such meetings in terms of the mutual exchange of information and experience. She shared her views on the neo-colonial policy of France and praised the determination of the people of New Caledonia to achieve sovereignty.





At the same time, Mikael Forrest thanked Azerbaijan for its cordial attitude and high hospitality. He noted that Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the NAM was effective and the parliamentary network of the movement also functioned successfully.





Mikael Forrest informed about the colonial policy and the crimes committed by France against New Caledonia, spoke about the struggle of New Caledonia for independence, about how France hindered it in every possible way, and blocked the negotiations and the settlement process.
Photos and video: RUSD students and area fire departments compete in chili bowl

RACINE  Marvell Robertson was shocked but happy to win. Robertson, a senior at Case High School, and classmate Xander Marsh took first place Thursday in the inaugural Racine Fire Department vs. Racine Unified School District Chili Bowl. Robertson and Marsh, who cooked a homestyle chili, had the best of 12 chilis made by area fire departments and culinary students at Case, Horlick and Park high schools.

Park students Juan Benitez and Mya Lowery took second place, and RFD Engine 5 placed third. Five people, including Racine Mayor Cory Mason, judged the chilis. The contest took place at Racine Fire Department Station 1, 810 Eighth St. RFD and RUSD officials hope to make the event an annual occurrence.
1. Yes. Switching back and forth every spring and fall is cumbersome and annoying.

2. Yes. It makes sense, although it would take a bit of getting used to at first.

3. No. The bill isnt enforceable. The federal government would have to approve the switch.

4. No. If other states dont follow suit, it could make long-distance travel problematic.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing all the impacts of the proposed change.

Vote

View Results
KEARNEY  Dr. Michael Licona, a historian who specializes in Jesus of Nazareth, will speak here next week.

Licona said he is known around the world for using nothing but the historical method to show  with extremely high degrees of historical certainty  that Jesus rose from the dead.

His speeches will include:

Wednesday, 6 p.m., The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, in Room 142 of Copeland Hall at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

March 12, 10 a.m., The A, B, Cs of the Gospels: Defending the Gospels from Common Objections, First Baptist Church, 3610 Sixth Ave.

March 12, 6:30 p.m., The Historical Case for the Resurrection of Jesus, Kearney eFree, 4010 Seventh Ave.

All talks will be followed by a question-and-answer period. Licona welcomes tough questions.

He will also speak on Jesus Miracles: Fact or Fiction? at 7 p.m. Thursday in the City Union Ballroom at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Licona, an American New Testament scholar and author, is associate professor in theology at Houston Baptist University and extraordinary associate professor of theology at North-West University. He is also the director of Risen Jesus Inc.

Raised in a Christian family, he became a Christian at age 10. He earned a bachelors degree in music performance from Liberty University but felt pulled toward the ministry.

Before entering the ministry, he investigated the evidence for Christianity and some other major world religions, including the arguments for atheism.

His investigation solidified his belief that God exists and that he revealed himself to mankind in Jesus Christ, and that the Christian view provides the most plausible and unified theory of reality.

Licona has lectured at more than 100 university campuses and has appeared on television and radio programs. He holds a masters degree in religious studies from Liberty University and a doctorate in New Testament studies from the University of Pretoria.

For more information, call Tim Stratton at tim@freethinkinc.org.
KEARNEY  Temo Molina of Stanton and Ethan Ciancio of Fullerton will serve as the next student body president and vice president, respectively, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

They were elected Thursday and will take office April 18, succeeding current President Emily Saadi and Vice President Zach Zavodny.

As student body president, Molina will represent UNK as a student regent on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents and serve as the official student body representative to the administration and public. The president also has the power to approve or veto legislation passed by Student Senate.

A sophomore majoring in political science and business administration with an accounting emphasis, Molina is involved in the UNK Honors Program, Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity, Undergraduate Research Fellows, Pre-Law Society, Hispanic Student Association and Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion. He serves as a senator representing the College of Arts and Sciences, vice president of Model United Nations and Locke and Key Society and president-elect of the Honors Student Advisory Board.

Ciancio is a second-year student in the pre-radiologic technology program. He serves as the performing arts co-chair for Loper Programming and Activities Council and vice president of external affairs and philanthropy for the Honors Student Advisory Board. Ciancio works for UNK Campus Recreation and was selected as a New Student Enrollment leader for summer 2023.

Members of their executive cabinet, pending Student Senate approval, are:

Noah Shackelford of Clay Center  chief of staff.

Olivia Lawless of Aurora  secretary of the treasury.

In addition to the presidential election, 13 students were selected Thursday to serve on UNK Student Senate.

This organization is the legislature for the student body, with representatives elected from each of the three academic colleges at UNK and the graduate college.

There are also freshman and deciding/pre-professional senators.

Student Senate has the power to pass legislation for the campus, approve new student organizations, appoint student representatives to UNK Faculty Senate and other administrative committees and perform other duties concerning student issues.

Those elected to Student Senate are:

College of Arts and Sciences

Kyle Dittmer of Central City.

Sam Schroeder of Seward.

Austin Dubas of St. Paul.

Noah Shackelford of Clay Center (seat vacated if executive cabinet position is approved).

College of Business and Technology

Emily Hall of Columbus.

Emma Bond of Kearney.

Omar Sanchez of Lexington.

Olivia Lawless of Aurora (seat vacated if executive cabinet position is approved).

College of Education

Joey Orellana of Cozad.

Lily Seibert of Kearney.

Jacob Howe of York.

Hunter Hiatt of Grand Island.

Emma Nolan of York.
Use of methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug, is on the rise in Chippewa County, and the Take A Stand Against Meth campaign seeks to combat that through education and community discussion.

The program aims to inform community members about the dangers of meth and how to report meth-related incidents. Its a Chippewa County-wide effort to combat the methamphetamine epidemic.

Since 2015, there has been a 256% increase in meth-related referrals to the district attorney, 193% increase in out-of-home placements due to meth use and a 50% increase in meth-related referrals to Child Protective Services in Chippewa County.

Chippewa County spends more on drug-related healthcare than any other Wisconsin county, said Rose Baier, Criminal Justice Services director for Chippewa County. She said the county spends $725,000 annually for meth-related issues.

A lot of that comes from out- of-home placements and foster care placements of kids due to meth-related incidents, Baier said.

Big jump

Baier said in 2021, the Chippewa County District Attorneys Office processed 303 meth-related cases.

It almost seems like in 2014 and 2015 cases shot up, and were not exactly sure why. But in 2014, we had 82 meth-related cases processed. Now the number is 303, Baier said.

James Luckey, investigator at Chippewa Falls Police Department, works with the West Central Drug Task Force to combat drug offenses including those related to meth.

It is just increasing every year, Luckey said. I would imagine that it would be a near daily basis that we would be either seizing and/or arresting people for methamphetamine or methamphetamine related crimes.

If you go What: Take a Stand Against Meth town hall When: Wed., March 8th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Chippewa Falls High School Cafeteria Wed., March 15th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Stanley-Boyd High School Library Wed., March 29th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cornell HS/MS School Library Wed., April 5th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bloomer Middle School Cafeteria Wed., April 19th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Chippewa Falls High School Cafeteria For more information, visit www.takeastandagainstmeth.org.

The Chippewa Falls Police Department handled 74 meth-related cases in 2019, 111 in 2020 and about 200 meth-related cases in 2021.

The supply is abundant. Obviously if its increasing in patrol officer contact, that means that there is a steady flow into the area, Luckey said.

Hunting suppliers

For Luckey and his partners in the West Central Drug Task Force this means a greater emphasis on finding the larger level meth suppliers.

What that looks like in practicality is a lot of conversation with the people who have been arrested to try and determine where the drugs are coming from, and how to best attack the problem so that we can try and mitigate the exposure for the community, he said.

Luckey is one of the Chippewa Falls Police Investigators who attends the Take A Stand Against Meth town hall meetings. He said his goal is to increase awareness and education.

I think that a lot of community members are just simply not aware, because they dont necessarily see it on a day-to-day basis. You know, they might be at the gas station and see somebody that they believe is a controlled substance user. But what the problem truly is, is how all-encompassing it is, he said. It affects people from all walks of life, all socioeconomic classes. Its not simply the downtrodden people that I think a lot of people would have stereotypically in their mind.

Crisis mode

Alongside the work of the Take A Stand Against Meth campaign theres a core team, communication team, and six task force teams made up of community volunteers who work to develop action plans designed to combat the meth problem.

We have hit crisis mode, Baier said. Out of those task force teams, we really wanted to approach the epidemic from all different directions. What can these entities do to help with a meth epidemic? For example, when people do go through recovery, and they are successful, they still have a hard time finding places to live or employment due to their history.

Another component of the education initiative is creating an awareness of adverse childhood experiences and what meth-use and substance abuse does to addicts children.

Almost everybody whos involved in the criminal justice system has seen these adverse childhood experiences. So how can we, as a community, help curtail that? How can we help our youth build resiliency, whether it be through mentoring programs, or positive pro-social activities, Baier said.

Town halls

During the Take A Stand Against Meth town hall meetings happening across the county in the next two months there will be a new youth component.

Were inviting the youth ages 10 and up to participate and were going to have breakout sessions with youth. Baier said. Were also going to have a youth with lived experience who went through the foster care system and whose mother was addicted to methamphetamine talk to the kids about her experience and what helped her as she was growing up.

The Take A Stand Against Meth campaign will host five town hall meetings across Chippewa County over the next seven weeks to combat meth-use in the region. Each event will feature education about drugs, education on adverse childhood experiences, discussion of Narcan and harm reduction, a panel answering questions, breakout sessions for youth (aged 10 and up), a Hidden in Plain Sight Room and a Crime Stoppers Overview.

Shannon Starr, works for HSHS St. Josephs Hospital as Project Director for an HRSA grant that includes Chippewa County. She said shes been working with Baier on the Take a Stand Against Meth campaign. Shell also be a panelist at the multiple Take a Stand Against Meth events.

I think its about getting the knowledge out to the communities, answering any questions that community members have and really about what and how Chippewa is attacking the issues, Starr said.

Starr said there are two things shes noticed since taking on her role which includes dealing with meth-use.

I am astounded at the numbers I see, she said. But also the stigma that is associated with this drug use. You should not be ashamed if you need help.

Chippewa County has done an excellent job of getting information out there and the things theyve done to tackle this issue, I think, has been a real asset to the communities, Starr said.
The Vernon County Domestic Abuse Project, a program of Family and Childrens Center, along with the Vernon County Sheriffs Department, local law enforcement, and Stonehouse Counseling, have been working to bring a Domestic Violence Volunteer Community Response Team (DVVCR) to Vernon County.

A Domestic Violence Volunteer Community Response Team is a group of trained volunteers who take turns being on call and accompanying local law enforcement on domestic violence calls to offer services to the victim at the scene.

According to Mary Jacobson, Family & Childrens Center Director of Wisconsin Programs, It is rare for victims to call for help, but when they do, it is important to get needed services to the victim at that moment. The goal is to have law enforcement secure the scene and then they will call the volunteer on duty to come to the scene and support the victim adds Jacobson.

In order for this program to work in our rural area, there will need to be a group of volunteers in a 15-minute radius of each area of the county, so that they can arrive at the scene rapidly.

Susan Townsley, LCSW, from Stonehouse Counseling, has also been spearheading this effort.

Townsley says, The local Coordinated Community Response Team is gathering one or two leaders from each area of the county to participate in a training on March 13 and 14, at the Vernon County Sheriffs Office, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The participants will learn about domestic violence and learn details about what it will take to create a successful Volunteer Community Response Team.

The training will be conducted by two experts that are coming in from the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative in San Antonio, Texas. Patricia S. Castillo, L.M.S.W., Executive Director, and Jane Shafer, Board President, will take the local community leaders through a two-day training to prepare Vernon County leaders to learn how to run a successful program in Vernon County. They will also be training the participants about how to create a full and effective community-based domestic violence prevention initiative.

Any interested member of the community is welcome to come to the morning session of the first day on March 13 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. There will be an overview of the program and a time for questions during the first morning session.

There will be a full training for volunteers coming soon. The training on March 13 and 14 is for law enforcement leaders who can help implement the program and civic and community leaders who can help recruit volunteers.

If you are interested in attending the morning session on March 13, please RSVP for the training to Susan Townsley, LCSW, at susan@stonehousecares.com. Questions may also be emailed to susan@stonehousecares.com.
The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to propose restrictions on harmful forever chemicals in drinking water after finding they are dangerous in amounts so small as to be undetectable. But experts say removing them will cost billions, a burden that will fall hardest on small communities with few resources.

Concerned about the chemicals ability to weaken childrens immune systems, the EPA said last year that PFAS could cause harm at levels much lower than previously understood.

We as a community of scientists and policymakers and regulators really missed the boat early on, said Susan Pinney, director of the Center for Environmental Genetics at the University of Cincinnati.

There is also evidence the compounds are linked to low birthweight, kidney cancer and a slew of other health issues. Its unclear what the EPA will now propose and how well it will protect people from these recently-understood harms.

PFOA and PFOS are part of a larger family of compounds called PFAS, for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that are widespread, dont degrade in the environment and have been around for decades. Theyve been used in nonstick pans, food packaging and firefighting foam. Their use is now mostly phased out in the U.S., but some still remain.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, secured more than $8.3 million for Wisconsin communities to address PFAS contamination The PFAS projects include remediation projects and new water systems in Wausau, Eau Claire and Peshtigo.

Locally, the town of Campbell was allocated $1,666,000 to support a new municipal water system. But before it can build a new system, the town must find a safe water source and more funding.

Residents of Campbell have been drinking and using bottled water since over 500 private and public wells were found with high concentrations of PFAS.

Nationwide, water providers are preparing for tough standards and testing that will undoubtedly reveal PFOA and PFOS in communities that dont yet know the chemicals are in their water.

This rule would help ensure that communities are not being poisoned, said Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz, senior attorney, toxic exposure and health at Earthjustice.

Over the past decade, an increasing number of cities and towns, often abutting manufacturing plants or Air Force bases, suddenly realized they had a problem. In 2016, for example, Sarah McKinney was on maternity leave when she got word there was too much PFOA and PFOS in the tap water in her Colorado Springs suburb. She picked up her weeks-old daughter and hustled out to buy enough bottled water for her family of five.

If Im just spitting it out, can I brush my teeth? she remembers wondering.

In response to concerns from people who had been drinking the water for years, McKinneys water utility switched to a different source, provided water bottle filling stations and installed a $2.5 million treatment system that was the first of its kind in the country, according to Lucas Hale, the water district manager. The chemicals had gotten into the water from nearby Peterson Air Force base, which then built a treatment facility.

For communities with the pollutants, its not a cheap problem to solve.

Nationally, it could cost roughly $38 billion to remove enough of the chemicals to meet a strict EPA rule limiting them to where they cant be detected, according to an estimate prepared by engineering consultant Black & Veatch for the American Water Works Association, an industry group. There also will be ongoing costs for filter material and testing.

The consultant looked at federal and state test results and estimated that 4% to 12% of water providers nationally will need to treat for PFAS due to the EPA rule.

Smaller, poorer communities will have a harder time affording the new systems and training staff on how to use them, experts said. And in general, smaller water providers with fewer resources already violate water quality rules more often than utilities that serve large cities.

Small systems often need technologies that are more simple to operate, said Jonathan Pressman, engineer and EPA water researcher. The agency offers technical assistance to states and communities, and it recently made $2 billion available to states for contaminants like PFAS.

Inside the EPAs research facility in Cincinnati, a row of vertical, forearm-sized glass tubes were partially filled with a resin material that can remove PFAS. The work ensures the agency knows how long it will last and how much PFAS it removes. Thats important for designing treatment systems.

Last year, the agency lowered its conservative, voluntary health thresholds to levels that tests cant even detect  a fraction of a part per trillion. In 2016, it was 70 ppt. Before that, it was even higher. As the EPA recognizes the increased danger of these compounds, it will mean people who were once told their water was safe to drink will find out it actually requires treatment.

When people feel misled about the safety of their tap water, they are less likely to drink it. Instead, they tend to reach for expensive bottled water and consume sugary drinks more often, choices associated with health problems like diabetes.

We do have challenges in this community with trust, said Abel Moreno, the district manager of the South Adams County Water & Sewer District that serves Commerce City, an industrial stretch of Denver. Contaminants leaked from a nearby chemical manufacturing plant decades ago. Although the district built a facility to treat the contamination, it sparked long-simmering distrust in the predominantly Latino neighborhood, and questions about how long people had been exposed.

Last year, Betty Rivas was startled by a letter telling her that the drinking fountains her 8-year-old used at school werent safe. PFAS stories had been in the local news and the school district told families to use bottled water. It reinforced Rivass fears.

With this recent PFAS issue, its one more reason to be certain that you shouldnt drink the water in Commerce City, she said.

Moreno responded that the district tested for PFAS long before the news reports, in 2018. It discovered extremely high levels in certain wells, but once the water went through the treatment plant, it didnt surpass the EPA health advisory threshold in place at the time. Morenos agency closed the wells. He said the letter Rivas received was frustrating because PFAS hadnt spiked  it had just made the news. Now, the district purchases and mixes in water from Denver to keep PFAS at undetectable levels and plans to build a treatment plant for a permanent fix.

Across the U.S., so far only local utilities and state regulators have imposed changes, not the federal government.

PFAS forever chemicals about to get their first US limits
By Azernews

Sabina Mammadli

Coinciding with the first anniversary of the Declaration on Allied Cooperation signed between Russia and Azerbaijan last year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a two-day visit to Azerbaijan back on February 27-28.

Besides, the general discussion of the wide specter of bilateral ties, the Russian minister in a tandem with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a conference on "Russian-Azerbaijani relations in the 21st century: Strategic partnership in the context of regional security" as part of the 3rd meeting of the Russia-Azerbaijan Expert Council.

The sides discussed the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the peace treaty with Lavrov reiterating that Russia is ready to contribute to the signing of the peace agreement between the two states, noting that Baku has agreed to the next meeting to be held in Moscow. However, he added that Armenia has not stated a clear position on the matter.

Armenia has recently been blunt with its statements against Russia feeling protected behind the backs of the West. Here, commenting on Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyans remarks about Russia's military presence in Armenia creating security threats for the republic, Lavrov simply noted that they remain entirely on his own conscience.

Right after the visit to Baku, the Russian foreign minister met with his Armenian colleague Ararat Mirzoyan in New Delhi.

Here too, the sides talked about the urgency of intensifying efforts in all areas of the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization in accordance with the agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan dated November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021, and October 31, 2022.




The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to propose restrictions on harmful "forever chemicals" in drinking water after finding they are dangerous in amounts so small as to be undetectable. But experts say removing them will cost billions, a burden that will fall hardest on small communities with few resources.

Concerned about the chemicals' ability to weaken children's immune systems, the EPA said last year that PFAS could cause harm at levels "much lower than previously understood."

"We as a community of scientists and policymakers and regulators really missed the boat early on," said Susan Pinney, director of the Center for Environmental Genetics at the University of Cincinnati.

There is also evidence the compounds are linked to low birthweight, kidney cancer and a slew of other health issues. It's unclear what the EPA will now propose and how well it will protect people from these recently-understood harms.

PFOA and PFOS are part of a larger family of compounds called PFAS, for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that are widespread, don't degrade in the environment and have been around for decades. They've been used in nonstick pans, food packaging and firefighting foam. Their use is now mostly phased out in the U.S., but some still remain.

Water providers are preparing for tough standards and testing that will undoubtedly reveal PFOA and PFOS in communities that don't yet know the chemicals are in their water.

"This rule would help ensure that communities are not being poisoned," said Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz, senior attorney, toxic exposure and health at Earthjustice.

Over the last decade, an increasing number of cities and towns, often abutting manufacturing plants or Air Force bases, suddenly realized they had a problem. In 2016, for example, Sarah McKinney was on maternity leave when she got word there was too much PFOA and PFOS in the tap water in her Colorado Springs suburb. She picked up her weeks-old daughter and hustled out to buy enough bottled water for her family of five.

"If I'm just spitting it out, can I brush my teeth?" she remembers wondering.

In response to concerns from people who had been drinking the water for years, McKinney's water utility switched to a different source, provided water bottle filling stations and installed a $2.5 million treatment system that was the first of its kind in the country, according to Lucas Hale, the water district manager. The chemicals had gotten into the water from nearby Peterson Air Force base, which then built a treatment facility.

For communities with the pollutants, it's not a cheap problem to solve.

Nationally, it could cost roughly $38 billion to remove enough of the chemicals to meet a strict EPA rule limiting them to where they can't be detected, according to an estimate prepared by engineering consultant Black & Veatch for the American Water Works Association, an industry group. There also will be ongoing costs for filter material and testing.

The consultant looked at federal and state test results and estimated that 4% to 12% of water providers nationally will need to treat for PFAS due to the EPA rule.

Smaller, poorer communities will have a harder time affording the new systems and training staff on how to use them, experts said. And in general, smaller water providers with fewer resources already violate water quality rules more often than utilities that serve large cities.

"Small systems often need technologies that are more simple to operate," said Jonathan Pressman, engineer and EPA water researcher. The agency offers technical assistance to states and communities, and it recently made $2 billion available to states for contaminants like PFAS.

Inside the EPA's research facility in Cincinnati, a row of vertical, forearm-sized glass tubes were partially filled with a resin material that can remove PFAS. The work ensures the agency knows how long it will last and how much PFAS it removes. That's important for designing treatment systems.

Last year, the agency lowered its conservative, voluntary health thresholds to levels that tests can't even detect  a fraction of a part per trillion. In 2016, it was 70 ppt. Before that, it was even higher. As the EPA recognizes the increased danger of these compounds, it will mean people who were once told their water was safe to drink will find out it actually requires treatment.

When people feel misled about the safety of their tap water, they are less likely to drink it. Instead, they tend to reach for expensive bottled water and consume sugary drinks more often, choices associated with health problems like diabetes.

"We do have challenges in this community with trust," said Abel Moreno, the district manager of the South Adams County Water & Sewer District that serves Commerce City, an industrial stretch of Denver. Contaminants leaked from a nearby chemical manufacturing plant decades ago. Although the district built a facility to treat the contamination, it sparked long-simmering distrust in the predominantly Latino neighborhood, and questions about how long people had been exposed.

Last year, Betty Rivas was startled by a letter telling her that the drinking fountains her 8-year-old used at school weren't safe. PFAS stories had been in the local news and the school district told families to use bottled water. It reinforced Rivas's fears.

"With this recent PFAS issue, it's one more reason to be certain that you shouldn't drink the water in Commerce City," she said.

Moreno responded that the district tested for PFAS long before the news reports, in 2018. It discovered extremely high levels in certain wells, but once the water went through the treatment plant, it didn't surpass the EPA health advisory threshold in place at the time. Moreno's agency closed the wells. He said the letter Rivas received was frustrating because PFAS hadn't spiked  it had just made the news. Now, the district purchases and mixes in water from Denver to keep PFAS at undetectable levels and plans to build a treatment plant for a permanent fix.

Across the U.S., so far only local utilities and state regulators have imposed changes, not the federal government.

PFAS forever chemicals about to get their first US limits
U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil wasted no time getting the House Administration Committee off the ground.

The Janesville Republicans first order of business last month as the new chairman of the normally staid committee was to call in embattled former Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton for an oversight hearing to answer for a slew of alleged ethical breaches.

Blanton cost taxpayers nearly $14,000 by misusing his government-issued vehicle, which was intended solely for work-to-home travel, according to an inspector general report. He led prohibited private tours of the Capitol while it was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement officer, the report said.

Blanton, who was appointed to a 10-year term by former President Donald Trump in 2019, angered lawmakers at the hearing by evading questions and admitting that he failed to respond to the Capitol in person on Jan. 6, 2021, when the campus hes sworn to protect was under siege.

The former architects refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately, Steil said in a statement afterward.

The hearing put a spotlight on the Administration panel and its new leader, a self-described modernist who came to Congress from working in international law and who has vowed to target archaic processes on the Capitol campus from his new perch as leader of the panel.

I think there are huge opportunities to drive this institution into the 21st century, Steil said.

Shortly after that hearing, Roll Call, the Washington, D.C., political news organization, caught up with Steil, who first came to Washington in the early aughts as an intern for former Speaker Paul Ryan, another Republican from Janesville. This is an edited and condensed version of that interview.

Q: You started out working for Paul Ryan, and ended up filling his seat years later when he decided not to run. What was that like?

A: I only worked for Paul for one year, after I graduated from undergrad in 2003. During that time, I learned a ton, and then I left the Hill and didnt come back for (about) 20 years.

What you learn from Paul is the importance of doing your homework. He was a really effective member because he actually read the material, understood the issues.

If you look at the tax cuts that ultimately went through under his speakership  I mean, that was a policy area that he worked on for years and years and years. It shows that when you are actually willing to do the work on Capitol Hill, you can accomplish your goals, although sometimes it takes a little longer than youd like.

Q: You started your tenure as chair of House Administration with a bang, thanks to the architect of the Capitol hearing. What are some of your other priorities?

A: That was the tip of the iceberg of what this committee is going to do. We need robust oversight over a whole host of Legislative Branch agencies.

So take the architect of the Capitol, rough math  a billion-dollar budget, 2,400 employees, wildly important to the operations of the Capitol campus, including campus security. We had not had an oversight hearing with the architect in at least two years.

We have opportunities to review the Capitol Police Board structure, making sure thats operating to the benefit of the Capitol Police. We have opportunities as relates to election integrity, not to drive forward a one-size-fits-all approach, which we saw Democrats do under HR 1 (the far-reaching voting rights bill that passed the House but failed to pass the Senate in 2021), but rather to highlight provisions that are working well.

What were the real impacts of the Georgia law (the Election Integrity Act of 2021, which made a number of controversial changes to how elections are run in that state)? We actually saw higher voter turnout. HR 1 would have gutted voter ID laws, but we have an opportunity to show why voter ID is actually a really good voter integrity provision.

If you look at our first hearing, we had everybody there, minus one person. (Over the last couple years), you would go into some hearing rooms, and it would be like one person sitting there asking a question.

Part of the dysfunction of Washington is that people stopped showing up and talking to each other. The more we get people in a room actually having adult conversations, the better off were going to be.

Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), the ranking member, we have a great relationship. Were going to disagree at times, but our goal is to make this place work better.

Q: Whats the biggest problem on the Capitol campus today?

A: We went through a handful of years where this campus was more or less closed to the American people. I think everyone in the United States has a First Amendment right to petition their government for redress, and that was restricted.

Before Republicans retook control of the House, you couldnt come in for a meeting with your member of Congress unless they invited you in. You were escorted into the room. Thats over.

Were still working on bringing back the staffing levels of Capitol Police, which is going to be essential as we open the doors, but weve made great progress.

Q: Ive heard you love photography. Do you take photos around the Capitol campus?

A: I had a previous job where I did a lot of travel, and I would take photos. I just think its a really spectacular form of art. You cant freeze time, but photography freezes time. What youve captured exists, but you get to observe it in a way that doesnt actually exist.

When were in D.C. we just run around, which is disappointing in that regard. But when Im in the district and I have a moment or a pause, Ill take a photo. And southeast Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful areas in the country, with beautiful lakes. I love to do bike rides and snag photos on my rides.
LEST, Slovakia  Former Soviet satellite Slovakia has been a NATO member since 2004, but the reality of belonging to the worlds biggest military alliance really kicked in after Russias invasion of Ukraine a year ago.

The small central European country now hosts thousands of NATO troops while allied aircraft patrol its skies, allowing Bratislava to consider becoming the first nation to send fighter jets to neighboring Ukraine  getting rid of its unwieldy Soviet-era planes at the same time.

Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad is grateful.

I would say that the Slovak Republic is a more secure country in a less secure world, Nad told the AP in an interview in Bratislava.

We remember well what it was like to have occupiers on our territory, he added, referring to the 1968 Soviet-led military invasion of former Czechoslovakia  from which Slovakia split peacefully in 1993, four years after the communist regime fell.

The country of 5.4 million hosts a battlegroup with troops from the United States, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and the Czech Republic, as NATO moved to reassure members on its eastern flank worried about a potential Russian threat.

The message behind deploying all of those units is simple, Czech Colonel Karel Navratil, the battlegroup commander, told The Associated Press. Our task is deterrence ... to deter a potential aggressor from spreading its aggression to NATO member states.

Similar units have been created in Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They complement another four deployed in 2017 in the three Baltic states and Poland, to expand NATO's presence from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

In central Slovakia's Lest military training area, among snow-covered hills, the troops recently held joint drills with scenarios including drone or artillery assaults, responding to a chemical attack or recapturing areas seized by enemy forces.

The multinational force is scheduled to be combat ready in March, Navratil said.

Slovakia is also working to upgrade its own armed forces to NATO standards. And that has proved a boon to embattled Ukraine, where much of Slovakia's old Soviet-era heavy weaponry has ended up.

That has included S-300 air defense missiles, helicopters, thousands of rockets for Grad multiple launchers, and dozens of armored vehicles. In exchange, Slovakia has U.S. patriot air defense batteries temporarily deployed with American, German and Dutch troops, and received German Leopard tanks and Mantis air defense systems.

All in all, Slovakia has given Ukraine arms worth almost $179 million, and has also recouped over $87 million through a dedicated EU fund.

Amid renewed appeals to Western countries for fighter jets, Slovakia is considering giving Ukraine 10 of its 11 Soviet-made MiG-29 planes  with the 11th reserved for a Slovakian museum, according to Defense Minister Nad.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly requested the planes from Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger at a European Union summit in Brussels this month.

If Slovakia agrees, it will be the first NATO member to do so.

It grounded its MiGs in the summer due to a lack of spare parts and maintenance experts after Russian technicians returned home. But Ukraine's air force, which flies MiG 29s, would be happy to have them.

We will never use the MiGs anymore, Nad said. They have no real value for us. If we give them to Ukraine, they can help save their lives.

A final decision is expected within days or weeks.

Since Slovakia's MiGs were mothballed, fellow NATO members Poland and the Czech Republic have been monitoring Slovak air space, with Hungary set to join later this year.

Bratislava has signed a deal to buy 14 U.S. F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets but the start of their delivery was postponed by two years to early 2024.

Nad stressed that his country responded to Ukraines need for arms despite a long-term political crisis that resulted in the governments fall in December after a no-confidence vote.

That Ukraine is able to defend itself against the Russian aggression is absolutely in our national, state, security and defense interest, he said.

Not everyone in Slovakia thinks so.

President Zuzana Caputova asked the government to stay on with limited powers till early elections in September, which the opposition stands a good chance of winning.

Its leaders include populist former Prime Minister Robert Fico, who opposes military support for Ukraine and EU sanctions on Russia and has said Slovakia's government has no mandate to deliver fighter jets to Ukraine.

The government is awaiting legal advice on the issue.

But Nad told The AP that the MiG arrangement would be really a win-win for everyone involved.

And from that point of view, I really cannot imagine anyone reasonably thinking that they would not want to help Ukraine, (saving) human lives while increasing our defenses, he added.

Photos: In Ukraine, searing images capture a year of war
Dr. Iva Ugrcic and Dr. Hayami Satoko will return for their fourth flute and piano concert at Old Main in Galesville at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11. Winonas flute ensemble, Flutistry, provided a concert at Old Main in December as a benefit to help bring this concert to Old Main.

Described as luminaries, world-class and adventurous, the flute-piano duo of Dr. Iva Ugrcic and Dr. Satoko Hayami have presented uniquely diverse and virtuosic programs through dynamic performances and storytelling since 2017. Passionate about premiering and commissioning works by contemporary composers, especially women composers from diverse backgrounds, the duo prioritizes and thrives in sharing the perspectives of newly composed works while celebrating the ones that paved the path for future generations.

The concert will open with a special guest, young flutist Emma Weishalla from Lewiston, Minnesota, who will perform a work for solo flute by one of the first expressionist French composers, Claude Debussy. The concert will include works of Cesar Franck, Eldin Burton and Cecile Chaminade.

The highlight of the concert will be Eunike Tanzils Hues of Spring, a brand-new, extremely virtuosic work commissioned by the LunART Festival, premiered by Iva and Satoko in 2022. Tanzil, a rising star in the contemporary classical world, also incorporates jazz musical language. She draws inspiration from nature and the changing seasons, creating a colorful and evocative musical landscape.

Refreshments will be served at intermission. Art by Cary Wyniger is on display. Admission is: $10 adults, $5 college students and free to people in high school and younger. Old Main is located at 20869 College Ave. in Galesville.
Iran's president recently ordered an investigation into a series of sicknesses from poisonous air at a number of girls' schools in the country. Some officials suspect the incidents are attacks targeting women's education.

Hundreds of girls at about 30 schools have been sickened since November, with some needing hospital care.

Children have reported head pain, fast heartbeats, feeling tired or weakened. Some described sensing a smell of the fruit tangerine, chlorine and chemicals used in cleaning.

President calls for investigation

On Wednesday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told a Cabinet meeting that the Interior Ministry should investigate the incidents. He said the countrys health and intelligence ministries should help in the investigation.

It was the first time Raisi had spoken publicly about the sicknesses.

A day earlier, a top security official had dismissed the reports of possible poisonings. The Interior Ministry official, Majid Mirahmadi, called the reports psychological warring by enemies in media and elsewhere. Their goal was to force schools to close, he said.

Attacks began in Qom

The first cases of sickness happened late last year in Qom, a city some 125 kilometers southwest of Iran's capital, Tehran. The city is known for its conservative religious history. Students at Qoms Noor Yazdanshahr Conservatory got sick in November. They recovered before becoming sick again the next month.

Then other cases, at other girls schools, followed.

At first, officials did not connect the cases at different schools. Some questioned if the natural gas systems that heated schools was to blame. But the sicknesses were happening only at schools for females. Since then, officials say at least one boys' school has been targeted as well.

Ali Reza Monadi is a national parliament member who sits on its education committee. He described the poisonings as "intentional."

"We have to try to find roots," of the incidents, he told Irans state media agency, IRNA.

Shargh, a reformist news website based in Tehran, reported that many parents have withdrawn their students from school. On Tuesday, another suspected attack was reported at a girls' school in Pardis on the eastern outskirts of Tehran.

The poisonings come as getting confirmable information out of Iran remains difficult. The government is strongly punishing any public show of dissent following months of huge civil rights demonstrations in the country. Security forces have arrested at least 95 press workers since protests broke out in September of last year, reports the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists.

Human rights activists in Iran say at least 530 people have been killed in the increased security measures. They say Iranian security forces have arrested about 19,700 people as well.

Attacks on women have happened in the past in Iran, most recently with a wave of acid attacks in 2014 around Isfahan. At the time, the attacks were believed to have been carried out by religious extremists targeting women for the clothing they wore. But, even in the disorder surrounding the Islamic Revolution, no one was known to target schoolgirls for attending classes.

Hadi Ghaemi is the executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.

There is a very fundamentalist thinking surfacing in society, Ghaemi said. We have no idea how widespread this group is but the fact they have been able to carry it out with such impunity is so troubling."

Im Jill Robbins.

Jon Gambrell reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

chlorine  n. a strong-smelling gas that is used to clean water and to make cleaning products

intentional  adj. done purposely; intended

fundamentalist  adj. promoting strict adherence to any set of basic ideas or principles

impunity  n. exemption from punishment

______________________________________________________________

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I learned walking meditation from Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk known for his simple, deep teachings on how to approach living with care, r
Nearly 60 years after he was first recommended for the nations highest award for bravery during the Vietnam War, retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat, will receive the prestigious Medal of Honor on Friday. The overdue recognition 
The foreign relations committees of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Georgia will hold a meeting.

The chairman of the International Relations and Interparliamentary Relations Committee of the Milli Majlis Samad Seyidov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee Sevinj Fataliyeva, members Nigar Arpadarai and Nasib Mahameliyev are going to visit Tbilisi, Georgia from March 5 to 7 to participate in the trilateral meeting of the Foreign Relations Committees of the Parliaments of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Georgia, Azernews reports, citing the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis.

According to the information, regional cooperation, development of inter-parliamentary relations, and other issues will be discussed at the meeting.

Within the framework of the visit, a number of meetings of the MPs in the Parliament of Georgia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are planned.
Nearly two months after a 26-year-old Lincoln man was robbed of his wallet and two pairs of shoes by two women  one of whom he had met on social media  prosecutors have charged two Lincoln women for their alleged role in the crime.

Alexis Rogers, 20, had been messaging the man from a fake Facebook account and made plans to meet him Jan. 6 at his central Lincoln apartment, where he agreed to pay the Lincoln woman for sex, Lincoln Police Investigator Jason Drager said in the affidavit for Rogers' arrest.

Instead, the man arrived at his apartment near 10th and C streets that morning and found two women  Rogers and 20-year-old Alleniqua Wilson  had already entered his apartment and were holding two pair of Jordan shoes, according to police.

When the man confronted the women, they ripped his wallet from his pants pocket before fleeing with it and the shoes, Lincoln Police Sgt. Chris Vollmer said in January. The wallet had $2,000 inside.

Using the photo attached to the fake Facebook account, police identified Rogers as a suspect based on prior contacts with her, Drager said in the affidavit.

"The results showed Rogers was a strong suspect based on facial similarities," Drager said in the affidavit.

Police arrested Wilson in late January after she was accused of stealing $1,000 from another man after he agreed to pay her for sex in an unrelated case, Drager said in the affidavit for her arrest.

A Lancaster County judge signed a warrant for Rogers' arrest Feb. 2. She was taken into custody in late February and booked at the Lancaster County Jail, where she remained as of Thursday.

Prosecutors have charged both women with robbery.

The man has not been charged with any crime relating to his apparent solicitation of prostitution.
A soft-spoken conservative farmer from Glenvil, a small village in Clay County south of Hastings, has emerged as one of the key figures in the 2023 Legislature, leading the Education Committee, where major elements of Gov. Jim Pillen's ambitious agenda are being considered.

Sen. Dave Murman, along with Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, chairwoman of the Revenue Committee, is at the center of legislative action in helping usher the new governor's signature education and tax policies into enactment.

And he has surfaced this year as a voice for a conservative legislative agenda that may largely reflect the views of rural Nebraska.

When he initially sought the District 38 seat in the Legislature, Murman says, "I ran on two issues ... return the country to Christian family values and lower taxes."

Values matter, he suggests.

"If we follow the Ten Commandment values, we would all be a lot better off," Murman said during an early-morning interview in his office at the Capitol.

"Not a theocracy," he stressed, but adherence to closely held personal values that include the call to "love your neighbors."

Lower property taxes and "fair funding of schools" are key legislative priorities for Murman. "Students are the No. 1 priority."

"Parents have expressed concern about some of the curriculum," he said. "And parents have ultimate responsibility for their children," especially in determining issues such as sex education and whether it belongs at home rather than in the schools.

Funding support for Nebraska's schools needs to be adjusted, with a recognition that property taxes currently bear far too much of the burden, he said.

Pillen's tax and school aid proposals represent "a giant step forward," Murman said. "They are more fair."

Murman said he is concerned about the current teacher shortage and believes the Legislature should take action that may be needed to "retain, recruit and support teachers" while giving them the assistance they may need in being able to address "a lack of school discipline" when that occurs.

"We need to protect teachers," he said.

Murman, 69, was one of the five Nebraska state senators who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa in the wintry cold November of 2021.

"I was raised on the flatlands of Nebraska," he said. "When I heard some senators were going, I thought, gosh, that would be fun and I'm not getting any younger, so I asked if I could join."

A trial run up Bomber Mountain in Wyoming, led by Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, provided assurance he could do it and the adventure was on.

Murman said he believes in limited government and he is committed to individual responsibility.

"Government is too big," he said, and it should be downsized while churches step forward to accept "a larger responsibility for helping the underprivileged" as taxes and government spending are reduced.

Murman said he works with Linehan and communicates often with Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who he described as "probably the leader on property tax reform," but he has "not met a lot" with Pillen.

Murman, Linehan and Briese all hold seats on both the Education and Revenue committees, stationing them at the center of action in helping shape and promote the priority items on Pillen's legislative agenda.

Murman is not comfortable with the teaching of critical race theory, a hot button conservative issue in today's political climate.

"I always liked the Rev. Martin Luther King's declaration that people should be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin," Murman said.

That, he suggested, is the better lesson to be taught and learned.

When former Sen. John Kuehn decided to leave the Legislature after a single term, Murman said he prayed about whether he should seek that legislative seat in 2018.

There were family considerations and family commitments in play, but his wife encouraged him to do it.

Murman won, then was reelected last November.

And who first inspired him politically?

John F. Kennedy, a Democrat and a former liberal president, is the surprising answer. He was elected in 1960 at the age of 43 when Murman was a youth.

"I admired him," Murman said. "That sparked my interest."

Meet the Nebraska state senators making laws in 2023
When the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in 2020, it received widespread bipartisan support. The USMCA was a historic achievement for trade relations between the U.S. and two of our most significant trade partners, and the United States strong posture throughout USMCA negotiations should serve as a model for future trade agreements. Trade has long been a critical component of our domestic economy, particularly when it comes to agriculture, and this trade agreement laid the groundwork for the market predictability that is critical for the prosperity of American producers in Nebraska and across the country. USMCA enhanced the ability of American farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to plan effectively for the future and successfully deliver their products to eager consumers in Americas two largest neighboring markets.

We negotiate trade agreements, in part, because they are binding and enforceable. A key part of having a strong trade strategy is holding our trading partners to their commitments. Thats why USMCA included clear enforcement mechanisms to do just that. In December 2020, in a flagrant violation of its USMCA commitments, the Mexican government announced plans to phase out imports of U.S. biotech corn, the number one agricultural product exported by American farmers to Mexico. Mexico buys more than half of our countrys white corn export on average, over 90 percent of which is biotech corn.

Since this announcement, I have vigorously opposed this senseless, anti-scientific action because of its devastating consequences for consumers and producers alike. Nebraska is the nations leading producer of white corn, which is targeted in this decree by Mexico. The stakes are serious, not only for American corn growers and our economy, but also for those in Mexico who depend on white corn as a food source.

The United States must use every tool at our disposal to enforce Mexicos USMCA commitments, which is why Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith and I recently wrote the Biden administration to call on U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to initiate a formal dispute resolution process to stand up for the American agriculture producers who would be negatively impacted by this ban. This should have happened months ago, but Im encouraged by the conversations Ive had with Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack. I believe they understand the importance of this issue and are committed to a swift resolution.

People unfamiliar with the agriculture industry may not realize how disruptive uncertainty can be to markets and producers. Corn growers have already selected and purchased seed for the upcoming planting season. With no signs Mexico will reverse its decision, the Biden administration must step up to the plate to prevent the loss of market access for many American farmers.

The precedent set by this lack of leadership from the administration on trade is unacceptable. If Mexico is permitted to renege on its commitments, the rest of the world will take notice. This will damage the United States position as a world leader on trade and severely diminish our position to negotiate new trade agreements on behalf of hard-working producers.

We must push for enforcement of all elements of our trade agreements, especially the USMCA, and ensure U.S. industries receive fair treatment from all our trade partners. Nebraskas farmers and ranchers produce the best products in the world and have the ability to feed and fuel the world. They deserve leaders in Washington who will fight on their behalf. I will never stop working to hold our government and trading partners accountable  and I will keep fighting to maintain Americas position as the global leader.
Madison School District students will have to put in some independent learning hours starting in April to compensate for snow days.

The asynchronous learning means that students work independently at home on assigned work.

The school district announced Friday that grades K-12 will be asked to complete an hour of independent learning on Mondays, which are early-release days, starting the week of April 3 and continuing through the end of the school year.

In addition, Monday, April 10, will be a full day of independent learning for K-12 students.

In February, we announced changes to our school calendar as a result of two weather-related closures, district administrators wrote in an email to families. Since that announcement, school districts in the greater Madison area experienced two additional weather-related closures, which have required (the Madison School District) to make additional calendar changes in order to build-back lost instructional time.

The school district promised to provide additional information and guidance in the coming weeks.

In the event there are additional unanticipated school closures, the district will be exploring virtual and asynchronous options moving forward, the email said.

State law requires schools to provide a minimum number of school days and amount of instruction time. School districts typically build in some time in their calendars for weather-related closures. But if they have to cancel additional school days, that instructional time needs to be made up somehow.

Madison previously announced that May 26 would become a full-instructional day for grades 4K-12 to compensate for an earlier snow day.
Gov. Tony Evers recently included $1.3 million annually in this state budget for mental health programming at Boys & Girls Clubs. He also included an increase of $500,000 each year for Wisconsin After Three, a mentoring program focused on math, reading and career services.

As the state Legislature narrows in on budget priorities, funding these programs for young people is a frugal option that will allow the state to piggyback off robust private contributions.

Boys & Girls Clubs across Wisconsin serve more kids per population than any state in the country, and more young people than any organization outside of public schools. Since 2020, clubs worked with over 144,800 young people at 199 sites across 73 communities. With dozens of clubhouse buildings, the organization has over $155 million in private facilities, manages 2,400 employees and coordinates 5,100 volunteers. Clubs want the state to utilize its facilities rent free, but are asking for partial support in funding key post-COVID fixes.

The clubs offer an enormous return on investment. Every $1 spent on afterschool programming saves over $3 by increasing kids learning potential, improving performance and reducing crime and juvenile delinquency. Studies show every dollar invested in clubs also returns $9.60 in future earnings and cost-savings to communities.

Our state is facing some tough problems coming out of COVID, and the clubs offer recovery solutions. Whether its training a future workforce, ensuring all teens graduate, addressing learning loss, curbing the opioid epidemic or offering mental health resources to young people, the clubs have a proven record of success.

Boys & Girls Clubs address COVID learning loss. The Wisconsin After Three program offers math and reading proficiency and improves the literacy skills of more than 4,800 young people statewide. Students demonstrated a 13% increase in math proficiency, almost double projected growth of 7%.

The clubs help at-risk students graduate. The Be Great: Graduate program is an intensive intervention for teens struggling at school and has expanded to over 36 cities and towns. A teenage dropout costs taxpayers an average of $292,000 over a lifetime, so the thousands of teens weve helped graduate translates to millions saved by taxpayers.

The clubs help manage the mental health crisis. Todays kids face an ever-evolving pandemic, school shootings and online social pressures. Its critical to address mental health concerns early  50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. The clubs equip young people with the skills they need to manage emotions and build resiliency.

They also prevent opioid abuse through programs such as SMART Moves. Its estimated that 75% of individuals with substance-use disorders have experienced trauma. Utilizing mental health-based prevention strategies means higher graduation rates, higher earning potential, lower incarceration rates and reduced truancy.

The clubs build the workforce for tomorrow. We have programs in place to prepare people for their first job out of high school, trade school or medical school. To help teens acquire the jobs of tomorrow, they need positive mentorship and real work experience today. From an early age through high school, clubs provide exposure to 21st century careers.

The clubs save our society money. The situation is bad for youth now, but also for taxpayers. Counties spend more than $400,000 annually per juvenile at institutions such as Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake. The question is whether we invest a small amount now on kids in clubs, or pay a lot more in the future for adults in prison, addiction recovery, unemployment lines and hospitals.

The state has a $7 billion budget surplus. The $4.6 million proposed in annual club funding is a miniscule fraction of that amount. If passed, this investment in clubs will make up less than 5% of the clubs total annual revenue. That means for every $1 the state invests, the clubs raise an additional $19 from other sources.

As we look for targeted strategies to recover from the pandemic, few options present a better return on investment than the Boys & Girls Clubs.
On March 3, 2023, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Gambias Foreign Minister and International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Mamadou Tangara, who is on official meeting in Azerbaijan within the framework of the Summit Meeting of the Contact Group of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on the fight against COVID-19, Azernews reports citing MFA.

The meeting discussed the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Gambia, as well as the current situation in the region and the world.

The Azerbaijani minister said bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Gambia, within the framework of the United Nations (UN), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and NAM, is commendable. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also informed Mamadou Tangara in detail about the current situation in the region during the post-conflict period.

Speaking about the danger of landmines in the territories liberated during the 44-day Patriotic War, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, said that 282 people have already become victims of landmines.

Besides that, he brought to attention the facts that mines produced in Armenia in 2021 were transferred and planted in Azerbaijan after the signing of the Trilateral Statement on November 10, 2020.

Minister Mamadou Tangara, in turn, noted the need to use the existing potential for further development of relations. The Gambian minister drew attention to the active participation of Gambian citizens in educational grants and programs for citizens of OIC and NAM member states, and noted the potential for developing cooperation in this field.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.
TWIN FALLS  The Cat in the Hat was the cool feline on campus Friday morning at Perrine Elementary as he greeted children arriving for school.

Some kids werent sure how to react. Some ran up for hugs or high fives, while a few seemed scared at the 7-foot-tall figure. Others shyly kept their distance and waved back, yelling, Hi, Cat in the Hat!

The appearance of Dr. Seusss beloved figure at various Twin Falls schools is a long-held tradition to motivate children to read.

National Read Across America day is celebrated March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Its a perfect time to encourage kids to read.

Perrine Elementary has been doing things throughout the week.

This is our last day, ESL teacher Lori Hinton said. We have pajama day, we have an assembly, and have our guest Cat in the Hat to cause a little mayhem.

Hintons husband, 6-foot, 5-inch Roger Hinton, has donned the costume this week each year for the past 14 years, he said.

Read Across America Day also encourages parents to lead by example, and get caught reading.
The Twin Falls County Sheriffs deputies have been cleared of wrongdoing in the death of a Twin Falls man who was shot Aug. 26 after a high-speed pursuit that ended near Buhl.

Caleb Tussey, 24, fired shots toward deputies after the vehicle he was riding in became stuck in a field and a deputys vehicle pulled next to it, Jerome County Sheriffs Lt. Chad Kingsland told the Times-News in an email.

After firing shots, some of which hit the windshield of the law enforcement vehicle, Tussey then fled from his vehicle toward an occupied dwelling, the email said, after which deputies returned fire, striking Tussey.

Life-saving measures were attempted but Tussey died at the scene, Kingsland said.

The Magic Valley Critical Incident Task Force, composed of law enforcement agencies from the region, was activated, and the Jerome County Sheriffs Office was named the lead investigator.

Gem County Prosecuting Attorney Erik Thompson reviewed the investigation and concluded that no criminal charges would be filed against deputies, Kingsland said.

Thompson was not available for comment Friday.

Events leading to the shooting began in the early morning hours of Aug. 26 when Twin Falls County deputies were dispatched after a man reported that another man pulled a gun on him when checked on a vehicle that had stopped on U.S. Highway 30 near Filer.

Tussey was a passenger in the car, a silver Hyundai Sonata driven by 18-year-old Sydney Gibson.

Deputies located the vehicle as it headed toward Twin Falls. The chase, which at times involved speeds in excess of 120 mph with the vehicle sometimes traveling in the wrong lane then reversed directions at a Twin Falls gas station and ended in the field north of Buhl, police say.

Tyrel Hudson, who was then a deputy for the Twin Falls Sheriffs Office, testified Oct. 7 during Gibsons preliminary hearing that on a couple of occasions during the pursuit, he saw a look of anger from Tussey.

Gibson was initially charged with felony charges of eluding police, and a jury trial had been set for April 4, but now court records instead show a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance. A change of plea hearing occurred Friday in 5th District Court and Judge Benjamin Cluff ordered a pre-sentence report.
Emma Metzger was awarded first place and $1,500 for her speech on Henrietta Lacks at the Fourth Annual Black History Oratorical Contest on Monday at New College Institute.

Though this is the fourth Black History Oratorical Contest held in Martinsville, the contest was originally started at the Eastman headquarters in Kingsport, Tennessee in 2015. Since the contest began Eastman has received 815 student essay submissions.

Each student gave a 3- to 5-minute speech on the essays that they submitted to Eastman, Eastman Engineering Group Lead Daniel Keaton said. The essays were graded on a 16-point system based on five different criteria: organization, clarity, use of arguments, use of crutch words and presentation style.

Metzger, a Magna Vista High School student, won first place with her speech about Lacks.

Medicine is one of few conspicuously crucial fields constantly in a state of development and evolution, Metzger said. While most of its contributors are household names, there are an unfortunate many who have been buried beneath layers of bigotry thanks to issues of societal discrimination.

Undoubtedly the greatest of these is Henrietta Lacks who was no exception despite the fact that her death gave life to billions, Metzger said. Lacks cells were studied after her death to cervical cancer and are the source of the HeLa cell line that reproduces indefinitely under certain conditions.

Martinsville High School student Ava Grant won second place and $1,000 for her speech on American neurosurgeon Alexa Canady. Canady was the first Black American woman to become a neurosurgeon in the United States.

Being the first is scary, but she had the will to keep going, Grant said. Because of Dr. Canadys research countless lives have been saved. Without her research many families today would be without children.

Carlisle School student Cristiano Di Maro was awarded third place and $750 for his speech on Virginia Randolph, an American educator in Henrico County. Randolph saw that access to an equal education could transform the lives of an oppressed people and while she couldnt uproot the entire educational system, she could plant the seeds of change, Di Maro said.

Bassett High School student Sydney Howell-Wampler gave her speech on cancer researcher and surgeon Jane Cooke Wright, winning fourth place and $500. She discovered a new way to test cancer on real human cell cancer instead of lab rats, which works a lot more effectively and is less cruel towards the animals, Howell-Wampler said.

Bassett High School student Lydia Hinsen placed fifth and won $250 for her speech on American biochemist Marie Daly. Daly was the first Black America woman in the United States to receive a PhD in Chemistry and the first Black American to receive a PhD from Columbia University.

Dr. Marie, throughout her early life, traveled from high school to high school in order to gain as much knowledge as she could and later in her life transferred from college to college in order to study underneath the most intelligent scientists of her time, Hinsen said.

The essays were judged by a panel of attorneys and judges such as Judge G. Carter Greer, Judge Joan Ziglar and attorneys Perry Harold, Kimble Reynolds and Roscoe Reynolds.

This contest has been a great way for Eastman to connect with our community in a number of ways, Eastman Team Manager Margaret Fountain said. We all get to learn about the great contributions of Black American, African American people who have made the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

It is also a great avenue to highlight the talents of our local high school students while they are improving their writing skills, public speaking and leadership skills, Fountain added.
FRIDAY, March 3, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- A brain-eating amoeba has killed a Florida man, state health officials reported. The man may have acquired this very rare infection after rinsing his sinuses with tap water, the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County said in a news release.

While health officials continue to investigate the cause of the Naegleria fowleri infection, they emphasized that it cannot be contracted from drinking tap water. These infections only happen when contaminated water enters through the sinuses, officials said. That more typically happens from swimming in warm lakes or rivers in summer. N. fowleri grows in warm temperatures, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can be found in soil and fresh water.

Health officials have not publicly identified the man who died. Cases have been reported in the United States for each of the past four years, including three cases last year in Arizona, Iowa, and Nebraska. The Iowa case happened last June and involved a Missouri resident who swam in the Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County. The Nebraska case was a child who died within 10 days of being hospitalized after swimming in the Elkhorn River in August, NBC News reported.

The disease typically progresses quickly after patients have symptoms that include headaches, fever, nausea, disorientation, loss of balance, a stiff neck, and seizures. Patients typically die within 18 days, NBC News reported.

Florida health officials recommended that people doing a sinus rinse, such as with a neti pot, use distilled or sterile water. "Tap water should be boiled for at least 1 minute and cooled before sinus rinsing," the release added.
FRIDAY, March 3, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- You toss, you turn, you cant fall asleep.

Certainly, there are sleep medications that can be prescribed by a doctor. And with some investment of time, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia is considered to be an effective option.

Yet, there are also a lot of healthy sleep habits and natural sleep aids that some experts believe can make a difference, too.

With more than 60 million Americans suffering from poor sleep quality, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it seems like these easily accessible options could be worth a try when searching for the best natural sleep aid.

Practice good sleep hygiene

About 20% of Americans take sleep medication, according to recent research from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Those include a long list of drugs, such as Sonata, Lunesta and Ambien.

But Dr. Sanjeev Kothare, a sleep expert and pediatric neurologist at Cohen Childrens Medical Center in Queens, N.Y., suggests starting with some basics to make sleep a little easier.

There are certain natural things that you can take and there are certain things that you can do, Kothare said.

Start with healthy sleep hours, Kothare recommends. For adults, that means going to bed at roughly 10 to 11 p.m. and waking up at 7 a.m., to get a good seven to eight hours of sleep. Teenagers need eight or nine hours a night.

Keep that schedule consistently on weekdays and weekends.

Dont take naps in the afternoon, Kothare said, because the pressure for sleep builds the longer a person stays awake.

If you absolutely must nap, limit it to 20 minutes, Kothare added.

Cut off bright light sources in the late evening, so you dont suppress natural melatonin, which the U.S. National Institutes of Health describes as a hormone that aids in sleep. Dim, yellow light in the late evening and bright light in the morning can help regulate melatonin production.

Some additional tips include keeping the bedroom dark and cool, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Thermostats are best set at 65 to 72 degrees at night.

Exercise regularly, Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests, but not within two hours of bedtime.

A warm shower at night can also help with relaxation, Kothare said.

Sips before sleep

Among natural sleep aids are some recommendations for beverages that range from quite common to a bit obscure.

Warm milk is one of possibilities, an age-old comforting suggestion. It contains tryptophan, Kothare said, and that helps with sleep.

More obscure is tart cherry juice, which might raise melatonin levels and increase the availability of tryptophan, according to the Sleep Foundation.

The body uses tryptophan to help make melatonin and serotonin, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and serotonin is thought to help regulate appetite, sleep, mood and pain.

German chamomile served as a tea may help with anxiety and sleep quality, but may not improve the experience for those with insomnia, according to the Sleep Foundation.

Those are other natural agents, which you can try, Kothare said, but it's not clear why those work.

Also on the list of potential remedies with unknown mechanisms are slipping some lavender into your bathwater or supplementing with a plant known as kava.

The latter may have an effect on anxiety, according to the U.S. National Institute for Complementary and Integrative Health, but it has also been linked to liver injury.

Whatever you do, dont opt for alcohol or late-afternoon caffeine. It takes eight to 10 hours for caffeine to leave your body, Kothare said.

While alcohol may induce sleep, it will then wake you up in four hours after it leaves your system, he said.

Pop a supplement

Valerian and the mineral magnesium are two supplements mentioned as sleep aids, but research on them is mixed or minimal. Some think valerian works because of several compounds in it that work together, according to the Sleep Foundation.

The option that is suggested most often is melatonin, a supplement similar to the natural hormone.

Melatonin is naturally released in the brain about four hours before someone feels sleepy, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Its set off by reduced light.

It helps control the sleep-wake cycle, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) cautioned against considering melatonin supplements as a one-size-fits-all aid for all sleep issues. Its not meant for insomnia.

A further complication is that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate melatonin, which may affect individual supplements, according to AASM.

For that reason, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends opting for the same brand and not purchasing melatonin online.

Kothare suggested melatonin supplements for occasional, but not regular, use. Take about 1 to 3 milligrams to induce sleep, he said. For example, you might take it if you think you may have trouble falling asleep before an expected stressful day.

More regular use is indicated for those who fly frequently, do shift work or have autism, he said.

All others should be using it as and when required, Kothare said.

SOURCE: Sanjeev Kothare, MD, sleep expert and pediatric neurologist, Cohen Childrens Medical Center, Queens, N.Y.
The decision to reopen the search for a superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools came as a shock to some.

But Missoula isnt the only district in the state searching for a new leader. There are 24 districts in Montana seeking superintendents for the 2023-2024 school year, and so far only seven positions have been filled, according to the School Administrators of Montana organization. And the turnover rate among superintendents, as noted by the same group, has risen from 16.5% in the 2019-2020 school year to about 25.9% last year.

I do think we have less candidates than we had before, because people see the difficulties of the job, the complexities of the job and the stress of the job is just tremendous, said Dave Wick, president of the Montana Association of School Superintendents.

Wick, currently the superintendent of Columbia Falls School District, is set to retire at the end of this year and his district is one of 12 active searches in the state using an out-of-district firm for support.

And if Missoula trustees decide to offer second-round finalist Micah Hill  the current superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools  the superintendent job, then Kalispell would have to find a new leader.

Shrinking applicant pools and other challenges

Since the retirement of Alex Apostle in 2015, MCPS has had two superintendents: Mark Thane, who was the lone applicant for an internal search of the district that year, and Rob Watson, who was the only Montana-based candidate from a pool of three finalists in 2019.

After Watsons departure last year, the board selected former associate superintendent Russ Lodge to serve as interim superintendent. Now, the board is in the middle of its second attempt at a search after the first go-round produced three candidates, none of whom had leadership experience in a district the size of Missoula.

As a national recruiter with more than two decades of experience, Steve Joel has seen the pool of applicants for superintendent positions shrink significantly over the past two decades.

What we tell boards all the time is if we only have five people or 10 people that apply, as long as weve got two that are of quality, were going to call it a successful search because the boards going to get a choice, said Joel, who worked with MCPS first search with his firm, McPherson & Jacobson. But thats not necessarily the case.

When he first got started, Joel would see 40 applications for a position and district leaders would move on to larger places in more incremental steps.

Now hes seeing candidates with successful track records leap from a district of 2,000 students to 20,000 students. Nationally, hes noticing an influx of interim superintendents and people who are leaving retirement to lead districts.

I dont remember it ever being like this, to this extreme, Joel said.

Debra Silk, an associate executive director and general counsel for the Montana School Boards Association, agreed that the number of applicants for Montana-based positions has decreased over time.

I wouldnt say that 24 is extraordinarily high (for Montana), Silk said. Lets face it, theres always movement and I think theres a lot of dynamics that play into it.

Given the movement among the states superintendents, Silk expects the number of searches in Montana to rise through the spring as more searches come to a close. For example, the superintendent vacancy in Livingston Public Schools was filled by a sitting superintendent in Hardin, which opened a search that is being led by the MTSBA.

The tensions of the pandemic only exacerbated the challenges to school leadership and to educators across the spectrum, as Montana and the rest of the country continue to battle teacher shortages. Superintendents generally climb the ladder from teaching positions, and as the pool of educators shrinks, the number of future district leaders goes with it.

It certainly takes a certain skill set to be a superintendent and the job is a sophisticated one, regardless of size, but becomes more sophisticated and difficult the larger the district, said Wick of Columbia Falls. The other thing that apparently even in our search, is that people are asking about what the pay is and then asking about the cost of living, and Im not sure those have kept up with each other.

But while the number of applicants has gotten smaller, the MTSBA  which is currently leading eight active superintendent searches in Montana  says that quantity does not always produce quality applicants.

I think Missoula has had some great leaders in that position and I have no doubt that theyre going to get somebody in there that is a good fit for them, Silk said. Sometimes the process may take a little longer than people anticipate, but I would tell you that I think we have a great pool of superintendent candidates in this state.

Joel, who led Missoulas first search this year, said the position was advertised nationally and regionally. Consultants also headhunted potential candidates who currently work in-state and near Montanas borders.

We reached out to folks within the state of Montana to try and scare up some interest, for lack of a better description, Joel said. We were turned down a lot and thats not unusual today, because thats happening all over the country right now.

Some people that Joel attempted to recruit for the Missoula position from Washington and Colorado were dissuaded from applying for the position because of the high cost of living here, observing that the salary was lower than what they currently made.

For them, they just couldnt, as much as they would have liked to have come, Joel said, noting that the state-to-state pay discrepancies were not a couple thousand  Im talking significant gaps.

None of the candidates who Joel spoke with for the position indicated that they had concerns with MCPS itself that prevented them from applying. He said that the district has a stellar reputation among potential applicants.

Everything was aboveboard and positive, Joel said. When we talk to experienced superintendents whose names were given to us, theyd say, You know, Id love to go to Missoula but this is not the right year for me to do it.

In-state candidates that Joel head-hunted opted not to apply due to timing and contracts as well as concerns of presenting their current district with a superintendent search of their own as the school year winds down.

Its the mindset that if somebody is working in a good situation and theyre getting along well with their board and theyre making progress, theyre prone to stay where they are, Joel said.

According to a 2019 survey by the Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest, 80% of superintendents in Montana who responded reported that they intend to stay in their position for the next year. However, only 72% of veteran superintendents intended to stay in their position, while novice and early-career superintendents were more likely to stay (100% and 92% respectively).

In Missoula, Hill will be interviewed by the MCPS trustees on March 7, with a community reception for him that evening.
WALTERBORO, S.C. (AP)  South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday, a day after he was convicted of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son.

Murdaugh maintained his innocence when addressing the judge before sentencing.

I would never hurt my wife Maggie and I would never hurt my son Paul Paul, he said.

Keep scrolling for a collection of photos from the trial

Prosecutor Creighton Waters said none of the victims of the crime  members of Murdaughs family and the parents and relatives of his wife  wished to speak on behalf of the prosecution before sentencing.

The depravity, the callousness, the selfishness of these crimes are stunning. The lack of remorse and the effortless way in which he is, including here, sitting right over there in this witness stand  your honor, a man like that, a man like this man, should never be allowed to be among free, law abiding citizens, Waters said.

Prosecutors asked for a life sentence to hold Murdaugh responsible for what they say are decades of lying, stealing and using his family's considerable clout in their tiny county to his advantage. Any sentence would have no chance of parole.

As Murdaugh stood before the judge to learn his fate, he was in the same courtroom on the circuit where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather tried cases as the elected prosecutor for more than 80 years. His grandfathers portrait hung in the back of the room until the judge ordered it taken down for the trial.

Instead of the dress shirt and sport coat he wore through the six-week trial, the attorney who made millions suing big companies on behalf of people injured in wrecks arrived at court in a jail jumpsuit the day after he was convicted of two counts of murder.

Photos: Scenes from the Alex Murdaugh murder trial
On the eve of the transmittal deadline in the state legislature, a pair of bills looking to amend parental notifications for public sex education passed out of the House of Representatives Friday morning.

The two bills, House Bill 502 and House Bill 566, look to amend 2021's Senate Bill 99 which gives parents at least a 48-hour notice of any human sexuality instruction planned for a school class or event along with the option to withdraw their kids from it without penalty.

Both passed their third readings on the House floor, despite widely differing propositions to amending the law.

Since its passage during the last session, SB 99 has resulted in curriculum overviews and legal consultation by school districts over what exactly would qualify as human sexuality and how to best inform parents. Curriculum under the laws current language includes lessons that contain or mention, intimate relationships, human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexually transmitted infections, sexual acts, sexual orientation, gender identity, abstinence, contraception, or reproductive rights and responsibilities.

To act in compliance with the law, many school districts sent parents either one annual notice or individual notices throughout the year detailing any lesson plans that would fall under SB 99 along with alternatives to them. For School District 2 in Billings, this included the novels Romeo and Juliet and The Great Gatsby in English Literature courses and Supreme Court cases like Roe V. Wade in U.S. Government classes along with its human biology and health courses.

This sessions bill sponsors felt the need for additional legislation to address SB 99's shortcomings following complaints from parents saying they were given either too much or too little notice on these lessons.

HB 566, sponsored by Rep. Fred Anderson, R-Great Falls, would update human sexuality instruction by removing topics involving intimate relationships, sexual orientation, gender identity and reproductive rights from its classification. The bill would also remove the 48-hour notice enacted by SB 99 and revert back to a single annual notice and opt-out choice to parents.

I dont believe the bill was ever intended to have individual teachers send letters home on every individual lesson that they were teaching that might have some interpretation of relationship or sexuality, Anderson told the House Education Committee.

Anderson went on to say that a Great Falls teacher had sent out over 500 letters and that it was from the the parents that he was hearing complaints over their frequency. He added that the letters were being sent out during instructional time the teacher could have spent on preparing for classes or working with students.

Conversely, HB 502s sponsor Rep. Kerri Seekins Crowe, R-Billings, said she felt the need to introduce this bill after hearing from Yellowstone County parents who felt SB 99 either wasnt being enforced by school districts or that it was inadequate.

It immediately became apparent that there would be a lack of compliance and an apprehension by the school districts to take parental rights in human sexuality instruction seriously, she said during the bills first hearing. This issue has gotten more controversial since then and, instead of feeling informed and involved, parents are feeling pushed aside and dismissed.

Unlike HB 566, the bill would keep the current classification of human sexuality instruction and add that parents are given more of an advance notice of any sexual instruction thats no later than 48 hours and no sooner than ten days before its scheduled. Its first draft also included the provision that any violation of these notifications would constitute a gross neglect of duty and potentially cost an educator their teaching license.

Supporters for the bill included representatives with the conservative nonprofits Moms for Liberty Yellowstone County and Montana Family Foundation along with Sen. Cary Smith, who was the original sponsor for SB 99.

All expressed their belief that parents need to be more involved with their childrens education, stating that many hold beliefs and views on human sexuality contrary to what is taught with public education.

As parents, we absolutely want to be notified each and every time sex ed or sexually explicit material is being taught in school. Yearly is not good enough, said Jessie Browning with Moms for Liberty Yellowstone County. We want to either be aware and pull our kids out of class that day or know what topic is covered in class so that we can have discussion later at home with our kids.

All those in favor of HB 502 also expressed opposition to HB 566, believing that it would negate the progress started by SB 99.

Supporters for HB 566 included state union and educator representatives who agreed that the adjustments would benefit the teachers and administrators who struggled to abide by it over the last two years.

Speaking in opposition to HB 502, Lance Melton with the Montana School Boards Association said it would bring back many of the potential concerns deliberated with SB 99 initially regarding the amount of oversight required for districts and teachers to obey the law. Under the risk of taking teachers licenses and livelihoods, Melton warned lawmakers the clause enforcing a gross neglect of duty is a pandoras box you dont wont to open.

He also pointed to a line in the bill that would have school staff and administrators responsible for notifying parents of any sexual discussion started by students on school property, which would include monitoring conversations on playgrounds and in the hallways.

Even in the unlikely event that someone were to lose their job for overhearing a students conversation, he argued it should remain out of state law.

Dont ever give to the state government something that they could do but promise you that they wont, Melton said.

In her stated opposition to HB 566, Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen said she had revoked teachers licenses this school year, based on information that has flown in sexual nature to children following investigations by their school districts. At a later committee meeting, she voiced her support for HB 502, stating that it would provide a partnership between parents and teachers.

The two bills were not the only ones looking to amend sex education this session. In the Senate, SB 413 aimed to prohibit any sex ed instruction before the sixth grade in public schools while SB 315 sought to establish criteria for Comprehensive personal health and safety education, which would have included further definition and instruction to sexual education starting as early as fourth grade in public schools. Both bills were tabled in their respective committees following their initial hearings.

Amended versions of HB 502 had the gross neglect of duty provision removed along with the educators' liability for student conversations while HB 566 was amended slightly by Seekins-Crowe before they passed out of committee. Both bills sponsors agreed that, due to their similarities, they would likely get consolidated to a single bill if they were to both pass the house.
The Montana Legislature is considering changes to regulations on short-term rentals, which some blame for exacerbating the already-scarce affordable housing market in many of the states cities.

Legislation to shield short-term rentals from local restrictions failed to clear the Senate Wednesday, while another bill making it harder for localities to regulate them advanced.

Senate Bill 467 would have prohibited counties, cities and towns from enacting restrictions on rental periods for Airbnb-style lodgings, or from banning them outright. Bill sponsor Sen. Jeremy Trebas, R-Great Falls, said those restrictive ordinances can stand as a barrier to residents being able to make extra money by renting out a room on their property.

Local government, to me, has only usually served to be an impediment to being able to support myself, and many others are in the same boat, Trebas said. They certainly like to raise taxes, but what are they doing to allow me to pay those taxes?

Yet both Republican and Democratic lawmakers argued it should be up to local governments to make decisions on short-term rentals, which some blame for exacerbating the lack of affordable and workforce housing in the state.

Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, said hes seen short-term rentals displace what could otherwise be much-needed affordable housing stock in Columbia Falls, a gateway community to Glacier National Park that lies within his district.

Usually Im pretty everybody-do-what-they-want, but in this regard I think we need to leave it up to the localities, because its not a one-size-fits-all throughout the state, Glimm said.

Democrats have bemoaned a steady parade of GOP legislation this session that limits the power of local governments. Republican Sen. Russ Tempel, of Chester, echoed those complaints in a moment of frustration during the floor debate.

I think what we should do, is we should just eliminate all counties and cities, he suggested sarcastically, prompting laughter from the chamber as is neared the tenth hour of an all-day floor session. Referring to his tenure as a Liberty County Commissioner, Tempel added, I spent 18 years fighting some of this stuff and trying to make local government work. And it looks to me like were fouling it up.

The bill failed to pass a preliminary vote, 18-32.

But Senate Bill 268, creating some barriers for local governments imposing regulations on those types of rentals, cleared the chamber on a party-line vote on the final day before the transmittal deadline.

Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, said his bill is aimed at allowing families struggling to afford homeownership to use a residence on the same parcel as their home as a short-term rental. The measure would prohibit local governments from passing regulations that prevent property owners from doing so on their primary residence, and would apply in the same way to homeowners with an Airbnb on an adjacent property.

The measure further restricts localities by requiring them to complete an extensive process to justify regulations on short-term rentals. That includes local covenants.

They cant just say, Oh, were gonna ban short-term rentals, we dont like them, theyre getting into our rental property, Hertz said. You really have to dig down and provide evidence that there is a need to eliminate these.

All but three Republican senators voted for the measure, while Democrats were united against it.

And another measure working through the house, House Bill 430, seeks to tax short-term rentals to fund a proposed rent local program to incentivize property owners to rent to local employees. Its sponsored by Rep. Jane Gillette, a Republican from Bozeman, where the lack of affordable workforce housing has been especially acute.

To participate in the program, counties and other local jurisdictions would need to enact a 0.25% sales tax on short-term rentals to fund it. HB 430 was heard in committee last month, but because it is expected to incur an additional cost to the state to oversee the program, it doesnt need to pass the House until later in the session.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with the State Secretary for Angolan Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Esmeralda Mendonca who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan within the framework of the Summit Meeting of the Contact Group of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on the fight against COVID-19.

The meeting discussed the prospect of possible cooperation in field of politics, economics, education, and agriculture between the two countries.

In this regard, the importance of holding political consultations between the two countries was emphasized to discuss the prospects of development of relations.

In the field of education, it was noted with satisfaction that students from the Republic of Angola showed interest in the scholarship programs provided by Azerbaijan for the citizens of the member states of the NAM.

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Esmeralda Mendonca noted that Angola is interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in various fields.

In this regard, it was stated that it is necessary to continue mutual contacts in order to use the existing potential for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Angola.

The importance of the Summit of the Contact Group of the National Assembly on the fight against COVID-19 was emphasized as one of the important opportunities for discussing the possibilities of cooperation in the post-pandemic period.

The meeting also discussed other issues of mutual interest.
With longstanding vacancies in some of the most critical departments, the city of Helena is taking drastic measures to recruit employees and tackle a backlog of work by increasing wages and contracting out tasks previously handled in-house.

Of the total about 337 full-time equivalent positions within the city of Helena, only 33 are vacant, but those 33 positions are of critical importance.

Positions such as city planners, engineers, accountants and transit operators have been vacant for months, and Helena Finance Director Sheila Danielson told city commissioners during a mid-year finance review on Feb. 1 the vacancies are creating backlogs in the respective departments.

"The engineering department is empty pretty much, and the planning department is empty," she said. "It's really impacted operations, and the demand for those services have not gone away and they're going up. I know in engineering they had a huge backlog in there. In community development there's a huge backlog."

Additionally, interim City Manager Tim Burton said during interviews for the full-time position in late February that he is working to contract out the backlog in the city engineering office to Great West Engineering.

City staff did not respond to multiple requests for more information regarding the contract, including any details pertaining to cost, timeline and a bid process.

Local developer Mark Runkle owns Mountain View Meadows LLC, which he said was responsible for about 70% of all owner-occupied new homes sold in Helena in 2022.

Runkle said he has about 300 residential lots in total now in city application limbo due to the lack of staff.

Developers, including Runkle, work with city engineers throughout the development process to draw preliminary plans, review designs and issue final reports.

"It used to be our engineering plans were reviewed within two to four weeks," he said. "Our last one took over four months. That's not acceptable to us."

When asked about the importance of a fully staffed city government to his operations, Runkle said "it's critical."

He said with the supply line issues across the globe, he has had to place orders for materials well in advance and currently has sewer and water pipes at one of his development sites waiting for work to begin.

"We could lose our whole construction schedule," Runkle said.

City planners are also closely tied into such projects.

Helena's Human Resource Director Renee McMahon said the city typically employs three city planners and that at one point all three positions were vacant.

McMahon said one employee has since been promoted to senior planner and that the city has "some good applicants" for the position of planner 1.

Bear in mind, Montana Department of Commerce's population projection models estimate the population of Lewis and Clark County will be roughly 82,000 by 2040.

"Those positions are very critical," she said. "We have lots of community development projects coming up. We're developing at a pretty rapid pace here in Helena, and we have (American Rescue Plan Act) funding we will be distributing soon, so those are critical to plan and execute with planners and engineers."

According to the 2022 Helena Area Real Estate Market Conditions Report prepared by Shaun Moore of residential appraisal firm True Footage Inc., single-family home sales prices within a 15-mile radius of Helena more than doubled since 2015, reaching a median of $460,000.

The report also states available inventory of units has been steadily declining over the past decade as well.

"2022 was another year of historically low inventory and historically high demand," Moore said in his report.

There are about 870 housing units tied to just four developments currently working their ways through city processes. Those include the about 170-unit Westside Woods subdivision, more than 300 units in Mountain View Meadows subdivision, and more than 400 high-density units spread across two separate apartment complexes proposed for Sanders Avenue.

The city's public transportation system, Capital Transit, is feeling the staffing crunch as well. With shortages of bus drivers, the program was completely overhauled, moving away from fixed routes to a hail-a-ride system.

In January, the city had to suspend bus service to East Helena, the last remaining fixed route in the system, with little to no warning, citing vacant positions. The neighboring municipality contributes financially to the public transit program annually.

"We can hire transit operators for our Capital Transit, but we have stiff competition," McMahon said. "We're trying to recruit and retain quality employees, but we've had a revolving door with our transit operators."

Part of the problem is that the city largely shed its upper management throughout the tumultuous past four years. Burton, during his time as interim city manager, hired four department heads, including chiefs of police and fire.

"Leadership has to start at the top," City Commissioner Andy Shirtliff said during a phone interview, citing the offering of the full-time city manager position to Burton, a move made by the commission Tuesday. "With Tim on board, we hired four department heads. We needed to fill those spots first. Now we have people in key positions who can then fill in staff around them."

Though Shirtliff said he believes the recruitment will still be tough sledding.

"Just like every employer in the private sector, we're trying to find good talent," he said.

The largest contributing factor to the city's inability to recruit and retain for these highly skilled jobs is the pay.

McMahon said the city is doing a market wage study looking at not only the market in the greater Helena area but also similarly positioned municipalities in the region and how Helena employee pay stacks up.

"We want to identify those positions that are particularly outside of market competitiveness, and we discovered pretty quickly that our transit operators, that our engineers were further behind market than others," McMahon said. "So we immediately increased those wages and have placed those ads and hopefully that'll garner us better results."

But those city jobs are not the only ones underpaid.

"What we're finding is on average the city of Helena employees are about 90% of market, so 10% below where we want to be," she said. "And that's not even our starting wages. That's for someone who's proficient in the profession. Our starting wages are even lower for someone just entering the workforce or not proficient yet in that particular career."

Now 10% may sound like an easily overlooked discount at the grocery store, but McMahon said in the world of payroll, that 10% is a wide gulf.

"It is far off, again, because we have to correct those that are the outliers from there," she said. "So we have some that are 70 to 75% of market. We're trying to identify those that are really outliers that we need to correct. ... That's really our focus right now."

The next step is determining how to shoehorn increased wages across the seemingly the entire organization into its budget.

"If we want to bring outliers up to say 90% of market and know that institutionally and organizationally we're going to still be 10% below, what will that cost for our budget?" McMahon asked rhetorically. "What about a cost of living? We know the state is proposing an 8% increase, and so if we want to compete with the state or others around on cost of living, what is that going to look like for us?"

She said the city's human resource department must also plan for future increases as well.

"The other thing is we have to keep up with it," she said. "We have to keep up with our cost of living and keep working toward a target of being at market, so it's a moving target. We can't lose sight of that 90%, and those that are way below we have to bring up to that level."

McMahon said the work will factor into the upcoming fiscal year 2024 budget.

"We're still looking at those numbers and considering what that would cost in our budget," she said. "We will present that and be working with our city manager in further vetting and refining those proposals to the city commission."
PROVIDENCE  An addiction recovery agency with offices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts defrauded health insurers out of millions while depriving as many as 1,800 patients of vital drug treatment services, federal officials said Thursday.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha announced those allegations hours after investigators arrested Michael Brier, 60, of Newton, Massachusetts, identified as the CEO of Recovery Connection Centers of America  and Mi Ok Bruining, 62, of Warwick, an agency supervisor with the nickname five-minute queen," officials say, for her ability to reduce a patients 45-minute counseling session to a bare few minutes but bill insurers for a full session.

Both are charged with committing health care fraud. Brier, a former tax preparer who was convicted of tax evasion in 2013 for underreporting more than $1.1 million in income, is also charged with aggravated identity theft, money laundering and obstruction.

US Attorney Zachary Cunha: The allegations set forth in this case represent one of the most brazen and egregious examples of health care fraud the FBI has seen here in Rhode Island in recent history.

The criminal complaint against Brier also alleges he pretended to be a doctor and wrote fraudulent prescriptions using the names and prescriber identity information of doctors without their permission.

The allegations set forth in this case represent one of the most brazen and egregious examples of health care fraud the FBI has seen here in Rhode Island in recent history, Cunha said.

Company billed insurance providers for more therapy hours than exist in a day

Recovery Connection, which opened offices in 2018, is headquartered at 381 Wickenden St., Providence, with another office in Pawtucket and a dozen more locations in Massachusetts, including Worcester. About half of its 1,800 patients are Rhode Island residents, Cunha said.

Officials allege Recovery Connection billed Medicare and other insurers for services it never provided its patients.

For example, the company would bill for full, 45-minute counseling sessions when in fact patients received only a few minutes of counseling and treatment. And officials say Bruining trained other workers in how to fraudulently bill.

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One former employee was allegedly equipped with a bell that they would ring to ensure the flow of patients moved briskly along.

Joseph Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBIs Boston division, said Brier and his company are accused of accomplishing the impossible: working and billing Medicare and other insurance providers for more psychotherapy hours than exist in the day.

On one occasion, he said, Recovery Connection billed taxpayers for 38 patients all receiving 45-minute sessions in one day  for a total of 28.5 hours.

Most reprehensible is the fact that these alleged crimes were carried out on the backs of our most vulnerable; those struggling with substance-abuse dependencies seeking to get their lives back on track, said Bonavolonta.

Bonavolonta said investigators believe Brier tried to conceal the company's fraudulent proceeds in investment accounts, luxury vehicles, student loan payments and home renovations  "and we found tens of thousands of dollars that went toward an ocean-front resort in Panama."

Todays charges, said Cunha, should serve notice that we are not going to stand by in the face of this kind of fraud that victimizes a vulnerable population by shortchanging them of critical help while defendants help themselves to the federal taxpayers money in the process.

Cunha said that Recovery Connection should never have opened because our primary defendant, Mr. Brier, used false information to apply for federal health care funding using another individuals name and other identifying information.

The complaint alleges Brier sought to obstruct the investigation by creating a false and back-dated document to try to cover up for his past false submissions.

In an affidavit supporting the arrest warrants for Brier and Bruining, the business is described as operating as an office-based opioid treatment program.

Since April 2018, it has received more than $2.4 million in payments for claims submitted to Medicare, more than $7.2 million in payments for claims submitted to MassHealth and over $6 million for claims submitted to other health care payors, the affidavit says.

The government is seeking to seize Briers Newton home, valued at close to $2 million, along with two vehicles: a 2020 Mercedes Benz and a 2019 Lexus. Additionally they want to seize the Recovery Connection headquarters in Providence and seek the forfeiture of 13 bank accounts.

Officials are trying to help Recovery Connection's patients

Health officials in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts were making arrangements to assure continued treatment for Recovery Connection patients.

Rhode Island patients needing behavioral health referrals for physicians or counselors or clinic information may call (401) 414-LINK.

Massachusetts patients needing prescriptions can call (617) 414-4175, and those needing behavioral health referrals for physicians, counselor, or other services can call (800) 327-5050 or use helplinema.com.

Contact Tom Mooney at tmooney@providencejournal.com

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Recovery Connections Centers of America heads accused of insurance fraud
"We snowplowed our neighbor's driveway yesterday."

I helped (an) elderly woman carry her bag and walked her across the intersection.

I brought my boss treats from Starbucks this morning.

Strangers performed these everyday acts of kindness  and dozens more  in honor of Alex Becker, a 22-year-old Minnesota man whose family remembers his thoughtful and generous nature.

Alex was the sweetest person, child, young man, his aunt, Hidy Hammarsten, told USA TODAY.

Becker was shot and killed in an alley two days after Christmas in his hometown of St. Paul as he returned from work, just steps from his mothers home, KARE 11 News reported.

Two men have been charged in connection with Beckers slaying, according to the St. Paul Police Department.

Alex Becker, 22, of St. Paul, Minnesota, was shot and killed late on Dec. 27 as he returned home, his family said.

We don't really know why they took his life other than they saw him and he was there, Tara Becker, Alex Beckers mother, told USA TODAY.

From the familys tragedy, which happened weeks after their beloved father and grandfather died, came a desire to encourage others to spread love the way Alex Becker did.

His grieving mother hopes her son is remembered beyond a mere statistic: His was St. Paul's 40th murder of 2022, according to police.

MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE: How a 12-year-olds night light non-profit is brightening life for foster children

'LIFE-CHANGING': This barber cuts hair for kids with special needs

I don't want there to be sorrow or anger, she said. I want his memory to be about the kind of person he was, and he was the most loving person I've ever known.

The family launched a Facebook group encouraging people to share kind acts ahead of Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17. Hundreds have joined and continued posting stories of generosity even after the holiday.

It feels like a hug from around the world for us, Hammarsten said. Every day is pretty hard, but this has made things a little bit easier.

Alex Becker, 22, of St. Paul, Minnesota, planned to learn plumbing in trade school, according to his family. Becker, who was shot and killed in December, is remembered by those who knew him as a kind and generous person.

'He wanted to make people happy'

Alex Beckers generosity began blossoming early in life. One day when the family had visitors, he asked his mother for a bag of chips.

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He walked into the kitchen to get it, he came out and his little arms were full of chip bags that he handed to everyone, Tara Becker recalled from a story she shared at his memorial service. Even at the age of 2, he was thinking about giving to others.

If anyone needed a friend to talk to, Alex was their guy, she said of her son, who planned to attend school to learn the plumbing trade.

EASING THE BURDEN: Teacher's viral video on student lunch debt prompts $30K in donations

He would do anything without a thought, he would find any way to help people, she said. Whether it be small  just chatting to somebody who might be lonely  or if it was a big thing."

His aunt called him the peacekeeper and problem solver among his cousins.

He was always trying to make people laugh. He wanted to make people happy, Hammarsten said.

"How he lived every day was making other people happy; I think he would be proud that he was able to spread that beyond himself," said Tara Becker of her eldest child, Alex Becker, 22.

'We need people like Alex'

Hammarsten, who works in child care, knew Random Acts of Kindness Day was approaching last month because she celebrated the day every year with her school's children.

She told her sister about the idea of performing kind acts in Alex's memory, which led to them forming a Facebook group encouraging others to do the same. The group, called Acts of Kindness Day honoring Alex Becker, has since grown to more than 670 members.

MAKING AN IMPACT: He helps elderly, disabled and vets by cutting grass for free. And he's taking youths along.

Though nothing can erase the hurt of her son's absence, Tara Becker said, it makes her heart feel better knowing he has sparked a positive change in the world.

Thats all I want, for people to care for each other, she said.

Hammarsten hopes the groups momentum grows forever.

Losing a person like Alex is hard on his family, but it's bad for the world because we need people like Alex.

More good news to know (and share!)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After losing a son to gun violence, family spreads kindness: Good news
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell at CPAC 2023. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Mike Lindell tore into Gov. Ron DeSantis at CPAC, calling him a "Trojan Horse" for the left.

He also accused the media of "covering up" for DeSantis.

Lindell in December also baselessly questioned if DeSantis was legitimately elected in 2022.

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell tore into Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, on Tuesday.

"Now I'll tell you what Ron DeSantis is, and he's got money behind him, did he do anything for Disney? Remember that was the big thing, you're gonna go after Disney," began Lindell. "He did nothing!"

Lindell went on to accuse the media  without substantiation  of "covering up for Ron DeSantis."

"He is a Trojan Horse, he is the Trojan Horse," Lindell shouted. "Do not believe anything you're reading by the media about Ron DeSantis."

Lindell was then asked if he is backing former President Donald Trump in 2024. The pillow CEO scoffed at the question.

"Hah! Seriously? Am I backing Donald Trump in 2024?" Lindell said, laughing.

The Jewish Voice (@JewishVoice) March 2, 2023

It's unclear why Lindell does not approve of DeSantis' fight against Disney. DeSantis in February had a major legislative win in Florida  he abolished Walt Disney World's special authority and stripped the company of its self-governing status starting June 2022.

"Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end," DeSantis said during a press conference on Monday, Insider's Kimberly Leonard reported. "There's a new sheriff in town, and accountability will be the order of the day."

Lindell is a staunch Trump ally. In February, Lindell told late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel that he has spent $40 million pushing Trump's unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. This amounts to four-fifths of Lindell's estimated $50 million net worth.

This isn't the first time Lindell has targeted DeSantis. In December, he baselessly questioned whether DeSantis had legitimately won his election in 2022.

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And Lindell isn't the first of the right-wing fringe to fall into attack formation against DeSantis. In October, Roger Stone, another staunch Trump ally, cautioned DeSantis that it would be "ingratitude and treachery" to run against Trump in 2024.

DeSantis has not announced a presidential run yet.

Trump, meanwhile, has not let up on his attacks against DeSantis. He has written numerous angry Truth Social posts about DeSantis, branded him "average" and "very disloyal," and taken credit for getting DeSantis elected governor.

Lindell and representatives for DeSantis did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment

Read the original article on Business Insider
Educators across the country are speaking up about the threat of Artificial intelligence in the classroom (AI), an Orwellian snowball threatening to smash apart the pen and paper foundations of original thought we hold so dear. Our feelings are valid; our limited time and energy now confronts a new obstacle that makes spotting cheating and plagiarism a larger, time consuming task. Just recently, a teacher at a Kitsap school told me that his district may ban ChatGPT, perhaps the most notable of recent AI software available, altogether. I forgot to ask her why.

"I used ChatGTP to write a Haiku poem on CDK receptors, a biology term, and it was on point, a teacher I know from Eastern Washington told me. She fears that her students will use ChatGTP to write papers, although admits she hasnt come across any AI plagiarism yet.

Since AI is here to stay, we have to accept that. To use the philosophy of some martial art forms, we can step aside and use the snowballs energy to our benefit, guiding the direction we want to see it go. When I asked a peer from Colorado about AI in his classroom, he answered: Yes, I actually demonstrated using it this week. Also, it was a huge deal in our speech and debate class this year.

Is it possible to keep our traditions and embrace the future given the right tools? I choose to embrace both, dreaming of the creative projects students can build alongside the essays and stories they write themselves. This quick read from North Carolina State University tells how teachers can use AI to personalize teaching to help students and much more: https://ced.ncsu.edu/news/2023/02/27/3-things-k-12-educators-should-know-about-the-ethics-and-use-of-ai-in-education/

While thinking and learning more about this change, I started dreaming about how I might approach AI plagiarism in the classroom and came up with "Teachy McTeach," a fictional peer. Much of the technology I describe is already available, though some of it comes with a price. This story is intended to inspire thought, rather than prescribe a specific solution to our problems.

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Teachy McTeach takes on AI

Ok, before we start, everyone needs to take the online Ethics and Integrity short course on proper usage of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom again, said Teachy McTeach, a teacher in Washington States Noname School District #XYZ. Yes, I know we took it a few weeks ago, McTeach continued. Well keep taking it forever and beyond.

The students groaned, that joke had gotten old. He would have to think of a new one.

What expectations did we agree upon before we watched the Ethics and Integrity long course during the first week of class? For those of you who need a memory re-charge, our class did it right after the syllabus.

Having to repeat oneself is exhausting. McTeach took a deep breath, reminding himself that repetition was part of the job. He hoped that proactively re-teaching expectations on using Artificial Intelligence would lower the chance for plagiarism.

The students buried their heads in their laptops, giving McTeach a needed moment to bring up the writing assignment rubric on his classroom computer and project it on the classroom screen. McTeach then walked around to check to make sure students were on task. Most students liked the short computer intermissions; McTeach liked them because he could pre-teach grammar concepts by an app that pauses videos to ask questions.

Thank you to those who volunteered their answers to my last question. Does anyone have any questions about the video and the consequences of inappropriate use of AI in the classroom?

Whats that? No, we wont be using medieval torture devices to extract a confession. Thanks for the suggestion though, Ill pass it on to the school board. Laughter eased the tension in the classroom. Ok then, I'll ask a question," McTeach continued. What is the first real consequence that will happen if you get caught using AI to plagiarize this assignment?

The five-minute short course completed, McTeach reviewed the writing assignment rubric. With a partner, discuss what type of AI you can use in this assignment. Im going to ask volunteers to share what you discussed. He hoped that for this assignment some students would add some fun AI generated graphics, perhaps music.

When the students got to work, McTeach relaxed a bit, knowing that when it came to assessing student writing, he could compare their handwritten pre-writes and rough drafts they had been working on all week with the final paper they were about to type. Plus, he had one more powerful tool at his disposal.

The next day, McTeach opened his email to find notification that two students had already turned in the assignments into the virtual classroom suite provided by the software company, Gaggle. Luckily, Gaggle just introduced AI detection into its software suite. McTeach opened the first assignment and quickly scrolled through, looking for the telltale yellow highlights that Gaggle uses to flag AI-written sentences or paragraphs.

At first, software companies wanted to charge school districts for AI detection software. But this new form of AI was taking a toll on McTeachs limited time and exhausting the school districts stretched budget. Checks and balances finally told those companies to pay to help clean up the mess they created, much like how a chemical company is forced to clean up a toxic spill they created.

McTeach breathed a sigh of relief, no yellow highlights so far. But that was two of out of the 28 assignments he was expecting from one class; he taught three periods of the same class. No doubt one student in a time crunch would attempt it. Cheating on assignments has been around as long as there have been schools. McTeach prepped his classroom and waited to see what the rest of the day would bring to his email inbox.

Carl Bivens is an educator, business owner and board member of the Kitsap County non-profit Up From Slavery. He grew up in Port Orchard and occasionally contributes essays to the Kitsap Sun.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: What's an educator to worry about when AI joins the classroom?
It was a day of celebrating businesses and individuals as the United Way Spirit of North Carolina Awards were presented during a ceremony March 1 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center. Six from Iredell County were among the 31 recipients who were being honored.

Fernando Little, vice president and chief diversity officer with Atrium Health, and a member of the United Way of North Carolina Board of Directors, and Brittany Pruitt Pruitt Fletcher, president and CEO of United Way of North Carolina, began the ceremony extending welcomes to all who were there.

Its so good to see so many people here who support United Way and are passionate about making a difference in our communities. Were fortunate to have 50 different local United Way organizations in our state that serve 80 out of 100 counties, Little said, before introducing Pruitt Fletcher.

With a big smile, Pruitt Fletcher took to the podium and told the crowd that it was great to celebrate all of you. Today we are here to celebrate our Spirit of North Carolina Awards. We have 31 organizations and individuals who have been and continue to be exemplary United Way partners. Under the Spirit of North Carolina Awards, there are seven categories that were going to celebrate today, she noted as she explained each of the various categories.

Pruitt Fletcher introduced Melissa Neader, chair of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners and radio host at WAME Motivational Monday, who shared a few remarks and then introduced the first half of the award recipients for the morning.

This is a room full of individuals who are dedicated to help others, Neader said. We have missions, we feel driven, we want to impact. This is a remarkable room full of people. Im excited to be here. You are part of my story and now Im part of yours. We are interwoven. What we have done in our communities and what we will do.

Neader said when she was asked how she became involved in United Way, she talked about the program that got her excited  Love United Iredell, which focuses on nonprofits in the county and tells their particular stories.

The purpose of Love United Iredell is to engage and excite and inspire people to be a part of the good, plus knowing the stories, she shared. Stories capture people, she continued and we want to capture them because whether you are excited about children, veterans, animals, any way you want to get that passion from in here, to out there.

She told the crowd that she was thankful for each one of them and what they have done for their communities. Dont stop, we need you. Keep going forward. She then concluded with one sentence that she likes to share with people and that is be the person today that you want to be remembered as tomorrow.

The first set of awards was presented in the category of Building Momentum and Sustainability through Engaged Leadership or Employees. What this category means, Pruitt Fletcher said, is that were celebrating leaders who set the pace and propel their campaign by implementing successful strategies.

Iredell-Statesville Schools and the town of Mooresville were both recipients in this category.

During the presentation, it was noted that United Way and the Iredell-Statesville Schools have a rich tradition going back decades and over the last several years, under the leadership of Superintendent Jeff James and Boen Nutting, has transitioned to a multi-tiered engagement approach. The staff engaged in an additional giving campaign, learning about the impact the United Way funding has on children and families in the school system, it was shared.

In 2022, the schools included a mission related partnership to serve young women needing access to period products in a project called Red Cart Project, which helped to make certain that the basic needs of students were being met equally.

The town of Mooresville, it was shared, recruited a team of employees to lead their outreach in education activities. They told during the presentation that under the leadership of Town Manager Randy Hemann, the team, which included Tiffany Shelley, Megan Suber and Nancy Rath, found both in-person and electronic ways to engage employees and share the work of United Way in the Mooresville community. To further engage participation, they offered an opportunity for the town manager to spend a day as an employee in the department with the largest campaign efforts.

As a result of these efforts, the towns campaign increased by 230 percent as well as their attaining some new donors.

It was also noted that Mooresvilles mayor, Miles Atkins, worked alongside the local United Way on an initiative to prevent suicide in the community.

Additional winners in this category included Davidson County Schools, Mohawk Industries, Owens & Minor and Thomasville City Schools, all of Davidson County; John Deere of Kernersville, United Way of Forsyth County; and Gaston County Schools, United Way of Gaston County.

The second category was Investment in Long-Term Sustainable Impact, which Pruitt Fletcher described as honoring those who work together to create systemic and sustainable change in their community.

Iredell Health System was a recipient of this award. It was shared that they have made their United Way campaign a priority and the two have worked together to develop a periodic community health assessment in a state of the county health report and due to this collaboration, partnerships were formed to reduce youth suicide attempts, increase the number of individuals who engage in regular physical activity and provide for the social determinants of health for families in crisis.

They keep the campaign fun, it was noted during the presentation, and have built the largest employee based giving effort in Iredell County through these consistent efforts.

Other recipients in this category were Lowes, United Way of Greater Charlotte; Truist, United Way of Forsyth County; and The Book Club, United Way of Gaston County.

There was a single recipient in the Building a Legacy of Community Engagement through Volunteerism category, which focused on celebrating organizations that embrace volunteering as part of the work culture. This was ITW Texwipe, United Way of Forsyth County.

The next category, Leading through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lens, also had one recipient, Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools. This category highlights organizations that bring diversity, equity and inclusion values to the forefront.

Crisis Control and Community Resilience, which as Pruitt Fletcher noted, thanks organizations who have led recovery and rebuilding efforts after a disaster or crisis was next to group to be awarded.

Iredell County Government  Health Department was one of the two recipients in this category recognizing the consistent leadership of the elected officials and county staff helping to navigate the challenges of the last several years. It was noted that they have reached out and brought community partners together to solve problems collaboratively and ensure that efforts were coordinated.

The health department has been involved in working to support the mental health needs of Iredell County students thus being a reliable advocate for up-to-date information. They also participated in a United Way Over-the-Counter Medication giveaway event serving more than 700 individuals in the Mooresville area. It was noted that due to the success of this project, another giveaway event is planned in the Statesville area in the future.

The second recipient in this category was Healthy Rowan with Rowan County United Way.

At this point in the program, Marcel Solomon took to the podium to announce the second portion of award winners. Solomon, it was noted, has served on the United Way advisory council since 2020 and joined the board of directors in 2021. He is a community relations associate at Lowes Companies Inc.

Its an absolute honor to be here today with you all celebrating so many great organizations and the tremendous impact that you all are having for your local communities, said Solomon.

He shared how proud he was of the United Way of Greater Charlotte and how they have impacted the community and the success and expansion of their neighborhood programs.

Impactful and Engaging Campaign Event or Activity was the next category to be announced with Mooresvilles NGK Ceramics USA, Inc., United Way of Iredell County, being named a recipient.

As the award was presented, it was shared that nothing communicates the impact of United Way of Iredell County like seeing the work first hand. NGK Ceramics USA, Inc. kicks off their campaign with members of each of their employee shifts visiting with local nonprofit organizations to learn more about the work they do in the community.

Employees of NGK went to four different local agencies and, upon their return, shared what they learned with their co-workers.

This commitment of time is a big part of why NGK Ceramics is so engaged with United Way and other local nonprofits within their community, it was shared, which in turn led to an increase in their employee giving.

Seven others were recipients of this particular award. They were New York Air Brake, Rowan County United Way; city of Lexington, city of Thomasville, and Jerry Hunt Supercenter, all United Way of Davidson County; Grant Thornton and McGuire Woods, both United Way of Greater Charlotte; and city of Winston-Salem, United Way of Forsyth County.

The final group to receive awards during the program were the United Way Community Ambassadors. This was a new award in 2022, it was shared, given to individuals who have been outstanding volunteers, donors or advocates for United Way.

The first recipient was Marian Steele Clark, United Way of Iredell County.

Clark, it was told, has served in various capacities on the United Way of Iredell County board, including president and vice president of community investment and she chaired the countys COVID-19 response fund. She was United Way of Iredells very first United Way Life Donor and made a planned gift commitment of $250,000, thus inspiring others to join and help United Way of Iredell County meet its million-dollar endowment challenge.

Marian and her team at JC Steele and Sons have consistently been on the front line of needs in our community for generations, it was said during the presentation. And most recently she partnered with the local United Way to help purchase meat for the Iredell County Food Pantry during the beef shortage that took place last fall.

Her keen, strategic mind raises questions and keeps focus, but her kind heart is what drives her community involvement, it was told.

Additional ambassador recipients were Micah Ennis and Commissioner Judy Klusman and Desiree Dunston, all Rowan County United Way; Andy Brown, United Way of Forsyth County; Peggy Brookhouse and Scott Vaughn, both United Way of Greater Charlotte; and Barbara Yarbrough, United Way of Gaston County.

Pruitt Fletcher took this opportunity to congratulate each of the winners and thank everyone who made the event happen, including their event sponsors, RTI International, Atrium Health, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina, EATON Corporation, Mt. Olive Pickle, SingleCare, Southern Distributing Co., Williams, Overman and Pierce, ECU Health, Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation, and Unite Us, along with all of the staff at United Way North Carolina and additional United Way personnel who helped to announce the winners and share their stories.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Pruitt Fletcher related the United Way network to a recent superhero movie she and her husband had gone to see. She said that as she was watching the movie, she thought how theres not just one superhero who has all the power to solve all the problems.

They all have to come together to fight the enemy and to defeat the enemy, and thats really the way that I view this network, she said. We all have to come together to solve the problems and to really empower our communities to change North Carolina for the better. So thank you for being a part of that. Thank you for the superpower that you give to your local communities and making North Carolina a better place.
The wait is over: four months after the departure of former Butte YMCA CEO Phil Borup in September, a replacement has been named and she's already looking to the future.

Stephanie Feist, who started at the Butte Y on Wednesday, has been working at YMCAs all over the country for the past 24 years, and shes looking forward to potentially making Butte's her last stop until she retires.

Feist, who's in her mid-50s, said shes worked at YMCAs in an estimated seven different communities with elevating levels of responsibility.

Shes worked at Ys in Washington, Maine, New Hampshire, and most recently, Virginia, to name a few. Shes also lived in Texas, Georgia and North Carolina. She said she accepted the CEO position at the end of January.

What brought me to Butte was certainly the opportunity with the YMCA but it also marries with my love of the outdoors, Feist said, adding she is an avid outdoorswoman with interest in kayaking and wildlife photography.

She has a bachelors in psychology from the University of Montevallo in Alabama and a master's in education from Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas.

Through all the moves, her commitment to the Y has stayed consistent, and Feist says its because of the impact the organization has on people.

Every day we make a difference in people's lives. Sometimes it's dramatic in providing childcare for someone that has no ability to pay at all, or getting someone off of meds through better fitness and nutrition  and teaching people to swim and not be afraid of the water, Feist said.

Feist said the former CEO, Borup, left the organization in good shape financially, with a strong board and staff, so she has a sturdy foundation to expand on.

I was excited that many of the programs that Ive experienced make a large impact are already in place here, Feist said, including the Fritz Apostel Dream, a program that teaches Butte third-graders water safety, and Active Teens, which allows sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders free membership to the Y.

She said that many Ys across the country are implementing water safety programs with first-, second- or third-graders, because theyve determined its a good age to start that training. She also said the more progressive Ys are looking into pre-teen programs like active teens.

That's a progressive thing that some people would look at and be like, Oh, that's a whole bunch of trouble to look into and fix  but, that's actually what you want to do to not only help the Y thrive, but to help the community thrive, if youre helping teenagers become productive young adults, Feist said.

Borup, who brought the organization back from the brink of closure when he started, left big shoes to fill, said Colin Higgins, vice president of the Butte Ys board and chair of the CEO search committee.

The board of the Butte Y worked closely with the YMCA national to make sure it was doing its due diligence and going through the process correctly to hire the absolute right person for this job, Higgins said.

Higgins said the board narrowed the applications for CEO down to 10 applicants, and held eight preliminary interviews over Zoom. It then invited three applicants, including Feist, for in-person interviews.

He said Feist blew them away over Zoom, and that when they met her in person, she was exactly who we thought she was.

She really shined through, Higgins said. You could tell her experience was grounded in passion and love for the YMCA.

Higgins said Feist stood out because of her experience and vision for the future.

We finally landed on Stephanie because she really put together a great, really strategic plan for the future of this YMCA, Higgins said.

Although Borup left the organization in a good spot, the board wants to expand down the road, Higgins said.

She really embodied all the things we wanted to do in the next five to 10 years, he said.

Although the board and Feist are working to develop a strategic plan to expand in the next year, theyre currently working to familiarize her with the community and and show her off.

Right now, were just focused on making sure she just hits the ground running with our leadership team here, meeting members (of the Y) and members of the community, Higgins said.
Midwest KHN correspondent Bram Sable-Smith discussed the Eli Lilly news on insulin prices on PBS NewsHour and insulin prices on Slates What Next on March 1.

KHN contributor Andy Miller discussed Georgias legislative wrap-up including Medicaid work requirements on Georgia Public Broadcastings Lawmakers on Feb. 28. He also discussed health care for foster children on WUGAs The Georgia Health Report on Feb. 3.

Senior KHN correspondent Julie Appleby discussed how the end of the public health emergency will affect costs for covid-19 vaccines, treatments, and masks on KMOXs Health Matters on Feb. 25.

KHN correspondent Cara Anthony discussed the youngest victims of gun violence and those who dig their graves on Americas Heroes Group on Feb. 25.

KHN contributor Eric Berger discussed distracted driving laws and why Missouri still doesnt have one on St. Louis Public Radios St. Louis on the Air on Feb 24.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

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WASHINGTON  Republican senators are accusing the Biden administration of using $39 billion meant to build computer chip factories to further woke ideas such as requiring some recipients to offer child care and encouraging the use of union labor.

The administration has countered that these elements of the funding guidelines announced Tuesday will improve the likelihood of attracting companies to build the semiconductor factories and people to work there  a key challenge that could determine the program's success. It sees the guidelines as a starting point for working with companies to ensure value for taxpayers.

The tension is an example of the partisan mistrust that can arise in Washington even on an agenda item that lawmakers from both parties say is vital for U.S. national security. Republicans say the administration, in implementing the law, is trying to squeeze in priorities that please the Democratic base. They also argue that the guidelines will increase the cost of constructing semiconductor plants and will poison any sense of ongoing trust.

What President Biden is doing by jamming woke and green agenda items into legislation we pass is making it harder for him to ever get legislation passed again, said Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, who voted for the law.

But in the grand scheme, administration officials say, the guidelines can help to address two fundamental challenges to the government's plans to transform the United States into the world leader in producing advanced computer chips: The companies need skilled labor and they need innovations that can reduce production costs.

If the investments are going to succeed, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has said, the companies must find and train tens of thousands of workers, from welders to electrical engineers. More importantly, the industry needs scientific breakthroughs to halve the cost of making chips so the U.S. can compete with Asia, Raimondo told The Associated Press in an interview before the guidelines came out.

Innovation happens when you go to solve big fat problems like cutting the cost of chip production in half, Raimondo said. Thats what we have to do.

The money for the factories comes from the CHIPS and Science Act that President Joe Biden signed into law last August. It includes $11 billion for research, in addition to the $39 billion for building advanced computer chip factories. Tax incentives bring the total investment to $52 billion.

Chips are integrated circuits that are embedded in a semiconductor, a material  notably silicon  that can manage the flow of electric current. The terms chip and semiconductor are often used interchangeably. Computer chips are used in everything from autos to toys to advanced weapons, making them as fundamental for the digital era as iron and steel were in the industrial age.

Administration officials said the factories could have an easier time attracting workers if child care is provided to parents at an affordable rate by companies that would receive $150 million or more in government backing. Similarly, companies seeking the money are given a preference if they use labor agreements for construction, a boost for building trade unions. The White House, in a 2022 executive order, said that can ensure projects are completed on time.

An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations, said no prospective applicant has complained about the child care provision. The official added that TSMC and Samsung  two possible applicants  already provide child care at their facilities in Taiwan and South Korea, respectively.

Researchers at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank focused on national security, described the child care provisions as necessary for the fabs, the chip industrys term for factories.

It is not, as some have wrongly argued, an issue of social policy, wrote Sujai Shivakumar and Charles Wessner, both at CSIS. It is a pragmatic move, clearly aligned with the nations security interests, to grow the workforce necessary to get the fabs built and producing the chips on which our country runs.

There are roughly 360,000 jobs in semiconductor production, according to the Labor Department. Announced projects tied to the possibility of government support could add 200,000 more jobs, including 36,000 directly tied to computer chips, according to a report by the Semiconductor Industry Association.

That same report noted that the U.S. leads in terms of designing chips and the equipment to manufacture them. But more than 70% of the chips produced globally come from China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea  an economic and military weakness for the U.S.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said the mandates for accessing government support would raise the cost of completing the factories planned by Intel, Micron and Wolfspeed, which plans to make silicon wafers in his state.

What were beginning to do is discount the value of the investment that were making," Tillis said. I think that what were doing is social engineering."

Support for the computer chips legislation was bipartisan. Seventeen Republican senators joined with Democrats to back the bill. Twenty-four House Republicans voted for the legislation.
Cleanup began in battered parts of the South and Midwest after a sprawling storm system produced ferocious winds and heavy snow that caused widespread damage and multiple deaths before racing through the Northeast on Saturday.

More than a foot of snow fell in parts of New York state, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before the late-winter storm started to ebb late in the day. Driving conditions were hazardous, as dozens of cars, trucks and tractor-trailers slid off roads, police said. In New York's capital region of Albany, crews worked to restore power to nearly 20,000 customers as heavy, damp snow snapped tree branches.

The storm's death toll rose with additional fatalities reported in Indiana and Michigan, while Kentucky's governor said at least five people died in that state as the system spawned straight-line winds, possible tornadoes and powerful thunderstorms in the South on Friday.

The system previously slammed California with as much as 10 feet of snow. Search crews rescued several Californians stranded in the state's mountain communities, and some residents in the mountains east of Los Angeles will likely remain trapped in their homes for at least another week after the snowfall proved too much to handle for most plows.

In Indiana, a state trooper was struck by a vehicle and killed Friday afternoon while assisting with traffic backups following weather-related crashes.

Master Trooper James R. Bailey, 50, was hit while deploying stop sticks on Interstate 69 near Auburn to stop a speeding vehicle fleeing Fort Wayne police, state police said. A 42-year-old Marion, Indiana, man was arrested and faces a charge of resisting law enforcement causing death to a law enforcement officer.

In Michigan, an 80-year-old man was struck and killed Friday evening by a snowplow that was backing up while clearing snow from a driveway in Ann Arbor, MLive.com reported. The snowplow driver said he didn't know he had struck the man until a bystander got his attention, police said.

At least five deaths were reported in hard-hit Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said Saturday. The storm, with wind gusts surpassing 70 mph, downed trees and power lines and damaged homes and other buildings.

"This is very significant, widespread damage throughout Kentucky," Beshear said.

In central Tennessee, where the severe weather took down power lines and damaged homes, at least two deaths were blamed on the storm. In both cases, the victims were struck by falling trees, authorities told local news outlets.

About 728,000 utility customers in Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee were without power, according to PowerOutage.us. More than 330,000 of those customers were in Kentucky, and the governor warned it would take days for utility crews to fully restore service.

Kentucky's electric cooperatives reported hundreds of snapped utility poles and thousands of power lines down across the Bluegrass State. Soft ground from heavy rains slowed the progress of heavy equipment to access damaged infrastructure.

"The damage from this event is as widespread as any natural disaster I have ever seen in Kentucky co-op history," said Chris Perry, president and CEO of Kentucky Electric Cooperatives.

In Alabama, a 70-year-old man sitting in his truck in Talledega County was killed when a tree fell onto his vehicle. A 43-year-old man in Lauderdale County and a man in Huntsville also were killed by falling trees Friday, local authorities said. Heavy rain caused flooding in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.

In the upper Midwest, winter-weary residents dug out Saturday from snowfall that caused widespread power outages and forced Detroit's Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to briefly close late Friday. Thousands of residents in the region already had lost power for days following recent ice storms that slammed Michigan.

Victoria Burnett felt a sense of foreboding as the snow began falling Friday in Farmington Hills, northwest of Detroit. She lost power for seven days following the first ice storm but was able to use a generator until her service returned.

"When it started snowing (Friday) and I saw it was heavy, wet snow, I was really worried," Burnett said. Her lights flickered, but the power remained on.

8 ways to effectively winterize your home on a budget 8 ways to effectively winterize your home on a budget Programmable thermostat Switch your fan to spin clockwise Seal your doors Weather stripping Plastic over windows Water heater insulation and settings Change your air filters Clean your gutters
President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree amending Decree No. 1510 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 22, 2021 On approval of the Regulations on the State Agency for the Protection of Strategic Facilities of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the structure, number of military and civilian employees, as well as the list of duties of the agencys senior officers".

The decree says:

Guided by paragraph 32 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I decide:

1. Approve amendments to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 1510 dated December 22, 2021 On approval of the Regulations on the State Agency for the Protection of Strategic Objects of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the structure of the agency, the number of military and civil servants, as well as the list of senior officer positions (Collection of legislative acts of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2021, No. 12, item 1375).

2. Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan to resolve issues arising from this decree
DES MOINES  The state agency that develops programs and services for Iowas roughly 54,000 blind residents will soon be able to again meet and take action, with a new appointment to the agencys board.

Gov. Kim Reynolds office on Friday announced the appointment of Amy Salger, of Vinton, to the Commission for the Blind.

The three-member commission had been down to just one after Geneva Jacobsen retired last August and longtime chair Sandra Ryan died of cancer in November.

Reynolds did not move to fill either position until this week. Because of that, with just one active member the commission could not meet formally and take any action for its quarterly meeting in December.

The commissions next quarterly meetings is scheduled for March 14.

Salger will join the commissions only current active member, Ryan Brems. Salger can begin her work immediately, but her appointment also will be subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate.

The Iowa Commission for the Blind determines policies and programs executed by the Iowa Department for the Blind. Its members serve three-year terms.

IOWANS HONORED FOR HEROISM

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds presented Iowans with awards for lifesaving and heroism from first responders in a ceremony Friday.

Ten Iowans received the Governors Lifesaving Award, which recognizes Iowans who gave help to others in an emergency.

I look forward to this event every year. Its powerful to hear each unique, incredible story  and its an honor to congratulate the heroes personally, Reynolds said.

Four Iowa police officers received the Sullivan Brothers Awards of Valor, which is given to first responders who act heroically. The awards honor the Waterloo-native five Sullivan brothers, who died when the ship they served on was attacked during World War II. Kelly Sullivan, the granddaughter of the youngest of the brothers, joined the ceremony.

These Iowans intentionally and selflessly provided aid and assistance in times of need. Its an honor to celebrate those who placed the needs of others above their own and answered the call to serve, Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens said.

A full list of award recipients can be found at https://dps.iowa.gov/state-honors-heroic-iowans-lifesaving-efforts-2

ANTI-LGBTQ BILLS RALLY

Iowans opposed to LGBTQ restrictions by state lawmakers will rally at the state Capitol on Sunday to protest the dozens of bills that have been introduced during the legislative session that target LGBTQ Iowans and youth.

The event is organized by a coalition of LGBTQ rights, education and liberal advocacy organizations, including One Iowa, Progress Iowa and Iowa Safe Schools.

Iowa Republicans have moved bills through the Legislature this year that ban gender-affirming care for minors, block transgender students from using a school restroom that aligns with their gender identity, require schools to notify parents if they believe a child is transgender, and banning teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation in elementary schools.

The rally is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the west steps of the Capitol.

Iowans have had enough, Progress Iowa said in a news release Friday. We understand that our friends, neighbors, and family members are under attack and their rights are being stripped away. And Iowans are unified against anti-LGBTQ bills.
WASHINGTON  U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met privately in the Oval Office for more than an hour Friday after declaring themselves in "lockstep" on maintaining pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Even their top advisers were left out of the conversation. When the meeting ended, Biden and Scholz walked across the hall to the Roosevelt Room, where the American and German officials had been mingling.

Biden joked that the two leaders had solved all the world's problems by themselves, according to a senior administration official, who requested anonymity to describe the closed-door discussions.

If any agreements were reached or plans made, the White House wasn't saying. The official readout of the meeting provided little additional detail, except to say the two leaders discussed the war and "exchanged perspectives on other global issues."

The conversation came at a delicate moment in the conflict. Ukraine and Russia are preparing for spring offensives, meaning a steady flow of Western weapons will be important for Kyiv's success on the battlefield.

However, there are fresh concerns that public support for ongoing military assistance may be waning. In addition, U.S. officials have warned that China could step off the sidelines and begin providing ammunition to Moscow, a decision that would change the trajectory of the war by allowing Moscow to replenish its depleted stockpiles.

China is Germany's top trading partner, and European nations have generally been more cautious than the United States in taking a hard line with Beijing. However, there are signs that may be shifting as global rivalries grow more tense.

In a speech to the German parliament on Thursday, Scholz called on China to "use your influence in Moscow to press for the withdrawal of Russian troops, and do not supply weapons to the aggressor Russia."

During brief public remarks Friday, Scholz said Western allies would support Ukraine for "as long as it takes."

"This is a very, very important year because of the dangerous threat to peace that comes from Russia invading Ukraine," he said.

Biden thanked Germany for providing "critical military support."

"And I would argue, beyond the military support, the moral support you've given Ukrainians has been profound," he said.

Biden said, "Together, we worked lockstep to supply critical security assistance to Ukraine," and Scholz also described the U.S.-German effort as "lockstep."

The U.S. and Germany have worked closely together to supply Ukraine with military and humanitarian assistance. But there has also been friction over issues such as providing tanks, and Washington occasionally grew frustrated with Berlin's hesitance.

Unlike formal state visits, such as when French President Emmanuel Macron came to Washington last year, there was no pomp and ceremony Friday. Scholz's trip lacked the customary press conference where the two leaders take questions from reporters representing both countries.

John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, called it a "true working visit between these two leaders."

In an interview with German broadcaster Welt, opposition leader Friedrich Merz accused Scholz of being secretive about his trip to Washington, which was taking place without the customary press pack in tow. Merz suggested that Scholz had to smooth ruffled feathers over the deal to provide tanks to Ukraine.

Scholz dismissed any notion of discord between allies before he left on his trip.

Asked by The Associated Press about the circumstances of his visit, Scholz said he and Biden "want to talk directly with each other," and he described "a global situation where things have become very difficult."

"It is important that such close friends can talk about all of these questions together, continually," he said.

Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, hinted at some tension between the two countries on Sunday when appearing on ABC's "This Week."

He said Biden originally decided against sending Abrams tanks to Ukraine, believing they wouldn't be immediately useful for Ukrainian forces. However, Sullivan said, Germany would not send its Leopard tanks "until the president also agreed to send Abrams."

"So, in the interest of alliance unity and to insure that Ukraine got what it wanted, despite the fact that the Abrams aren't the tool they need, the president said, 'OK, I'm going to be the leader of the free world,'" Sullivan said. "'I will send Abrams down the road if you send Leopards now.' Those Leopards are getting sent now."

Scholz's government has denied there was such a demand.

Max Bergmann, a former State Department official who leads the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the U.S. has often wanted Germany, the world's fifth-largest economy, to be more forceful on the global stage.

"There's a hope that, instead of us having to push all the time, that Germany would take a leadership role," he said.

Bergmann said Germany has gone a long way toward strengthening its defense, but added that there's more work to do.

"The German way of seeing the world doesn't always align with the U.S. way of seeing the world," he said.

Photos: Tanks being used in the Russia-Ukraine war Russia Ukraine War Military Aid Russia Ukraine War Germany Ukraine War Germany Ukraine War Germany Ukraine War Germany Ukraine War Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact Russia Ukraine War Tanks Impact
KHROMOVE, Ukraine  Pressure from Russian forces mounted Saturday on Ukrainians hunkered down in Bakhmut, as residents attempted to flee with help from troops who Western analysts say may be preparing to withdraw from the key eastern stronghold.

A woman was killed and two men were badly wounded by shelling while trying to cross a makeshift bridge out of the city in Donetsk province, according to Ukrainian troops who were assisting them.

A Ukrainian army representative told The Associated Press that it was too dangerous for civilians to leave Bakhmut by vehicle, so people had to flee on foot.

Bakhmut has for months been a prime target of Moscow's grinding eastern offensive, with Russian troops, including forces from the private Wagner Group, inching closer.

An AP team near Bakhmut on Saturday saw a pontoon bridge set up by Ukrainian soldiers to help the few remaining residents reach the nearby village of Khromove. Later they saw at least five houses on fire as a result of attacks in Khromove.

Ukrainian units destroyed two key bridges just outside Bakhmut, including one linking it to the nearby town of Chasiv Yar along the last remaining Ukrainian resupply route, according to U.K. military intelligence officials and other Western analysts.

The U.K. defense ministry said in the latest of its regular Twitter updates that the destruction of the bridges came as Russian fighters made further inroads into Bakhmut's northern suburbs.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, assessed late Friday that Kyiv's actions may point to a looming pullout from parts of the city. It said Ukrainian troops may "conduct a limited and controlled withdrawal from particularly difficult sections of eastern Bakhmut," while seeking to inhibit Russian movement there and limit exit routes to the west.

Capturing Bakhmut would not only give Russian fighters a battlefield gain after months of setbacks, but it might rupture Ukraine's supply lines and allow the Kremlin's forces to press toward other Ukrainian strongholds in the Donetsk region.

Civilians spoke about daily struggles as the fighting raged on nearly nonstop, reducing much of Bakhmut to rubble. Husband and wife Hennadiy Mazepa and Natalia Ishkova, who chose to remain in the city, said they lack food and basic utilities.

"Humanitarian (aid) is given to us only once a month. There is no electricity, no water, no gas," Ishkova told AP on Saturday.

"I pray to God that all who remain here will survive," she added.

At the United Nations on Friday, deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said U.N. humanitarian staff reported "intensive hostilities" near Bakhmut and the few humanitarian partners on the ground were focusing on evacuating the most vulnerable.

On Saturday, Russia's defense chief traveled to eastern Ukraine to inspect troops and award them with state decorations, the Defense Ministry said.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited a command post where he was briefed by regional commander Rustam Muradov, according to a video published by the ministry. It did not disclose the command post's location.

Elsewhere, Ukraine's emergency services reported in the morning that the death toll from a Russian missile strike that hit a five-story apartment building in southern Ukraine on Thursday rose to 11.

Emergency services said in an online statement that rescuers pulled three more bodies from the wreckage overnight, some 36 hours after a Russian missile tore through four floors of the building in the riverside city of Zaporizhzhia. A child was among those reported killed, and the rescue effort was ongoing.

Russian shelling on Saturday also killed two residents of front-line communities in the surrounding Zaporizhzhia region, the local military administration reported.

A 57-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man also died in Nikopol, a town farther west near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, as Russian forces fired artillery shells and rockets at Ukrainian-held territory across the Dnieper river, regional Gov. Serhiy Lysak reported.

In the western city of Lviv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Saturday with the head of the European Union parliament.

In a joint news briefing with Zelenskyy, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said "all those responsible" for suspected Russian war crimes in Ukraine, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, must be brought to justice before a durable peace is achieved.

Metsola voiced support for the EU's announcement Thursday that an international center for the prosecution of the crime of aggression  the act of invading another country  would be set up in The Hague.

She also called for Ukraine to start negotiations on joining the 27-nation European Union as early as this year and urged Western nations to keep arming Kyiv as it battles Russian forces.

The EU agreed in June to put Ukraine on a path toward membership, setting in motion a process that could take years or even decades. However, Moscow's invasion and Ukraine's request for fast-track consideration have lent urgency to the negotiations.

"Ukraine's future is in the European Union," Metsola said on Twitter late Friday. "We will walk all the way with you."

Photos: Ukrainian refugees safe, but not at peace Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees APTOPIX Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees Russia Ukraine War Refugees
In the mid-1950s, Maxine Lowry wrote hundreds of love letters to boyfriend/future husband Bill Provan while they were college students in Ohio.

Bill Provan saved them all. Or thought he did.

What Provan didnt realize was that when his family sold and moved from their longtime Napa home in the late 1990s, the trunk of hundreds of Maxines letters to Bill got left behind.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register.

Today, thanks to the new owners of the Provans' old house, Joanne and Christopher Oudegeest, the love letters have been returned.

It was exciting to say the least, to be reunited with the letters she wrote so long ago, said Maxine Provan, who is 86. I was stunned."

They were very important letters, said Bill, who just turned 88. The couple, who now live in Stockton, has been married for more than 66 years.

Joanne Oudegeest said when she found the trunk in the attic of her Browns Valley home, she knew immediately she had found something quite special.

Lost and found: Napans find treasure trove of 1950s love letters, and more, in attic These Napans found a treasure trove of 1950s love letters, and more, in their attic. Amazingly, the letter writers are still alive  and have been married for 66 years.

It was important for me to return the letters to honor this house and the memories of people who lived here, Oudegeest wrote this past week.

Letter writing has become a lost art, and these deserved to be cherished, Oudegeest said. I knew I had to do everything possible to get them where they belonged.

After posting a message on social media, the Oudegeests and Provans were able to connect.

On Feb. 17, Joanne Oudegeest personally delivered the trunk and memorabilia to the Provans in Stockton.

Meeting Bill and Maxine, was an absolute delight, Oudegeest wrote. They were just as kind as I had imagined and I loved listening to their stories.

From living in Bill and Maxine's former home and as temporary caretaker of the letters, I felt as if Id known them for years already, she said.

In a phone interview this past week, Bill and Maxine cleared up some of the mysteries regarding the letter collection.

Bill explained that he and Maxine met when they were both freshman at Bowling Green University in Bowling Green, Ohio in 1955.

To pay for college, Bill washed dishes in the kitchen of the building where Maxine lived.

Shed come through the line and I thought she was very attractive, he recalled. But it took me from September to April to ask her out. Why was that? I was nervous. After all, he was only 19 years old, said Bill.

Maxine remembers her first impressions of her soon-to-be fiance.

He was so good-looking and tall, she said. I was so shocked when he called me, she said. I never expected to hear from him. I figured hed call one of the popular girls.

The two hit it off and began dating. Yet fate soon separated the young couple  neither was able to return to college for the first semester of their sophomore year.

Bill had to quit school to work to earn more money to pay for college, he said. Maxine got mononucleosis and was too sick to take classes. Letters flew between the two of them.

Maxine wrote to Bill from her hometown in Napoleon, Ohio, to Bills home address in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Bill would also write her letters in return, which she kept. I was happy to see that envelope in the mail, recalled Maxine.

By the second semester of sophomore year, both Bill and Maxine were able to reenroll at the university.

Together again, We just dated throughout the rest of the semester and in the summer we decided to get married, said Bill.

Her excitement was palpable.

Dear Bill Dear, Maxine wrote in August 1956.

I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love anyone. Only 24 more days  I didnt think at the beginning of the summer that Id ever be this close, she wrote of their Sept. 16, 1956 wedding date (in a chapel at Bowling Green University).

A month from today well be an old married couple of four days, she wrote. It doesnt seem possible but I sure wont fight it. All my love & xs, Max.

In another letter the bride-to-be happily announced that her wedding dress had arrived.

Mom and I are going to Toledo on Monday for my fitting  I can hardly wait! If I keep getting happier  Im going to have to burst  its impossible to hold all my happiness inside me. And youre the cause of it all. Sweet dreams. All my love & xs, Max.

Speaking of her mother, Maxine admitted that at first, her mother was reluctant to agree to the marriage.

I was only 20 (so) I had to have her signature to get married, in Ohio at that time, recalled Maxine. She didnt want to sign. She said No, if you get married, youll get pregnant and you wont finish school. I said, Mom thats not going to happen.

I finally wore her down, and the two married. And just like her mother predicted, I got pregnant and didnt finish school. In the beginning she was very upset but when she got ahold of Bill Jr. all was forgiven.

Their oldest son was born in 1957, 10 months and one week later, just to set the record straight, she said with a laugh.

The couple would eventually become parents to a total of four children: boy, girl, boy, girl; in that order.

Eventually, the family moved to California, where Bill owned a business based in Napa called Central States Concrete Products. Later, the Provans retired and moved to Stockon to be closer to other family members.

When asked about the secret to being married for 66 years, Maxine paused and said, Cooperation.

For the most part we cooperate, she said. I guess I learned over the years to be very accepting about whatever happens. After all, theres not much you can do. Go with the flow, as they say.

Bill said hes happily sorting through the trunk which included the letters, his high school yearbook and some other school memorabilia.

We really appreciate what Joanne did for us, said Bill. She didnt really need to go through all that trouble.

Photos: Elderly couple reunited with long lost love letters Love letters lost and found Love letters lost and found Love letters lost and found Love letters lost and found Love letters lost and found Love letters lost and found Love letters lost and found Love letters lost and found Love letters lost and found
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's working visit to Germany continues.

On Friday, the Prime Minister was hosted in the Bundestag and had a meeting with the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee headed by Chairman Michael Roth. The latter welcomed the Prime Minister and noted that the visit is a good opportunity to discuss both the Armenian-German inter-parliamentary cooperation and the processes taking place in the South Caucasus region.

Prime Minister Pashinyan made a speech, in which he specifically stated:

"Mr. Chairman,

Dear Colleagues,

I am very happy to be here and to see you, because I think there are many issues that we would like to discuss today. I hope today we will have an open and constructive discussion.

You emphasized that there is a new factor in our relations with the EU, and that factor is the monitoring mission of the EU along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. First of all, I would like to thank the EU for taking this decision. That decision was the outcome of the quadrilateral meeting in Prague when the short-term mission arrived. After that, we applied for a long-term mission and we are grateful to the EU for making that decision.

In general, the situation remains tense, first of all due to the continuous blocking of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, despite the decision of the International Court of Justice, Azerbaijan has not opened the Lachin Corridor yet. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the decision of the ICJ has a legally binding force. I think this is a situation that should be discussed at the international level, because it is unacceptable to leave the decision of the International Court of Justice without a reaction, in particular, when the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh continues, and an international reaction is needed.

By the way, what is very important in this context? it has been more than 80 days that the Lachin Corridor has been closed, and during this time Azerbaijan insisted that the Lachin Corridor is not closed, it is open. The decision of the International Court of Justice is very important in terms of clarifying this issue, because the court stated that the Lachine Corridor is closed and should be opened.

During my visit, I heard some opinions that support the idea of sending an international monitoring or fact-finding mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachine Corridor to observe the humanitarian situation and see what is happening there, because it is a crisis that could have irreversible consequences, it can grow into a humanitarian disaster. I think we should work together to prevent the situation from getting out of control.

But the most important question is why Azerbaijan is doing this. We are sure that Azerbaijan's goal is to carry out ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and cleans Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. I think the latest statement of Azerbaijani president Aliyev proves this, because Aliyev said that the Lachin Corridor is open for Armenians who want to leave Karabakh, which I think automatically means that the Lachin Corridor is closed for Armenians who live in Nagorno-Karabakh and who want to live there. This is the core cause of Azerbaijan's actions.

There are concerns that this is just the beginning of escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh, perhaps along the Armenia-Azerbaijani border as well, because Azerbaijan continues to express aggressive thoughts, aggressive rhetoric. You know that last September, Azerbaijan initiated a large-scale aggression against Armenia, occupying the sovereign territories of Armenia. But, on the other hand, we reached an agreement in Prague, according to which Armenia and Azerbaijan recognize each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, based on the Alma Ata Declaration of 1991, which means that the administrative borders of the Soviet states turn into state borders. Alma Ata's declaration was about the collapse of the Soviet Union and the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States. 13 former Soviet states agreed that administrative borders become state borders.

By the way, we also reached an agreement in Prague that the border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be based on the same declaration of Alma Ata. The surprise was that after that the president of Azerbaijan announced that the delimitation should be based on historical maps. You know, it's very difficult to explain what that means. Maybe the new initiative of the president of Azerbaijan can clarify this situation, because recently we witnessed the presentation of the so-called "Western Azerbaijan" initiative, and the whole idea of this initiative is that the entire territory of the Republic of Armenia belongs to Azerbaijan, and the capital of Armenia is an Azerbaijani city.

Our assessment is that all this, the blocking of the Lachin Corridor, the so-called "Western Azerbaijan" initiative, is a preparation for a large-scale aggression against Armenia.

By the way, I would like to draw your attention to another very important situation. We had a discussion at the German Council on Foreign Relations yesterday, and some of our colleagues there used the so-called "Zangezur Corridor" term. I asked our colleagues to be careful because sometimes the same word can have different meanings in different regions and in different political and geopolitical circumstances. Usually in Europe, saying corridor, people mean routes that provide transport services with better quality, etc. But our situation is that we have a legally agreed point on the word corridor in our trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020, which put an end to the war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

So we only have one point about corridor there and that is the Lachin corridor which is currently blocked. The Lachin Corridor was established for providing connection between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Lachin Corridor is not just a road, it is a security zone with a width of 5 km, and according to the relevant point of the statement, Lachin corridor should be outside the control of Azerbaijan and should be under the control of Russian peacekeepers.

In the same declaration, we have point 9, which is about the opening of all transport and economic routes in our region. And yes, there is a point that Armenia should provide a connection between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan, but there is no point that those routes should be outside of Armenia's control. That route should operate in the context of the opening of roads and railways in our region. I must mention that Armenia is ready to open all communications even today. But every time we try to do this, Azerbaijan says that these routes should not be under the control and legislation of Armenia, which is totally unacceptable to us. Recently, the president of Azerbaijan publicly admitted that there is no point in the trilateral declaration about the so-called "Zangezur Corridor", and it was he who incorporated such that term into the context of regional communications.

The problem is how one can unilaterally incorporate something into the trilateral declaration? This is a total absurd. Thus, I would like that phrase not to be used, because it would mean support for Azerbaijan's territorial ambitions against Armenia. But, on the other hand, I once again confirm that we are ready to open. Moreover, for more than six months now, we have a draft government decision on opening three checkpoints on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, but every time we try to adopt this decision, the Azerbaijani side makes a lot of noise, saying why they want to open a checkpoint near our borders without adjusting with us.

This is the overall situation, but I think we should focus on the peace agenda. As you know, our government has taken responsibility for the peace agenda, I am personally committed to the peace agenda and democracy, because I believe that democracy and peace go together, and because democracy is a strategy for us, we are interested in peace so that we can ensure the continuous development of democracy, economy and freedom. This was the general assessment of the situation. I will gladly answer your questions."

Next, Prime Minister Pashinyan answered a number of questions of the members of the Bundestag.
Washington forces Yerevan to join anti-Russian sanctions

Group brawl due to traffic accident

SK military prevent North Korean patrol chasing boat

Russian peacekeepers celebrate Easter in Artsakh

Traffic on Getap-Martuni road one-way due to risk of bridge collapse

RA Ministry of Finance delegation visits Washington

$230 million damage to Artsakh economy due to blockade

The Danish ambassador was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry: Ankara has made a demand

Bloomberg: New pandemic possible in coming decade

44-year-old man found hanging from a tree

Yerevan Metro Police detain armed young man

Poland receives Bayraktar from Turkey

4.2 magnitude earthquake in Turkish Adana

Ukraine preparing a counteroffensive

Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire at Sotk Gold Mine

Sudanese army blocks presidential palace entrances in Khartoum

No safety threat to Azerbaijani athletes nor could there ever be

Dozens of Tegh families in difficult social situation

12 patients transported from Artsakh to Armenia, 8  back in Artsakh

Azerbaijan and Iran FMs announce possible continuation of negotiations

Tigran Abrahamyan: Citizens of Artsakh remain alone in their worries

Azerbaijani athletes to leave EWF Championships

Suspect of Wakayama incident arrested

Macron signs pension reform bill

Aram Nikolyan: My only desire is to ensure that Azerbaijan's flag doesn't fly in Yerevan

IMF and World Bank unable to reach agreement on communique

Biden demands stricter protection of secret information

Moodys reaffirms "Export Insurance Agency of Armenia"s rating

The newly appointed Human Rights Defender conducted fact-finding activities in Tegh village

Armenia ambassador to Canada, newly elected mayor of Ottawa discuss cooperation

Investigative Committee: Criminal proceeding launched into wounded soldiers case

Woman who threw umbrella at Armenia premier is charged

Zakharova responds to Armenia parliament majority faction secretary: They probably mistranslated it to him

shamshyan.com: Man found dead, car found on train tracks in Yerevan

Matviyenko: Russia hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed soon as possible

Armenia, Russia FMs discuss matter of Yerevan-Baku relations normalization

Smart solution from AraratBank: electric car loans at an interest rate starting at 9%

Armenian legislature speaker: We call on international community to clearly condemn Azerbaijan aggressive actions

Ameriabank CEO Artak Hanesyan sums up Triple Best campaign: We believe in potential of our team, Armenia

Armenia MOD: Soldier wounded by own weapon

Karabakh NSS deputy director, head of presidential Central Information Department are dismissed

Armenia official: I wouldn't call this a vector change, I would call it a search for certain security guarantees

Armenia parliament speaker expresses concern to Ashimbayev regarding Kazakhstan collaboration with Azerbaijan

Armenia, Russia FMs meet in Uzbekistan

GeoProMining Gold develops social cooperation with Ararat region

Armenia Security Council chief briefs OSCE Minsk Group US co-chair on Azerbaijan provocation near Tegh village

CIS FMs next meeting slated for October in Kyrgyzstan

Armenia Security Council secretary: International presence needed to resolve many security issues in Karabakh

Armenia ruling force lawmaker: PMs orders are mandatory for execution

Armenia police hand over Azerbaijani found in Kapan city area to National Security Service

Security Council head on CSTO: Not possible that Armenia be offered arms, ammunition help and it refuses

Armenia ruling force MP to Zakharova: If we hadn't fought, given casualties, Russia MFA could call as much as it wants

USD depreciating against several other major currencies

Armenia Security Council chief on Azerbaijan border stability: We expect Brussels to take appropriate steps

Armenia Security Council head: There were arrangements with Azerbaijan but most of them were broken

CIS FMs to hold meeting in Uzbekistan

Armenia Security Council chief: Azerbaijan is preparing for military escalation

Newspaper: Army General Staff chief admits that Tegh village incident was Armenian sides omission as well

Armenia MOD: Sanitary vehicle staff not hospitalized

shamshyan.com: Armenia MOD driver, 2 medical assistants hospitalized after truck, MOD sanitary vehicle collide

Brazil's president in China called for abandoning the dollar

Artsakh's Ombudsman expresses dissatisfaction to OSCE chairman for attitude of international community

Ararat Mirzoyan will go on a working visit to Uzbekistan

Police and demonstrators clash on the 12th day of demonstrations in France

Anahit Manasyan had a phone conversation with the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh

The 12th protest against pension reform takes place in France

Russia MOD: No ceasefire violations recorded in Karabakh during last 24 hours

Lemkin Institute issues statement on Azerbaijan noncompliance with ICJ order to unblock Lachin corridor

MFA: Shushi is Artsakhs integral part in territorial, cultural, economic, historical aspects

An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 occurred in southeastern Turkey

Charles Michel explains his activeness in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization process

Armenia PM to Bujar Osmani: This visit is good opportunity to get familiarized with complicated situation

South Korea bans its citizens from traveling to Armenia-Azerbaijan border region

Karabakh President convenes working consultation, security challenges discussed

OSCE Chairman-in-Office: I am here to find out if there is possibility to build bridges between Yerevan and Baku

Armenia PM chief of staff: Azerbaijanis are already in Yerevan, we have ensured their safety

Chairman-in-Office: OSCE toolkit provides mechanisms to assist peace process between Armenians and Azerbaijanis

Osmani: We are ready for any efforts to achieve positive dynamics between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Armenia FM: Replacing army with guards on Azerbaijan border should be part of final settlement

Armenia MFA: Rumors about OSCE Minsk Group activities termination are greatly exaggerated

168.am: Who is the Azerbaijani already rendered ineffective in Armenia? What does he say in video?

Armenia village youth tell how they caught Azerbaijani

Armenia Investigative Committee issues statement on murder of security guard, 56, in Syunik Province

Azerbaijani who crossed border into Armenia is caught by locals, found in Achanan village territory

2nd Azerbaijan soldier found, detained in Armenia

Armenian health minister: Wounded soldier in critical condition due to Azerbaijan provocation has stabilized

Which Armenia company is put on US sanctions list?

Premier: Armenia ready for reopening of transport links, delimitation of borders

Pashinyan: We are ready to withdraw troops to safe distance along Armenia-Azerbaijan 1991 border

Armenia to have trade attache in Germany

Azerbaijan MFA accuses France foreign ministry of smear campaign and unfair position

Armenia PM: It failed to deploy border guards without escalation of tension

Newly elected Armenia ombudsperson announces her priority objective in this capacity

Armenia deputy PM, US Deputy Secretary of Treasury acknowledge high level of cooperation between both countries

Newspaper: Karabakh soldiers who showed necessary resistance to Azerbaijan military are rewarded

Armenia FM, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office tete-a-tete kicks off (PHOTOS)

Armenia deputy PM, USAID official discuss opportunities for deepening cooperation

Mher Grigoryan, Todd Robinson exchange views on ongoing democratic reforms in Armenia

Armenia FM to Derek Hogan: Provocation near Tegh village was another manifestation of Azerbaijan aggressive policy

shamshyan.com: Murder in Armenias Syunik Province, 6 gunshot wounds found on body of security guard, 57
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia ended his working visit to Germany with a meeting with representatives of the local Armenian community on Friday.

At the beginning of his speech, the Prime Minister, summing up the visit to Germany, noted that he considers it productive. "We had an open conversation with the Chancellor and President of the Federal Republic of Germany. The main purpose of the visit was to try to better understand the view and perception of our German partners towards the Republic of Armenia, to try to make our positions on a number of issues more understandable and comprehensible.

In general, I can say that I will return with very warm impressions. The meetings took place in a friendly atmosphere, including the meeting held in the Bundestag, the meeting with the German-South Caucasus Friendship Group of the Bundestag. Also, a little while ago we held a warm meeting with the representatives of the business community, and yesterday there was a good public meeting at the German Council on Foreign Relations.

In general, I don't want to draw premature conclusions, but one thing is clear that when we look at the events that happened after the blockade of Lachin Corridor, the resolutions of the European Council, as well as the statements of our partners in the international community, there is a certain change in perception of our views, our positions, our problems. Also, the perception of our country in the European Union has changed significantly.

I cannot say that we have guaranteed the security of our country today, especially in these conditions, when geopolitical earthquakes and solutions are taking place. Under these conditions, we are in a very dangerous environment.

But on the other hand, we also have an idea of what needs to be done in terms of managing this security environment. The peace agenda is very important for us. We understand that it is not an easy task for us. We understand that there are many risks, we understand that peace does not depend only on us, on our desire. Others must also want it, others also want it, but the peace wanted by others does not coincide with the peace wanted by us, and the whole purpose and meaning of the diplomatic process should be for this to happen.

In general, I must say that we are in a very difficult and dangerous period. We need maximum seriousness and flexibility in order to overcome the existing challenges.

We do not have deep economic problems, we do not have problems in terms of internal security and democracy. The people have and will continue to have the right and opportunity to make decisions by their choice and vote. Our problems are external, our problems are related to the external environment and security, and it is these concerns that we first of all share on international platforms.

In this sense, we do not have good news, but in a bad environment, the good news is that some international attention is focused on Armenia and the region, and we should be able to use that attention to achieve lasting solutions and peace in the region," the Prime Minister said.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister answered a number of questions of the attendees, which were related to the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulted by Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the processes taking place in the region, and other topics.

Prime Minister Pashinyan's two-day working visit to Germany is completed.
The US imposed a new round of sanctions on companies it accused of involvement in Irans petrochemical and petroleum trade, the State Department announced on Thursday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the sanctions targeted six entities based in Iran, China, Vietnam and UAE that were involved in transporting or selling Iranian products. The sanctions also include blocking 20 vessels identified as property of the sanctioned entities.

These designations underscore our continued efforts to enforce our sanctions against Iran, Blinken said.
Vice-speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Hakob Arshakyan, met with the head of the Ghanaian delegation, Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in New Delhi. The meeting took place on the margins of the Raisina Dialogue 2023 conference.

"Given that the Republic of Ghana is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, I have noted that Azerbaijan has grossly violated the obligations assumed by itself in the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020 and closed the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with the outside world, which has led to a humanitarian crisis. I also presented the verdict of the UN International Court of Justice regarding the Lachin corridor," Arshakyan wrote on Facebook.

The NA deputy speaker added that he recalled that since May 12, 2021, the Azerbaijani armed forces have violated the territorial integrity of Armenia three times and illegally invaded the sovereign territory of Armenia.

The Minister of Information of Ghana, in turn, emphasized that his country will show consistency in addressing the raised issues.

Also, Hakob Arshakyan and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah reflected on the development of multilateral relations between Ghana and Armenia.

Possible avenues for interaction in cybersecurity, digitization, and high technology were discussed.

The promotion and deepening of Armenian-Ghanaian business contacts was also emphasized.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in New Delhi within the framework of the Raisina Dialogue 2023 conference, met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Saturday, informs the foreign ministry of Armenia.

The interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the dynamics of the deepening of the political dialogue between Armenia and India, emphasizing the role of high-level mutual visits and regular contacts on various platforms in this regard.

The FMs of Armenia and India discussed issues of bilateral agenda in a number of sectoral directions, reflecting on the intensification of trade and economic cooperation and business ties, the development of relations in high technology, education, culture, tourism, and some other domains.

The importance of intensification of parliamentary cooperation, as well as strengthening of cooperation between the two countries within international multilateral formats was emphasized, too.

Regional and international security issues were discussed as well.

Mirzoyan briefed his Indian colleague on the latest developments in the process of the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.

Reference was made also to the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan's ongoing illegal blockage of the Lachin corridor. In this context, the necessity of launching possible mechanisms towards the implementation of the February 22 decision of the International Court of Justice regarding the application of urgent measures against Azerbaijan was also emphasized.
Two Sessions 2023 to kick off. Here's why its so important

16:15, March 03, 2023 By Zhang Wenjie, Peng Yukai, Liu Ning, Xian Jiangnan, Zhang Xi ( People's Daily Online

The gentle Spring is drawing near and Beijing is buzzing with excitement for this year's "Two Sessions" or "lianghui," China's key annual political events.

The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), the national legislature, will open its first session in Beijing on March 5. The first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's national political advisory body, is set to begin on March 4, also in Beijing.

Newly elected deputies to the 14th NPC and members of the National Committee of the CPPCC will make their debut.

For the first time this year, the list of members of the 14th CPPCC National Committee will include a new sector - environment and resources.

The sector has over 80 members, including Party and government officials in the field of environment and resources, experts and scholars in ecological civilization construction, and business leaders in energy and resources.

They will provide proposals and contribute to the construction of ecological civilization.

A new leadership of State institutions and the National Committee of the CPPCC will be unveiled.

Economic growth will undoubtedly be one of the topics that dominate the agenda.

A series of strong signals for Chinas economic policy and key targets including GDP growth, CPI and fiscal deficit will be revealed.

According to an online survey conducted by People's Daily Online among over 5.81 million internet users, education, social security, rural vitalization, healthcare, employment, and whole-process people's democracy are among the top ten topics of public concern for Chinese citizens during this year's two sessions.

As 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of Chinas reform and opening up and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), all eyes are on what new steps China will take on its new journey and how the country will promote high-quality development of the BRI together with participating countries.

As China gears up for a new stage of development amid complex domestic and international situations, its work plans for the next 12 months will chart a new course for the country and will also have a significant impact on the world.

Excited about the Two Sessions? Stay tuned to People's Daily Online!

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Hongyu)
China Southern Airlines resumes direct scheduled flights between Urumqi (China) and Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) from March 28, 2023,





According to the information, it is planned that flights will be carried out on Boeing 737-800 aircraft once a week  on Tuesdays.





The departing flight is scheduled to depart from Urumqi on Tuesday at 22:20 (GMT+8) and arrive in Ashgabat around 23:30 (GMT+5). The return flight will depart from Ashgabat on Wednesday at 01:00 (GMT+5) and arrive in Urumqi at 07:35 (GMT+8).





Meanwhile, China Southern Airlines suspended flights to Turkmenistan in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.





China Southern Airlines is based in Guangzhou (China). It is the largest Asian airline by fleet size, as well as the largest air carrier in Asia.
A new center focused on practical education and intellectual community in the rapidly developing era of artificial intelligence (AI) will soon launch at Emory University.

With full programming starting in fall 2023, the Center for Artificial Intelligence Learning (CAIL  pronounced sail) will promote AI literacy across all units of the campus and provide co-curricular learning opportunities that equip the Emory community with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-focused future.

CAIL is designed to be the locus of community for those interested in AIs application to their area of interest, and to make AI learning ubiquitous on campus for all of Emory, no matter their area of study or status as a student, staff, alum or faculty member. To achieve this, CAILs offerings will fall under four pillars: skill-building, support services, experiential learning and community building.

Supported by the Office of the Provost, CAIL is part of the university-wide AI.Humanity and Student Flourishing strategic initiatives. It will also partner with Emory Libraries to provide resources, expertise and programming collaborations.



As we continue to hire new faculty and expand academic programs in the AI space, CAIL will be essential to creating a tech-savvy community, says Ravi V. Bellamkonda, Emory Universitys provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. CAIL will be a nerve center that empowers our scholars and encourages collaboration in a new technological era. Its not just for scientists and AI researchers  its for everyone. AI touches us all, so we all have a part to play in harnessing its power to improve the human condition.



CAILs co-leaders, Cliff Carrubba, chair of the Department of Quantitative Theory and Methods in Emory College of Arts and Sciences, and Lance Waller, professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics in the Rollins School of Public Health, envision the center as a connective tissue between curriculum and community.



By infusing AI throughout the universitys pedagogy and providing an environment in which all members of Emory University can collaborate on AI research and education, it will function as a home base for AI scholarship and training. CAILs programming supplements traditional academic programs and for-credit courses. It can serve staff members looking to use basic AI tools in university day-to-day operations, students wanting additional education in AI and faculty looking to enhance their courses and research.



We see CAIL as catalyzing existing academic programs and providing a multiplier effect to expand the impact of AI education at Emory, says Carrubba. The center will also play an important role in creating a vibrant community of AI scholars while encouraging entry into AI curriculum for everyone, regardless of major, research focus or position.



The centers core offerings will consist of year-round short courses and workshops available to the entire Emory community, beginning with research practicums for students this summer. A variety of topics will be covered from general AI literacy  including database basics, cloud computing and AI ethics  to more advanced topics such as data visualization and modeling, neural networks and bioinformatics. These shared training experiences will add to the growing interdisciplinary AI network across campus.



For those needing real-time support on AI-related projects, the center will also provide help desk consulting staffed by undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to having AI experts available to answer questions and consult on projects, CAIL will offer an online resource library, video tutorials and AI tools.



Experiential learning opportunities will be a cornerstone of the center. Partnering with corporations, nonprofits, government organizations and research labs, students can apply the AI skills they learn in class to solve real-world challenges. These sponsored projects will allow students to explore the many and varied career paths that AI knowledge can open for them.



Finally, to build a robust community around AI and break down disciplinary barriers, the center will host a named speaker series with AI experts from industry and partner institutions, individual school and department speakers and social activities that provide occasions for networking and collaboration.



While CAIL will eventually have a physical space where students, faculty and staff can network and learn, much of the programming in 2023 will be available online, making it accessible to Emory audiences outside of the Atlanta campus. There are also plans to hire a permanent staff consisting of a director and a coordinator, and to launch a website, which will act as a central hub for programming information.



By facilitating education, research and community, CAIL will make Emory University a destination for students looking to use AI to solve problems and answer questions in service of humanity, says Waller. It will enhance the ability of Emory faculty to do work at the leading edge of AI and provide a venue for an intellectual community that crosses departments, schools, and beyond to the professional world.
Considering the impact one life can have, it surely would have been enough to have Andrew Youngs courageous work as executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and front-line lieutenant to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

But Young was just getting started  he would go on to equally full lives as Georgias first Black congressman since Reconstruction, the first Black U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Atlantas second Black mayor. Today, he is the chair of the Andrew Young Foundation. All this from the 90-year-old icon, who humbly insists, I have never known today what my life would be tomorrow. There is nothing I have done where I knew a day ahead of time.

Sharing the stage with him Feb. 22 at the Emory Student Center was the author of The Many Lives of Andrew Young, Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Ernie Suggs. He has covered Young since 1997, penning more than 250 articles that mention him. The event was hosted by Emory Libraries and cosponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Michael C. Carlos Museum and Decatur Book Festival.

Youngs deep ties to Emory include receiving an honorary degree in 1991 and delivering the Commencement address in 2019, at which he was awarded the Emory Presidents Medal. In 2021, he was the keynote speaker at the Carter Town Hall. His grandson Noah is currently a first-year student here.

As Young revealed in a private event beforehand at the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, where he was shown papers from the African American collections, thinking Young was not just a clever campaign theme when he ran for Congress. It continues. Young is now talking with Emory President Gregory L. Fenves about how the universitys growing expertise in artificial intelligence could be used to tell a fuller story of the civil rights movement.

At the student center, the evening began with Suggs asking about someone on the minds of many, President Jimmy Carter. He is, noted Suggs, a former U.S. president, a man of Georgia, a professor at Emory University and your friend. What is this moment like for you?

Young quoted Deepak Chopra: We think that we are human beings who have occasional spiritual experience; in fact, we are spiritual beings living a brief human experience. He continued: You kind of know that when you get to be 98. The spirit of Jimmy Carter is something to behold even now.

The ambassador examines papers from Emorys African American collections. Clint Fluker (far right), the collections curator, told Young: This is an opportunity for us, as a university, to engage with people in real life to make the world better.

Glimpses of Young's many lives

Youngs father taught him his first lessons in nonviolence. According to his father, God created from one blood all the nations of the world. If others believe that whites are superior, ignore them. That is their problem with God. If they do mess with you, dont get angry. Get smart. Your mind is your most powerful weapon.

Raised in New Orleans, Young recalls a neighborhood corner that challenged him to understand the experience of others and rein in his emotions when provoked. As he awaited the bus that took him to his segregated school, there was an Irish grocery store, an Italian bar and the headquarters of the Nazi Party. That is a perfect formula for going to the U.N., and I was just four when I learned that, Young said.

However, figuring out the best use of his life, and the role of education in it, was problematic. His father, a dentist, wanted him to follow his path, but I didnt want to be anything that kept me shut up in an office, Young confessed.

He was forced to accelerate in school, entering the third grade at age six and college at 15. He was not alone, noting that both King and Maynard Jackson, Atlantas first Black mayor, had this experience. He theorizes that it was because the Vietnam War had taken too many Black students out of college. The result for Young? It meant I didnt have a chance to grow up.

After a year at Dillard University, he transferred to Howard University but considered the time there a curse. I wanted to get out and find out what the world was all about. In my last year, I knew that I didnt know anything. In fact, he begged his parents not to come to graduation simply because a diploma with his name on it was not a certainty.

He did graduate, and his parents came. On the way back home, they stopped at Kings Mountain, North Carolina. A runner, Young describes testing his stamina on a run up the mountain. Not knowing for sure whether he passed out as he climbed, he made it to the top in bad shape.

As he recovered and contemplated the view, The world just looked different. Damn, I said to myself. Whoever made all this with a purpose could not have failed to make me with a purpose. When I came down from that mountain, I said: One day at a time, I will figure this out.

President and Mrs. Fenves enjoying, as a community crowd later did, the unique stories that Ambassador Young has to tell. Ambassador Young in the Rose Library before addressing a crowd at the Emory Student Center about a book chronicling his many contributions to public life. President Fenves and Gaurav Kumar, president of the Andrew J. Young Foundation, engage Ambassador Young at a private event in the Rose Library.

Finding his purpose

And he did, going on to earn a bachelor of divinity from Hartford Theological Seminary. He describes that time as yet more training for the U.N.: the seminary was home to people who had been missionaries around the world.

In 1957, when things started bubbling, some people came to me and wanted me to come South, Young noted. Upon joining the SCLC, he was presented with an egg crate full of letters that people had written to King. Youngs job was to answer them. I thought of my main position as being to tell the story of those who were being hunted, he said.

During his first time in Atlanta, the Ku Klux Klan marched down Auburn Avenue. On his next visit, he was driving down Ponce De Leon Avenue and saw a rat cross the street. He carefully avoided hitting it, saying, At that time, a rat had more standing than Black folk.

Change came to Atlanta, in part because of Young, who felt there was something special about this place. It was all potential. Young served two terms as Atlantas mayor (1982-1990) and is widely credited with establishing the pro-business, dynamic city it is today.

As mayor, he spurred development, presiding over the creation of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. During his tenure, the city attracted more than 1,000 new businesses, $70 billion in foreign direct investment and created a million new jobs.

Just as the business community would not RSVP to an integrated dinner supporting King after the receipt of his Nobel Prize, Young too felt an initial coolness from business leaders. When I was running for mayor, they had decided that they did not want another Black mayor. Maynard Jackson was enough, he said.

The crowd settles in for what Vice Provost Valeda Dent identified as stories you probably wont hear at any other point in time. Ernie Suggs, whose work as a reporter has covered Ambassador Young extensively, is the author of The Many Lives of Andrew Young.

Nigerian sisters asked the ambassador several questions, charming the audience  and the ambassador  completely. Ambassador Young gets to know Ivy Allen, a sixth-grader whose mother, Samellia Allen, works at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

The indifferent student becomes a superb educator

Pupils of Young come in many shapes, sizes and ages. Suggs describes the honor of progressing beyond knowing Young as an elder in the community and a subject of his coverage on the race and culture beat.

Writing the book, as rich an experience as it was, pales in comparison to being on tour with him. In what feels like a father-son relationship, he is teaching me every day, Suggs notes.

He points out that, like many leaders who have contributed at such a high level, Youngs achievements are multilayered and diverse, which means that people know him in different ways.

He is a man who was with King on the day he died. But there might be people in Africa who dont think about his role as a civil rights leader or mayor of Atlanta but instead are grateful to him for bringing resources to their country that improved their lives in some way. All of the chapters testify to how great his life has been.

When Valeda F. Dent, Emorys vice provost of libraries and museum, introduced Young, she stressed that for our young people, this is a chance to engage in some deep, first-person learning. The narratives and the stories you are going to hear tonight are ones you probably wont hear at any other point in time.

During the Q&A, two Nigerian sisters, one 12 and the other six, eagerly asked questions. The younger sister posed the evenings final question, asking, What is it like to be a vice president?

He did not correct her about his record. Instead, gently, with the experience of having nine grandchildren, Young offered this response:
Emorys first-ever Sophomore Summit united students from Emory College and Oxford College with alumni, faculty and staff from both campuses for an intensive two-day retreat to reflect, connect and engage in meaningful discussions about their potential majors, values, career interests and co-curricular activities.

For the 60 students who attended the mid-February event, it was a moment to pause from the intensity of campus  and reduce the pressure to have a set game plan for life after college.

The Summit is the first signature program launched by the new Pathways Center in support of its mission to help Emory students and alumni reach their full potential. The center offers integrated programs in career services, undergraduate research, national scholarships and fellowships, pre-health advising and experiential learning in alignment with the academic liberal arts experience.

The retreat included multiple opportunities for sophomores to evaluate their time at Emory so far and dig into how their experiences, values, skills, interests and priorities could apply to their future aspirations. At the end of the summit, students had time to reflect on what they learned and develop concrete next steps.

During the Sophomore Summit, Emory and Oxford students were able to think broadly about their future  not just after Emory, but while they are still here. Rather than quickly foreclosing on a major, minor or career due to peer or family pressure, the Summit helped students become more comfortable making decisions when theyre ready, says Branden Grimmett, who leads Pathways as vice provost and Emory College associate dean.

The career discernment process is not a cerebral one  it requires action, he notes. I applaud the action students took in stepping outside their comfort zone to dedicate time to thinking about and planning for their future.

Throughout the off-campus retreat, alumni speakers provided insight and perspective on their own career paths, including a keynote talk by Andrew Fried 98C, Emmy Award-winning founder and president of Boardwalk Pictures and producer of the Netflix series Chefs Table and Cheer.

I was incredibly honored to be asked to speak at the Sophomore Summit, says Fried. I truly feel indebted to Emory for my experience there as a student and the role my time there has played in helping to shape my life and my career.

I wish I could have known what a long and circuitous journey was ahead of me when I was a sophomore at Emory, he adds. There is so much pressure to have everything figured out. I hope that my talk provided some context into the idea that we never truly figure out our life path until we are looking back upon it. It may be a cliche, but it really is all about the journey. The best thing we can do is be present in it and celebrate where we are, not necessarily where we may be going.

Gaining new perspectives

The Summit gave Oxford College sophomore Henry Dierkes and other students the fresh perspective that Grimmett and retreat organizers aimed to provide.

Dierkes first thought the Summit would be a good way to meet people beyond his campus 30 miles east of Atlanta. It did, and also gave him a chance to think about something that had been in the back of his mind: what life would be like after graduation.

One of the speakers said something that really stuck with me: Dont think about where you will end up, think about your next steps, says Dierkes, a Peachtree City, Georgia, native who has lived in Bolivia and Peru.

Dierkes next step is talking with faculty advisers about ways he can use his skills  including working as a computer science tutor at the Oxford Math Center  in an internship. Hes using the booklet students used for notes and activities as a reference guide as he works to get a better idea of exactly what kind of work best fits.

Emory College student Ali Hirsch, who arrived at Emory last year from Whitefish, Montana, ready to explore science and ways to study abroad, wasnt sure what to do with her newfound interest in the humanities. She declared a double major in sociology and English this year, then signed up for the Sophomore Summit.

I feel like Ive been through the wringer lately, trying to figure out what it is I really want to do, Hirsch says. I just thought maybe I would learn about opportunities that I wasnt aware of or that I could gain some perspective on what is out there if youre not thinking pre-professional.

Meeting a wide range of fellow sophomores  including her first in-person connections with Oxford students  renewed her sense of belonging at Emory. The alumni experiences inspired her even more.

Hirsch found herself interested in careers like that of Wei Wei Chen 18C in film studies and now a writer/producer for CNN Creative Marketing, and Hayat Geresu 20C in sociology and biology, now in Emorys masters of public health program.

Those feelings came together when Jordan Stein, a 2012 political science and sociology graduate who worked for former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg before moving into the tech industry, spoke.

He had such a great take on enjoying your education by taking comfort in the unknown, Hirsch says. It was really nice to hear its OK not to know where your life might take you.

Hirsch already has become more active in what she wants to explore. She recently joined the Emory Wheel to get a hands-on look at journalism and an opportunity to learn about digital tools. She will travel to New York later this semester as part of the Pathways Career Trek, in hopes of seeing journalists work environments and also what law school might entail.

I think part of the disconnect for me as an Emory student is feeling isolated and uncertain when everyone else seems to be sure of themselves, Hirsch says. Taking the weekend to see other people navigating those same feelings really helped.

Those feelings were echoed by Mere Hunter, who transferred to Emory College last fall and was worried he was behind his peers. Still, when he signed up for the summit, he expected a team-building retreat more than anything else.

The first inkling of how helpful the weekend would be in easing his academic anxiety came in his first breakout session, led by the pre-health advising team. It was the first time Hunter, who had declared his biology major the week before, learned about ways a gap year could help with medical school. It was also the first time he discovered how joint programs, from an MD/MBA to an MD/PhD, play into career options and interests.

I learned so much about the different avenues I can take as someone in STEM, Hunter says. The summit helped me realize there are tons of ways to connect with people who can get me into the research I am most interested in.

For Hunter, that means exploring a nutrition minor that could help him support future patients as an eventual colorectal surgeon. He has researched lab opportunities and plans to properly introduce himself with his major adviser this semester, to discuss his options.

Every sophomore I know is stressed about the same things Im stressed about, he says. I think every sophomore should have to attend the summit, because it honestly helped me take a breath and realize Im where I need to be and what the steps are to get to where I want to go.

The Pathways Center staff will offer the Sophomore Summit annually to give as many students as possible that same opportunity for connection and reflection, Grimmett says. Juniors and seniors can also participate as Summit leaders.

The sophomore year can be a challenging one, not just at Emory, but at any university, Grimmett says. The Pathways Center is committed to helping second-year students understand that their anxieties about the future are not unique to them  many of their classmates are feeling the same things. Students came away from the summit with a renewed sense of belonging at Emory, but more importantly, a reinvestment in themselves.

All photos by Moses Sparks.
The first piece of a series of concrete structures was lowered into the water off the coast of Miami Beach on Wednesday morning, a massive crane on the deck of a floating barge hoisting the unit into the air and sinking it to the seabed.

During the next six hours, crewmembers aboard the barge would repeat that process until the structures, some stacked on top of each other, were settled on the seafloor, 14 feet below the surface.

To casual observers onshore, the daylong operation might have seemed routine. But this maritime activity was hardly run-of-the-mill.

In a project that could pave the way for greater efforts to protect coastlines from sea level rise and storm surge and serve as an innovative base structure to develop thriving coral reefs, a team of researchers and scientists from the University of Miami sunk 27 interlocking concrete structures that will form two hybrid reef units 1,000 feet offshore of North Beach Oceanside Park, at the northern edge of Miami Beach.

The units are the centerpiece of a project called Engineering Coastal Resilience Through Hybrid Reef Restoration, or ECoREEF, which combines cement- and nature-based strategies to foster coastal resilience. Supported by the Universitys Laboratory for Integrative Knowledge (U-LINK) and the City of Miami Beach, the project was developed at a time when coral reefs are struggling to survive. A recent study indicates that half of the worlds living coral reefs have died since the 1950s. Meanwhile, other research has shown that healthy and complex coral reefs are able to buffer up to 97 percent of the energy from waves and can also reduce flooding frequency.

One of the SEAHIVE units is lowered into the ocean off northern Miami Beach.

Coral reefs are disappearing at alarming rates throughout the world as a result of disease and warming oceans, so our reefs have lost a lot of the structure they need to reduce wave energy, said ECoREEF lead investigator, Diego Lirman, an associate professor of marine biology and ecology at the Universitys Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. By placing these [hybrid] reefs near the shoreline and planting stress-tolerant corals on them, we hope to recover some of the lost services provided by healthy reefs, such as coastal protection, and to build a habitat for organisms like fish and lobsters.

One of the hollow structures submerged this week was shaped like a trapezoid, with rocks on its outer surface to mimic the texture of coral reefs and to attract marine life. The other unit is a series of hexagons, the iconic honeycomb-like shape that is being incorporated into more and more projects, including the powerful Webb Telescope. Perforated to allow seawater to flow through them, the hollow, hexagonal SEAHIVE structurestubes that look like honeycomb and each weighing 2,500 poundsare stacked in a pyramid-like shape and attached to a few solid concrete SEAHIVEs to enhance the stability of the structure.

To build the hybrid structures, researchers also used an eco-friendly concrete mixture, with composite reinforcements instead of steel, both for durability and to attract marine life.

Haus and Rhode-Barbarigos peer through a six-foot-tall perforated SEAHIVE unit, which they designed with other faculty members, on the barge that lowered dozens of the units into the ocean.

Designing structures to dissipate wave energy while providing a hospitable environment for corals has been a challenge, said Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos, an assistant professor in the College of Engineering, and one of the projects lead investigators. There are no design guidelines for nature, but hopefully this can be translated into something bigger and provide novel solutions for coastal protection.

It was Rhode-Barbarigos, along with Lirman, marine biologist Andrew Baker, ocean scientist Brian Haus, sustainable architect Sonia Chao, and communications expert Jyotika Ramaprasad, who joined forces in 2018 to address challenges of coastal resilience. They hope the ECoREEF project will lead to a better understanding of the types of structures that can help protect South Floridas vulnerable coastline from erosion and storm surge.

We want to see how these two different alternatives for a hybrid, engineered structure and a natural reef compare, Haus said. This is a research installation, so well be examining it in a variety of ways.

Corals grown at the Rosenstiel Schools three nurseries will eventually be attached to the hybrid reefs, allowing them to thrive and replace some of the areas many coral reefs lost to disease and bleaching that is the result of warming ocean temperatures.

We are hoping that we can get baby corals to attach and get a community that looks similar to a natural reef developing on these structures over time, Lirman said.

But for now, the reefs must get acclimated to their new underwater environment.

Divers and drones will help monitor the structures; and soon, researchers will install current meters and wave sensors from the U.S. Geological Survey to measure wave energy and flow on the surface of the reefs, according to Brian Haus, professor and chair of ocean sciences at the Rosenstiel School.

After two previous attempts to deploy the structures were called off because of inclement weather, ideal conditionscalm waters and little to no windmade it possible for crews to sink the structures.

Onboard the barge which carried the hybrid reefsafter a tugboat had brought them more than 100-nautical-miles from Fort Pierce to Miami BeachHaus and Rhode-Barbarigos helped orchestrate the deployment, directing the crane that lowered the structures into the water and making sure the reefs were positioned and stacked correctly on the seabed. A diver who patrolled the seafloor ensured the structures aligned properly.

Research associate Joseph Unsworth dives down to check the SEAHIVE hybrid reef unit a day after it was placed in the ocean. Photo courtesy of Emily Esplandiu.

We got our hands a little bit dirty today, but it was worth it, said Haus, who oversees the Rosenstiel Schools 75-foot-long, 38,000-gallon Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. SUSTAIN Laboratory wind-wave tank, which researchers used to test small-scale versions of the hybrid reefs.

Should a tropical cyclone threaten or even strike South Florida this coming hurricane season, the hybrid reefs could get their first big test, which is why the team went through a meticulous permitting process, Rhode-Barbarigos said.

A grant from U-LINK helped jump-start the project, and the group soon partnered with the City of Miami Beach. The U-LINK initiative was founded in 2018 to offer interdisciplinary faculty teams seed funding to devise novel solutions to pressing societal issues. Since then, 40 other teams have been formed, and many of them have garnered additional external funding. Last summer, Baker, Lirman, Rhode-Barbarigos and Haus, among others, received a massive grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a division of the U.S. Department of Defense, to scale up their designs and help protect military and civilian infrastructure along the coast.

This EcoReefs project will give us a test bed for this technology, before we do a deployment of a much larger structure for the DARPA grant elsewhere in Florida, Lirman pointed out.

While the U-LINK project was evolving, Rhode-Barbarigos was also working with Haus and College of Engineering faculty members Antonio Nanni, Esber Andiroglu, and Prannoy Suraneni to develop the SEAHIVE structure through grants from the National Comparative Highway Research Program and the Florida Department of Transportation. Initially created as an alternative to traditional seawalls because of their ability to mitigate wave energy, the honeycomb-shaped SEAHIVE units are also set to be tested at two other South Florida locations.

The hybrid reef structures sit atop the barge ready to be submerged in the ocean.

Miami Beach officials are eager to see how both hybrid reefs perform in the waters off North Beach Oceanside Park.

The launch of this experimental [hybrid] reef marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to protect Miami Beach from coastal erosion and restore our coral ecosystem, said Ricky Arriola, a Miami Beach commissioner. Not only will this innovative solution help safeguard our shores, but it will also drive ecotourism and further establish Miami Beach as a leader in sustainable coastal management.

Amy Knowles, the citys chief resilience officer, agreed. We cant wait to see how this hybrid reef grows, she said. Coral reefs are an important part of marine life, and our coastal resilience to storm surge and sea level rise for Miami Beach and our broader region.

For the faculty members who worked on the project since its inception four years ago, this deployment marked an achievement.

Its been a long adventure, so were understandably excited, Rhode-Barbarigos said. Its a milestone moment because well be able to learn from these units both from an engineering and ecological perspective. What we accomplished today is the end of one phase, but the beginning of another.
Governor, five others, shot dead in Philippines

Philippine police set up a checkpoint in Negros Oriental province after the shooting of the regional governor. Photo: AFP

A provincial governor in the central Philippines and five other people were shot dead by unknown gunmen on Saturday, his widow said, in the latest attack against local officials.



Police said six suspects carrying rifles and dressed in uniforms similar to those worn by the armed services entered the governor's home in Pamplona town and opened fire.



Roel Degamo, governor of Negros Oriental province, and five others were killed in the shooting, his widow said.



"Governor Degamo did not deserve that kind of death. He was serving his constituents on a Saturday," Janice Degamo, who is also the mayor of Pamplona, said in a video posted on Facebook.



President Ferdinand Marcos condemned what he described as the "assassination" of his political ally and warned the perpetrators to "surrender now it will be your best option".



"My government will not rest until we have brought the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous crime to justice," Marcos added.



The condition of four other people who were shot in the incident was not disclosed.



The politician was distributing aid to constituents when he was shot, provincial police spokesman Kym Lopez said.



Police said they were searching for 10 suspects, including the six gunmen, who fled the scene in two SUVs and a pickup truck before abandoning the vehicles in a nearby city.



Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos appealed for witnesses to come forward and help police "get justice" for Degamo.



Degamo, 56, is the latest target in the Philippines' long history of attacks on politicians. He is at least the third to be shot since last year's general election.



The Supreme Court last month declared him the rightful winner of the contest for the Negros Oriental governorship following a recount that unseated his local rival, who had previously been proclaimed the victor.



Degamo had also campaigned for Marcos during his candidacy for president last year. (AFP)
Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], March 4 (ANI/GPRC): Saarthi.ai, India's leading communication AI Company, hosted on Microsoft Azure with G7 CR Technologies under their STAB program for ISVs, is revolutionizing the Indian debt collection industry through its voice & communication AI solutions. The company has achieved the remarkable milestone of collecting debts worth USD 400 Mn for Bajaj, KreditBee, CapriLoans, Cred and 20+ BFSI leaders. What sets Saarthi.ai's communication AI solutions apart is its unique approach to personalizing all communication touchpoints between a company and its customers. Rather than relying solely on one-size-fits-all automation, Saarthi.ai has developed 380+ user personas to personalize communication according to borrowers' demographics, needs, challenges, background, and various other parameters. The overwhelming success of this customized approach has meant that Saarthi.ai has helped scale up debt collection at leading BFSI companies while improving the overall CX. Saarthi.ai is committed to providing offerings that deliver added business value to each client. The vertical-specific insights provided by the platform sets them apart from the competition and allows them to offer unparalleled service to their partners and clients. Saarthi.ai's association with Microsoft Azure & G7 CR Technologies under their STAB program exclusive to ISVs has catapulted the technology collaboration further with seamless cloud deployments and support. Speaking on the occasion, Sangram Sabat, COO & Co-founder, Saarthi.ai, said, "Our success in powering the omnichannel customer communication strategy for leading BFSI companies is a testament to the innovative solutions we have built over the years. Through our Voice-AI super agent MAIA and flagship communication AI platform Pravid, we are pushing the boundaries in communication AI. By working together with strategic partners like Microsoft and G7 CR Technologies, Saarthi.AI has achieved extraordinary results while setting new standards for the industry." Saarthi.ai has been consistently endorsed by industry and government bodies such as NASSCOM, FICCI-ILIA, MEITY, Startup India and many others. More than 50+ brands trust Saarthi.ai as the go-to partner to scale customer communication. Besides BFSI, their proprietary voice-first AI stack has also been implemented across insurance, Telecom, e-commerce and healthcare. Saarthi.ai is the leading and most trusted AI partner for enterprises to power their omnichannel customer communication strategy. We provide all that's necessary to automate, analyze and adapt your communication for customer-centricity in multiple languages. Our flagship Communication AI platform Pravid.io has streamlined the voice and non-voice processes of top financial enterprises in India affordably. Pravid.io enables personalized user experiences at scale and delivers value to your business from every conversation. This story is provided by GPRC. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/GPRC)
Giving a big push for digital transformation in agriculture, the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), a leading ICAR research organisation in the country, and Digital University Kerala (DUK), India's first digital university, have decided to collaborate on agritech research by setting up a Centre of Excellence in agriculture technologies. Both institutions will work together to leverage their respective expertise to develop cutting-edge technologies to address the value-chain problems in agriculture sector across the country. Other areas of collaboration include joint research and development projects as well as developing sustainable entrepreneurship, along with joint student research programmes. "We believe this unique relation between a digital technology institution and a leading agriculture research organisation will help develop several innovative products to enhance digital enablement and transformation of agriculture," said Saji Gopinath, Vice-Chancellor, Digital University Kerala. He said that the research collaboration between Digital University Kerala and CTCRI is expected to synergise the strengths of both institutions to carry out interdisciplinary research in the digital agriculture and allied areas. "The collaboration involves recognising CTCRI as a recognised research centre for the University, having joint PhD students, and to create joint research projects amongst scientists and faculty members," he added. G Byju, Director, CTCRI, said that the institute is looking forward to having very effective collaboration in PhD programmes as well as international and national research projects to develop digital tools for sustainable natural resources management, disaster risk reduction, genomics as well as phenomic studies. "Tuber crops such as cassava, sweet potato, yams, elephant foot yam, and taro, among others, are climate resilient crops which have very great future and there are many researchable issues that will be addressed in collaboration with DUK," he said. As part of the MoU signed, Digital University Kerala will establish a recognised research centre of DUK at CTCRI and also various capacity-building programmes in digital technologies for the manpower working in the agriculture sector. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], March 4 (ANI/PNN): VA TECH WABAG LIMITED ('WABAG'), a leading Pure Play Water Technology Multinational has been ranked 3rd Globally, by Global Water Intelligence (GWI), London, under "The world's top 50 private water operators" for ensuring safe and clean drinking water and Sanitation for over 88.8 million people across the globe. Global Water Intelligence's (GWI) GWI is a globally acclaimed water data analytics and publishing company based out of the UK. Each year it publishes list of world's top 50 private operators. Speaking on the achievement, Rajneesh Chopra (Global Head - Business Development, VA TECH WABAG LIMITED), said it's an extremely proud moment for all of us at wabag to be rated amongst the top 3 Water companies globally, especially so, since we are the only Indian company to be there in the top 3 list. It is always our endeavor to ensure water sustainability, and we have been continuously innovating and implementing new and advanced technologies in the field of Water and Wastewater treatment across the world." WABAG's sustainable initiatives are in line with the United Nations SDG-6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. Also, WABAG's innovative and environment-friendly solutions are compliant to the ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) Sustainability Index, which is fast emerging as a priority for Industries worldwide. Wabag is a leader in the water space with 98+ years of presence in over 25 countries with strong execution track record of over 1,400 Plants since 1995. Driven by its vision to be among the Top 3 Pure Play Water Companies Globally, WABAG continues to make strides in its growth journey, with a vision to serve millions of people globally. In line with its vision WABAG has now rocketed to 3rd place globally and is the only Indian Organization to be featured in the top 3 water companies globally. Around the world, the WABAG name stands for innovative and successful solutions in the water engineering sector. As an internationally respected expert group, we act as a systems specialist and full service provider with a focus on the planning, installation and operation of drinking and wastewater plants for local government and industry in the growth markets of Asia, North Africa, Middle East, the Central and Eastern Europe. The WABAG Group represents a leading multinational player with a workforce of over 1,600 and has companies and offices in more than 20 countries. It disposes unique technological know-how, based on innovative, patented technologies and long-term experience. Since 1995, WABAG has completed over 900 water and wastewater plants worldwide. Through the conservation and ecological use of the world's most valuable resource, WABAG has made a sustained contribution to an improvement in the quality of life of well over a hundred million people. WABAG is thus one of the world's leading partners for investments in a future that is worth living. This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) said it signed over 50 memoranda of understanding with various entities during its first NAREDCO finance conclave. The industry body in the statement said these MoUs between various real estate developers and funding entities would enable India to build a USD 5-trillion developed economy. The first NAREDCO finance conclave happened on Friday. The total estimated value committed on the MoUs is estimated at over USD 15 billion in which NAREDCO would play the key role of a facilitator. The objectives of the understanding of the memoranda would be to mobilise the funds from national and international sources to assist the real estate industries, NAREDCO said. The other objectives of the MoUs would include the capability to get debt financing for businesses for any amount, even USD 10 billion. The statement said other objectives will include that the second party in MoU will represent and help clients get financing done through the leading companies and the party facilitates to create Indian fund houses for the financing of smaller and medium projects in India with appropriate funding mechanisms and specific mandates. Among two prominent entities that signed MoUs with Naredco comprised Shomik Chaudhuri inc. and the other one include Haad Investments Co. Shomik Chaudhuri Inc is a corporate that is based at Valley Stream, New York, US, and the second entity in located at Abu Dhabi, UAE. (ANI)
Dozens of Iranian schoolgirls across five provinces were taken to hospital on Saturday in the latest wave of suspected poisoning attacks, local media reported.





Hundreds of cases of respiratory distress among schoolgirls have been reported in Iran over the past three months, mainly in the holy city of Qom, south of Tehran.





Tasnim and Mehr news agencies reported the latest suspected poisonings in the western province of Hamedan, Zanjan and West Azerbaijan in the north-west, Fars in the south and Alborz province in the north.





Dozens of schoolgirls were taken to hospitals for treatment, the reports said, adding all pupils were in generally good health.





On Friday, President Ebrahim Raisi said he had asked the ministers of intelligence and interior to follow up on the cases, calling them the enemy's conspiracy to create fear and despair in the people.





Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said an investigation into the poisonings was one of the immediate priorities of the government, to alleviate the concerns of the families and to hold perpetrators accountable.





The UN and Germany on Friday called for investigations into the reported poisonings.





The UN's human rights office is very concerned about these allegations that girls are being deliberately targeted under what appear to be mysterious circumstances, UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said.





The reports of schoolgirls being poisoned in Iran are shocking, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Twitter.





On Wednesday, at least 10 girls' schools were targeted with poisoning attacks, seven in the north-western city of Ardabil and three in the capital Tehran, according to media reports.





Last week, Iran's Deputy Health Minister, Younes Panahi, said the poisonings were aimed at shutting down education for girls.
The Andhra Pradesh government, under the leadership Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Saturday said it signed 352 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth an investment of Rs 13.05 lakh crore during the two-day Global Investors Summit being held in Visakhapatnam. Of these, 260 MoUs worth over Rs 1.17 lakh crore were signed on Saturday in more than 13 sectors. As many as 117 MoUs, the highest in the Summit, were signed in the tourism sector promising an investment of Rs 22,096 crore that would help generate over 30,000 jobs, according to the statement from the state government. It added that the energy sector saw 40 MoUs worth Rs 8,84,823 crore that can generate nearly 2 lakh jobs. The agriculture sector saw 15 MoUs worth Rs 1,160 crore while the animal husbandry department signed eight MoUs worth Rs 1,020 crore that will generate an employment for 3,750 people. Amongst the major investors, Reliance signed one MoU, with an investment of Rs 5 lakh crore which will generate employment for over 1 lakh people. The statement also said HPCL signed one MoU with an investment of Rs 14.3 crore which will generate employment for 1500 people. HCL Technologies signed two MoUs with an investment of Rs 22 crore which will generate employment for 5,000 people whereas Flipkart signed two MoUs with an investment of Rs 20 crore which can generate employment for 300 people. On Day 1, the government signed 92 MoUs worth Rs 11,87,756 lakh crore. The energy department of the state attracted 35 investment proposals amounting to Rs 8.25 lakh crore and promising to generate 1.33 lakh employment. This was followed by Industries and commerce sector that attracted around 41 proposals with an investment of Rs 3.2 lakh crore that will generate 1.79 lakh employment. The IT and IT-enabled services department managed to get six proposals with an investment of Rs 32,944 crore which will generate employment for 64,815 people. The tourism department managed to get 10 proposals with an investment of Rs 8,718 crore which will generate employment for 13,400 people of the state. Day 1 also saw major investors such as National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) which signed three MoUs with an investment of Rs 2,35,000 crore with the potential of generating employment for 77,000 people. JSW Group signed six MoUs, the largest amongst the lot, with an investment of Rs 50,632 crore which will generate employment for 9,500 people. Whereas ABC Limited as signed one MoU with an investment of Rs 1.20 lakh crore which can generate an employment 7,000 people of Andhra Pradesh. Aurobindo Group signed five MoU's with an investment of Rs 10,365 crore which can generate employment for 5,250 people whereas Adani Green Energy signed two agreements with an investment of Rs 21,820 crore which will generate employment for 14,000 people. Aditya Birla Group signed two MoUs with an investment of Rs 9,300 crore with the potential of generating employment for 2,850 people while Jindal Steel signed one MoU with an investment of Rs 7,500 crore which will generate employment for 2,500 people. (ANI)
Actor and comedian Rebel Wilson learned the hard way that when it comes to rules, Disney does not play around as they once banned her over an unauthorized selfie. According to Fox News, a USA-based news outlet, Wilson made the revelation on 'The Daily Show with Hasan Minhaj'. "I did get banned from Disneyland for 30 days because I took a photo inside a secret bathroom, which is illegal at Disneyland," she shared with a laugh. "I got officially banned for 30 days. They called me up and said, 'Rebel what 30 days did you not want to come to Disneyland because you're away filming a movie or something?' And I was like, 'Oh, well, June would be fine,'" she continued. Wilson did not go into further detail as to what she meant by "secret bathroom," but it was obvious from the conversation that she was a huge Disney fan. "It's not like I'm obsessed with Disneyland. It's just, I go there every weekend and every important holiday and every important life event," she joked, reported Fox News. Meanwhile, At Disneyland last month, Wilson proposed to her partner Ramona Agruma. On Instagram, she posted a photo of their rings and the couple kneeling in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle at the theme park. They have been dating since June 2022. The 42-year-old said that Disney CEO Bob Iger gave her the go-ahead to make her proposal in the theme park. "He's the big, big boss. And I thought, well, if he says yes, then it was meant to be, and I was meant to propose that day at Disneyland," she said on 'The Drew Barrymore Show'. As per Fox News, she added, "I had to get special permission to get a special area roped off and get the topiary trees in, and you know I had a violinist playing like Disney classics, and it was very, it was really romantic... I did go to the big boss to get permission." (ANI)
Ahead of the Oscars 2023, 'Naatu Naaatu' fever is soaring high. The latest one to join the bandwagon is Jungkook, a member of the popular South Korean band BTS. In a recent live stream, Jungkook was listening to the song 'Naatu Naatu', which is competing for the Oscar trophy this year in the best original score category. Jungkook seemed to like the song and also lip-sync the words. His gesture on 'Naatu Naatu' impressed the desi ARMY who heaped praise on him on social media. The video clip of Jungkook was shared by the official Instagram account of 'RRR'. The post read, "JUNGKOOK. It's amazing to know that you loved #NaatuNaatu so much. We are sending a ton of love to you, the #BTS team, and the whole of South Korea. #RRRMovie." https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVjv4bD1ZW/ Fans showered their love on the post. One wrote, "As a South Indian Armys This makes me so Happy," Another one wrote, "made my day.... at last one kpop idol recognised Indian music." The cross-cultural hit is nominated in the original song category alongside "This Is A Life" from "Everything Everywhere All at Once," "Applause" from "Tell It Like a Woman," and "Lift Me Up" from "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," all of which are part of the scheduled performances for the 95th annual ceremony, Variety reported. Before entering the Oscars, the song bagged awards on the global stage. In January, 'Naatu Naatu' won the Golden Globes in the 'Best Original Song' category. Five days later, 'RRR' bagged two more awards at the 28th edition of the Critics Choice Awards. One is for the best song and another is for 'best foreign language film.' Since then, 'RRR' and 'Naatu Naatu' are riding high on the global chart. The song was also released in Hindi as 'Naacho Naacho', in Tamil as 'Naattu Koothu', in Kannada as 'Halli Naatu' and in Malayalam as 'Karinthol'. Its Hindi version was sung by Rahul Sipligunj and Vishal Mishra. The hook steps, performed by Jr NTR and Ram Charan, went viral on social media and their energetic synchronisation made the song a treat to watch. (ANI)
Sushmita Sen revealed on her Instagram live on Saturday that she survived a major heart attack, adding further that 95 per cent blockage was found in her main artery. On Thursday, the former Miss Universe first publicly revealed that she had undergone angioplasty. Sushmita took to social media on Saturday to thank her fans all across the world and the team of doctors who 'leased a new life' for her. The 'Aarya' actor said that it was due to gym and healthy lifstyle she follows that helped her surviving heart attack. "I know a lot of you will stop going to the gym and say, 'it did not help her.' But that is not good. It did help me. I survived a very big heart attack. It was massive with 95 per cent blockage in the main artery. I survived because I have kept an active lifestyle. I am very lucky to be on the other side. It doesn't put fear in me, instead, I now have a feeling of promise to look forward to something," said the actor. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpXMX2voi8i/ Sushmita added, "When you get a new lease to life, you respect it and are careful and that is when you learn to exercise and strengthen your will even more." The actor also cautioned young people in the age group of the 20s to monitor their hearts at regular basis. Sushmita said, she is doing perfectly well though she has not overcome her sore throat fully. The 'Biwi No 1' actor is eager to come back to the shooting floor. She said, "Once I get a clearance from my doctors, I will be off to Jaipur to finish Aarya and I will also be working on the dubbing for 'Taali'." On Thursday, Sushmita wrote in her Instagram post, "Keep your heart happy & courageous, and it'll stand by you when you need it the most Shona" (Wise words by my father @sensubir ) I suffered a heart attack a couple of days back...Angioplasty done...stent in place...and most importantly, my cardiologist reconfirmed 'I do have a big heart'. Lots of people to thank for their timely aid & constructive action...will do so in another post!. This post is just to keep you (my well wishers & loved ones) informed of the good news ...that all is well & I am ready for some life again!!! I love you guys beyond!!!" (ANI)
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the actor wrote, "Dearest @deepikapadukone! Congratulations on being one of the presenters at this year's #Oscar ceremony! Every time you climb one step higher on the ladder of success, we at @actorprepares feel proud to have been part of your journey. On a personal note as your teacher I always knew sky is not the limit. You will go beyond!! Love and blessings always! Congratulations for #Pathan too! Jai Ho! #ActorPrepares #Student #Actress"

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpWzdynIL7p/

Anupam posted a picture of younger Deepika, where she was seen standing against the backdrop of a board titled 'Anupam Kher's actor prepares.'

Deepika also replied on the actor's post, saying, "This is so sweet."

On Thursday night, Deepika took to Instagram and shared a post with the names of all the presenters.

The list also includes Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Riz Ahmed, Emily Blunt, Glenn Close, Troy Kotsur, Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Connelly, Samuel L. Jackson, Melissa McCarthy, Zoe Saldana, Donnie Yen, Jonathan Majors and Questlove.

The 95th Academy Awards will be held on March 12 (March 13 in India) at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre.

It's a special year for India at the Oscars. This time around, not just one, but three significant Indian movies are competing for the coveted Oscars Awards.

'RRR' is on the shortlist for Best Original Song for the dance song Naatu Naatu, which won the Golden Globe Award in the same category earlier this year.

Shaunak Sen's 'All That Breathes' has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film and Guneet Monga's 'The Elephant Whisperers' for Best Documentary Short. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Labour Welfare and Skill Development Minister CV Ganesan said that there is no truth in news on social media that labourers from north India are being attacked in parts of Tamil Nadu and assured that appropriate action will be taken against those spreading such news. There is no threat to any worker from north India in Tamil Nadu, they are contributing very well, CV Ganesan said in a press release on Friday. "Big industrial and small industrial companies have been investing in Tamil Nadu on a large scale for many years and workers from many states come here to work in a peaceful environment and contribute a lot to the development of the state," the minister further added. The release stated that malicious news is being spread by some people on social media that the workers of North India are being attacked at some places in Tamil Nadu with very wrong intentions. "Everyone in Tamil Nadu including the people of North India knows that there is never an iota of truth in this," he said. "Appropriate action is being taken against those who spread the news of such incidents taking place in Tamil Nadu, which is always known for industrial peace and social peace. I want to say that in Tamil Nadu not only the workers of North India, but the workers of all the states are working peacefully and efficiently without any fear," the minister added. (ANI)
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Friday flagged off direct multiple flights connecting Surat to Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata, said a press release by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In his inaugural address, Scindia said that with the commencement of these new routes, Surat which is already a business and entrepreneurship hub, will now be connected to 10 cities including one international city. To put this into perspective, he said that Surat was connected with only 2 cities prior to 2014, added the press release. The government has sanctioned Rs 350 crores for the re-development of Surat airport, out of which Rs 163 crores is for the construction of a new terminal building. With this, the passenger holding capacity will increase from the current 17.5 lakh passengers to 26 lakh passengers, as per the press release. In addition, new airport aprons will also be developed with an investment of Rs 72 crores. This new terminal is expected to be completed by mid-2023. Highlighting the growth of air connectivity in Surat and Gujarat, the Minister also said that prior to 2014, there were only 36 weekly flights from Surat which as of today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has grown by 322 per cent to 152 flights per week. At present, there are 10 airports in Gujarat and 2 new greenfield airports namely Dholera and Hirasar are in the pipeline with investments of Rs 1305 crores and Rs 1405 crores respectively. The occasion was graced by Balwantsinh Rajput, Minister of Civil Aviation, Rural Development, Labour and Employment, Government of Gujarat, Shri Jagdish Vishkarma, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat and Shri C R Patil, MP, Gujarat. Shri. Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary, MOCA, and other officials from MoCA, AAI, Government of Gujarat, and Air Asia were also present. (ANI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his address at Cambridge University said that he made eye contact with terrorists in Kashmir during his Bharat Jodo Yatra. In a lecture "Learning to Listen in the 21st century" at Cambridge University, Rahul Gandhi shared his experience of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir. He said, "This is where the thing gets really interesting. So, we are going through all the states and Kashmir is a state which is insurgency prone. There is a lot of violence there ... There was a lot of violence for many years. As I am entering Kashmir, the security guys come to me and say, 'Listen, we need to talk to you. Look the thing is you cannot walk in Kashmir. It is not a good idea.' We are walking for three days, in the roughest districts. They said you cannot walk in Kashmir, it is a bad idea. I said, 'Why cannot I walk in Kashmir?' They are like, 'Well, you will get hand grenades thrown at you.' Now I am responsible for 120 people I am walking with." The Congress MP further said, "I said let me go and have a little word with them. So, I go and have a little word with them. I told them, 'Look, they are telling us that hand grenades are going to get thrown at us.' I was like, 'Frankly I want to walk. If we get hand grenades, we get hand grenades.' So, they were like, yes, we should all walk. So, we decided we are going to walk. And we started to walk and suddenly what starts to happen is that these Indian flags start coming out everywhere. He said he had to sit on a jeep in between the police and security system were overloaded and collapsed. "The first day, we were told about 2,000 people were going to show up and 40,000 people showed up. I am sitting on that jeep because the police and security system were just overloaded and collapsed. Because they could not manage the crowd." "Then the really interesting thing happened. So, we have been told we are going to be killed. And we are walking. And people are coming and one guy looks at me and he says, 'Call me. So, I am like, 'Come' ... And the security people said, 'Please do not do this ... please do not call people, because it is putting everyone at risk.' So, he comes and he starts walking next to me. And, he says, 'Mr Gandhi, you have come here to listen to us.' I am like, 'yes'. He said, 'That is interesting.' He is like, 'You really come here to listen to us.' I am like, 'yes' and he is like good. And then he says, 'You see those guys over there?' And we are walking. I ask, 'Who?' He says, 'Those boys over there.' He is like, 'They are militants.' Now militants should normally kill me." "In that environment, militants should kill me. He says they are there and they are looking at you. So, I look at them and they are giving me this sort of look and I am like, okay, I am now in trouble because this guy has just told me this ... They give me this look and I give them this look back and then we carry on. Nothing happens. Why I am telling you this is because they actually could not do anything. They actually did not have the power to do anything even if they wanted to. Because I had come into that environment listening. And I had come into that environment completely with no violence in me at all. And a vast number of people there were saying that. That to me was an indicator of power of listening and non-violence," Rahul Gandhi added. Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack at the Centre during the lecture at Cambridge University, alleging that an attack has been unleashed on the basic structure of Indian democracy while also claiming that Israeli spyware Pegasus was being used to snoop into his phone.Rahul claimed that he had been warned by the intelligence officers to be "careful" while speaking on the phone as his calls were being recorded. "I myself had Pegasus on my phone. A large number of politicians had Pegasus on their phones. I have been called by intelligence officers who told me, 'Please be careful about what you are saying on the phone because we are sort of recording the stuff. So this is the constant pressure that we feel. Cases on the Opposition. I have got a number of criminal liable cases for things that should under no circumstances be criminal liable cases. That's what we are trying to defend," the Congress leader said in his address. Rahul alleged further that constraints were being put on the Parliament, press and the Judiciary in the country. "Everybody knows and it's been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space. The institutional framework which is required for a democracy -- Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilisation, moving around -- all are getting constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy," the Congress MP alleged. Sharing a picture of himself in the presentation slide in which he is seen being held by the police personnel, the Congress leader claimed that the Opposition leaders were "locked up" in jail for "just standing" in front of the Parliament House to talk about some issues, while also alleging that such incidents have happened "relatively violently". "In the Constitution, India is described as a Union of States, and that Union requires negotiation and conversation. It is that negotiation that is under attack and threat. You can see the picture which is taken in front of Parliament House. The Opposition leaders were just standing there talking about certain issues, and we were put in jail. That's happened 3 or 4 times. It has happened relatively violently. You have also heard of the attacks on minorities and the press. You get a sense of what is going on," Rahul Gandhi claimed. Notably, Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra traversed 12 states and two Union territories in 145 days after its launch on September 7 last year and covered 4,080 km.The yatra culminated with an event at the Congress headquarters in Srinagar and a mega rally on January 30. Congress claimed that Bharat Jodo Yatra was the longest march on foot by any Indian politician in the history of India. The party said it received support from various political parties and social organizations across the country. Congress suffered a debacle in the assembly polls held last year and the Yatra was seen as an attempt to encourage the party rank and file for the upcoming electoral battles. (ANI)
As the Supreme Court upheld the order for the termination of services of 1,911 non-teaching staff of Group D category employed illegally in different state-run schools in West Bengal, proofs of massive irregularities through tampering of optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets in Group C category of non-teaching staff surfaced at the Calcutta High Court on Friday. The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) informed the single-judge bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay that there were rampant differences between the marks noted on the OMR sheets and that noted in the commission's servers for a number of candidates appearing for the written examination for Group C posts. The WBSSC also admitted that without the involvement of some commission insiders, such irregularity would not have been possible. As per the commission's estimates, such irregularities have been detected in 3,478 OMR sheets used in written examinations in case of Group C recruitment. Justice Gangopadhyay, after hearing the commission's submission, directed the latter to immediately upload and publish these MOR sheets in question on its website. He also directed it to complete the process by March 9. In fact, Justice Gangopadhyay also expressed surprise over the commission's submission on this count. "Probably, Subiresh Bhattacharya has a lot to say about this rampant irregularity since it took place during his tenure as the Chairman of the commission.A Central Bureau of Investigation should immediately interrogate Bhattacharya in the matter," he observed. --IANS src/vd ( 248 Words) 2023-03-03-20:22:03 (IANS)
Iranian Ambassador to India Dr Iraj Elahi on Friday visited the Telangana State Archives and Research Institute to see the work being undertaken by an Iranian organisation for conservation of historic records. Accompanied by Mehdi Shahrokhi, Iran's Counsel General at Hyderabad, he visited the institute which has joined hands with Noor Microfilm International Centre (NMIC) at Culture House of Iran in New Delhi for digitisation, conservation and cataloguing of the old archival records, particularly in Persian language. The Iranian envoy released the first facsimile copy of the farmans or royal orders of VIIth Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan. The institute has requested that all the 355 chicket (bounded books) f Farmans of Nizam VI & VII and other necessary books be made into facsimile copies for the usage of the scholars and others. An MoU between the Telangana State Archives and Research Institute and the Noor International Microfilm was signed on September 7, 2022 in Hyderabad in the presence of state Information Technology and Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao and then Iranian Ambassador Dr. Ali Chegini. The MoU was aimed at taking up the conservation, digitisation, and cataloguing work of classical Persian and Urdu language documents of non-confidential nature on a voluntary basis with no financial burden on the government treasury. During his visit to the institute on Friday, the Ambassador said that Iran's relations with India had always been friendly and there have been many cultural exchanges between the two countries. He said as Persian is the national language of Iran, they are eager to save the heritage of Persian language in India which was once the national language of this country too. He visited the unit set up in the premises with the state-of-the-art equipment and specialised manpower in the field of conservation and digitisation. He witnessed the demonstration of the conservation method of treating old historic documents by using herbal ingredients and was very much impressed. He praised the quality of work completed so far. NMIC Director, Dr Khajapiri said that it has already rendered its services to major government institutions of India including National Archives of India, Jamia Millia Islamia, Rampur Raza Library and other 25 big institutions. As Iran is famous for herbal treatment of paper and cloth, its conservation method for the archival paper is very rare. He informed the Ambassador that so far, work relating to three lakh pages of the old Persian records pertaining to Daftar-Darul Insha, treaties, manuscripts (handwritten), Awarjaas (ledgers), Baba Shah Musaafir (a Sufi saint of Hyderabad) & Inayat Nama (letters), Farmans (royal orders) of Nizam VI and VII has been completed. Repair of the brittle documents has also been done. The cataloguing of the ornamental Persian records is also being done simultaneously. There were 14 'daftars' of the Nizam government which were all taken up for conservationA apart from farmans, muntakhabs, old maps, and gazettes. State Archives Director, Dr Zareena Parveen, said that the institute has millions of records dating back to 1406 A.D. As they are not of confidential nature and largely in ornamental Persian language till 1885, the NMIC was entrusted with the work to safeguard records which are very fragile. She said the records are centuries-old and getting delicate and brittle day by day despite routine maintenance and need professional curative treatment by experienced hands. After the conservation of the said records, their longevity may increase and the glorious and precious history of Hyderabad Deccan may be secured for the posterity, she said. --IANS ms/vd ( 591 Words) 2023-03-03-20:24:02 (IANS)
Deputy head of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said on Saturday that if the German Rheinmetall company decides to build a tank factory in Ukraine, the event will be met with "firework of Kalibr" missiles.

"Report about construction of Rheinmetall tank factory in Malorossiya (geographical and historical term used to describe territories that mostly part of today's Ukraine) looks like primitive trolling of the Kyiv regime. If Fritzs (pejorative term used for Germans) decide to build in earnest -- although they are pragmatic kind of people -- we will be looking forward to it. This event will duly be marked with firework of Kalibr and other pyrotechnic devices," said the ex-president on Telegram.

On Feb. 9, Rheinmetall head Armin Papperger told the German daily Handelsblatt that the company will be "ready to install a facility in Ukraine for assembling the Panther (tanks) once the war ends," as long as the German government approves the necessary export licenses.
Police said the drug peddler, Rafi Dhana alias Rafi Lala, resides close to the LoC, and being a notorious drugs smuggler, was detained under the PSA.

"Today, on some inputs a Poonch police team, led by Inspector Sunil, and accompanied by NCA and CRPF searched the house of Rafi. During search, seven kg heroin, around Rs 2 crore cash (counting going on) and a pistol with one magazine, 10 rounds, along with seven rounds of SLR was recovered," police said.

"With this effort, Poonch police and security forces have been able to bust a huge narco terror module. The searches are still going on in presence of Magistrate and prominent citizens. The nexus of this module with Punjab-based narcotics smugglers is being investigated."

--IANS zi/vd

( 163 Words)

2023-03-03-22:12:03 (IANS)
Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Friday observed that a flip side of technology is that people have become "low on tolerance" and have retreated within, and that truth has become a victim of false news. "People are low on tolerance because they are not willing to accept your views. Humanity has also retreated within... Some of this is product of technology itself. Truth has become a victim of false news," he said after inaugurating the three-day international conference, being organised by the American Bar Association (ABA) on the theme "Law in the Age of Glocalisation: Convergence of India and the West". Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was also present. The CJI also expressed displeasure over how easily people troll judges when they do not agree with them. "We did not have social media. We (judges) know that we are trolled by anyone who does not agree with us," he said, adding that when the Constitution of India was drafted, nobody knew how human society would evolve. The CJI also said that trolling comes when people are unwilling to accept opinion and perspective that are different from their own. "Every little thing that we do - and believe me, as judges we are no exception to this - in everything that you do, you face the threat of being trolled by someone who doesn't share your point of view," he said. The CJI also dwelt on how something said as a seed germinates into a theory that cannot be tested on the anvil of rational science. He also highlighted how technology had been transforming our lives, especially the lives of judges. "Covid gave us little option. The then CJI told me we have to close our doors and now how do we grant bail etc. I told the CJI we have desktop computers and we can start video conferencing," he noted. On appointing more women judges in the apex court and the high court, the CJI said he definitely supports it, but the answer is a "little complex". "I am often asked about why we can't have more women judges in the Supreme Court than we have, why can't we have more high court judges from among the women we have. And the answer is not simple, the answer is a little complex. And I hope it has a gem of truth," he said. He pointed out that decentralisation of justice is the result of video conferencing and that it has become an important paradigm of access to justice. "It has promoted equalisation of justice. Supreme Court is the supreme court of smallest of villages, and not just Tilak Marg of Delhi." Mehta said that the event of glocalisation could not have been held at a better venue than India. "It is at the centre of glocalisation. India is now a destination as an economic powerhouse in the world," he remarked. "We have made several statutory and legislative changes. We have reduced corporate tax. We have reduced conflict which clogged our justice system. Ease of doing business have become faster," he added. --IANS spr/vd ( 529 Words) 2023-03-03-22:36:03 (IANS)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Friday that it has attached 152 bank accounts (including 124 STDRs) and one SBI mutual fund account containing a total of Rs 20,65,20,496 belonging to Santosh Construction and its different partners under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The NIA said that these accounts had earlier been frozen under the provisions of Cr.PC, but they were found to be 'proceeds of terrorism' during investigation, warranting their attachment under UAPA. "Our investigation has established that the accused, Mrityunjay Kumar Singh alias Sonu Singh, one of the partners of Santosh Construction, had a close nexus with top CPI (Maoist) cadres. He had provided funds to Maoist cadre Ravindra Ganjhu, a regional committee member of CPI (Maoist) for furtherance of Maoist activities," the NIA said. The NIA said the attachment of over Rs 20 crore is the largest to be attached by the agency in a Left-Wing Extremism case. These facts came to light during the investigation of a case pertaining to an attack on a PCR vehicle in Jharkhand on November 22, 2019, in which four policemen were killed, by the armed cadres of CPI (Maoist) led by Ravindra Ganjhu. The NIA took over the investigation in June 2020. "A day before the incident at Beerjangha forest, Mrityunjay Kumar Singh had met Ravindra Ganjhu and gave him Rs 2 lakh, which was used for preparation and execution of the above-mentioned attack. In October 2020, the NIA had seized over Rs 2.5 lakh from Mrityunjay's house, which was also found to be proceeds of terrorism," the NIA said. The NIA has learnt that Mrityunjay continued to fund CPI (Maoist) activities even after the 2019 incident. He gave Rs 5 lakh to the couriers of Ravindra Ganjhu, namely Baijnath Ganjhu, Rajesh Ganjhu and Kunwar Ganjhu, in January 2020. The couriers were intercepted with this money and a case was registered at the Chandwa police station in Jharkhand. "Digging into their deep pockets, Santosh Construction initially moved the Ranchi High Court by way of a writ petition for unfreezing the six major bank accounts. The court had dismissed their plea in August 2022. The accused had also filed an SLP before the Supreme Court, which was also dismissed on January 3," the NIA said. --IANS atk/arm ( 392 Words) 2023-03-03-22:36:04 (IANS)
The Supreme Court on Friday granted protection from arrest to the Vice Chancellor and the Director of a private agriculture university at UP's Prayagraj in connection with a mass religious conversion case. Senior lawyer Siddharth Dave, representing the officials of the deemed university, submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud that his clients were facing the imminent danger of getting arrested in the case, though they were not named accused in the FIR. The allegations are that close to 100 Hindus were asked to assemble at the Evangelical Church of India at Hariharganj in Fatehpur for the purpose of converting them to Christianity. Earlier in the day, Dave had mentioned the case and sought urgent hearing in the matter. He submitted that Allahabad High Court has refused to grant them the relief of bail in the case to VC Rajendra Bihari Lal and Director Vinod Bihari Lal of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, formerly the Allahabad Agricultural Institute. The institute is a government-aided agricultural university at Prayagraj. The bench, also comprising Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala, heard the plea around 4 p.m. and granted the relief to the petitioners. Dave cited that police have raided the university and non-bailable warrants have been issued. He further submitted that his client is the VC and the second one is director and added that in Fatehpur, some FIR is lodged that some religious conversion is going on. "I am in Allahabad. I am not even named in the FIR," he said, adding that they have been asked to join the investigation after eight months of lodging the FIR. The top court also sought response of the Uttar Pradesh government in the case. "Pending further orders, there shall be a stay on the arrest of the petitioners," the bench ordered. The FIR was lodged in April last year. --IANS ss/vd ( 333 Words) 2023-03-03-22:38:03 (IANS)
The smugglers were nabbed at the Haridaspur-Jayantipur border at Bongaon sub-division in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

A source said that the patrolling team of the BSF tracked the two arrested individuals whose movements looked suspicious.

When the patrolling team questioned them about their whereabouts, they gave "irrelevant and inconsistent answers", and suddenly tried to escape.

However, the BSF personnel quickly nabbed them.

The arrested persons have been identified as Zahir Hossain Mollah and Giasuddin Mondal. Both are residents of North 24 Parganas district.

During questioning, they admitted that they crossed the border to Bangladesh to get the gold biscuits from one Karim Mondal -- a resident of Jessore district there.

They were supposed to smuggle those gold biscuits from Bangladesh to India and hand them over to one Raju Biswas, who is also a resident of North 24 Parganas district.

The arrested duo were supposed to get Rs 20,000 each for carrying out the assignment.

--IANS src/pgh

( 198 Words)

2023-03-03-23:00:03 (IANS)
Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday hit out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the arrest of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Madal Virupakshappa's son in a bribery case. Kumaraswamy said "A warm welcome to Amit Shah who flew back to the state today. A bundle of stories of your MLA Maadalu Virupakshappa's son is the biggest proof that your double engine government is charging 40 per cent commission." "Your concept of 'Swach Bharat' is amazing. whose ATM is Karnataka? Is it in this sense that you said that we will make the state corruption free? Does getting rid of corruption mean putting bundles of cash in into one's ATM on behalf of the father? Is this how you deep-clean Karnataka? Does the soap factory seriously mean it?" questioned Kumaraswamy. The JDS leader alleged that BJP has turned Karnataka into a "commission state". Attacking Shah further, Kumaraswamy said, "Will you pat on the back of the BJP MLAs who are washing the soap factory, a symbol of Kannadigas' pride, with 40 per cent commission soap or will you expel him from the party? Whose money the MLA's son was reserving for? If Rs 6 crore can be found in MLA's house, how much more can be found in a minister's house which is packed with 40 per cent? You have made Karnataka a 'commission state'." If the percentage business continues like this, Kumaraswamy said at least 10 jails will have to be built. Attacking BJP and Congress, Kumaraswamy said the sin of making Karnataka a 'commission state' is the responsibility of these national parties, and Kannadigas should understand the real face of the commission parties that conduct elections on the basis of such sins. "Otherwise, there is a danger that Karnataka will be labelled a "commission state'' forever," he said. BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa on Friday resigned as the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) hours after the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta raided the house of his son Prashant Madal and recovered Rs 6 crore cash. BJP MLA Virupakshappa submitted his resignation to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai. In a letter, Virupakshappa claimed that there was some conspiracy against his family."I am submitting my resignation under moral responsibility to Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) because there is an allegation against me," he said in the letter. Earlier on Friday morning, the anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta raided the residence of MLA Madal Virupakshappa's son Prashant Madal and recovered Rs 6 crore cash. On Thursday, Karnataka Lokayukta officers caught Virupakshappa's son while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh. "The anti-corruption branch of Lokayukta yesterday caught Prashanth Madal, son of BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa while taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh. Over Rs 1.7 crore in cash was recovered from his office," Karnataka Lokayukta said. Lokayukta was on duty after getting a complaint about the demand for a bribe. According to Lokayukta, more than Rs 1.7 crore in cash was found at Prashanth Madal's office.Notably, Madal Virupakshappa was the chairman of state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) which manufactures the brand 'Mysore Sandal Soap'. While his son Prashant Madal is a chief accountant at Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Further investigation is underway, officials added. (ANI)
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janta Party-led central government and said that the government is taking steps to suppress the minority communities. While addressing a press conference on Friday, the SGPC president said, "This general meeting of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee feels that the government is taking steps to suppress the minority communities. After the politics of votes, the government is adopting every trick to make India a Hindu nation. It is directly challenging selected religious organizations belonging to minorities without considering the constitution. Earlier, the Congress party directly clashed with the Sikhs by not listening to them and today the present government is also following the same path." "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to break the communal system of Gurdwara Sahibs and run them according to their principles. Their aim is to divide the Sikhs among themselves and weaken the communal power," the SGPC president added. Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the governments should not forget that it is because of the Sikh Gurus that India's culture has survived. He said, "Even after the Gurus, the Sikh community has always made great sacrifices for the freedom and defence of the country. Only Sikhs fought to drive out Mughals, Afghans and British from here. But forgetting all this, the governments never gave justice to the Sikhs." The SGPC president informed that mistrust towards the government has developed among the Sikhs and continues to grow due to government repression. He said, "Sikhs have always had to choose the path of struggle to get justice, while the governments are not giving up their rigid attitude and narrow-mindedness on every issue. At present, the case of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee is also a manifestation of the same anti-Sikh intention of the governments." "The assembly reprimands governments to stop interfering in the religious affairs of minorities. It is the primary responsibility of the government to protect the rights of the people of every religion living in India, which should be followed strictly. Governments should work within the constitutional framework and should not act against minorities under the patronage of any one party," he added. (ANI)
Gopal Das is the prime accused in the murder of former Odisha health minister Naba Das.

Crime Branch had filed the review petition seeking permission for a further comprehensive psychological, psychometrical and mental evaluation of Gopal Das.

The petition was earlier rejected by the Jharsuguda JMFC-1 court on February 19. After that, the crime branch filed a revision petition before the district judge's court. The district judge transferred the same to ADJ court.

Last month the Odisha high court recorded the statement of prime accused Gopal Das. The accused was produced before the court where his statement was recorded under Section 164 of CrPC.

Odisha high court had also quashed a Public interest Litigation which was seeking a CBI probe in the Naba das murder case.

Earlier in the Odisha state assembly during the zero-hour session Congress legislator Tara Prasad Bahinipathi stated that the crime branch is clueless about the matter.

The Congress MLA from the Jeypore constituency Tara Prasad Bahinipati levelled serious allegations by terming Naba Das's killing as a 'planned murder.' He stated that people are not happy with the ongoing investigation by the state crime branch and they are more worried about his mental health.

Naba Das was shot at by an Odisha Police ASI Gopal Das from point-blank range in Brajrajnagar of Jharsuguda district and succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in the state's capital. Gopal Das was arrested on January 30 by Odisha Police.

Former Health minister Naba Das was a three-time MLA from the Jharsuguda constituency in Odisha. (ANI)
Residents of Pulwama took out a long candlelight march on Friday late night to protest the alleged use of a mosque by terrorists during an encounter in south Kashmir's Potgampora area, the Indian Army said in a statement. "The protestors numbering upto hundreds condemned the use of Mosque by terrorists & maligning its sacredness & called on those who were supporting such acts," read the statement from the army. During Monday's encounter, terrorists belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF) were holed up inside a mosque in the Pampore area, the army informed in an earlier statement. In the exhange of fire with the security forces, two terrorists, one of whom was involved in the recent killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Sharma, were neutralised. A soldier, identified as Sepoy Pawan, also lost his life in the operation. "Braving the rains, the residents of Potgampora turned up in large numbers to organise a candlelight march to register their strong protest against blatant & shameless use of holy precincts of Jamia Masjid to perpetrate terror activities as was witnessed recently," the army added in its statement. While paying their respects to Sepoy Pawan, "the brave soldier who was killed in action during the operation", they acknowledged the efforts of the Indian Army in "preserving the sanctity of the Mosque and saving civilian lives despite the threat to own", the statement added. "Ensuring the sanctity of the mosque, the security forces closed in and appealed to the terrorists to surrender. The terrorists, however, opened indiscriminate fire on security forces and used civilians in the target area as a shield to escape when cornered. The security forces displayed utmost restraint and evacuated civilians praying inside the mosque, preventing any collateral damage," read a statement issued earlier by the Defence PRO. The army, in its statement, claimed that the "protest indicates a changed atmosphere wherein the locals are shunning violence and registering their protest against those inimical elements of the society, who for their benefit are disturbing the peaceful environment". In Monday's encounter, the security forces fired with extreme caution to preserve the sacred precincts, while neutralising one terrorist at the spot. The second terrorist fled and hid in an adjacent building housing locals. In the ensuing firefight that lasted several hours, the security forces not only neutralised the second terrorist but also evacuated all the civilians trapped inside the building. (ANI)
Himanshu Kaflatiya replaces Shalini Negi as the new Controller of Examinations of Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission. Uttarakhand faced a major paper leak case in December last year. Uttarakhand recently faced a major paper leak case in December last year. The case pertains to a written exam conducted by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) recruitment examination in December 2021. Earlier this month, on February 10 students gathered at the martyrs' memorial site at Kachari in Dehradun agitating over the paper leak and unemployment in the state. The Uttarakhand police had resorted to a baton charge on the protestors who were demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the recruitment scams in the state after stones were allegedly pelted at them during a massive protest in Dehradun, police said. The government is facing sharp criticism after several exams were cancelled due to the leakage of the examination papers. It was one of the major examinations conducted by the commission for 854 posts across 13 departments. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the government wants students' welfare at all costs. That is why exams were cancelled. "We want students' welfare at all costs. That is why we cancelled exams and issued new dates after taking cognisance of the complaints that had come in. With the issuing of new dates, free rides were made available for candidates in state transport buses," said Dhami. He said that it is decided that all exams conducted will be done in accordance with this anti-cheating ordinance. Earlier on February 10, Chief Minister Dhami ordered for detailed magisterial inquiry into the alleged lathi charge incident by the police. "The Chief Minister has directed the Chief Secretary for a detailed magisterial inquiry into the law and order situation and the entire sequence of lathi charge," a statement from the CM office said. "After checking all the facts and circumstances, the inquiry officer will make the detailed inquiry report available to the government," it added. After the UKSSSC was caught up in a paper leak case, the government asked the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) to conduct recruitment exams. However, UKPSC officials were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the UKPSC Paper leak for the Patwari Lekhpal exam conducted on January 8, 2023. As of now, a total of four people have been arrested in the case. A case was registered against nine people at Haridwar's Kankhal police station on Friday after an investigation by Police's Special Investigating Team (SIT) for the irregularities in AE/JE exam under Uttarakhand Public Services Examination (UKPSE), as informed by Uttarakhand CMO. (ANI)
Thousands demonstrated in Tunisia on Saturday against deteriorating economic conditions in the North African country.

The mass protest called by Tunisias powerful trade union UGTT comes amid a deep political crisis that aggravated the countrys economic conditions since 2021 when Tunisian President Kais Saied dissolved parliament and assumed executive authority.

The UGTT will not accept any restriction on freedoms in Tunisia, UGTT Secretary-General Noureddine Taboubi told protesters.

On Friday, Tunisian President Kais Saied hinted at a plot to assassinate him.

The UGTT will denounce any act of violence and will be on the frontline if there is any plot to assassinate the Tunisian president, Taboubi said. We want a peaceful change through democratic mechanisms, he added.

The UGTT chief stressed that the trade union does not advocate violence and terrorism.

There was no comment from the Tunisian authorities on Taboubi's statements.

While the Tunisian president insists that his measures were meant to "save" the country, critics have accused him of orchestrating a coup.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highway, Nitin Gadkari, on Friday said the government was working on mission-mode to make India 'Atma Nirbhar' (self reliant). Speaking at the 'Andhra Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023' on Friday, Gadkari said, "Andhra Pradesh is one of the most important states of our country. Our government's mission is to build an Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "It is the dream of Modi-ji to make India a 5-trillion dollar economy and the development of Andhra Pradesh is the key to accomplishing this objective. We are working towards this goal with the motto of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas'," he added. "To make India a 5-trillion dollar economy, we need more industries. Without industries, we cannot make enough capital investment; without industry and capital investment, we cannot generate employment opportunities; and without generating employment opportunities, we cannot eradicate poverty. Under the leadership of PM Modi, there is full support of the central government in the development of Andhra Pradesh," the Union minister said. He added, "Andhra Pradesh already has 6 ports with a cargo handling capacity of 240 million metric tonnes, and 4 more under development." The minister further informed that the Centre has decided to connect all ports -- major, state and private -- with the four-lane National Highway. "The road infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh is very important. The total road network in the state currently spans 1,34,280 kms. I keep telling people about the famous statement of (former US president John F. Kennedy) that 'American roads are good, not because America is rich, but America is rich because American roads are good'," Gadkari said. Lauding PM Modi's push towards infrastructure development, the Union minister said, "Before 2014, the combined length of national highways in Andhra was 4,193 km. However, under the leadership of PM Modi, it is now 8,745 kms." "We are making green field expressways in Andhra, which are very important for industrial development. Without such expressways, no investment is going to come to the state. The total count of greenfield expressway in the state is currently at 5. We are going to develop a total greenfield length of 662 km. We are spending Rs 30,000 crores on this project," he said. "The green field expressway is very important because when I was (Union) Shipping minister, there were a lot of problems with the transportation of goods from Andhra Pradesh to Vishakapatnam via Raipur in Chattisgarh. This is why we decided to construct Raipur-Vishakapatnam expressway corridor. We have already started work on this project and it will be completed before the end of 2024. Once opened, this corridor will cut travel time from Vishakhapatnam to Raipur to just 5-and-a-half hours by car and 8-9 hours by heavy commercial vehicles or trucks," Gadkari added. (ANI)
According to police, the two persons, arrested on Saturday, are residents of Bhandup West.

Interrogation with the duo is underway. Further information is awaited.

Mumbai Police have constituted eight teams to track down the accused behind the attack on the MNS leader.

On Friday, Deshpande, who is considered a close aide of Raj Thackeray, was attacked near Shivaji Park in Dadar while he was out on a morning walk.

Earlier today, the party led by Raj Thackeray, nephew of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, released CCTV footage of the incident, showing attackers.

The party claimed that the CCTV footage captured those behind the attack on the MNS leader.

One of the suspects in the footage is seen running away with a wooden stump in his hand, the party claimed. (ANI)
Several Congress leaders, led by former chief minister Siddaramaiah, were detained by the police during a protest march against the Karnataka government on Saturday. The protesters demanded the arrest of BJP MLA Madal Virupaksha, whose son was caught taking a bribe by the state's Lokayukta. The anti-corruption wing of Lokayukta raided the residence of the MLA's son, Prashant Madal, during which they recovered Rs 6 crore in cash. Now the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembky, Siddaramaiah hit out at Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai saying that the latter's claim that his government was 'corruption-free' was nothing but a 'lie'. "The CM lied to the people when he said his government is corruption-free. Why was so much money recovered from the MLA's son then?" Siddarammaiah said. Earlier, on Thursday, Karnataka Lokayukta officers caught Virupaksha's son, a chief accountant at Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), while he was allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh from a contractor. "The anti-corruption branch of Lokayukta caught Prashanth Maadal, son of BJP MLA Maadal Virupakshappa while he was taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh. Over Rs 1.7 crore in cash was recovered from his office," the Karnataka Lokayukta said in a statement earlier. Reacting to the recovery of alleged bribe money from the residence of the BJP MLA's son, CM Bommai said an impartial investigation was being conducted into the corruption charge against the BJP MLA and his son. "The Lokayukta, which was closed during the Congress government, was re-launched by us with the aim of comprehensively curbing corruption in the state. It is our stand that the Lokayukta should conduct an independent and impartial investigation into this matter (recovery of cash from the house of the MLA's son)," tweeted Bommai. However, the CM's assurance of a fair probe did not wash with Congress MLA Ramalinga Reddy, who demanded Bommai's resignation in the light of the scandal. "Scams and corruption are rife in the state. The government had been asking for evidence. The recovery of cash from the residence of the BJP MLA's son is proof of this government's corruption. We demand that the CM tender his resignation over this," said Reddy. According to the Lokayukta, more than Rs 1.7 crore in cash was found at Prashanth Madal's office. Significantly, in the light of the seizure of cash from his son's house, the BJP MLA on Friday stepped down as the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited Limited. Further, hitting back at Union Home minister Amit Shah, who claimed earlier that the Congress and the JD(S) ranked No.1 in corruption, Siddramaiah said, "Amit Shah is a big liar". (ANI)
Noting that PM Gati Shakti Master Plan is a critical tool that integrates economic and infrastructural planning with development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said, "Gati Shakti National Master Plan is going to change the face of India's infrastructure and its multimodal logistics." During the post-Budget webinar on the subject of 'Infrastructure and Investment: Improving logistic efficiency with PM Gatishakti National Master Plan', the Prime Minister said that the results of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan are becoming visible. "We have identified the gaps that were impacting the logistics efficiency. That is why, in this year's Budget, 100 critical projects have been prioritised and Rs 75,000 crore have been allocated. With quality and multimodal infrastructure, our logistic cost is going to reduce further in the days to come. With quality and multimodal infrastructure, our logistic cost is going to reduce further in the days to come," PM Modi said. "This will have a positive impact on the goods made in India, on the competence of our products. Along with the logistics sector, there will be a lot of improvement in ease of living and ease of doing business", he added, inviting the participation of the private sector in the sector. The webinar was organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) as the lead ministry, in association with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the ministry of commerce and industry as the co-lead ministry. Elaborating on the role of the states, the Prime Minister informed about the one-year extension of interest-free loans up to 50-year loans and Budgetary expenditure for this has been increased to the tune of 30 per cent. The Prime Minister asked the participants to find ways to develop a mechanism for an advanced forecast of the needs of their sectors as various materials are needed for infrastructure development. "We need an integrated approach so that the roadmap for the future remains clear. PM Gati-Shakti National Master Plan has a big role in this", he said emphasising the need to integrate the concept of circular economy with the sector. Hundreds of stakeholders attended today's webinar along with more than 700 CEOs and MDs. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that all the sector experts and various stakeholders will make this webinar successful and effective. "Infrastructure has a significant role to play in the sustainable development of any country along with development while keeping the needs of the future in mind", the Prime Minister remarked. He underlined that those who have knowledge of history related to infrastructure are well-versed with this fact. Noting the obstacles that came in the way of investments in the infrastructural development of the country by previous governments, the Prime Minister highlighted the prevailing mentality that poverty is a virtue. He underlined that the present government has not only been successful in eliminating this mentality but also in making record investments in modern infrastructure. The Prime Minister elaborated on the improvement in this situation and said that the average construction of national highways has nearly doubled compared to what it was before 2014. Similarly, only 600 route km of railway track was electrified per year before 2014 which is now reaching 4000 km per year. He further added that the number of airports and seaport capacity has doubled as well. The Prime Minister emphasised that the robustness of India's physical infrastructure is equally important for the strengthening of the country's social infrastructure. He underlined that a strong social infrastructure will lead to more talented and skilled youth who will come forward to serve the nation. Noting the significance of the suggestions of every stakeholder in this webinar, the Prime Minister elaborated that they are not just contributing to the development of the nation but also providing momentum to the growth engine of India. The webinar was structured in the format of plenary inaugural and concluding sessions and split into three parallel breakout sessions. The breakout sessions covered suggestions on Budget announcements related to infrastructure and investment, their implementation and way forward. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the three parallel breakout sessions -- "Improving Logistics Efficiency via Multi-Modality and Filling Critical Infrastructure Gaps", anchored by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; "Planning on PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan", anchored by the DPIIT and "Infrastructure Development & Investment Opportunities" -- were anchored by MoRTH. (ANI)
According to the police, Congress leader and High Court lawyer Koustuv Bagchi (32) was arrested on the charges of 120B/153/ 354A/ 504/505/506/509 of the Indian Penal Code, registered in Burtolla Police Station.

He will be produced before a lower court today. Further proceedings into this matter are on, officials added.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday sought the Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s response on a bail plea moved by Raghav Magunta, son of YSR Congress Party MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, in Delhi excise policy money laundering case. The Special Judge MK Nagpal on Saturday issued notice to ED on the plea listed the matter for March 16, 2023, with detailed arguments. Meanwhile, the Court also extended the judicial custody of Raghav Magunta for further 14 days. Raghav Magunta was produced in court after his judicial custody was over. Magunta Raghava Reddy the son of Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party's (YSRCP) MP from Ongole Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, was arrested by Enforcement Directorate on February 10 in connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case. According to the ED, Raghav through his proxy person Prem Rahul Manduri also held 32.5 per cent stakes in M/s Indo Spirits, which held L1 wholesale license. Raghav being part of the South group was part and beneficiary of the conspiracy in which the South Group paid Rs. 100 Cr approx. to the AAP. ED earlier stated that Raghav Magunta is a key person in the conspiracy of cartelisation and kickbacks hatched along with various persons in the Delhi Excise policy 2021-22 scam. Raghav Magunta is the owner of liquor manufacturing units in the name of M/s Enrica Enterprises Pvt Ltd located in Chennai. He further controlled 2 retail zones in the name of M/s Magunta Agro Farms Pvt Ltd directly in contravention of the Excise Policy 2021-22 where a manufacturer was not permitted to hold either retail or wholesale operations. Raghav being part of the South group was part and beneficiary of the conspiracy in which the South Group paid Rs. 100 Cr approx. to the AAP, said ED. The ED and the CBI had, last year registered cases alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the Excise Policy, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authority's approval. The beneficiaries diverted "illegal" gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to evade detection. As alleged, the Excise Department had decided to refund the Earnest Money Deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Even though there was no enabling provision, a waiver on tendered licence fees was allowed from December 28, 2021, to January 27, 2022, due to COVID-19, which allegedly caused a loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer, which has been instituted on a reference from the Union Home Ministry following a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The CBI inquiry was recommended on the findings of the Delhi chief secretary's report filed in July showing prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010, officials had said. (ANI)
Former Deputy Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) MLA Prestone Tynsong on Saturday said that the swearing-in-ceremony of the NPP-led government in Meghalaya will be held on March 7. NPP chief Conrad Sangma is likely to take oath as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya on March 7. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the swearing-in ceremony on March 7. Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma who is also the Convenor of NEDA will also attend the swearing-in ceremony. We have a sufficient number and we are reaching out to other political parties. It may be increased to 38-40," Prestone Tynsong said. Prestone Tynsong told ANI that, apart from BJP, two Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) and two Independent MLAs have given their support to NPP to form the government and as of now we have 32 numbers. On the other hand, reacting to some post-poll violence incidents taken in different parts of the state and concerning about the law and order situation, Prestone Tynsong said, "We will not allow anyone to break law and order." "Last night some violent incidents took place and we directed state police to take strong action against the culprits," Prestone Tynsong said. Earlier on Friday, the district administration of West Jaintia Hills imposed curfew in Meghalaya's Sahsniang village till further orders, following reports of post-vote counting violence. In an order issued from the office of District Magistrate B.S. Sohliya on March 2, the administration said that it has received information regarding the post-counting violence in Sahsniang village. "There is an apprehension that the violence may spread and intensify if left unattended and may result in the destruction of property and a possibility of a loss of lives," the order said. The counting of votes for the Meghalaya Assembly polls was done on Thursday in which the National People's Party emerged as the single-largest party winning 26 seats. Meanwhile, the BJP created history on Thursday by returning to power in Tripura and the NDPP-BJP alliance swept the polls in Nagaland. The BJP is also part of the sweepstakes to form government in Meghalaya having decided to extend support to the National People's Party which emerged as the single-largest party with 26 seats. BJP and NPP were partners in the outgoing government but had contested the polls separately. In Nagaland, BJP secured 12 seats, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won 25 seats. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) bagged seven seats, National People's Party (NPP) won five seats, Naga Peoples Front, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Republican Party of India (Athawale) won two seats each. Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) got one seat. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday in a telephone call with Nitish Kumar reassured his Bihar counterpart about the safety of migrant workers, amid reports of alleged attacks on people from Bihar that officials have dismissed as fake. Chief minister Stalin said that those indulging in rumour-mongering were acting against the country and its integrity, according to a statement released by the chief minister's office. "Tamil Nadu Government and the people will always stand to protect our migrant brothers," Stalin told the Bihar chief minister, according to the statement. "I have spoken to the honourable chief minister and my brother Nitish Kumar on phone and assured him that all the workers are our workers and they are helping the development of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, I assured that none of these issues will impact them" the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said. Stalin warned that strict legal action will be taken against those who deliberately spread rumors on social media by posting videos and pictures and thus spread fear and panic. "Some people doing politics in this lowly manner on social media is highly condemnable," the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said. Stalin said that in recent times, there was seen an increase in the number of workers from all states coming to Tamil Nadu in search of employment opportunities mainly in the service sectors. The reason for this, he said is that Tamil Nadu provides employment in various sectors such as construction, small and large enterprises. "Some people who can't wait to spoil this peaceful situation with the intention of insulting the culture of the Tamil people, with the aim of giving a bad name to the government," Stalin said. However, he said that "Workers from all states here are aware that the situation is normal here. That is why. Even now workers from other states continue to Tamil Nadu." In the press release Stalin was cited as saying, "Migrant labourers need not fear. If there is any threat, you can reach out to the helpline numbers of the police department announced by the police." The chief minster said said that journalists and social networking site users should understand their responsibility, fact-check before publishing and function with journalistic ethics. Meanwhile, earlier today Bihar Chief Minister said that a team of officials will be in Tamil Nadu to probe the reports of alleged attacks on Bihar labourers. The issue also saw heated scenes in the Bihar assembly. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav took to Twitter to state that Tamil Nadu Police has clarified that the videos are "baseless." "DGP Tamil Nadu is categorically stating that it is completely baseless and rumourmongering that migrant workers of Bihar are being targeted in Tamil Nadu. Old video of violence is mischievously being spread stating people of Bihar are no longer safe in Tamil Nadu, creating panic," Tejashwi tweeted. Also, Bihar Police said on Friday that the Tamil Nadu Police had informed them that videos circulating on social media showing alleged attacks on migrant labourers in the southern state were false and "misleading". "Bihar DGP has spoken to TN DGP. Other senior officers of the Bihar Police are in touch with senior officials of the Tamil Nadu Police. The Tamil Nadu Police has said that the said videos are fake and misleading," Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Patna, Bihar Police official JS Gangwar told ANI. Earlier, referring to fake videos circulating on social media of migrants being attacked in the southern state, Tamil Nadu Director General of Police C Sylendra Babu said that they were false and "mischievous." "Somebody in Bihar has posted a false and mischievous video saying that the migrant workers of Bihar are attacked in Tamil Nadu. Two videos are posted and both are false videos. These two incidents happened earlier in time in Tiruppur and Coimbatore. In both cases, the clash was not between Tamil Nadu people and migrant workers. One was a clash between two groups of Bihar migrant workers and another video was a clash between two local residents of Coimbatore. They are all Tamil Nadu people," DGP Babu had said. District Collectors in Tamil Nadu have issued appeals in Hindi asking migrant workers not to be scared. (ANI)
Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his fresh snooping charges at the Centre during an address at the prestigious Cambridge University, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra on Saturday said the Wayanad MP did not submit his phone to the Supreme Court-appointed probe committee for forensic examination despite being asked to do so. The probe panel was formed to look into the snooping charges against the BJP-led central government. Addressing a press briefing in the national capital on Saturday, Patra said, "I am surprised that Rahul Gandhi goes to foreign shores and callls himself an Opposition leader, who is not allowed to speak. He also said Pegasus (Israeli spyware) was planted not just inside his phone but also those of several Opposition leaders." "But when the SC-appointed probe committee asked for all mobile phones to be submitted for investigation, in connection with the Pegasus claims, why did he [Rahul Gandhi] not submit his phone then?" Patra asked. Earlier, Rahul, speaking at an event at Cambridge, claimed that Intelligence officers in India told him that the Pegasus spyware had been installed in his phone and he should be careful about what he says over phone Countering Rahul's charges, Patra said if his allegation is, indeed, true, then the person he was speaking to must have been the one who put the bug in his phone and was snooping on him. "The Intelligence officer at the other end of the line planted the spyware in his phone and listened in on his phone calls. He must have later called him up to warn him that he was being snooped on. He must have told to watch what he says and not say a word about the covert deals, as his calls were being recorded (yahan wahan ki baat mat karna, jo aap len den ki baat karte ho wo sab record ho rahi hai]," Patra said. He claimed that phone-tapping was done during the second the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. "It was in the second term of the UPA that an RTI query revealed 9000 phone-tapping incidents, which later grew to one lakh," he added. (ANI)
Delhi Police has arrested a 24-year-old autorickshaw driver for allegedly misbehaving with a woman journalist during a ride in southeast Delhi, officials said on Friday. The Uber driver Vinod Kumar Yadav has been arrested by Delhi Police. "On March 2 at about 11.00 pm, one journalist approached police station New Friends Colony and filed a complaint against one driver namely Vinod Kumar bearing registration number DL 1RV 2644. She levelled allegations of indecent behaviour as well as lascivious staring by him, while she travelled from New Friends Colony to Malviya Nagar on March 1 at about 4.40 pm on his three-seater autorickshaw vehicle," Police said. Accordingly, a case under Section 509 IPC dated March 2 was registered at Police Station New Friends Colony and an investigation was taken up" police officials said. Police officials further stated that timely raids were conducted with the help of technical surveillance to arrest the Uber driver. "A dedicated team was constituted and raids were conducted. The ownership of the TSR was procured which has been found in the name of one Mohd Yunus Khan resident of Govindpuri Delhi, who was interrogated so as to nab the offender driver. During the investigation, it has come to light that the TSR was already purchased by Vinod Kumar Yadav a resident of Madanpur Khadar Sarita Vihar. Meanwhile, technical surveillance was also applied" officials added. After conducting raids Vinod Kumar Yadav was detained and interrogated and he was confirmed to be the alleged and hence arrested. Delhi Police on Friday registered an FIR under Section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and initiated a probe in this matter. In this regard, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson on Thursday also took to Twitter where she stated that information has been sought from Uber India. "Notice has been issued to Uber India and Delhi Police over the unfortunate incident of molestation of a female journalist in an Uber Auto in Delhi. Information has also been sought about the steps taken by Uber for the safety of women" Maliwal tweeted. Delhi Police officials have stated that all legal formalities including a statement under Section 164 of the CrPC have been completed and further investigation is in progress. (ANI)
A donation campaign in Mauritania has collected $60,000 for the victims of last months deadly earthquakes that killed thousands in Turkiye and Syria.

The campaign "reflects the strength of brotherhood, solidarity and interdependence among Islamic peoples, said a joint statement by the Association of Mauritanian Community in Turkiye, the Chinguetti Lighthouse International Association, and Turkiye Alumni Association.

The statement said the donations will be delivered to the quake victims in Turkiye and northern Syria.

Following the quake disaster, Mauritania sent a plane loaded with humanitarian aid to Turkiye upon orders from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

More than 45,000 people died in Turkiye in the magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes on Feb. 6. The earthquakes, which were centered in the province of Kahramanmaras, affected more than 13 million people across 11 provinces, including Hatay, Adana, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Adiyaman, Malatya, Kilis, Osmaniye, Elazig, and Sanliurfa.

The quakes also caused widespread devastation in parts of northwestern Syria, where the death toll has climbed to at least 6,000.
"We conduct regular inspections and send consistent alerts to our minority pickets of CRPF. We aim to protect minorities of South Kashmir and we maintain regular contact with them, for the same," said IG Bhatia on Friday.

IG Bhatia credited CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police for conducting encounters in good coordination.

He also referred to the Pampore encounter (Monday) in which two active local terrorists were killed. One soldier also lost his life in the encounter.

"A few days ago 2 active local terrorists, Aqib and Aijaz were killed in an encounter. CRPF & JKP have conducted encounters in good coordination and the results of the same can be seen," IG said.

Mentionable, in Monday's encounter, the security forces fired with extreme caution to preserve the sacred precincts, while neutralising one terrorist on the spot.

"Ensuring the sanctity of the mosque, the security forces closed in and appealed to the terrorists to surrender. The terrorists, however, opened indiscriminate fire on security forces and used civilians in the target area as a shield to escape when cornered," Defence PRO had said in a statement issued after the incident.

"The security forces displayed utmost restraint and evacuated civilians praying inside the mosque, preventing any collateral damage," it added. (ANI)
With the aim of improving the state's transport system, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday, launched a ticket booking and passenger feedback app -- 'UP Rahi', which will allow passengers to make online reservations while sitting at home. A press release by the government stated that, in addition to allowing users to pre-book bus travel from the comfort of their own homes, this app also offers cashless services. Not only this, but the passengers will also be able to give their feedback on the problems related to their journey, the behaviour of the driver-conductor, the condition of the bus, and other related issues on the app. With the introduction of this app, lakhs of passengers of the state travelling in the bus will now be able to travel hassle-free. From the Google Play store, passengers can download the app. Along with English, the app is also available in Hindi, the release added. UPSRTC General Manager IT Yuzvendra Kumar said that through this app, passengers will be able to book tickets through digital mediums. However, they will need to register themselves first after downloading the app. They will be able to use all the features of the app once they have registered. The most important feature is regarding ticket booking in this app. Currently, one can purchase a ticket while riding on a bus using cash or a digital device. However, this system has numerous issues. When it came to cash, there were times when the conductor ran out of change and the passengers had to pay more. The network issue had to be dealt with frequently in cashless transactions. "With the introduction of the app, you will get rid of all these hassles. To purchase tickets through the app, users can use a QR code, UPI, credit card, debit card, or any other digital payment method. Passengers will not need to take a printout of the ticket after booking the ticket. They can travel by showing the status of ticket booking on the app itself," he said. Aside from this, the second-most significant feature of this app relates to passenger feedback. A facility has been made available in the app for passengers who wish to provide any information regarding their journey. They are able to provide details about the crew in their feedback, including the behaviour of the conductor, or whether the driver was driving the bus properly or not. Passengers can share their feedback on ten such points. The experience of the passenger's journey will directly reach the officers of the department. "Their suggestions will also give us an opportunity to improve our services. The compilation of information from the feedback will help us to rectify the shortcomings and improve the quality," said Kumar. In addition to this, the app now has some additional useful features, according to Yuzvendra Kumar. Passengers will be able to track their previous journey using this. They can keep all of their previous transactions secure in this way. In addition, when purchasing tickets, customers will have a choice of buses. For instance, if they decide they would like to take a Volvo bus, the app will inform them if any Volvo buses are currently running along their route or not. Similarly, if a nonstop bus runs along their route, that information will also be displayed. There will be information on all bus types, such as low-floor AC buses, Rajdhani, Ordinary, Janrath, AC Sleeper, Pink Express, Shatabdi, and Gramin Sewa. They can see which bus is traveling that route and when by entering the name of the destination station in the app. They will also be able to choose the pickup point as per their convenience. The release stated that one must first download the app from the Google Playstore and register on it by giving information about any government document number (Aadhaar card or PAN card) to ascertain one's identity. After registration, ID and password will be generated enabling the person to use the app. One can also create one's profile on this app. It also gives detailed information about the cancellation policy. For any kind of help, one can use the support feature. The facility to change password is also provided. In the coming times, one will also be able to plan one's trip through this app, the release added. (ANI)
The incident happened at the Brahamapuram waste plant in Kochi.

Following the incident, the rescue operation was started under which over 5000 litres of water were sprayed in active fire zones.

In addition to the defence fire tenders on the ground, aerial firefighting is also being carried out using large Area Aerial Liquid Dispersal Eqpt by naval ALH, the Southern Naval Command said.

Further details are underway in the case. (ANI)
Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya released the book 'India's Vaccine Growth Story - From Cowpox to Vaccine Maitri' authored by Additional Secretary, Sajjan Singh at the World Book fair 2023, at Pragati Maidan on Saturday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed in a press release. As per the Ministry, the book elaborates on India's impressive achievement in developing, producing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines. Rajesh Bhushan, the Union Health Secretary and other senior officers were also present on the occasion. Addressing the event, Mandaviya praised Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's faith in the Indian scientific community and the stellar healthcare professionals across the country. He said, "This combination led India to conquer unsurmountable challenges to achieve a feat no country has before, catering not just to its own nation, but supplying life-saving vaccines worldwide, all in due time." Lauding the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals, Dr Mandaviya stated that "India administered 2.2 billion doses as a part of the world's largest COVID vaccination drive without any shortages across the nation resulting in saving 3.4 million lives." The Minister also highlighted that when other countries were struggling with vaccine hesitancy, India set an exemplary pro-vaccination Covid management model. "It gives me immense pleasure to see research, manufacturing and vaccine drive has been portrayed in a comprehensive fashion that recounts not just the pandemic crisis but also delves into vaccine history, that can be traced 2500 years back," he said. Urging writers to come to the fore, the Health Minister said, "Research-based documentation is a medium that can bring to light India's heritage, illustrating to the world possibilities and solutions, as India's Covid-19 trajectory has done, leaning on our traditional roots and heritage". He further elaborated "our heritage reflects our knowledge and science that have stood the test of time, and proven exemplary in times of crisis". Citing the example of our traditional greeting 'Namaste', which became a global way of greeting through the pandemic crisis, the Health Minister stated that "Our people must search within our heritage, they will find a deep repository of traditions based on scientific processes that have held India in good stead, and widely acknowledged by the world." The Health Minister encouraged writers to inculcate research-based documentation that would lend a voice to India's treasure of traditions and heritage that lay dormant and forgotten, and bring them to light. Rajesh Bhushan, the Health Secretary also addressed the event stating that there are 12 kinds of diseases that can be prevented with vaccines known as vaccine-preventable diseases are a part of India's universal vaccination group, and the government of India provides these vaccines free of cost to expecting mothers, young and neonates. "The book entitled 'India's Vaccine Growth Story- From Cowpox to Vaccine Maitri' presents the world's largest vaccination drive for COVID-19 conducted by India is elaborate. Tough and multifaceted challenges overcome in the process like vaccine hesitancy, eagerness, availability, transportation, equitable access, effective communication and expectation management, cold chain dynamics, and vaccine centres logistics have been explained too. The author has also delved into future challenges that may emerge for vaccinology and new vistas for the growth of the Indian vaccine industry in a candid manner. It also digs deep into India's impressive achievement in developing, producing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines," the Ministry stated. Lok Ranjan, Additional Secretary, Govind Prasad Sharma, Chairman of National Book Trust and other senior government officials were also present at the event. (ANI)
A Delhi court on Saturday granted bail to a youth who is alleged to be a member of a group namely Hindu Kattar Ekta, in connection with the 2020 North East Delhi riots. While granting the bail to the accused the court pulled up Delhi police for misleading it by not disclosing the fact. This case was registered for the alleged murder of a person in the Gokul Puri area during the Delhi riots of 2020. Additional Sessions judge Pulastya Pramachala of Karkardooma Court on Friday granted bail to Rishabh Chaudhary in a case related to the alleged murder of a person during riots. As already observed, cited eyewitnesses have been examined, but they did not establish the incident in question. The other two remaining witnesses did not claim to have seen any person in the mob, the court said. In view of my above-mentioned observations and the present situation in the case, I find the applicant to be entitled for bail. Hence, the bail application is allowed and applicant Rishabh Chaudhary is admitted to bail. The court granted him bail on his furnishing Personal Bond in the sum of Rs.30,000 and a surety bond in the like amount. The court has imposed the condition that the accused shall not leave India without express permission of the court. While granting bail, the judge made a serious observation regarding the conduct of the IO. The Judge said, "On the record, I find that the prosecution has examined the cited alleged eyewitnesses, but none supported the case of prosecution before the court." The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) argued that Prosecution witness Nisar Ahmad identified the applicant and he submitted that this witness was referred in the reply of IO, the judge added. However, on perusal of testimony of Nisar Ahmed also, I find that he had given a description of having seen riots on February 24, 25 and 26, 2020, but didnot say anything about the incident probed in this case, the judge pointed out. The court said that Even on the basis of the testimony of Nisar Ahmed, the prosecution cannot say that applicant was identified as a member of the mob, which was alleged to be behind the incident that allegedly took place on February 25, 2020, at about 7:30 to 8 pm. The judge observed, "Thus, I find that in the name of opposing bail application through a reply, the prosecution has attempted to mislead the court, rather thanassisting in a fair manner to project the correct picture of the developments taken place in the case." The judge said, "Any reply being filed by IO/prosecution must be with an objective to assist the court." For this purpose, it is necessary to have fair and transparent reporting of the facts and situation. If the reply is filed in a jealous manner, thereby suppressing the material facts, it cannot be said to be assistance to the court, the judge added. "Hence, I find that there is a requirement to sensitize all the IOs in respect of their duty towards the court, so as to assist in a fair manner, rather than adopting the practice of hide and seek. Hence, once again I call upon the learned Commissioner of Police to do the needful for proper sensitization of all the IOs in this respect," the judge said. The applicant is facing trial along with co-accused persons for an alleged murder during riots. In this case, information was received in the police station Gokalpuri on February 27, 2020, at 4 pm that a dead body of a person was found in Ganda Nala near Johripur Pulia. The body was taken out from the nala and sent to GTB hospital, where it was declared brought dead by the doctor. The dead body was preserved at the Mortuary, GTB hospital. On the basis of these facts, an FIR was registered. On February 29, 2020, the body of the deceased was identified by his relatives as Mushraff. As per the postmortem report, as many as 12 external injuries were found on the body of the deceased. It was stated in the bail application that Rishabh Chaudhary was arrested on the basis of a disclosure statement of the main accused Lokesh Solanki. No recovery has been effected from the possession of the applicant. It was argued by the counsel for the accused that he was never related to the "Kattar Hindu Ekta" WhatsApp group, directly or indirectly. Material witnesses of the prosecution have already been examined, who have not supported the case of the prosecution. Witnesses left to be examined are planted, witnesses. Advocate Rakshpal Singh counsel for the accused argued that Rishabh Chaudhary has been falsely implicated in the present case and he has nothing to do with the commission of any offence.No material witness or any substantive piece of evidence remains against the applicant. The applicant is a student of graduation aged 22 years and no fruitful purpose would be served by keeping him in jail, the counsel argued. On the other hand, Investigation Officer (IO) and Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) opposed the bail application of the accused. It was submitted that the accused is involved in cases of communal violence and carnage of innocent persons which is a very serious crime. It was also argued that the sections imposed show the severity of the punishment in the event of a conviction. The applicant along with co-accused persons mercilessly killed nine innocent persons with whom the applicant or his co-accused had no previous enmity, the SPP argued. The witnesses in the present case and the connected cases are residents of the same locality where the applicant resides, so in case the applicant is enlarged on bail there are definite chances that the applicant may threaten or tamper with the evidence, Delhi police argued. Some of the witnesses are to be examined. It was also argued that the location of the accused's mobile phone, was on the spot during the commission of the crime. There is Call connectivity with other accused persons. The court noted that In the reply, apart from giving the gist of the investigation done in this case, IO referred to the statement of alleged eye-witness Aman Saxena as given to police. In that statement, according to the prosecution this witness had identified the rioters and had named them. In the description of exact evidence against the applicant, IO has simply mentioned the name of the cited witness and relied upon alleged eyewitnesses. In the concluding part of the reply, IO has mentioned that the trial of the case is in the advanced stage and during the same one witness had positively identified the applicant, the court noted. However, IO has not mentioned the name of such witness, which according to him identified the applicant, the court further noted. The court said, "As per the record of this case, Aman Saxena has already been examined and in his testimony before the court, he categorically stated that he had not identified anyone in the mob on February 24 and on 25, 2020, he did not come out of his home at any point of time." He also stated that he did not mention the name of any person as a member of the mob seen by him on February 25, 2020, before the police, nor did he identify anyone before the police, the court added. The judge observed, "Interestingly, the statement of this witness was though recorded in the presence of SPP and IO, but the reply filed by IO today does not refer to a such statement of this witness." It is well within the knowledge of ld. Special PP and IO that statement before the police, cannot stand before the testimony given before the court and hence, the purpose of not mentioning the testimony of this witness given before the court, appears to be nothing, but to mislead this court on the basis of his statement recorded before police, the court added. The court directed to send the Copy of this order to the Commissioner of Police to take necessary steps as per observations made herein above. Copy of order be also sent to Jail Superintendent for intimation to the applicant. (ANI)
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said that his government is on a mission to provide global standard education to the children with the provision of all modern facilities. Patnaik said this at the inauguration event of Utkal Gourav International School in Berunapadi of Odisha's Keonjhar district on a virtual platform. Founded by Dr Pradeep Sethi, and mentored by Salil Chaturvedi, the school is built on the philosophy of Swami Yogananda that aims at intellectual and spiritual education combined to promote a harmonious life. Congratulating the founders and the mentors for leading an initiative to transform education, the Chief Minister said that it is a system of education that aims at the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of our future generation. Appreciating the goal behind this school, he said, "Modern education provides us the knowledge to understand the world around us and use it to our advantage for sustaining seamless growth. However, as human beings, we also need to look within. We also have our emotional and spiritual needs." "We must come together to create a model world civilization where each child from the villages and cities in India would be able to develop material efficiency along with spiritual magnificence," he added. Focusing on the state's initiative to transform education, Patnaik gave the instance of MO School, where, he said, "We are connecting former students to their alma maters, where they are contributing to the growth of education in their schools. The objective is to involve an entire society to our education, our development process. As a society, we all must take responsibility and grow together." Citing the transformation of schools, he said that in Odisha, "We are on a mission to provide global standard education to our children with the provision of all modern facilities. We have transformed more than 4000 schools with smart classrooms, modern libraries, laboratories, facilities for sports, and about 3000 schools are in progress under 5T school transformation." School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash cited the success of Odisha Adarsh Vidyalayas in promoting quality education among rural children. He said that 25 thousand of children from villages are studying in 314 OAVs. MP Chandrani Murmu also spoke on the occasion and thanked the CM for transforming educational institutions in the state. Dr Salil Chaturvedi, mentor and advisor from Mumbai, said that education is nothing but service to mankind. Through education, we must create a culture of infinite learning. (ANI)
The Allahabad High Court has cancelled the bail granted to Farhan, an accused of murdering BSP MLA Raju Pal and two security guards in broad daylight. The bail was granted to Farhan by the Sessions Court on November 24, 2005. The order has been given by Justice DK Singh, who accepted the bail cancellation application of deceased Krishna Kumar Pal alias Umesh Pal. While cancelling Farhan's bail, the HC said that the accused not only violated his bail conditions but also continued to commit one crime after the other. There are 26 criminal cases registered against Farhan, which include three cases of murder, three cases of kidnapping, two cases of murderous assaults and raping a minor. Other than this, cases under Gangster Act, Gunda Act and SC/ST Act are also registered against him. The court said that the Bahubali Mafia is also a member of the Atique Ahmed gang, and it seems that in the Dhumanganj area, it's not the police, but Atique Ahmed who is supreme. "Leaving the petitioner free is putting the life and safety of witnesses and common citizens at risk. The court has cancelled the bail while cancelling the order to release the accused on bail," the court stated. The Allahabad HC also denied bail to dreaded criminal Mohammad Ashraf alias Khalid Azim, the younger brother of Bahubali mafia don Atiq Ahmed, in the 2015 murder conspiracy case. While rejecting the application, the court said that 51 serious criminal cases had been registered against the accused. He is also accused of the recent murder of Umesh Pal, the eyewitness of the Raju Pal murder. While granting bail, the nature of the crime, the evidence and its impact on society should be considered, and the accused of serious crimes like murder, and kidnapping cannot be granted bail. Earlier, the Allahabad HC also rejected the bail application of Atiq Ahmed's son Ali Ahmed in a 2021 extortion case. The court observed that enlarging "such a criminal" on bail would be a threat "not only to the witnesses but also a constant threat to society". The order was pronounced by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh who observed that the accused is the son of one of the most dreaded criminals Atiq Ahmed and he himself has cases registered against him. Ahmed was booked for an attempt to murder and in the case of demanding extortion. Meanwhile, the Prayagraj district administration demolished the property of Atique Ahmed's aide, Safdar Ali on Thursday. Earlier, on Wednesday, the property of an accused in the killing of the key witness in the murder of Raju Pal, a BSP MLA, was razed to the ground in Prayagraj. Earlier, in a major development in the Umesh Pal murder case, an accused was shot in an exchange of fire near the Nehru Park area in Prayagraj's Dhoomanganj on Monday, a top police officer said. The accused, identified as Arbaaz, was driving the car used in the murder of Umesh Pal, who was a prime witness in several cases, including the murder of BSP MLA Raju Pal. The police said Arbaaz was injured and succumbed at the hospital. "Accused Arbaaz was shot during the encounter that took place near Nehru Park in Dhoomanganj, Prayagraj earlier today. He was driving the car that was used in the murder (of Umesh Pal) and was fired upon," ADG law and order Prashant Kumar said on Monday. "Arbaaz died during treatment at the hospital. The UP administration and the police have initiated a campaign against all such miscreants, gangsters, and mafia. There is also a crackdown on those sheltering such people," he added. Umesh Pal and one of his two armed security escorts were shot dead in Prayagraj's Sulem Saray area on February 24. Several rounds were fired and bombs were hurled at Umesh and his gunners. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday said that those who are spreading rumours that migrant workers are being attacked in Tamil Nadu are against the nation and are causing harm to the integrity of the country. He further said that it is highly condemnable that some people are indulging in such dirty politics on social media. "Those who spread rumours that migrant workers are being attacked in Tamil Nadu are against the Indian nation; they cause harm to the integrity of the country. It is highly condemnable that some people are indulging in doing such dirty politics on social media on an issue that does not exist," said Stalin. Stain said that in this regard, he has spoken to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and assured him "that all the workers in the State are our own workers, they help us in the development of our state and that no harm will happen to them." The Chief Minister said that Tamil Nadu is known for its hospitality and supports people who come and settle here. He further said that strict legal action will be taken against those who deliberately spread rumours and cause fear and panic in Tamil Nadu with videos and pictures of certain incidents that took place in other states. "Some people who cannot tolerate this peaceful atmosphere are trying to denigrate the culture of the Tamil people with the ill-intention of bringing a bad name to the Government. Their ulterior intentions will not be fulfilled. The workers from other states here know of the peaceful situation that is naturally prevailing here. That is the reason why even now, labourers are constantly coming to Tamil Nadu from other states, and Tamil Nadu welcomes them as always," said Stalin. He further assured the migrant workers from the North need not have any fear. "If someone threatens them, they may seek help through the helpline numbers of the police department that have been notified, and I assure that action will be taken on receipt information/complaints," said Stalin. "I would like to kindly inform the labour brothers who have come from other States to here that this Government and the people of Tamil Nadu will be a bulwark for all the state workers here and I request you not to have any fear on the basis of false news," he added. The Chief Minister said that the rumours started with a journalist from Bihar who spread the news of a private conflict between two individuals that took place in some other state as if it had happened in Tamil Nadu. "Therefore, I appeal to the TV channels, social media channels/platforms and those who use the social media platforms to realise their social responsibility and publish news in accordance with media ethics and not to publish news for sensationalism without checking the facts," he added. Meanwhile, a team of government officials from Bihar arrived in Chennai today. They are now participating in a meeting with the Chennai District Collector, the Commissioner of Tamil Nadu Labour Department and Tamil Nadu officials. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Saturday granted bail to two accused brothers in the Mundka building fire case. The High Court while granting bail to the accused, pulled up Delhi Police for the delay in filing the chargesheet. Justice Amit Mahajan granted bail to Varun Goyal and Harish Goyal in the Mundaka building case. The High Court granted the relief on furnishing a bail bond for a sum of Rs 1,00,000 with two sureties each of the like amount. The High Court also pointed out the delay in filing the chargesheet by the Delhi police in the stipulated period. Justice Mahajan said, "From the record, it is also seen that during the course of the investigation, prior to the expiry of 60 days, no material was brought to the knowledge of the learned Trial Court either in the form of the application seeking remand or by adding any section in the FIR to claim that the investigating agency required an extended period of 90 days to complete the investigation from the date of arrest." "In fact, on a pointed query from the Court, it was stated that Section 467, IPC was added in the FIR on 18.07.2022, after the expiry of 60 days. It is after filing the application under seeking default bail," the justice said. "Therefore, considering the allegations made in the FIR, the statements given by the various witnesses and the admitted fact that the father of the petitioners also died in the said the unfortunate incidence of fire and also the fact that the petitioners also got burn in the same fire, it cannot be stated that the allegations made were in relations to offences falling under Part I of Section 304 IPC," he added. Justice Mahajan said, " The same, therefore, were required to be investigated within a period of 60 days from the first day of detention of the petitioners and non-filing of the same gave an indefeasible right to the petitioners to be released on default bail on their exercising their right by filing an application on July 16, 2022." The court noted that the FIR under Sections 304/308/120B/34 of IPC was registered against the petitioners, Harish Goyal and Varun Goyal, who are the Directors of Cole Impex Pvt. Ltd. ("Accused Company"). The accused company was operating from 1 st and 2nd floors of the demised premises Plot No.193, Main Rohtak Road, which is a four-storey building and was dealing in the business of CCTV cameras and 4G Sim routers.It was alleged that on 13.05.2022, at around 4:30 PM, a fire broke out during the "Motivational Programme" in the demised premises and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floor of the four-storey building was engulfed by fire in which 27 persons died and 44 persons were injured. During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that neither any appropriate fire systems were fitted nor any other precautions were taken to prevent the fire incident, the police alleged. There was a single entry-exit in the side lane on the rear side of the building due to which the people could not come out of the building. This led to the registration of the FIR in the matter, it was also alleged. The petitioners were, thereafter, arrested on May 14, 2022. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa submitted that Section 467 of IPC has been added only to deny the statutory right of the petitioners to apply for the default bail in terms of Section 167(2) of CrPC. On the bare perusal of the allegation, it is apparent that the provisions of Section 467 could not have been invoked in relation to an investigation being carried out in the present FIR. The present case, at best, can be of causing death by negligence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to two years. He also submitted that even if it is to be alleged that the Petitioners had knowledge that the Act done is likely to cause death, it cannot be argued by any stretch of the imagination that they had any intention of causing death or causing such bodily injuries as is likely to cause death, so as to invite punishment of the imprisonment for life and entitling the State to complete the investigation within 90 days from the date of detention. He further argued that the alleged offence under Section 467 IPC is unrelated and unconnected with the present FIR. The same cannot be argued to have happened in similar transactions. (ANI)
Kanadia Police Station in-charge, Jagdish Prasad Jamre, said, "The gang was running a fake currency racket and were trying to bring in fake currencies from Ludhiana to spend it on liquor shops here in Indore."

Cash worth around Rs 28,500 was seized from the four accused during the raid.

The four accused have been identified as Sandeep Singh, Vikas Singh, Maninder Sharma and Rahul Lodhi. The four were caught while they were giving fake notes at the liquor ship.

During interrogation, accused Sandeep said that he had brought the fake notes from Sunny of Ludhiana.

The accused Sunny will also be brought from Ludhiana to Indore for questioning, the police said.

Further investigation is underway in the case. (ANI)
A group of foreign media representatives commemorated the civilians who died as a result of the rocket attacks of the Armenian armed forces in the city of Ganja during the Patriotic War, Azernews reports.

Media representatives who came to Azerbaijan to cover the Summit meeting of the Contact Group of the Non-Aligned Movement on the fight against COVID-19 in Baku visited the area where the terrorist incident was committed by Armenian military units in Ganja during the Patriotic War.

The Media representatives were informed that Armenian armed forces deliberately targeted Azerbaijani civilians and shelled the residential areas with heavy artillery by violating the norms and principles of international law, the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, as well as the humanitarian cease-fire regime agreed at the conclusion of the meeting held in Moscow based on their insistence during the 44-day Patriotic War.

A total of 26 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 175 wounded as a result of the Armenian rocket attacks on Ganja, Azerbaijans second biggest city, which has a population of half a million and is located 100 kilometers away from the conflict zone.

Civil infrastructure facilities, historical and cultural monuments, as well as vehicles, in the city were damaged by a large amount.
As smoke is still coming out from the garbage dump after a fire broke out at the Brahmapuram waste plant on Thursday, the District collector has appealed to the people to stay in their homes. Addressing a press conference, the Ernakulam District Collector Dr Renu Raj said, "The residents of Brahmapuram and nearby areas should avoid going out on Sunday as much as possible as the smoke cannot be controlled. Stay at home as much as possible. Shops and establishments shall be closed. This is as per the instructions of the Health Department Secretary" She said that although the fire has been brought under control, the smoke is rising from under the garbage dump. Vigorous efforts are ongoing to fully control it, and more fire units will be deployed for this purpose. "The 100-acre landfill is being re-fired in six zones. Of these, fire brigade units are being used to put out fires in four areas, while units of the Navy and Cochin Refinery are being used in the remaining areas. Additional units of Cochin Port Trust and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) will be deployed on Sunday in addition to the existing 27 units. Two big pumps will be brought from the Alappuzha district to pump water from the nearby river. It has also been decided to provide small diesel pumps," she said. The District Collector also said that the changing direction of the wind also affects the operation of units, which causes more smoke to rise from the garbage dump. "Earlier, a system was prepared to spray water from the Navy's helicopter. But although this was initially effective, the fire brigade could not work from below due to rising smoke. Hence, the water-based fire-fighting in the helicopter has been suspended for the time being, and will be used if needed," she added. She said that the officials have also been instructed to prepare the primary healthcare centres and hospitals as a precautionary measure. "The district medical officer has been instructed to prepare nearby primary health centres, private hospitals and general hospitals for seeking treatment in case of health problems of nearby residents or fire-fighting personnel. Also, Oxygen Kiosk will be started in Brahmapuram. No major health issues have been reported so far. This is a precautionary measure," she further said. Earlier on Thursday, a fire broke out at the Brahmapuram waste plant at Kochi, which is yet to be doused. Following the incident, the rescue operation was started under which over 5000 litres of water were sprayed in active fire zones. In addition to the defence fire tenders on the ground, aerial firefighting is also being carried out using large Area Aerial Liquid Dispersal Eqpt by naval ALH, the Southern Naval Command said. Kochi Mayor Anil Kumar said that the authority is aiming to bring the fire under control by this evening. "Due to the ongoing problem of fire, it has not been possible to remove the garbage in Kochi city and many other areas. This morning there is a smoke problem in some areas of Kochi. Our aim is to bring the fire under control by this evening. The Navy is also at the scene since last night," he said. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party chief K Annamalai said on Saturday opposed the spread of the false news on the attack on the people from Bihar in the state, saying that Tamils don't support "separatism" and "vile hatred" against north Indians. "It is disheartening to see fake news spread in social media about attacks on Migrant workers in Tamil Nadu. We, the Tamil people, believe in the concept of "The World is One" and do not endorse the separatism and vile hatred against our North Indian friends," Annamalai said in a series of tweets. He further said that the Hotel Owners Association and the South India Mills' Association have already put out a statement explaining how migrant workers are an integral part of their organisation and the measures taken by them to ensure their welfare. He further held the ruling DMK government responsible for the current situation in the state. "DMK's MPs' vile comments on North Indians, DMK minister calling them Panipuri wala, and their alliance partners demanding their exodus have triggered what we see today," he added. He further said that the people, the Government and the police, do not endorse the views of DMK and their alliance partners. "The general populace in Tamil Nadu is acceptive and welcoming of the contribution of our migrant brothers and sisters in the infrastructure development, manufacturing industry and service sector," he added. Hitting out at the state government, Annamalai said that the "divide" that DMK always stood for is coming back to bite them. "The divide that DMK always stood for is coming back to bite them, and it is now their responsibility to fix this situation and is an opportunity for them to put an end to their defunct propaganda," he added. However, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday said that those who are spreading rumours that migrant workers are being attacked in Tamil Nadu are against the nation and are causing harm to the integrity of the country. He further said that it is highly condemnable that some people are indulging in such dirty politics on social media. "Those who spread rumours that migrant workers are being attacked in Tamil Nadu are against the Indian nation; they cause harm to the integrity of the country. It is highly condemnable that some people are indulging in doing such dirty politics on social media on an issue that does not exist," said Stalin. Stalin said that in this regard, he has spoken to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and assured him "that all the workers in the State are our own workers, they help us in the development of our state and that no harm will happen to them." The Chief Minister said that Tamil Nadu is known for its hospitality and supports people who come and settle here. (ANI)
The newly elected BJP MLA from Dhanpur, and the Union Minister of State (MoS) Pratima Bhoumik on Saturday, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave identity to the northeast which was suffering from an 'identity crisis'. It is pertinent to note that Pratima Bhoumik won from the seat of Dhanpur which was considered a Communist Party of India (Marxist) bastion in the recently held Tripura Assembly polls. After this, her name is being speculated as the next Tripura Chief Minister and the first woman CM of the state. Talking to ANI, she said, "The Dhanpur seat has been a CPI (M) bastion for 50 years. Although, the people trusted the party CPI(M) didn't deliver as per the people's expectations. But under PM Modi's Double Engine government, we have taken the benefits to the people." "We have delivered on every front whether it is electricity, water, roads, colleges or sustainable lives for women. PM Modi had promised that we will do even more development than what we did in the first five years, and people believed him," Bhoumik added. On being asked about the speculations of being the next Tripura CM, the Union MoS said, "I am a dedicated party worker, and it is only because of the party that I am sitting in front of you. I contested the elections under the party's instructions, and the party is my mother. So, one shouldn't be speculating anything. I will do whatever the party will say." She said that PM Modi has been spreading the message of woman empowerment after which women also voted for BJP in large numbers. "There was not even a woman MLA from Nagaland, but PM Modi sent one of our sisters to Rajya Sabha. This time, the first woman MLA has also been elected from Nagaland, and 12 MLAs from Tripura. All this is under our Prime Minister's message of woman empowerment. There are 11 women in PM Modi's cabinet, and this time, women have also voted for BJP in large numbers," she said. Pratima Bhoumik also remarked that PM Modi gave identity to the North-East, which was otherwise undergoing an 'identity crisis'. "Except Assam, the whole Northeast was under an identity crisis. PM Modi has given us identity. The whole world knows where is Tripura, Arunachal, Nagaland or Manipur. Under PM Modi, 360-degree development has been carried out under the HIRA+ model in Tripura. We all aim to work for the people under the 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'," she further said. Tripura BJP chief Rajib Bhattacharjee, while talking about the speculations of Pratima Bhoumik becoming the next Tripura CM, said, "The decision will be taken in the legislative party meet. Wait for 1-2 days during which we will make a decision. There is no dearth of leaders in BJP and we have worked as a team in this poll." Notably, in the recently held Tripura Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power by winning an absolute majority. According to the Election Commission of India, BJP won 32 seats with a vote share of around 39 per cent. Tipra Motha Party came second by winning 13 seats. Communist Party of India (Marxist) got 11 seats while Congress bagged three seats. The Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) managed to open its account by winning one seat. The CPI(M) and the Congress, arch rivals in Kerala, came together in the Northeast this time in a bid to oust the BJP from power. The combined vote share of CPI(M) and Congress remained around 33 per cent. The BJP, which had never won a single seat in Tripura before 2018, stormed to power in the last election in alliance with IPFT and ousted the Left Front which had been in power in the border state for 35 years since 1978. The BJP contested 55 seats and its ally, IPFT, on six seats. But both allies had fielded candidates in the Ampinagar constituency in the Gomati district. The Left contested 47 and Congress on 13 seats, respectively. Of the total 47 seats, the CPM contested 43 seats while the Forward Bloc, Communist Party of India (CPI) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) contested one seat each. The CPI(M)-led Left Front ruled the state for nearly four decades, with a gap between 1988 and 1993, when the Congress was in power but this time both parties joined hands with the intention to oust BJP from power. (ANI)
Kanadia Police Station in-charge, Jagdish Prasad Jamre, said, "The gang was running a fake currency racket and were trying to bring in fake currencies from Ludhiana to spend it on liquor shops here in Indore."

As per the police, cash worth Rs 28,000 in Rs 500 currency notes was seized from the four accused during the raid.

The four accused have been identified as Sandeep Singh, Vikas Singh, Maninder Sharma and Rahul Lodhi. The four were caught while they were giving fake notes at the liquor ship.

During interrogation, accused Sandeep said that he had brought the fake notes from Sunny of Ludhiana.

The accused Sunny will also be brought from Ludhiana to Indore for questioning, the police said.

Further investigation is underway in the case. (ANI)
The Spearhead Division of the Indian Army under the aegis of Spear Corps organised an Ex-Servicemen Rally at Likabali on Saturday. Conducted after a gap of two years owing to the pandemic, the rally aimed at resolving grievances in the disbursement of pensions, providing assistance in legal cases and in various other issues being faced by the veterans and veer naris. Two Veer Naris, one Veer Mata, one Special Child and 1500 Ex-Servicemen and their dependents from 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh and two districts of Assam attended the event. GOC Spearhead Division and other dignitaries present at the occasion interacted with Veer Naris, Ex-Servicemen and their dependents. Stalls which catered for various aspects such as ECHS, Resettlement, Sainik Boards, SPARSH & AADHAR help lines, Records Offices and Army Placement Organisation were set up. A Medical Camp was also organised as part of the rally where various specialists provided medical advice and check-up to the veterans. GOC Spearhead Division recalled the invaluable services rendered by the veterans and the supreme sacrifice made by the fallen soldiers in service of the nation. He also apprised the pensioners and others about various welfare schemes and thanked the civil administration for extending wholehearted support for the successful conduct of the event. (ANI)
The Tamil Nadu Police Enforcement Bureau has called for competitions to create awareness against drugs by asking the general public to produce 'Gaana', 'Reels', and 'Remixes' against drugs and its menace on the subject, 'anti-drug abuse'.

Participants can send in their entries till March 15, to the email id: anibcidcyber@gmail.com. The first three winners will be provided cash prizes of Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 15,000 respectively.

The police in a statement said that all valid entries will be provided a certificate of participation and appreciation.

This move is part of the Bureau's drive against drugs in an all-out manner. The Bureau has been taking stringent action against drug peddlers and has been organising awareness programmes regularly.

The police have also created 14,000 anti-drug clubs in educational institutions across the state.

The Enforcement Bureau conducted a concerted anti-drugs drive on August 11, 2022 and a mass pledge on anti-drugs was organised across the state.

More than 74 lakh students had participated in the pledge administered by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

--IANS aal/fs/pgh

( 206 Words)

2023-03-04-21:58:03 (IANS)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that people of the three northeastern states where elections were recently held have reiterated their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While talking to ANI, the Assam CM said, "The people have reiterated their trust in PM Modi. Except for Meghalaya, this is the second time the NDA-BJP has won in the two states. This clearly ensures that we will at least win 25-26 seats in the Lok Sabha as well. This win is because of PM Modi's efforts in the Northeast. We have repeated our success in almost all states of the Northeast." On Greater Tipraland demand, the CM said, "First and foremost, Tripura cannot be divided. It will stay one. However, the issues of tribals should also be addressed. I believe that the new Government of Tripura and the Central Government will together address their grievances and if needed will work with Tipra Motha too." CM Sarma also launched an attack on the Left-Congress alliance and said, "There is no problem with their alliance. Left and Congress never stood a chance, only hype was created around their alliance. Elections took place and the hype was exposed." The Chief Minister also informed about the swearing-in ceremony in the northeastern states. He said, "As far as I know, the ceremony in Tripura will be held on March 8. While the ceremony will be conducted in Nagaland and Meghalaya on March 7." "The BJP leaders in Tripura have invited the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for the oath ceremony. PM loves the northeast and the people here. I am sure PM Modi will come," he added. Sarma also exuded confidence in the new Tripura government to successfully tackle post-poll violence in the state. He said, "This is the issue of the state. I believe that in a democracy once the voting is done, there should not be conflict or violence. I am sure the government of Tripura will manage the situation well. Law and order is the first priority of any state government." CM Sarma also thanked the people of the three states for supporting the BJP. With the declaration of results for the Tripura Assembly polls on Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power in the state by winning an absolute majority. According to the Election Commission of India, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 32 seats with a vote share of around 39 per cent. Tipra Motha Party came second by winning 13 seats. Communist Party of India (Marxist) got 11 seats while Congress bagged three seats. The Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) managed to open its account by winning one seat. The CPI(M) and the Congress, arch rivals in Kerala, came together in the Northeast this time in a bid to oust the BJP from power. The combined vote share of CPI(M) and Congress remained around 33 per cent. Chief Minister Manik Saha defeated Congress' Asish Kumar Saha from the Town Bordowali seat by a margin of 1,257 votes. In the 60-member Tripura assembly, the majority mark is 31. The BJP, which had never won a single seat in Tripura before 2018, stormed to power in the last election in alliance with IPFT and had ousted the Left Front which had been in power in the border state for 35 years since 1978. The BJP contested on 55 seats and its ally, IPFT, on six seats. But both allies had fielded candidates in the Ampinagar constituency in the Gomati district. The Left contested on 47 and Congress on 13 seats, respectively. Of the total 47 seats, the CPM contested 43 seats while the Forward Bloc, Communist Party of India (CPI) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) contested one seat each. The CPI(M)-led Left Front ruled the state for nearly four decades, with a gap between 1988 and 1993, when the Congress was in power but now both parties joined hands with the intention to oust BJP from power. In Nagaland, BJP secured 12 seats, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won 25 seats and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) bagged seven seats. National People's Party (NPP) won five seats. Naga Peoples Front, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Republican Party of India (Athawale) won two seats each. Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) got one seat. The majority mark in 60-seat Nagaland Assembly is 31. In Meghalaya, the National People's Party (NPP) won 26 seats, United Democratic Party (UDP) bagged 11 seats and Trinamool Congress got five seats. BJP, People's Democratic Front and Hill State People's Democratic Party bagged two seats each. Congress managed to get five seats while the Voice of the People Party got four seats. Two seats were won by independent candidates. (ANI)
The testing and demonstration of the jetpack suits made by British company 'Gravity Industries' were held recently at the Army Airborne Training School (AATS) in Agra.

Richard Browning, the founder of Gravity Industries, gave a demo of the jetpack system to the Indian Army.

The Indian Aerospace Defence News (IADN) shared a video on Twitter showing the Gravity Industries founder flying over a water body, road and fields in Agra.

The jetpack suit has three jet engines - one on the back and the other two on each hand, which helps the person to navigate in the air.

The Army had issued a request for the purchase of 44 jetpack suits through the fast-track procedure.

According to officials, the AATS imparts training in the aerial distribution of materials in various fields. Research and testing related to para-dropping are also carried out at the AATS.

A jetpack suit is a device that propels the wearer through the air. The device uses gas or liquid as fuel.

The testing of the jetpack suit in the country comes at a time when the Army is focusing on strengthening its overall surveillance mechanism along the nearly 3,500-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Especially after the dispute with Chinese troops on the eastern Ladakh border.

The jetpack suit is worn like a backpack and can carry a person weighing not more than 80 kg. It has a maximum speed of 50 km per hour.

--IANS gcb/prw/sha

( 287 Words)

2023-03-04-22:16:04 (IANS)
Underlining the fact that Maldives' foreign policy is based on "India first", Foriegn Minister Abdullah Shahid on Friday described the relationship with India as "special" and said that Indian leadership internationally has been outstanding, adding that New Delhi established itself by supporting and assisting countries at the time of need. He went forward and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and quoted his statement that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly stated that the G20 is not only the 20 countries sitting around the table." "For Maldives, India is special. Our foreign policy is based on India first for reasons I've told you before-we've no enemies but are friends to all," Abdulla Shahid said while speaking to ANI. The Maldives' Foreign Minister said that India is the largest population, and fastest-growing economy and is the chair of the G20. Applauding the stature acquired by India globally, he said, "India's leadership internationally has been outstanding and that's for everyone to see how India established itself." "India's leadership internationally is being talked about and respected by everyone around the world. We are very happy that we have a neighbour that has a neighbourhood-first policy and is ready to reach out, India is a time-tested friend of ours. For every emergency we have had in the Maldives, India has been the first responder, he said while elaborating how India's neighbourhood-first policy has benefitted it. "The generosity with which India has reached out to us during the 1988 mercenary attack, 2004 tsunami, and 2015 water crisis and most recently in the COVID-19 pandemic is amazing. We are very grateful how India had reached out to us," he added. He also mentioned India's support to Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake and said, "India dispatched rescue personnel immediately. Indian leadership appreciated throughout world." Listing out the major connectivity projects undertaken by India, he said, "Ongoing great Himalaya connectivity bridge project is going to be a symbol of friendship between India and Maldives." The foreign minister also referred to other projects that are underway in the Maldives, ranging from small community projects to mega projects like bridges, airports, hospitals, water and sewerage projects in the islands, and housing projects. However, he said, "it would be unfair to single out the importance of any one of them." Abdullah Shahid said that India's presidency of the G20 is being seen around the world as an opportunity which Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly stated that the G20 is not only the 20 countries sitting around the table. On asking about the gesture of inviting all the neighbours to the G20 summit, Maldives' Foreign Minister said that India has the neighbourhood first policy and Maldives is delighted to be a part of Indian chairmanship G20. Speaking on India-Maldives relations he said very firmly that Maldives is not a competing playground for anyone. He said that "Maldives has a very special relationship with India, Prime Minister Modi was there (Maldives) for President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's swearing-in ceremony in 2018 and President Solih visited India for a state visit in December the same year and since then very high-level visits and contacts have taken place," he added while emphasizing the deepening of ties between both the countries. Speaking further, he said, "Trust and confidence in the leadership of both nations have been extremely good. People like us and EAM Jaishankar have to make sure we deliver on the commitments made by the leaders. I am very happy we both have been able to deliver as well. As a result, I would say that the relationship between India and Maldives has never been better". On meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, he said that the EAM was in Maldives in January. "I'm meeting him here again so it's just that we will recap and make sure we are on the right trajectory," he mentioned. On comparing the relationship of Maldives with India and China, he said that for Maldives, India is special. Maldives' foreign policy is based on "India-first". "We have no enemies and we work with everyone," he said. (ANI)
The agitators blocked the Dhaka-Panchagarh highway and attacked Ahmadiya people as well as the police. Several people, including three policemen, were injured in the attacks.

The police had beefed up security in the area in the wake of the protest call given by the agitators after the Ahmadiyya community announced a three-day 'Jalsa Salana', a religious gathering of the minority Muslim community.

Militant leaders and members of various Islamist organisations led the protest but were stopped by the police in front of the Jama Masjid along the highway at the Chowrangi junction of the district.

The militants torched a traffic police box at Dhakkamara in Panchagarh. Police and Border Guard Bangladesh vehicles were also damaged in the attacks by the Islamists.

More than 100 houses and shops belonging to the Ahmadiyya community members were torched and vandalised during the attack.

Abdul Latif Mia, chief of Panchagarh Sadar police station, told IANS that the attack began after the Islamists started throwing brickbats at the law enforcers.

As tension mounted, shop owners pulled down their shutters across the town. The militants also burnt tyres on some roads.

S.M. Sirajul Huda, Superintendent of Police in the northern district, said the law enforcers were trying their best to bring the situation under control.

--IANS sumi/arm

( 254 Words)

2023-03-03-23:28:03 (IANS)
A shooting incident occurred at a Baku supermarket on March 4, 2023, Azernews reports.

An operational group is investigating the incident in Baku's Xatai district, the press service of the Interior Ministry reports.

The investigation is underway and measures are being taken to arrest a person/persons suspected of committing the crime. Additional information will be provided.

***

In connection with the incident, the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor-General's Office, the Department of Criminalistics, and the employees of the Xatai District Prosecutor's Office have been at the scene.

An investigation is being conducted into the crime by the prosecutor's office.

According to the information received by the Administration of the Regional Medical Divisions, two people wounded in the shooting were hospitalized at Sabunchu Medical Center.

The Administration said one person, Hasanov Rufat, who was shot in the head, died at the scene.

Additional information will be provided to the public.
Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar has called for cooperation and a framework where like-minded nations work together to shape the future of technology. While speaking at the panel discussion on "Materials That Matter: Battle for Securing Critical Supply Chain during the Raisina Dialogue 2023 on Friday, he said that India has been moving into an era where the nation is aspiring to become a semiconductor nation. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Tadashi Maeda, Chairman of the Board, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) also participated in the discussion. "We are certainly moving into an era as India where for the first time, we are aspiring to be a semiconductor nation. So conversations like this are suddenly becoming more important to us. It wasn't for the last decade," Chandrashekhar said. "And so with the first fab and hopefully multiple fabs coming up in India and larger electronics ecosystem, these issues become a lot more pressing and important. And certainly that's why I reiterate that there is a need for more cooperation and a framework where like-minded nations work together to shape the future of technology," he added. Responding to a question regarding the Indian perspective on technology and innovation, he said, "I think we see innovation, we see the digital economy as increasingly a bigger and bigger piece of what we do, what we experience in India, and we predict the same for the rest of the world." He further said, "But, we are absolutely clear, and we say this again during the G20 with Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, that the world is one family, that we have to figure out some institutional framework where instead of these occasional conversations about the problems that we are in, that we sit down and have a decade long perspective on technology, innovation, talent, risk and materials and resources." Rajeev Chandrashekhar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on many occasions called for the need for the democracies of the world to work together and shape the future of technology in general and innovation in particular. He stressed that the future of Tech is going to be more intense in the coming decade. "We have been for some years and our government under Prime Minister has been very loudly and from as many occasions as possible talking about the need for the democracies of the world to work together and shape the future of technology in general and innovation in particular whether that is semiconductors and electronics whether that is on the Internet," Rajeev Chandrashekhar said. "There are so many areas that in a lot of ways that we have as individual governments allowed this thing to get away from us and then find ourselves in these problematic situations where there is this concentration of electronics capabilities and capacities in a particular geography. We suddenly wake up and find that a certain country has marched well ahead of the rest of the world on AI and are threatening to swamp us. And certainly, I think as democracies we should be clear about certain clear goals in that the future of Tech and Tech is going to be only more intense and more disruptive in the coming decade," he added. In his remarks at the panel discussion on "Materials That Matter: Battle for Securing Critical Supply Chain", Rajeev Chandrashekhar said that there has always been a competition for resources. "I certainly don't think this is a battle. I think it's a competition. And I don't believe that this is some new phenomenon that we are seeing in the world. There's always been a competition for resources," Rajeev Chandrashekhar said. In the past, it was hydrocarbon energy and then we moved on to some things and it is certainly clear that in the last three, or four years this rapid acceleration of digitization has caused these demand spikes in areas that were not necessarily the spikes a few years ago or a decade ago," he added. He noted that there is a new world order that is emerging in electronics and semiconductors. He said that the new world order includes nations which were not there in the past. Rajeev Chandrashekhar said, "I think the bigger story is that there is this new world order that is emerging on electronics and semiconductors and participating in this new world order are countries that were not there in the past." He further said, "And so therefore there is this scramble, if you want to call it that, for these underlying resources and inputs that go into these industries." Union Minister said that he would refer to it as competition and not as a battle. (ANI)
A recent study has revealed that Bhutanese houses built with stone slabs are more prone to earthquakes in comparison to mud-rammed and concrete buildings, The Bhutan Live reported. The Department of Human Settlement has been carrying out the ongoing national earthquake safety assessment to check the resistance of houses to earthquakes with magnitudes between 6.1 to 6.9. According to the study, the stone-masonry buildings will not be safe if the country experiences an earthquake with a magnitude between 6.1 and 6.9. Bhutan's Department of Human Settlement has said that houses constructed with lighter materials like timber are safer in comparison to houses built with heavier materials like stone, as per The Bhutan Live report. Bishnu Pradhan, the officiating chief engineer of the Department of Human Settlement, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, has said that they have made a guideline called the Earthquake-Resilient Stone Masonry Construction guideline, as per the news report. Pradhan said that they provided training regarding the guidelines across the nation. "We have provided nationwide training on the guidelines, and today, its implementation has been improved," The Bhutan Live quoted Bishnu Pradhan as saying. Bishnu Pradhan stressed that the guidelines includes instructions for constructing houses that are safe against earthquakes. As per the news report, the guidelines cannot be made mandatory for all constructions in Bhutan as people in rural areas face difficulty in transporting raw materials."The main issue in the rural parts of the country is difficulty in transporting raw materials, since the movement of heavy vehicles is not possible in all areas. Although, people want to build houses according to the guidelines, this barrier is an impediment," The Bhutan Live quoted Bishnu Pradhan as saying. The Department of Human Settlement has been carrying out site visits and checking the new constructions to ensure that the structures are earthquake resistant. As per the news report, the department has analysed houses in 12 districts and assessments in the remaining districts will be completed by August this year. (ANI)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will embark on a state visit to India from March 8-11 to lock India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) deal while also upgrading the biletaral relationship. "At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, will pay a State Visit to India on 08-11 March 2023. He will be accompanied by Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Madeleine King, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, along with senior officials and a high-level business delegation," read a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This will be Albanese's first visit to India as prime minister. He will arrive in Ahmedabad on March 8, 2023, on the day of Holi, and also visit Mumbai on March 9 before heading to Delhi. " In Delhi, Prime Minister Albanese will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on March 10, 2023. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese will hold the Annual Summit to discuss areas of cooperation under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, besides regional and global issues of mutual interest," added the release. Albanese will also call on President Droupadi Murmu. India and Australia share warm and friendly relations based on common values and democratic principles. The strategic partnership between the two countries was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2020, which has been strengthened and deepened through frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced cooperation across sectors. Prime Minister Albanese's visit is expected to provide further momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, added the release. The two sides will carry out discussions on a variety of issues such as clean energy, tech, digital trade and procurements. The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into force on December 29, 2022. Under the pact, Australia was to offer zero-duty access to India for about 96.4 per cent of exports (by value) from the day the agreement is enforced. India will benefit from preferential market access provided by Australia on 100 per cent of its tariff lines, including all the labour-intensive sectors of export interest to India, such as Gems and Jewellery, Textiles, leather, footwear, furniture, food, and agricultural products, engineering products, medical devices and automobiles. India, on the other hand, will be offering preferential access to Australia on over 70 per cent of its tariff lines, including lines of export interest to Australia, which are primarily raw materials and intermediaries such as coal, mineral ores and wines. Earlier, the Australian PM also underscored the importance of defence partnership with India. "I look forward to strengthening that as well, as well as on security issues. Operation Malabar, of course, will occur in the coming period, which we are hosting. We have much to talk about today," added Albanese. Malabar, which began as a bilateral exercise, is now one of the cornerstones of military interoperability of the Quad forces. The Exercise Malabar is a Naval Exercise between India's, the United States, and Japan's navies. In recent years, Australia has also participated in the exercise, dubbed the 'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).' The exercise takes place in the Indian Ocean. Depending on the complexity and missions involved, the exercise lasts anywhere from 6 to 14 sea days. (ANI)
Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon on Saturday pinned her hope on India to stop the Russia-Ukraine war by negotiating for peace between the two sides. "The brutal Russian aggression in Ukraine has affected the whole world. I support all efforts that can bring together all sides to start negotiations for peace. India has to play the role of the country that protects the basic rules of solidarity & democracy in the world," said Fajon, Dy PM and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Slovenia. This is not the first time that a minister of a country has highlighted that India can play a central role in ending the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday said that India as president of G20 may play a central role in facilitating the negotiation process for cessation of hostilities for "just peace" in Ukraine. "We hope that India having a G20 presidency can play a central role in facilitating a negotiating process for the cessation of hostilities (in Ukraine). Keeping the multilateral community together is important and we hope the Indian presidency can do it even more," the Italian PM said. Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam on Friday said that India can play a critical role in resolving the Ukraine conflict. "India is in talking terms with both the parties of the war, that gives India's Presidency a unique position to bring, invite, work hard to bring them on the table and find a possible solution," said Alam. Moreover, international political strategist, Actum, US, Vlada Galan said that Raisina Dialogue is an incredible event and it brings together decision makers across the world. "India finds a unique position as a peacemaker. India is trusted from both sides in the equation both with the US and other international key stakeholders," said Galan. "India has to take steps as it has an amazing position as an international peacemaker and it is much much more trusted than China. India can do much more. It's Centre of Dialogue," added the international political strategist. (ANI)
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on an official visit to India for the G20 Foreign Ministers Meet and Raisina Dialogue, chose an auto-rickshaw over his bullet-proof cars to reach the US Embassy in Delhi. In one of Blinken's tweets, he can be seen coming out of a three-wheeler. "A pleasure to meet with our staff from @USAndIndia, @USAndHyderabad, @USAndKolkata, @USAndChennai, @USAndMumbai, and their families. I'm deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment to strengthen our people to people ties and advance the #USIndia strategic partnership," tweeted United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday. https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1631555002975019010?s=20 It seems that the US diplomats are loving their new 'personalized auto-rickshaws' as earlier, in November 2022, American women diplomats Ann L Mason, Ruth Holmberg, Shareen J Kitterman and Jennifer Bywaters left their bulletproof cars and took the Black and Pink three-wheelers for all their work including the 'official trips'. Even they drove themselves in auto-rickshaws to all their workplaces. Talking about their experience with ANI, Ann L Mason said, "From Detroit to my auto rickshaw, I've had a lifelong love of vehicles and so everywhere I've been there's been something special about a vehicle but really none more special in my opinion than an autorickshaw. When I was in Pakistan, before coming to India, I was in armoured vehicles and they were big, beautiful vehicles. But I would always look out on the street and I would see the autorickshaws going by and I always wanted to be in the autorickshaw. So when I got to India and had the opportunity to buy one, I took it immediately". "For me it was terrifying. Yes, learning to drive the autorickshaw was completely new for me. I had never driven any vehicle with a clutch, never driven a motorcycle only automatic cars, my whole life", she said when asked about how hard was it to learn, maintain an auto and get a license. Shareen J Kitterman, born in the south Indian state of Karnataka and holding US citizenship flaunts her pink autorickshaws with flower magnets, said that she was inspired by the Mexican Ambassador who too had an auto with a driver. She has also tied colourful tassels to both sides of her auto and stuck flags of the United States and India near the windshield. "When I was in US planning to come to New Delhi, I'd heard about the Mexican Ambassador. Ten years ago, she had an auto and she had a driver. That's when I started thinking about it. When I came here, I saw Ann who had an auto, so when I own an auto, I want to drive it. So, that was my whole goal", said Shareen. Mexican Ambassador Melba Pria was the one who started the trend when she made a white-colored rick her official vehicle. (ANI)
China is prioritising ending the exorbitant "bride prices" practice in a desperate attempt to encourage its married citizens to have more children to prop up the fast-declining population rate, reported Insideover. According to a recent survey, unmarried young people over 30 are widespread in China. Many young men and women in cities choose to be single, while many young men in rural areas are eliminated from the marriage market, reported Sina Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website. Federico Giuliani writing in Insideover said that China has an unenviable challenge at hand in the form of discouraging would-be brides from charging exorbitant "bride prices" unable to pay which prospective grooms are backing out of marriage. Bride money has emerged as a social ill and the communist government has launched campaigns, for example, in several cities and prefectures in east China's Jiangxi province, famous for bridal money, to make young women refuse the local custom. Videos that have gone viral show dozens of women, possibly in their 20s and 30s, making vows that they do not ask for cars, houses, or plenty of cash when they get married. The move is aimed at eliminating obstacles to marriages for higher birth rates. China's population is shrinking for the first time in more than six decades in 2022, which is a serious demographic crisis for the country with significant implications for its slowing economy, CNN Business reported. According to data surveyed in late January last month show that unmarried youths over the age of 30 are very common among men and women. China unveiled its key policy document or No. 1 central document for 2023 recently, vowing to launch a special campaign against problems including exorbitant "bride prices" and extravagant wedding ceremonies as part of nationwide efforts to strengthen the construction of public cultural-ethical standards in the country's rural areas, reported Giuliani. The "bride price" has risen from a token amount to very high levels, particularly in poorer areas, and the nature of the traditional custom has changed a lot over the years. Some families in rural areas or low-income families are forced to exhaust their entire savings to get their sons married. Some young couples, once in a good relationship, have fallen out over high betrothal prices, and some have broken up, reported Insideover. The imbalance of the male-to-female ratio, especially in rural areas, partially due to the concept of families preferring sons over daughters. The problem is so highly manifest in China now that the government is worried if it is allowed to continue and males do not have the financial capacity to marry, that may negatively impact the already declining population, said Giuliani. (ANI)
The ranking was revealed on March 2 at Brand Finance's Global Soft Power Conference in London, where delegates debated the significance of soft power in international politics and business.

"This annual report on Soft Power focuses on the ability to influence others through appeal or persuasion rather than coercion. It includes a wide variety of instruments, including business and commerce, government, foreign relations, culture and history, media and communication, education and science, the nation's character, and promoting its values," said Brand Finance Chairman and CEO David Haigh.

According to Astana Times, in an interview with Brand Finance, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko said that the country's reputation has been strengthened by ongoing reforms to build a Just and Fair Kazakhstan, commitment to the resolution of global issues, and the success of Kazakh athletes, artists, and talented youth.

"Being a nation at the core of Eurasia between East and West, we feel it is our duty to foster cooperation between all parties. We seek to strengthen our status as a vital facilitator of global trade, partnerships, and peacekeeping," Vassilenko added.

The Global Soft Power Index is the world's most extensive research study on impressions of nation brands, polling over 100,000 respondents from 121 countries, reported The Astana Times. (ANI)
It is almost inevitable that censorship on social, political, and religious subjects will impact AI-generated material in China, and there is evidence that it already has, writes Federico Giuliani in Insideover. Recently, China instructed big tech companies not to offer access to ChatGPT services on their platforms, either directly or via third parties, people with direct knowledge of the matter told Nikkei Asia. Tencent Holdings and Ant Group, the fintech affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding, have been instructed not to offer access to ChatGPT services on their platforms. The sources added that tech companies will also need to report to regulators before they launch their own ChatGPT-like services. ChatGPT, developed by Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI, is not officially available in China. Still, some internet users have been able to access it using a virtual private network (VPN), reported Nikkei Asia. Inside the nation, political content monitoring, censorship, and public surveillance are frequently carried out using AI-driven methods, reported Insideover. A machine-learning tool's outputs will reflect the omissions and biases of the severely regulated and propaganda-infused information environment of the nation if it is primarily pulling information from within China's infamous Great Firewall. Researchers Margaret Roberts and Eddie Yang, for instance, discovered disparities in viewpoint between a natural language processing system trained on articles from Baidu's Baike online encyclopedia and an alternative that was based on the worldwide, uncensored Chinese-language Wikipedia. Election and democracy were positively assessed by the globally trained algorithm or linked to words like "stability." Contrarily, individuals who had been schooled in Baidu Baike gave good evaluations to the keywords "surveillance" and "CCP" and connected concepts like "democracy" with unfavourable adjectives like "chaos." Users like dissident artist Badiucao spotted loopholes and manipulation when Chinese tech giant Baidu released its ERNIE-ViLG text-to-image generator in 2022, reported Giuliani. In fact, Chinese IT and social media businesses each have their own private blacklists and techniques for censorship in practice, despite the fact that the government and CCP give detailed regulations and instructions on censorship. Users in China have had only limited access to ChatGPT as users across the world experiment with it. The Great Firewall has not yet stopped it, although logging on requires a phone number from one of a select group of nations outside of China. For instance, the ERNIE-Bot from Baidu is rumoured to debut next month. Censorship and other forms of manipulation are likely to be visible in the chatbot's output as well, given the company's severely regulated search engine and the discoveries surrounding its AI text-to-image generator reported Insideover. Users should be on the lookout for any unintentional errors that go against the CCP's desires given that ERNIE-Bot is apparently educated on worldwide data, warned Giuliani. (ANI)
Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa once again came under the grip of terrorism as recently a person, whom the official termed as a "terrorist" was killed in an exchange of fire, Dawn reported citing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). As per the ISPR press release, "During the conduct of the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists. Resultantly, one terrorist was killed. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorist." The ISPR added the slain militant was "actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces and killing of innocent citizens". "Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the area," the press release reads. The exchange of fire comes amid a surge in terrorist activities across the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November, reported Dawn. In February, 5 officers were killed and 3 injured in North Waziristan, Kohlu and Chaman, while 2 terrorists were also killed. 4 miners were killed and 3 injured by firing in Harnai, Pakistani vernacular media Jasarat reported. On the other hand, unknown persons opened fire at the Levies checkpoint in Sahabat Khan village in Chaman, which is adjacent to the Afghan border, where one official was killed. The assailants escaped. A child was killed and 2 others were injured due to a bomb blast in the village of Duja Ghondai in the tribal district of South Waziristan. According to initial reports, the bomb was planted near the road. Last night in Dera Ismail Khan, terrorists attacked the Roori police check post of Kalachi police station with heavy weapons in which 2 police officers Attaullah and Nimatullah were injured, the terrorists were repulsed by the effective retaliatory fire from the police, reported Jasarat. Meanwhile, a US State Department report has warned that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) aims to push the government of Pakistan out of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and establish Sharia by waging a terrorist campaign against the military and state, Pakistan-based Dawn newspaper reported. According to the 2021 Country Reports on Terrorism, the TTP uses the tribal belt along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to train and deploy its operatives. (ANI)
Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan, on Saturday, said that India and Armenia's relationships are developing fast and both nations could achieve more in terms of trade, economy, investment, culture and tourism. While talking to ANI, Safaryan said, "Since last year, we've been trying to take our relations to the next level. For the past 30 years relations between India and Armenia developing very fast. We could achieve more in terms of trade, economy, investment, culture & tourism." Safaryan, who attended the Raisina Dialogue, is one of the keynote speakers at the Panel Discussion on "Peace In Pieces: New Pathways For a UN That Works." The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has recently (in May 2022) made headlines in the wake of the ongoing Ukraine war. The region has been a recurrent bone of contention between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The region, located in the south Caucasus region, is a forested region which geographically has been a part of Azerbaijan, however, it is dominated by the Armenians. Armenia already controls more than 20 per cent of Azerbaijan's territory, and as a result, the country's administration is dealing with tense situations both domestically and regionally. Armenia and India celebrated 30 years of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2022. Armenia and India maintain active political ties. Effective cooperation exists between the two nations within international bodies. After Armenia's independence in 1991, Armenian-Indian relations were reestablished.Diplomatic relations were established between the Republic of Armenia and India in 1992.In 1999, the Indian Embassy in Yerevan began operations. If the Armenian-Indian political relations can be evaluated as "excellent", Armenia is the only Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country with which India had diplomatic relations in 1995 (other than Russia). The CIS was founded in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. At present the CIS unites Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. India and Armenia signed a Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation in 1995.But the trade and economic cooperation between the two countries cannot be deemed adequate. Armenia can play an important role in the Indian-backed International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Iranian-backed Black Sea-Persian Gulf Transport Corridor. (ANI)
The famous photojournalist Reza Deghati visited the National Museum of Azerbaijan History, Azernews reports.

During the meeting with the management of the museum, discussions were held regarding future cooperation with Reza Deghati.

Then Reza Degati got acquainted with the exhibits of the museum, visited Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev's house-museum and the exhibition "Kharibulbul's homeland - Shusha".
The United Arab Emirates government has decided not to renew the visas to Pakistanis parents who deprive their children of the right to education, Geo News reported. While talking in a television interview, UAE Consul General in Karachi Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi asserted the importance of education for children. "The UAE government has decided to take action against parents who violate laws protecting children," he added. The Emirati envoy also said, "Wadeema law is for Pakistanis who possess a work or residence visa." He also stated that those who violate the law can be deported from the UAE."In the future, visas will be granted to Pakistanis who will assure full implementation of Wadeema law," he added. During the interview, Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi said that the country has decided to place stringent measures in order to make people follow Wadeema law, according to Geo News. "Under the Wadeema law, a large number of Pakistanis who possess work visas in the UAE are violating laws regarding children's rights," he said. He further stated that the Wadeema law defines the children's right to education and a huge number of Pakistanis are depriving their children of the right by making their children sit at home. "The government has made tough decisions in this regard at an important meeting in the past," he said, adding that the rules regarding the rights of children with families living in the UAE must be strictly enforced. He urged expatriate Pakistani parents in the UAE to ensure their children's education and protect their rights including those related to health and freedoms. The consul general also told Geo News that the UAE houses a population of 16 to 17 million Pakistanis. Commenting on whether the law applies to other Pakistanis, Al-Remeithi said that there is no such restriction on Pakistani nationals applying for a visit visa, reported Geo News. "The UAE government will welcome Pakistan coming to the UAE on a tourist visa and there is no restriction on them from visiting the country," the envoy clarified. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday accused General (retd) Qamar Jawed Bajwa of "backstabbing" him, and asserted that the former army chief should be court-martialled. He complained that General (retd) Bajwa had spoken against Moscow right after he had gone there for a visit following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, the news.com reported. Imran Khan also said that he felt that the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir was treating him like an enemy. "The establishment does not understand what politics is," he said while speaking to journalists here at his residence, just days after his return from Islamabad where he secured bail in three cases. Khan said that he had "no fight with the establishment" and was willing to talk to them for the betterment of the country. "However, if anyone thinks I will bow down to them, that cannot happen. I can't help it if no one is interested in talking," he explained while speaking on the corruption charges against him. About the corruption cases against him, the former prime minister said, "The cases of corruption against me and my wife cannot be proved," adding that if the COAS doubted his integrity so much, he should look into it personally. He would find that "I am, indeed, innocent of any corruption [charges]". Khan also maintained that it was essential for the country's army to be strong. The news.com also reported that Imran Khan also spoke about the upcoming general election and said, "We [PTI] will win the election despite Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) umpires." He declared that overseas Pakistanis stand with his party and would keep supporting it. In response to a query regarding his recent trip to Islamabad when he was due to appear in four courts, Khan said that the decision to travel to the Capital by road, instead of air, was made late at night. "There was news that they wanted to arrest me from the airport and take me to Balochistan." The PTI chief expressed concerns that his life was still in danger and said that "those who should protect" him were instead putting him in danger. He also said that going to jail would earn the party more votes. Khan also said that women, who had been elected on reserved seats, also wanted to be considered as candidates for the post of the Punjab chief minister. "If the decision for the post is made now, there will be a massacre," he added. (ANI)
Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe "father" of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, Australia's ex-PM Tony Abbott, on Saturday, said that the Quad is almost a unique product and the "world should be immensely grateful to both of them." While talking to ANI, Abbott said that Quad is the most important strategic development in the world since the formation of NATO. He further said that Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi are the only Asian leader who could have initiated the Quad. "So I think 2 fathers of QUAD are Shinzo Abe and Modi and the world should be immensely grateful to both of them," Australia's former PM said. Talking about the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Abbott said, "It is getting stronger and stronger over time. The ECTA - Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement - that we have finalised last year symbolises this new strength." "I also think that the cavalcade of Australian ministers who have been in Delhi over the last couple of weeks - and the PM is coming in just a week or so - is also highly symbolic of the strength and the relationship," he added. Talking about the relationship with New Delhi, the former PM said that India is an increasingly close strategic partner. India is a country which has always been a natural partner for Australia, he said. Meanwhile, regarding its relations with China, Abbott said, "Australia has nothing against Chinese people. They are everywhere, we just wanted to get ahead of the problem Chinese communist party, which is aggressively pursuing global domination. China is bullying all its neighbours and casting a deeply malevolent eye on Taiwan. I have to say that any attempt by China to take Taiwan would be horrific by several orders of magnitude. It would be greater than the conflict in Ukraine. We have to collectively raise the cost to Beijing of any aggression across the Taiwan strait." "I am confident that this will help to showcase India not just as a regional power but as the world's second democratic superpower I think this is very much a side of India's strategic and diplomatic age," he said while talking about the G20 presidency. Yesterday, Australia's former PM, in the panel discussion on 'Materials that Matter: Battle for Securing Critical Supply Chains' during Raisina Dialogue, said that China uses trade as a weapon in a way that almost no other country does. The former Australian PM said that China wants the whole world to be dependent on it but it wants to be independent of the world. "China wants the rest of the world to be dependent on it and it wants to be completely independent for its part of the rest of the world. And this is part of the clearly stated objective of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) to be the world's number one power by mid-century. And I think we have to appreciate that China uses trade as a weapon in a way that almost no other country does. So I think we have to be very conscious of just how exposed we could be," Abbott said. (ANI)
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Saturday said that cross-border issues like increasing infiltration, and cattle smuggling are the concerns of both India and Bangladesh while assuring that the Director General of Police (DGP) of both the countries are working hard to control these kinds of issues which "will soon be dropped to zero". "It's the problem of both sides. It's not only from the side of Bangladesh. Bangladesh's Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) DGP and India's Border Security Force (BSF) DGP are working hard to control these kinds of issues and soon we will be able to drop down to zero," Asaduzzaman Khan told ANI in reply to a question on what steps are being taken from the Bangladeshi side on cross-border issues like increasing infiltration, and cattle smuggling. The Bangladeshi Home Minister made the remarks while participating in the Retreat ceremony at Petrapol. He was accompanied by the newly appointed DG BGB Major General A K M Nazmul and IPS, Inspector General, South Bengal Frontier, BSF Atul Fulzele. Petrapole is the Indian side of the Petrapole-Benapole border checkpoint between India and Benapole of Bangladesh, on the Bangladesh-India border. During the occasion as a gesture of good relations, flowers, bouquets and sweets were exchanged by officials from both countries. Asaduzzaman on the occasion, while speaking exclusively to ANI, about India-Bangladesh relations, said: "We have very old relations, we feel India is with us and we support India in whatever decisions they take." Atul Fulzele, IPS, Inspector General, South Bengal Frontier while speaking to ANI about the Retreat ceremony, said: "This initiative has been taken to the border children to show how border forces work so that they get attracted towards border security forces ..we showcase weapon exhibition to show border rules that forces are playing to safeguard the border integrity. We take them to retreat ceremony to show how both the border security forces are friendly and working jointly to safeguard the border." The Petrapole-Benapole Border Ceremony takes place every evening from 1630-1700 hrs. During the Director General Level Talks held in March, 2013 at New Delhi between Border Security Force and Border Guards Bangladesh, it was decided to commence Joint Retreat Ceremony at Integrated Check Posts (ICP) Benapole-Petrapole in the first phase and subsequently at Burimari-Changrabands, Akhaura-Agartala and Banglabandha-Phulbari, between troops of BSF & BGB. Petrapole-Benapole Joint Retreat Ceremony was inaugurated on November 6, 2013 by the then Home Minister at ICP Petrapole in the presence of Home Minister of Bangladesh. It is a daily military exercise similar to the Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony and engages soldiers of Border Security Force (India) and the Border Guard Bangladesh, BSF statement reads. The timings of the Joint Retreat Ceremony may vary as per timings of sunset. This Joint Retreat Ceremony of 30 minutes resulting in the lowering of the national flags of India and Bangladesh is jointly conducted by BSF (Border Security Force) and BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh).(ANI)
Microsoft's Satya Nadella, Alphabet's Sundar Pichai, and the top bosses of IBM, Adobe, Palo Alto Networks, VMWare and Vimeo all have a common denominator. They are all of Indian origin, Bhutan Live reported. As per the statistics, there are four million minorities and among them, the Indian-born Silicon valley CEOs are among the wealthiest and most educated in the US, Bhutan Live wrote. About a million of them are scientists and engineers. More than 70% of H-1B visas, and work permits for foreigners issued by the US go to Indian software engineers, and 40% of all foreign-born engineers in cities like Seattle are from India. The recently appointed CEO of Youtube is also of Indian Origin, Bhutan Live reported. Most of the CEOs come from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) which has an acceptance rate of less than two per cent. Only the topmost of Indian brains secure admission there and this speaks volumes about the quality of engineers who migrate to the USA. Bhutan Live reported that India has a good education system with a huge focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Indian immigrants are among the most highly educated in the US; 77.5% had a bachelor's degree or higher in 2016 - the highest share of any top-origin country - compared to 31.6% of native-born Americans. Engineers who go to the USA are usually from upper-middle-class families who can afford to go to English Medium school. So speaking flawless English makes it all the easier to assimilate and climb the American Corporate ladder. And thanks to their GRE score, a large chunk of them manage to get scholarships for their graduate programmes. As per US Officials, Bhutanese students usually pursue higher education in the United States mainly through government partnerships, and special scholarships offered through select institutions. According to officials from the Department of Adult and Higher Education (DAHE), Ministry of Education, there are 15 undergraduate (UG) scholarship students under government funding, 14 self-financing students and three undergoing postgraduate studies in the US. If Indian engineers are climbing such great ladders, then Bhutanese youth should also not stay behind, Bhutan Live wrote. (ANI)
India is expected to become a major international aviation hub, and it will also benefit Bhutan directly by being its immediate neighbour as India believes in the 'Neighbourhood first policy', the Bhutan Live Reported. In order to renovate the Air India fleet and overcome the losses caused due to the pandemic, the Tata Group will buy 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. With the Boeing order estimated at USD 34 billion and the Airbus deal at around USD 35 billion, the entire deal is the largest in commercial aviation history. India is soon going to be an aviation hub and this was further confirmed by Guillaume Fuary, CEO of, Airbus who said that "India is on the verge of an international air travel revolution and we are humbled at Airbus that our partnership with the Tata Group will contribute to this new chapter. The time is right for India to become an international hub. We are working with bigger partnerships and one of our ambitions for this country is to bring in commercial aircraft manufacturing at some point in time in the future". With the number of flyers in 2022 growing to 47 pc to 123 million compared to 2021, India's civil aviation market is close to hitting pre-pandemic levels. These figures come from the data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. 100 unserved and undeserved landing sites such as airports, heliports, water aerodromes and advanced landing grounds will be revived or developed by 2024 to extend air connectivity to the unconnected. "The civil aviation sector is an integral part of India's development. Strengthening civil aviation is an important aspect of our national infrastructure strategy. In the last 8 years, the number of airports in India has jumped from 74 to 147. In near future, India will become the third-largest civil aviation market in the world," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. The Bhutan Live reported that this aviation boom is expected to open up India's economy like never before, and this will benefit its immediate neighbours like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, etc. More airports and aircraft mean more training opportunities for pilots, cabin crew and ground staff. Talent solution company, NLB services expect the demand for both tech and non-tech talent to rise by 10-15 per cent in the aviation sector. US President Joe Biden hailed the "historic agreement" with Boeing. "This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not require a four-year college degree," Biden said in a statement. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the political and economic importance of the Airbus deal. However, the deal is expected to have other industrial spin-offs, with Macron pledging France will work with India beyond aircraft. "This achievement shows that Airbus and all its French partners are fully dedicated to developing new areas of dedication with India," Macron said during the video presentation. (ANI)
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Saturday said that the Chinese applications were banned in India to stop the spread of misinformation, the spread of disinformation, and fake information. "To answer your question on what's the interface that government has, to balance the availability of information, availability of misinformation, the spread of disinformation and fake information, that is a balance which each government has to continue address within a given societal matrix," Kwatra said while speaking at the Panel Discussion On 'Showstopper: Currencies Of Power And Persuasion: Reflections On The Future' under the eighth edition of Raisina Dialogue. He underlined that the balance is the constant thing which the government has to continue to address within a given societal matrix. "So what you saw, vis-a-vis the banning of various Chinese apps, is no different in that sense," he added. Pointing to the fact that how technology is moulding the way of going forward, he said that the question emerges whether the society is based on economic model or it is open to embracing technology openly. "In Indian context, fundamentally when we look at technology, we essentially have 2 sets of binary foundations and the entire template of digital transformation in India is pegged on them. First, open vs close. We've very consciously gone for openness in the use of technology," he added. "If my economic model is purely based on manufacturing and suddenly manufacturing is open to a burst of automation, then obviously I'll have a massive disruption within my system. But if I have a service economy, it'll probably boom," he added. "Binary no.2 which forms the foundation is - public good vs private gain. Because of our value system and ethos, we have gone for public good," he said. In a major crackdown, the Central government of India banned and blocked 138 betting apps and 94 loan lending apps with Chinese links on an 'urgent' and 'emergency' basis in early February this year. The move was taken after confirming that these apps attract Section 69 of the IT Act as they contain material which is prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India. The action behind the move is based on several complaints of extortion and harassment of common people who had availed small amounts of loans through the mobile apps being run by those entities and persons. It is learnt that these apps are the brainchild of Chinese nationals who hired Indians and made them directors in operation. Desperate individuals are lured into taking on a loan and then jacked up the interest by up to 3,000 per cent annually. When the debtors were unable to repay the interest, let alone the entire loan, individuals representing these apps started harassing those in debt. They sent them lewd messages, threatening to release their morphed photos and shaming them with messages to their contacts. The matter came into the spotlight after a spate of suicides, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, by those who opted for such loans or lost money to betting apps. States like Telangana, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh as well as central intelligence agencies had then asked the Union Home Ministry to take action against these apps, sources said. Based on these inputs, the MHA started analysing 28 Chinese loan lending apps six months ago. However, they found that 94 apps are available on e-stores and that others are working through third-party links. The banned apps are now not available to download on smartphones but sources say the betting apps and games are being downloaded through independent links or websites. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued an advisory, stating that since betting and gambling are illegal in most parts of the country, advertisements of these betting platforms, as well as their surrogates, are also illegal under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, Cable TV Network Regulation Act 1995 and the IT Rules, 2021. (ANI)
A fair in Nepal help students learn more about culture and traditions. The BVS Utsav or carnival organized on Saturday had the theme to showcase the cultural diversity of the country. Dibang Baral, a sixth standard student didn't know anything about Lakhey- the Demon Deity who lives in the alleys of Kathmandu Valley and comes out on the street occasionally. It was on social media that Dibang got to know about the demon deity and chose to get costume like that of deity and decided to perform a dance at the school. "It was a new experience to be a Lakhey (the demon deity) and it was hard to learn the dance but also I feel proud to present myself in that costume," Dibang told ANI after taking off the heavy mask and jewellery. The demon deity, the legendary Lakhey is one of the cultural symbols of Newa, the aboriginals of Kathmandu Valley. The flamboyant mask dance performance by the demon deity is jubilant to watch during Newa: festivals, especially the Indra Jatra. Legend has it that the first Malla king brought the Goddess Taleju Bhawani to Kathmandu where it is enshrined. Lakhey, not finding his patron Goddess Taleju, followed the footprints of the Malla king and arrived in Nepal from the south. Later, Goddess Taleju appeared as Living Goddess Kumari and Lakhey continued to walk the chariots of Kumari in this great festival. It is only the month of September when masked dancers appointed as Lakhey after vigorous rituals and selections come out on the street. "I got to know about the existence of Lakhey from social media. At first, I didn't know what Lakhey was; upon seeing the photo on social media, I wanted to be like a Lakhey- at least for a short period of time, for performance and requested my teacher to make me a dress and perform as one. I learned the steps and performed it," Baral said. After undergoing practice for two-three days, Baral was able to perform in front of hundreds of fellow schoolmates and guardians in a show organized at the Brishaspati Vidhya Sadan. Now Dibang knows about Lakhey and has been spreading words about the demon deity amongst his classmates. Lakhey dance is divided into four different depictions: (i) snake, (ii) frog, (iii) eagle, and (iv) tiger. Sabre-toothed Lakhey pounces in free-flowing well-coordinated dance movements. In this dance sequence, the little boy as Jhyalincha stimulates Lakhey to perform more vigorously. It's a playful representation of epidemic diseases that Lakhey is persistent to chase away to protect the villagers. It also helps children to overcome the fear created by the terrifying aspect of Lakhey. On Saturday, Srikut Shrestha- a classmate of Dibang performed as Jhyalincha who tagged along with Lakhey in the performance that lasted for about ten minutes. "I knew about Jhyalincha before as well. I saw the real-Jhyalincha during Indra Jatra at Basantapur Durbar Square. Jhyalincha ran around Lakhey teasing the demon god and that ignited the desire to perform its role in the program here," Srikut, a Jhyalincha performer, told ANI. Buffered between India and China, the two giants, Nepal offers diversity of 125 ethnic groups divided on the basis of three geographic regions, the Hilly, Himalayan and Terai. Incorporating the diversity and to let students explore more about the existing diversity, participants and attendees were asked to be present in traditional attire. "Being a Nepali and being in this part of the world, we definitely have very valuable traditions and culture in our history. As a school, it is a responsibility to get our students and families connected to the roots and one way to do it is bringing these cultural, traditional programs into school," Kumar Thapa, the Principal of the BVS told ANI. Students from various standards performed dance sang in chorus and played traditional musical instruments during the four-hour event. "Our sole aim is to enlighten students about the diversified cultural heritage of Nepal by giving firsthand experience. The BVS Utsav has successfully catered for the aim which we had set forth. We will continue this in the coming days which comes as a part of the teaching-learning process," Dolma Lama, the media coordinator for the event said in a statement. (ANI)
The European Union, Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell concluded his visit to India on Friday, after his participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) and the eighth edition of the Raisina Dialogue. On March 1, the European Union, Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell delivered a speech at the India-Europe Business and Sustainability Conclave. He also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar where key issues such as Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and the global debt crisis were discussed, on the sidelines of the G20, the European Union said in a statement. Josep Borrell participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting on Thursday. During the first session on strengthening multilateralism, he focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its global consequences on energy and food insecurity. He also highlighted the importance of a stronger multilateralism system and a crucial need to speed up the green transition to address the existential threats of climate change and biodiversity loss globally. During the second session on counter-terrorism and humanitarian action, the European Union, Foreign Policy chief focused on new threats enabled by technologies, highlighting the worrying use of disinformation and cyber malicious activities.0 He reiterated the importance of reacting, but also pre-empting these threats. He also set out the EU's strong commitment as a humanitarian assistance provider around the world, from Yemen to Turkey, from the Darien Gap to Myanmar. On Friday, Josep Borrell participated in a panel discussion at the eighth edition of the Raisina Dialogue under the title "The New High Table: Realigning the G20 in a changing world" where he stressed the need for multilateral solutions and the role that the G20 has to play. He also exchanged views with a group of leading Indian women together with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, as France takes over the EU Gender Champion role in India for the next six months. During his visit, European Union, Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell also had bilateral discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Singapore, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, Armenia and Bangladesh. (ANI)
Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are discussing a resettlement plan for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in a renewed push to address the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks that have threatened to unravel their bilateral relationship, a media outlet reported. The idea of resettlement came from the Afghan Taliban during the recent visit of a high-powered Pakistani delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt General Nadeem Anjum was also part of the daylong trip, The Express Tribune reported. The purpose of the visit was to convey to the Afghan Taliban a clear message that Pakistan would no longer seek talks with the TTP since the group used earlier peace efforts to regroup and target Pakistan, the newspaper reported. Sensing the Pakistani position, the Afghan Taliban proposed a new plan that envisaged disarming the TTP and relocating their members from the border areas. Unlike the previous plans, the TTP members will be resettled inside Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban, however, asked Pakistan to bear the cost of that plan. One official source said that Pakistan will have to bear the cost as certain other countries have done the same, the media outlet reported. The source said this was probably the best available solution at the moment to deal with the TTP threat. The source, however, admitted that executing and verifying such a plan would be a challenge. Also, Pakistan wants if any such plan is implemented it has to be irreversible, it added. Currently, there are between eight to 12 thousand TTP militants in Afghanistan. The number goes up to 30,000 if their family members are included. After the Afghan Taliban takeover in August 2021, the then government of Prime Minister Imran Khan initiated talks with the TTP and allowed hundreds of TTP militants to resettle in Pakistan. The move, however, backfired as returning TTP militants started targeting the security forces and carried out major terrorist attacks. --IANS san/sha ( 334 Words) 2023-03-04-21:26:02 (IANS)
Multi-billion-dollar conglomerate Hinduja Group has announced that one of its units, Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), has acquired 100% stake in TekLink International for $58.8 million, subject to earnouts and other customary and agreed adjustments.

HGS is a leading provider of solutions in digital consumer experience (CX), business process management (BPM) and digital media services and has a total of 21,685 employees across 34 delivery centres in eight countries.

According to the Hinduja group, the strategic acquisition will help boost HGS digital solutions business by adding enhanced expertise in building data platforms, analytics and financial planning.

A full-service financial planning and analytics service provider, TekLink caters to over 60 clients across multiple industries, including consumer products, retail, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing & distribution, utilities, and high tech.

Headquartered in Ilinois, US, TekLink boasts a major presence in Europe and has delivery centers in Hyderabad and Indore in India. The company has strong credentials in the industry, with established partnerships with Microsoft, SAP, Anaplan.

It will also add complementary digital workforce bench strength, with 275 seasoned technology and implementation professionals joining HGS as part of the transaction.

HGS digital solutions business currently employs over 750 core technology and digital marketing experts, primarily across the US and India, who are transforming customer experiences (CX) for leading brands.-TradeArabia News Service
A business jet was buffeted by severe turbulence, killing a passenger and forcing the aircraft to divert to Bradley International Airport, officials said Saturday.

Five people were aboard the Bombardier executive jet that was shaken by turbulence late Friday afternoon while traveling from Keene, New Hampshire, to Leesburg, Virginia, said Sarah Sulick, spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board.

The NTSB, which launched an investigation, was interviewing the two crew members and surviving passengers, and the jets cockpit voice and data recorders were sent to NTSB headquarters for analysis, Sulick said.

A Federal Aviation Administration database showed the jet was owned by Conexon, based in Kansas City, Missouri. The company declined to comment Saturday.

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Any belief that the Oscars award the right films, directors and performances has faded over the years.

While every ceremony has a smattering of correct decisions  trophies handed to the right people for the right films  more often than not, the pervading feeling is one of pessimism caused by a deluge of undeserving recipients.

The Oscars are a far cry from what they claim to be  a celebration of the previous years cinematic offerings. But his does not stop people from trawling the internet the following morning in the hope that maybe, just maybe, the winners list impresses rather than disappoints.

With the 2023 ceremony taking place in March, we have highlighted 17 films that really should not have been awarded Oscars.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A Beautiful Mind is one of the mustier Best Pictures winners of the century so far. While its win was a coup for DreamWorks  the film was the studios third victor in a row it was far from a deserving recipient, especially considering Ron Howard won Best Director over Robert Altman and David Lynch for Gosford Park and Mulholland Drive, respectively.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

While Chariots of Fire is precisely the type of film the Academy usually takes under its wing, the fact it won was a big surprise, considering everybody present had expected Reds to win the top prize. The Warren Beatty film would have been a far worthier winner, too.

CODA (2021)

The first half of CODA probably ranks as the worst 45 minutes of any film that has ever won Best Picture. Its filled with frustrating characters who commit frustrating actions, and it makes for  you guessed it  an immensely frustrating watch. The final half improves, but its too little too late. CODA meant well, but it could have been so much more if it had a bit more clout to it. It was lucky to win.

Cold Mountain (2003)

Cold Mountain lucked out by being nominated in what was a particularly weak year for Best Supporting Actress. Renee Zellweger recovered from failing to win for Chicago the previous year and, in doing so, earned the unremarkable drama its Oscar-winning tag.

Story continues

(Miramax Films)

Crash (2004)

Viewers of the Oscars have grown used to unexpected victories, but none was more famously ill-judged than when Paul Haggis drama Crash beat Ang Lees Brokeback Mountain to Best Picture.

Dances with Wolves (1990)

Its less that Dances with Wolves is a bad film  more that Kevin Costners epic scooped a total of seven Oscars in the same year that Goodfellas was nominated. It won just one  Best Supporting Actor for Joe Pesci.

The Danish Girl (2015)

Alicia Vikanders performance in The Danish Girl is by no means weak, but it was nothing on Rooney Maras affecting turn in Todd Haynes film Carol. Had Tom Hooper not won five years before for The Kings Speech, it seems unlikely that the drama would have picked up many, if any, nominations.

(Universal Pictures)

Going My Way (1944)

The musical Going My Way may have been the biggest cinematic hit of its year, but it certainly wasnt better that classic noir Double Indemnity, which it beat to win Best Picture. In fact, its nowhere near director Leo McCareys greatest film; he won six years before for The Awful Truth and would be nominated again for The Bells of St Marys two years later.

Grand Hotel (1932)

Theres a reason why Grand Hotel is the only film to ever win Best Picture without receiving a nomination in any other category. A film thats worth a watch, sure, but nothing more.

The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)

Its ironic that a film with the word greatest in its title has gone down as one of the worst winners in Oscars history. A prime example of when the Academy voted for spectacle over quality.

Green Book (2018)

To those who dont care about awards ceremonies, Green Book is a crowdpleaser that boasts decent performances from Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. To everyone else, its the damp squib that somehow came out of nowhere to snatch Best Picture from under Romas nose.

The Imitation Game (2014)

The Imitation Game won Best Adapted Screenplay, which begs the question: what the hell was this extremely average film doing having any nominations at all?

The Iron Lady (2011)

Meryl Streep has won enough Oscars for the world to know shes evidently one of the finest actors wholl ever live. Her win for The Iron Lady, though, was one Oscar too many. Although Viola Davis has since spoken out against the film she was nominated for that year  The Help  it was easily the better performance.

(20th Century Fox)

Out of Africa (1985)

Sydney Pollacks drama boasts decent performances from Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, but remains interminable in stretches.Thankfully John Barrys score and the beautiful scenery saves it from being a complete waste of time, but its a far cry from being the best film of 1985. Out of its fellow nominees, Witness would have been the worthy winner.

The Pianist (2002)

It might finally be accepted that disgraced film director Roman Polanski shouldnt be handed accolades, but back in 2003, this was still what the Oscars were doing. He won Best Director for The Pianist, an award the French-Polish filmmaker could have done without.

A Place in the Sun (1951)

A Place in the Sun is a fine little film, but fine little films shouldnt be winning Oscars  especially when they see off competition from more deserving opposition. In this case, director George Stevens beat John Huston (The African Queen), William Wyler (Detective Story) and Elia Kazan (A Streetcar Named Desire) to the Director prize.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

You have to hand it to Shakespeare in Love; it played the Oscars campaign trail perfectly, overtaking war favourites Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line to win the evenings biggest prize. However, this doesnt mean its success has gone down as anything more than evidence of poor judgement from the Academy.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Its often good to hold your hands up and admit that a film is nowhere near as good as you recall. Sadly, Slumdog Millionaire is one of those. While the win no doubt put smiles on the faces of commuters reading the morning papers the next day, the shine has worn off its success in recent years. The rightful winner  The Dark Knight  wasnt even nominated for Best Picture, an omission that led to the Academy increasing the number of Best Picture nominees.
Asian Americans in Texas are angered after officials revealed this week that thousands of Asians statewide may be impacted by identity theft orchestrated through a website that involved using personal information to answer security questions.

The states Department of Public Safety had unknowingly sent an estimated 3,000 driver's licenses to an organized crime group that targeted Asians in the state, DPS director Steve McCraw told a Texas House committee on Monday. The incident, which is currently under investigation, was discovered in December, McCraw said, and the department has begun to notify victims by mail this week.

With no warning about the incident for months, Asian Americans say theyre disappointed in the DPS's response and feel theyve been kept in the dark.

It really goes to show that our state government does not see us and does not care about us and does not prioritize our welfare, Lily Trieu, executive director of Asian Texans for Justice, told NBC News.

DPS did not respond to NBC News request for comment.

McCraw did not reveal the name of the organization, but told the Texas House Appropriations Committee that a New York-based Chinese organized crime group had obtained the licenses with Asian names to sell to undocumented immigrants, predominantly from China, in hopes of impersonating the victims. He added that with the licenses, impersonators could go on to obtain additional supporting identification documents featuring their own photos.

Using personal information of the victims obtained from the dark web, or websites hidden by traditional surface browsers, the group was able to answer security questions on the states Texas.gov website, McCraw said. The questions have since been removed from the website.

The identity questions could be something you may have shared with a credit card company or something like your mothers maiden name, your first vehicle that you ever had, your favorite sport, McCraw said. [They] use those questions to be able to get into and purchase a replacement drivers license on Asian-sounding names. And from that, get a replacement drivers license sent to an address of their choosing.

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Prompted by questioning from State Rep. Mary Gonzalez, vice chair of the committee, McCraw said that victims identifications could have been used during the months in which they had not been notified. He said that DPS did not alert victims right away because the department opted to conduct a thorough investigation before making the information public.

McCraw also said he didnt see it as a breach, saying the criminal organization did not hack into the website. Rather, the group discovered a vulnerability and exploited it, he said.

Brittney Booth Paylor, director of media and government relations at the Texas Department of Information Resources, echoed McCraws language in a statement provided to NBC News.

This is fraudulent criminal activity based on identity theft unrelated to state systems, not a cybersecurity incident. No state systems, including the states portal, were hacked or breached, Paylor wrote in the statement.

Paylor declined to comment further on whether any personal information was taken during the identity theft.

Jeoff Williams, deputy director of law enforcement services at DPS, told the committee that the identity theft was discovered after a credit card company was notified about a fraudulent charge made through Texas.gov. Following the discovery, changes were made to the websites credit card transaction process, he said.

One of those changes, he said, is to include the billing zip code, and the CVV or the three digit code on the back of the card at the time of transaction. That feature was not turned on, Williams said.

Debbie Chen, civic engagement programs director for Asian American civil rights organization OCA Greater Houston, said that the many in the Asian community are now questioning their safety and security in Texas.

Three years into the pandemic, people have really experienced anti-Asian hate. People have felt scapegoated. And then you have a government agency who knew about this months in advance and did nothing, Chen said. That contributes to this fear of, Do you consider us as equal citizens compared to everyone else?

Both Trieu and Chen called the state governments lag in notifying victims unacceptable, regardless of a criminal investigation.

Your identity can impact literally everything in your life. It could have caused people to have had their wages garnished, it could have caused them to be under criminal investigations for somebody using their identity to do criminal activities, Chen said. You would think some kinds of resources would have been spent, even if it came down to calling people individually.

Trieu said her organization is demanding DPS contact all victims and provide language assistance as well. An estimated one-third of Texans of Asian descent have limited English proficiency, defined as having difficulty communicating effectively in English, according to civic engagement and data nonprofit AAPI Data.

Advocates also demanded an explanation and specific information on the size and scope of the issue. So far, information is scarce and some organizations and activists learned about the ordeal only because they had tuned into the committee session, Trieu said. Additionally, Trieu said that the victims be provided a credit monitoring tool.

Now that their personal information is jeopardized, there could be long term financial repercussions for it, Trieu said. The state was negligent, the state should be responsible for ensuring that people are being protected in the monitoring of their credit report.

McCraw told the committee that the department will be issuing replacement licenses free of charge. And a spokesperson for DPS told the Dallas Morning News that information will be translated into more languages, but did not provide a timeline.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A caseworker determined children should be removed from a residence south of Dallas on Friday, just before three of them were found dead and two injured, officials said Saturday.

Shamaiya Deyonshana Hall, 25, has been charged with three counts of capital murder, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

She was being held at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center in lieu of $6 million bond, according to the sheriff's office and jail records. Those records give her address in nearby Forney, Texas.

It wasn't clear if she has been appointed counsel in the case. The sheriff's office did not make clear what relationship, if any, she may have had to the victims.

The sheriff's office not publicly identify the children, but said the three killed were a 6-year-old boy and 5-year-old twins, a girl and a boy.

A 13-month-old girl and a 4-year-old boy were hospitalized with serious injuries, the office said.

Sheriff's officials said a Child Protective Services caseworker on a "home visit" Friday made a determination to remove the children. The caseworker called 911 about 4 p.m. Friday, the office said.

An Italy city police officer responding to the call then discovered the children harmed, the sheriff's office said.

Authorities investigate the scene where three children were found dead and two others injured inside a home in the Ellis County city of Italy, Texas, on Friday. (NBC DFW)

Sheriff's Deputy Jerry Cozby said at a Friday evening news conference that there was no threat to the community.

In an earlier statement, the sheriff's office characterized the situation as an "isolated incident."

Sheriff's investigators were called to the home in a residential area that also includes an elementary school and a Catholic church, after 4 p.m., Cozby said.

Italy, Texas, police had asked the sheriff's office for help for a death investigation, it said in that earlier statement. In Saturday's statement, the sheriff's office said it fielded the initial 911 call, but it was dispatched to city police, apparently as a matter of routine.

"When we arrived we found multiple victims on scene," Cozby said Friday. "Three deceased victims were found inside the home. All victims were children. Two children were taken to local hospitals."

Story continues

"We are shocked by this incomprehensible tragedy, and already working with law enforcement to investigate how this happened, and why," a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services spokesperson said in a statement.

Italy has a population of about 2,300 and is about 44 miles south of Dallas.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Peathegee Inc/Getty Images

People may want to give up after a month of a new exercise routine, but that's when it gets easier.

An exercise physiologist says people can get unmotivated by soreness.

He said that while you might not see changes in the mirror, things are changing in your body.

The end of the first month of a new exercise routine is a critical time, according to Tom Holland, an exercise physiologist. He said that's when many people give up on their new habit  but it's also when regular exercise will get easier and its benefits will become more apparent.

Holland said that people's initial motivation usually begins to fall after the first few weeks of exercise as they become discouraged by soreness and a lack of "gains."

But he said that these changes are all normal in the first month of a new exercise routine and that it'll get easier as long as you give yourself realistic goals.

You'll probably be less motivated

Holland, who hosts the podcast "Fitness Disrupted 2.0," said the biggest change to expect after a month of going to the gym is feeling less motivated.

He said that when people start going to the gym or just exercising more often, they usually have a lot of motivation to propel them through the first few weeks.

He added that a common mistake he sees people make in this first month is to take on too much too fast, which causes them to burn out or get injured.

The key to making exercise a long-term habit, Holland said, is to start with smaller, more attainable goals.

"It's just 'I am going to go to the gym three times a week,'" he said. "It can be a half-hour, it could be 20 minutes, it could be two hours, whatever. But at the end of the week, you say, 'Did I go three times?'"

He said that making a rough plan  like walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes  can help you feel accomplished when you walk out of the gym. Holland calls this strategy "excessive moderation," whereby accomplishing small, attainable goals accrues over time and keeps you coming back.

Story continues

You'll likely feel sorest in the first month

One aspect of starting a fitness routine that can scare people off in the first month, Holland said, is soreness.

He said that working out causes microtears in your muscles, which then can result in delayed-onset muscle soreness. He added that often this soreness will be at its worst the second day after exercising a muscle, which can make people concerned.

But Holland said this soreness is normal and will be the most intense in the first month as your body gets used to the exercise you're doing. As long as you stick with it, he said, your soreness will quickly get less severe.

He said the best thing to do for soreness is low-intensity exercise like walking because it helps get blood flowing to your muscles, which can speed up recovery.

Don't expect much from the mirror or the scale

Holland said that whether you're trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or do both, you probably won't notice much change in the first month. Try not to let this discourage you, he said, because just beyond this point is when these physical changes will start to occur.

He said your body is undergoing significant neuromuscular changes in this first month, as your brain makes more connections with your muscles and recruits more muscle fibers.

While these changes might not be external, you may notice you can do a few more push-ups or breathe a little easier when running, depending on the training you're doing. These first "gains," he said, will help build a foundation for external changes later.

You'll most likely feel hungrier

Holland said that exercising regularly will also probably mean you feel hungrier more often as your body burns more calories.

But be wary of calorie counters, he said, as they often overestimate how many calories you burn.

He also said that while it can be difficult, try to resist "reward eating"  or eating highly caloric, processed foods  after exercising. Holland recommends eating a big breakfast with little processed food and lots of protein to feel satisfied and ward off cravings.

Ultimately, Holland said, exercising regularly is a long process, and the results you want won't happen overnight. He said to be patient with yourself and remember the benefits are greater than what you see in the mirror.

"Just know that it's a journey. It's so cliche to say, but it's true," he said. "Don't expect the results really quickly, and be proud of every workout you do."

Read the original article on Insider
The 46th Annual Gate River Run brought crowds to Downtown Jacksonville for one of the areas biggest races.

I was completely soaked, said runner Darian Thomas.

It was a rainy finish, for runners like Darian Thomas, but he made it over the hart bridge with a little self-encouragement.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Continue to run, pick your knees up, one foot at a time, said Thomas.

Despite wet conditions, the 46th Annual Gate River Run was a huge turnout Saturday morning.

Family and friends of all ages participated in several races like a 15k run over Jacksonvilles bridges, a 5k, the junior river run, the brooks challenge mile and the diaper dash for running mothers.

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This years race brought thousands of runners to raise money for multiple charities like the American Lung Association and the Duval Special Olympics.

But it also brought the community together.

We celebrate with each other, complete strangers, Ive never met these people in my life and probably never see them again, but we were family for a few minutes, said Thomas.

Rafael Cui ran the 15k and he was able to accomplish a personal goal.

My main goal for this 15k was just to not stop running and I am happy I was able to do that today, said Cui.

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For runners like Darian and Rafael, this ultimate Jacksonville experience keeps them coming back every year.

Its an awesome experience, I will be back next year and as long as I have the ability to compete, I will always come out here to compete, said Thomas.

It kind of reminded me how much I enjoy running, and I definitely plan on coming back next year, said Cui.

Related read: GATE River Run on Saturday, registration open for runners and vendors alike

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
The Atlanta Police Department is investigating a shooting after police told Channel 2 Action News a man was shot multiple times during a drug deal.

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According to police, on Friday around 11 p.m. they responded to a person shot at 1905 Piedmont Road NE. Police located a 49-year-old victim who had been shot multiple times.

The victim told police he was shot at 1896 Piedmont Road NE after an argument during a drug deal.

TRENDING STORIES:

It is unclear if the victim will face any charges for his involvement in the incident.

At this time police have not named any possible suspects. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Atlanta police.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
VALLETTA, Malta (AP)  Less than a week after a deadly migrant shipwreck off Italy, five European Union countries on the Mediterranean Sea pushed back Saturday against their northern neighbors for not accepting asylum-seekers under a voluntary relocation initiative.

The ministers responsible for migration policy in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain met in Malta's capital, Valletta, ahead of an EU ministerial meeting in Brussels next week on migration. The countries started working together as the MED 5 in 2021 to confront the challenges of illegal migration.

Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Notis Mitarachi told reporters that just 1% of the migrants who arrived in those front-line nations along the EUs southern border last year were taken in by other EU members under a voluntary relocation program.

We cannot continue to talk about the need to impose more responsibility on front-line member states, if there is not an equally prescriptive and mandatory solidarity mechanism toward the countries of first reception, Mitarachi said.

Spains interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez, said the current process is too slow, too selective, with too few results and too little predictability. He pledged to come up with a more effective mechanism when Spain holds the EU's rotating presidency in the second half of 2023.

The ministers also emphasized the need to work with the countries where many migrants are originally from and travel through. Such measures could include giving financial aid to countries of origin or transit to stem the flows to Europe, Maltas home affairs minister, Byron Camillieri, said.

The officials further called for the EU border agency Frontex to deploy more resources and for stepping up the pace of returning people who do not qualify for asylum.

For the credibility of the asylum system, it is critical that we distinguish between those that are entitled to international protection according to the law, and those who are not, Mitarachi said. And those who are not should be returned with safety and dignity to the country of origin.

Story continues

According to the U.N. refugee agency, some 160,100 migrants arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean Sea last year, 30% more than in 2021. Thousands of people are believed to have died trying to cross the sea to Europe in recent years.

At least 70 migrants died after a wooden boat that set out from Turkey crashed on a shoal off the southern Italian coast, in Calabria, early last Sunday.

____

Colleen Barry contributed from Milan.

___

Follow AP's coverage of global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
Books. Illustrated | Gettyimages

The early months of 2023 have already delivered a few solid releases for book lovers. Still, it doesn't hurt to look at upcoming highly anticipated releases if you want to add more to your booklist. Here are a few books coming out this spring and summer that you might consider reading.

March

The Teachers: A Year Inside America's Most Valuable, Important Profession (Mar. 4)

Alexandra Robbins' latest book is "a revealing exploration of the current state of the teaching profession," Kirkus Reviews says. The bestselling author of The Nurses, The Overachievers, Pledged, Fraternity, and "other behind-the-scenes examinations" takes readers into American public schools. The book centers on three teachers from different regions of the country that Robbins follows for a school year, along with interviews with hundreds of others, "providing an intimate view into the daily lives of educators," Kirkus says. Even before the pandemic, writes Robbins, "the education landscape had already darkened considerably." The pandemic added unique pressures that led to a mass exodus of teachers and "further exposed the nation's shameful mistreatment of teachers, which remains underaddressed," Robbins adds. "This deeply researched and impressive study," Publisher's Weekly writes, "brings home the fact that America underinvests in the education of its children  and that teachers step in to fill the gaps." Pre-order here.

Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton (Mar. 21)

In her debut book, Paris: The Memoir, socialite Paris Hilton "delivers a memoir with surprising depth and purpose," Kirkus says. Hilton is "furiously candid" about her life behind the carefully constructed public persona, including the alleged abuse she suffered in her teens. She discusses the "brutal institutions" for troubled teens she cycled through. "Reading like a prison-break movie," Kirkus writes, the book "chronicles multiple escape attempts, each ending in failure." The most impressive thing about her memoir "is the gracious and compassionate eye with which Hilton views her past," Kirkus adds. Pre-order here.

Story continues

Other books to read in March:

Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton (Mar. 7); Guardian of the Valley by Dean King (Mar. 21); Lone Women by Victor LaValle (Mar. 28); White Cat, Black Dog by Kelly Link (Mar. 28); Skinfolk by Matthew Pratt Guterl (Mar. 28)

April

Homecoming by Kate Morton (Apr. 4)

Kate Morton's first book in four years is one of the most anticipated April releases. The New York Times bestselling author of The Clockmaker's Daughter returns with Homecoming, which Elle Magazine calls a "gorgeous new work of historical fiction." The book spans generations, centering on a Christmas Eve murder in 1950s South Australia. The story cuts to 2018 when a journalist has become fully entrenched in investigating the mysterious crime somehow linked to her family. The author's "layered writing," which Kirkus says is "realized most successfully in the scenes from the past," leaves surprises for even the keenest mystery fans. Publisher's Weekly calls the book "Morton's best yet." Pre-order here.

The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro (Apr. 18)

V. Castro's forthcoming book, The Haunting of Alejandra, weaves Mexican folklore into a story about "motherhood, family legacy, and self-discovery," per the book's blurb. The heroine is haunted by the spirit of La Llorona, "the vengeful and murderous mother of Mexican legend," and the lure of her inner darkness. Alejandra must find a way to process the trauma of her past and the pain she inherited from her foremothers. Today calls The Haunting of Alejandra a "provocative novel" that is "haunting and packed with dark secrets." Alejandra's fight to rid herself of the darkness is "a perfect metaphor for clearing the fog of depression and seeing the societal structures and history that contribute to our present-day malaise," Lit Hub writes. Pre-order here.

Other books to read in April:

The Trackers by Charles Frazier (Apr. 11); You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (Apr. 11); The Last Animal by Ramona Ausubel (Apr.18); The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants by Orlando Ortega-Medina (Apr. 25); The Skin and Its Girl by Sarah Cypher (Apr. 25)

May

Quietly Hostile: Essays by Samantha Irby (May 16)

Bestselling author Samantha Irby "is back with another laugh-out-loud collection of essays written in her smart, self-deprecating style," Book Riot says. In her latest collection of autobiographical essays, Irby discusses her job as a writer for shows like HBO's Sex and the City reboot, alongside her exploration of therapy, crystals, and a newfound affinity for QVC. "The frustrating minutiae of what things are like as one grows older permeate every page," Steph Auteri writes for Book Riot. Her latest collection proves, Time Magazine says, "that no matter how famous Samantha Irby gets, she'll never stop being #relatable." Pre-order here.

A Life of One's Own by Joanna Biggs (May 16)

Critic and Harper's senior editor Joanna Biggs' second book, A Life of One's Own, made Vulture's list of most anticipated releases for 2023. The book's blurb describes it as a "piercing blend of memoir, criticism, and biography" in which Biggs explores "how women writers across the centuries carved out intellectual freedom for themselves." Intermingled with the story of her divorce and reluctance to succumb to the pressures of domesticity, Biggs adds criticism as she revisits the lives and work of the type of women writers she covered in her career  women like Sylvia Plath, "Simone de Beauvoir, Elena Ferrante, and Toni Morrison, among others." She re-examines them in search of clarity over "whether, for women, domesticity exiles us from artistic and experiential freedom," Vulture writes. Pre-order here.

Other books to read in May:

Shakespeare Was a Woman & Other Heresies by Elizabeth Winkler (May 2); In Vitro: On Longing and Transformation by Isabel Zapata (May 9); Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (May 18); The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor (May 23); The Male Gazed by Manuel Betancourt (May 30)

Bonus:

Pageboy: A Memoir by Elliot Page (Jun. 6)

Several celebrity memoirs have been making a splash this year, from Prince Harry's Spare to Pamela Anderson's recent book. While much of the genre is "often erratically hit or miss," Elle Magazine's Lauren Puckett-Pope thinks "Page's highly anticipated memoir might change the score." When the book was announced last year, publisher Flatiron Books told The Associated Press that the memoir would "delve into Page's relationship with his body, his experiences as one of the most famous trans people in the world, and will cover mental health, assault, love, relationships, sex, and the cesspool that Hollywood can be." Ever since the Umbrella Academy star came out as transgender in 2020, he has used his platform as an Oscar-nominated actor to become a "ferocious" advocate for the community, Puckett-Pope says. "Pageboy posits to tell the whole story, beginning with Page's early, crushing fame after the success of Juno." Pre-order here.

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Camila Alves McConaughey describes 'chaos' on flight that 'dropped almost 4,000 feet'

Colombia proposes shipping invasive hippos to India and Mexico to control population

The Courage to Be Free: What's in Ron DeSantis' 'chilling' new book?
Saudi-based National Shipping Company (Bahri), a global leader in transportation and logistics, said it has signed a non-binding renewable six-month agreement with the Suez Canal Authority, an independent general Egyptian Authority responsible for the canal facilitys affairs.

The cooperation lays the foundation for creating a joint Egyptian shareholding company that will provide industry-leading maritime transportation services in the country.

The Bahri move comes in line with its commitment to explore regional co-operation horizons to achieve its growth objectives and enhance its global position.

As per the MoU, the two parties will discuss the potential of owning, leasing, hiring, and operating ships to transport general goods, including dry bulk, chemicals, oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas to meet the demands of the local market.

The agreement was signed by Engineer Mohammed Bin Battal, President of Bahri Dry Bulk and Engineer Jamil Al Sayyed Abul Khair, Board Member at Suez Canal Authority, in the presence of Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority; Engineer Ahmed Ali Alsubae, Chief Executive Officer of Bahri; and Badr bin Ibrahim Al Badr, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment for Communication with Investors.

Rabie said the agreement with Bahri falls in line with its mission to maintain and enhance the Suez Canal for the benefit of operators and regional markets.

"We look forward to working in tandem with industry leaders to deliver effective, sustainable solutions that benefit the Suez Canal and the people it serves, he noted.

Alsubaey said: We are proud to cooperate with the Suez Canal Authority to create a framework to explore successful potentials. The Suez Canal is positioned as a pivotal waterway that has allowed for the seamless transport of consumer goods and commodities from Asia and the Middle East to Europe."

"Our agreement with the Suez Canal Authority underlines Bahris commitment to collaboration in order to deliver industry-leading maritime transport solutions, he stated.

Established 152 years ago, the Suez Canal Authority is a government agency that owns the Suez Canal and all buildings and assets assigned to the waterway.

The authority is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the canal, ensuring a safe passageway for traveling ships and overseeing projects related to the Suez Canal.-TradeArabia News Service
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked prosecutors to investigate accusations against his brother and one of his sons that could deal a blow to his presidency and undermine his plans for peace and to fight corruption.

Petro, a former guerrilla who was elected as Colombia's first leftist president last year, has promised to battle endemic corruption and bring total peace to the South American country which only recently, in 2016, signed a peace pact largely ending decades of internal war.

The prosecutors office said it had started looking into the accusation against Nicolas Petro, the presidents son, made by his former partner that he kept irregular donations to his fathers presidential campaign.

Meanwhile, the presidents brother is accused of involvement in a ring that allegedly received benefits for promising to help drug traffickers enroll in the governments total peace program.

I have a responsibility to be loyal to the votes that many of you cast for me, the president said the day before he asked for both cases to be investigated.

The cases strike at the core pillars of Petros election campaign and will have an impact on the presidents public image and could call into question the legitimacy of the governments peace process, said political analyst Carlos Arias Orejuela, a professor at the Externado University of Colombia.

This, given that Petro based his narrative on him bringing change, not only of government, but in the forms of practicing politics and its background with anti-corruption and the mishandling of political nepotism, he said.

Nicolas Petros ex-partner, Day Vasquez, has said that he received improper money from donations to his fathers campaign.

In an interview with Semana magazine, Vasquez said the presidents son received more than 600 million Colombian pesos (about $125,000) from Samuel Santander Lopesierra, who is known as the Marlboro Man and was imprisoned in the United States for drug trafficking.

Story continues

The donation never legally reached the campaign because he kept the money as well as others, Vasquez said without providing proof. She added that the president had no knowledge of the money.

Everything has been behind the fathers back, she said.

According to Vasquez, Nicolas Petro, who is a lawmaker in Atlantico province, also received up to 400 million pesos (around $83,000) from Alfonso del Cristo Hilsaca, a businessman from northern Colombia.

The presidents son denied the accusations, claiming to not know either Lopesierra or Hilsaca.

I have not met or received any type of political, personal or economic favor from any questionable character, he said in a statement.

President Petro has six children.

There have also been complaints made against the presidents brother, Juan Fernando Petro, in connection with a network of lawyers and organizations that allegedly took money to link drug traffickers and people wanted for extradition with the governments total peace program.

Colombia's 2016 peace pact was with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, but smaller groups remained. President Petro has proposed negotiations with such groups for their members to turn themselves in to the justice system in exchange for benefits.

He has proposed to Washington changing the extradition agreement with his country so that drug traffickers who turn themselves to Colombian authorities and don't return to trafficking can avoid extradition.

The presidents brother has denied any involvement in the network and indicated that he has already responded to the call from the prosecutors investigating the case. He said malicious third parties are using his name to deceive drug traffickers.

Petro and his government have reiterated that the only official who has their endorsement to have contacts with illegal groups is the High Commissioner for Peace.

Whoever wants to interfere in that purpose (of achieving peace), or take personal advantage of it, has no place in the government, even if they are members of my family, said President Petro. I trust that my brother and my son can prove their innocence, but I will respect the conclusions reached by the courts.

Sandra Borda, a political analyst and professor at the Universidad de Los Andes, said the accusations are a political blow to the president reminiscent of the scandal that shook the Ernesto Samper administration (1994-1998). He was eventually found not guilty of receiving money from drug traffickers in his campaign.

We have the precedent of drug money entering a campaign in the past, but in that case it was not people so close, like the presidents own family, said Borda.

Analysts agree the accusations against Petros relatives could impact Octobers local elections.
Protesters were back at the site of a controversial proposed police training center in DeKalb County on Saturday.

Organizers called Saturdays rally at Gresham Park the kickoff for a week-long event where thousands of visitors are expected to tour the forested area.

Protesters told Channel 2 Action News they dont want the city of Atlanta to use the property for a police training center.

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They dont need this. What we need is less cops, more people to help people in financial, health, mental health. We need that kind of health. We dont need more police, Lorraine Fontana told Channel 2 Action News.

In late February Channel 2 Action News learned Mayor Andre Dickens is creating a community task force to get input on what to do with that space.

TRENDING STORIES:

The decision to form the task force comes after a lawsuit a neighbor and an environmental group filed failed to stop the construction of the facility.

Police now have extra patrols in that area as construction continues after several incidents of violent protests in the past year.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Alabamas ambitions for high-quality education could be restrained by staffing shortages and a looming loss of federal relief funds, the state schools chief told legislators on Thursday.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey Thursday said the department was working toward goals outlined in a nearly three-year old strategic plan, but added that the state continued to struggle to attract teachers, especially in rural areas.

Mackey gave the lawmakers outlines of the goals for education in Alabama and referred to the Strategic Plan of academic growth and achievement; college, career, and workforce ready; safe & supportive learning environment; highly effective educators and customer friendly services. This plan was unveiled the day the coronavirus epidemic shut down schools in March 2020.

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We had the dubious distinction of rolling it out on March the 12th, 2020, the day before we closed the schools for the rest of the year, he said. So, nobody paid any attention to it.

To help schools recover from the COVID pandemic, the federal government passed the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. The federal government distributed the ESSER funds in three separate rounds, providing over $3 billion to Alabama. ESSER funds can be used to educate students and alleviate the effects of the pandemic.

The final round of funds, known as the American Rescue Plan ESSER, or ESSER III, must be budgeted by September 2024 or the funds will expire. According to the Alabama State Department of Education, only around 37% of Alabamas total ESSER funds have been spent.

Mackey said that there are districts that have only spent around 25% of their funds.

They still have 18 months, Markey said. But that means in the next 18 months, they have to spend 75% of their money.

Some of the slow spending has been the result of supply chain problems, Mackey said. The United States Department of Education has also encouraged districts to spend ESSER funds on personnel, but many rural districts have struggled to attract teachers.

Story continues

Some of our very rural communities cant find more people to hire, he said. In other words, theyre even having a hard time finding teacher assistants, not just certified teachers.

Federal money has been spent on summer reading camps created by the 2019 Alabama Literacy Act. Under the law, third-graders who do not read at grade level by the end of the year are held back, with some exceptions. The state has operated summer reading camps with this goal in mind. According to Mackeys presentation, at least 6,389 kindergarteners; 8,713 first graders, 8,471 second graders and 8,243 third graders have been served by these camps. The state spent $18 million on the camp in 2022.

Summer reading camps funded with federal money are scheduled to operate this year and in 2024.

The Numeracy Act, passed last year, aims to improve math instruction in Alabama schools. The state will open summer math camps this year, paid for through state funds.

Mackey said that they can fund the camps through the next two years. But in 2025, the camps will need to be funded by the state because the ESSER funds will be gone. State legislators will need to find $48 million for the math and reading camps that year.

Thats why were always trying to focus on whats coming down the road, he said.

Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
Alex Murdaugh. Joshua Boucher/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Alex Murdaugh, a member of a long line of influential lawyers in South Carolina was found guilty of murder on Thursday.

Murdaugh is also accused of orchestrating a suicide-for-hire plot to help his surviving son, Buster.

In 1940, his great-grandfather's suspicious death also led to a huge payout for his son.

The Murdaugh family was well-known in South Carolina but caught national attention after its patriarch, attorney Alex Murdaugh, was recently found guilty of murdering his wife and son.

Murdaugh's arrest led to the unraveling of many crimes potentially tied to the family and a journalist discovered an eerily suspicious family death that resulted in a large payout.

South Carolina journalist and historian Michael M. DeWitt Jr., who has covered the Murdaugh family for years discovered that Randolph Murdaugh Sr., the founder of the law firm that would establish his family legacy in Hampton County, South Carolina died in a train crash under suspicious circumstances in 1940.

The elder Murdaugh's car was crossing a railway when it mysteriously stopped in the middle of the crossing and was hit by a Charleston & Western Carolina freight line, on July 19, 1940, DeWitt learned by scouring through old newspaper reporting.

This revelation comes as at least three other deaths are being investigated for ties to the Murdaughs and as Alex Murdaugh is also investigated for allegedly organizing a suicide-for-hire plot for a life insurance payout for his surviving son, Buster.

W.W. Bartlett, the engineer of the train at the time, told 1940s investigators that he only saw Murdaugh's car when he was about 40 yards away and that Murdaugh then lifted his hand and waved at the oncoming locomotive before starting his car up and suddenly stopping directly on the tracks.

The impact of the crash "hurled the automobile approximately 900 feet up the track, totally wrecking it," The Hampton County Guardian reported at the time.

"Murdaugh's body was found beside the track approximately 150 feet from the crossing," the paper wrote, according to DeWitt.

Story continues

DeWitt wrote that local historians have speculated whether or not Murdaugh was drunk or if it was a suicide but no evidence suggests either. His death was ruled an accident by the Hampton County Coroner's jury.

The elder Murdaugh's son, Randolph "Buster" Murdaugh Jr., sued the train company alleging the train did not blow the whistle or ring a bell at the crossing and was traveling at high speed. He also alleged that the crossing and its approach "was in a rough, washed out and dangerous condition" and demanded a $100,000 settlement. The case of settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

In the years following the elder Murdaugh's death, several Murdaughs would become solicitors for the 14th Circuit in the county, and his law firm would significantly expand. That law firm would go on to bring dozens of lawsuits against railroad companies and win many multi-million dollar judgments or settlements.

The Murdaughs have even joked about the impact of taking on the railroad company.

"A train killed my grandfather in 1940, and they have been killing our people ever since," Randolph Murdaugh III once joked during a speech at a public event in Hampton County in 2018.

Read the original article on Insider
Judge Clifton Newman sentenced Alex Murdaugh to life in prison after he was convicted of murdering his wife and youngest son. Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via Associated Press

Judge Clifton Newman won praise for his soft-spoken demeanor during Alex Murdaugh's murder trial.

The jurist saved his thoughts for the very end, ripping into Murdaugh during his sentencing.

Newman suggested that others have received the death penalty for "lesser conduct" than Murdaugh.

Judge Clifton Newman, who oversaw Alex Murdaugh's trial, is being praised for a powerful statement condemning the disgraced ex-lawyer after he was convicted on Thursday of murdering his wife and youngest son.

Newman, who sentenced Murdaugh to two consecutive life sentences on Friday, oversaw a trial filled with contention, drama, and emotion. Though Newman himself lost his son just weeks before the start of Murdaugh's trial, the jurist maintained a stoic, soft-spoken demeanor throughout the six-week-long proceedings.

Newman saved his true thoughts about Murdaugh for the very end, unleashing harsh criticism during Friday's sentencing hearing.

"I'm sure Maggie and Paul visit you every night when you try to go to sleep," Newman told Murdaugh on Friday, referring to Murdaugh's wife and son. "They will continue to do so and will reflect on the last time they looked you in the eyes."

Newman even appeared to suggest Murdaugh deserved the death penalty, at one point noting that the Murdaugh family, a prominent legal family in the area, had prosecuted many people in the past who were later sentenced to death.

"I don't question at all the decision of the state not to pursue the death penalty," Newman said. "Over the past century your family, including you, have been prosecuting people here, in this courtroom, and many have received the death penalty  probably for lesser conduct."

A number of prominent South Carolina figures praised the judge for his handling of the trial, which drew nationwide media attention.

"Judge Newman is of the very best we have to offer here," State Sen. Thomas McElveen tweeted on Thursday after the verdict, calling the judge "a pillar of our judiciary and our bar."

Story continues

Rep. Roger Kirby of the South Carolina legislature commended Newman's "steady judicial hand, exceeding wisdom and unfailing integrity," calling the jurist "a testament to the highest aspirations for the judiciary in South Carolina."

Newman noted during Murdaugh's sentencing that he has been presiding over murder trials for 22 years. Apart from the Murdaugh trial, Newman is best known for overseeing the 2016 trial of Michael Slager, the former police officer who fatally shot Walter Scott.

On Friday, Newman indicated that he would continue to handle Murdaugh cases for some time. He said he had "at least 99 other cases" involving the ex-lawyer, who still faces various charges for financial crimes.

Newman sentenced Murdaugh to two consecutive terms of life in prison for the deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. The mother and son were shot to death at the family's hunting compound in Islandton, South Carolina in June 2021.

The sentence was handed down a day after Murdaugh was found guilty of murder. While no direct evidence connected Murdaugh to the killings, prosecutors said he had the motive to kill them to cover up his financial misdeeds and a prescription painkiller addiction.

Murdaugh continued to profess his innocence even after being found guilty, telling Judge Newman on Friday: "I wouldn't hurt my wife Maggie and I would never hurt my son Paw-Paw."

Read the original article on Insider
Thats too negative of an emotion to carry with me for the rest of my life, Bassett said.

Angela Bassett has amassed nearly every accolade in the book throughout her legendary career, but an Academy Award win still remains.

After earning her second Oscar nomination for starring as Queen Ramonda in Marvels 2022 blockbuster Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the actress said she holds no ill will from not winning her first nomination nearly three decades ago.

Angela Bassett arrives at the 95th Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Bassett sat down with Gayle King on CBS Mornings Friday this week to discuss her latest nomination, which comes 29 years after being nominated for her role as Tina Turner in the 1993 film Whats Love Got to Do with It.

Of course, in the moment youre hoping and praying and wishing [youll win], Bassett told King. But I never  I dont walk away thinking Ive been robbed.'

Thats too negative of an emotion to carry with me for the rest of my life, the actress added. I choose to believe there was a reason why it didnt happen.

As the 95th Academy Awards ceremony on March 12 looms, Bassett, 64, has already started 2023 with a bang.

On Thursday, Bassett was among 12 outstanding women selected for the prestigious Time Women of the Year list, along with Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson.

Just days prior, Bassett on Sunday, Feb. 26 headlined the NAACP Image awards with three wins including Entertainer of the Year.

As previously reported by theGrio, Bassett set social media ablaze when she accepted the award and immediately referenced Ariana DeBoses now-viral BAFTAs rap, quipping, Angela Bassett did the thing!

Bassett also earned the award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her work in FOXs 9-1-1. Later, she stood alongside Ryan Coogler, Tenoch Huerta, and Dominique Thorne to accept the award for Outstanding Motion Picture, presented by Zendaya, for their blockbuster sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Additionally in January, Bassett was named a special honoree for the 23rd Annual Black Reel Awards (The Bolts).

Story continues

She will receive the Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award for her acting achievements, joining past recipients Cicely Tyson and Laurence Fishburne.

theGrios Jared Alexander contributed to this report.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Angela Bassett holds no grudges after Oscar snub for Tina Turner role appeared first on TheGrio.
Turning camellia trees into "source of wealth, happiness"

Xinhua) 09:23, March 04, 2023

NANCHANG, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Greeting high-speed railway passengers to Ganzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, are rolling hills covered with arrestingly luxuriant oil-tea camellia trees.

These plants were not as ubiquitous years ago as they are today, although local people have been planting them since 2,000 years ago.

The change in the local landscape took place thanks to a letter addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015 by a centenarian named Wang Chengdeng. In the letter, the veteran Red Army soldier expressed his hope that the government would scale up support for local people in planting the camellia trees and other poverty alleviation industries in southern Jiangxi.

Ming Jinghua, a Ganzhou deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, carried the letter when she went to Beijing to attend the annual session of the NPC that year.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, received the letter and read out part of it when he joined a group discussion of the Jiangxi delegation.

Xi told leading officials of related departments who were present at the deliberation to conduct research on the development of oil-tea camellia industry.

The well-being of people living in old revolutionary bases like Ganzhou has been on the mind of Xi. "Old revolutionary bases are the roots of the Party and the people's army, and we should never forget where we came from," Xi said. He has, on multiple occasions, called for efforts to expand support to accelerate the development in old revolutionary bases and make sure all the people in these areas live a happy life.

A few days after the deliberation, the related departments called and told Ming that a team would be sent to Ganzhou to make research and offer advice and suggestions on the development of oil-tea camellia industry.

With policy support and the help of agricultural experts, the oil-tea camellia industry has ushered in rapid development in southern Jiangxi. More than 200,000 people have escaped poverty by participating in the development of the industry, with per capita annual income increasing by over 800 yuan (about 115.08 U.S. dollars). Oil-tea camellia has also been used to produce skincare and health products, extending the industrial chain and increasing the industry's annual output to more than 10 billion yuan.

"The oil-tea camellia industry has brought tangible benefits to local people," said Ming.

In May 2019, Xi came to Jiangxi on an inspection tour. His first stop was Ganzhou. Xi stressed efforts to ensure that people in old revolutionary bases live a happy life and to revitalize the countryside.

"These remarks warm the hearts of people in old revolutionary bases," Ming said.

Ming has many stories to tell about the camellia trees. Ming said during the years of revolutionary war, local people traded then precious oil made from the plants for medicines and other supplies to support the Red Army led by the CPC; in the fight against poverty, camellia trees help local people get rid of poverty.

"On the new journey, the camellia trees will be the 'trees of happiness ' for local people," Ming said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
Al Habtoor Group, a leading UAE business conglomerate, has announced its strategic partnership with SirajPower, the regions leading distributed solar energy provider, to deliver large-scale solar installations across eight projects in the UAE.

The largest and the only locally owned and operated integrated distributed solar energy provider in the region, SirajPower, had recently commissioned a 2.8MWp solar project for Habtoor Motors.

It had also committed to providing its fully integrated solar solutions to seven additional projects under Al Habtoor Group.

The combined capacity of these eight projects will exceed 5.7MWp and is expected to produce 9,500MWh of clean energy annually, enabling Al Habtor Group to expand more sustainably while conserving energy and leaving a smaller carbon impact, it stated.

Group Founding Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor said: "With the goal of fostering a more sustainable economy across the region, we are thrilled to collaborate with SirajPower, one of the most prosperous Emirati companies specializing in clean solar energy solutions."

"The UAE has declared 2023 the Year of Sustainability, which will give an unprecedented boost to various businesses and industries to achieve the desired sustainable development," he stated.

The first phase of the solar project for Habtoor Motors, comprising 2.8 MWp of capacity, has been successfully commissioned and is now operating with clean energy. The second phase of the project, consisting of 7 additional projects, will commence soon.

A large part of UAE's success can be attributed to the cooperation of all segments of society and the sharing of knowledge and strong partnerships that have been developed with strategic allies," remarked Al Habtoor.

"We at the Al Habtoor Group understand the value of sustainability and environmental responsibility, and we all have a duty to protect our natural resources so there will be enough for present and future generations," he added.

Abdulghaffar Hussain, the Founder of the Green Coast Group of Companies, said: "We are delighted to announce our partnership with Al Habtoor Group, enabling another regional powerhouse to grow more sustainably while reducing their energy consumption and reducing their environmental impact."

"This partnership also complements our efforts to align with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to reduce the countrys dependence on fossil fuels while increasing the use of renewable energy sources throughout the country," he stated.

These projects are an important milestone for SirajPower, and we are committed to supporting Al Habtoor Group achieve its goals of a cleaner, greener future and in keeping with this year's theme of Year of Sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint and utilizing energy more sustainably," observed Hussain.

"Furthermore, this partnership serves as an example for other large businesses across different industries to follow and begin their own clean energy journeys," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Police have been dispatched to arrest a Washington state woman with an active case of tuberculosis who, for over a year, has repeatedly refused to isolate or get treatment for the infectious disease, health officials said Friday.

The woman, whose name the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department declined to divulge but who was identified in court papers by the initials V.N., was given plenty of chances to isolate or seek treatment.

Judge Philip Sorensen signed the arrest warrant "as a last resort" on Thursday after health officials appealed to him for a 16th time on Feb. 24 to get the woman to comply with his order that she either resume taking her medication or voluntarily isolate herself.

Respondents objections to the order of February 24, 2023 are noted, preserved, and are insufficient to alter the courts order, Sorensen wrote. "The Pierce County Jail shall be authorized to transport V.N. to an appropriate designated facility within Pierce County including, but not limited to Department of Corrections facilities."

Sorensen did not elaborate in his order on why V.N. has refused to comply. But he did warn the arresting officers that they would be transporting "a patient with active tuberculosis" and to take "appropriate precautions."

The womans court-appointed attorney, Sarah Tofflemire, suggested in a filing Wednesday, which was obtained by The Tacoma News Tribune newspaper, that part of the reason the woman has been refusing treatment is because she does not understand what is happening. And Tofflemire requested that a guardian be appointed to help her.

"She has not acknowledged the existence of her own medical condition," Tofflemire said, noting that when she has taken part in court proceedings "she has spoken out of turn with rapid, disorganized speech.

She has primarily focused on how she dislikes papers coming to her home, and not the import of the process in which she finds herself," Tofflemire stated. "She has repeatedly threatened suicide in relationship to papers being served upon her home.

Story continues

NBC News has reached out to Tofflemire for comment but she has not responded.

Local health officials said that a court-certified interpreter has been present at every court hearing and that Tofflemire, from the moment she was appointed the woman's attorney in March 2022, has had numerous opportunities to request a guardian.

Kenny Via, a spokesman for the health department, said in a statement the woman will be taken "to a facility equipped for isolation, testing and treatment."

"We will continue to work through the court and to pursue all our options to protect the community and persuade the patient to voluntarily seek the life-saving treatment she needs," Via said.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has declined to offer information about why the woman has steadfastly refused treatment. But under Washington state law, public health officials have the legal authority to seek a court order when a persons refusal to take medication poses a threat to the public.

Tuberculosis can be deadly if left untreated, and infected people risk spreading the disease to others. The bacteria that causes tuberculosis is spread through the air when a person with an active case coughs, sneezes or speaks.

Typically, tuberculosis treatment takes three to nine months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But patients who stop taking their medications before the treatment is done can also develop antibiotic resistance.

Earlier, Nigel Turner, the county health departments division director of Communicable Disease Control, said the department had to resort to legal action just three times in the last 20 years to get TB patients to comply with treatment orders.

V.N. landed on the health department's radar around January 2022 after she turned up in an emergency room following a car crash and X-rays of her chest revealed she had TB and the disease was progressing.

The woman has also tested positive for Covid-19, "which also strongly suggests that she is not isolating as per this courts order," the News-Tribune reported.

Once a worldwide scourge that killed millions of people, tuberculosis has declined steadily since 1992 in the United States, according to the CDC.

The U.S. recorded around 7,900 active cases in 2021, the agency reported. And tuberculosis vaccines are no longer widely administered in the U.S. because the disease is not that prevalent and the shots are not highly effective in adults.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
FREEHOLD  An Asbury Park teen is charged with torturing and killing his pet cat, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Friday.

Bani J. Mezquititla, 18, first performed sexual acts on the animal, seriously injuring it. He then restrained the pet and tortured the cat, which resulted in its death, according to the Prosecutors Office.

An investigation began Thursday when a person described as a concerned citizen brought the remains of the animal to the Asbury Park Police Departments headquarters, the Prosecutors Office said in a statement.

City police and the Humane Law Enforcement Division of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) determined that the cat had belonged to Mezquititla, according to the Prosecutors Office.

Breaking News: Pediatric surgeon found not guilty in molestation case

Mezquititla was charged with animal cruelty by tormenting, torturing, or unnecessarily or cruelly abusing a living animal resulting in its death, and animal cruelty by using or causing or procuring the use of an animal or creature in any kind of sexual manner, the statement said.

Mezquititla was arrested later Thursday and is now in the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold Township. A detention hearing is scheduled to take place before a state Superior Court judge on Wednesday.

If convicted, Mezquititla faces up to five years in state prison.

Breaking News: Stafford man found guilty in death of Pinelands student, badly hurting another

Anyone with information about this matter is asked to contact Asbury Park Police Detective Anthony Houlis at 732-502-4582, SPCA Chief of Humane Law Enforcement Michael Goldfarb at 732-542-0040, or SPCA Lt. Michael Magliozzo at 732-440-4538.

This case has been assigned to Assistant Prosecutors Keri-Leigh Schaefer and Sevan Biramian. Information about whether a defense attorney has been retained for Mezquititla was not immediately available, according to the Prosecutors Office.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Asbury Park NJ teen charged with using cat for sex then killing it
Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville speaks on a panel about Sacking the Woke Playbook at CPAC on March 2, 2023. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

The word "woke" has quickly shot to the forefront of Republican politics in recent years.

It's been used to describe a sweeping array of topics  essentially anything Republicans don't like.

We asked CPAC attendees what they thought the word means. Their answers revealed little consensus.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland  In 2023, the word "woke" seems to be at the top of conservatives' minds.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a likely 2024 presidential contender, has declared that his state is "where woke goes to die." Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana has floated the idea of an "anti-woke" caucus in the House. And a Department of Labor rule pertaining to socially-conscious investment decisions, derided by the right as "woke," has teed up what will be the first veto of Joe Biden's presidency.

But at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)  a yearly confab where the Republican Party's most die-hard activists and political hangers-on hear from conservative influencers and politicians  the precise definition of the ubiquitous word remains elusive.

"That's tough. Let me think on it. Give me like two minutes to come up with something good," said Johnny McEntee, the CEO of a right-wing dating app that explicitly declares that "other dating apps have gone woke."

The word "woke" originally emerged from African American vernacular English, signifying a general awareness of systems of injustice. But in recent years, the word has been co-opted by the right, often used as a catch-all term for progressive policies, ideas, and ways of thinking.

And among the right-wing gathering's attendees, the word seemed to encompass seemingly everything that conservatives dislike about the world.

"My opinion is: they're trying to wake up what shouldn't be woken up," said Daniel Francis, 58, who said he'd traveled from his home in Southern Colorado to promote an organization that puts on rodeos for active duty service members and veterans. "They're stirring the pot in the wrong direction."

Story continues

For Francis, who said he homeschools his own children, the word "woke" invokes the idea of a system of education that's stoking divisions between groups. But it's also the driving factor behind a broader set of policy concerns  and the Republican Party, in his view, isn't doing enough to combat it.

"I think the woke side is kind of keeping the border open," he said. "I mean, that's what they want."

Daniel Francis, 58, said people are "trying to wake up what shouldn't be woken up." Bryan Metzger/Insider

'Political corruptness'

Wokeness was also on the lips of the conference's speakers, who used the word in a variety of contexts.

Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama spoke at a panel on Thursday about "Sacking the Woke Playbook," where he made sweeping claims about a left-wing agenda to uproot existing gender and sexuality norms, declaring at one point that "they want one gender."

Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and one-time US ambassador to the United Nations, declared wokeness to be a "virus more dangerous than any pandemic" in her speech on Friday, ultimately closing by urging attendees to "save our country from weakness and wokeness."

McEntee, the dating app CEO, eventually settled on "political correctness" as an apt synonym, saying that President Donald Trump  McEntee's former employer  had "opened everybody's eyes" to the issue.

"You know, we shouldn't be banning words," McEntee added. Asked for clarification on which words were being banned  and by whom  he demurred, citing the fact that he was there to promote his dating app.

"Political correctness" appeared to be the most popular short-hand among attendees.

A man wears a "stop woke indoctrination" sticker at CPAC 2023. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Nigel Farage, the erstwhile Brexit leader and former European Parliament member who could be seen walking around the conference on Friday, told Insider that wokeness meant "a level of political correctness that is totally extraordinary."

"If we don't agree with someone, we try and ban them or cancel them," he added.

James Winship, 68, a Virginia man dressed up as George Washington and holding a flag he said he carried on the mall on January 6, 2021, told Insider that "woke" was substituted for "political correctness" because the term sounded too much like "political corruptness."

'Everything's gotta be a hyphen-this, hyphen-that'

Others offered more expansive  and dark  definitions.

Joe Pinion, a Newsmax host who was the GOP nominee for Senate in New York in 2022, defined the "gospel of woke" as the notion that "all things in America are bad" while speaking at a panel about how conservatives might win young voters.

Jackson Stallings, a 21-year-old student attending the conference, said he saw wokeness as a combination of "this transgenderism thing," leftism, and critical race theory.

"I think it's all directly connected," he said.

Other attendees also homed in on gender and sexuality issues as being central to what defines "woke," including Susan Vandeberghe, 65, who was volunteering for CPAC after traveling to the conference from Michigan.

"Well, I don't have a problem with anybody being gay or anything like that," she said, adding that she had a gay nephew. She went on to name Pride Month, transgender athletes competing in sports, drag queens, and sex education in school systems as key examples of wokeness run amok.

"I'm not against anybody having those feelings, and it's more accepted now than ever before," she said. "But they're taking it to an extreme like no other."

Mary Phelps and Robyn Erickson, both 68, said wokeness is about division between groups. Bryan Metzger/Insider

Robyn Erickson and Mary Phelps, two 68-year old volunteers with the #WalkAway movement  which purports to represent former Democrats who've become Republicans  spoke generally of what they see as division and the misuse of history.

"Everything's gotta be a hyphen-this, hyphen-that," said Phelps, arguing that America should be a "melting pot" and that people are "hyper-focused on certain facets and using them to start conflict."

Erickson, a chef who noted that her company "tries to remind us of diversity, inclusion" on a weekly basis, made a culinary analogy.

"Like, when you make spaghetti sauce or chili, it's better the second day," she said. "Because it's all blended. It's come together."

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Krishn Kaushik, Devjyot Ghoshal, Saurabh Sharma and Aditya Kalra

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - At around 11 a.m. on Feb 14, some 20 Indian tax officials and police burst into the BBC's offices in New Delhi, shouting at staff to step away from their computers and hand over their mobile phones, according to two people present.

At the company's bureau in India's financial capital, Mumbai, tax officials launched a second raid. The government said the BBC had failed to respond to repeated requests to clarify its tax affairs related to the profits and remittances from its Indian operations.

The BBC has said it is cooperating fully with tax authorities and hopes to resolve matters quickly, adding its journalists would continue to report "without fear or favour". It declined to comment for this story.

Three weeks before the raids - which the government called a "survey" - the BBC released a two-part documentary that included an examination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in sectarian riots in his home state of Gujarat in 2002 when he was chief minister there. The documentary, which was only broadcast in Britain, accused Modi of fostering a climate of impunity that fuelled the violence.

Modi's government has called the documentary "biased" and reflecting a "colonial mindset". Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar told the ANI news agency last week it was "politics by another means" and suggested its timing was intended to undermine support for Modi. The BBC has said it stands by the reporting.

The 72-year-old prime minister enjoys high approval ratings and is expected to run for reelection next year for the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In late January, Indian authorities ordered the removal of social media posts sharing the documentary and police detained some Indian students who tried to screen it, saying it would disturb the peace. They were released shortly afterwards.

Story continues

The tax inspections at the BBC's offices - during which officials cloned the mobile phones of some senior staff and searched computers, according to the two people present - have highlighted the concerns of some journalists and media rights watchdogs about what they say is a decline in press freedom under Modi.

Reuters spoke to eight Indian journalists, industry executives and media analysts who said that some media which reported critically on the government have been targeted with inspections by government agencies, the suspension of state advertising, and the arrest of reporters.

"There's never been a golden age of Indian journalism," said Abhinandan Sekhri, chief executive of independent online media group, Newslaundry, whose offices in New Delhi were surveyed twice by tax officials in 2021 after critical coverage of Modi's administration. "But it has never been like it is now."

A criminal case filed by the tax department against Sekhri alleging tax evasion and forging a valuation report was thrown out by a judge in Delhi in November. Sekhri has sued the government for attacks on his fundamental rights and freedom of expression; the case is being heard in the Delhi High court.

Modi's government has vigorously denied the BBC tax inspection - the first against an international news organisation in decades - was a response to the film.

"The BBC operates under two private companies in India: like any other foreign company, they are open to scrutiny and tax laws apply to them," said Kanchan Gupta, senior adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The BBC had received more than 10 tax notices before the documentary aired, he said.

Reuters was unable to confirm this independently. The tax agency did not respond to request for comment for this story.

Since Modi took office in 2014, India has slid from 140th in World Press Freedom Index, an annual ranking by non-profit Reporters Without Borders, to 150th place last year, its lowest ever.

Modi's government rejects the Index's findings, questioning its methodology, and says India has a vibrant free press.

The world's most populous democracy with 1.4 billion people, India has thousands of newspapers and hundreds of TV news channels.

Gupta, the advisor to the information ministry, denied any government agency had targeted the media in response to coverage, or suspended any advertising. He said the government had stated repeatedly that harassment of journalists was unacceptable and against the law.

CHOKING FUNDS

The Editors Guild of India, an industry association, said the BBC raids were part of a trend of "government agencies being used to intimidate and harass news organisations." It cited four similar tax inspections against media in 2021.

In one of those, the offices of Dainik Bhaskar, one of India's largest newspapers by circulation, were raided in July2021 by tax authorities, who alleged it evaded taxes on income worth 7 billion Indian rupees ($84.47 million). The paper has contested the charge and the case is ongoing.

The newspaper - part of DB Corp, one of India's largest newspaper groups  had published a series of articles alleging authorities mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and underreported deaths. The government has denied mistakes in its response and undercounting.

A senior Dainik Bhaskar executive, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the raids followed an unexplained halt in advertising by the federal government and six BJP-controlled states from February 2021. The suspension lasted until August 2022 and cost the newspaper more than 1 billion rupees ($12.25 million), he said.

A spokesman for the newspaper declined to comment. The state governments did not respond to requests for comment. Asked about the case, Gupta, the senior advisor at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said the government did not pull advertising because of critical reporting.

In a report last year, Reporters Without Borders said that, despite high readership, many Indian news organisations were vulnerable to economic pressure because of their reliance on government advertising.

The acquisition of some media groups by billionaires seen as close to Modi has also led to the silencing of independent voices in the Indian press, it said.

Between 2014 and early December 2022, the federal government spent 64.9 billion Indian rupees ($784.34 million) on advertising in print and electronic media, it said in a statement to parliament at the end of last year. However, the figures showed spending has declined in recent years.

Gupta said there had been complaints after the government reduced its advertising spending but that was not an assault on media freedom.

"Government doesn't exist to fund media. We don't want a media which is loyal to us or beholden to us because of the money that we give them," he said.

'CRITICS AS AN ENEMY'

Reports from international press freedom watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), say that - in addition to the financial pressures on media organizations - the federal and state governments in India have detained an increasing number of journalists for their reporting.

At least seven journalists remained behind bars in India as of December, the highest number in 30 years, according to the CPJs annual global tracker released on Dec 14.

In some instances, reporters have been detained by state governments - which control local police forces - after reporting on minor issues.

On March 29, 2022, Ajeet Ojha, a reporter with the Hindi-language newspaper Amar Ujala in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, wrote a story about high school examination test papers being leaked to students in advance in the town of Balia. Ojha wrote that an investigation into who leaked the papers was ongoing.

The next day, the 42-year-old reporter was arrested by police and accused of leaking the test papers himself, according to the police report, reviewed by Reuters.

"I spent 27 nights in jail," Ojha said, adding that he is still accused on two counts, though police dropped some criminal charges. Balia police did not respond to requests for comment.

Gyanendra Shukla, a veteran reporter who led the campaign for Ojha's release, said the BJP-controlled state government viewed "critics as an enemy".

"They have forgotten that the work of a journalist is to highlight problems and criticise the system," he said.

The Uttar Pradesh government did not respond to requests for comment. Gupta, the ministry advisor, said the arrest was a matter for the state authorities.

(Reporting by Devjyot Ghoshal, Aditya Kalra and Krishn Kaushik in NEW DELHI and Saurabh Sharma in LUCKNOW. Additional reporting by Fayaz Bukhari in SRINAGAR; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
Chipmakers hoping to tap into the Biden administrations $39 billion semiconductor manufacturing subsidy program will need to sign agreements promising they wont expand production capacity in China. The requirement was among a handful of funding conditions the US Commerce Department outlined this week after announcing it would begin accepting applications for money from the CHIPS Act in late June. Congress passed the $280 billion measure last July in a rare show of bipartisan cooperation and set aside $52 billion in tax credits and funding for US semiconductor firms to expand domestic production.

Recipients will be required to enter into an agreement restricting their ability to expand semiconductor manufacturing capacity in foreign countries of concern for a period of 10 years after taking the money, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters, per the Financial Times . Raimondo did not name China by name. However, the superpower is among the nations the US government considers a foreign country of concern.

Additionally, Raimondo said CHIPS Act recipients cannot knowingly engage in any joint research or technology licensing effort with a foreign entity of concern that involves sensitive technologies or products, a requirement likely designed to discourage domestic firms from signing agreements like the one Ford recently announced with Chinas CATL .

I also want to be clear that no CHIPS dollars can be spent on stock buybacks, Raimondo said. This is about investing in our national security, not enabling these companies to use our money to increase their profits. The Commerce Department will also require companies applying for more than $150 million to outline how they plan to provide affordable childcare to workers, a funding condition Raimondo said reflects the current labor market. In some instances, the agency may require those same recipients to return some of the money they receive from the CHIPS Act to the government if they generate excess profits.
By Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden's team is moving to tap top Democratic allies and even some people once seen as possible rivals as key representatives of his expected re-election bid.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) will host a "national advisory board" comprised of the sorts of rising-star politicians, including governors J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Phil Murphy of New Jersey, who are known for their own bids for higher office but stayed on the sidelines after Democrats survived the 2022 midterm elections with their Senate majority intact.

The move by White House political officials and other allies to sign on high-profile spokespeople, which is typical for parties moving into the frenzy of campaign season, shows Biden is headed towards a formal re-election announcement now expected in April, though the date could slip, sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.

Biden's team is making other steps, too, including thinking through possible options for a campaign manager a host city for the 2024 party convention where Biden would be formally nominated. Chicago and Atlanta were seen by Democratic officials as the primary contenders for the convention, which was conducted virtually in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign's strategy is expected to be set by the same inner circle that guided Biden's 2020 race against Republican former President Donald Trump, including his final 2020 campaign manager, Jen O'Malley Dillon.

But that group has struggled to hone a short list of potential campaign managers for 2024 as they look for a trusted operator outside their own ranks who has experience winning a state-wide campaign in a competitive state, among a variety of other qualifications.

"They are looking for a unicorn," said one party adviser.

The new advisory board will be used to demonstrate unity in the party behind the candidate, traveling the country for campaign appearances and doing interviews on television on behalf the party and, eventually, the candidate. News that the group was being assembled was first reported by the Washington Post.

Story continues

Biden, who turned 80 in November, is the oldest president to hold office. Recent polls show aging leaders are a concern for Americans in general, and Biden's age in particular worries Democratic voters. But the president's aides are shrugging off polls showing doubts about his age as irrelevant at this stage of the race.

No major rivals for Biden have emerged on the Democratic side, though the self-help guru Marianne Williamson is expected to formally announce on Saturday that she is mounting a long-shot bid in the primary after doing so in the more crowded field from which Biden emerged victorious in 2020.

On the Republican side, Trump is seeking a second term, and a set of would-be challengers are laying the groundwork for their campaigns.

In the absence of a formal re-election announcement, the White House continues to book Biden in campaign-style appearances across the country. On Monday, Biden is expected to speak to the International Association of Fire Fighters, the first major labor group to endorse him ahead of the 2020 campaign.

Biden's public approval rating was just 41% in a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll last month. That is close to the lowest level of his presidency, though similar to where Trump was at the same time in his administration.

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt)
WASHINGTON  President Joe Bidens decision Thursday on a local crime law sends a national message to fellow Democrats about how he believes they should address Republican criticism of the nation's rising crime rates.

Democrats have focused predominantly on police reform since the George Floyd protests reignited a national debate over race and law enforcement three years ago. But rising violent crime rates and growing perceptions of unease in major cities have prompted a chorus of party strategists and officials to call for a tougher approach to counter Republican attacks.

Biden  who has a history of pushing for stauncher crime laws  has tried to straddle the Democratic divide but was forced this week to choose sides when he said he wouldn't allow the Washington, D.C., city government to enact laws that would lower some criminal penalties.

If Republicans thought President Biden would hand them a wedge issue for 2024, they thought wrong, said Democratic strategist Lis Smith, a veteran of former President Barack Obamas re-election campaign and an architect of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigiegs rise. Its going to be very hard to define him as soft on crime after hes denounced defunding the police and reducing sentences for crimes like carjackings.

Nothing focuses the mind of a White House gearing up for re-election like an incumbent getting only 17% of the vote, as Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot did Tuesday in the citys crime-focused mayoral contest.

The Washington, D.C., bill offered a slew of complications. The Democratic-controlled city council passed a sweeping criminal reform measure but then the mayor, also a Democrat, vetoed it. The council overrode her veto.

But D.C.'s unusual existence as not fully independent of the federal government means that Congress can quash any law change. A Republican-led bill got the support of about 30 Democrats in the House and is now expected to pass the Senate with a handful of Democrats, forcing Biden to either sign or veto it. Democrats, who have increasingly pushed for D.C. to be left to rule itself, called on Biden to veto the measure on the grounds that it isn't the federal government's place to determine local criminal law. But Biden didn't acquiesce.

Story continues

"I support D.C. Statehood and home-rule  but I dont support some of the changes D.C. Council put forward over the Mayors objections  such as lowering penalties for carjackings," the president said on Twitter.

The White House is planning a full-throated effort to present him as tough on crime to try to chip away at any Republican advantage on an issue that has put many Democrats on the defensive.

Next week the president will ask for an increase in funding for his Safer America Plan, aimed at crime prevention and policing, in his 2024 budget proposal, according to a White House official. Biden is also expected to continue publicly emphasizing his record on crime issues.

The White House is more broadly preparing to intensify its criticism of Republicans on crime, with plans to highlight some GOP efforts to cut the Justice Departments Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS program; oppose an assault weapons ban; and defund the FBI. The White House plans to argue that by proposing that federal spending return to 2022 levels, for instance, Republicans would cut funding for programs that fight crime.

The effort will look similar to how Biden talked about crime while campaigning during last years midterm elections, the White House official said.

"Congressional Republicans need to commit here and now to joining with President Biden  not obstructing him  in fighting the rising crime rate he inherited," said White House spokesperson Andrew Bates. "Their years long campaign to slash law enforcement funding in the name of ideology couldnt be more at odds with the country.

Bidens decision blindsided congressional Democrats, most of whom had recently voted to let the D.C. law stand  especially since the administration indicated last month that the president would take the opposite position  and is being widely seen through a political lens.

Its smart politics. He was running into a buzz saw, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham told reporters at the Capitol. You dont want to get left of the D.C. mayor.

Veteran Democratic political consultant James Carville, who was a top strategist to Bill Clinton when he successfully overcame long-standing perceptions that Democrats were soft-on-crime to win the presidency during the height of the crack epidemic in the 1990s, said Bidens move was a good step, but that the party needed to do more.

It shows you the power this issue has become. Look what happened in Chicago. Look what happened in San Francisco. Everywhere you turn around, Carville said, referring to the ouster of Lightfoot and former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin in a recall election last year.

Crime largely disappeared from national politics while rates were at historic lows during much of the the 2000s and 2010s, but Carville said the politics changed when crime rates started to tick back up during the pandemic, even though theyre still nowhere near as high as they were in the 1990s.

This is a front and center issue, and its one that we should, by any measure or statistic, be ahead of  but were not, he said of Democrats.

Bidens move put himself in the uncomfortable position of receiving praise from Republicans and criticism from House Democrats, the vast majority of whom are now on the record voting against overturning the controversial criminal measure, which could be used against them in GOP attack ads.

Biden just hung House Democrats out to dry. Its incompetence bordering on hilarity that they waited until scores of them walked the plank on this, said Matt Gorman, a Republican strategist who has worked on House campaigns. Crime is only gaining salience as an issue. It seems that Biden, as he apparently runs for re-election, is informing his party to wake up.

The Republican-controlled House passed the measure to overturn D.C.s law with the support of only 31 out of 212 Democrats in the chamber.

Democrats control the Senate, but issues related to D.C. get a special fast-track to a floor vote and several upper chamber Democrats  and not just usual suspects like West Virginias Joe Manchin  said they would vote with Republicans to overturn the law.

Democrats like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Rep. Pete Aguilar denounced Biden on Twitter for undermining the capital citys self-governance, while D.C.s non-voting House delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton, called it a sad day for D.C. home rule.

With the nationwide increase in crime, most senators do not want to be seen as supporting criminal justice reform, Holmes Norton said in a statement.

Tellingly, however, few national Democrats gave full-throated defenses of the crime law itself, focusing instead on D.C.s ability to govern itself without federal intervention.

Violent crime is up nationwide and in major cities, Democrats main support base, as downtowns struggle to recover from the pandemic.

Last fall, Gallup found that a record 56% of Americans reported crime had gone up in their area  the highest uptick since the pollster first started asking the question in 1972. A follow-up survey in January found that 72% of Americans expected crime to continue to rise this year.

Residents of urban areas reported a 15 percentage point drop in their perceived quality of life over past year in deep-blue New Jersey, according to a new Monmouth University poll, while suburbanites said their quality of life remained stable.

In the nation's capital, home to both the local and federal lawmakers considering the crime law, homicides were up 30% over last year.

Last month, Rep. Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, was attacked in the elevator of her Washington apartment building by a man with 12 previous assaults on his record.

In an interview with a local radio station last week, Craig criticized some reformist Democrats on crime, pointing to, as an example, a failed 2021 ballot measure in Minneapolis to abolish the citys police department and replace it with a new agency.

There are people that have been, in my view, reckless with their words over the past few years, she said. If we have to choose as a nation between social justice and public safety, weve all lost. We have to choose both.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Dubai carrier Emirates and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have signed an interline agreement to boost connectivity for passengers of both air carriers to new points on each others networks via its hubs in Manila and Dubai, using a single ticket and one baggage policy.

Now in effect, the reciprocal interline partnership provides Emirates passengers access to 19 Philippine domestic destinations operated by Philippine Airlines, including Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Cotabato, Davao, Iloilo and Kalibo as well as two Asian regional points via Manila, said the Dubai airline in its statement.

Philippine Airlines passengers also benefit from access to Emirates global network and seamlessly connect to 21 cities operated by Emirates beyond Dubai to European destinations such as London, Rome, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Paris and Kuwait.

It will also get access to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia as well as other other points in the Middle East, Africa and India, it added.

Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: "The Philippines is one of our strongest consumer markets and were pleased to sign a new interline agreement with the countrys flag carrier."

"The partnership with Philippine Airlines will help open new links for trade and tourism that will drive more inbound traffic into the market, and expand Emirates footprint in East Asia," stated Kazim.

Philippine Airlines VP (Sales) Bud Britanico expressed delight at the new interline partnership with Emirates that expands the choices available to Philippine Airlines passengers.

"Thanks to the interline agreement, they can now gain easier access to more destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa via our flights to Dubai," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The Biden White House has been reluctant to talk about alternatives to its student loan relief plan for fear of undermining its case now before the Supreme Court, but should the justices strike down the proposal, they do have some options.

Lawyers for the administration made their case to save President Bidens student debt forgiveness before the justices on Tuesday, but with the plan at the mercy of a conservative-leaning court, eyes are on the administration for what comes next.

Im confident were on the right side of the law. Im not confident about the outcome of the decision yet, Biden told reporters Wednesday.

The relief was a top promise for the president during his 2020 campaign, and he announced his plan to eliminate up to $20,000 in student loan debt just a few months before last years midterm elections.

From the outset, observers knew the proposal would be challenged legally, and it quickly became the subject of multiple lawsuits around the country, with two cases ultimately reaching the high court.

Despite the apparent odds stacked against them, the Biden administration has tried to maintain an optimistic tone and not entertained talk of backing off.

The plan that we put forward in August is the plan that we have, which is also a plan that you heard the solicitor general really defend in a strong and powerful way yesterday. And thats our plan, and we believe in our legal authority to get that done and get that implemented, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday, adding that Education Secretary Miguel Cardona had reached out to borrowers this week to let them know the White House has their back.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addresses reporters during the daily briefing at the White House. (Greg Nash)

Our focus right now is getting this done. You saw the solicitor general really give a strong argument yesterday in front of the highest court in the land. Theres a reason we took it to the Supreme Court, Jean-Pierre said.

Story continues

In the short term, perhaps the most viable alternative Biden could explore if the high court nixes his proposal is loan forgiveness through a new executive action, a possibility backed by leading Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.).

In 2021, Schumer, Warren and other Democrats called on Biden to use authority under the Higher Education Act (HEA) to cancel up to $50,000 in student loan debt for all borrowers. The 1965 law allows for student loan relief for certain groups, including those whose institutions have since closed.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks at a rally for student debt relief advocates gather outside the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington as the court heard arguments over President Bidens student debt relief plan. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Congress has already granted the Secretary of Education the legal authority to broadly cancel student debt under section 432(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1082(a)), which gives the Secretary the authority to modify,  compromise, waive, or release any right, title, claim, lien, or demand, however acquired, including any equity or any right of redemption, the Democrats wrote.

Robert Moran, a former senior policy adviser in the Education Department under President George W. Bush, suggested that the Biden administration could also try to defend its current plan under the HEA, as opposed to the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students, or HEROES, Act, which it cited before the Supreme Court.

The administration may return to some of the arguments proposed under the HEA to provide this relief. If that happens, I am sure there will be another series of court cases that will likely end back at the Supreme Court, Moran said.

He added, however, that he doesnt personally think that the HEA grants Biden the authority to enact the loan forgiveness and hes not sure what is available to the administration to provide the relief.

Another option, although very unlikely with the House in Republican hands, is to get student debt relief through Congress.

Democrats did secure a legislative win in the $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus package Biden signed in 2021, which included a provision that made it so student debt relief would be tax-free if it occurred, a step critical to advocates.

Congressional action is always an option, but the short answer is, there is no quick fix, said Debra Dixon, a former chief of staff of the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development at the Education Department under President Obama.

Lawmakers and activists plan to keep up the pressure on the administration.

Well, I think theres going to be an uproar across the country, in particular on college campuses across the country. And folks who are working really hard to get it done, these activists are gonna continue to organize and well continue to try to address the issue in Congress, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif. ) told The Hill at a rally outside of the Supreme Court this week in support of student debt relief.

Student debt relief advocates gather outside the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

At the same demonstration, Rep. Max Frost (D-Fla.), the first Generation Z member of Congress, replied no when asked if there is a legislative path forward if the court knocks down the Biden plan.

And so what well need to do just because of the numbers right now, the majority, so what well need to do is well need the president to try something else. What is that? I dont know. But well probably need to get creative, Frost said.

Theres ways that we can work around it, especially in conversations Ive had with experts on the issue. What those are? Not sure yet, but there are ways to work around it and figure out how we can still get this relief for people, he added.

Apart from complete debt cancellation, the Biden administration has worked to make it so student loan borrowers have an easier time repaying their student loans once payments resume after a pandemic-related pause.

One of the proposals the administration has made is changes to lower payments for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. IDR plans make it so a person pays back a certain amount each month, and after 20 to 25 years the rest of their debt will be forgiven.

Under the proposed changes, an individual making less than $30,500 would have $0 monthly payments, and each month would still count towards the time it takes to get debt forgiveness. Those making above $30,500 will still see a benefit as they will only have to pay 5 percent of their discretionary income, not the current 10 percent.

The number of years for forgiveness would also be shortened, with those who have debts of $12,000 original principal or less able to receive forgiveness after 10 years. Every $1,000 above a $12,000 original principal would give another year of monthly payments up to the 20 to 25 year mark before forgiveness could apply.

Junlei Chen, an economist for the University of Pennsylvanias Penn Wharton Budget Model, says the proposed changes to the IDR plan are more likely to succeed and be the best option for student debt relief for borrowers in the future.

However, Chen cautions those changes would cost billions of dollars.

The budgetary costs of the new IDR plan will shoot up, and our estimate is in the next 10 years budget window, it will cost around like $333 billion to $360 billion, which is almost the same level as the student loan forgiveness plan, she said.

The Department of Education proposed their estimated cost of the IDR plan, which is like around 140 [billion]. But they didnt take into account the more generous feature of this IDR plan and the high possibility borrowers will change their behavior and they would switch into this IDR plan, Chen said.

Student debt relief advocates rally outside the Supreme Court. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Another option the administration proposed to make student debt less burdensome was easing the high bar to declare bankruptcy on the loans.

Student loans are treated differently than other types of debt in bankruptcy court, with borrowers burdened with the difficult task of proving undue hardship and a certainty of hopelessness in many states to get the debt discharged.

Under the proposed changes, in certain situations the government may decide not to contest the discharge of federally held student loans, making it much easier for them to be included in a bankruptcy case.

Zach Schonfeld and Alex Gangitano contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Reuters

It was a long time coming, but President Joe Bidens Sister Souljah moment has finally arrived. The president deserves kudos for saying he will sign a Republican-led resolution blocking a Washington, D.C. crime bill that would lower penalties for (among other things) carjacking and illegal possession of a firearm.

Make no mistake: Although Bidens decision is both substantively and morally right, it is still a brave move. Biden, who has generally gone out of his way to avoid offending his partys woke left flank, now finds himself in the line of fire at the exact moment when he seemed to have (mostly) quelled talk of a 2024 primary challenge.

Bidens Befuddled Response to the Ohio Train Disaster Is Unacceptable

The White House f***** this up royally, one House Democrat told The Hill, adding, FKING AMATEUR HOUR. HEADS SHOULD ROLL OVER AT THE WHITE HOUSE OVER THIS. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also criticized Bidens decision: DC has a right to govern itself, like any other state or municipality, AOC tweeted. If the President supports DC statehood, he should govern like it. Plenty of places pass laws the President may disagree with. He should respect the peoples gov of DC just as he does elsewhere.

When you consider that a few years ago, AOC implied Nancy Pelosi had racist motives when criticizing her and the Squad, you get the sense for how overriding the D.C. city council could result in similar escalating attacks on Biden.

Still, regardless of the risks involved, Biden is wise to make this a rare point of departure from left-wing pressure.

First, Biden has plenty of coverD.C.s Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser opposes the bill, and 31 House Democrats voted last month against the soft-on-crime bill, as well.

Second, the crime issue is salient. Look no further than Lori Lightfoot, who this week became the first Chicago mayor in four decades to lose re-electionand as the Associated Press noted prior to her loss, concerns about crime have dominated Tuesdays mayoral election.

Story continues

Third, there is no disputing that crime is on the rise in our nations capital.

A couple of years ago, while I was on CNN, my driver narrowly averted being carjacked in front of the studio. Just last month, Rep. Angie Craig was attacked inside the elevator of her D.C. apartment building.

These are anecdotes, but the visceral sense that the wheels are coming off in our nations capital is backed by data: The Washington Post reports that D.C.s homicide rate is up 40 percent over last year, and the Wall Street Journal notes that D.C. has seen a 109 percent increase in auto theft, according to local police data.

Ron DeSantis Anti-Free Speech Crusade Would Cancel Fox News

In the wake of demonstrably increasing crime rates, which invariably harm the poorest communities most, the D.C. city council chose this moment to pass this bill? And the vote wasnt even close. When D.C.s mayor vetoed the legislation, the council voted 12-1 to override it.

Young people today probably dont appreciate the psychological damage that comes from a sense that crime is out of control, or that bleeding-heart liberal politicians contribute to the problem by preventing law enforcement from taking (and keeping) criminals off our streets. For this reason, rising crime rates tend to redound to the advantage of Republicans, and their appeals for law-and-order.

Back in 2021, I warned Biden and Democrats that they simply cannot allow a narrative to take hold that they let their guard down on the violent crime issue. Avoiding this fate, I said, meant re-committing to a style of politics that cares more about the victims and regular Americans than it does about coddling criminals.

Maybe he is finally listening. There arent a ton of things a president can do to address violent crime in our cities. Because of the unique relationship between the city of Washington, D.C., and the U.S. government, this is one of the rare opportunities he will have to clearly demonstrate sanity on the issue.

Biden is also blessed to have a unique circumstance in American politics today: For most modern-day politicians, the primary is more dangerous and competitive than the general election.

This creates a perverse incentive where the smart move is to cave in to the extremes in your tribe. By standing up against this progressive soft-on-crime bill, at the risk of offending people who consider D.C. statehood one of the civil rights issues of our time, Biden is doing the opposite.

CPAC Didnt Used to Be This Insane (I Swear)

The president is instead focused on a Biden coalition in Pennsylvania or Michigan who thinks Trump is a fool, but also worries about the radical lefts proposed policies, such as the Defund the Police debacle.

And I think Bidens strategy is smart. The odds of him losing the 2024 general election are certainly higher at this point than the odds that he will be defeated in a primary.

Biden made the right choice on the meritsand the smart choice in terms of politics. Its the kind of triangulation that Bill Clinton would have employed.

Indeed, I would argue that Bidens gambit makes it even less likely that he will face a viable Democratic primary challenge. Thats because his entire raison detre is premised on being the one Democrat in America who can hold his own in middle Americaand defeat Donald Trump. Supporting this GOP-led resolution against D.C.s soft-on-crime crime bill only increases those odds.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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President Biden and King Charles III. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, Chris Jackson/Getty Images

President Biden will likely not attend the coronation of King Charles III this coming May, a pair of White House officials told TIME Magazine on Friday.

The officials, who spoke to TIME under the condition of anonymity, told the outlet that Charles' May 6 crowning "does not feel like an event Joe Biden will attend." However, they added that Biden's plans for the coming spring have not yet been finalized, potentially leaving the door open for a presidential trip to the U.K.

A Buckingham Palace official told TIME that they would be releasing an official guest list for the coronation "in due course."

Charles became king last September upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Both the president and first lady Dr. Jill Biden joined hundreds of other leaders at the queen's funeral in London. The couple met the queen at Windsor Castle just over a year before her death. When Biden spoke to Charles upon his mother's passing, the White House said in a press release that he "conveyed his wish to continue a close relationship with the king."

However, TIME noted that Biden himself has "long held a personal discomfort with the British monarchy." This is in part due to his strong Irish heritage, and the Biden family has reportedly held anger about the historic colonization of Ireland by the British monarchy, a sentiment shared by many native Irish people.

The revelation of Biden's possible absence comes at a time when the British monarchy has come under fire even for its continued existence due to the cost of living crisis in the U.K. Charles has pledged to have a more scaled-back coronation than his mother, but controversy over the Royal Family has continued to build.

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The ESG fight is moving from the US Capitol to the White House.

More than halfway through his term, US president Joe Biden had yet to use his veto power. But that changed after the US Senate voted earlier in March to block a US Labor Department rule that would have allowed retirement plans to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their investments.

Biden issued the veto against the measure on March 20. This bill would risk your retirement savings by making it illegal to consider risk factors MAGA House Republicans dont like, the president said, explaining his decision.

Read more

ESG principles call for broadening investment considerations beyond profit to incorporate a loosely defined set of issues that can include climate risk preparedness or a companys working conditions or employee compensation.

Democrats argued that the Labor Department rule was neutral: Retirement funds could either choose to invest in ESG funds, or not. But Republican opponents have turned ESG into a political lightening rod, deriding it as a form of woke capitalism at odds with the needs of average Americans.

US pension funds manage over $20 trillion dollars (pdf) in assets and retirement savings, according to the OECD.

Democratic US senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jon Tester of Montana joined all of the Senates Republicans in voting against the Labor Department rule, setting Biden up for the first veto of his presidency.

The House and Senate are not expected to have the required two-thirds vote to overturn a presidential veto.

ESG is a culture war battleground with high financial stakes

In a statement, Tester justified his anti-ESG vote in the Senate saying, Im opposing this Biden administration rule because I believe it undermines retirement accounts for working Montanans and is wrong for my state.



Manchin went several steps further. In a brief interview on Fox News, he said that ESGs by itself just could kill our whole economy.

Story continues

Manchin and Tester both represent states with large fossil fuel industries, which are concerned about divestment should funds move toward climate goals.

ESG assets have grown rapidly in recent years, to over $18 trillion in 2021.

Financially, ESG funds perform similarly to non-ESG funds, though major asset managers are starting to warn that Republican-driven acrimony toward ESG may begin to threaten performance.

This article and its headline were updated on March 21 to reflect news of Bidens veto against the bill.

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Comedian and Real Time HBO host Bill Maher defended his earlier comments that Covid-19 was likely the result of a lab leak in Wuhan, China in light of a new Department of Energy report supporting the theory.

I feel like the people who were the dissenters are looking pretty good. I was one of them, Maher said during a discussion that aired Friday. I remember getting a lot of s*** from a lot of places.

One of the panelists, the British comedian, actor, and political commentator, Russell Brand, lent his support to Maher saying: I think dissent is a great duty across all topics.

Bill Maher on the pandemic "I feel like the people who were the dissenters are looking pretty good." Russell Brand: "I think dissent is a great duty around all topics." pic.twitter.com/NUQgGIQ1Yw  Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) March 4, 2023

Partisanship, Brand added, ultimately leads us into cul de sacs culturally.

MSNBC commentator John Heilemann noted that while he believed the lab-leak theory remained a credible possibility, former president Donald Trump deserved the lions share of the blame for politicizing the matter.

If you go back to that time, why do people seize on the notion that theyll reject the lab-leak theory? Because like everything else in COVID, Donald Trump politicized it from day one, Heilemann argued. His thing in that first two weeks was kung flu. And it was not just that it started in a lab, but then that the Chinese had released it on the world, that it was a bioweapon. This wasnt a leak.

However, Maher challenged this view.

So everybody else has to take his bait like that and double down on stupid? Maher pushed back.

When Maher first publicly considered the lab-leak theory in January 2021, media commentators blasted him as a conspiracy theorist in league with Trumps former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon.

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The Real Time host welcomed a pair of podcast hosts to push the evidence-free conspiracy theoryoriginated by Steve Bannonthat COVID-19 is man-made and escaped from a lab, the Daily Beast framed it at the time.

However, Mahers comments on the heels of an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy earlier this week that the coronavirus likely leaked out of a virology research lab in China, has seemingly vindicated the comedians earlier thoughts.

Mahers statements follow fellow comedian Jon Stewarts response to the news after he was condemned for similar comments made on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert arguing that the lab leak theory was a leading culprit.

Asked by host Stephen Colbert whether was a chance that Covid-19 leaked out of a lab, Stewart launched into a monologue.

A chance? Oh my god! Theres a novel respiratory coronavirus overtaking Wuhan, China, what do we do. Oh, you know who we could ask? The Wuhan novel respiratory coronavirus lab. The disease is the same name as the lab!

Oh my God, theres been an outbreak of chocolatey goodness near Hershey, Pennsylvania. What do you think happened? Stewart joked. Like, Oh I dont know, maybe a steam shovel mated with a cocoa bean? Or its the f***ing chocolate factory.

Today @JonStewart talks to some of our staff about the news that the COVID-19 virus may, in fact, have leaked from a lab in China and what it reveals about the problem with the media narrative machine. Full episode drops Wednesday on @ApplePodcasts pic.twitter.com/tsaLUYzIRl  The Problem With Jon Stewart (@TheProblem) February 27, 2023

Stewart encountered similar fierce pushback with many arguing the comedian was a racist and a conspiracy theorist.

The larger problem with all of this is the inability to discuss things that are within the realm of possibility without falling into absolutes and litmus-testing each other for our political allegiances as it arose from that, the comedian said on The Problem with Jon Stewart this Tuesday.

More from National Review
A Bluffton man accused of owning and distributing child sexual abuse material will be prosecuted by the Attorney Generals Office, according to a Friday news release.

Donald Charles King, 71, of Bluffton, was charged Friday morning with one second-degree count and one third-degree count of sexual exploitation of a minor, Beaufort County jail records show.

Police have accused King of owning and distributing child sexual abuse material, more widely known as child pornography. Under South Carolina law, both of his charges are considered felonies, with each punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Kings arrest was part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a statewide joint operation between the Attorney Generals Office and local law enforcement. Investigators began looking into King after receiving an online tip.

Task force members from the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office and the Charleston Police Department carried out Kings arrest, according to the news release. The Attorney Generals Office will prosecute his case.

As of 8 a.m. Monday morning, King was in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.

When we publish mugshots

The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette publishes police booking photos, or mugshots, in the following instances:

In situations where a public figure or someone in a position of public trust is arrested

In cases where there is an immediate and widespread threat to public safety

In cases where the arrested person is accused of a crime reporters have evidence to believe involved numerous, unknown victims

Reporters will avoid using mugshots as lead images for online articles in order to limit their circulation on social media, except in cases where the public is served by the immediate identification of the accused. Reporters and editors may use discretion in situations that dont meet the criteria outlined in this policy but still present a compelling reason to publish a mugshot.
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro on Saturday denied committing "illegal acts" after a report that jewelry allegedly gifted by Saudi Arabia to him and his wife was brought into the South American nation without being declared to authorities.

The government of Bolsonaro's successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, pledged to investigate the matter.

On Friday, O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper reported that a member of Bolsonaro's government had illegally tried to bring to Brazil a $3.2 million jewelry set consisting of a diamond necklace, ring, watch and earrings gifted to the far-right former president and former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro by the Saudi government.

The Saudi embassy in Brazil did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"I'm being accused of a gift I neither asked for nor received," Bolsonaro was quoted as saying in an interview with CNN Brasil. "There is no illegality on my part. I never committed illegal acts."

Still, Lula aides promised that probe into the matter would be launched.

Justice Minister Flavio Dino said he would request a federal police investigation, while Paulo Pimenta, a spokesman for the leftist Brazilian president, stressed there would be no impunity.

"The evidence is robust and the truth will out," Pimenta said in a social media broadcast.

According to O Estado de S. Paulo, the jewels valued at 3 million euros ($3.19 million) were found by customs agents in the backpack of an aide to then-Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque who was returning from an official trip to the Middle East in October 2021.

Agents at the Guarulhos airport in Sao Paulo seized the jewelry, as people must declare any goods worth more than $1,000 when they enter Brazil, the newspaper said, adding that the Bolsonaro administration unsuccessfully tried to recover the jewelry multiple times through government officials.

Bolsonaro is in the United States, having flown to Florida in late December, 48 hours before Lula was sworn in. He attended the CPAC conservative conference in Washington on Saturday where he was also expected to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump, his political ally.

($1 = 0.9406 euros)

(Reporting by Paula Arend Laier and Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Paul Simao)
(Bloomberg) -- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro got an enthusiastic welcome from US conservatives gathered in suburban Washington and said his mission is not over while leaving open the possibility that his movement might continue without him.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Bolsonaro, 67, spoke on the final day of the Conservative Political Conference on Saturday after his son, Eduardo, a Brazilian congressman, addressed the group and before former President Donald Trumps keynote closing address.

In this moment, I thank God for my second life and also for the mission of being the president of Brazil for one term, Bolsonaro said through an interpreter in a 23-minute speech. But I feel deep inside that this mission is not over.

While Bolsonaro previously indicated he intends to return home to lead an opposition movement, his speech on Saturday gave no indication of how or when. It served more to highlight conservative measures taken during his term, like deregulating gun owners and the hands-off approach to combating the coronavirus pandemic thats championed at CPAC.

They keep saying, Science, science, science. What I say is, freedom, freedom, freedom, Bolsonaro said to applause. The CPAC attendees also cheered when Bolsonaro said he never forced anyone to take the Covid vaccine in Brazil, which suffered one of the worlds worst pandemic tolls.

The former Brazilian president and Trump are close allies. Bolosonaro  often called the Trump of the Tropics  said he has an exceptional relationship with Trump, who endorsed Bolsonaro in his unsuccessful reelection bid last year.

Bolsonaro used his speech to make apparent jabs at the Brazilian Supreme Court, which is investigating him and his allies for spreading falsehoods about the outcome of last years election. Since his loss, the court has ordered the social media accounts of Bolsonaros loudest allies, including members of congress and influencers, be taken down for stoking doubt about the results.

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We must be always be preoccupied with our liberties, he said. Its just like a great love, you must take care of it every day not to lose it. The best way to control social media is more freedom.

After losing to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro decamped to Florida two days before the end of his term skip Lulas Jan. 1 inauguration. He traveled on a diplomatic visa and has since asked for a tourist visa to extend his stay.

The former Brazilian president emerged from his self-imposed exile, addressing his supporters at rallies throughout the US at the end of January, including speaking at an event organized by Turning Point USA at Trumps Doral Miami resort.

Bolsonaro seemed to leave open the possibility he may never return home.

I am certain that we planted many seeds in Brazil. We elected many people who were unknown but with great potential and many of them here with me, he said. I always tell them, the best case scenario is the people dont need us.

Bolsonaro is facing multiple investigations in Brazil, including into his alleged involvement in the Jan. 8 riots by supporters who refused to accept his loss in Octobers election. The tumult drew comparisons to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Trump faithful.

Like Trump, who falsely claims the 2020 presidential election was rigged and stolen, Bolsonaro said Saturday he had way more support in his reelection bid than when he ran the first time and I dont understand why the numbers reflected the opposite.

Lulas administration wants Bolsonaro to appear before Brazilian courts in the next few months, according to a high-ranking adviser to the leftist leader. The government is considering options to force him to return if he doesnt voluntarily come back by the end of March, said the adviser, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive information.

CPAC has a history of welcoming authoritarian world leaders at its events. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addressed the group last year in Dallas, where his spiel against progressives, immigrants and the media was warmly embraced with rousing applause.

--With assistance from Daniel Carvalho.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Opens New Exhibit for Sydney WorldPride

BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!, the platform from The Little Black Gallery to promote queer and gay photography, has opened a new exhibit in Australia to help celebrate Sydney WorldPride.

The Sydney WorldPride exhibition from BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! features the works of 60 queer and gay photographers, including Paul McDonald, David Charles Collins, Ben Fredrickson, and others.

RELATED: BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Juxtaposes Dark Moods, Hot Bodies in New Exhibit

The exhibition takes place at Working Dog Gallery in Sydney now through March 11. This is the first BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! exhibition in Australia hosted by Working Dog Gallery.

RELATED: BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Is Back & Exploring the Fragile Beauty of Men

The Little Black Gallery represents more than 60 photographers from 30 countries including China, India, Iran, Poland, and Russia  where LGBTQ+ folks are denied their basic human rights and live under constant threat of repression, arrest by corrupt and bigoted police, and the threat of violence and even death.

RELATED: 50 Pics Celebrating Sydney Mardi Gras 2023

Working Dog Gallery is located at 89 Chandos Street, St Leonards, in NSW. You can learn more at the Working Dog Gallerys website workingdog.gallery.
He was one of the last presidents of Mexico to rule over Texas and always portrayed as one of the great villains of Texas History. Santa Anna is an overwhelming presence in the history of early Mexico, shaping much of the direction of the country in that time period, and Texas by extension. His role in the history of Mexico is much more complicated. He was president of Mexico on 11 different occasions until being overthrown, he was a constant foe of Texas and the United States, he was responsible for events from chewing gum to the disaster at the Alamo. Santa Annas impact on history cannot be denied.

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was born in eastern Mexico in 1794, one of seven children. His father was a respected and modestly successful lawyer under Spanish colonial rule. However, his father was often frustrated by the Spanish crown granting political appointments to ambitious Spaniards close to the royal family rather than those colonists born in Mexico. He tried to push his son into a career as a businessman, but his mother managed to get him appointed as an officer in the Spanish army at the age of 16.

By 1810, Mexico and most of Latin America was in chaos following Napoleons occupation of Spain. That year, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla sparked a rebellion of the lower classes in Mexico, calling for racial equality for Mexicos many different minority groups and for land reform. Santa Anna fought against the rebels. In 1813, he made his first venture into Texas by defeating the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition, an ill-fated attempt by a ragtag private army to take over the area. Serving under Gen. Jose Joaquin de Arredondo, Santa Anna learned his techniques for regaining control in the midst of rebellion  mass executions. Santa Anna was part of the brutal suppression of the uprising, mercilessly slaughtering 300 rebels in San Antonio and leaving the bodies hanging in the trees. By 1815, the rebellion throughout Mexico had been largely suppressed. When a coup in Spain overthrew the absolute monarchy in favor of a constitutional government in 1820, aristocrats in Mexico rebelled, fearing for the future of their elite status. Gen. Augustin de Iturbide led the revolt, and seeing the political winds changing, Santa Anna joined forces with Iturbide. By 1821, Iturbide was proclaimed emperor of Mexico; and Santa Anna was rewarded by being given command of Veracruz, Mexicos most important port city.

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Between 1823 and 1862, the average term of a Mexican president was nine months. Resignations, coups, and mysterious deaths became a fact of life in Mexican politics, with Santa Anna increasingly at the center of the chaos. Santa Anna participated in the rebellion against Iturbide that led to the creation of a republic in 1823. In 1827 as Mexico conducted an election, Santa Anna and a number of other generals declared they would ignore the results and launched an attack on the government. With Santa Annas help, a new president was installed by the military.

Santa Anna led Mexican troops against Spains attempt to reclaim Mexico in 1829. He repelled the Spanish invasion at the Battle of Tampico. For the ambitious officer rising through the ranks, the results were everything he wanted. His popularity soared, and he christened himself The Napoleon of the West.

After the vice-president seized the presidency for himself in 1830, he arrested his predecessor and placed him on trial. After the former presidents execution in 1831, protests erupted across Mexico. Seeing the opportunity, Santa Anna gathered his forces and launched a rebellion against the new government. Crushed under the weight of Santa Annas attacks, Bustamante agreed to step down while the different factions agreed to new elections. Santa Anna was elected president overwhelmingly in 1833.

As president, Santa Anna was as the height of Mexicos political power. But he soon became bored with the position. After a month in office, he stepped down in favor of Vice-President Valentin Farias and returned to his estate in Veracruz. Farias continued to take orders from Santa Anna and pursued a number of reforms while tackling an immense national debt. After these reforms began angering conservatives, Santa Anna returned to Mexico City to reclaim the presidency, forcing Farias to resign. This process would continue three more times between the summer of 1833 and January 1835. As a result, instability and factionalism arose again and the governments control over the country weakened.

In 1834, Santa Anna dissolved Congress. He abolished the 1824 constitution and arbitrarily imposed a new constitution in January 1835 to restore order before stepping down from the presidency once again. Instead of order, revolution erupted across Mexico as the people demanded their rights be restored. Protests erupted across the country. Several states declared themselves in rebellion. Yucatan declared its independence and several northern states declared their independence as the Republic of the Rio Grande. Santa Anna retook command of the army and brutally crushed these rebellions across the country.

Texas settlers, mostly Americans, had grown tired of the abuses by Mexico and began their own rebellion, the Texas Revolution. Once Santa Anna restored order in Mexico, he rode north to Texas with his forces to suppress the rebels. This would lead to the bloody massacres at the Alamo and at Goliad in early 1836, moments that would leave an indelible mark on Texas History.

Ken Bridges is a writer, historian and native Texan. He holds a doctorate from the University of North Texas. Bridges can be reached by email at drkenbridges@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Mexican leader Santa Anna's impact on Texas can't be denied, part 1
A general view of the London Stock Exchange in London, Britain - FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Britain will "go further" with post-Brexit financial deregulation if needed to protect London's status as an international hub, the City minister has promised, amid fears of an exodus by major companies.

Andrew Griffith said that the Square Mile will be boosted by reforms already in train, but vowed to do more if required.

It follows widespread consternation about the future of the City after British microchip champion Arm snubbed the London stock market for a blockbuster listing in New York.

Writing for the Telegraph, Mr Griffith said: "If we need to go further, then we will. The Financial Services and Markets Bill will complete its journey through Parliament in the coming weeks.

"It grants us the power to quickly and effectively repeal and replace burdensome pages of European Union laws, and establishes a broader regulatory framework that is smarter, agile, and  crucially  proportionate to the risks posed."

He added that the government is already reforming the UKs prospectus regime and forcing regulators to drive international competitiveness, as well as reforming pension rules known as Solvency II so that fund managers can divert more money into infrastructure.

Mr Griffith said: As City minister, I have always been of the view that we need to go further  and not just rely on past success.

"I never forget that firms have a choice where to locate or to raise or invest capital.

"The UK must compete for every pound, dollar or euro of that business with the Government providing the supportive environment in which to do so."

Arm's decision to list in America has sparked a blame game within Whitehall, with UK officials blaming regulatory red tape for driving the business to list in New York.

Under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, public companies must gain investor approval for transactions with related parties.

This would have potentially forced Arm to get approval before making deals with the many other tech companies owned by its Japanese parent company, Softbank.

Story continues

The rules are far more relaxed in the US, where companies are required to simply disclose that a transaction is taking place.

The FCA, which declined to comment, had been in talks with Arm and was reportedly prepared to relax the rules for the microchip company.

But one government insider told the Financial Times that the FCA was not flexible enough: They were asked to think big but they thought small.

The regulator is currently looking at ways to make the rules for listing on Londons stock market less onerous, having opened a consultation on the listing regime last year.

However, there are fears that the proposals will be too late to prevent a wave of other companies following suit as President Joe Biden offers tens of billions of dollars in subsidies for companies to move to the US.

Several other microchip companies held talks with the White House last week. Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 building materials business CRH said on Thursday that it would shift its primary listing to New York.

WANdisco, a London-listed data company valued at nearly 1bn, considering making the same move according to a Sky News report on Saturday.

Arms confirmation of a US-only listing was a huge blow for Rishi Sunak who had lobbied hard to convince the Softbank-owned tech company to pursue a dual listing in London.

The business has committed to growing its presence in the UK by adding staff in Bristol, and wil remain headquartered in the country.

Mr Griffith said: "Ultimately different companies will have unique features and competing reasons to list in capital markets across the globe.

"And in the case of Arm, while it has chosen to list in the US, it is notable that in the same breath it confirms plans to open a new innovative hub in Bristol  and has committed to further building their business in the UK, with its headquarters, operations and material intellectual property remaining here."
BROCKTON  An RMV service center manager copped to taking bribes from drivers who couldn't pass a written test.

The former manager of Brockton's RMV service center, 43-year-old Mia Cox-Johnson of Brockton, pleaded guilty to two counts of extortion and one count of conspiring to commit extortion, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for Massachusetts.

Prosecutors said that in one case, she took $1,000 cash for giving a passing score on a learner's permit test to someone who had failed the test six times.

Also pleading guilty to one count of mail fraud was Brockton's Estevao Semedo, 61. Semedo owns Pires Auto School on Pleasant Street.

"Specifically, it is alleged that Semedo paid a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center to misrepresent to the RMV that certain drivers license applicants had passed their road test when in fact they had not," the Justice Department said. "Some of the applicants did not even show up to take the test. As a result of the fraud, the RMV mailed drivers licenses to unqualified applicants."

'Swept away'One of the 'most extraordinary' homes in Easton sells for $950,000

The schemes allowed drivers to bribe their way to driver's licenses and learner's permits, putting potentially dangerous drivers onto the streets of Brockton and surrounding towns. More than 2,000 customers at Brockton's RMV on Forest Avenue got passing scores by road-test examiners without taking a road test, a state investigation previously found.

Cox-Johnson made $93,464 in her last full year of employment with the Department of Transportation (2021), according to state records. In 2022, the state paid her base pay of $13,782 plus a buyout of $15,878.

The Enterprise called Semedo's attorney, Nathaniel H. Amendola of Norwell, and Cox-Johnson's attorney, William Keefe of Boston. We will update this story if either lawyer responds.

Cox-Johnson's plea deal includes U.S. Attorney Rachel Rollins recommending a prison sentence "at the low end" of guidelines. Semedo's deal includes the same provision.

Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on Twitter at @HelmsNews. Thank you, subscribers. You make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Brockton Enterprise.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton RMV: Mia Cox-Johnson pleads guilty in bribery scandal
Courtesy of Joshua Budhu

Dr. Joshua Budhu is a neuro-oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

In addition to treating brain cancer, he works toward health equity.

This is Budhu's story, as told to Kelly Burch.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Joshua Budhu. It has been edited for length and clarity.

When I was a sophomore in college, my brother, Ravi, didn't come home one night. My mother knew something was wrong, and she started calling local hospital rooms. That's when my family found out that Ravi was hospitalized and in police custody.

Ravi was the oldest of the four children in my family, 12 years older than me. He was born in Guyana, whereas I was born in Queens. Ravi's life was very different from mine. As soon as he graduated from high school he started working to help support our family. Despite that challenge, he founded a successful IT company.

Unfortunately, after the tech bubble burst, Ravi's company failed. He moved back in with our parents and gained a significant amount of weight. He became depressed, but culturally that wasn't something we talked about. Ravi used alcohol and cocaine to cope.

The night he didn't come home, he had been driving while intoxicated. He was arrested after he hit a parked car and was taken to the hospital for a few scrapes and bruises. He was handcuffed and shackled there, with two police officers standing guard.

Over the next few days, Ravi's health deteriorated. He was sedated and intubated, still in handcuffs.

Then the hospital called us to come quickly. Since Ravi was in police custody, we had to go to the precinct first to get a pass to visit him. When we finally made it to the hospital, we learned that Ravi had died from a pulmonary embolism.

Ravi's death made me want to become a doctor

Ravi's death was a seminal moment in my life. Before he died, I'd been considering going into economics or finance. After losing my brother, I knew I didn't want anyone else to go through what he had been through. I decided to study medicine.

Story continues

At first I thought that if Ravi hadn't been picked up by the police that night he wouldn't have died. But with time I realized it wasn't that simple. If it hadn't been this that killed him, it would've been something else.

As a first-generation immigrant, Ravi had poor health literacy. He lived in a food desert and had diabetes. He had untreated depression and a substance-use disorder. He had no job, was on Medicaid, and ultimately ended up at an underfunded public hospital.

All these social determinants of health manifested in Ravi's demise. My brother was set up to fail. But I came to believe that I could help change that landscape for other patients.

I want everyone to have equitable access to healthcare

Now that I'm a doctor treating brain-cancer patients, I know medicine doesn't start at the bedside. I need to understand the bigger picture of what my patients are going through. If they can't afford rent or food to eat  a big concern this year with rising grocery prices  they're not thinking about treatment.

I've devoted my career to addressing those disparities and finding solutions. I work with the Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to make sure patients with backgrounds similar to Ravi's have equitable access to healthcare.

Sometimes that's as simple as providing stipends for food assistance or copays. Other solutions are more complex.

Last year I was accepted into a program by the drug research program Bristol Myers Squibb foundation to support diversity in clinical trials. Too often clinical trials exclude people from diverse populations. That can be downright dangerous. The most egregious example is the blood thinner warfarin. It was developed in the 1960s and tested almost exclusively on white men. But in the past 20 years, researchers have learned that people of different ethnicities require different doses of the drug. That means that for decades we were overdosing or underdosing millions of patients.

In my specialty  treating brain cancers  clinical trials are considered a first-line treatment. If we're not including people of color, immigrants, and people of various socioeconomic statuses in those trials, we're not providing them with the best healthcare.

I think Ravi would be proud of the work I've accomplished. Every time I see patients or achieve a milestone toward alleviating health disparities, it's for him. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to achieve their optimal health. My brother certainly did. Though I can't help Ravi, I'm dedicated to increasing equity for others like him.

Read the original article on Insider
In March, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will prepare decisions that hromadas [administrative units designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.] need for budget sustainability.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in evening appeal

Details: Zelenskyy said that a meeting of the Congress of local and regional authorities of Ukraine was held in the city of Lviv on Saturday.

"There were heads of central and local authorities, representatives of state authorities and local communities. From all over our country  all regions, all parts," he said.

Quote: "We agreed today that the Cabinet of Ministers will prepare the decisions that our communities need for budget sustainability in March. Relevant amendments to the law on the state budget of Ukraine will be proposed to the Verkhovna Rada."

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, KROMI Logistik fair value estimate is 10.72

KROMI Logistik's 8.70 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Peers of KROMI Logistik are currently trading on average at a 56% premium

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of KROMI Logistik AG (ETR:K1R) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

Check out our latest analysis for KROMI Logistik

The Method

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (, Millions) 3.15m 3.04m 2.97m 2.92m 2.89m 2.87m 2.85m 2.84m 2.84m 2.84m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ -5.03% Est @ -3.47% Est @ -2.38% Est @ -1.62% Est @ -1.09% Est @ -0.71% Est @ -0.45% Est @ -0.27% Est @ -0.14% Est @ -0.05% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.6% 3.0 2.7 2.4 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 21m

Story continues

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.6%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 2.8m (1 + 0.2%)  (6.6% 0.2%) = 44m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 44m ( 1 + 6.6%)10= 23m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 44m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 8.7, the company appears about fair value at a 19% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at KROMI Logistik as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.087. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for KROMI Logistik

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded its 5-year average.

Debt is well covered by cash flow.

Weakness

Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Trade Distributors industry.

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Opportunity

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine K1R's earnings prospects.

Threat

No apparent threats visible for K1R.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For KROMI Logistik, we've put together three essential items you should further research:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for KROMI Logistik that you should be aware of before investing here. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! Other Top Analyst Picks: Interested to see what the analysts are thinking? Take a look at our interactive list of analysts' top stock picks to find out what they feel might have an attractive future outlook!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Key Insights

Turbo-Mech Berhad's estimated fair value is RM0.74 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Current share price of RM0.73 suggests Turbo-Mech Berhad is potentially trading close to its fair value

The average premium for Turbo-Mech Berhad's competitorsis currently 2,666%

Does the March share price for Turbo-Mech Berhad (KLSE:TURBO) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Turbo-Mech Berhad

The Model

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM6.30m RM6.73m RM7.13m RM7.50m RM7.85m RM8.20m RM8.53m RM8.87m RM9.21m RM9.56m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 8.30% Est @ 6.88% Est @ 5.89% Est @ 5.19% Est @ 4.71% Est @ 4.37% Est @ 4.13% Est @ 3.96% Est @ 3.84% Est @ 3.76% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 12% RM5.6 RM5.4 RM5.1 RM4.7 RM4.4 RM4.1 RM3.8 RM3.5 RM3.3 RM3.0

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM43m

Story continues

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.6%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 12%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM9.6m (1 + 3.6%)  (12% 3.6%) = RM116m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM116m ( 1 + 12%)10= RM37m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM80m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM0.7, the company appears about fair value at a 0.5% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Turbo-Mech Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.070. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Turbo-Mech Berhad

Strength

Currently debt free.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Trade Distributors market.

Opportunity

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine TURBO's earnings prospects.

Threat

No apparent threats visible for TURBO.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Turbo-Mech Berhad, there are three relevant factors you should look at:

Risks: As an example, we've found 5 warning signs for Turbo-Mech Berhad (2 make us uncomfortable!) that you need to consider before investing here. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
A prominent group of nurses in California slammed a state plan to rollback masking and COVID-19 vaccine requirements in health care settings starting in April, arguing that the decision puts health care workers at risk.

The condemnation came Friday after the California Department of Public Health announced earlier in the day that it will no longer require masks to be worn in indoor high-risk and health care settings nor require health care workers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 starting April 3.

The department noted that federal rules still ensure most health care workers are vaccinated for COVID-19.

But Bonnie Castillo, the executive director of the California Nurses Association, said in a release that the decision is a failure of public health leadership.

Abandoning these standards is a counterproductive and unscientific approach to curbing the spread and evolution of Covid-19, Castillo wrote. This decision endangers the health and safety of nurses and other health care workers, hurts their ability to access personal protective equipment from employers, and ultimately exacerbates the health care staffing crisis that political leaders have vowed to tackle.

The group noted that the rollback came just as the state surpassed 100,000 COVID-19 deaths.

The release states the association will notify the hospitals and clinics that employ their 100,000 members of their continued responsibilities to protect nurses and other health care workers.

This is an attack on frontline health care workers, who will now face greater risk of Covid-19 infections, reinfections, and long Covid, said Cathy Kennedy, the president of association.

Its surreal that political leaders would put nurses, patients, and community members at greater risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke risk, diabetes, pulmonary embolism, cognitive impairment, and long-term immune dysfunction, she continued.

Their statement also highlighted a recent survey of nurses that found almost 60 percent of respondents needed to take time off work to recover from post-COVID or long-COVID symptoms over the course of the pandemic.

Story continues

The state public health department also announced that starting March 13 it will reduce the time recommended for people infected with COVID-19 to five days as long as they feel well, have improving symptoms and do not have a fever.

The department will also rescind an order that required hospitals throughout the state to accept patients being transferred from facilities with limited intensive care capacity as needed starting April 3.

Officials said it could take these steps because of the investments that the state has made in its public health infrastructure. The department said it is still monitoring the science of the pandemic and taking recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for guidance.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The FBI has arrested a Cary man on multiple charges tied to the Capitol riot, making him at least the 27th North Carolinian criminally linked to the political violence.

Christopher Chris Carnell, who made his initial appearance in Raleigh federal court on Thursday, faces five charges, including a felony count of obstructing an official proceeding.

He is scheduled for a remote hearing in the Washington, D.C., federal courts on Wednesday.

Carnell joins more than 1,000 others charged so far during the two-year investigation following the riot. Other N.C. arrests are expected.

On Jan. 6, 2021, thousands of supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to stop congressional certification of Trumps election loss to President Joe Biden.

The violence has been tied to five deaths. Some 140 police officers were injured, while the Capitol suffered millions of dollars in damages.

Newly unsealed FBI documents show Carnell has personal ties to at least one other N.C. defendant. He was also caught on camera on the floor of the U.S. Senate explaining to a fellow N.C. rioter how the election certification process worked.

Carnell, according to an FBI affidavit, is a high school friend of Aiden Bilyard, also of Cary, who is scheduled to be sentenced March 17 to up to five years in prison for his role in the mob attack.

In fact, the FBI says it first learned of Carnell when agents arrested Bilyard in November 2021, seized his phone, and found a text conversation between the two and several other uncharged individuals.

The FBI called them the Group.

Investigators say the members went to Washington twice: first for The Million MAGA March in November, and later for the former presidents Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6.

Bilyard later identified Carnell to the FBI, the affidavit shows.

Carnell was also part of an impromptu civics lesson on the floor of the Senate with another North Carolinian, Dale D.J. Shalvey of Conover, a tutorial that appeared in a New Yorker magazine video and is described in the FBI affidavit.

Story continues

As a group of insurgents rifled through documents on the senators desks, Shalvey came across Sen. Ted Cruzs planned remarks to object to the counting of the electoral votes of Arizona, one of the key swing states that Biden won and which Trump and his supporters baselessly accused of voter fraud.

Shalvey suspected Cruz, a Texas Republican and Trump supporter, of no good.

He was going to sell us out all along  look! said Shalvey, a Catawba County farmer, as he pointed to the Cruz document.

Wait no, Carnell responded, according to the affidavit.

Thats a good thing. Hes on our side. Hes with us. Hes with us.

Shalvey and his wife, Tara Stottlemyer, are scheduled for sentencing on March 29. Both have pleaded guilty to riot-related felonies and could be sent to prison.

The legal status of one of Carnells companions on Jan. 6 remains unclear. He is identified in the affidavit as David Worth Bowman of Raleigh.

Photos included in the FBI document show a man identified as Bowman posing with Carnell in the Senate chamber and sitting at a senators desk fiddling with his phone.

The affidavit said there is probable cause to believe both Carnell and Bowman committed multiple crimes, including illegally entering the Capitol and disrupting an official proceeding.

As of Friday, there was no sign in the federal courts of North Carolina or Washington, D.C., that Bowman had been charged.

But he has already talked to the FBI.

In a voluntary interview on Dec. 1, Bowman admitted that he and Carnell were among those who breached the Senate floor. He also said that he and his friend had no plan once they got there.

(L)ike we are in here, he told his FBI interviewers.

Like uh were a dog, we caught the car, we dont know what to do.

NC man said he was in Capitol to kick ass and take names later. Now he faces prison
Tired mother holding her newborn child at home after tying to pump.

File: Getty

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reminding parents of newborns to sterilize their bottles and breastfeeding equipment, after the cause of an infant's death last year was linked to a contaminated breast pump.

The CDC explained in a report on Friday that the child was a premature infant boy who died 13 days after becoming infected with the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria "likely transmitted through expressed milk contaminated by breast pump equipment."

RELATED: Artificial Sweetener Linked to Blood Clots and Heart Attacks, New Study Finds

The CDC explains on its website that when this strain of bacteria infects infants under 12 months of age, the infection is often linked to powdered infant formula, due to the fact that it can live on household surfaces such as kitchen counters, sinks, and water.

While the infant's death was not linked to contaminated formula, the CDC revealed that the breast pump used in his case was cleaned and sanitized but at times assembled while still moist.

"Because of the widespread presence of C. sakazakii in the environment, caregivers of infants should follow safe hygiene, preparation, and storage practices, and learn steps to protect infants from infection," the CDC stressed in their report.

RELATED: Locals Near Ohio Train Derailment Diagnosed with Bronchitis, Other Health Conditions After Chemical Exposure

When not deadly, the bacteria can cause a dangerous blood infection (sepsis) and swell the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). The CDC stressed in their report that "caretakers should be instructed to thoroughly clean and sanitize breast pump equipment."

Last month, two batches of Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula were recalled over cross-contamination concerns of Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.

"ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula in 12.9 oz containers was manufactured between August 2022 and September 2022. The products were distributed through retail stores nationwide in the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico," the Food and Drug Administration announced in a news release.

Story continues

The formula manufacturer explained in the release that the recall was out of "an abundance of caution" and that no illness incidents were reported. Test of batches of the formula also did not indicate the presence of the bacteria.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Last March, Abbott Nutrition's powdered baby formula was also recalled due to possible contamination of Cronobacter and salmonella.
CHICAGO (AP)  The No. 66 bus is packed on a recent weekday afternoon as it starts and stops its way from Chicago's near west side to Navy Pier along the Lake Michigan shore.

The seats and windows squeak and rattle just like a regular diesel bus, but no one seems to notice the high-pitched whine of the electric motor that makes it go.

That's just what Chicago Transit Authority wants. Buses that don't pollute the air yet can run the route with the same reliability as those that do, even when cold weather cuts into the battery range.

Yet to make electric buses work, the CTA has had to go to great lengths and expense. It built fast-charging sites on both ends of the No. 66 route that plug into the bus rooftops.

Drivers constantly monitor the batteries to make sure they don't get depleted, risking the bus getting stranded. If they get below 50% charge, they're supposed to top them off at a charger.

We're working through the day-to-day challenges of inclement weather in Chicago, said Don Hargrove, senior maintenance manager at the garage that's home to most of the authority's 23 electric buses.

The CTA started experimenting with electric buses in 2014, and has developed a system that Hargrove says will work as the transit authority moves to an all-electric fleet by 2040.

Other transit systems are going through the same process to help cut pollution and fight climate change.

Cold weather is the CTA's biggest problem. As the temperature drops, lithium-ion batteries that run the buses aren't as efficient and lose range. Most of the energy drained from the batteries goes to keep the bus interior heated to 70 F (21 C).

Every time the bus stops to pick up passengers, let people off, the doors are opened, said Richard Lin, assistant chief bus equipment engineer. You've got to heat that new batch of cold air.

The electric buses do have a small diesel engine that heats the interior in extreme temperatures to extend the battery range, Lin said. But most of the time the buses use electric coil heaters, similar to a giant toaster, which can zap batteries. When the CTA bought its buses, more efficient heat pumps weren't available as an option, he said.

Story continues

On each 10-mile one-way trip on the No. 66 route, the electric buses lose about 8% of their battery energy. In the winter, they start with roughly 100 miles of range when fully charged. So after about six one-way trips, policy says drivers have to charge as they get below 50%.

Normally the schedule has 10 to 15 minutes built in for charging, and the buses get around 1% of a full charge for every minute theyre plugged in.

With enough chargers, the electric buses can run all routes, Lin said. "It's just a matter of our strategy with placing the chargers at the correct locations, having enough chargers available as we scale up our fleet.

At present, the CTA has about 1,900 buses and most run on diesel fuel. The transit system is starting to swap them out for electric ones, but the investment is huge. Each electric bus costs about $1.1 million, about $500,000 more than a diesel model.

But after the initial capital outlay for the buses and charging stations, the electric buses are much less expensive to operate. The CTA calculates it costs $2.01 per mile to run the 40-foot-long electric buses. For a diesel bus it's $3.08, and $2.63 per mile for a diesel-electric hybrid.

It would take decades for the authority to get its investment back in the electric buses, but CTA officials say the cost of electric buses will come down as more are sold.

In the capital of Alaska, Juneau, which has a more temperate climate but winter temperatures can still drop below zero, officials also have plans for an all-electric bus fleet, though one they got in 2020 has been plagued by mechanical problems.

Capital City Transit has ordered seven electric buses to replace diesel models from 2010, said Rich Ross, operations superintendent. The new buses are expected to run regular routes due to increased battery capacity, "which wasnt available when we ordered our first bus, he said.

Cold winter conditions could still knock 100 miles off the expected 282-mile range of the new buses, so on the coldest days, they could be put on commuter routes that run only during the peak transit hours, Ross said.

Like Chicago, Capital City Transit is also planning to construct an on route charging station for buses to plug in if they run low.

Back on the No. 66 in Chicago, Dawn Carter, 54, says she's glad electric buses are running the route because they're good for the environment.

About the only difference is the electric buses are quieter than those with clattering diesel engines and noisy heaters, but few people notice, she says. When I'm coming to work, everybody s just rushing to get on and off, she says. Its just quieter. It's easier to talk to people. When the heat goes on and off you barely notice it.

____

AP reporter Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, and Video Journalist Teresa Crawford in Chicago contributed to this story.

____

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Image via Publicist

On Mar. 7, the Chicken Big Mac will officially launch in participating McDonalds stores across Canada. The idea is simple: picture a Big Mac, but instead of two beef patties, the sandwich will have two chicken patties instead.

Jeff Anderson, McDonalds senior manager of menu innovation in Toronto, met with CTV News to explain that he had spent two years fine-tuning the sandwich.

I remember taking a bite of it and thinking, Wow, this is a Big Mac but its a little bit different, Anderson said. We knew we had to keep the identity, but how do we integrate the chicken part of it into that? It is a lot of pre-work that comes into this before we make something that goes to market.

According to CTV News, Anderson was trained as a chef at the Culinary Institute of Canada.

Anderson added that inspiration for the Big Mac came as the company noticed many people were already swapping chicken patties from other menu items into the traditional Big Macs.

The Chicken Big Mac had previously made its way to the United Kingdom and sold out in less than two weeks. McDonalds then tested the idea of bringing the Chicken Big Mac to the United States last summer. It remains to be seen whether the Chicken Big Mac will have such an impact on Canada.
(Bloomberg) -- China needs to increase its military budget to meet complex security challenges, a top Chinese official said, amid rising geopolitical tensions with the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The increase in defense spending is needed for meeting the complex security challenges and for China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, said Wang Chao, spokesman of the National Peoples Congress, the countrys top legislative body. He spoke at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday, a day before the official kickoff of the key political event.

Chinas defense outlays have come under the spotlight amid increasing friction with the US over technology and the war in Ukraine, as well as Beijings claims to a wide swath of the South China Sea. There have also been concerns over a potential military clash between the superpowers over Taiwan.

Wang didnt give any forecasts for military spending, but noted that outlays as a share of its gross domestic product have been kept basically stable for many years and the increase is appropriate and reasonable.

The nations overall fiscal budget, including military spending, as well as its economic growth target for this year will be announced on Sunday.

Spending on the military, known as the Peoples Liberation Army, has increased by at least 6.6% each year over the past three decades, keeping pace or often exceeding economic growth, although the overall spending figure remains far surpassed by the amount of the USs military expenditures.

The future of China is closely connected with the future of the world. Chinas military modernization will not be a threat to any country, and it is a positive power to ensure regional stability and world peace instead, he added.

Story continues

In its first gathering since the end of Covid Zero, the NPC will also hear plans on how the countrys top leaders will strengthen the economy, possibly revamp the ruling party and government institutions, and appoint new officials to government posts  including the premier, vice premiers and other economic and financial leadership roles.

Watch: Chinas NPC 2023: What to Expect (Video)

A focus point will be the growth target for Chinas $18 trillion economy, which is expected to be set at higher than 5%. The budget will also be approved, with economists expecting the government to refrain from rolling out major stimulus measures.

Xi Jinpings allies Li Qiang and He Lifeng are set to replace Premier Li Keqiang and Vice Premier Liu He, respectively. The NPC is also likely to appoint a new central bank governor and finance minister. Yi Gang, the current governor of the Peoples Bank of China, is widely expected to step down, with veteran banker Zhu Hexin potentially in line to take his place.

Last year, GDP growth was only 3%  which was the second-slowest pace since the 1970s and below the official target of around 5.5%  as the governments zero tolerance approach to combating Covid infections hit business and consumer sentiment and the property sector slumped.

New projections by Bloomberg Economics show that if Xis new appointees push through the right mix of reforms to raise worker productivity, steady trade and technology ties with the US, and offset the effects of a rapidly aging population, Chinas annual growth out to 2030 could average close to 5%.

Xi announced earlier in the week that the party would roll out plans for deepening structural reform in the financial sector and exercise more control over science and technology work. These are considered some of the strategic areas for China as the US moves to prevent Beijing from obtaining advanced computer chips and other high-tech products.

While the focus of the NPC is largely on domestic issues, there may be some signs of change on Chinas foreign policy or relations with Taiwan. Ties with the West, especially the US, continue to sour, most recently over an alleged Chinese spy balloon as well as over Washingtons recent allegations that China is considering providing weapons to Russia.

NPC spokesman Wang dismissed concerns that these kind of issues could destabilize Chinas relations with Europe, saying there is no fundamental strategic disagreement or conflict and the two sides can increase trade and investment, join hands to tackle global challenges such as climate change, and push for political settlement of international and regional hot spots.

In recent years, weve seen some people claiming China and Europe are systemic rivals and theyve been playing up the so-called China challenge or China threat, he said. Fundamentally speaking, such rhetoric is driven by the Cold War mentality and ideological biases.

The NPC runs alongside the CPPCC, Chinas leading political advisory body, which comprises delegates from a wide range of industries from arts to business and legal worlds. Collectively, theyre referred to as the Lianghui, or Two Sessions.

This years event will end on March 13, Wang said, making it slightly longer than last years pandemic-shortened gathering.

--With assistance from Li Liu and Zibang Xiao.

(Adds background on source of tensions in third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- JD.com Inc. will offer discounts across its online shopping platforms from Monday in a 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) campaign to capture new users ahead of an anticipated Chinese economic recovery this year.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The campaign has spurred concerns that larger rival Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. or upstart PDD Holdings Inc. may retaliate with cuts of their own, igniting a margin-eroding price war. JD announced the launch of the subsidy plan in a statement on its official WeChat account Saturday.

Chinas internet firms are revving up efforts to outdo each other since Beijing began to wind back its bruising crackdown on the tech sector, spurring an abrupt surge in competition thats spooking investors. Meituan is said to be expanding into Hong Kong and has embarked on a campaign to hire 10,000 people on the mainland  an effort to beat back heightened competition from new entrants such as ByteDance Ltd. in the $145 billion Chinese food-delivery arena.

JD shares tumbled after news of the impending rivalry surfaced in domestic media last week. Alibaba executives have since dismissed speculation it would directly engage its longtime rival, warning that a return to the price wars of years past was in nobodys best interest.

In 2020, Beijing launched a crackdown campaign to rein in what it called the reckless expansion of capital, affecting sectors from e-commerce to online education and the sharing economy. The government has begun rolling back restrictions since late 2022, intent on reviving a Covid-struck economy.

A $33 Billion Hit Shows Chinas Newest Stock Worry: Tech Watch

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
By Liz Lee and Ryan Woo

BEIJING (Reuters) -China's legislature will vote in the coming days on a plan to reform institutions under the State Council, or Cabinet, and decide on a new Cabinet line-up for the next five years, including a new premier, an agenda showed on Saturday.

The annual National People's Congress (NPC) will also review a series of reports including the current premier's government work report, parliament spokesman Wang Chao told a news conference.

Draft amendments to the country's Legislative Law - which governs how laws are enacted - are also on the agenda of the meeting that is due to start on Sunday.

In the latter half of the NPC, which runs until March 13, the nearly 3,000 members of the largely rubber-stamp parliament will elect and endorse a new line-up of top government officials. Xi Jinping is widely expected to secure his third five-year term as president when lawmakers vote on March 10.

He renewed calls this week for the "intensive" reorganisation of state and Communist Party entities, adding that part of the reform plan pertaining to state institutions would be presented before parliament.

Lawmakers are also due to vote on the State Council's institution reform plan on March 10.

The call for institutional reforms comes after China's economy grew 3% last year - one of its feeblest rates in nearly half a century - weakened by strict COVID-19 curbs championed by Xi that were lifted in December.

On Sunday, the government work report due to be delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the start of parliament will unveil the official 2023 economic growth target, among many other social and economic objectives.

The gross domestic product (GDP) target could be as high as 6%, compared with a 4.5%-5.5% range proposed in November, sources told Reuters this week.

NEW PREMIER

A new premier for the next five years will be decided by parliament on March 11. A day later, it will decide on a new batch of vice premiers, state councillors, ministers as well as the governor of the People's Bank of China.

Story continues

Among the amendments to China's Legislative Law set to be reviewed at the meeting is a proposal that would allow the NPC Standing Committee to pass laws in the event of an "emergency" after a single review.

The committee, which enacts and amends laws when parliament is not in session, voted in June 2020 to adopt landmark laws on national security in Hong Kong. That legislation was put to the vote after two rounds of deliberation.

Lawmakers will vote on the draft amendments to the Legislative Law on March 13.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Ryan Woo; Editing by Himani Sarkar and William Mallard)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's defence spending as a share of gross domestic product has been kept basically stable for many years, with the increases "moderate" and "reasonable", the spokesman of the country's parliament said on Saturday.

"The modernisation of China's military will not pose a threat to any country," Wang Chao, spokesman for the National People's Congress, told reporters.

Wang was asked at a news conference by how much China's defence budget would increase this year, and whether any increase would be larger than in previous years.

He declined to give any figures for this year's defence budget.

The spending figure will be officially unveiled in the national budget to be released on Sunday at the start of this year's annual meeting of parliament.

It will be closely watched by China's neighbours and in Washington as a barometer of how aggressively the country will beef up its military.

Beijing routinely says that spending for defensive purposes is a comparatively low percentage of its GDP and that critics want to demonise it as a threat to world peace.

China is nervous about challenges on several fronts, ranging from Chinese-claimed Taiwan to U.S. naval and air missions in the disputed South China Sea near Chinese-occupied islands and a festering border dispute with India.

China staged war games near Taiwan in August to express anger at the visit to Taipei of then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

(This story has been refiled to fix a typo in paragraph 3)

(Reporting by Liz Lee; Writing by Ryan Woo and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
By Thomas Peter and Ryan Woo

BEIJING (Reuters) -China set a modest target for economic growth this year of around 5% on Sunday as it kicked-off the annual session of its National People's Congress (NPC), which is poised to implement the biggest government shake-up in a decade.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by just 3% last year, one of its worst showings in decades, squeezed by three years of COVID-19 restrictions, crisis in its vast property sector, a crackdown on private enterprise and weakening demand for Chinese exports.

In his work report, outgoing Premier Li Keqiang stressed the need for economic stability and expanding consumption, setting a goal to create around 12 million urban jobs this year, up from last year's target of at least 11 million, and warned that risks remain in the real estate sector.

Li set a budget deficit target at 3.0% of GDP, widening from a goal of around 2.8% last year.

"We should give priority to the recovery and expansion of consumption," said Li, who spoke for just under an hour in a speech to open the parliament, which will run through March 13.

"The incomes of urban and rural residents should be boosted through multiple channels. We should stabilize spending on big-ticket items and promote recovery in consumption of consumer services," he said.

This year's growth target of around 5% was at the low end of expectations, as policy sources had recently told Reuters a range as high as 6% could be set. It is also below last year's target of around 5.5%.

"While the official growth target has been lowered for the second consecutive year, which might be a disappointment to the market, we reckon investors (should) pay attention to the underlying growth momentum to gauge the recovery pace," said Zhou Hao, economist at Guotai Junan International.

Li and a slate of more reform-oriented economic policy officials are set to retire during the congress, making way for loyalists to President Xi Jinping, who further tightened his grip on power when he secured a precedent-breaking third leadership term at October's Communist Party Congress.

Story continues

During the NPC, former Shanghai party chief Li Qiang, a longtime Xi ally, is expected to be confirmed as premier, tasked with reinvigorating the world's second-largest economy.

The rubber-stamp parliament will also discuss Xi's plans for an "intensive" and "wide-ranging" reorganisation of state and Communist Party entities, state media reported on Tuesday, with analysts expecting a further deepening of Communist Party penetration of state bodies.

MILITARY BUDGET RISE

Li said China's armed forces should devote greater energy to training under combat conditions and boost combat preparedness, and the budget included a 7.2% increase in defence spending this year, a slightly bigger increase than last year's budgeted 7.1% rise and again exceeding expected GDP growth.

On Taiwan, Li struck a moderate tone, saying China should promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the process of China's "peaceful reunification", but also take resolute steps to oppose Taiwan independence.

Beijing faces a host of challenges including increasingly fraught relations with the United States and a worsening demographic outlook, with plunging birth rates and a population drop last year for the first time since the famine year of 1961.

China plans to lower the costs of childbirth, childcare and education and will actively respond to an ageing population and a decrease in fertility, the nation's state planner said in a work report released on Sunday.

The NPC opened on a smoggy day amid tight security in the Chinese capital, with 2,948 delegates gathered in the cavernous Great Hall of the People on the west side of Tiananmen Square.

During the session, China's legislature will vote on a plan to reform institutions under the State Council, or cabinet, and decide on a new cabinet line-up for the next five years, according to a meeting agenda.

It is the first NPC meeting since China abruptly dropped its zero-COVID policy in December, following rare nationwide protests. Excluding the pandemic-shortened meetings of the previous three years, this year's session will be the shortest in at least 40 years, according to NPC Observer, a blog.

(Additional reporting by the Beijing newsrooom; Writing by Tony Munroe; Editing by Himani Sarkar, William Mallard and Simon Cameron-Moore)
BERLIN (AP)  Climate activists on Saturday splashed a dark liquid over an artwork near the German parliament building engraved with key articles from the country's constitution, drawing condemnation from the speaker of parliament and other lawmakers.

The Last Generation group said supporters symbolically soaked in oil the outdoor installation  a series of glass plates on which 19 articles from the German Constitution setting out fundamental rights are engraved. They pasted posters over the work that read, Oil or fundamental rights?

The group said in a statement that the German government is not protecting our fundamental rights and argued that continuing to burn oil is incompatible with doing so.

Parliament Speaker Barbel Bas said she was appalled by the action and has no understanding for it. She said the work by Israeli artist Dani Karavan, titled Grundgesetz 49 after the German name of the post-World War II constitution and the year when it was drawn up, is a reminder to respect and protect rights such as freedom of expression and assembly.

Those are the fundamental rights on which the demonstrators from Last Generation themselves base the justification for their actions," Bas said in a statement. I can only hope that the glass plates of the artwork were not permanently damaged.

The work was wiped clean by Saturday afternoon. Last Generation has repeatedly drawn attention and anger over the past year with actions that have included blocking major roads and throwing food at famous paintings.

___

Follow AP's coverage of climate issues at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
Islamists Vandalize Ancient Assyrian Reliefs in North Iraq

( ANB TV) An ancient Assyrian archeological site in Duhok was vandalized on Friday and defaced with Islamic writings, the third time in seven years that this site has been damaged. The perpetrators are unknown.

The site at Halamata cave on Zawa Mountain, south of Duhok city, is nearly 3,000 years old. It is known as the Maltai reliefs and depicts King Sennacherib who ruled the Assyrian empire from 704 to 681 BC.

The phrase 'Allahu Akbar' (God is the Greatest) was spray painted on the reliefs.

"We will file a complaint on Monday to the relevant security authorities to open the camera footage in the area and figure out who desecrated the reliefs," Bekas Brifkani, the head of Duhok's archeological directorate, told Rudaw English.

Brifkani said the damage was done to "destroy and distort" the reliefs and it removing it is "not easy." His directorate will request a team in Italy to send the proper materials needed to clean the graffiti.

"Unidentified persons deface the sculpture of the Assyrian King Sennacherib ... with paint in Zawa Mountain, Nohadra province," US-based Assyrian National Broadcasting (ANB) TV reported, using the historic Assyrian name for Duhok.

The Kurdistan Region's authorities often face criticism from minority groups who complain about a lack of effort to protect their history that they fear is being erased with sites vulnerable to theft or damage.

In 2016, the Maltai reliefs were vandalized by unknown perpetrators who sprayed the Kurdistan flag on the carvings. The paint was later removed by Italian experts. Two years later, thieves arrived at the cave in a Humvee and stole a part of the relief carvings.

The Kurdistan Region and Iraq witnessed a spike in the desecration and looting of ancient monuments after the Islamic State (ISIS) group swept through large areas in northern Iraq in 2014.

( ANB TV)

When ISIS took over Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul in 2014, the terror group embarked on a campaign to destroy large amounts of artifacts and antiquities, including the 2015 bulldozing of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud, the destruction of Hatra, and the demolition of the Mosul museum.

Halamata cave is believed to date back some 2,700 years. Assyrian reliefs are carved into the mountainside outside the cave, facing Duhok city.
Clovis police on Saturday continued to investigate the death of a woman found lying in the road but have reopened the intersection of McKelvy and Vartikian avenues.

The unidentified woman, who died at the scene, was discovered shortly after 7 a.m.

Ty Wood, Clovis Police Department spokesman, said officers and detectives spent much of the early part of the day on the scene trying to determine how the woman died.

Wood said police have not determined if the womans death is suspicious and wont know the exact cause until an autopsy is done early next week.

At this time we are investigating the circumstances, but dont have any additional confirmed information, Wood said Saturday.

Wood said police heard a few different stories as to how she may have been injured and were canvassing the neighborhood.

Police earlier had cautioned that detectives would be in the area, south of Sierra Avenue and west of Temperance Avenue on the east side of the city, for some time.
(Bloomberg) -- Dozens of police and oil workers taken hostage after protesters stormed a field operated by Chinas Sinochem Group have been released, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Petro pledged to speak personally to the farmers who staged the protests about their grievances, according to a statement from the presidency on Friday evening.

The violence left a policeman and a civilian dead. Seventy-eight police and six oil workers were taken hostage on Thursday, according to local TV news Caracol Noticias.

The clashes broke out between local farmers and police after demonstrators broke into the Capella A field, which is part of the Ombu block near the town of San Vicente del Caguan.

The field, operated by Sinochem subsidiary Emerald Energy is in the Amazonian province of Caqueta in southern Colombia. Protesters set installations on fire to protest a lack of road repairs they say the government and Emerald had promised more than a year ago, according to Caracol Noticias.

Colombias oil industry has often been targeted by guerrilla groups and as well as by local communities.

Emerald Energys field produces about 2,000 barrels of oil a day and has lost about 80,000 barrels since the protests started 40 days ago, according to the Colombian Oil and Gas Association, known as ACP.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Myriem Khal is a dyslexic French college student who uses ChatGPT to make studying easier. Courtesy of Myriem Khal

French college student Myriem Khal uses ChatGPT to overcome learning challenges linked to her dyslexia.

Khal passed her final exams with flying colors after using the AI tech to restructure course materials.

Still, learning disability experts are concerned about ChatGPT becoming a catch-all solution.

Students may use OpenAI's ChatGPT to plagiarize and cheat, leading schools around the world to ban the tool, but at least one college student is using it to overcome her learning disability.

Myriem Khal, a French computer engineering student with dyslexia, told Insider that she has used the buzzy AI chatbot to help her understand her course materials. The results, so far, have been promising.

"I got great marks for my final exams," Khal said.

Since she was a kid, Khal said she has struggled to learn English and other languages because of her dyslexia.

Even though she excelled at technical subjects like math and science, learning how to read and write in a different language was "horrible" and "very difficult." Large blocks of text were confusing, grammar didn't click, and she often struggled to formulate a thought on paper. Still, she had dreams of becoming an engineer, so she pushed through her studies and managed to do well in school.

"I have always needed to work harder than others, and I have always fought to be as bright as possible in my studies," Khal said.

Now 23, Khal said her studies came to a head earlier this year when she took a five-week class on artificial intelligence. The course was taught in English, and she struggled to grasp concepts like 'semantic networks'  even when she translated them to her native tongue.

"The teacher was very technical," Khal said. "I didn't understand anything she said."

Khal discovered ChatGPT during finals in January. After learning what it can do, she decided to use the chatbot to study by rearranging class material in a way that made sense.

Khal would ask ChatGPT in French to, say, explain the links and differences between technical jargon like frames and network semantics. ChatGPT would respond in a simple, concise way, she said, adding that she'd always verify the responses with her class notes.

Story continues

Simplifying the language, she said, helped her digest the material.

Using this method to study, she was able to pass her final exams with flying colors, boosting her overall GPA.

"It was information that was very easy to understand and very easy to remember," she said.

Khal has also used the AI tech in her English class to reconfigure NPR articles for class discussion and to help her come up with ideas for an essay on how the movie 'Forrest Gump' represents America, she said

Khal's university, University of Technology of Compiegne, has not banned ChatGPT, nor have her instructors.

Khal asked ChatGPT in French to explain technical concepts for her AI class to understand the material. Courtesy of Myriam Khal.

Some learning disability experts worry about students becoming dependent on ChatGPT

Khal is one example of how AI tools like ChatGPT can be useful to manage every day challenges, but medical experts have mixed feelings on how useful they are as a medical device.

Dr. Pledger Fedora, the founder of the Dyslexia Institute for Literacy & Learning, told Dystinct, a magazine that covers learning difficulties, that assistive technology such as text-to-speech software can be "extremely beneficial" in supporting students with dyslexia. However, students can become dependent on these tools, which Fedora said could hurt the development of their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Dyslexia specialist Victoria Leslie, on the other hand, said that she is "very concerned" about ChatGPT, per Dystinct. It can encourage students to "outsource" thinking and tempt them to plagiarize when they struggle, which may impede learning, she said.

Even Khal remains skeptical about using ChatGPT after noticing its limitations, she said. The chatbot, at times, doesn't understand her questions, spits out answers that don't make sense, makes coding mistakes, and answers questions related to AI better than other topics.

Still, she said she will continue experimenting with ChatGPT in her studies with the knowledge that the chatbot isn't completely trustworthy.

Fact-checking is key for her method to work, Khal said. "It's just a tool."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo: Getty (Getty Images)

Its long been clear that the subtext of Republican attacks on trans healthcare, drag story hours, books that even mention LGBTQ+ people, and pronounswhich really reached a fever pitch in state legislatures this weekis that trans people do not have a right to exist. But few have come out and said it in as chilling of terms as Daily Wire host Michael Knowles at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Saturday morning.

If [transgenderism] is false, then for the good of society, transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely, the rightwing commentator told a cheering crowd amid what HuffPost reporter Chris Mathias described on Twitter as a straight-up eliminationist anti-trans tirade.

Read more

Knowles has said before that this overtly genocidal rhetoric is not, in fact, calling for the murder of millions of people, because he doesnt believe trans people actually exist in the first place. There cant be a genocide, he said on his show last week, because its not a legitimate category of being. Theyre laboring under a delusion. And so we need to correct that delusion.

Of course, Knowles is not some lone, unhinged extremist at CPAC or in the Republican Party writ large, which is collectively whipped up into an anti-trans frenzy lately that seems to preclude discussing any other issue. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) joked at CPAC this week that Biden spent four or five days asking the Chinese spy balloon what pronouns it uses before we shot it down. Former Donald Trump advisor Sebastian Gorka railed at the conference this week about mutilating boys and girls and sacrificing them on the altar of their transgender insanity. Former Vice President (and likely 2024 presidential candidate) Mike Pence made the nonsensical claim without any evidence this week that school nurses in Iowa require parental permission to give out aspirin, but just dole out gender transition plans to kids willy-nilly without telling anyone.

Story continues

Mike Pence claims that at an Iowa school, students need parental permission to get an Aspirin but the school nurse gives out gender transition plans without telling anyone.



There is no evidence of this. pic.twitter.com/7otVEospWE  Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) March 1, 2023

Its pretty clear to me, after Republicans underperformed in the midterm elections due in large part to the fall of Roe v. Wade and their extremely unpopular views on abortion, that they needed to invent another culture war issue to whip up their base in lieu of abortion. And telling parents in red states that doctors are mutilating their kids, that Democrats and teachers are grooming them to be trans and just secretly doling out hormones at recess, is a pretty easy way to drive paranoid Fox News viewers out to the polls.

Unfortunately, like the war on abortion, this one also comes at the expense of peoples lives. The rhetoric is fascist and genocidal, and its being accompanied by actual laws that will kill people and/or destroy their lives. We can ignore the extremist talking heads at CPAC, but I would argue that we shouldnt.

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Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
A husband and wife who love playing Michigan Lotterys Wild Time games stopped at a gas station to buy two Ruby Red Wild Time tickets.

Then, once back in their car, Brandi Chislett-Barnes began to scratch off the instant game tickets, according to a March 3 news release from the Michigan Lottery. One of those scratchers was a big winner.

When I saw I won $500,000, I started screaming and crying, the 35-year-old woman from Oxford told lottery officials. I showed my family the winning prize amount and they all started cheering!

She recently went to claim her prize, officials said, and she plans to use the winnings to buy a home and save.

Winning this money means everything to our family and came at the perfect time, Chislett-Barnes said in the release.

The winning ticket was sold at a BP gas station in Oxford, about 40 miles northwest of downtown Detroit.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Great-grandmother in disbelief after big lottery win. I got my magnifying glass out

Mail carrier cant believe his eyes after seeing NC lottery win. Once in a lifetime

Lottery player thought she won $500. Missouri clerk tells her to look at the screen

Wife buys lottery tickets after getting a lucky feeling in Michigan. She was right
Olive Burd / BuzzFeed News; Getty Images

Grey Rye didnt notice their hearing loss until one summer day last year when they were performing a facial on a client who was chatting about the upcoming holidays. The 38-year-old esthetician was desperately trying to read the clients lips instead of focusing on what their hands were doing.

Thats when I first really realized, OK, this is a problem, and I need to take care of it, Rye told BuzzFeed News.

Their first COVID infection in February 2022 was a mild coldlike illness that left them with tinnitus, or ringing, in both ears. Six months later, Rye tested positive again. They were bedridden for three days with severe muscle aches and full-body fatigue, and their chronic tinnitus got worse.

It wasnt until a few weeks after recovering from COVID a second time that Rye noticed their left ear wasnt picking up sounds like it used to. TV captions became a must, as well as earplugs in public to help subdue ambient noises so they could hear what others were saying.

Everything sounds like clanging metal, almost like its attacking my senses, Rye said. If I dont wear earplugs, I get sensorily overwhelmed because my brain is trying to process everything, and it cant because I cant hear.

It's just wild to me, and there's nothing else going on in my life that would cause this to happen, Rye added. In fact, theres an entire community of people who are experiencing the same thing  post-COVID hearing loss that doesnt seem to have any other obvious cause.

Grey Rye Courtesy Grey Rye

Since the pandemic began, several studies have found a connection between coronavirus infection and sudden sensorineural hearing loss , or SSHL: the rapid and often unexplained loss of hearing in one or both ears. It can happen all at once or over a few days, and its usually accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness and tinnitus.

People with SSHL tend to feel like one ear is blocked, congested, or clogged. This happens because something, in this case the coronavirus (either directly or indirectly) damages the cochlear nerve, which is the sensory nerve responsible for transferring auditory information from the inner ear to the brain.

Story continues

The first case linking COVID and hearing loss was reported in April 2020, three months after the coronavirus was officially detected in the US.

Hearing loss is just one of the many lingering symptoms that debilitates people with long COVID for weeks, months, or even years after infection. Memory loss, sensitivity to light, loss of smell and taste, and brain fog are other common neurologic symptoms that persist among people with post-COVID conditions.

Like other long COVID symptoms, hearing loss can have an immense impact on quality of life , affecting relationships, safety, sleep, concentration, energy levels, and more. Hearing loss is also strongly associated with cognitive decline over time, contributing to worsening memory and thinking skills.

Theres no definitive proof that COVID is robbing people of their hearing, but based on what researchers know about other viruses effects on the auditory system, its not an unreasonable connection to make, according to Dr. Courtney Voelker, a head and neck surgeon at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in California who treats adults and children dealing with conditions of the inner ear and skull.

I'm surprised at the gravitas of this virus in that it can integrate into all these different body systems, Voelker said, but as far as a virus is concerned, there is a track record of other viruses that can cause hearing loss, including but not limited to hepatitis, HIV, rubella, influenza, mumps, herpes, and measles.

There's no way I can prove that it's COVID, but the more people that started to come in after the lockdown, the more my community of subspecialists started talking amongst ourselves, Voelker said. Obviously not all people that get COVID have hearing loss, but the relationship just cant be ignored.

Yet, three years later, people grappling with hearing loss post COVID still dont have clear answers or treatment options and continue to face doctors who dismiss their concerns .

After looking into Ryes ears and nose, doctors told them there was nothing they could do to address their tinnitus or hearing loss, and dismissed their symptoms as getting older. Rye was advised to take anti-inflammatories. Luckily, they were able to find a doctor who listened and helped schedule a hearing test, but now they have to travel nearly two hours to see their healthcare provider.

Living in a very red part of California and being transgender doesnt help. I have a lot of things stacked up against me when I go to the doctor, so even in the medical field a lot of people have been dismissive of the effects of COVID, said Rye, whos also dealing with sudden loss of balance, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and worsening vision. I'm just trying to take control of what's going on with my body because I don't want to end up completely deaf or fully hard of hearing.

Why might COVID cause hearing loss?

The most plausible, albeit unconfirmed, theory to explain COVID-related hearing loss is that the coronavirus directly infects the inner ear, which is critical for hearing and balance.

A 2021 study published in the Nature journal Communications Medicine showed that hair cells in the inner ear have the ability to express the proteins that the coronavirus needs to infect them .

The researchers speculate that the virus may access the ears through the Eustachian tube, which connects the back of the throat to the middle ear. Its also possible that the virus travels from nasal passages via openings around olfactory nerves and enters the brain space. From there, it may infect nerves that connect to the inner ear.

Another theory is that the coronavirus causes an inflammation cascade that damages the inner ear hair cells, Voelker said. And because of mounting evidence that shows COVID can cause abnormal blood clotting, leaky vessels, and reduced blood flow, Voeker said its possible that the delicate blood vessels that run to the inner ear are sabotaged in a way that causes hearing loss.

The biggest misconception, however, is that COVID-related hearing loss is due to congestion, according to Voelker, who said she hates that explanation.

BuzzFeed News spoke to one of Voelkers patients, Lisa Mecham, whose first doctor blamed her hearing loss on congestion, cleaned her ears out in case there was wax buildup, and said it will go away with time.

It didnt. About a week later, Mecham, 51, still had hearing loss in both ears, although her left one was much worse. She also had (and still has) tinnitus that sounded like a truck revving its engine or a high-pitched ringing, which has made loud noises painful to bear.

It was the kind of thing where Im like, This doesnt feel like congestion. Its like a muffling, like someone stuck a cotton ball into your ears. The things you hear about people who have hearing loss all of a sudden, I was like, Wow, this is happening to me, Mecham, a writer in California, told BuzzFeed News. You do feel like youre gaslighting yourself. Like is this really what I think it is or is it just congestion?

Of course, congestion can affect your hearing  anyone whos had a bad cold could attest to that. This happens because congestion causes a buildup of pressure and fluid in the ear that blocks sound waves from flowing freely; its temporary and usually resolves on its own or with help from a doctor.

But this mechanism differs from that of actual damage to sensory nerves in the ear, Voelker said, which is likely whats going on with post-COVID hearing loss.

A handful of early studies suggested that COVID vaccines might cause hearing loss in some people, but researchers were able to show in follow-up research that wasnt the case. (In fact, vaccination may help prevent hearing loss by reducing the risk of infection.)

Meanwhile, more than 600 medications are known to be ototoxic , meaning they can damage hearing: pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil, specific antibiotics, diuretics to treat high blood pressure, some chemotherapy drugs, hormone therapies to treat menopause, and drugs for malaria and lupus, such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, which were used as COVID treatments early in the pandemic.

Remdesivir, an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of COVID in children and adults, has been associated with ototoxic effects . But the role that this drug and others have in causing hearing loss as it relates to COVID has not been investigated.

The good news is that most of the ototoxic effects of these medications are temporary and resolve once use stops.

How common is hearing loss after COVID?

Hearing loss is one of the most undiagnosed conditions in the US, according to Voelker, who said that many people wont notice their diminished hearing until it worsens dramatically years later  all to say its incredibly difficult to quantify how common of a post-COVID symptom it is.

It also doesnt help that the limited studies on the subject, often with small sample sizes, are based mostly on COVID patients who went to a hospital, excluding a large subset of people who didnt have to or couldnt.

Whats clear at this point in the pandemic is that hearing loss after COVID mostly affects adults. No cases among children have been documented in a published study or case report, although that doesn't mean kids aren't experiencing this issue.

One study of 28 hospitalized COVID patients in India who all reported problems with their hearing found that 24 of them had sensorineural hearing loss and the other four had conductive hearing loss, which is when fluid, tissue, or bony growths block or reduce incoming sounds. The majority of patients lost hearing in one ear.

Of 225 people with COVID who developed loss of smell and taste in Denmark, more than 10% reported hearing loss and 16% reported tinnitus, an observational study published in 2022 found. And in one city in Turkey, researchers found that more people experiencing hearing loss visited otolaryngology clinics in the first year of the pandemic compared to the same period the year prior; 60% of the patients had active or recent COVID symptoms.

So while there's compelling evidence that points to COVID's association with hearing loss, studies havent been conclusive. A review of 26 global case reports and studies (involving only a total of 23 patients) on COVID and hearing loss concluded that research findings  were inconsistent and even contradictory .

Dr. Robert Sataloff, professor and chair of the department of otolaryngology at Drexel University College of Medicine, said that hearing loss is a well-known consequence of COVID, in addition to tinnitus, dizziness, facial paralysis, and dysphonia (difficulty speaking)  likely due to nerve damage in the ears. But he said theres no evidence that loss of hearing is more common with long COVID.

The fact that hearing impairment and/or tinnitus occur at the time of the COVID infection does not necessarily mean that they were caused by the COVID infection, Sataloff wrote in an email. Unfortunately, it is common to make the mistake of assuming that the temporal relationship establishes causation. It does not. That is a post hoc, ergo hoc flaw in logic.

Still, correlation between COVID infections and timing of hearing loss onset certainly line up, Voelker said.

Early treatment is critical for people with post-COVID hearing loss

When it comes to SSHL, early treatment is key because generally speaking, once it's out, it's out, Voelker said. Sometimes, no matter what we do, we cant get that hearing back, even if people come in right away, but the sooner we can implement a steroid regimen, the better the chance that we can save it.

Whatever damage is being done in the ear, the worst of it occurs early on in an infection. Targeting that destruction as soon as possible can calm down all the downstream effects, Voelker said.

But thats easier said than done. Many people might notice their hearing loss after treatments like steroids may be effective. Sometimes, hearing loss becomes apparent months after infection , at which point they may already have irreversible damage. (One of Voelkers older patients with hearing loss after COVID lost their hearing in both ears, which is rare, and needed a cochlear implant.)

Mecham luckily went under Voelkers care just in time to qualify for steroid treatment. A regimen of oral steroids  the first treatment option for people with SSHL  didnt help, so Voelker administered a steroid injection directly into her ear.

Its a very weird feeling, I got incredibly dizzy, and I thought I was going to throw up for the first few seconds, Mecham said. Its not fun, but I wish I had done it earlier. Within four days, Mecham noticed her hearing had improved. A second shot gave her the most relief and improvement.

Mechams hearing in her left ear is now about 80% of what it used to be, and tinnitus still affects her every day. While its possible her hearing may never fully recover, she said shes hopeful an app called AudioCardio , which shes been using every day, will bring some relief to her tinnitus. The app delivers inaudible sound to your ears in an effort to stimulate cell growth and stop tinnitus.

Studies show that the majority of people who have hearing loss after COVID only recover partially and many dont experience any improvement. But Voelker said there are still some options people can pursue to regain some of their hearing, such as hearing aids , which are the recommended treatment once all other options have been exhausted.

You should still get your hearing tested, though, Voelker said, no matter how long its been after your bout with COVID.

There's still so much we're learning about COVID and its ramifications, Voelker said. It's never too late to get a hearing test and be assessed so we can see how to help you.

More on this
Conservatives attend Annual Conservative Political Action Conference - Credit: Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

As it entered its third day near Washington on Friday, CPAC 23 wasnt exactly a ghost town  but it had the feel of one where uneasy residents are starting to question why the railroad isnt passing through anymore.

Who wouldnt be interested in panels like The Biden Crime Family or True Stories of January 6th: The Prosecuted Speak? Who could resist the allure of Donald Trump Jr. asking audience members to look under their seats for hidden golden-wrapped tickets to a reception with his dad? It turns out: a lot of people, including a slew of the sponsors and speakers whod been happy to grace the ultra-conservative conference in recent years.

More from Rolling Stone

CPAC  which for most of a decade has served as less a strategy post for the conservative movement than a venue for MAGA celebrities to broadcast their allegiance to Donald Trump  is hobbled from within and without. Matt Schlapp, the evangelical chair of CPAC organizer the American Conservative Union, is facing a lawsuit accusing him of fondling a male GOP operative. (Schlapp in court documents has denied the accusation.) Previously considerable sponsors like the Republican National Committee, right-wing social network GETTR, and Fox Nation have pulled out amid reports of CPAC staffers pushing discount tickets on congressional aides.

Some high-profile conservative leaders like Mitch McConnell have shunned CPAC for years. But Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trumps foremost competitor for the Republican nomination in 2024, is conspicuously absent. Fellow candidates Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo spoke on Friday to a half-empty chamber, raising the alarming prospect Trumps own speech on Saturday might not be an overflow crowd.

Story continues

A stones throw from D.C. in National Harbor, Maryland, the reduced floor space was largely dedicated to CPACs new big spenders: names such as Newsmax, Christian mobile provider Patriot Network; Proverbs Media Group; Falun Gong-affiliated media group The Epoch Times; and New Federal State of China, an anti-CCP group founded by Steve Bannon and exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui. In the exhibition hall, where around 80 stands failed to fill the entire room, tables of MAGA merch appeared to be going unsold and vendors moods were glum.

Sany Dash manned the booth at the USA Trump Store, where rhinestone-covered purses shaped like guns and flags go for $200 to $500. She lamented the showing was not as the best as it has been in the past. Definitely nowhere close to that.

I love the fact that were supporting CPAC but unfortunately the attendance is just not there this year, Dash added.

Advantage Gold, a CPAC supporting sponsor which pitches retirees on converting their 401ks and Roth IRAs to precious metals, was feeling the low turnout. Justin Greenberg, a representative at the booth, admitted that from what hed heard this is a little more low energy setting and numbers.

Attendee Michael Mikulewich, who identified himself as from Florida and New York, floated various ideas as to why momentum eluded the conference this year. Those included the weather, lengthy booze lines, and unwelcoming locals. Texas, beautiful. Orlando was beautiful. Here, its raining and depressing, he said, adding, Theres one bartender but 350 people. So if that doesnt give you a message as to what Washington is telling you, D.C. is telling you, then thats it for the story.

His primary takeaway from the sparse audience, Mikulewich said, was We wont come here and support Democratic states and cities.

Other attendees said they thought Trumps scheduled appearance on Saturday would reinvigorate the conference. Some didnt acknowledge a problem at all.

Steven J. Allen, the vice chairman of the Conservative Caucus, said hed been coming to the conference since its origins in 1974. He blamed low turnout on fatigue from the 2022 midterms and the proliferation of CPAC events in other states like Florida.

Im fine with it, at least for me personally, Allen said. I dont see enough of a difference to be concerned at all.

While CPAC shored up its numbers by welcoming an array of far-right speakers this year  like conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec and Chaya Raichik, the homophobic and anti-trans campaigner behind Libs of Tik Tok  its still trying to maintain the pretense of standards.

On Saturday, Schlapp tweeted livestreamer Nick Fuentes, the self-declared incel who helms the white supremacist Groyper Army, had been kicked out of CPAC. Fuentes getting booted is an annual event now, but its a touch more surprising this year, given the conferences dire need of paying customers.

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Click here to read the full article.
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.  Thousands of conservatives, including prominent Republican lawmakers and presidential hopefuls, flocked to a suburban Washington, D.C., convention center this week to discuss childrens genitals.

They were there for the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the preeminent annual gathering of Americas conservative movement, where speaker after speaker held forth on the urgent need for the Republican Party  an institution ostensibly dedicated to limited government  to criminalize the act of doctors and parents providing minors with gender-affirming care.

Sebastian Gorka, an alleged member of a Nazi-collaborating political order in Hungary who served as an advisor to former President Donald Trump, kicked off proceedings Friday morning from the main stage inside the Gaylord Convention Center. Democrats, he warned the crowd, are mutilating boys and girls and sacrificing them on the altar of their transgender insanity.

A short time later, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.)  a featured speaker at a white supremacist conference last year, where her fellow speakers praised Adolf Hitler and cheered on Russias invasion of Ukraine  took to the stage to make a big announcement.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, on March 3, 2023.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, on March 3, 2023.

So last Congress, I did something radical and extreme because remember Marjorie Taylor Greene, shes so extreme, she joked. I introduced a bill called the Protect Childrens Innocence Act. And let me tell you my great news this morning, ladies and gentlemen: It couldnt pass last Congress because Nancy Pelosi was the speaker of the House. She doesnt believe in gender at all, but we have a new speaker in our Republican majority and Im going to be re-introducing my bill that will make it a felony to perform anything to do with gender!

Story continues

The crowd roared. Greenes cruel piece of legislation  based on a multitude of lies  would prohibit transgender Americans under 18 years old from receiving crucial health services that have long been endorsed by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association.

Such endorsements were of little concern at CPAC, where politicians and right-wing influencers fine-tuned the anti-trans messaging that will likely be a staple of next years presidential campaign news cycle  the Republican Party clearly having decided that trans kids are worthy enough of a wedge issue to win back the White House.

But it also became clear at CPAC that the Republican campaign against trans kids isnt just a mere ploy to energize its base  it could also be the beginning of an insurgent fascist campaign to erase trans people from public life altogether.

Michael Knowles, the host of The Michael Knowles Show on The Daily Wire, gave a speech at CPAC that, at moments, sounded genocidal. The problem with transgenderism is not that its inappropriate for children under the age of 9, he said. The problem with transgenderism is that it isnt true.

There are an estimated 1.6 million trans people in the United States. Knowles essentially told the CPAC crowd that these people should not have a right to exist.

If [transgenderism] is false, then for the good of society... transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely, he said.

Eradicated. The crowd roared again.

Michael Knowles tells CPAC that "there can be no middle way in dealing with transgenderism. ... Transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely." https://t.co/57hJF4frgqpic.twitter.com/szvnC1qWrP  Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) March 4, 2023

Another speaker, Tom Fitton, president of the right-wing website Judicial Watch, called gender-affirming care for minors a demonic assault on the innocence of our children.

And there was also a panel on the main stage called A Time for Courage featuring panelists Riley Gaines, a former collegiate athlete who made a name for herself complaining about competing against a transgender swimmer, and Chloe Cole, a woman who identified as a transgender male as a minor but later detransitioned.

Coles story has featured prominently in right-wing media to demonstrate the apparent dangers of allowing children to receive gender-affirming care. But stories like hers are very rare. Only about 1 to 3% of people who start a gender transition later express regret for doing so and then backtrack or travel elsewhere across the landscape of gender identity, as Slate once explained.

But for CPAC attendees, stories like Coles prove that gender-affirming care for minors is always evil.

Donald Ruthig, a 73-year-old retiree from Onancock, Virginia, told HuffPost he recently left the Episcopal Church over its decision to support transgender youth. He drove three hours to CPAC to meet people that think the way I think who are dedicated to restoring the Judeo-Christian morality that were losing.

Part of this restoration, he explained, is to stop torturing our children with gender transitions, to stop this whole LBGTQ alphabet nonsense, and start treating people like Gods people created in Gods image. We are all alike. We dont need to partition everybody by their little fetishes.

Donald Ruthing, 74, attends the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland on March 3, 2023.

Donald Ruthing, 74, attends the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland on March 3, 2023.

Tim Roberts, 57, traveled to CPAC from East Lansing, Michigan, with his two daughters, who he recently removed from public school because of all the woke stuff thats going on in there.

He echoed a sentiment expressed a lot at CPAC  that the mere acknowledgment of transgender people in the classroom is tantamount to indoctrination.

I graduated [high school] in 1985, and it just wasnt a thing, and now [my daughters] said a better part of their classes have a lot of trans kids or kids that think theyre trans, he said. Like the first thing [school administrators] do when they come to school is say, Hey, write down your pronouns, and thats what we will go by. Theyre encouraging this.

James Clark, 37, a political public relations consultant from Kansas City, Missouri, expressed enthusiastic support for Greenes bill. Gender-affirming care for minors, he said, was child abuse.

It also leads into the human trafficking, sex trafficking, pedophilia, and different things like that, he started before HuffPost asked him what gender-affirming care had to do with pedophilia.

It has a lot to do with it, he replied. If you have an adult grooming a child to become trans... HuffPost interjected again, asking what evidence is there that theyre being groomed.

Well, you know, Im just speculating, Clark conceded before insisting that there is probably a lot of science that can back up the conservative argument against providing transgender youth with gender-affirming care  he just didnt know it offhand.

He simply added, Im not a psychologist.

Related...
Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire sparked alarm on Saturday with his anti-trans rhetoric during his speech at CPAC.

If [transgenderism] is false, then for the good of society, transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely, he said.

John Knefel of Media Matters called it eliminationist, genocidal rhetoric.

Christopher Mathias of HuffPost said it was a straight-up eliminationist anti-trans tirade.

Adam Vary of Variety urged people to pay attention. This is genocidal. That is not hyperbole or alarmist; this rhetoric is calling for the eradication of a group of people for who they are.

Transgenderism is people. Hes talking about eradicating people. When newspapers print scare stories about kids transitioning too early, when podcast hosts whine about girls sports, when politicians snark about the definition of woman, this is what theyre talking around, Raphael Bob-Waksberg said.

It would be great if non-trans people would start paying attention to this, because the quiet part is getting shouted at this point, Jaclyn Moore added. If only there was a word for when they want to eradicate a kind of people. A word trans people have said these people were talking about but people called us hyperbolic. Hmmm I guess my vocabulary just isnt good enough.

Writer Parker Molloy said, hey, this is really scary s***, and I wish that the a***holes who keep insisting that there arent major legislative attacks on trans people of all ages happening right now ... would stop lying about that. Things are getting very bad.

The GOP could not be more clear about their intentions: they want to eradicate trans people. They are saying this out loud, Charlotte Clymer said.

Mr Knowles has said in the past that his rhetoric isnt genocidal because he doesnt believe trans people exist, Jezebel noted.

There cant be a genocide, he said on his programme last week, adding that its not a legitimate category of being. Theyre labouring under a delusion. And so we need to correct that delusion.

Story continues

Mr Knowles was far from alone in his remarks about trans people at CPAC, during which many speakers and panellists have used the issue to whip up their base.

Florida GOP Representative Matt Gaetz joked that President Joe Biden spent four or five days asking the Chinese spy balloon what pronouns it uses before we shot it down.

Former Trump advisor Sebastian Gorka ranted about mutilating boys and girls and sacrificing them on the altar of their transgender insanity.

Outside of CPAC, former Vice President Mike Pence baselessly claimed that Iowa school nurses have to get permission from parents to provide aspirin but can simply hand out gender transition plans to students without any checks, according to Heartland Signal.

Right-wing activist Candace Owens said on 2 March that there is no middle ground on transgenderism and that if you dont have the courage to say what needs to be said, we truly dont need you.

Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene told CPAC attendees that shes planning putting forward a bill called the Protect Childrens Innocence Act that would criminalise doing anything to do with gender-affirming care for minors.

If you are based in the US and seek LGBT+ affirming mental health support, resources are available from Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) and the LGBT Hotline (888-843-4564), as well as The Trevor Project (866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678).
Bohdan Ziza, an activist and street artist from Yevpatoriia [a city in Crimea  ed.], who has been arrested on charges of "terrorism", has recounted how the FSB employees beat him up to make him apologise on camera, multiple times.

Source: Ziza in a comment to Krym.Realii

Quote from Ziza: "I will probably surprise you, but there are at least five videos of my 'apology'. The first one got into the media, the second one is in the criminal case materials, and several others were rejected [by the FSB themselves  ed.].

The FSB employees film it themselves. At first, they calmly ask to say everything they need on camera. Then, when you refuse, they start threatening and convincing you."

Details: Ziza has said that the FSB needs these recordings at least to intimidate the population and simulate support for the Kremlin.

The political prisoner has pointed out that the FSB does not care about means of persuasion anymore  almost every political prisoner is beat up and tortured.

Quote from Ziza: "As for my situation, they have forced me to record one video first that they sent to some chief for verification. Then another one, after the chief told them I was not very sincere.

I have intentionally not shown any emotions, so they beat me up again. I am not a good actor, and they changed the lines every time. So, I needed to apologise to the Russian army, and then to Putin."

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The Wichita police officer seen hitting a teenage boy on a video that led to community outcry will not be prosecuted, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said Friday.

Bennett said at a news conference that the New Years Eve incident was clearly self-defense since the boy hit the officer in the back of the head while that officer and another tried to detain his girlfriend.

The officer was acting in self-defense. Period. Paragraph, Bennett said. The officer is acting in self-defense. He just is. You dont have the right to punch the officer in the back of the head and he has a right to defend himself.

There is no video of the boy hitting the officer. Bennett said there were no surveillance cameras in the Roller City lobby where the fight happened. A cellphone camera caught the scuffle as the officer hit the boy. Witnesses, Bennett said, included four employees, two children, a parent and the two officers involved.

Bennett said the charge that he weighed in the case against the officer was misdemeanor battery. The officer could still face discipline within the department.

The boy will face some consequences, but less severe than the misdemeanor battery of an officer that would be expected from the incident, Bennett said. Any consequences for the girl will be handled through other channels, he said.

Bennett said there were extenuating circumstances involving the girl that he couldnt speak about that would have elevated the encounter she and her boyfriend had with police. For that reason, the consequences for the boy and girl are not going through the typical route, he said.

LaWanda DeShazer, who is an adviser to the NAACP youth council and was speaking as a community advocate, said shes glad the juveniles will not be left with a record that will follow them the rest of their lives, but shes still disappointed in the situation.

There have been too many incidents of police (and) physical interaction with citizens, she said.

Story continues

DeShazer, pointing to the same stand your ground law that Bennett had cited in not charging the officer, said the boy saw his girlfriend in a fight with police and tried to protect her.

So when does (the law) apply? she said.

DeShazer also said she wants to see the department change its policy to have off-duty officers who are working security, like the officers in this case, wear body cameras and to revamp its crisis intervention training.

What happened

The girl, then 15, was originally asked to leave after her boyfriend, then 16, wasnt allowed into Roller City because they didnt have his size skates.

She had a verbal and pretty emotional reaction to this, Bennett said. Made some threatening comment. Made some disruptive comments. She was asked to leave the facility.

Bennett said as the girl was being escorted out, she stepped behind the counter toward the manager and said: I want my money back or else. The girl fell as a male and female officer tried to get her out, and the girl kicked the female officer, Bennett said.

As they were moving toward getting the girl out, the female officer either let go or lost her grip on the girl, Bennett said.

Maybe its a matter of perception, but either (the girl) takes a swing at or flails her arm to get away from (the officer)  her hand is going toward the officer, he said.

At that point, police started trying to arrest the girl, he said. The female officer was trying to restrain her while a third officer, a male, came to try to help. He was at the girls feet while she was on the ground, Bennett said.

Her boyfriend outside heard the scuffle and ran in. He punched the officer in the back of the head, Bennett said.

A video from a phone then captured what happened next.

The video starts with the male officer tackling the teenage boy while the female officer grappled with the teenage girl.

The male officer threw two punches while he was on top of the boy on the ground. Bennett said he missed with the first punch but hit the boy with the second. They both got to their feet and the officer shoved the boy against a wall, then flung him across the lobby.

Bennett said that then, depending on perception, the boy was either standing down, bracing himself or getting into a fighting position. Bennett said hes heard all three.

To the citizens, he was standing down, DeShazer said, adding the boy had been tackled, hit and flung across the room by that point. I think he had enough.

As they squared off, the officer drew a can of pepper spray and sprayed it at the boy. The video clip ends abruptly at that point with the boy still on his feet and the girl on the ground, subdued by the female officer.

Bennett said the officer said in an interview said he used the pepper spray because he didnt want to keep fighting the teen.

I got a room full of teenagers, Bennett said, paraphrasing what the officer said in an interview. I got a female officer who does not have the juvenile female under control. Im going to use my least restrictive, least aggressive form of force here.

The Wichita police officer who hit the boy was put on desk duty.

Chief Joseph Sullivan, who started in late November and just before the New Years Eve incident, has not said much about the incident. During Fridays news conference, he said he would wait to make a statement and take questions until after the department has completed its internal investigation.

To prevent any conflict of interest, the Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office did the investigation before turning its findings over to Bennetts office.
Riley Keough, left, and Sam Claflin in "Daisy Jones & the Six." (Lacey Terrell / Amazon)

The most hyped faux band ever, Daisy Jones & the Six, just topped the charts on iTunes, becoming the first fictional band to hit No. 1.

Daisy Jones & the Six is the fictional band at the center of the highly anticipated Amazon Prime Video series of the same name. The series is an adaption of Taylor Jenkins Reid's New York Times bestselling novel that broke #BookTok and caught the attention of series co-producer Reese Witherspoon.

The series uses an oral history format to create a rockumentary-style depiction of a popular rock band's demise a la Fleetwood Mac, complete with angsty love triangles, sex, drugs and, of course, rock n' roll.

Daisy Jones & the Six made its splashy debut on Amazon on Thursday, and released the album created for the series, titled "Aurora," on the same day.

We finally have Aurora. A stunning, nostalgic, timeless album that captures the drama, pathos, and yearning of the bands zenith and nadir all in one, Reid shared in a statement. A snapshot of time, intoxicating and dangerous. That delicious moment that you know cant last.  Daisy Jones and The Six are real. And they are better than my wildest dreams.

Shortly after both the series and the album dropped, Chart Data tweeted out news of the faux bands ascent on the very real charts, saying, .@daisyjonesand6's 'AURORA' has reached #1 on US iTunes.

Fronting Daisy Jones & the Six is Riley Keough as the captivating Daisy Jones and Sam Claflin as rock star Billy Dunne. Neither actor had sung professionally before, and Keough recently revealed she might have actually stretched the truth when auditioning for the role.

People reported that during a recent screening of the series, the actress  who is the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and the granddaughter of the king of rock 'n' roll himself, Elvis  admitted, I auditioned like everybody else, and lied to them and told them l could sing."

The series co-creator and co-showrunner Scott Neustadter spoke with The Times Screen Gab this week and revealed that the band went through an 18-month band camp before filming began.

Story continues

Our feeling was that, no matter how great the sets look or how well written the scene, if we cant convince you that Daisy Jones & the Six are a real band, weve got nothing, Neustadter told The Times. That meant putting the actors through a rigorous 'band camp,' run by [music supervisor] Frankie [Pine] and supervised by [music consultant] Tony [Berg], where for hours every day they would practice their instruments, learn Blake [Mills'] brand-new songs, work on their stage presence or otherwise just shoot the s like real bandmates do.

That was supposed to last a couple weeks, he continued. But because of COVID, we couldnt start our production on time, and the three-week band camp turned into 18 months. By the time we started in fall 2021, the actors werent just a convincing facsimile of a rock band, they were a rock band.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Fans and hip-hop legends gathered for The D.A.I.S.Y. Experience to celebrate De La Souls music hitting streaming platforms and honoring the groups recently departed co-founder, Dave Trugoy the Dove Jolicoeur.

It was a bittersweet moment Thursday night at New Yorks Webster Hall as an intimate contingent of hip-hop fans gathered to celebrate De La Souls catalog premiering on Friday on digital streaming platforms (DSP).

There was high anticipation following the news of the legendary hip-hop trios music hitting DSPs for the first time. However, the celebration comes with a tinge of sadness since one of De La Souls founding members, Dave Trugoy the Dove Jolicoeur, died on Feb. 12.

The lower Manhattan concert hall hosted The D.A.I.S.Y. Experience, a free but limited, immersive event preceding De La Souls music hitting Amazon Music and Spotify. The experience also celebrated Jolicoeurs life.

D.A.I.S.Y. is an acronym for Da Inner Soul, Yall, a play on the flower child hippie aesthetic of their 1989 debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising.

Queen Latifah and Dave Chappelle attend De La Souls The D.A.I.S.Y. Experience, produced in conjunction with Amazon Music, at Webster Hall on March 2, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Amazon)

The venue featured decorations of daisies, group pictures, album covers, merchandise, portraits of Jolicoeur, and a video booth in the lobby. Up the stairs, adorned with decorations of daisies, was the concert halls main event. On stage, which featured giant flower pots of orange daisies, The Originals, a group of DJs, played music for the attendees.

The Originals comprised numerous big-name DJs who played music for the fans all night including D-Nice, Rich Medina, Stretch Armstrong, and DJ Clark Kent. Classics like Public Enemys Bring the Noise, Eric B. and Rakims Follow the Leader, and Pete Rock and C.L. Smooths They Reminisce Over You were played all evening.

Some of hip-hops elite creatives intermingled with the lucky few hundred fans. Chuck D, Roots frontman Black Thought, Vin Rock, DJ Kay Gee of Naughty By Nature, Busta Rhymes, and DJ Premier were just a few of the luminaries on hand to celebrate the moments. The atmosphere was the vibe of a class reunion, with the legends hugging and laughing together while talking with eager fans and taking photos.

Story continues

As the night continued, many of the hip-hop acts gathered on stage with The Originals to join De La Souls surviving members, Kelvin Posdnuos Mercer and Vincent DJ Maseo Mason Jr.

Some attendees even rapped along to their songs as they played, including Talib Kweli, and Queen Latifah and Monie Love who rapped to Ladies First.

D-Nice, DJ Clark Kent, Tony Touch and Rich Medina perform onstage at De La Souls The D.A.I.S.Y. Experience, produced in conjunction with Amazon Music, at Webster Hall on March 2, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Amazon)

Also on hand was Dave Chappelle. The Grammy-winning comic is a self-professed hip-hop fanatic who featured De La Soul on his hit sketch comedy series, Chappelles Show, in the early 2000s. Chappelle thanked Mercer and Mason, and led the crowd in a countdown to midnight when De La Souls music became available on DSPs. At the stroke of midnight, multicolored daisy-shaped balloons were dropped on the audience.

Fans can now stream De La Souls first six albums; 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), De La Soul is Dead (1991), Buhloone Mindstate (1993), Stakes is High (1996), Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump (2000), and AOI: Bionix (2001). Their catalog features classic songs like Plug Tunin, Me, Myself & I, A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays,' Breakadawn, and Stakes is High.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Dave Chappelle, hip-hop legends celebrate De La Soul in New York as catalog premieres on streaming platforms appeared first on TheGrio.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Defense attorneys for a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death asked the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday to keep a gag order in place, saying a challenge to the order filed by 30 news organizations is premature and that media coverage of the case has been twisted.

The defense team for Bryan Kohberger argued in a court filing that the news organizations should have first asked the magistrate judge who issued the gag order to reverse it, though they acknowledged the state has no rule specifically allowing outside parties to intervene in criminal cases.

What the media really seeks here is a procedural victory, knowing full well it cannot win on the merits of any test, given the pervasive and grotesquely twisted nature of media coverage that has occurred thus far, Jay Weston Logsdon, with the Kootenai County Public Defender's office, wrote in the court document. Logsdon did not cite any examples of what he believed to be twisted media coverage.

Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty.

The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.

The case garnered widespread publicity, and in January Latah County Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall issued the sweeping gag order, barring attorneys, law enforcement agencies and others associated with the case from talking or writing about it.

The coalition of news organizations, which includes The Associated Press, contends the gag order violates the right to free speech by prohibiting it from happening in the first place.

Story continues

An attorney representing the family of one of the victims has also filed an opposition to the gag order in state court. Shannon Grey, who represents the Goncalves family, said in that challenge that the gag order is unduly broad and places an undue burden on the families. Marshall said a hearing on the matter would be held after the Idaho Supreme Court issues a ruling on the news organizations' challenge.

Kohbergers' attorneys contend the gag order essentially requires the attorneys involved in the case to act ethically to ensure Kohberger gets a fair trial.

This is not a case where the attorneys seek to use the rules as a weapon against one another. It is a case where a young man is on trial for his life, Logsdon wrote. There was nothing inappropriate about the Magistrate Court reminding the attorneys involved of their ethical obligations.

High-publicity cases often present a conundrum for judges, who work to protect the defendant's right to a fair trial. Courts sometimes feel that controlling the flow of information around the case  by forbidding those involved from talking about it  is an effective way to limit publicity.

But gag orders can infringe on the First Amendment rights of the public and of the people involved in the case. News organizations that cover the courts serve a watchdog role, keeping the public informed about how the judicial branch operates.

During the investigation into the University of Idaho students' slayings, news organizations' interviews with investigators and law enforcement officials often worked to quash misinformation spread online by people who styled themselves as sleuths on social media sites.
A group of Democratic attorneys general sent a letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Friday to urge him to cease his efforts to request information on college students in the state who are receiving gender-affirming care.

The 16 signees, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, said the request for information will intimidate university administrators and health care providers and scare students from accessing needed medical care.

They said reports have suggested that DeSantis might use the information to eliminate funding for gender-affirming care for students, which they said would follow on previous actions DeSantis has taken targeting the LGBTQ community.

Such actions jeopardize the health, safety and well-being of young people and their families, contravene well-accepted medical standards, unduly insert the state into the provider-patient relationship, violate students rights under federal lawincluding privacyand offend basic human rights, the group wrote.

A survey released in January revealed DeSantis plans to ask state universities for the number and ages of students who sought gender-affirming care.

The Hill has reached out to DeSantis office for comment.

The attorneys general said transgender youth are among the most vulnerable groups in the United States, more likely than cisgender children to face bullying, violence, sexual assault and discrimination at school.

They noted that The Trevor Project, which provides support services to young LGBTQ people, found last year that 60 percent of all LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care were unable to receive it.

They said 45 percent of LGBTQ youth have also seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, and about 20 percent have attempted it, compared to only about 10 percent of cisgender youth.

Such harms result not from transgender status itself, but from the societal stigma and discrimination transgender youth confront daily, the officials wrote. Indeed, there is a strong link between denial of gender-affirming care and these poor health outcomes; according to the American Medical Association, experiencing discrimination affecting access to gender-affirming care is a strong predictor of suicide risk.

Story continues

The signees said transgender individuals having access to necessary services is associated with significantly improved health.

They said their states are committed to guaranteeing full equality and dignity for transgender individuals and are also interested in protecting the rights and medical decisions of Florida students who are citizens of their states.

But, they argue, the information DeSantis is requesting could undermine the private decisions that transgender individuals make with their families and health care providers and risks their lives and wellbeing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The thunderclap of stories showing Fox News role in pushing 2020 election fraud conspiracies and aiding Donald Trumps campaign has intensified calls among Democrats to black out the network.

The revelations, made public as part of a $1.6 billion lawsuit brought against Fox by Dominion Voting Systems, showed that some network hosts and executives endorsed lies about Trump's loss, hosted conspiracy theorists whom they thought were unhinged, and overtly prioritized the companys profit over truth. A related deposition of the media empires chair, Rupert Murdoch, revealed that he shared private intel about Joe Bidens campaign TV ads and provided debate strategy with top Trump advisers.

For years, Democrats have been engaged in a debate over whether the party should shun the cable news giant or grudgingly use its airwaves to run counterprogramming. But in the midst of the latest saga, a newer type of reaction has emerged: that they should sever all ties, including any money spent advertising on the network.

There is nothing in those documents to show they operate like a real news organization, said Doug Gordon, a Democratic strategist. If you are running a campaign in 2024, how do you in good faith hand your ads to Fox when you know they handed them over to Republicans? If there are any general election debates, how do you let Fox be a moderator?



There is no indication, at this juncture, that major Democratic entities are ready to halt their ad buys on Fox News, let alone its many affiliates. But that is partially because few Democratic campaigns or causes are currently spending ad money. In the interim, the Dominion lawsuit revelations have led to louder calls for the party to make a firm break from any involvement with the cable channel, whom they view as functionally a campaign arm for Republicans. Democrats spanning the ideological spectrum have even started calling on the White House Correspondents Association  the group of news reporters advocating for press access  to boot Fox News reporters from the briefing room.

Story continues

They are arguably the most important entity of the American right and the Republican Party, said Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg, suggesting that The Associated Press include in its stylebook that Fox News is not a news organization. There needs to be a serious conversation now about whether Fox can continue to be a member of the White House Correspondents Association. Keeping them there seems not to be OK.

Even with its reputation for airing reliably conservative content, Fox News remains a major player in Democratic politics. More self-identified Democrats consistently watch the network than any other cable channel, according to Nielsen MRI Fusion. And a faction of Democrats sees value in both reaching those voters and trying to persuade the independents and Republican-leaning ones who tune into the channel.



In the 2020 campaign cycle, the network hosted a presidential debate, accepted some $7.4 million in advertising from Joe Bidens presidential campaign to Fox News, according to the tracking firm AdImpact, and held town halls with Democratic primary contenders. While Biden administration officials have selectively chosen to appear on Fox News for interviews, the presidents aides have also sought out opportunities to use the network as a cudgel against Republican lawmakers  whether on economic issues or matters of public safety.

White House officials, for their part, describe their relationship with Fox employees who cover them closely as combative but mostly cordial. But they also view the Dominion lawsuit revelations as a cover of sorts to treat Fox News with a bit more frostiness than other media outlets. Biden aides have privately bristled at news reporters who just weeks ago piled on criticism of the president for side stepping a customary Super Bowl interview with Fox.

Regardless of any new revelations of media bias and hypocrisy during the 2020 campaign, Joe Biden won the most votes of any candidate in American history because of his vision for the middle class, his message, and his record, White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement. And anyone who is surprised by such revelations hasnt been paying attention to  or watching  Fox News lately.

Bates and others have been trolling Fox of late, including sending a statement to the network for inclusion in a story questioning whether viewers and readers should trust Fox News reporting on Biden, citing executives reported kid-glove treatment of Trump. The White House statement to Fox was reported by Semafor.

Fox, in turn, accused the White House of resorting to junior varsity campaign style stunts.

Other Democrats want the president and his party to react more aggressively. On the House floor, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) teed off on censorship legislation, arguing it would still be strange to say that Fox News was censoring itself" when it knowingly amplified 2020 election lies. MoveOn, the liberal advocacy outfit, urged cable service chief executives to make Fox News optional. And the Progressive Change Campaign Committee called for the White House Correspondents Association to remove Fox from the press pool.

Congress top two Democrats also weighed in, writing to Murdoch to urge his network to stop spreading false election narratives and admit on the air that they were wrong to engage in such negligent behavior.

Fox News has resisted covering the Dominion lawsuit. But in a statement, a Fox representative said, Dominions lawsuit has always been more about what will generate headlines than what can withstand legal and factual scrutiny, as illustrated by them now being forced to slash their fanciful damages demand by more than half a billion dollars after their own expert debunked its implausible claims.



Their summary judgment motion took an extreme, unsupported view of defamation law that would prevent journalists from basic reporting and their efforts to publicly smear FOX for covering and commenting on allegations by a sitting President of the United States should be recognized for what it is: a blatant violation of the First Amendment.

A Dominion spokesperson said in a statement: The evidence will show that Dominion was a valuable, rapidly growing business that was executing on its plan to expand prior to the time that Fox began endorsing baseless lies about Dominion voting machines. Following Foxs defamatory statements, Dominions business suffered enormously.

A spokesperson for Fox News said it not only tops competitors combined in the ratings, but has the most politically diverse audience with more Democrats and Independents watching than either CNN and MSNBC. This is another predictable attack by left-wing groups desperate for attention and relevancy.

Intermittent lashings of Fox News from the left are not a new occurrence. Democratic politicians from the White House to statehouses have long weighed whether trying to reach the networks coveted audience is worth the cost of appearing to legitimize the network. Those who advocate for engagement say its folly to imagine the channel will have less impact if the party ignores it. Those who call for a boycott argue it makes no sense to push the partys agenda on daytime airwaves only to find it demonized at night. And increasingly, they think that whatever editorial line existed between its dayside hosts and its bombastic prime time names has become blurrier and blurrier.

As the debate starts anew, several top strategists and communications aides said they believe the Dominion revelations will spur legitimate news organizations to stop treating Fox as one of their own.

Democrats reached a verdict on Fox News many years ago. The only open question is does the rest of the political media ecosystem treat them as legitimate or not? asked Eric Schultz, a deputy press secretary under former President Barack Obama. The latest revelations mostly call into question everybody elses long-standing defense of the network.

But even those, like Schultz, who argue that Fox News reputation should be permanently tainted by the Dominion suit are reluctant to call for Democrats to completely shut out the network.

It would be like unilaterally not engaging on Facebook  in many ways a toxic platform but where millions of people get their information, he said.

James Carville, the veteran Democratic strategist, said there was no reason to approach the network differently now because of the Dominion lawsuit revelations.

They get viewers only because they tell viewers what they want to hear or see, he said. They want to be brainwashed. They show up at the front door of the cleaners. They leave their brain there  wash and fold and Ill pick it up.

Instead, Carville offered that there was a utility to having the network as a foil, noting that Bidens White House hasnt suffered from having Fox News in the briefing room, led by network scion Peter Doocy.



Sites on the left love when they smack Peter Doocy back, he said. And usually, for more than half the people who see it, its Fox that looks stupid.
Two people were arrested after being accused of killing their coworker at a hotel pool.

Camden County Sheriff officials said on March 1, law enforcement officials began investigating the drowning of 60-year-old Andre Cournoyer at the SureStay Hotel in St. Marys.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

After retrieving surveillance video of the pool area, investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, St. Marys police Department and Naval Criminal Investigative Service observed two men and a woman at the pool when the drowning was believed to have occurred.

Authorities identified the two men as Cournoyer and Shane White and the woman as Brianna Quitugua.

TRENDING STORIES:

According to the investigation, Cournoyer, White and Quitugua worked on the Kings Bay Naval Base for a contracted company.

After reviewing the footage, authorities arrested Quitugua and White after officials determined Cournoyers death was a homicide rather than a drowning.

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White was charged with aggravated assault and felony murder.

Quitugua was charged with party to a crime for aggravated assault and party to a crime felony murder.

The investigation remains ongoing.

IN OTHER NEWS:
LOS ANGELES  The embattled Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is under fire once again, this time in a scathing 70-page report by a special counsel tasked with investigating secretive groups, or deputy gangs, that have operated within the agency for decades.

The report by the Civilian Oversight Commission condemned the groups, whose members engage in egregious conduct like using excessive force and threatening colleagues, as a cancer that must be banned immediately. It also accused the union that represents the sheriff's deputies of failing to stop the gangs and protecting alleged members.

The report said that although the groups may have started decades ago with "benign intentions," they have evolved into deputy gangs "whose members not only use gang-like symbols but engage in gang-type and criminal behavior directed against the public and other Department members," the report stated.

"They create rituals that valorize violence, such as recording all deputy involved shootings in an official book," the report continued, "celebrating with 'shooting parties,' and authorizing deputies who have shot a community member to add embellishments to their common gang tattoos."

Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement Friday that he was elected in November to "bring new leadership and accountability to this Department" and thanked the commission for its work but stopped short of committing to immediately ban the cliques.

"The vast majority of the Department personnel are hardworking and dedicated professionals who are committed to humbly serving the community," Luna said. "We look forward to working with the Civilian Oversight Commission and Inspector General on this in the future."

Luna announced last month that he was creating an Office of Constitutional Policing to eradicate deputy gangs, comply with consent decrees, and ensure the departments policies and procedures uphold the publics constitutional rights. The office will be led by former U.S Attorney Eileen Decker and staffed with attorneys, investigators and auditors.

Story continues

Luna defeated incumbent Alex Villanueva last fall to become the countys 34th sheriff. He vowed to usher in an era of integrity and collaboration after his predecessors tenure was marked by clashes with other public officials and allegations that deputy gangs ran amok within the agency.

Much like street gangs, the deputy gang members identify themselves by code names, such as the Banditos, Executioners, Regulators, Spartans, Reapers, Wayside Whities and 3000 Boys, according to the report. Members often sport matching tattoos and use language and gestures associated with street gangs.

The Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the union that represents more than 8,000 deputies, said in a statement that it has "always been a willing partner to assist the department to improve its performance and strengthen public trust  dealing with the departments culture is no different."

The union "does not condone behavior that is unlawful or intentionally violates the standards of modern professional policing," Vice President Richard Pippin said in the statement. "ALADS members are hardworking peace officers who risk their lives each day to protect others, and it is our hope that under Sheriff Robert Luna, ALADS can actively participate to help enhance the departments ability to create a safer Los Angeles County."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Malcolm Lazin

Under the guise of attacking ideological conformity, Gov. Ron DeSantis is remaking public education at all levels in Florida. Hes banned instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation, limited what schools can teach about racism, rejected math textbooks and opposed the College Boards Advanced Placement courses in African American studies in high schools.

In addition, DeSantis wants to eliminate diversity and equity and reduce professor tenure.

The only ideological conformity DeSantis is seeking to enforce is his own self-styled political purity.

Indeed, it is cancel culture in reverse, and it is inherently unfair to students who prefer not to have their education hijacked by an ambitious politician.

New College under threat

A case in point is New College of Florida, a progressive state-supported college with students who have an average 3.91 high school GPA and 1225 SAT score. New College has a 7 to 1 student/faculty ratio, and it has been ranked No. 5 in the nation among public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

With its classical liberal arts education, New College punches well above its size; it has produced 87 Fulbright award winners since 1968, placing it on par with Stanford and Yale.

Collectively, Floridas 28 state-supported colleges have 650,000 students. New College represents 0.001 of that enrollment figure and, arguably, the college has the best ratings of any Florida school.

DeSantis claims that New College is hostile to academic freedom," yet his targeting of the college will actually restrict the academic freedom he purports to champion.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is important to New College students as more than 300 people packed the center of the campus to protest for educational freedom against the new school leadership on Tuesday Feb. 28, 2023.

It's important to keep in mind that New College is welcoming to marginalized and often-bullied students. About 5% of the college's undergraduates are transgender, and at New College they are treated with respect and dignity. They can also find courses that help them understand identity issues  all while earning a first-rate liberal arts education. What wrong with that?

Story continues

The governor recently appointed six new board members to carry out his attack. They include Matthew Spalding, an out-of-state figure who works at Hillsdale College, a private conservative Christian school in Michigan; meanwhile, another new board member, Eddie Speir, has called for all faculty and staff contracts to be cancelled.

One of the first decisions made by Spalding, Speir and the remaining board members was to replace New College President Patricia Okker with Richard Corcoran, a career politician. Okkers salary was $305,000; Corcorans salary is more than twice that amount. Given that New College has some 700 students, Corcoran compensation is equal to almost $1,000 per student.

A Taliban-like effort

I know New College of Florida: I was an adjunct professor who taught an LGBT History and Rights course. The course was not mandated, and my students were both LGBTQ and straight undergraduates. But here's what they had in common: they were all exceptional.

Of my eight students, two were self-described conservatives  one was gay and the other was straight. The school didn't dictate what I was supposed to teach or how I was supposed to teach it: From my perspective, I was simply teaching the history of LGBTQ Americans and their quest for equality.

To many Floridians, DeSantis is embarked on a Taliban-like effort to enhance his standing with the far-right elements in his party  groups and individuals whose support DeSantis clearly believes he needs to seize the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nomination. This quest has included attacks on the Walt Disney Co. (Floridas most important corporate citizen), the cruel transport of immigrants unwittingly flown from Texas to Marthas Vineyard and a law  commonly referred to as the Dont Say Gay bill  designed to intimidate schools at all levels across the state.

Like African Americans, women, Hispanic, Asian, Jewish and LGBTQ Americans  among others  have historically struggled for equality. Under DeSantiss cancel culture, these struggles should not be studied in Florida public schools and colleges because they dont portray America in the most favorable light. But I would argue the opposite: while these struggles are far from over, the stories regarding them are not merely inspiring  they are courageously American in every way.

I am reminded of the words of the German theologian Martin Niemoller, who in the aftermath of World War II said the following: First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me  and there was no one left to speak for me.

Malcolm Lazin is a founder of Equality Forum, a national LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus, and the executive director of LGBT History Month. He is a former federal prosecutor and a resident of Sarasota.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: DeSantis has hijacked the education dreams of New College students
Have you ever been invited to a party and were asked to "RSVP" by a certain date? Or maybe you wanted to attend an event, such as an art gallery show, and were prompted to "RSVP" for a head count.

Whether it's for a big wedding or a small get-together, invites are often accompanied by the phrase, "RSVP." But what does it stand for and where does the term come from?

USA TODAY invites you to accept this invitation to learn more about "RSVP."

What does 'RSVP' mean?

"RSVP" is an initialism of the French phrase, "repondez s'il vous plait." this directly translates to "Respond, if you please."

The initialism is often used to confirm attendance for an event, such as a wedding, birthday party or baby shower. More colloquially, people will use "RSVP" to describe the action of replying to an invite.

Even though "RSVP" comes from France, it is not used much there since it is seen as formal. Now, it is more common to see "SVP," which stands for "S'il vous plait," used.

What does 'OTP' mean? Breaking down the fandom term, slang

Just Curious: Your everyday questions, answered

What does 'smh' mean? Defining the texting acronym and how to use it in your conversations

How to use 'RSVP'

Here are some examples of how to use "RSVP":

"You are invited to the wedding of Melody and Daniel. RSVP by 12/3."

"Did you RSVP to Johnny's birthday party?"

"Are you still good to go the museum event at the National Art Gallery? You need to RSVP by Thursday."

What does 'hmu' mean? Get to know Internet, texting acronym

What does 'ngl' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does 'RSVP' stand for? Here's what it means, where it comes from.
Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, S.C., on January 28, 2023. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Donald Trump called for a "quantum leap" in the American standard of living on Friday.

He laid out campaign proposals for new 'freedom cities' and investment in flying cars.

Trump said the US had "lost its boldness," but under his leadership, it would be "back in a very big way."

Former president and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump laid out futuristic urban development proposals on Friday, calling for a "quantum leap" in the American standard of living.



In the typical fashion of the former real estate developer and television star, his proposals were out of the norm of traditional presidential plans. In a video released on Truth Social, Trump called for investment in vertical take-off and landing vehicles  flying cars, in layman's terms  as well as a national contest to design and create ten new "freedom cities" to be built from scratch on government-owned land.



"Just as the United States led the automotive revolution in the last century, I want to ensure that America  not China  leads this revolution in air mobility," Trump, wearing his trademark red tie and flanked by two US flags, said in the video.

"These breakthroughs can transform commerce, bring a giant infusion of wealth into rural America, and connect families and our country in new ways."

Trump added that the US had recently "lost its boldness" but assured that "under my leadership, we will get it back in a very big way. If you look at just three years ago, what we were doing was unthinkable, how good it was, how great it was for our country."

The Trump campaign said that ten cities the size of Washington, DC, could be built on just 0.06% of "empty" federal land, according to a press release entitled "Agenda47" which would give American families "a new opportunity for home ownership and the American Dream."

Trump also said he would encourage a "baby boom" if elected president in the next term, giving money to new parents called "baby bonuses."

Story continues

The four-minute video was light on details of how the visionary plan would come to fruition, and Trump campaign advisers conceded the new set of plans was unusual, according to reporting by Politico.

They added, however, that Trump was not the first American president to make grand propositions  highlighting Abraham Lincoln's campaign for the transcontinental railroad and Teddy Roosevelt's national park service.

Investment in vertical take-off and landing vehicles is not as outlandish as it may seem. They are in the early stages of development but are not expected to be available soon.

The latest plan for Trump's 2024 campaign came one day before he is set to address the Conservative Political Action Conference, a four-day gathering for Republican officials and right-wing activists at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

Correction, February 5, 2023: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that CPAC was held in Washington, DC. It took place in National Harbor, Maryland.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Donald Trump. Andrew Harnik/AP

Donald Trump has released a song with a choir of men imprisoned over the Capitol riot.

The prisoners sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" while Trump recites the Pledge of Allegiance.

Proceeds from the song are due to go to the families of January 6 defendants.

Former President Donald Trump has released a song with a choir of men imprisoned in connection to the January 6 Capitol riot.

The song "Justice for All" by Donald J Trump and the J6 Prison Choir was released on Friday and is now available on streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.

The song intersperses the choir singing "The Star-Spangled Banner," with Trump reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and ends with the prisoners chanting "U-S-A! ".

The J6 Prison Choir consists of a group of about 20 men that are being held at the Washington, DC jail, according to Forbes, which first reported on the song being produced.

The Capitol riot defendants in the DC jail are said to sing the national anthem every night.

Profits from the song are due to be given to the families of those imprisoned for their roles in the riot through an LLC run by conservative commentator Ed Henry, according to Forbes. However, proceeds will not go to the families of those who assaulted a police officer, the outlet said.

Trump specifically recorded the Pledge of Allegiance for this single at Mar-a-Lago a few weeks ago, Forbes reported, while the jailed choir recorded their part over a jailhouse phone a month ago.

Trump has regularly expressed sympathy for those jailed over the insurrection, frequently decrying their "unfair" treatment and suggesting he would pardon them if he were to be re-elected as president.

He also has claimed to be "financially supporting" some January 6 defendants but has not disclosed how many he is supporting or how much money he is giving them.

Robert Maguire, research director for the watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said on Twitter: "I have never been more repulsed by the mere existence of a song than one sung by a president who tried to do a coup and a literal 'choir' of insurrectionists who tried to help him."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Transneft reservoirs

A UAV equipped with an improvised explosive device crashed into an empty tank with a capacity of 3,000 tonnes, resulting in a 1-square-meter hole.

Read also: Russia declares indefinite regime of terrorist alert in border oblast of Belgorod

Four people were evacuated from the substation. There were no reported injuries.

The incident occurred in the village of Razumnoye, near Belgorod, according to the Astra Telegram channel.

Several powerful explosions rocked Belgorod in early February, resulting in a fire at an oil depot and a damaged plant.

Read also: Oil depot set on fire in Tuapse, Russia, locals report explosions, drone attack

There were additional drone attacks in Belgorod later in the month, with Belgorod Mayor Valentin Demidov saying that a UAV had flown into an apartment window in the city and local authorities discovering the wreckage of three drones on Feb. 27.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 52.9x Edaran Berhad (KLSE:EDARAN) may be sending very bearish signals at the moment, given that almost half of all companies in Malaysia have P/E ratios under 13x and even P/E's lower than 8x are not unusual. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the highly elevated P/E.

For instance, Edaran Berhad's receding earnings in recent times would have to be some food for thought. One possibility is that the P/E is high because investors think the company will still do enough to outperform the broader market in the near future. If not, then existing shareholders may be quite nervous about the viability of the share price.

See our latest analysis for Edaran Berhad

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We don't have analyst forecasts, but you can see how recent trends are setting up the company for the future by checking out our free report on Edaran Berhad's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

How Is Edaran Berhad's Growth Trending?

Edaran Berhad's P/E ratio would be typical for a company that's expected to deliver very strong growth, and importantly, perform much better than the market.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 11% decrease to the company's bottom line. At least EPS has managed not to go completely backwards from three years ago in aggregate, thanks to the earlier period of growth. So it appears to us that the company has had a mixed result in terms of growing earnings over that time.

Weighing that recent medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 10% shows it's noticeably less attractive on an annualised basis.

In light of this, it's alarming that Edaran Berhad's P/E sits above the majority of other companies. It seems most investors are ignoring the fairly limited recent growth rates and are hoping for a turnaround in the company's business prospects. There's a good chance existing shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/E falls to levels more in line with recent growth rates.

Story continues

The Bottom Line On Edaran Berhad's P/E

Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-earnings ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.

Our examination of Edaran Berhad revealed its three-year earnings trends aren't impacting its high P/E anywhere near as much as we would have predicted, given they look worse than current market expectations. Right now we are increasingly uncomfortable with the high P/E as this earnings performance isn't likely to support such positive sentiment for long. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at significant risk and potential investors in danger of paying an excessive premium.

Having said that, be aware Edaran Berhad is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis, and 1 of those is significant.

If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on Edaran Berhad, explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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By Alexandra Valencia

QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's National Assembly on Saturday voted in favor of a report which recommends opening an impeachment process against President Guillermo Lasso, accusing him of corruption over dealings in public companies.

The report, which is not binding, was approved by 104 of Ecuador's 137 lawmakers in an expected rejection of Lasso's leadership. Lasso, a conservative former banker, does not have a majority in the National Assembly and has repeatedly clashed with lawmakers, some of who tried to oust him in 2022.

The report was presented on Wednesday by a commission of seven mostly opposition lawmakers who examined accusations that positions and contracts at Ecuadorean state companies had been exchanged for bribes.

The report concluded Lasso could have been involved in possible crimes against state security and public administration, assertions rejected by the government.

Lasso's government has called the report an "attack on reason" and said its findings are based on coincidences and conjecture.

Following the lawmakers' decision on Saturday, Government Minister Henry Cucalon said the Assembly approved "a shameful report ... lacking legal and binding validity."

In order for impeachment hearings to go ahead, a lawmaker must present accusatory evidence against Lasso with support from 46 other legislators, and the constitutional court must approve the effort.

Former President Rafael Correa's political movement has said one if its lawmakers could present the evidence.

Sofia Espin Reyes, an opposition lawmaker who is part of Correa's movement, said the vote was "justice for the people" of Ecuador.

"There is clear evidence of crimes against public administration and state security," she added on Twitter.

Other options to remove Lasso are available even if impeachment hearings cannot move ahead, opposition lawmakers have said.

"Guillermo Lasso Mendoza is a serious problem and there are many ways to get rid of that problem," opposition politician Mireya Pazmino said on Thursday, adding that protests could pressure him to step down. "We also have the streets."

Last week the CONAIE Indigenous organization called for Lasso's resignation. It is planning protests on March 8.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Additional reporting by Marion Giraldo; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Drazen Jorgic and Paul Simao)
Criticism of President Joe Bidens administration, the Chinese surveillance balloon, attacks on transgender Americans and wokeness were recurrent themes at this years Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, a four-day gathering for right-wing activists and Republican officials from across the US.

These are some of the most bizarre and downright horrifying lines from the conference.

I would never advocate hunting the media for sport

In a panel titled Don Lemon Is Past His Primetime, right-wing media personalities criticised the CNN anchor and mocked what they characterised as an unfair liberal media, a frequent target throughout the week despite most of the panellists and guests on the CPAC stage being media personalities themselves.

Panelist L Brent Bozell III, the founder of conservative watchdog group the Media Research Center, said journalists have never held a real job.

Town Hall columnist Kurt Schlichter said journalists are too dumb to do anything else and the enemy.

They want to be gatekeepers. They want to set the agenda, he said.

At one point, he mentioned serving in the Gulf War  when America won wars and the Pentagon knew which bathroom to use  and recalled a service member asking if he could kill journalists.

Sir, if we have any reporters around, can I shoot em? he said as the panellists laughed, before adding: I would never advocate hunting the media for sport.

Sports built this country

Former college football coach turned Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville was interviewed on a panel called Sacking the Woke Playbooks, where he rejected both transgender athletes being allowed to compete and inclusive efforts to perform honest teachings on race, racism and LGBT+ people in the classroom.

He listed off a string of right-wing targets in a series of baseless statements against trans athletes and US education.

All this woke, transgender athletes, CRT, 1619, they dont teach reading, writing or arithmetic, the senator said.

Story continues

He said that sports must be protected because sports have built this country.

Former Trump official: I dont give a s*** about lawsuits over Trumps family separation policy

Former ICE director Tom Homan repeatedly and falsely suggested that there were fewer acts of violence against people crossing the southern border under the Trump administration.

Human rights watchdogs uncovered massive human rights violations against migrants and asylum seekers after Trump implemented the so-called Remain in Mexico policy in 2019. Nearly 70,000 people were impacted by the policy, but fewer than 53,000 people  less than one per cent  were granted relief.

Advocates and government agencies also uncovered chaos from the Trump-era Title 42 policy, which prevented people from seeking asylum under US and international accords, and a family separation policy that removed hundreds of children from their families at border crossings.

Im sick and tired of hearing about the family separation. And Im still being sued about that. I dont give a s***, he said.

No one did more, bottom line on immigration than Trump, Mr Homan claimed. He said he offered to work for free because he is so p***** off.

Pick up a dollar, and its got fentanyl on it, and youre dead

In a panel on US-Mexico border security and the import of fentanyl, Republican US Rep Mark Green revived a familiar and false trope about the synthetic opioid.

News outlets have repeatedly picked up local police warnings about dollar bills laced with fentanyl, and police agencies have repeatedly claimed that officers have experienced overdoses or faced some kind of exposure illness after coming in contact with the drug.

Multiple assessments from toxicologists, public health experts, drug policy researchers and law enforcement agencies own guidance when it comes to fentanyl have debunked those claims, which continue to make headlines despite their spurious contents.

Pick up a dollar, and its got fentanyl on it, and youre dead, Mr Green. That is false; it is not possible to experience such a reaction from merely touching the drug.

Every American, he claimed, is at risk from fentanyl.

I think vindication looks pretty good on me

Four-term far-right Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, who was under federal investigation connected to a sex trafficking probe, will not be charged by the Justice Department, the agency announced earlier this month.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) (Getty Images)

His first words on the CPAC stage: I think vindication looks pretty good on me.

Wokeness is a virus more dangerous than any pandemic, hands down

2024 contender Nikki Haley said she wants to stop Americas downward spiral towards socialism with an agenda to make America strong and proud, not weak and woke.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) (Getty Images)

The Democratic party is now a socialist party, she said, pointing to Bernie Sanders, who is not a Democrat, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has overwhelmingly won elections for her New York district three times.

Ms Haley condemned the Biden administration with a false claim that troops are forced to take gender pronoun classes. In contrast, US military policy actually provides instruction for respecting trans service members.

That disgusts me, Ms Haley said. This woke self-loathing has swept our country. Wokeness is a virus more dangerous than any pandemic, hands down.

Transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely

Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire sparked alarm on 4 March with his anti-trans rhetoric during his Saturday speech at CPAC.

Transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely, he said.

John Knefel of Media Matters called it eliminationist, genocidal rhetoric.

Adam Vary of Variety urged people to pay attention. This is genocidal. That is not hyperbole or alarmist; this rhetoric is calling for the eradication of a group of people for who they are.

Transgenderism is people. Hes talking about eradicating people. When newspapers print scare stories about kids transitioning too early, when podcast hosts whine about girls sports, when politicians snark about the definition of woman, this is what theyre talking around, Raphael Bob-Waksberg said.

It would be great if non-trans people would start paying attention to this, because the quiet part is getting shouted at this point, Jaclyn Moore added. If only there was a word for when they want to eradicate a kind of people. A word trans people have said these people were talking about but people called us hyperbolic. Hmmm I guess my vocabulary just isnt good enough.

Writer Parker Molloy said, hey, this is really scary s***, and I wish that the a***holes who keep insisting that there arent major legislative attacks on trans people of all ages happening right now ... would stop lying about that. Things are getting very bad.

The GOP could not be more clear about their intentions: they want to eradicate trans people. They are saying this out loud, Charlotte Clymer said.

Mr Knowles has said in the past that his rhetoric isnt genocidal because he doesnt believe trans people exist, Jezebel noted.

There cant be a genocide, he said on his programme last week, adding that its not a legitimate category of being. Theyre labouring under a delusion. And so we need to correct that delusion.

Biden admin is trying to tell us paedophilia is normal

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic House Representative and presidential candidate said during a speech at CPAC that the Biden admin are trying to tell us paedophilia is normal because minor-attracted people are acceptable.

She drew applause from the crowd when she said I am no longer a Democrat and she called Hillary Clinton the queen of warmongers.

She went on to claim that Democrats are betraying Dr Kings dream and that theyve become the racists they claim to hate.

The White House [lists] off proudly all of these statistics and quote-unquote diversity in the Biden administration by talking about gender and race and sexuality but not talking about capabilities and accomplishments, she said. Theyre directly betraying Dr Martin Luther Kings dream  judging us purely based on the colour of our skin rather than on the content of our character. They become the racist that they claim to hate.

She has recently claimed that the Democrats have an agenda of identity politics.

Lets be clear how serious of a problem this is. Its based on genetics, race, based on your blood, your genes; and where do we see that connection? Well, these are the very same geneticist core principles embodied by Nazism and Adolf Hitler, she said on Fox News.
ATLANTA (AP)  A bipartisan effort among states to combat voter fraud has found itself in the crosshairs of conspiracy theories fueled by Donald Trumps false claims about the 2020 presidential election and now faces an uncertain future.

One state has dropped out, a second is in the process of doing so and a handful of other Republican-led states are deciding whether to stay.

The aim of the Electronic Registration Information Center, a voluntary system known as ERIC, has been to help member states maintain accurate lists of registered voters by sharing data that allows officials to identify and remove people who have died or moved to other states. Reports also help states identify and ultimately prosecute people who vote in multiple states.

In Maryland, state election officials have received reports through the system identifying some 66,000 potentially deceased voters and 778,000 people who may have moved out of state since 2013. In Georgia, the system is credited with providing data to remove nearly 100,000 voters no longer eligible to vote in the state.

Yet the effort to improve election integrity and thwart voter fraud has become a target of suspicion among some Republicans after a series of online posts early last year questioning its funding and purpose.

Shortly after, Louisiana left the group, citing concerns raised by the posts. A day after being sworn in last month, Alabamas new secretary of state, Wes Allen, sent a letter informing the center of the states exit after criticizing the program during his campaign.

Other Republican-led states could follow, according to a survey of state election offices by The Associated Press. Officials in Florida and Missouri said they are evaluating their participation, while legislation in Texas could force the state to leave. West Virginia election officials declined to weigh in, saying they are closely monitoring the situation with ERICs membership.

The departures and potential for additional ones have frustrated state election officials involved in the effort and have demonstrated how deeply election conspiracies have spread throughout the Republican Party.

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The idea that any state would leave, and we know many are leaving or considering leaving, based solely on misinformation that in most cases they know is not accurate -- its bizarre to me, said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat. Their leaving directly harms the security and integrity of their own state voter rolls and their ability to keep them up to date and accurate.

Not all Republican-led states are reevaluating their participation in the program. Of those surveyed by AP, election offices in 23 states and the District of Columbia said they had no intention of leaving, including eight led or controlled by Republicans. Four state offices did not respond: Alaska, Colorado, Delaware and Washington.

Republican officials who said they had no intention to leave signaled strong support for the effort. Iowas chief election official said the program, in less than a year, had helped the state identify more than 1,300 deceased voters not included in state data.

ERIC is an effective tool for ensuring the integrity of Iowas voter rolls, said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, a Republican in his third term.

The program was started in 2012 by seven states and was bipartisan from the beginning, with four of the founding states led by Republicans. Today, 32 states and the District of Columbia are members.

In April, that will drop to 31 when Alabama officially leaves the group. Allen made various claims during his 2022 campaign about the group that prompted a rebuke from then-Secretary of State John Merrill. Merrill, a Republican, noted that ERIC had identified more than 19,000 records of potentially deceased Alabama voters since 2016.

A chief complaint about the program is that it was funded by George Soros, the billionaire investor and philanthropist who has long been the subject of conspiracy theories. While ERIC received initial funding from the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts, that money was separate from the money provided to Pew by a Soros-affiliated organization that went to an unrelated effort, said ERICs executive director, Shane Hamlin.

The effort has since been funded through annual dues by member states. Hamlin said the current discussions among member states have been robust and decisions are expected soon on potential changes.

Is the mission of ERIC still relevant? Yes, Hamlin said. But are the ways in which members use ERIC to achieve that mission still relevant? Still effective? That is what we are talking about internally.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a Republican, is among those pushing for changes. In an interview, Ashcroft said he wants the system to drop a requirement for member states to send mailings to eligible but unregistered voters.

It needs to be focused on cleaning rolls, Ashcroft said. It is not the job of the secretary of state to add voters to the rolls. Its our job to make sure there is a good, simple process for people who meet the requirements to be registered.

Ashcroft also is weighing the value that taxpayers receive from the program, arguing the state misses out on data for voters who leave Missouri because several surrounding states dont participate. Time is running out, he said, for changes to be made.

I have raised them with ERIC, and so far I am not satisfied with their response, Ashcroft said. The clock is ticking.

A fellow Republican, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, said he was aware of concerns about the program but remained confident in the effort.

Like any human endeavor, there are imperfections to that organization and, you know, some of the people involved have caused concern for others, LaRose told reporters last month. But I can tell you that it is one of the best fraud-fighting tools that we have -- when it comes to actually catching people who try to vote in multiple states, when it comes to maintaining the accuracy of our voter rolls by removing those that move out of state.

Lawmakers in Texas have introduced legislation that, if passed and signed into law, would require the state to leave the system. In Oklahoma, proposed legislation would prohibit the state from joining.

In California, Kansas and New Hampshire, lawmakers have introduced bills that would enable their states to join it, according to the Voting Rights Lab, which tracks voting legislation in the states. New York is another high population state that is not currently a member.

Gabriel Sterling, a top official in the Georgia secretary of states office, said he recently appealed to representatives from three other Republican-led states to join the system.

A lot of this is politics and gets in the way of good election administration, Sterling said. At the end of the day, we want more people to join than leave. A lot of this is a tempest in a teacup.

___

Associated Press writer Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.
Elon Musk in San Francisco in January. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Elon Musk expressed his concerns about artificial intelligence at Tesla's investor day on Wednesday.

The Tesla CEO believed he "may have done some things" that accelerated the "dangerous technology."

His comments were prompted by an investor asking whether AI could help Musk make cars.

Elon Musk doesn't think artificial intelligence will help Tesla make cars "anytime soon."

He made the comment at Tesla's investor day on Wednesday in response to a question from a shareholder.

But he reiterated his concerns about the technology. "I'm a little worried about AI stuff. I think it's something we should be concerned about," Musk said.

"We should need some kind of regulatory authority or something, overseeing AI development and making sure it's operating within the public interest."

Musk's thoughts on AI chimed with the views of OpenAI's chief technology officer, Mira Murati, who's said that AI tools should be regulated as they could be used by "bad actors."

Musk described AI as "quite a dangerous technology" in his response to the investor, adding he feared he "may have done things to accelerate it."

Last month, Musk said that unchecked AI could pose a threat to society in an address at the World Government Summit in Dubai. In 2018 he said the two things that most stressed him out were production difficulties with the Tesla Model 3, and the dangers of AI.

Musk cofounded OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, the chatbot that has generated much attention since its release last November. People have been using it for side hustles using the AI tool, while others have used it to write cover letters.

Insider's Adam Rogers wrote about how ChatGPT, or other similar AI tools like Microsoft's Bing, are "bullshit engines" and why they shouldn't be trusted.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Key Insights

The projected fair value for DFI Retail Group Holdings is US$3.49 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

DFI Retail Group Holdings' US$3.07 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Our fair value estimate is 13% lower than DFI Retail Group Holdings' analyst price target of US$3.03

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited (SGX:D01) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for DFI Retail Group Holdings

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

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10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$1.00b US$1.08b US$319.0m US$289.0m US$271.7m US$261.8m US$256.7m US$254.7m US$254.7m US$256.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -9.40% Est @ -6.00% Est @ -3.62% Est @ -1.96% Est @ -0.79% Est @ 0.03% Est @ 0.60% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 8.9% US$920 US$907 US$247 US$206 US$178 US$157 US$142 US$129 US$118 US$109

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$3.1b

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.9%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.9%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$256m (1 + 1.9%)  (8.9% 1.9%) = US$3.8b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$3.8b ( 1 + 8.9%)10= US$1.6b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$4.7b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$3.1, the company appears about fair value at a 12% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

Important Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at DFI Retail Group Holdings as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.997. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for DFI Retail Group Holdings

Strength

Debt is well covered by cash flow.

Weakness

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Consumer Retailing market.

Opportunity

Expected to breakeven next year.

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Good value based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

No apparent threats visible for D01.

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For DFI Retail Group Holdings, we've put together three important factors you should look at:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with DFI Retail Group Holdings , and understanding this should be part of your investment process. Future Earnings: How does D01's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
NEW YORK  A former U.S. Army private from Louisville who was devoted to a violent extremist group seeking to erode or destroy Western civilization was sentenced to the maximum 45 years in prison Friday for plotting a murderous terrorist attack on his paratrooper unit.

Ethan Melzers hands trembled as the judge said he deserved the maximum because of the lasting harm he caused by sharing U.S. military secrets with other followers of a radical violent group known as the Order of Nine Angles, or 09A, and other terrorist groups.

U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods rejected the 24-year-olds claim to be a remorseful, reformed man, saying it was more likely he was playing another role in pursuit of leniency just as he had played soldier so he could conspire to try to murder fellow paratroopers.

Indictment: Army soldier leaked information to neo-Nazi group as part of plot to attack U.S. soldiers, DOJ says

Melzers lawyers had asked that he get no more than 15 years behind bars. He pleaded guilty last June to trying to murder service members, supporting terrorists and illegally transmitting defense information.

I still regret everything I did, Melzer told the judge before his sentence was announced. He said he wished I could say Im sorry to my platoon and wanted to show he could still be a productive member of society.

Shackled at the ankles, Melzer was later escorted from the courtroom by deputy U.S. marshals.

Without a plea deal, Melzer could have faced a life prison term.

Calling Melzer a traitor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hellman said his actions constituted one of the most stunning betrayals from within the ranks of the armed forces ... ever to be prosecuted in a federal court.

A US flag is pictured on a soldier's uniform during an artillery live fire event by the US Army Europe's 41st Field Artillery Brigade at the military training area in Grafenwoehr, southern Germany, on March 4, 2020. - The 41st Field Artillery Brigade plans, prepares, executes and assesses operations to provide US Army Europe with long-range precision strike capabilities.

Capt. Joshua Kraus, a military intelligence officer, told the judge Melzer created a psychological cancer within his unit as the trust soldiers must put in their commanders and fellow service members was thrown into question with his May 30, 2020, arrest as his platoon was about to board buses to Italy.

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The unit was heading to a military base where they were to guard an isolated and sensitive military installation.

Kraus said information Melzer shared online with our sworn enemies will never be able to be recovered and has caused allies to doubt whether they can share sensitive information with the United States.

Our allies and enemies are very aware of this case, Kraus said.

Capt. Jacob Ferris, the former head of Melzers unit, said the platoon known as The Cowboys was riding high when they were chosen from among 20 platoons for their sensitive mission, only to find that one of their own had deceived and betrayed them and left them labeled as a platoon that had a terrorist.

He said Melzers fellow paratroopers in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team were left feeling angry as they contemplated that one of their own had planned to kill them.

He said the other soldiers faced questioning by investigators who wanted to know if they had seen signs that Melzer was betraying his oath to the United States, and it left them confronting what they might have missed.

One, Ferris said, told him: I feel like out of 35 people, one of us should have seen the signs.

Attorney Jonathan Marvinny, representing Melzer, requested leniency, saying his client had fallen beneath the spell of a ridiculous cult, and he urged the judge not to heed prosecutors who paint him as if hes a monster.

Authorities said Melzer joined the military to infiltrate its ranks on behalf of a group espousing neo-Nazi, antisemitic and Satanic beliefs. They said the group tells members to subvert the military from within by infiltrating it to gain training, commit acts of violence and identify like-minded individuals.

Prosecutors said in court papers that Melzer planned to join co-conspirators he met online to carry out a jihadi attack that would cause a mass casualty event that would provoke the United States into engaging in a foreign war, causing mass bloodshed and terrible harm to the very country he had sworn to protect.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former U.S. soldier shared intel with terrorist groups
An oil and gas facility in Eddy County could be blocked from operating if an environmental group has its way

Santa Fe-based WildEarth Guardians petitioned the federal government to object to a New Mexico state permit for emissions of potential air pollutants for a facility in southeast New Mexico owned by XTO Energy, an action that could require the permit be rewritten before the site can go into service.

XTO Energys Wildcat Compressor Station was the subject of the petition filed this week to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in opposition to an air quality permit proposed in September 2022 by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED).

The petition argued the permit was inadequate to prevent dangerous air pollution at the facility about 17 miles east of Malaga in Eddy County.

More:Oil and gas air pollution, climate change targeted by New Mexico Senate bill

The Wildcat station separates oil, gas and water and stores condensate onsite before it is taken to market via pipeline or truck. The facility also compresses natural gas for transmission.

The petition argued the facility was a major source of air pollution from flare stacks, tanks, separators and compressor engines, and the NMEDs permit should be blocked by the EPA.

More:Bill tightening oil and gas rules in New Mexico passes committee, opposed by industry

Ashley Campbell, spokesperson for XTO parent company ExxonMobil said the company was working to reduce its impact on the environment, recently committing to ending routing flaring in the Permian, electrifying equipment using lower-carbon power sources like renewable energy and increasing monitoring for leaks throughout its operations in the region.

It is our companys policy to comply with all applicable laws and regulations wherever we operate," Campbell said. "The actions we are taking in the Permian to reduce emissions demonstrates ExxonMobils commitment to the 'and' equation  meeting societys needs for energy and products  and  reducing emissions."

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Permit displays 'inadequacy' of state oil and gas rules

WildEarth Guardians objected to the permit, alleging it failed to ensure the Wildcat Compressor Station would not contribute to regional exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone.

A cancer-causing air pollutant, ground-level ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs)  often emitted by oil and gas facilities  interact with sunlight.

More:Permian Basin oil companies reaped billions in 2022, plan for more growth this year

Eddy County, along with other areas in southeast New Mexicos Permian Basin region, were found by the NMED to exceed the NAAQS for ozone of 70 parts per billion.

That was expected to lead the EPA, potentially this year, to deem the region in non-attainment of the NAAQS which could impose added federal requirements for oil and gas regulatory actions like permitting.

The proposed permit also did not ensure XTO comply with current emission standards or require proper monitoring of the facilitys emissions, read the petition.

More:Here's what we know about New Mexico's efforts to fix abandoned oil and gas wells

"We can't and won't tolerate lawless pollution in the Permian Basin," said Jeremy Nichols with WildEarth Guardians. "If the oil and gas industry can't operate without breaking the law, then they shouldn't be allowed to operate."

He said the alleged inadequacies with the NMED permit was indicative of a broader problem at the agency, of allowing air pollution from oil and gas operators despite worsening air quality in the region.

NMED spokesman Matthew Maez said the agency's Air Quality Bureau worked closely with operators to ensure compliance with state regulations, and that the Department's recently-enacted ozone regulations were some of the "most stringent" in the U.S. after extensive consultation with stakeholders throughout New Mexico.

"Despite its small size and extremely limited resources, NMEDs Air Quality Bureau is dedicated to the health, safety and environment for all New Mexicans and adheres to strict regulatory requirements for reviewing permit applicants," Maez said in an emailed statement.

He said WildEarth Guardians' objections to the permit were based on issues of "dubious legal merit" that were unlikely to have any effect on air quality in the state, and that actions like the recent petition directed NMED's resources away from oversight of the industry.

"By continuing to absorb NMEDs limited resources for these purposes, the effect of WEG efforts is, in fact, endangering frontline communities by ensuring that those same staffing resources are not available to address real and significant air quality impacts," Maez said.

EPA already cracking down on oil and gas pollution

The latest petition came after the EPA granted a similar opposition requested by WildEarth Guardians in September 2022 for facilities operated by Lucid Energy.

More:$128 million deal sees Oklahoma-based oil and gas company entering Permian Basin

And last week, the organization said it intended to sue the EPA for its alleged failure to intervene in oil and gas permits the group said would lead to heightening air pollution in New Mexico.

Sadly, Governor Michelle Lujan Grishams Environment Department is giving Exxon and the oil and gas industry a free pass to pollute, Nichols said. We need the EPA to put an end to this lawlessness and the Environment Departments abject lack of meaningful action for clean air and public health.

The EPA on Friday announced it filed a settlement with Permian Resources Operating for emission events at nine of the companys facilities on the Texas side of the Permian Basin.

More:New Mexico lawmaker want to alter state's oil and gas rules. What to know about SB 418

This resulted in a $610,000 fine against the company, along with other required actions.

The agreement, according to the EPAs announcement, would prevent about 729,000 pounds of VOC emissions and about 2.6 million pounds of methane from being released into the air.

The emissions were observed via aircraft monitoring conducted by the EPA throughout the region in 2020 at storage tanks, flares and other equipment.

Under the settlement, Permian Resources will increase inspections, upgrade equipment and see it permits reviewed.

EPA developed an innovative way to detect potential violations from oil and gas facilities across the vast Permian Basin area, and now our enforcement team is following through with tough penalties and actions that reduce emissions, said EPA Regional Administrator Earthea Nance.

Companies must uphold their obligations to follow the Clean Air Act or expect to be held accountable when they dont.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Feds could block Eddy County oil and gas site amid air pollution
Marcia Woloshun knew a blizzard was forecast  so the 48-year-old bought extra food last week. But she figured it was unlikely she would miss one of her weekend nursing shifts.

After all, it often snowed in Running Springs. Her little town clings to the spine of the San Bernardino Mountains, a place they call the Rim of the World, 90 miles east and 6,000 feet above the palm trees of Los Angeles. But it rarely snowed enough to sock anyone in.

That was more than a week ago  and she hasnt been able to escape since.

Instead of going to work at her hospital, Woloshun spent the week on backbreaking efforts to shovel out her car, only to see it buried anew by snow and icy drifts. At one point, she lost power and crawled into a tent she'd erected inside her own living room, sharing warmth with her two cats.

Marcia Woloshun's car remained snowed in on Wednesday, March 1, despite digging on Monday and Tuesday.

By Friday, the 48-year-old was still among those largely trapped by the back-to-back storms that dumped, in some spots, as much as 10 feet of snow.

She said it came in three waves, from late last week to earlier this week. Power went out. Roofs collapsed. And even in mountain communities that were used to a little isolation, people started to run out of the things that were a simple matter of life and death: food. Medicine.

The snow has stopped, and after California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared an emergency in 13 counties, the National Guard was deployed to aid recovery. But so far, residents say the state is still struggling to clear roads and bring aid. Backbreak turned to frustration as neighbors realized they had only one another to lean on.

For Woloshun, the rare blizzard continues to eat up her paid leave and fuel high anxiety as she weathers it alone.

Her power is on. Her cellphone works. But she can't get out.

This morning I woke up and I realized they hadnt plowed, Woloshun told USA TODAY on Friday afternoon. I feel like I'm never going to get out here.

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About 7 miles away, near the longtime resort of Lake Arrowhead, Paola Fowler, 37, her husband and three kids, along with friends, rented a home for a little getaway. The mountain forest is just two hours and a world away from their suburban home in Santa Clarita.

But on Friday, a week after arriving, they too remain stranded, unable to get their car out of the driveway.

After running out of the meager food supplies they brought, her husband hiked for several hours through deep snow to get food. Being away from work means losing money for the families, she said. And her 5-year-old daughter can't get the antibiotics she needs, she said.

My daughter has had an ear infection for like four days now and wont stop crying, she said. Its been hell.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus and other authorities said that progress has been made but that it could take another week to dig out amid the severe conditions. The storm overwhelmed snowplowing equipment geared toward ordinary storms.

In recent days, firefighters have been evacuating residents who are medically vulnerable and have no heat or damaged homes to a Red Cross shelter set up at a local high school. Theyve also been responding to reports of gas leaks and storm-related fires with hydrants buried in deep snow, Mike McClintock, San Bernardino County Fire Battalion Chief, told The Associated Press.

About 80,000 people live in the communities of the San Bernardino Mountains either part- or full-time, spread across nearly 30 miles from east of Big Bear Lake to west of Lake Arrowhead. There's no estimate of how many are there now.

Over the past week, the county has fielded hundreds of emergency calls, many from people seeking plow assistance, baby formula and medicine, said Dawn Rowe, chair of the county board of supervisors.

On the Facebook group Rim Guardian Angels, residents have pleaded for help and found ways to help one another or share information, including where to get food after heavy snow damaged roofs and closed two of three area grocery stores. Neighbors online offered to help check on older neighbors or shovel people out.

Earlier in the week, one resident wrote on the group asking for a plow or a ride to make an appointment with a transplant doctor. On Thursday, a disabled veteran with cancer posted that he needed help: "I wanted to know if someone could dig us out .... I missed chemo and am running out of meds. I couldn't get out my front door."

Caltrans workers try to clear avalanche debris from California State Route 38 after a series of snowstorms on March 2, 2023, near Big Bear, California. San Bernardino County has declared a state of emergency as communities remain buried after a series of blizzards shut down all roads into the mountains, leaving the area running low on gas, food and supplies.

The storm caught many off guard, said Andrew Braggins, 43, a wedding planner and one of the administrators of the group. His own ceiling in his Crestline home bowed under the weight of 5 feet of snow, he said.

Were at the 4,500-foot level. We get maybe 10 days of snow a year total, and it's usually maybe a foot at the most, he said. No one in this town was prepared for this.

County fire officials said they were going house-to-house, helping dig out cars. And officials were bringing in snowcats and other equipment.

At the same time, frustration and anger at the pace of the response has been growing as the days tick by, Braggins said.

People are angry, he said. I have a lot of friends, and a lot of people in that group, they cant go anywhere, the road is still 10 feet deep. I've got one friend on the other side of the lake, she's been without power for four days. The snow is 6 feet high, so they can't even hike out. And they're running out of food.

Liam Bare, 24, who lives in the area, said he understands the challenges crews face but thus far hasn't seen much of a presence.

It feels kind of apocalyptic, people wandering down the street because they cant get their vehicles out, hiking 2 or 3 miles to a store, he said. On my street, at least, I have yet to see any officials at all, whether it be fire, National Guard or police.

Real estate agent Michelle Calkins, 41, who lives in Lake Arrowhead, posted a video plea on Twitter Wednesday, begging for help for mothers running out of baby formula and residents running low on insulin.

Lake Arrowhead resident Michelle Calkins



Michelle sent me this video to share with all of you. Residents are begging for help and they need our help to share their messages. After I got off the phone with her I felt the stress in her voice. @SBCOUNTYFIRE @sbcountysheriff https://t.co/mhitK8XebQ pic.twitter.com/xI93qdTNf6  FirePhotoGirl (@FirePhotoGirl) March 1, 2023

By Friday, she told USA TODAY that she was thankful the snow had stopped but that the fallout remained severe. Her friend's home caught fire because of a gas leak, she said, and firefighters were hindered by snowy streets and buried hydrants.

She and her husband donned snowshoes to check on neighbors, including some who were trapped, to see if they had food. In several cases, they dug through 10 feet of snow to reach some gas meters  including one neighbor who is a mother.

She's got two kids, an infant and a toddler. She was so terrified. She's like, I have to get off this mountain for fear of gas fire or explosion, she said. But we're like, 'How you leave?' The road isn't plowed. You can't physically leave."

Despite the strains, she said the storm has brought communities out to help in profound ways. Some spoke of meeting people who live nearby but were largely strangers before the storm.

One incredible thing about a small community is that when people are in need, everybody is in this together and helps each other out. It really is incredible to see, she said.

As the area digs out, some were questioning whether the storm presages a future of increasing bouts of severe winter storms in this area of pine trees and lakes.

Woloshun, who moved to the area years ago because it was quiet and peaceful, said she isnt sure whether this particular storm was a function of climate change.

But she wondered if were going to start getting these weird, cold winters that we never got before and what they will mean for her, fearing getting stranded again by herself under mountains of snow.

She and her boyfriend had talked about moving in together, she said. His home in Redondo Beach seems a safer bet now.

Its almost like cemented it for me that I just don't want to be here anymore," she said. "Because it's a lot."

Contributing: The Associated Press

Chris Kenning is a national correspondent. Reach him at ckenning@usatoday.com and on Twitter @chris_kenning.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: San Bernardino Mountains snowstorm leave unknown number stranded
RAF fighter jets (pictured on a separate occasion) might have been the source of the "loud bang." Joe Giddens/Getty Images

Fighter jets escorted an aircraft to an airport in London after it lost communications, per BBC News.

This came shortly after people heard a "loud bang," which some thought was a sonic boom.

Police said there was no cause for concern.

Fighter jets from the UK's Royal Air Force were reportedly scrambled to escort an aircraft to London's Stansted Airport after it lost communications while flying over England on Saturday.

This came shortly after people heard a "loud bang" across the counties of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Oxfordshire, BBC News reported.

Some plane spotters believe it might have been a sonic boom caused by the fast movement of the RAF jets.

Lee Shellard, from Leicestershire, told the BBC: "It shook ornaments and bits around the house."

One user wrote on Twitter: "My entire house shifted, no joke!" Another said: "Anyone in Leicester know what the hell that massive explosion was?? It shook our house and the birds are going crazy."

Essex Police tweeted that a plane heading from Iceland to Nairobi, Kenya was escorted into Stansted at about 12.50pm UK time.

"We're satisfied there was a loss of contact due to an equipment malfunction & nothing of concern," the force said. "The plane and the two people on board have been released to continue with their journey."

Leicestershire Police said: "We have received numerous calls in relation to a large explosion sound heard from various parts of the city and county. We would like to reassure you that there is no concern."

Departures from another London airport were reportedly suspended for around 15 minutes, per BBC News.

BBC journalist Phil Mercer, who was stuck on the runway at Gatwick Airport, said he'd been informed that "all airspace over London is closed as an aircraft has stopped communicating with air traffic control."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Justice Department this week ignited its lobbying effort with a hesitant Congress to secure renewal of a spy tool that has become one of its most controversial surveillance authorities.

The provision of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is set to expire in December, prompting authorities to eagerly promote the need for Section 702 of the law, which allows for the warrantless surveillance of foreigners outside of the United States, even as they communicate with U.S. citizens on domestic soil.

A heavy lift even in the best of times, the effort is colliding with a brewing skepticism of the FBI and other intelligence agencies in some corners of Congress  a major talking point for many on the right that resonates with some on the left.

What keeps me up at night is thinking about what will happen if we fail to renew Section 702 of FISA, Matthew Olsen, the assistant attorney general for national security, said this week at a discussion at the Brookings Institution.

Without 702, we will lose indispensable intelligence for our decision makers and warfighters, as well as those of our allies. And we have no fallback authority that could come close to making up for that loss.

Both Republicans and Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee  privy to some of the classified details about how 702 authorities are used  back the need for its reauthorization and say it may take lobbying efforts of their own to secure it.

But the reauthorization is also the purview of the House Judiciary Committee, which includes a number of right-wing members and now houses a subcommittee on weaponization designed to focus heavily on an FBI theyve accused of abusing its power to target conservatives.

I think the lift is harder on the other side, if only because theyve sort of developed a cultural aversion to the FBI, and maybe to the [intelligence community] in general  certainly in the more MAGA precincts, thats true. But we have concerns across the spectrum, said Rep. Jim Himes (Conn.), the top Democrat on the intelligence panel.

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On the left, lawmakers have expressed concern over how such tools can disproportionately impact people of color and otherwise infringe upon constitutional rights.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chairwoman of the House Progressive Caucus, has said the reauthorization process must include meaningful reforms to protect Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Critics see FISA Section 702 as ripe for abuse. Though the law doesnt allow it to be used to target U.S. citizens, they argue the warrantless system doesnt include enough oversight as it sweeps in the communications of Americans communicating with foreigners.

Authorities still must secure a warrant from a FISA court to spy on Americans, and the differing processes have led to dramatically different results.

In 2021, the most recent data available, authorities surveilled more than 232,000 foreign nationals under Section 702, while they secured warrants to conduct surveillance of about 370 people on U.S. soil.

But supporters note that some of the most highly criticized FISA cases, including the FBIs surveillance of Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, were not conducted under Section 702. A judge signed off on the warrants required to spy on Page, a process that included affidavits that were later deemed to be riddled with errors while key information was omitted.

That incident has become a top example for critics, many of whom have concerns both about Section 702 and the FISA statute in general.

Theres no way Im voting to reauthorize FISA unless there is a momentous reform. It has proven ineffective to avoid the dangers that were known from the beginning. Theres not been robust oversight. There has been no accountability. There have been wholesale violations that the [Inspector General] has documented. And nothing ever happens in consequence of it, said Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.).

He blamed the culture of lack of candor in the FBI.

Theres a problem with my trust in the FBI and the Department of Justice and other agencies.  They have an inappropriate outlook on the role and relationship between the people and the government and the fundamental rights of people, and its going to have to be addressed, Bishop said.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has also come out against a straight reauthorization.

Thats left many House Intelligence Committee members prepared to do their own lobbying for a renewal bill.

So it hasnt been a slam dunk for a while. It wasnt a slam dunk in 18, right? It was hard. And I pushed hard for FISA reauthorization then. But its going to be harder this year. And I think theres a number of reasons, said Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah).

I just think its gonna take a lot of work and a lot of kind of one-on-one conversations with people. The key to getting us there is to show the success weve had with 702, to show examples of where its been important in the last two years.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), one of the new appointees to the panel, also said its a matter of offering those concrete details.

Theres real times when its aided in investigations. Its been used to thwart terrorist threats. Its been used to find terrorists. Unless you have those kind of real life examples, I think it so frequently for so many members of Congress might just be kind of an abstract notion, she said.

The Justice Department and the intelligence community have also sought to provide some of those examples.

A letter to leaders in both chambers from Attorney General Merrick Garland and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines noted information acquired through Section 702 helped disrupt terrorist plots and attempts by adversaries to recruit U.S.-based spies.

In one case, information was used to stop components for weapons of mass destruction from reaching adversaries, and in another, information contributed to the U.S. killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri last year.

But Himes said in some cases its a matter of addressing misinformation, as well as doing due diligence in weighing reforms that would provide further checks on how Section 702 can be used.

Theres a lot of people who wouldnt know what FISA 702 is. No. 2, theres a lot of misinformation. People say, Oh, my goodness Carter Page. Well, OK, Carter Page  not 702. So theres a fair amount of education that needs to be done. And then, look, we got to take our responsibility seriously to consider ideas for reform. And I think if we do all those things, well get it done, but its going to take time and energy, he said.

Congress pushed for reforms during the last reauthorization in 2018. They include new restrictions on querying surveillance databases and continuing surveillance of indirect targets  as well as increased penalties for taking sensitive government documents, an issue now present in the Mar-a-Lago investigation.

Those efforts have been deemed insufficient by some and reassuring by others.

Theyve made changes and revisions to the program to address historic concerns with the authorities, which have made me comfortable that authorization is the right thing to do, said Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.).

The broader atmospherics of Congress, however, present their own challenges.

Bishop said the reauthorization just further highlights the need for the GOPs many investigations into the FBI and the Justice Department.

One reason I think we need the weaponization subcommittee is so when we can get to everything we need to look at, said Bishop, who serves on the panel and noted that the 1975 Church Committee on which it is based found numerous missteps by the intelligence community.

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) a member of the Intelligence Committee and the chair of a newly formed panel on China, said many have understandable distrust after FISA gate, referring to the Page situation.

There are critical authorities that need to be reauthorized. In my mind, I feel like we could pair that with sensible reform. And thats the path forward. And from a China perspective, I think its absolutely essential, he said.

Still, the attacks on the intelligence community baffled Spanberger, who is a former CIA officer.

It continues to be a confusing reality that any of my colleagues would malign the work of the brave men and women of the FBI who investigate everything from kidnapping, to bank robbery, to terrorism, to counterintelligence [and] threats that exist here in the U.S., she said.

Spanberger said she hopes the reauthorization pushes a moment to reflect on what it means to have an entire law enforcement agency devoted to not just law enforcement here domestically, but also working globally to thwart some of the biggest threats that exist to our homeland and our people.

Crow warned that Congress cannot be deterred by politics.

There is never an ideal time for pretty much anything to happen. Theres always an excuse for why its not a good time. But the bottom line is international terrorist organizations, our adversaries, our enemies, dont really care whether its a good time on our political calendar or not, he said.

Theyre going to try to harm Americans. Theyre going to try to kill Americans. And theyre going to try to attack the United States, both here and abroad. And unless we have the tools and the capabilities to detect that and to stop it, itll happen.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A new billboard welcoming visitors to "Florida: The Sunshine 'Don't Say Gay or Trans' State' is seen on April 21, 2022, in Winter Park, Florida. John Raoux/AP

A proposed Florida bill would grant disapproving parents emergency custody of their kids if they seek gender-affirming care.

The bill, introduced Friday, would also allow the courts to modify out-of-state custody agreements.

The bill would grant officials authority under the law that protects kids from domestic violence.

A proposed bill making its way through the Florida State Senate would allow disapproving parents to take "emergency jurisdiction" over their children if the minor receives or is "at risk of" receiving gender-affirming care  or if their custodial parent receives it themselves.

Senate Bill 254, introduced Friday by State Senator Clay Yarborough, would grant a petitioning parent authority to take emergency custody of their kids under the same statute that protects them from domestic violence and abuse.

The disapproving parent could take temporary custody of children if "it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child" is "at risk of or is being subjected to the provision of sex reassignment prescriptions or procedures," according to the proposed bill text.

While Yarborough's office maintains that the changes to existing law made by the proposed bill would not apply to a transitioning parent, a legal expert on LGBTQ legislation told Insider the bill as written is extremely broad and could be applied to circumstances where a parent or sibling is transitioning.

"There's a possibility this could even be read that even if it's a parent who is transitioning, the law could apply," Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law School's Cyberlaw Clinic and former staff attorney at the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, told Insider.

The law, currently intended to be able to protect children if their parent is in an abusive relationship, if rewritten would define the child living with a trans parent or sibling, without receiving gender-affirming care themselves, as abuse.

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"It's not that out there that they could remove custody of a child because the parent is transitioning," Caraballo said, "Especially with the way that they view this as a quote unquote 'social contagion' and they may try to say that the sibling transitioning would be a risk to the other child. I could easily see them making an argument there."

The proposed bill defines sex reassignment prescriptions or procedures as hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgeries or procedures that "affirm a person's perception of his or her sex if that perception is inconsistent with the person's sex" at birth.

A Reuters investigation found that, as of 2021, fewer than 1,500 youth in the United States under the age of 17 were taking physician-prescribed puberty blockers, and fewer than 4,500 on hormone therapies. Less than 300 received mastectomies or "top surgery," and only 56 youth under the age of 17 have received gender-affirming "bottom" or genital surgery.

While rates of diagnosed gender dysphoria have increased in recent years, Reuters reported, treatments remain rare and limited to children who have begun puberty and older. In treatment guidelines issued last year, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health noted that evidence of trans people regretting their transition is extremely rare.

Representatives for Yarborough's office told Insider current law regarding gender affirming procedures performed on cisgender minors  such as a cisgender teen boy who has a procedure to reduce "inappropriate" breast tissue growth, or limb-lengthening surgery to more closely adhere to gender expectations, or a cisgender teen girl who gets a nose job or breast augmentation  would not be changed by this bill.

The court would also be granted "jurisdiction to vacate, stay, or modify a child custody determination of a court of another state to protect the child from the risk of being subjected to the provision of sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures," according to the proposed bill text.

"With the exception of extreme circumstances, custody arrangements typically respect the rights of both parents to be involved in major decisions and events in a child's life," Senator Yarborough said in a statement emailed to Insider. "If one parent is attempting to authorize drastic, life-altering gender dysphoria therapies and surgeries that would forever change the life of a young child, then by all means the other parent should have legal recourse."

Caraballo told Insider that, instead of being appropriate legal recourse for concerned parents, the proposed law would allow "legal kidnapping" of trans kids and is part of a "full on war" against trans people in the state of Florida.

"This is a greenlight to transphobic family members to engage in state sponsored kidnapping," Caraballo tweeted about the law, adding: "A transphobic parent could kidnap their trans child in violation of custody agreements and abscond to Florida and be protected by Florida law under this despite likely committing felony kidnapping in their home state."

Senator Yarborough's statement to Insider added that "criticisms of the bill related to kidnapping are inaccurate and misleading," because the bill would expand established custody law to include providing gender-affirming care among other types of "unjustifiable conduct," therefore allowing disapproving parents to legally take custody of their trans children.

Caraballo told Insider the bill has the potential to cause interstate custody battles that could wind up challenged in the highest courts of the land  for example, if a parent petitioned to take control of their trans child from the state of Florida and their petition conflicted with laws in less restrictive states like California, the Californian parent could press charges, prompting a court battle that could escalate to the Governors of the states or even to the Supreme Court.

"They're essentially allowing someone to remove a child from another state with no consequence," Caraballo said. "And then if the other state decides to place criminal consequences on that, it could result in severe tension and a fight between multiple states."

But SB254 is not the only anti-trans law making its way through Florida's government in part of what Caraballo called an "absolutely barbaric" attack on trans people aimed to help strengthen Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' political career, akin to when a rash of same-sex marriage bans passed shortly before George W. Bush was elected.

"This is all about politics, and this is all about bolstering DeSantis' run for the presidency," Caraballo said. "You see Mike Pence spending a million dollars on messaging about trans issues, or Trump essentially saying that he would weaponize the entire federal government to end all legal recognition of trans people if he were to be reelected. And I think what you're seeing is essentially a race to the bottom in terms of the sheer level of depravity and animus and hatred that they can exhibit and just plain cruelty that they can exhibit towards trans people."

Florida House Representatives Randy Fine and Ralph Massullo proposed a separate bill on Friday that, if passed, would make it illegal for doctors to provide gender-affirming care including puberty blockers and hormone therapy to minors and severely limit access for trans adults, local news outlet Click Orlando reported.

Last month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis requested public entities, including hospitals and universities, provide a breakdown of the medical data of patients who received gender-affirming care at their institutions. Students from public universities walked off campus in protest.

The state has seen an increase in anti-LGBTQ bill proposals and laws in recent years, including DeSantis' controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill, which limits how teachers may instruct about sexual orientation and gender identity.

Representatives for DeSantis declined to comment on SB 254 until it makes its way to the Governor's desk. They did not answer Insider's additional questions regarding anti-trans legislation in the state.

"Long term this could be a temporary setback in terms of the bills that are passed," Caraballo told Insider, referring back to the 2004 push for gay marriage bans that were eventually overturned in 2015 when the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges made marriage equality the law of the land. "But I think long term, you know, they are on the losing side of this issue."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waves. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis abolished Disney's self-governing abilities on Monday.

He's nominated five people to the new board that will have oversight over Disney's district.

One nominee, former pastor Ron Peri, previously said he thinks estrogen in water turns men gay, CNN reported.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointee to the new Disney oversight board once claimed men were turning gay because of estrogen in tap water, CNN reported.

DeSantis appointed board members on Monday after he signed a bill into law dismantling Disney's self-governing abilities. One of his nominees was former pastor Ron Peri, who is also the CEO of The Gathering  a Christian ministry.

CNN reported that Peri has made a string of derogatory comments against the LGBTQ community, including calling homosexuality "evil" and making a baseless claim that birth control pills being flushed into the water supply has made men gay.

"So why are there homosexuals today? There are any number of reasons, you know, that are given. Some would say the increase in estrogen in our societies. You know, there's estrogen in the water from birth control pills. They can't get it out," Peri reportedly said in a January 2022 Zoom discussion, which was posted on YouTube and later removed. "The level of testosterone in men broadly in America has declined by 50 points in the past 10 years. You know, and so, maybe that's a part of it."

Peri continued: "But the big part I would suggest to you, based upon what it's saying here, is the removal of constraint. So our society provided the constraint. And so, which is the responsibility of a society to constrain people from doing evil? Well, you remove the constraints, and then evil occurs."

Scientific studies have found that only less than 1% of the estrogen found in drinking water is from birth control pills and that the overall low levels of estrogen found in drinking water are not linked to adverse health effects or changes in someone's sexual orientation. CNN reported that this claim originated with a conspiracy theory by Alex Jones. In 2015, Jones asserted that "chemicals in the water" were "turning the friggin' frogs gay," The Texas Observer reported.

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The pastor also likened homosexuality to a "disease" and claimed the LGBTQ community does not have a "stake in the future."

"There are a lot of unhealthy effects of a homosexual lifestyle," Peri said, according to CNN. "There are diseases, but it goes beyond that."

DeSantis said the state's senate is set to meet next week to confirm the new board members.

Nearly a year after Disney spoke out against DeSantis's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill, the Florida governor abolished the company's special authority on Monday. The bill formally called the Parental Rights in Education Act bans teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, Insider previously reported.

Since its inception in 1967, Disney had been under the Reedy Creek Improvement District and was able to appoint its own board members since the company owns a majority of the land. The district also allowed Disney to have its own fire unit, among other emergency services. The district will now be called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and Disney employees, owners, or operators will be prohibited from becoming board members.

"Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end," DeSantis said during a press conference on Monday, held at a fire station on Disney property. "There's a new sheriff in town, and accountability will be the order of the day."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Two Florida House Republicans filed a proposal Friday that would make it illegal for doctors to provide treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender minors in the state.

The bills (HB 1421 and SB 254), filed by House Health & Human Services Chairman Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, Rep. Ralph Massullo, R-Lecanto, and Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, are the latest in a series of moves by lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis administration targeted at transgender people.

The Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine last month moved forward with rules that would prevent doctors from providing such treatments to minors in any form.

But the bills would go further by placing a prohibition in state law. The House version would require that doctors lose their licenses if they commit violations, while the Senate bill could lead to criminal charges for a person who willfully or actively participates in a violation.

The House bill also would make changes including preventing health insurers and HMOs from providing coverage for treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgery. Both bills would bar state agencies and local governments from spending money on such treatments.

The legislation filed Friday also aims to prevent people born in Florida from amending their birth certificate to reflect a sex that is different from the sex assigned at birth, although exceptions exist for individuals whose genitalia was unresolvably ambiguous when they were born or in the case of scriveners error.

State Republican Rep. Randy Fine, who is sponsoring the legislation in the state House, tweeted Friday that his bill will ensure Florida residents are not forced into funding the sexual mutilation of adults and bring about justice for those tricked into this evil.

Thats HB 1421 and I am proud to file it, Fine said.

The bills filed as lawmakers prepare to start the annual legislative session Tuesday will add fuel to debates that have repeatedly flared in Florida and numerous other Republican-controlled states about treatment for gender dysphoria. The federal government defines gender dysphoria clinically as significant distress that a person may feel when sex or gender assigned at birth is not the same as their identity.

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Parents have the right to raise their children as they see fit, and government intervention should be a last resort, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, said in a prepared statement Friday. Unfortunately, all too often we are hearing about treatments for gender dysphoria being administered to children, often very young children. Thats just wrong, and we need to step in and make sure it isnt happening in our state.

Gender-affirming health care for transgender individuals is supported by most major accredited medical organizations.

The LGBTQ+ advocacy group Equality Florida issued a news release about the House bill that said it would strip families of their medical freedom, put the government in control of insurance coverage decisions, and codify a ban on transgender people being legally recognized as themselves.

Transgender people are neighbors, friends, family members, Nikole Parker, Equality Floridas director of transgender equality, said in a prepared statement. We exist and we matter. This bill to rip away lifesaving health care, shred insurance coverage and bar birth certificate access will cost lives.

Fines committee last month held a panel discussion that included doctors, researchers and other people opposed to gender-affirming care for transgender minors. At the time, Fine indicated he would file legislation on the issue. Massullo, meanwhile, is a dermatologist.

I will tell you this. I say these panels are often a predicate for whats to come. Thats exactly what today was. And I promise you, you will like the bill, Fine said at the end of the Feb. 21 meeting.

Equality Florida described the speakers at the committee as a sham panel. It also accused DeSantis of using the issue in his quest to build a right-wing presidential resume.

This one-sided discussion, which relied on fringe speakers from social media and from outside of Florida and the U.S., does not change the broad scientific consensus from our nations leading medical associations  that gender-affirming care improves health outcomes and saves lives, Parker said in a statement after the meeting.

DeSantis, who is widely seen as a top contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, has elevated the issue of treatment for transgender youths. As an example, he has referred to surgeries on transgender minors as genital mutilation, though experts have said the surgeries are exceptionally rare.

In addition to the medical boards moving to prevent doctors from providing treatments to transgender youths, the state Agency for Health Care Administration last year approved a rule prohibiting Medicaid reimbursements for puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for transgender youths and adults. The rule is being challenged in federal court.

Both of the newly filed bills also would place additional restrictions on treatments  described in the House version as gender clinical interventions  for transgender adults. The bills would require doctors to get informed written consent from adult patients.

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Mia Wasikowska has spoken about her decision to step out of the Hollywood limelight in the late 2010s to return to her native Sydney, Australia.

The now-33-year-old actor landed her breakthrough role leading Tim Burtons Alice in Wonderland (2010) opposite Johnny Depp. She was 21 at the time.

The films box office success catapulted Wasikowska to fame among the Hollywood It girls of the era.

Her career continued on an upward trajectory as she booked starring film roles in Jane Eyre (2011), Stoker (2013), Madame Bovary (2014) and Crimson Peak (2015).

However, it was just after she reprised her role as young Alice in Burtons spinoff, Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016), that she disappeared from the big screen.

I want to do more things in life other than be in a trailer, Wasikowska recently told IndieWire in a new interview. I didnt entirely like the lifestyle of going back to back to back. I felt really disconnected from any greater community.

I was doing it since I had been 17, well more like 15, but really working a lot from 17, I spent 10 to 15 years, completely like, new city, new country, every three months, and its like starting school again every few months.

She continued: Especially when youre younger, when you dont have that base, I found that really hard. At the same time, maybe if the payoff is good and you feel really great doing it, then thats OK, but I didnt, so I wanted to establish that for myself on a personal level and have more of a sense of somewhere I belong thats not just on a film set that ends every few weeks.

Michael Fassbender as Mr Rochester and Mia Wasikowska in the title role of Jane Eyre (Rex)

Finally, in the late 2010s, Wasikowska chose to move back home to Sydney, where she said shes still pretty content.

The actor has since been on hiatus, aside from occasional indie projects shes taken on to collaborate with filmmakers she admires, including Mia Hansen-Lves 2021 Bergman Island.

Its been some time since shes led a film, but shes now leading Robert Connollys newest title Blueback.

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Wasikowska portrays Abby, a woman whose activist mother inspires her to protect a wild, blue groper fish she recently befriended.

Addressing whether or not she could ever see herself back in Hollywood full-time, she said: If I can have the best of both worlds, which is dip in and out of it occasionally, Id be really happy.

But I wouldnt ever be in that place where I was just on a treadmill. I want to do more things in life other than be in a trailer.

Blueback is playing in cinemas now.
A former soldier was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Friday for planning a jihadist attack on his fellow soldiers in his Army unit.

A Justice Department (DOJ) release states 24-year-old Ethan Melzer, a man from Louisville, Ky., pleaded guilty in June to trying to murder U.S. service members, providing and attempting to provide material support for terrorists and illegally transmitting national defense information.

Court documents state Melzer planned the attack in the days before being deployed to Turkey and sent details about his unit like its location, movements and security, to a white supremacist, neo-Nazi, pro-jihadist group called the Order of the Nine Angles.

The release states Melzer is a member of the organization, which spreads antisemitic and Satanic beliefs, pushes for violence to end Western civilization and has expressed support for Nazis like Adolf Hitler and Islamic jihadists like Osama bin Laden.

Melzer joined the Army around 2018 in an effort to infiltrate it as a member of the order, according to the DOJ.

After the Army told Melzer around May 2020 that he was going to be reassigned to a unit scheduled for foreign deployment, he gave information about the unit to the organization, using an encrypted messaging application to plan an attack on the other soldiers in the unit, per the department.

The release states Melzer and his co-conspirators referred to what they were planning as a jihadi attack that was meant to cause a mass casualty event.

Those involved also passed messages on to a purported member of al-Qaed, according to the DOJ. Melzer additionally promised to give members of his organization photos of the facility and the frequency of radio communications once he arrived at the base.

The release states Melzer said he was willing to die in the attack because another 10 year war in the Middle East would definitely leave a mark and the attack would further the organizations goals. He told his co-conspirators that he deleted some messages in their communications because the plan would be treason.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An inactive grenade was was found outside a Northern Kentucky coffee shop on Saturday, according to the Fort Mitchell Police Department.

Around 11:30 a.m., the U.S. Postal Service reported a suspicious package possibly carrying a grenade in the mailbox outside Biggby Coffee in the area of Dixie Highway and Orphanage Road, police said.

Officers responded to the scene along with the Fort Mitchell Fire Department and evacuated the area, police said. The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Kentucky State Police and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office bomb squad also assisted.

"After various tools were used, it was discovered it was an inert grenade," the department said in a Facebook post.

Federal authorities are taking over the investigation, police said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police: Inactive grenade found in mailbox of Fort Mitchell coffee shop
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Kate Middleton Bag

People / Getty Images

Kate Middleton joined Prince William in Wales for a handful of events last week  and her outfits did not disappoint.

As always, the Princess of Wales looked polished in some of her signature styles, including a re-wear of a red and white houndstooth coat we last saw five years ago. We also spotted Kate carrying a small, black box bag on two occasions during the trip. It must be a favorite in her collection, because we've seen her with the same bag in tow at least three times last year  to visit Prince Charles' Foundation in London, on a royal tour of Denmark, and for a meeting with Commonwealth troops ahead of the Queen's funeral.

Her croc-effect purse appears to be an older version of the Amberley bag from Mulberry, a British fashion label known for its handbags. It seems that Mulberry has altered the silhouette since Kate started carrying the purse a few years ago. The brand's bags normally cost around $1,000, and it looks like the style has long been sold out.

Kate Middleton Bag

Getty Images

If you don't have hundreds of dollars to drop, consider picking up this similar style for $26 at Amazon. Of course, there will be a few differences between the two, but this affordable purse has many of the same details as Kate's: It's small, boxy, croc-embossed, has an envelope flap front, and can be carried by the top handle or worn as a crossbody with a removable strap. (For a larger bag with many of the same details, check out this $37 style.)

CATMICOO Croc Mini Purses for Women Trendy Small Handbags

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RELATED: This $21 Striped Sweater Looks So Similar to the One Kate Middleton Just Wore

The purse has dozens of five-star ratings from a number of reviewers who said they were impressed by the quality of the bag, especially for the price point. "Excellent craftsmanship," one shopper said, noting that the bag is "small and compact" and "beautiful."

Story continues

Another customer said the bag "looks expensive" and wrote, "I am obsessed with this purse and display it with my luxury bags," adding, "I got it needing something quick for a trip, and now I use it all the time." And a third person called it the "perfect little purse" and said, "It's just big enough to hold a phone, keys, a small wallet, and maybe some lipstick or something similar."

If you'd prefer a pop of color, the purse also comes in dark green, bright orange, and ivory, and there's also a smooth version of the bag, which comes in black, orange, and white. At the low price of $26, you could easily add multiple to your collection.

Head to Amazon to grab this affordable bag that's similar to the one Kate always carries.

Do you love a good deal? Sign up for PEOPLE's Shopping newsletter to stay up to date on the latest sales, plus celebrity fashion, home decor and more.
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on November 5, 2022. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Members of Trump's inner circle claim that Fox News has put a "soft ban" on him, a report says.

Trump has not appeared on Fox News once since he announced his presidential bid in November.

Trump and the network were once closely intertwined, but the relationship has soured.

Fox News has implemented a "soft ban" on Donald Trump and is avoiding putting him on air, four members of his inner circle claimed to news startup Semafor.

"Everyone knows that there's this 'soft ban' or 'silent ban,'" one source close to the former president told the outlet. "It's certainly  however you want to say, quiet ban, soft ban, whatever it is  indicative of how the Murdochs feel about Trump in this particular moment."

While Trump has not had a single weekday appearance on the network since he announced his presidential bid in November, many of his political rivals have been appearing regularly.

The network had featured at least seven appearances from Nikki Haley, who is the only other GOP candidate to have declared their candidacy, according to Media Matters.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is Trump's fiercest political rival and is widely expected to run, has also appeared on the network several times.

Even Vivek Ramaswamy, a lesser-known right-wing activist who has also declared his plans to run, has appeared four times on weekday shows.

While Trump and Fox News were once firm allies, the relationship has since soured, and the network has appeared to try and distance itself from him following his election loss.

The understanding is that Fox News is not to have Trump on for an interview because "the Murdochs have made it pretty clear they want to move on from Trump. Fox is showing that by not having him on," a GOP operative familiar with Trump's campaign told Semafor.

One unnamed Trump aide told Semafor that they've heard about the "soft ban" directly from people at Fox.

They said that while some prime-time Fox hosts have reached out to book Trump, as they tend to operate independently from the network's leadership, these appearances have not materialized.

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"You've disrespected Donald J. Trump long enough"

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon points as he leaves New York Supreme Court after a hearing in New York City, U.S., January 12, 2023. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Steve Bannon, a former White House strategist and right-wing provocateur who remains a firm ally of Donald Trump criticized Fox News on Friday for disrespecting the former president.

"You've disrespected Donald J. Trump long enough," Bannon said at the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

"Murdoch, you've deemed Trump's not going to be president," Bannon said. "Well, we've deemed that you're not going to have a network. Because we're going to fight you every step of the way."

The network has recently been under fire as it fights a $1.6bn defamation lawsuit from the voting machines company Dominion, which alleges that the network knowingly aired conspiracy theories about the company helping to rig the 2020 election.

In a deposition in connection with the lawsuit, Murdoch acknowledged that several Fox News hosts fuelled the stolen election narrative, and said that he "would have liked us to be stronger in denouncing it in hindsight."

Fox News did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Correction, February 5, 2023: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that CPAC was held in Washington, DC. It took place in National Harbor, Maryland.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Police in Worcester headed to the aptly-named Polar Park Friday to take part in their annual polar plunge all for a good cause.

The event at the home of the Woo Sox is a partnership between Special Olympics Massachusetts and the Worcester Police Department, aiming to raise money for Special Olympics programs.

Worcester police tweeted about the event, reporting $27,000 raised for Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Worcester Polar Plunge

Chief Sargent and WPD officers plunged into a pool (water was a frigid 33 degrees) at Polar Park today. They were freezin for a reason -The event raised $27,000 for @SpOlympicsMA. pic.twitter.com/ymd064VOJS  Worcester PD (@WorcesterPD) March 3, 2023

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
German tank Leopard 2

"A Rheinmetall plant could be built in Ukraine for about EUR 200 million ($213 million)," he told the Rheinische Post.

Read also: Germanys Rheinmetall starts supplying Ukraine with SurveilSPIRE automated reconnaissance systems

Production could reach up to 400 Panther main battle tanks per year. The talks with the Ukrainian government are "promising" and Papperger hopes for a decision "within the next two months."

The CEO is convinced that the plant can be protected from Russian missile attacks, noting that "air defense is not a problem."

Read also: Germanys Rheinmetall to manufacture Skynex air defense systems for Ukraine

Ukraine needs 600 to 800 tanks to win the war, which is why it is urgent to rapidly start production of the new military hardware, he said.

"Even if Germany gave up all 300 Leopard 2 tanks that the Bundeswehr had at its disposal, it would still be too few," he said.

On Jan. 25, after much hesitation, Germany approved the transfer of 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and permitted their re-export from partner countries. On Feb. 24, the German government announced that it would transfer four more Leopard tanks, to bring the total to 18.

Read also: Rheinmetall ready to supply Ukraine with lots of ammunition for donated Leopard 2 tanks

On Feb. 24, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that Warsaw had already delivered the first four Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

Read also: Poland to transfer more Leopard tanks to Ukraine within few weeks, says Polish official

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine would receive 120-140 modern Western tanks in the first wave of deliveries.

Previously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces needed 300-500 tanks for the offensive.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
China urges U.S. to cease unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises

Xinhua) 09:45, March 04, 2023

BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes the U.S. move to generalize national security and abuse export controls, and urges the U.S. to cease its unreasonable suppression of Chinese enterprises, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

The remarks came in response to a media inquiry regarding recent U.S. moves to place multiple Chinese entities on an export control list.

Under the pretext of maintaining international order and national security, the U.S. is resorting to unilateralism and protectionism, suppressing companies and institutions from China and other countries, and disrupting normal business exchanges between other countries, the spokesperson said.

This is a typical act of economic bullying and market distortion, which seriously undermines the legitimate rights and interests of companies, harms the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, and hinders global economic recovery and development.

China firmly opposes such acts, and the U.S. should immediately correct its erroneous practices, the spokesperson said, noting that China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
TOK, Alaska (AP)  Alaskas rugged and frigid interior, where it can get as cold as minus 50 Fahrenheit (minus 46 Celsius), is not the place youd expect to find an electric school bus.

But here is Bus No. 50, with a cartoon horse decal on its side, quietly traversing about 40 miles of snowy and icy roads each day in Tok, shuttling students to school not far from the Canadian border.

It works OK on the daily route. But cold temperatures rob electric vehicle batteries of traveling range, so No. 50 cant go on longer field trips, or to Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Its a problem that some owners of electric passenger vehicles and transit officials are finding in cold climates worldwide. At 20 degrees F (minus 7 C), electric vehicles just dont go as far as they do at the ideal 70 degrees. Part of it is that keeping passengers warm using traditional technology drains the battery.

So longer trips can be difficult in the coldest weather. Transit authorities like Chicagos, which has pledged to convert its whole bus fleet to electricity by 2040, have to take extraordinary steps to keep electric buses charged and on schedule.

Some automakers and drivers fear lower battery range in the cold could limit acceptance of electric cars, trucks and buses, at a time when emissions from transportation must go down sharply to address climate change. There is hope. Scientists are racing to perfect new battery chemistries that dont lose as much energy in cold weather as todays lithium-ion systems.

Also, cars equipped with efficient heat pumps dont lose as much range in the cold.

It is a problem to have batteries in cold weather, and we have a pretty cold climate, one of the coldest in North America, said Stretch Blackard, owner of Tok Transportation, which contracts with the local schools.

When the temperature hits zero, his cost to run Toks electric bus doubles. Tok has among the highest electricity prices in the nation.

In the coldest weather, 0 down to minus 10 F (minus 18-23 C) the electric bus costs roughly $1.15 per mile, versus 40 cents per mile for a diesel bus, Blackard said. The cost of the electric bus drops to about 90 cents a mile when its warm, but he says the costs make it unworkable and he wouldnt buy another one.

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Many owners of personal electric vehicles also are finding that long-distance wintertime travel can be hard. EVs can lose anywhere from 10% to 36% of their range as cold spells come at least a few times each winter in many U.S. states.

Mark Gendregske of Alger, Michigan, said it starts to get serious when temperatures drop to the 10-20 F range (minus 7 to minus 12 C). I see typically more than 20% degradation in range as well as charging time, he said while recharging his Kia EV6 in a shopping center parking lot near Ypsilanti, Michigan. I go from about 250 miles of range to about 200.

Gendregske, an engineer for an auto parts maker, knew the range would drop, so he said with planning, the Kia EV still gets him where he needs to go, even with a long commute.

Some owners, though, didnt anticipate such a big decline in the winter. Rushit Bhimani, who lives in a northern suburb of Detroit, said he sees about 30% lower range in his Tesla Model Y when the weather gets cold, from whats supposed to be 330 miles per charge to as low as 230. They should clarify that one, he said while charging just south of Ann Arbor on a trip to Chicago.

Around three-quarters of this EV range loss is due to keeping occupants warm, but speed and even freeway driving are factors. Some drivers go to great lengths not to use much heat so they can travel farther, wearing gloves or sitting on heated seats to save energy.

And to be sure, gasoline engines also can lose around 15% of their range in the cold.

The range loss has not slowed EV adoption in Norway, where nearly 80% of new vehicle sales were electric last year.

Recent tests by the Norwegian Automobile Federation found models really vary. The relatively affordable Maxus Euniq6 came the closest to its advertised range and was named the winner. It finished only about 10% short of its advertised 354 km (220 mile) range. The Tesla S was about 16% percent under its advertised range. At the bottom: Toyotas BZ4X, which topped out at only 323 kilometers (200 miles), nearly 36% below its advertised range.

Nils Soedal, from the Automobile Federation, calls the issue unproblematic as long as drivers take it into account when planning a trip. The big issue really is to get enough charging stations along the road, and better information on whether theyre working properly, he said.

Temperatures ranged from just freezing to minus 2.2 F (0 to minus 19 C) during the test, over mountains and along snow-covered roads. The cars were driven until they ran out of juice and stopped.

Recurrent, a U.S. company that measures battery life in used EVs, said it has run studies monitoring 7,000 vehicles remotely, and reached findings similar to the Norwegian test.

CEO Scott Case said many EVs use resistance heating for the interior. The ones that do better are using heat pumps.

Heat pumps draw heat from the outside air even in cold temperatures, and have been around for decades, but only recently have been developed for automobiles, Case said. That is definitely what needs to be in all of these cars, he said.

Inside batteries, lithium ions flow through a liquid electrolyte, producing electricity. But they travel more slowly through the electrolyte when it gets cold and dont release as much energy. The same happens in reverse, slowing down charging.

Neil Dasgupta, associate professor of mechanical and materials science engineering at the University of Michigan, likens this to spreading cold butter on toast. It just becomes more resistant at low temperatures, Dasgupta said.

General Motors is among those working on solutions. By testing, engineers can make battery and heat management changes in existing cars and learn for future models, said Lawrence Ziehr, project manager for energy recovery on GMs electric vehicles.

Last week, GM sent a squadron of EVs from the Detroit area to Michigans chilly Upper Peninsula to test the impact of cold weather on battery range.

Despite stopping to charge twice on the way, a GMC Hummer pickup, with around 329 miles of range per charge, made the 315 mile trip to Sault Ste. Marie with only about 35 miles left, barely enough to reach GMs test facility. After finding a charging station out of order at a grocery store, engineers went to a nearby hotel to get enough juice to finish the trip.

At universities too, scientists are working on chemistry changes that could make cold weather loss a thing of the past.

The University of Michigans Dasgupta says theyre developing new battery designs that allow ions to flow faster or enable fast charging in the cold. There also are battery chemistries such as solid state that dont use liquid electrolytes.

He expects improvements to find their way from labs into vehicles in the next two to five years.

Theres really a global race for increasing the performance of these batteries, he said.

____

David Keyton contributed from Stockholm, Sweden. Krisher reported from Chicago and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

___

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
By Angeliki Koutantou and Renee Maltezou

ATHENS (Reuters) -Rescuers continued digging through debris on Saturday at the site of Greece's worst train crash but were expected to wrap up their search operation later in the day.

At least 57 people were killed and dozens were injured on Tuesday when a passenger train with more than 350 people on board collided with a freight train on the same track in central Greece.

The disaster has triggered an outpouring of anger and protests across the country, as well as a sharp focus on safety standards across the railway system.

A station master in the nearby city of Larissa who was on duty at the time of the crash was charged this week with endangering lives and disrupting public transport. The station master, who cannot be named under Greek law, appeared before a magistrate on Saturday.

His lawyer, Stefanos Pantzartzidis, requested an additional 24 hours to respond to the charges, saying he sought extra time after new information came to light concerning the case.

"We weren't made aware of it until recently," he said, adding that the importance of the information was such that a postponement was required. He was not more specific.

Outside the court building, people laid flowers and candles.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government has blamed the disaster on human error. Railway workers' unions also say deficient safety systems and understaffing are widespread throughout the rail network.

The train, travelling from Athens to the northern city of Thessaloniki, was packed with students returning after a long holiday weekend.

Police said 54 bodies out of 56 people reported missing by relatives had so far been identified - almost all from DNA tests as the crash was so violent. A 57th body has not been identified as no one has appeared so far to give a DNA sample.

Bereaved families have vowed to seek justice.

"It is a very difficult situation," a relative told Greece's Skai radio. "We will see how we will move (legally), we wont let anything go, the families demand is that they dont get away with it."

Railway workers union have staged 24-hour walkouts since Wednesday. They extended labour action by 48 hours on Friday, demanding a clear timetable by the government for the implementation of safety protocols.

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou and Renee MaltezouEditing by Michele Kambas and Frances Kerry)
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez places the Book of Gospels and a cross on the coffin of Bishop David G. O'Connell, before leading the funeral procession at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

It was standing-room only in the cavernous Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where the funeral Mass for Bishop David G. OConnell was held Friday morning. And it seemed every one of the 3,000 mourners in attendance had a personal relationship with the cleric most knew as their beloved Bishop Dave.

Sister Margarita Rico, a member of the Order of the Servants of Mary in Los Angeles who was dressed in a crisp white habit, first met OConnell when she was caring for the bishop's longtime friend, Father Jarlath "Jay" Cunnane, during a serious illness. She remembers OConnell coming to visit his friend every day.

For him, it was sacred to attend to the sick, she said.

The casket of Bishop David G. O'Connell arrives at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Sitting next to her was Jennifer Ayon, who was wearing black and holding a Louis Vuitton purse. She had met OConnell after her father Juan Ayon became a deacon of the church in June. OConnell hosted a dinner for Juan and his wife Juanita in his home to welcome them. He was such a gracious, authentic person, said Ayon. He would sit down and talk to you like he knew you.

Sister Mariae Herrera and Sister Fatema Vega, members of the Trinitarians of Mary based in West Covina who wear a pale blue habit, said that to them, OConnell was a true father who visited their monastery every other week.

He was part of our family, Herrera said. We called him Papa.

OConnell was shot to death in his Hacienda Heights home Feb. 18. A handyman whose wife worked as the bishops housekeeper has been charged with one count of murder , but the motive for the killing remains unclear.

A woman holds up a button with a picture of Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Originally from Ireland, O'Connell worked as a priest and then a bishop in L.A. County for 43 years, primarily in South Los Angeles. In addition to serving his congregations, the white-haired priest who spoke fluent Spanish with an Irish accent was also a strong social-justice advocate. He supported unaccompanied minors and DACA students through the Southern California Immigration Task Force, which he founded and chaired, organized against gun violence and environmental racism, and helped South L.A. rebuild after the 1992 riots.

Story continues

Pope Francis named him an auxiliary bishop in 2015. The funeral was one of four Masses and memorials planned by the archdiocese to honor the beloved bishop, who was 69 when he died.

L.A. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez presided over the two-hour Mass, with Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Cardinal Robert McElroy of the San Diego Archdiocese; and Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The service began with a long, formal processional of full-Catholic pomp and circumstance that included the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Peter Claver, the Order of Malta, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. They were followed by the deacons dressed in white accompanied by their wives, then novice priests and regular priests in their sand-colored robes, and finally the bishops in their bright gleaming hats who each stopped to kiss the altar at the center of the church.

Visitors watch as Archbishop Jose H. Gomez leads the funeral procession ahead of the casket. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez left, leads the recessional at the conclusion of the funeral mass of Bishop David O'Connell at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

A choir sang an entrance hymn called "The Deer's Cry" by Irish composer Shuan Davey.

I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me.



God's eyes to look before me, God's wisdom to pilot me



God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me

To open the Mass, Gomez read from a telegram he had received from the Vatican expressing Pope Francis' sorrow over O'Connell's untimely death.

The pope noted that O'Connell's ministry had been "marked especially by his profound concern for the poor, immigrants and those in need, his efforts to uphold the sanctity and dignity of Gods gift of life and his zeal for fostering solidarity, cooperation and peace within the local community."

The homily was given by Cunnane, who also hails from Ireland. He befriended O'Connell when the two attended seminary together in 1971, and they met for dinner together most Thursday nights. Cunnane said that he and O'Connell had been walking the road together for a long time.

"I can't imagine walking that road without David at my side," he said. "I'm sure I would have lost my way."

Friendship was something O'Connell was especially good at, Cunnane said. "Young and old, far and wide, in Peru, South Africa and up and down the social scale," he said. "He was at ease with the movers and the shakers, and the moved and the shaken."

He described his friend as being "gripped by grace," and as a "practical mystic."

"Some of us have what we call a life of prayer," Cunnane said. "For Dave, life was prayer."

Margarita Rico, a nun with the Servants of Mary, attends the funeral Mass. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

There were several movers and shakers in the pews, including L.A. County Dist. Atty. George Gascon, L.A. Police Chief Michel Moore, and Janice Hahn, chair of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. In an interview after the service, former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was also in attendance, said he first worked with O'Connell on community issues as a City Council member and that O'Connell had joined a diverse group of spiritual leaders who took turns praying for the city at the start of the pandemic.

"He had a light in him that hid how deeply he felt about the injustices around him," Garcetti said. "He would open up your heart with a joke and then burrow into it with an ask that stretched you further than you thought possible. My heart feels ripped apart."

Toward the end of the service, another David O'Connell got up to speak  the bishop's nephew.

"I'm not sure if many of you have heard this before today, but my uncle liked to tell a joke," he said, and the room filled with gentle laughter. "He liked to be the comedian, but thankfully he had a day job that seemed to be going a little bit better for him."

The laughter grew louder.

David O'Connell, nephew of the bishop, speaks during the funeral Mass. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The younger O'Connell, who lives in Ireland, recalled an uncle who served as a rock for his entire Irish family and who never ended a phone call with his nephew without telling him how proud he was of him.

"Uncle Dave was an inspiration to us our whole lives," he said. "He taught us that if you have the capacity to help someone, you should do it. I can hear him so clearly in my mind saying, 'That's not a problem. I can do it.' All he wanted to do was make things easier for everyone else and he never asked for a single thing, ever."

The death of his uncle left his family heartbroken, he said. But for him, his family, and for everyone listening in today, he said, "he now saw an opportunity to pick up where his uncle had left off."

"Help those that you can help. Lend an ear and listen to people. Respect each other. Be considerate and give others the benefit of the doubt," he said. "Have patience, and give everyone a chance. Make sure that those who are close to you know that you love them and that you are proud of them."

His voice cracked at that final statement.

As the two-hour funeral came to an end, Archbishop Gomez echoed those thoughts before sprinkling O'Connell's cloth-covered casket with holy water and encasing it in incense smoke.

"As we honor him, and thank him, and follow his joyful example, his beautiful example of being close to Jesus," Gomez said. "His example should be the way that we live."





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Daily Beast

NBCMaking random strangers cry is all in a days work for Donald Trump, if the former president is to be believed, and Colin Jost just doesnt get it.Why is everyone in Trumps stories always crying?Thats the question Jost asked near the top of Saturday Night Lives Weekend Update, and a query that has been on millions of peoples minds ever since the former president told a seemingly enthralled Tucker Carlson earlier this week in his first post-arraignment interview. As Jost explained, Do
A 2022 Department of Labor (DOL) investigation that discovered the wide-spread use of child labour in meat plants had an unintended consequence, according to families and community members. It reportedly put the children themselves at risk of dropping out of school and their families at risk of potentially being jailed or deported, according to The Washington Post.

In October, DOL found that Packers Sanitation Services Inc., which supplies cleaning workers to meat facilities, employed more than 100 children doing dangerous work across eight different states.

Children as young as 13 working inside the plants, in roles that sometimes involved using high-powered hoses, scalding water, and industrial chemicals to clean killing floors slick with blood and filled with razor-sharp meat saws. At least three of the minors in the investigation, DOL found, had burns on their hands from cleaning chemicals.

Make no mistake, this is no clerical error, or actions of rogue individuals or bad managers," Jessica Looman, principal deputy administrator of the departments Wage and Hour Division, told reporters at the time. "These findings represent a systemic failure across PSSIs entire organization to ensure that children were not working in violation of the law. PSSIs systems in many cases flagged that these children were too young to work, and yet they were still employed at these facilities."

The company, which blamed rogue individuals within management for the lapse, and said the employed minors were only a tiny fraction of its 17,000-person workforce, was fined $1.5m .

However, the story didnt end there.

Once the raid was over, many of the children involved dropped out school, and some of their parents were sent to jail for abetting in child labour violations.

Community service providers told the Washington Post that the Department of Labor didnt notify them of which children were at the center of the probe, while the agency told the paper it couldnt disclose the names for privacy reasons. As a result of this gap, the children simply fell off the map, even though some would be eligible for benefit payments or deportation protections as potential victims of human trafficking.

Story continues

Its maddening, Audrey Lutz, a former director of the area nonprofit Multicultural Coalition, told the paper. We have no idea where they are.

Erik Omar of the Immigrant Legal Center of Nebraska, told the Post: We are here to help. But we cant help if we dont know who the kids are.

According to DOL data , child labour violations have grown steadily in recent years.
Nikki Haley will ding former President Trump when she addresses a powerful conservative group Saturday  and shell take aim at other 2024 rivals who have yet to enter the race.

Haley, who launched her White House campaign in mid-February, will speak to a Club for Growth donor retreat in Palm Beach, Fla.  an event to which Trump was notably not invited.

I know theres a Republican candidate out there who you did not invite to this conference, Haley will say, according to prepared remarks shared with The Hill. I appreciate being one you did invite.

Haley will jab at Trump for his spending record during his White House years.

The last two Republican presidents added more than $10 trillion to the national debt. Think about that. A third of our debt happened under just two Republicans, Haley will say, referencing Trump and former President George W. Bush.

Her remarks also include sharp reference to the use of congressional earmarks and unnamed politicians who self-deal.

Trumps spending record while in office is a point of vulnerability with conservatives as he seeks to take back the White House.

The Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, has noted that Trumps actions during his single term in office have been projected as costing $7.8 trillion over the decade compared to $5.0 trillion for President Obama and $6.9 trillion for President Bush.

Trumps defenders note that a large chunk of his spending came in response to the exceptional circumstance of the COVID-19 pandemic, which took hold in the last year of his presidency.

Haley served in the Trump administration as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations but has had a complicated political relationship with him.

She was critical of him in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot but later said she would not run against him for the GOP nomination in 2024 if he entered the race  a position she ultimately reversed herself on.

In her early days on the campaign trail, she has cast herself as a break with the status quo and has taken the position that Trump was suited to his particular time but that the nation needs to move on.

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She has also proposed mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75. Trump is 76 and President Biden is 80.

Trump and Haley are the only major candidates in the Republican field so far, though they have recently been joined by conservative businessman and author Vivek Ramaswamy.

Speculation is bubbling around several other big Republican names, most prominently Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Former Vice President Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) are among the others who could enter the race.

In her Club for Growth speech, Haley will jab at those who are hemming and hawing on the sidelines, waiting to decide what to do.

She will also urge donors to the group to support her, asserting that they should not wait around for guys who are sitting on the sidelines unable to make up their mind.

Much of Haleys speech is given over to what she sees as her own fealty to fiscally conservative principles and her willingness to fight entrenched interests in pursuit of those principles.

She will also say that she is not afraid to talk about reforms to Social Security and Medicare, though her address does not go into specifics.

The backstory to the Club for Growth event has its fair share of political intrigue.

The donor retreat is taking place at the same time as CPAC  the Conservative Political Action Conference  is meeting just outside Washington, D.C.

CPAC has taken on an increasingly strong pro-Trump flavor in recent years. It has also been enmeshed in controversy because of sexual assault allegations made against its leading figure, Matt Schlapp. Schlapp denies the allegations.

Several potential GOP presidential candidates stayed away from CPAC this year, including DeSantis, Pence, Scott and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

Haley did speak, on Friday, but received a polite rather than rapturous reception during the speech itself. She was met by shouts of We love Trump as she walked around the event location afterward.

Trump will headline CPAC with a speech set for later Saturday afternoon.

Trump has had a tumultuous relationship with the Club for Growth and its president David McIntosh. The two were once close but McIntosh last month said that the GOP should be open to another candidate.

Trump hit back in a social media posting, complaining about the Club For NO Growth, an assemblage of political misfits, globalists, and losers.

Meanwhile, DeSantis spoke at the Club for Growths event Thursday.

DeSantis will travel to Iowa next week, for the first time this campaign cycle. He has said little in public about a 2024 campaign but is seen as increasingly certain to enter the race.

Haley, in her speech, will take on congressional Republicans as well as possible presidential rivals.

Dont let the media tell you Republicans and Democrats cant work together, Haley will say, They always seem to work just fine when theyre spending your money.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
America's biggest public companies have to disclose their workers' median annual salary. Noah Berger/Reuters

Retail employers like Walmart and Target are spending big bucks to hire and retain workers.

SEC rules require publicly traded companies to disclose their workers' median annual pay.

Here's what the median worker gets paid at 19 retail companies, from lowest to highest.

Retail workers have seen their hourly wages increase substantially in the last several years.

Major employers like Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, and more have plowed billions of dollars into pay increases in a bid to get workers to join their workforces  and stay.

Ever since Amazon set its minimum wage to $15 in 2018, more retailers have followed suit by offering starting wages worth more than double the national minimum wage of $7.25. The Federal minimum was last set in 2009.

But hourly wages are just one part of the pay equation. An employee's earnings also depend a lot on how many hours they work, and hours in the retail business can vary considerably, especially in seasonal segments.

To get a picture of what the typical worker makes in a year at various retail brands, Insider looked through the most recent proxy filings that publicly traded companies must file with the US Securities Exchange Commission. Rules following the financial crisis of 2008 require public companies to calculate their median worker's annual salary in order to compare it to the CEO's compensation.

Scroll through below to see where 19 of the largest companies rank, from lowest to highest annual pay.

Hillary Hoffower contributed to an earlier version of this story.

19. Gap: $7,348

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The 2021 calculation is up from $5,375 in 2018, and the company says its median employee was a part-time sales associate in Canada who did not work the full year.

18. McDonald's: $8,897

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The burger giant's median is up from the 2018 level of $7,017, and it says the 2021 median worker is a part-time restaurant crew member in the UK.

17. Foot Locker: $12,135

Phil Long/AP Photos

The shoe retailer's pay is up from 2018's median of $8,554, and the company says its median worker in 2021 averaged 17 hours per week in a Fresno, California store.

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16. Starbucks: $12,254

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Starbucks considers its median employee to be a part-time barista in the United States.

15. Ulta: $13,403

Jean-Marc Giboux

Ulta identifies its median employee by ranking all 43,986 associates from high to low by total cash compensation and selecting the middlemost one. In 2018, the company added in the value of employer paid health care benefits, which it does not say that it did for 2021. The 2021 median is down to less than half of the 2018 median of $27,235.

14. TJX: $14,139

Paul Morigi/Shutterstock

TJX Companies  which include TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and others  increased its median pay in 2022 from 2018's level of $11,243.

13. Chipotle: $15,811

A Chipotle ordering bar. Chipotle

Chipotle's median worker is an hourly part-time employee who works roughly 25 hours per week at one of our restaurants in Kansas.

12. Lowe's: $22,697

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Lowe's includes full-time and part-time employees to determine the median employee and considers actual base salary, bonus or commission paid, and any overtime. Its 2021 rate is down from the 2018 level of $23,905.

11. Target: $24,535

A Target employee restocks shelves on January 5, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Target annualizes the pay of all full- and part-time employees, but takes only the actual earnings of seasonal and temporary workers to find the median for the whole workforce.

10. Advance Auto Parts: $24,960

Mike Mozart/Flickr/Some rights reserved

Advance Auto Parts includes all team members in their analysis of the median employee, including part-time, full-time, and seasonal team members. The 2021 level is up from $18,460 in 2018.

9. Walmart: $25,335

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Walmart uses statistical sampling to identify a group of associates paid within a range of .5% of the company's median earnings amount, and then chooses the median compensated associate from that group. Its 2021 median was up from $19,177 in 2018.

8. Nordstrom: $26,479

Elaine Thompson/AP Photos

Nordstrom included full-time, part-time seasonal, and temporary employees to identify the median employee and says roughly half of its workforce is part-time or seasonal. The 2021 median is down from $30,105 in 2018.

7. Kroger: $26,763

Kroger

Kroger's median employee is a part-time associate in the Midwest region, and more than half of its associates are part-time workers.

6. Macy's: $28,037

Kena Betancur/Getty Images

More than half of Macy's workforce is comprised of part-time or seasonal employees, and the company estimates its median based off of all employees other than the CEO. The 2021 median more than doubles 2018's median of $13,810.

5. Home Depot: $28,697

Rick WIlking/Reuters

Home Depot bases its median on its total workforce and says the median-paid associate was an hourly employee in the US. The 2021 median is up from $21,095 in 2018.

4. Best Buy: $29,999

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

3. Albertson's: $31,781

REUTERS/Fred Prouser/File Photo

Albertson's says its median worker is a full-time hourly employee.

2. Amazon: $32,855

Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images

Amazon considers all full-time, part-time, and temporary employees worldwide, except for CEO Andy Jassy, when calculating its median compensation. The company's 2021 median is up from 2018's level of $28,466.

1. Costco: $45,450

John Gress/Reuters

Costco's calculations include full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees, and use a combination of salary, bonus, equity compensation, and other measurable benefits paid during the year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. Nonetheless, only a fool would ignore the risk that a loss making company burns through its cash too quickly.

So, the natural question for TomTom (AMS:TOM2) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves.

Check out our latest analysis for TomTom

When Might TomTom Run Out Of Money?

A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. As at December 2022, TomTom had cash of 304m and no debt. In the last year, its cash burn was 42m. That means it had a cash runway of about 7.3 years as of December 2022. While this is only one measure of its cash burn situation, it certainly gives us the impression that holders have nothing to worry about. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

Is TomTom's Revenue Growing?

Given that TomTom actually had positive free cash flow last year, before burning cash this year, we'll focus on its operating revenue to get a measure of the business trajectory. While it's not that amazing, we still think that the 5.8% increase in revenue from operations was a positive. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. So you might want to take a peek at how much the company is expected to grow in the next few years.

How Easily Can TomTom Raise Cash?

Notwithstanding TomTom's revenue growth, it is still important to consider how it could raise more money, if it needs to. Generally speaking, a listed business can raise new cash through issuing shares or taking on debt. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate).

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Since it has a market capitalisation of 975m, TomTom's 42m in cash burn equates to about 4.3% of its market value. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money.

So, Should We Worry About TomTom's Cash Burn?

It may already be apparent to you that we're relatively comfortable with the way TomTom is burning through its cash. For example, we think its cash runway suggests that the company is on a good path. On this analysis its revenue growth was its weakest feature, but we are not concerned about it. After taking into account the various metrics mentioned in this report, we're pretty comfortable with how the company is spending its cash, as it seems on track to meet its needs over the medium term. For us, it's always important to consider risks around cash burn rates. But investors should look at a whole range of factors when researching a new stock. For example, it could be interesting to see how much the TomTom CEO receives in total remuneration.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited (NZSE:CHI) stock is about to trade ex-dividend in 4 days. Typically, the ex-dividend date is one business day before the record date which is the date on which a company determines the shareholders eligible to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is an important date to be aware of as any purchase of the stock made on or after this date might mean a late settlement that doesn't show on the record date. In other words, investors can purchase Channel Infrastructure NZ's shares before the 9th of March in order to be eligible for the dividend, which will be paid on the 20th of March.

The company's next dividend payment will be NZ$0.082 per share, which looks like a nice increase on last year, when the company distributed a total of NZ$0.05 to shareholders. Dividends are an important source of income to many shareholders, but the health of the business is crucial to maintaining those dividends. We need to see whether the dividend is covered by earnings and if it's growing.

Check out our latest analysis for Channel Infrastructure NZ

Dividends are typically paid out of company income, so if a company pays out more than it earned, its dividend is usually at a higher risk of being cut. Channel Infrastructure NZ distributed an unsustainably high 112% of its profit as dividends to shareholders last year. Without extenuating circumstances, we'd consider the dividend at risk of a cut. Channel Infrastructure NZ paid a dividend despite reporting negative free cash flow last year. That's typically a bad combination and - if this were more than a one-off - not sustainable.

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Companies with falling earnings are riskier for dividend shareholders. Investors love dividends, so if earnings fall and the dividend is reduced, expect a stock to be sold off heavily at the same time. With that in mind, we're discomforted by Channel Infrastructure NZ's 29% per annum decline in earnings in the past five years. Ultimately, when earnings per share decline, the size of the pie from which dividends can be paid, shrinks.

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We'd also point out that Channel Infrastructure NZ issued a meaningful number of new shares in the past year. Trying to grow the dividend while issuing large amounts of new shares reminds us of the ancient Greek tale of Sisyphus - perpetually pushing a boulder uphill.

Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Channel Infrastructure NZ's dividend payments per share have declined at 7.6% per year on average over the past 10 years, which is uninspiring. While it's not great that earnings and dividends per share have fallen in recent years, we're encouraged by the fact that management has trimmed the dividend rather than risk over-committing the company in a risky attempt to maintain yields to shareholders.

The Bottom Line

Is Channel Infrastructure NZ worth buying for its dividend? Not only are earnings per share shrinking, but Channel Infrastructure NZ is paying out a disconcertingly high percentage of its profit as dividends. It's not that we hate the business, but we feel that these characeristics are not desirable for investors seeking a reliable dividend stock to own for the long term. All things considered, we're not optimistic about its dividend prospects, and would be inclined to leave it on the shelf for now.

So if you're still interested in Channel Infrastructure NZ despite it's poor dividend qualities, you should be well informed on some of the risks facing this stock. For example - Channel Infrastructure NZ has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of.

A common investing mistake is buying the first interesting stock you see. Here you can find a full list of high-yield dividend stocks.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Brightline announced a deal with a group of rail unions to build its Brightline West project connecting Las Vegas to Southern California. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Brightline announced a deal with rail unions to build a 218-mile, high-speed line from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.

The company plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California via rail capable of traveling 200 mph.

Brightline hopes to break ground this year, and finish the system by the end of 2027.

Rail company Brightline announced an agreement last week with a group of rail worker unions to build a $10 billion, high-speed train connecting Las Vegas to Los Angeles.

Brightline's agreement  made with the High Speed Rail Labor Coalition, a collective of 13 rail unions that represent over 160,000 railroad workers across freight and passenger rail  greenlit the development of a 218-mile rail line between the two cities, according to the company's announcement.

"Our nation's first high-speed rail system will be operated and maintained by union labor, a statement of the strength of the American workforce," Mike Reininger, CEO of Brightline Holdings, said in a statement.

Reininger continued: "As the most shovel-ready high-speed rail project in the United States, we are one step closer to leveling the playing field against transit and infrastructure projects around the world, and we are proud to be using America's most skilled workers to get there."

Brightline estimates the "Brightline West" project will have an economic impact of about $10 billion on the area, creating about 35,000 construction jobs, as well as 1,000 permanent jobs at stops along the line in Southern California.

The company also estimates the Brightline West project could attract about 12 million of the 50 million one-way trips taken annually between Las Vegas and Los Angeles annually, 85% of which are taken by bus or car.

Brightline said it believes the draw away from car and bus trips will result in about 400,000 fewer tons of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas, from being put into the atmosphere per year.

A Brightline executive told SFGate the company expects to break ground this year, and hopes to finish construction in 2027.

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The train will eventually be capable of traveling around 200 miles per hour, meaning a trip across the whole 218-mile line would take a little over an hour. A Las Vegas tourism website estimates that a trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas by car takes an average of four hours, depending on traffic conditions.

The rail line is set to run from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, according to the company's website. The press release said the rail line will have stops in Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, and Hesperia, California.

Brightline currently operates a rail service that has several stations throughout Florida, and is also set to open an extension this year connecting Disney World in Orlando with its existing stations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, among others.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Deep Brain Stimulation therapies have proven an invaluable treatment option for patients suffering from otherwise debilitating diseases like Parkinson's. However, it  and its sibling tech, brain computer interfaces  currently suffer a critical shortcoming: the electrodes that convert electron pulses into bioelectric signals don't sit well with the surrounding brain tissue. And that's where folks with the lab coats and holding squids come in! In We Are Electric: Inside the 200-Year Hunt for Our Body's Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds, author Sally Adee delves into two centuries of research into an often misunderstood and maligned branch of scientific discovery, guiding readers from the pioneering works of Alessandro Volta to the life-saving applications that might become possible once doctors learn to communicate directly with our body's cells.

Black backrgound with white and blue writing

Excerpted from We Are Electric: Inside the 200-Year Hunt for Our Body's Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds by Sally Adee. Copyright  2023. Available from Hachette Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Lost in translation

Theres a fundamental asymmetry between the devices that drive our information economy and the tissues in the nervous system, Bettinger told The Verge in 2018. Your cell phone and your computer use electrons and pass them back and forth as the fundamental unit of information. Neurons, though, use ions like sodium and potassium. This matters because, to make a simple analogy, that means you need to translate the language.

One of the misnomers within the field actually is that Im injecting current through these electrodes, explains Kip Ludwig. Not if Im doing it right, I dont. The electrons that travel down a platinum or titanium wire to the implant never make it into your brain tissue. Instead, they line up on the electrode. This produces a negative charge, which pulls ions from the neurons around it. If I pull enough ions away from the tissue, I cause voltage-gated ion channels to open, says Ludwig. That can  but doesnt always  make a nerve fire an action potential. Get nerves to fire. Thats it  thats your only move.

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It may seem counterintuitive: the nervous system runs on action potentials, so why wouldnt it work to just try to write our own action potentials on top of the brains own ones? The problem is that our attempts to write action potentials can be incredibly ham-fisted, says Ludwig. They dont always do what we think they do. For one thing, our tools are nowhere near precise enough to hit only the exact neurons we are trying to stimulate. So the implant sits in the middle of a bunch of different cells, sweeping up and activating unrelated neurons with its electric field. Remember how I said glia were traditionally considered the brains janitorial staff? Well, more recently it emerged that they also do some information processingand our clumsy electrodes will fire them too, to unknown effects. Its like pulling the stopper on your bathtub and only trying to move one of three toy boats in the bathwater, says Ludwig. And even if we do manage to hit the neurons were trying to, theres no guarantee that the stimulation is hitting it in the correct location.

To bring electroceuticals into medicine, we really need better techniques to talk to cells. If the electron-to-ion language barrier is an obstacle to talking to neurons, its an absolute non-starter for cells that dont use action potentials, like the ones that we are trying to target with next-generation electrical interventions, including skin cells, bone cells, and the rest. If we want to control the membrane voltage of cancer cells to coax them back to normal behavior; if we want to nudge the wound current in skin or bone cells; if we want to control the fate of a stem cellnone of that is achievable with our one and only tool of making a nerve fire an action potential. We need a bigger toolkit. Luckily, this is the objective for a fast-growing area of research looking to make devices, computing elements, and wiring that can talk to ions in their native tongue.

Several research groups are working on mixed conduction, a project whose goal is devices that can speak bioelectricity. It relies heavily on plastics and advanced polymers with long names that often include punctuation and numbers. If the goal is a DBS electrode you can keep in the brain for more than ten years, these materials will need to safely interact with the bodys native tissues for much longer than they do now. And that search is far from over. People are understandably beginning to wonder: why not just skip the middle man and actually make this stuff out of biological materials instead of manufacturing polymers? Why not learn how nature does it?

Its been tried before. In the 1970s, there was a flurry of interest in using coral for bone grafts instead of autografts. Instead of a traumatic double-surgery to harvest the necessary bone tissue from a different part of the body, coral implants acted as a scaffold to let the bodys new bone cells grow into and form the new bone. Coral is naturally osteoconductive, which means new bone cells happily slide onto it and find it an agreeable place to proliferate. Its also biodegradable: after the bone grew onto it, the coral was gradually absorbed, metabolized, and then excreted by the body. Steady improvements have produced few inflammatory responses or complications. Now there are several companies growing specialized coral for bone grafts and implants.

After the success of coral, people began to take a closer look at marine sources for biomaterials. This field is now rapidly evolving  thanks to new processing methods which have made it possible to harvest a lot of useful materials from what used to be just marine waste, the last decade has seen an increasing number of biomaterials that originate from marine organisms. These include replacement sources for gelatin (snails), collagen (jellyfish), and keratin (sponges), marine sources of which are plentiful, biocompatible, and biodegradable. And not just inside the body  one reason interest in these has spiked is the effort to move away from polluting synthetic plastic materials.

Apart from all the other benefits of marine-derived dupes, theyre also able to conduct an ion current. That was what Marco Rolandi was thinking about in 2010 when he and his colleagues at the University of Washington built a transistor out of a piece of squid.
From left to right: Cleon Brown, Ikem Affia, Surpreet Dhillon, and Temidayo Awe. (Bedfordshire Police)

Four people have been jailed over the death of a man who was drugged and stabbed to death after being lured by a woman who had seen his Rolex watches on Instagram.

Saul Murray, 33, died during a botched robbery after he met two women at his flat last February who gave him the sedative GHB after engaging in sexual activity with him.

He had been targeted by Surpreet Dhillon, 36, and Temidayo Awe, 21, after he had posted pictures of his two watches on social media.

A court heard Dhillon seduced Mr Murray online and then visited him at his flat in Luton with Awe.

Dad-of-six Saul Murray was stabbed to death. (Bedfordshire Police/SWNS)

They gave Mr Murray GHB but failed to knock him out, and Ikem Affia, 31, Cleon Brown, 29 then arrived at the home to rob and ultimately kill the dad-of-six.

Mr Murray's body was discovered with stab wounds at his flat on 27 February last year but nothing could be done to save him.

On Friday at Luton Crown Court, Affia, 31, was jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years after being convicted of murder, possession of a bladed article and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Brown, Dhillon and Awe were also handed prison sentences after they were found guilty of manslaughter and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Brown was sentenced to 11 years, Dhillon was sentenced to 10 years and Awe was sentenced to seven years.

Surpreet Dhillon and Temidayo Awe went to meet Saul Murray at his flat. (Bedfordshire Police / SWNS)

CCTV footage taken outside Mr Murrays flat on the night of his death showed Dhillon and Awe entering with their victim just before 11.40pm, Bedfordshire Police said.

One of the women propped open the communal door with a broom as the other left shortly before 2.30am.

She returned with the two men, Brown and Affia, and all four left together 20 minutes later, with one of the men seen on the footage clearly carrying a large knife, officers said.

Mr Murray was then seen running towards the door before losing consciousness and collapsing.

Emergency services found him dead just after 5am and a post-mortem examination showed he had died after losing blood from a knife wound.

Mr Murray had posted images of himself wearing two Rolex watches on Instagram. (Bedfordshire Police / SWNS)

Detectives said they could identify Dhillon and Awe from CCTV while further footage showed a Mercedes Benz acting suspiciously near Mr Murrays flat which had been hired by Brown.

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CCTV from a fast-food restaurant in London showed Brown with a man believed to be Affia wearing a distinctive 1,300 designer coat identical to a garment seen on the footage from Mr Murrays flat.

Information from the manufacturer revealed that one of these coats had been sold to Affias partner.

This, along with data which placed Browns hired Mercedes Benz at Affias home address before and after Mr Murrays death, led to Affias arrest.

Judge Simon KC told the sentencing hearing it was a senseless conspiracy to rob.

This case is set to be featured in 24 Hours in Police Custody later this month.
HONG KONG (AP)  Three Hong Kong activists from a now-defunct group that organized annual vigils commemorating Chinas 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters were convicted on Saturday for failing to provide authorities with information on the group in accordance with a national security law.

Chow Hang-tung, Tang Ngok-kwan and Tsui Hon-kwong were arrested in 2021 during a crackdown on the citys pro-democracy movement following massive protests more than three years ago. They were leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China before it disbanded under the shadow of the Beijing-imposed law.

The alliance was best known for organizing candlelight vigils in Hong Kong on the anniversary of the Chinese militarys crushing of the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests. Critics say its shutdown has shown freedoms that were promised when Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 are eroding.

Before the group voted to disband, police had sought details about its operations and finances in connection with alleged links to democracy groups overseas in August 2021, accusing it of being a foreign agent.

But the group refused to cooperate, arguing police were arbitrarily labeling pro-democracy organizations as foreign agents. It added the police did not have a right to ask for its information because it was not a foreign agent and the authorities did not provide sufficient justification.

Under the security laws implementation rules, the police chief can request a range of information from a foreign agent. Failure to comply with the request could result in six months in jail and a fine of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars ($12,740) if convicted.

On Saturday, principal magistrate Peter Law ruled the defendants were obliged to answer the notice served to them, which he called sound and legal, and their non-compliance was unjustified.

The alliance had been actively operating with various entities and people abroad, Law said, so it was necessary to explore their dealings and connections to determine their affiliation and ultimate purpose.

Story continues

Such requirement for information was nothing like a broad-brush fishing exercise but rather was constrained in terms of periods of time and nature, he said. The police had taken an abstemious and self-restrained approach.

During previous legal proceedings, the court ordered a partial redaction of some information after prosecutors argued that a full disclosure of information would jeopardize an ongoing probe into national security cases.

The undisclosed details in a redacted police report submitted to the court include the names of groups that were alleged to have links with the alliance.

Leaking of secret information, such as identities, strategies and interim investigation results of others would definitely seriously jeopardize the ongoing investigation, Law said on Saturday.

The annual vigil organized by the alliance was the only large-scale public commemoration of the June 4th crackdown on Chinese soil and was attended by massive crowds until authorities banned it in 2020, citing anti-pandemic measures.

Chow, along with two other former alliance leaders, Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho, were charged with inciting subversion of state power under the security law in 2021. The alliance itself was charged with subversion.

The national security law criminalizes secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces to intervene in the citys affairs as well as terrorism. Apart from the activists, pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai is also facing collusion charges under the law, which has already jailed or silenced many dissidents.

In Beijing, Wang Chao, spokesperson for the National Peoples Congress, China's legislature, hailed the enactment of the law in 2020 as an important milestone in the practice of the one country, two systems governing principle.

The principle promises the former British colony the right to retain its own political, social and financial institutions for 50 years after the 1997 handover.

Hong Kong has had a major turn from chaos to stability, he said.
By Jessie Pang

HONG KONG (Reuters) - A Hong Kong women's rights group cancelled a demonstration at the last minute on Saturday after police said violent groups might want to join the protest.

The Hong Kong Women Workers Association was originally granted permission by Hong Kong police to hold a rare public protest on Sunday ahead of International Women's Day, calling for labour rights, womens rights and gender equality.

But the association said on its Facebook page late on Saturday it had regrettably decided to cancel the march without giving a reason. It could not immediately be reached for further comment.

This would have been the first major civil rights protest to be approved by police in the city for several years.

China imposed a national security law on the city amid the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020, leading to most applications by pro-democracy groups for public demonstrations being rejected by the police, largely on social distancing grounds.

Asked whether the police wanted to avoid a protest which might have embarrassed Beijing during China's annual parliamentary session, the National People's Congress, Senior Superintendent Dennis Cheng told reporters the organisers decided to cancel the march after weighing up different unspecified factors.

Cheng added that some "violent groups" wanted to join the protest, without identifying the groups.

The police had previously issued a "no objection" letter with the condition that the organisers ensure the protest would not run contrary to the interests of national security. But after the organisers cancelled, police issued a statement saying anyone taking part would therefore be participating in an unauthorised event.

"Any persons who continue to assemble in the relevant locations tomorrow would be considered (to be) participating in an unauthorised assembly," the statement said, adding they would be liable to a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.

Story continues

China imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 outlawing acts including subversion with up to life in prison.

The law has been criticised by some Western governments as a tool to crush dissent, but the Chinese and Hong Kong governments say the law has restored stability to the city after protracted pro-democracy protests in 2019.

(Reporting by Jessie Pang; Editing by David Holmes)
Saturday will be another hot and windy day across Central Florida.

Winds will reach speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour, with gusts reaching over 30 miles per hour.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Record highs are in Saturdays forecast, with Orlando possibly hitting 90 degrees, which would tie the record high if reached.

Read: Businesses react to bills they say could target drag shows, impede operations

A weakening front moves in during Saturday afternoon into the evening, bringing a few showers to Central Florida.

Read: Local woman who allegedly killed terminally ill husband at hospital out on bond, records show

There is a 20% chance of rain later today.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
BALTIMORE  House Democrats are ready for a Biden 2024 campaign.

During their retreat in Baltimore this week, lawmakers from all ends of the politically diverse caucus flocked to President Bidens side ahead of his expected 2024 announcement  and one in particular is eager for him make the bid official.

I would like to see him announce sooner, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus who endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the 2020 Democratic primary, said on Thursday.

Nobodys surprised that Biden was not my choice in the first election for the primary, she said at a separate point during the retreat. But the CPC and the president and his administration have formed an incredibly strong partnership.

Biden on a number of occasions has indicated that he will run for a second term, and first lady Jill Biden told The Associated Press last week that pretty much the only thing left to do is pick a time and place for the announcement.

During a visit with House Democrats at the issues conference, the president said we have a lot of unfinished business as well to finish the job that needs to be done.

That state-of-play jibes with the sentiment among House Democrats, who believe that Biden  with legislative wins from the last Congress in tow  can and should receive another four years in the White House, looking past concerns over his lagging poll numbers and rising age.

I do think he should run; I think he will win; I think hes our strongest candidate, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), the No. 3 House Democrat, said during a Punchbowl News event in Baltimore on Thursday.

Aguilar, the chair of the House Democratic Caucus, pointed to a number of bills Biden signed into law last Congress: the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and the gun safety legislation.

Time and time again, you know, he was able to deliver with House Democrats, with Senate Democrats, and so I think that he can and should run and hes going to have the support of the House Democratic Caucus, he added.

Story continues

Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-N.H.), the chair of the center-left New Democrats Coalition, said that based on the current political map, Biden is the partys best chance at holding the White House.

In those 18 districts that are held by Biden Republicans, hes the best in terms of his message and how he approaches this and the coalition that he built in 2020, coming back even stronger in 2024, Kuster said.

Any praise offered in Charm City this week, however, was quickly drowned out by Bidens announcement that he will sign a GOP-led resolution overturning Washington, D.C.s revised criminal code, a decision that blindsided  and infuriated  House Democrats who believed the president would veto the measure if it landed on his desk.

The D.C. City Council unanimously passed a revised criminal code in January that, among other tenets, would do away with most mandatory sentences and lower penalties for a variety of violent offenses, including carjackings and robberies. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) vetoed the bill, which was then overridden by the council.

Days before the House was set to vote on the disapproval resolution last month, the Office of Management and Budget released a Statement of Administration Policy that said the administration opposed the measure  leading some Democrats to believe that if matters came to that point, Biden would veto the resolution. A total of 173 Democrats ultimately opposed the legislation, thinking that they sided with the White House.

But Biden informed Senate Democrats at the Capitol on Thursday  after it appeared certain that the resolution would clear the chamber  that he would not veto the measure, in part pointing to the part of the code that would decrease penalties for carjackings.

The announcement set off House Democrats  including one of his left-leaning 2024 supporters.

Im deeply disappointed to see the President announce he will allow Congress to overturn a D.C. law for the first time in decades, Jayapal wrote in a statement on Friday. This is simple: The District of Columbia must be allowed to govern itself. Democrats commitment to home rule should apply regardless of the substance of the local legislation.

The dust up over the districts crime bill, however, is unlikely to scuttle Bidens 2024 support among his congressional colleagues. No other elected officials have signaled that they will challenge Biden in a Democratic primary. Only Marianne Williamson, a progressive who ran for the White House in 2020, has publicly announced plans to take on the president.

While Bidens support among lawmakers remains solid, there are some outliers. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), a co-chair of the New Democrats Coalition, for months has said he does not want Biden to run again in 2024.

He re-upped that position last month.

Hes a president of great competence and success, I admire the heck out of President Biden, Phillips told Politico during an interview published in February. And if he were 15-20 years younger it would be a no-brainer to nominate him, but considering his age its absurd were not promoting competition but trying to extinguish it.

But by and large, the chorus of approval coming from House Democrats has overtaken those concerns, equipping the president with a caucus of support for when he decides to officially throw his hat into the ring.

I certainly am very pleased to have the opportunity to be on the ballot with President Biden in 2024, said Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), a co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) who was a frontliner in the 2022 cycle. Unequivocally, full stop.

The DPCC is always united, so we agree with Representative Underwood, said Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), the chair of the group.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A composite image of President Joe Biden and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, booing the president during the State of the Union. Susan Walsh/AP; Win McNamee/Getty Images

Biden says Republicans can help build a "significant majority" for Dem priorities in a GOP House.

House Democrats, however, say that's up to Republicans and who controls their agenda.

"It looks like it's Marjorie Taylor Greene and extreme MAGA Republicans," Rep. Pramila Jayapal said.

President Joe Biden says moderate Republicans can help make a "significant majority" on Democratic priorities in the GOP-led House this Congress, but Democrats aren't so sure.

They question whether they can work with House Republicans on anything beyond "must-pass" legislation when they say "extreme" GOP members seem to be leading the caucus.

"It kind of depends on which Republican Party is controlling the agenda, and right now, it looks like it's Marjorie Taylor Greene and extreme MAGA Republicans," Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal told reporters.

House Minority Whip Katherine Katherine Clark told Insider: "That's up to the GOP. We're here to work for the American people whenever they are."

Biden delivered his optimistic message on bipartisanship this week to House Democrats gathered in Baltimore for an issues conference, saying the House passed bipartisan measures in the past and there's still work to be done this Congress on police and immigration reform, protecting voting rights and making Roe v. Wade the law of the land.

"I know as well as you, the MAGA Republicans are not going to get onboard for most of these things, but that leaves a lot of Republicans that are still left," Biden said. "Watch what happens. Republicans can help make a significant majority in some of these things."

House Democrats told Insider they see working across the aisle as a good goal, and there will be several opportunities for bipartisanship on the Farm Bill, Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, and the National Defense Authorization Act.

But they say the GOP caucus is being led not by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy but by more "extreme" Republicans who are allied with former President Trump, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

Story continues

"I think it's gonna be difficult just given the dysfunction that we saw the very first week," said Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin. "We're seeing it continue now in month two, that Kevin McCarthy is not in charge of his caucus in any way. And you know, Marjorie Taylor Greene seems to be the lead spokesperson these days."

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters on Wednesday, before Biden's speech, "The extreme MAGA Republicans are in control right now of the United States House of Representatives, and that's a bad thing for the American people."

Biden's lighthearted spin on Greene was that she'll help Democrats recruit GOP support. "You're gonna have a lot of Republicans running our way," he told House Democrats on Wednesday night.

Asked whether she agreed, Clark called Greene "the queen of misinformation" who can "continue to do her cable TV nonsense" while Democrats work for Americans.

Pocan and Jayapal both said they hope to recruit support for measures from "responsible Republicans" who have spoken with them privately.

Jayapal said she's heard from some GOP representatives who say "they don't like the way the party is going and they actually want some bipartisan reforms." The parties will have to work in a bipartisan way on the farm bill and on legislation to lift the debt ceiling, Jayapal said.

"I just don't know how many other things we'll be able to do," she said. "I hope I'm wrong."

Pocan said some Republicans want to reach across the aisle, but they aren't outspoken because they have to deal with their base.

"Once Donald Trump is gone, I think we get back to more normal, but until then, they're all appealing to 30 percent of Republicans rather than the general populace," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo: Wayne Moore/file Talyn Boyko with his 2021-2022 Rockets MVP trophy.

The Kelowna Rockets have confirmed they will hold an in-person awards ceremony for the first time in four years.

The 2019-2020 event was cancelled due to COVID while no awards were handed out during the 2021 Hub season.

Last year, a private ceremony with only media in attendance took place.

This years ceremony will take place Sunday, March 26 beginning at 2 p.m. at the Kelowna Community Theatre.

Fans will have a chance to mingle with players during a catered reception in the lobby of the community theatre from 1 to 2 p.m.

Those attending are asked to wear business casual attire.

Goaltender Talyn Boyko was named the 2021-2022 Most Valuable Player.

Tickets for the awards show are $30 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under.

Tickets can be purchased at the Rockets office through Anne-Marie Hamilton.
Pekic / iStock.com

Among the proposed changes to Social Security is to raise the full retirement age for recipients, which proponents say will bolster the programs finances as one of its reserve funds heads for depletion. Now a pair of lawmakers have moved a step closer to bringing such a plan up for a vote.

Social Security: No Matter Your Age, Do Not Claim Benefits Until You Reach This Milestone

Read: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

While it had been initially reported by MarketWatch and Semafor that U.S. Sens. Angus King (I-Maine) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) were considering a proposal to raise the FRA to 70 from 67, a representative for Bill Cassidy has since clarified to GOBankingRates that there are no plans to raise the FRA to 70, nor is that figure under consideration.

However, the two senators have proposed creating a sovereign-wealth fund that could be funded with $1.5 trillion or more in borrowed money. If the fund fails to generate an 8% annual return, both the maximum taxable income and the payroll tax rate would be increased to ensure Social Security stays on track to be solvent for another 75 years.

Other options on the table include changing the formula that calculates monthly Social Security benefits from one based on a workers average earnings over 35 years to a formula based on the number of years spent working and paying into Social Security.

Proposals to raise the FRA have been floated for quite some time amid reports that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund  which funds about 25% of Social Security benefits  will run out of money as early as 2032. When that happens, Social Security will have to rely solely on payroll taxes for funding under the current system.

The idea behind raising the FRA is that it will push more Americans to wait an extra couple of years to start claiming Social Security benefits, which could save money over the short term. So far, the idea has not advanced much past the discussion stage.

Story continues

Social Security advocates and many lawmakers have pushed back against raising the FRA because of the potential financial impact it would have on seniors who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Spokespersons for Cassidy and King wrote in an email to MarketWatch that their plan doesnt include any cuts for Americans currently receiving Social Security benefits, and that many will receive additional benefits. They also said the plan is not finalized and the final framework is still taking shape.

Even if a similar plan were to make it to a Congressional vote, its chances of eventually passing into law are not great. The Senate and House would have to approve it, and then President Joe Biden would have to sign it  and as GOBankingRates previously reported, he has shown no inclination to support Social Security changes that would cut or delay access to benefits.

If the FRA ever does get raised to age 70, it would significantly cuts benefits for anyone retiring before their new full retirement age, according to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), a nonprofit advocacy group.

The NCPSSM noted that when the full retirement age was 65, workers retiring at age 62 received an initial benefit that was 20% less than their full benefit amount. When the FRA rises to 67, workers retiring at age 62 will receive a 30% cut in benefits. If the age were increased to 70, a worker claiming retirement benefits at age 62 would have their benefits reduced by nearly half, according to the NCPSSM.

Take Our Poll: Do You Think Bankruptcy Is an Acceptable Way To Escape Student Loan Debt?

Instead of protecting future generations, raising the retirement age will dramatically cut benefits for younger generations of workers, especially those at lower-income levels, the NCPSSM said in a blog. The cuts will have their greatest impact on those who can afford them the least  lower income workers with a shorter life expectancy, who are less likely to be able to continue working to age 70.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Increasing Social Security Full Retirement Age to 70  How It Could Impact Benefits
The general prosecutors of the member-countries of the Joint Investigative Team (JIT) signed an agreement on the establishment of the International Centre for the Investigation of Crimes of Russian Aggression in The Hague, which will become operational in the summer of 2023.

Source: Ukrinform

Details: The document was ratified after the coordination meeting of JIT prosecutors, which took place during the international United for Justice conference in Lviv.

"Today we signed an additional agreement to the agreement on the Joint Investigative Team, which provides for the creation of an International Centre for the Investigation of Crimes of Russia's Aggression against Ukraine in The Hague on the basis of Eurojust," Andrii Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine, said.

According to Kostin, it is assumed that prosecutors will work in this centre and will collect evidence of the crime of aggression.

Moreover, the Office of the Prosecutor General is going to share with the prosecutors of the centre in The Hague the evidence of crimes of aggression, which have already accumulated in the department.

It is tentatively planned that the centre will begin operating in July of this year.

The Prosecutor General added that the work of this International Centre will be the first step on the way to the creation of a special tribunal to condemn the crime of aggression by the Russian political and military elite against Ukraine.

Background: During the visit of the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to Ukraine at the beginning of February this year, an agreement was reached on the creation of the International Centre for the Investigation of Crimes of Aggression in The Hague.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Two men who were fatally drugged in New York City while leaving gay bars last year and whose bank accounts had been drained were both homicide victims, according to the local chief medical examiners office.

The medical examiner said Friday that the deaths of social worker Julio Ramirez, 25, and political consultant John Umberger, 33, were caused by a drug-facilitated theft, NBC News reported.

Related: New York to pay millions to protesters mistreated in 2020 George Floyd protest

Fridays announcement came amid a New York police investigation into a series of robberies and assaults tied to clubs and bars in Hells Kitchen, a neighborhood in the city known for its nightlife.

Ramirez was discovered dead in a taxi last April after surveillance cameras caught him leaving a venue and entering a taxi with three other men at about 3.15am. According to NBC New York, Ramirez was alone in the backseat at 4.10am when the driver approached a police officer to report that Ramirez was unresponsive.

He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital less than an hour later.

Ramirezs family said that his phone had been taken and its password changed, and that $20,000 was stolen from his bank accounts.

In Fridays announcement, the medical examiner said that Ramirezs death was caused by acute intoxication by the combined effects of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin, cocaine, lidocaine and ethanol.

Umberger was visiting the city a few weeks later, in late May, when he died with the same combination of drugs in his system, according to the medical examiner. His body was discovered inside his bosss East Side townhouse, four days after he left a nightclub in Hells Kitchen, the local news outlet WPIX reported.

According to his mother, surveillance footage showed him in between two men while leaving the nightclub and entering a car. Umberger also had about $20,000 transferred out of his bank accounts and his credits cards had been maxed out, his mother added.

Story continues

New York city councilmember Erik Bottcher, who represents Hells Kitchen, had urged the Manhattan district attorney to swiftly charge those responsible for the deaths of Ramirez and Umberger.

We demand justice for the people who murdered Julio Ramirez and John Umberger, Bottcher said in a text message reviewed by NBC.

He added: As we approach the one-year anniversary of their murders, the pain experienced by their families, friends and our entire community has only been exacerbated by the fact that their killers have not been brought to justice.

A spokesperson from the district attorneys office told NBC that an investigation centering on Ramirez, Umberger and others who died similarly is ongoing.
By Francois Murphy

VIENNA (Reuters) -Iran has given sweeping assurances to the U.N. nuclear watchdog that it will finally assist a long-stalled investigation into uranium particles found at undeclared sites and even re-install removed monitoring equipment, the watchdog said on Saturday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran issued a joint statement on IAEA chief Rafael Grossi's return from a trip to Tehran just two days before a quarterly meeting of the agency's 35-nation Board of Governors.

The statement went into little detail but the possibility of a marked improvement in relations between the two is likely to stave off a Western push for another resolution ordering Iran to cooperate, diplomats said. Iran has, however, made similar promises before that have yielded little or nothing.

"Iran expressed its readiness to ... provide further information and access to address the outstanding safeguards issues," the joint statement said. A confidential IAEA report to member states seen by Reuters said Grossi "looks forward to ... prompt and full implementation of the Joint Statement".

Iran is supposed to provide access to information, locations and people, Grossi told a news conference at Vienna airport soon after landing, suggesting a vast improvement after years of Iranian stonewalling.

Iran would also allow the re-installation of extra monitoring equipment that had been put in place under the 2015 nuclear deal, but then removed last year as the deal unravelled in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi, however, said Tehran had not agreed to give access to people.

"During the two days that Mr. Grossi was in Iran, the issue of access to individuals was never raised," Kamalvandi told state news agency IRNA, adding there also has been no deal regarding putting new cameras in Iran's nuclear facilities.

Story continues

Follow-up talks in Iran between IAEA and Iranian officials aimed at hammering out the details would happen "very, very soon", Grossi said.

Asked if all that monitoring equipment would be re-installed, Grossi replied "Yes". When asked where it would be re-installed, however, he said only that it would be at a number of locations.

(Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Louise Heavens and David Holmes)
By Emily Rose

TEL AVIV (Reuters) -Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Israeli cities for the ninth straight week on Saturday to fight a government plan to overhaul the country's court system.

Saturday night's demonstrations in Tel Aviv and other locations began peacefully. However, footage released by police later showed protesters breaking down barriers in Tel Aviv and igniting fires as they blocked roads. Police sprayed water cannons at the protesters.

"I came to demonstrate against the regime revolution, which the Israeli government forced upon us," 53-year-old history teacher Ronen Cohen told Reuters. "I hope that this huge demonstration will effect and prove that we are not going to give up."

The marches have attracted huge crowds on a weekly basis since early January, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government took aim at the Supreme Court.

The protesters oppose legislation that Netanyahu and his right-wing and religious allies hope to pass that would limit the Supreme Court's powers to rule against the legislature and the executive, while giving lawmakers decisive powers in appointing judges.

Proponents say the Supreme Court needs to be reined in from overreaching into the political sphere. Critics say the plan will weaken the courts, endanger civil liberties and harm the economy along with ties with Western allies.

The intensity of the protests have been heightened since Wednesday, when Israeli police fired stun grenades and scuffles broke out in Tel Aviv during a nationwide "day of disruption" .

"There's a great danger that Israel will turn into a dictatorship," 68-year-old high school teacher Ophir Kubitsky said on Saturday. "We came here to demonstrate over and over again until we win."

(Reporting by Emily Rose and Rami Amichay; Editing by David Holmes and Chizu Nomiyama)
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has suggested that Ukraines defence forces may be preparing a controlled withdrawal from part of the city of Bakhmut.

Source: ISW

Details: The ISW suggested that Ukrainian forces appear to be setting conditions for a controlled withdrawal from certain parts of the city.

The Institute reiterated that Russian forces have been fighting to take Bakhmut roughly since May 2022 and have suffered devastating casualties in the process.

"If the Ukrainian military command deems it necessary to withdraw from Bakhmut, it will likely conduct a limited and controlled withdrawal from particularly difficult sectors of eastern Bakhmut," the report said.

The ISW also mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not address the reported situation in Bryansk Oblast in the readout of an emergency meeting with the Russian Security Council on 3 March.

At the same time, Russian sources widely claimed that Putin held the meeting to discuss anti-terrorist security measures in response to the Bryansk incident, but the readout of the meeting instead recycled a number of tired Kremlin talking points.

The Russian dictator did not use the opportunity to introduce any new objectives or means for Russian military operations in Ukraine.

The ISW also commented on the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (the ZNPP).

In particular, Russian authorities continued efforts to portray Russia as the only safe operator of the ZNPP, likely to constrain the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) presence at the ZNPP and compel the de facto recognition of Russian ownership of the ZNPP.

Key Takeaways for 3 March:

Ukrainian forces appear to be setting conditions for a controlled fighting withdrawal from parts of Bakhmut.

Russian officials continued to release limited information about the 2 March incursion in Bryansk Oblast but failed to provide clarity about what actually transpired.

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not address the reported situation in Bryansk Oblast in an emergency meeting with the Russian Security Council according to the meetings readout.

Russian authorities continued efforts to portray Russia as the only safe operator of the ZNPP, likely to constrain the IAEA presence at the ZNPP and compel the de facto recognition of Russian ownership of the ZNPP.

Russian forces continued offensive operations along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line.

Russian forces continued ground attacks along the Donetsk Oblast front line as Ukrainian forces appeared to prepare for a controlled withdrawal from at least parts of Bakhmut.

The Kremlin continues efforts to increase government oversight of the Russian defence industrial base (DIB).

Russian occupation authorities continue to prepare occupied territories for the 10 September Russian regional elections.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's government will hold a cabinet meeting near the southern seaside town where dozens of bodies washed ashore after a migrant ship broke up on rocks last month, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi after meeting United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan to discuss migration flows among other topics, Meloni rejected accusations that her government had failed to act to prevent the incident.

She also dismissed calls from the opposition for Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to resign.

"Frankly they ask for the resignation of a different minister every day," she said.

The right-wing Meloni has been criticised for not travelling to the site of the shipwreck in the southern region of Calabria, which was visited instead by President Sergio Mattarella.

Asked if she had plans to visit the area, Meloni said the government would soon hold a cabinet meeting there to discuss migration issues.

"The best thing we can do to honour the victims is to look at what can be done to avoid it happening again," she said.

The latest shipwreck has intensified a debate on migration in Europe and Italy, where the Meloni government's tough new laws for migrant rescue charities have drawn criticism from the United Nations and others.

Meloni has called on fellow European leaders to do more to halt illegal immigration and prevent further tragedies at sea.

"I don't think a single day has gone by since I became prime minister in which I didn't work on this issue ... amid a generalised lack of interest on the part of others," she said.

(Reporting by Valentina Za; Editing by Helen Popper)
MILAN (Reuters) -Italian oil and gas group Eni said it would cooperate with Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) on energy transition projects, as Rome's new government works to rebuild ties with the United Arab Emirates.

After a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that now that reciprocal trust was being re-established areas for future cooperation could range from energy to defence.

"Discussions ... went very, very well and we're going back to a strategic partnership. Italy historically had very strong relations with UAE which in recent years experienced serious difficulties," she told reporters in Abu Dhabi.

Italy in 2021 halted the sale of thousands of missiles to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, citing Rome's commitment to restoring peace in Yemen. The UAE in turn asked Italy to vacate a military base in the Gulf.

State-controlled Eni said that together with ADNOC it would explore opportunities in renewable energy, blue and green hydrogen and carbon dioxide capture and storage.

The two companies will also work on reducing greenhouse gas and methane gas emissions, as well as routine gas flaring.

Italy on Saturday signed a declaration of intent with UAE climate envoy and designated president of the COP28 climate summit Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who last month pledged to lay out an inclusive and innovative roadmap to tackle global warming.

"We found our partners extremely open and attentive to the priorities on our agenda," Meloni said.

Meloni said the UAE was particularly interested in Italy's energy policy in Africa, which was discussed on Saturday alongside topics such as the stabilisation of Libya and financial situation in Tunisia, which have an impact on migration flows.

"I think there is a strong will on both sides to rebuild not just good but excellent relations, a friendship, which I think is very important for our national interest."

(Reporting by Valentina Za; Additional reporting by Hatem Maher in Cairo and Angelo Amante in Rome. Editing by Jane Merriman, Alexandra Hudson)
Photo: The Canadian Press The new speaker of the knesset, Amir Ohana, receives his gavel as Israel's new right-wing government is sworn in at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, in Jerusalem. Three Canadian senators are facing criticism after visiting Israel and inviting the right-wing politician to Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amir Cohen/Pool Photo via AP

Three Canadian senators are facing criticism after visiting Israel and inviting a right-wing politician to Canada.

Senate Speaker George Furey joined Conservative Senate Leader Don Plett and unaffiliated Sen. Patti LaBoucane-Benson on a trip to Israel this week.

They met with local officials including Amir Ohana, the speaker of the Israeli parliament, which announced the senators had invited him to visit Canada.

Ohana has previously caused controversy by claiming in media interviews that Muslims are prone to "cultural murderousness." As former public safety minister, he modified Israel's COVID-19 vaccination priority list to exclude prisoners who are Palestinian.

The advocacy group Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East criticized the senators for posting about the trip without mentioning human-rights concerns and theIsraeli government's shift toward right-wing policies.

This year, Ottawa issued two statements raising concerns about Israel undertaking "punitive measures" such as banning the Palestinian flag, the building of illegal settlements and a divisive judicial reform.

The advocacy group wantsthe senators to retract Ohana's invitation and "suspend all partnerships with Israels government" until it abides by international law.

LaBoucane-Benson said the trio was unable to meet with Palestinian officials but said she had called for an immediate de-escalation of recent violence and work toward long-term peace.

"We worked with consular officials in an effort to hear diverse perspectives while managing logistical and security considerations," she wrote in an email.

"We met with current and former Israeli legislators from different parties. Unfortunately, a Palestinian politician was unable to attend a planned meeting."

LaBoucane-Benson noted "alarming incidents of violence" in the West Bank in recent weeks, including during their visit, against both Palestinians and Israelis.

"Those responsible for these egregious acts  on both sides  must be held accountable, and those whose comments incite further violence must be denounced and condemned," she wrote.

Furey and Plett's office did not respond to requests for comment.

Shimon Fogel, head of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said the Justice and Peace advocacy group's characterization of Ohana and the demand to suspend diplomatic relations amounts to "ridiculous attempts at headlines" after 75 years of productive relations.

"Particular governments come and go, but the core values shared by our two democracies are deeply entrenched and have stood the test of time," he wrote.

"When differences arise, as they have any number of times over the years, both Canada and Israel have articulated their positions and expressed concerns in a constructive way."

He said Canada has been making the right approach in advocating for a two-state solution, "including to not single out Israel" in its public statements.
Jake Gyllenhaal is ready for a fight!

The actor, 42, appeared onstage at a recent UFC event held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he showed off his new fit physique to film a scene for his new movie Road House  which is a reimagining of the popular 1989 Patrick Swayze film of the same name.

A clip of the moment that was shared online shows Gyllenhaal's character entering the stadium for a weigh-in, trying to hype up crowds as he walks on stage. He then takes off a sweatshirt with the "UFC" logo, showing off his muscles as he steps onto the scale.

"Official weight: 184 and a half for the challenger, Elwood Dalton," an announcer says. Gyllenhaal then flexes his muscles and poses as cheers erupt from the crowd, before he shakes hands with UFC president Dana White.

RELATED: Jake Gyllenhaal to Play UFC Fighter Who Becomes Bouncer in Remake of Patrick Swayze's Road House

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Jake Gyllenhaal attends the

Dave J Hogan/Dave J. Hogan/Getty

MMA world champion Jay Hieron, playing Dalton's competitor Jack Harris, then steps up on stage next to be weighed in at 185 lbs. He and Gyllenhaal can be seen exchanging words, before Gyllenhaal slaps Hieron, 46, on stage in a dramatic moment.

The two continue to play up the rivalry on stage, with Gyllenhaal telling an interviewer, in character, "I can't even believe I trained six weeks for this s, to fight this piece of s. Just give me the belt now. Come on motherf. Let's go."

RELATED: Jake Gyllenhaal on Fulfilling His 'Dream' of Being in a Michael Bay Movie: 'So Much Room for Fun'

UFC star Conor McGregor announced to the crowd at the arena that the scene would be filmed for the movie a few minutes prior. He introduced the scene as staffers changed out the background poster to match that of the film.

"Who's ready for tomorrow night?!"



"We got the biggest fight in Road House history!"@TheNotoriousMMA has his Director hat on! #UFC285 | #RoadHouse pic.twitter.com/sagECM2s8m  UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) March 4, 2023

"We've got the biggest fight in Road House history, Harris versus Dalton UFC 222," McGregor, 34, said. "Everyone in this arena, you're about to be part of my movie that's coming out with myself, Jake Gyllenhaal and A Joel Silver production. Make sure to cheer for the weigh-ins and let's go Las Vegas."

Story continues

In Road House, Gyllenhaal stars as a former UFC fighter who "takes a job as a bouncer at a rough-and-tumble roadhouse in the Florida Keys, but soon discovers that not everything is what it seems in this tropical paradise," according to a press release for the film.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Director Liman said in a statement, "I'm thrilled to put my own spin on the beloved Road House legacy. And I can't wait to show audiences what Jake and I are going to do with this iconic role."

The film also stars Billy Magnussen, Daniela Melchior, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Lukas Gage, Hannah Love Lanier, Travis Van Winkle, B.K. Cannon, Arturo Castro, Dominique Columbus, Beau Knapp and Bob Menery.
A New York man pleaded guilty Friday to charges in connection with the Jan. 6 assault on now-former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone during the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Thomas F. Sibick of Buffalo pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting or impeding an officer and two counts of theft in a federal court hearing in Washington, D.C. He's the third person to be convicted of assaulting Fanone, who prosecutors said "suffered significant and painful injuries" during the insurrection.

In the plea agreement, prosecutors said sentencing guidelines call for between 33 and 41 months in prison. Sibick is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on July 28.

Thomas F. Sibick at the Capitol Riot on Jan. 6. (U.S. District Court via WGRZ)

In a statement of offense, Sibick acknowledged taking video of himself during the riot on the Capitol grounds, where he said, "Just got tear-gassed, but we're going, baby! We're going!" He then took a pan shot of the crowd which he posted to Instagram with the caption, "Wildest experience of my life!"

The court filing also recounted the attack on Fanone, who was "tased, kicked, punched, pushed, grabbed and hit with objects by the crowd." While Fanone was being restrained by the mob, his body-worn camera showed Sibick "forcibly removing the officer's badge and radio, both of which were securely fixed to the officer's tactical vest," the filing said.

A short time later, Sibick "posed for a picture of himself holding and pointing to a (U.S. Capitol Police) riot shield," the filing noted.

He later claimed to the FBI that he'd been trying to help Fanone and had pressed the emergency button on the radio, but prosecutors said the button wasn't pushed until 16 minutes after Fanone had been escorted to safety. Sibick "changed his story three times" and later admitted he'd buried Fanone's badge in his back yard, the statement of offense said. The radio was never recovered.

An attorney for Sibick did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Fanone suffered a heart attack and a traumatic brain injury on Jan. 6, and in December 2021 resigned from the D.C. police department, where he had served for 20 years.

Story continues

Another of Fanone's attackers, Kyle Young of Iowa, was sentenced to more than seven years in prison in September.

The rioter who tased Fanone, Daniel Rodriguez of California, pleaded guilty to the assault last month. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May, with guidelines calling for between 7 and 10 years in prison.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A man who stormed the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection pleaded guilty to charges stemming from him assaulting former Washington, D.C., police officer Michael Fanone and taking his badge.

A court filing states that 37-year-old Thomas Sibick admitted to forcibly removing a badge and radio from Fanone while the then-Metropolitan Police Department officer was being tased, kicked, punched, pushed, grabbed, and hit with objects by a mob of rioters.

Fanone gained national attention after he was attacked during the riot and for testifying about his experience before the House select committee that investigated the insurrection during the past session of Congress.

Under a plea agreement, Sibick pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers and two counts of theft.

The agreement states Sibick joined other rioters at the lower west terrace of the Capitol shortly after 3 p.m. on Jan. 6. He filmed himself saying Just got tear-gassed, but were going, baby, were going! Were pushing forward now! before the group he was in encountered Fanone. The video was posted on Instagram.

During his assault, Fanone was restrained as another rioter tried to take his weapon that was in its holder, and yet another threatened to take the firearm and kill the officer.

Sibick posted a video the next day saying that he was concerned for the country and people need to heal.

What happened yesterday was a disgrace; an innocent life was lost. But the people are mad, and the people have spoken, he said, according to the court filing.

Sibick was interviewed by FBI investigators on a few occasions, but he did not mention that he was involved in the attack on Fanone nor that he took his badge and radio, per the filing. He also falsely told them that he tried to help the officer. Fanones body camera footage showed that Sibick took the items.

Sibick eventually returned the badge to FBI agents, but the radio was never found, the filing states.

Story continues

CNN reported that Sibicks sentencing will be on July 28.

Sibick is the latest of several individuals who have pleaded guilty to charges related to their involvement in the attack on Fanone. A 40-year-old California man pleaded guilty last month to assaulting him with a taser.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
John Fetterman speaks onstage as his wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, looks on in August 2022. Nate Smallwood/Getty Images

John Fetterman and Gisele Barreto Fetterman have been married for 14 years and have three children.

When he had a stroke days before the Democratic primaries, Gisele delivered speeches in his place.

Fetterman, now a US senator, is currently being treated for depression at Walter Reed hospital.

2007: Gisele Barreto Fetterman wrote a letter to John Fetterman, then the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, to see how she could get involved in his mission to revitalize the town.

Gisele Barreto Fetterman and John Fetterman. Samantha Laub/AL DIA News via Getty Images

John Fetterman served as the mayor of Braddock from 2006 to 2019. Dubbed "America's coolest mayor" by The Guardian in 2009, he gained national attention for his efforts to bring new life to the struggling Rust Belt town, creating jobs with grants for youth employment programs and turning abandoned buildings into arts spaces and community centers.

Gisele Fetterman, who worked as a nutritionist and food justice activist in Newark, New Jersey, read an article about him in a magazine and wrote a letter to Braddock asking how she could help, she told Philly Mag. She eventually connected with John Fetterman and traveled to Braddock to meet him. They exchanged more letters before beginning a long-distance relationship.

"I wrote a letter to the borough sharing the work that I was doing, and that I wanted to visit and learn and do something  whatever that looked like," she told People magazine in 2021. "The letter ultimately ended up with John. We talked on the phone, I planned the visit, and that's how I first got to Braddock."

May 2008: John Fetterman proposed after nine months of dating.

John Fetterman and Gisele Barreto Fetterman kiss as he takes the stage to speak at a rally in November 2022. Gene J. Puskar/AP

He proposed with a vintage ring his parents had bought at an estate sale when he was young, he told People magazine.

June 2008: They eloped on a road trip to Burlington, Vermont.

John Fetterman and Gisele Barreto Fetterman in January 2023. Matt Rourke/AP

"I just thought that this was the person I wanted to take a chance with," John Fetterman told People magazine.

February 2009: They welcomed their first child, Karl.

Gisele Barreto Fetterman with her son, Karl, in May 2022. Gene J. Puskar/AP

John Fetterman wished Karl a happy birthday on Twitter in 2022.

Story continues

"Exactly 13 years ago today, I experienced the joy + awe for the 1st time ever, of becoming a father," he wrote. "No title will ever match 'Dad.'"

August 2011: Their daughter, Grace, was born.

John Fetterman and Gisele Barreto Fetterman with their three children holding signs at a vigil in 2018. Grace is second from the left. Susan L. Angstadt/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

Grace shares a birthday with her father, who was born on August 15, 1969.

April 2014: The Fettermans' youngest child, August, was born.

John Fetterman with his son, August. Susan L. Angstadt/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

In April 2020, during the early days of the pandemic, the Fettermans had to cancel August's 6th birthday party. Gisele Fetterman shared a photo on Twitter of the stuffed animal "guests" that attended, instead.

November 2016: John Fetterman ran in the Democratic primary for a Pennsylvania Senate seat, but Katie McGinty ultimately secured the nomination.

John Fetterman shows off his tattoos as he speaks with supporters during his meet and greet campaign stop at the Interstate Drafthouse in Philadelphia in April 2016. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images

While campaigning, John Fetterman showed off the tattoos on his right arm memorializing the dates of murders that occurred in Braddock while he was mayor. He also has Braddock's zip code, 15104, tattooed on his left arm.

McGinty lost the general election to Republican Pat Toomey.

November 2018: John Fetterman was elected lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, and Gisele Fetterman became the second lady of Pennsylvania, or as she affectionately called it, "SLOP."

John Fetterman and Gisele Fetterman at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 2019. Matt Rourke/AP

The Fettermans opted not to move into the lieutenant governor's residence in Harrisburg, instead using it for public programming. Gisele Fetterman oversaw an initiative to open the mansion's pool to members of the public and nonprofits providing swim lessons for children in 2019.

"Gisele and I have always maintained that if our children are welcome to swim in this pool, so should every other child in Pennsylvania," John Fetterman told Fox43 News in 2021.

June 2019: John Fetterman displayed pride flags on Pennsylvania's capitol building for the first time in the state's history and attended Pride Month events with his family.

John Fetterman at a Pride Month event in 2019. Jeremy Drey/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

He also held a rainbow light display at the state capitol building in honor of Pride Month, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported.

Gisele Fetterman, who is bisexual, posted photos with her family at pride events wearing a shirt that read, "If you play for both teams you'll always win."

May 2022: When her husband had a stroke days before the Democratic primary in his second Senate race, Gisele Fetterman took over his campaign appearances and delivered his acceptance speech.

Gisele Barreto Fetterman speaks during a campaign rally in September 2022. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

On the way to a campaign event on May 13, Gisele Fetterman noticed the corner of her husband's mouth droop and insisted that he get checked out at a hospital. It turned out to be a stroke that nearly killed him.

The stroke impaired John Fetterman's ability to speak smoothly and impacted his auditory processing abilities, forcing him to take a break from the campaign trail. As he recovered, Gisele Fetterman took his place at public appearances, and even delivered his acceptance speech when he won the Democratic Senate primary.

"It's easy because I know his message, and I love him, and I know how good he is, and I get to tell that to people," she told the Washington Post.

November 2022: John Fetterman defeated Mehmet Oz in the midterms, flipping a Republican-held seat and helping Democrats maintain control of the Senate.

John Fetterman speaks to supporters with his family during an election night party in November 2022. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

"I voted for that guy!" Gisele Fetterman told reporters as she left the polling station on election day, pointing at her husband.

In his victory speech that night, John Fetterman thanked his family and his wife, "who, six months ago, saved my life."

January 2023: Gisele Fetterman held the Bible as her husband was sworn in as a US senator.

Vice President Kamala Harris ceremonially swears in Senator John Fetterman in January 2023. OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

John Fetterman traded his trademark hoodies and shorts for a new suit. Gisele Fetterman wore a thrifted Temperley London dress she found on The Real Real for $69, Philly Mag reported.

Gisele Fetterman has often shared photos on social media of her and her husband with his head out of the frame in order to fit her entire outfit into the picture.

"It's been going on for a few years and I still giggle every time," she told the LGBTQ+ blog Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents in 2019 of the running joke. "John is very tall and when cropping for Instagram photos, I would lose my shoes if I left his head in there. The shoes won and they continue to win, every time."

February 2023: Gisele Fetterman expressed support for her husband after he checked into Walter Reed hospital to receive treatment for depression.

Gisele Barreto Fetterman speaks to reporters in 2022. Gene J. Puskar/AP

Adam Jentleson, Fetterman's chief of staff, said in a statement that the senator has experienced depression "off and on throughout his life," but that it "became severe in recent weeks."

John Fetterman is currently being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where Jentleson said he is "receiving treatment on a voluntary basis."

"After examining John, the doctors at Walter Reed told us that John is getting the care he needs, and will soon be back to himself," Jentleson said.

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is common, with studies estimating it affects about one in every three people in the year after their stroke. That rate is at least three times higher than the rate of depression in the general population, Insider's Hilary Brueck and Lloyd Lee reported.

"After what he's been through in the past year, there's probably no one who wanted to talk about his own health less than John," Gisele Fetterman wrote on Twitter. "I'm so proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs."

Gisele Fetterman also wrote in a Twitter thread that when media trucks surrounded their home after the news of John Fetterman's hospitalization broke, she took her children to Canada to escape further scrutiny.

"We did some scary things but we did them together," she wrote. "We ziplined over Niagara Falls and August got stuck. We talked about flexibility and the need to always have an open heart and an open mind. We also talked about how joy and fun can and must still exist, even when someone we love is in pain. And tomorrow? Who knows. Will try all over again."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A seven-year old lawsuit alleging billionaire John Malone was illegally compensated through a side deal in Charters 2015 acquisition of Time Warner Cable has settled for $87.5 million.

A proposed deal filed on Friday in a Delaware court notes that the money will be paid to Charter. Malone and other defendants named in the suit made no admission of wrongdoing.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

In 2015, a Charter investor sued Malone and other directors on the companys board alleging impropriety in its $78.7 billion merger with Time Warner Cable. According to the complaint, Malones Liberty Broadband forced the deal to be structured in a way favorable for his company and detrimental to Charter.

At the time, Liberty Broadband was Charters largest shareholder, with a 26 percent stake. The deal provided Malone an all-stock consideration in shares Liberty held in Time Warner Cable. Other investors got a mix of stock and cash.

The suit also alleged breach of fiduciary in connection with an additional transaction giving Liberty Broadband a 6 percent voting proxy.

While lawyers representing the investor claim they had a strong case, they say that the deal is fair, reasonable, adequate, and in the best interests of Charter and its public stockholders because of the uncertain outcome and significant risks of continued litigation, among other factors.

The defendants say they settled to avoid the burden, expense, disruption, and distraction of further litigation. It continues to deny the allegations in the complaint.

In May, a judge set the case for trial after the suit survived summary judgment.

Charter and Joel Fleming, a lawyer representing the plaintiff, declined to comment.

Click here to read the full article.
Follow live updates as Jon Jones fights Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 tonight, after Valentina Shevchenko defends her flyweight belt against Alexa Grasso.

Atop a stacked card at Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena, former two-time light-heavyweight champion Jones returns after a three-year absence, finally moving up to heavyweight. Two months after Francis Ngannou relinquished the title, it is on the line as American Jones faces Frenchman Gane, who previously held the interim belt.

In the co-main event, Shevchenko looks to continue her dominant reign at flyweight as she defends the gold against Mexican Grasso, and there are more intriguing bouts before that.

Rising welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov looks to improve his perfect 16-0 record  which consists of eight KOs and eight submissions  as he faces Geoff Neal, and middleweight prospect Bo Nickal takes on Jamie Pickett. Furthermore, Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner clash in a highly-anticipated lightweight bout, and former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt features, as do veteran Derek Brunson and promising Irishman Ian Machado Garry.

Follow live updates and results from the UFC 285 main card and prelims, below. The card will air live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcasters app and website also streaming the fights. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFCs Fight Pass.

UFC 285: Jones vs Gane LIVE

Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane (vacant heavyweight title)

Grasso def. Shevchenko (C) via fourth-round submission (rear nake choke, 4:43)

Rakhmonov def. Neal via third-round submission (rear naked choke, 4:17)

Gamrot def. Turner via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Nickal def. Pickett via first-round submission (arm-triangle choke, 2:54)

Plus all prelim results as Garbrandt wins and Du Plessis beats Brunson

UFC 285 LIVE

05:47 , Alex Pattle

These men look absolutely huge. HERE WE GO! MAIN EVENT UNDER WAY!

UFC 285 LIVE

05:46 , Alex Pattle

Lots of boos for Gane, who is just the loveliest guy youll ever meet. Cheers for Jones.

Story continues

UFC 285 LIVE

05:44 , Alex Pattle

Jones weighed in for his heavyweight debut at 247.5lbs yesterday; Gane came in at 285lbs.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:43 , Alex Pattle

Jones is about to enter the Octagon, but hes being asked to take some tape off his toe  a toe that hes injured before.

Not what you want, right before you enter the ring... but Jones seems okay about it.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:42 , Alex Pattle

Jones has beaten (among others):

Daniel Cormier

Lyoto Machida

Rampage Jackson

Shogun Rua

Vitor Belfort

Rashad Evans

Glover Teixeira

Alexander Gustafsson

Chael Sonnen

Stephan Bonnar

Ryan Bader

UFC 285 LIVE

05:41 , Alex Pattle

UFC 285 LIVE

05:40 , Alex Pattle

UFC 285 LIVE

05:40 , Alex Pattle

Gane is out first, to the sound of boos, before Jones makes his entrance.

Jones looks a little nervous, but this is a man who has never lost  in a sense.

At 26-1 (1 No Contest), Bones sole loss was a controversial disqualification.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:38 , Alex Pattle

Gane is 11-1 in mixed martial arts, having suffered his first pro defeat last year when he was outpointed by Francis Ngannou. But Gane bounced back from that result, with which he failed to upgrade himself from interim champion to undisputed, with a stoppage of Tai Tuivasa in September.

At 32, the Frenchman is still new to the sport but has advanced very quickly, in part due to his slick striking and rare speed for his size.

Ngannou, an ex-teammate of Gane, left the UFC this January and relinquished the heavyweight title to set up tonights main event.

Former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane (Getty Images)

UFC 285 LIVE

05:36 , Alex Pattle

What if Jones loses tonight, as he finally tries to become a two-weight champion?

Heres our main-event preview:

What if Jon Jones loses at UFC 285?

UFC 285 LIVE

05:34 , Alex Pattle

Jon Jones, now 35 and returning after three years away, became the youngest champion in UFC history at the age of 23 in 2011.

The American, seen by many as the best ever, is a former two-time light heavyweight title holder and has 14 title fight wins  the most ever in the UFC.

However, he was twice stripped of that belt  once after being arrested and once due to a positive drug test  and he was also stripped of the interim title due to a failed drug test.

His title defence against Alexander Gustafsson in 2018 was marred by another failed drug test, and he has had numerous run-ins with the law.

Jon Jones' career has been overshadowed by indiscretions in and out of the ring (Getty Images)

UFC 285 LIVE

05:30 , Alex Pattle

Well, what a moment. And now its time for the main event: Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title...

UFC 285 LIVE

05:29 , Alex Pattle

UFC 285 LIVE

05:29 , Alex Pattle

UFC 285 LIVE

05:24 , Alex Pattle

ALEXA GRASSO HAS SUBMITTED VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO!!



WE HAVE A NEW FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION  #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/t4HMH5vXnw  UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023

UFC 285 LIVE

05:24 , Alex Pattle

What a performance from Grasso. She had success on the feet, she started to defend more takedowns at the fight went on, and she jumped on Shevchenkos back with such speed to secure the finish.

Shevchenko was in the hold for a while before tapping.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:22 , Alex Pattle

Alexa Grasso def. Valentina Shevchenko (C) via fourth-round submission (rear nake choke, 4:43).

UFC 285 LIVE

05:20 , Alex Pattle

We have a new flyweight champion!

Shevchenko's first loss in six years...

Wowwwww.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:19 , Alex Pattle

Shevchenko vs Grasso  Round 4

Shevchenko catches Grasso on the end of a couple of straight punches.

Grasso goes orthodox and attempts a double-leg takedown. She manages to drive the champion back to the fence.

Shevchenko pushes the Mexican back into the centre and lands a knee to the body.

Great timing from Shevchenko on her punches right now. But she tries a spinning back fist, and Grasso pounces on her back!!

She locks in a rear naked choke... and SHEVCHENKO TAPS! MY WORD!

UFC 285 LIVE

05:16 , Alex Pattle

Shevchenko vs Grasso  Round 4

Both women stand southpaw. Not much being thrown right now.

They briefly clinch, and Shevchenko flicks out a body kick off the break.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:14 , Alex Pattle

Shevchenko vs Grasso  Round 3

Shevchenko tries to work, but shes stood up by referee Jason Herzog for a lack of activity.

Again Shevchenko goes for a takedown, and a scramble ensues. Grasso actually lands a couple of illegal kicks to the face (of a grounded opponent), before Shevchenko takes the back.

She cant lock in a rear naked choke, and a scramble ends with Grasso trying for a guillotine in the final seconds.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:11 , Alex Pattle

Shevchenko vs Grasso  Round 3

Shevchenko is sticking Grasso with jabs, and now a right hand gets through. Grasso does well to defend a telegraphed takedown attempt.

Now Shevchenko grazes Grasso with a head kick, though, before securing a takedown with more disguise this time.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:07 , Alex Pattle

Shevchenko vs Grasso  Round 2

Grasso does well to wriggle free and stand, before catching Shevchenko with a one-two off the break!

Shevchenko stabs a kick into the gut of Grasso, who fires back with a clean cross!

But the champion again goes to the well for a takedown, and shell finish the round on top.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:04 , Alex Pattle

Shevchenko vs Grasso  Round 2

Shevchenkos nose is bloodied. She times a takedown well, though, and tries to get into Grassos guard.

She succeeds then moves into side control.

UFC 285 LIVE

05:01 , Alex Pattle

Shevchenko vs Grasso  Round 1

Grasso connects HARD with a right hand! Shevchenko looks startled!

The champion gets back to kicking low. Now a teep kick to the body.

Shevchenko just about lands a spinning back fist, but Grasso responds well to take her down!

Shevchenko stands and trips Grasso, but the challenger takes the back on the buzzer...

UFC 285 LIVE

04:58 , Alex Pattle

Shevchenko vs Grasso  Round 1

Grasso kicks low and blocks a cross from southpaw Shevchenko.

Now the champion kicks to the body. Swift low kick by Shevchenko.

Valentina is the chant inside the T-Mobile Arena. Shevchenkos technique is impeccable, shes so sharp and rapid with her striking.

Grasso just about gets through with a couple of right hands, though!

UFC 285 LIVE

04:55 , Alex Pattle

Here we go! Five rounds scheduled, with the womens flyweight title on the line.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:51 , Alex Pattle

Meanwhile, 34-year-old Shevchenko (23-3) is going for an eighth straight successful title defence.

The Kyrgyzstani-Peruvian last fought in June, winning a controversial decision against Taila Santos, but she has otherwise been dominant atop this division.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:47 , Alex Pattle

This fight marks a first title shot for Mexican Grasso (15-3).

The 29-year-old enters this bout on a four-fight win streak.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:42 , Alex Pattle

Its already time for the co-main event! Valentina Shevchenko defends the womens flyweight title against Alexa Grasso.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:37 , Alex Pattle

Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Geoff Neal via third-round submission (rear naked choke, 4:17).

UFC 285 LIVE

04:36 , Alex Pattle

For what its worth...

Jamie Pickett's manager LaMont Chappell tells me they will be appealing the result of the Bo Nickal fight with the NSAC, citing a low blow directly led to the takedown and finish. #UFC285 https://t.co/w9GWVxzqlL  Nolan King (@mma_kings) March 5, 2023

UFC 285 LIVE

04:35 , Alex Pattle

Neal vs Rakhmonov  Round 3

Rakhmonov lands clean on Neal and backs him up to the fence! Hes firing off elbows now! Neals face is bloodied.

Rakhmonov now takes the back, but Neals takedown defence has been terrific tonight.

Rakhmonov is able to get a rear naked choke while standing, though, and Neal taps late in the round!!

17-0! Seventeen finishes!

UFC 285 LIVE

04:32 , Alex Pattle

Neal vs Rakhmonov  Round 3

Rakhmonov with a head kick from range then a knee to the body in close.

Rakhmonov just about connects with a spinning wheel kick, but then hes wobbled by a combination of punches from Neal!!

The Kazakh comes back with straight shots before grappling Neal against the fence.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:28 , Alex Pattle

Neal vs Rakhmonov  Round 2

Rakhmonov kicks to the body. Hes fighting very well, but hes keeping his chin high and hands low, and hes been tagged quite a few times.

Rakhmonov with a lovely uppercut in close, though, then an elbow as Neal retreats!

Neal with a solid flurry of hooks now, though!

UFC 285 LIVE

04:23 , Alex Pattle

Neal vs Rakhmonov  Round 1

Neal punches out Rakhmonovs mouthguard, and the pair continue to trade straight punches.

Referee Herb Dean doesnt seem to have noticed at all. Rakhmonov hasnt mentioned it either.

Rakhmonov lands a head kick! That has cut open Neal.

Commentator Joe Rogan shouts at Dean about the mouthguard, and the referee separates the fighters against the fence before finding the mouthguard.

The action resumes. Both fighters trade a number of clean punches late in the round!

UFC 285 LIVE

04:20 , Alex Pattle

Neal vs Rakhmonov  Round 1

Rakhmonov fires off a head kick early. Neal clinches the Kazakh and drives him to the fence.

The pair take turns reversing the position before moving back into space. Neal lands a clean right cross.

Now Neal gets through with two left crosses from southpaw, but his opponent comes back with clean right hooks.

Rakhmonov with a nice knee in the clinch.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:16 , Alex Pattle

Neal, ranked seventh, missed weight by four pounds yesterday.

Rakhmonov comes into this one ranked ninth.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:08 , Alex Pattle

Meanwhile, Neal is 15-4.

The American, 32, was on a seven-fight win streak until he lost to Stephen Thompson and Neil Magny on points in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

He has since bounced back with two straight wins, however, outpointing Santiago Ponzinibbio before knocking out Vicente Luque in August.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:05 , Alex Pattle

Kazakhstans Rakhmonov is 16-0 with eight knockouts and eight submissions. The 28-year-old is seen as a potential future champion in the UFC, similar in some senses to Khamzat Chimaev.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:03 , Alex Pattle

This next fight should be fun, too.

Its Geoff Neal vs Shavkat Rakhmonov at welterweight.

UFC 285 LIVE

04:00 , Alex Pattle

Mateusz Gamrot def. Jalin Turner via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27).

UFC 285 LIVE

03:58 , Alex Pattle

Gamrot vs Turner  Round 3

The referee separates the lightweights after a slower period of grappling against the fence. Gamrot glances at the clock.

Turner tags him with a left hand! Again Gamrot tries for a takedown, but Turner denies him. This time Gamrot goes for a single-leg, which turns into a double-leg as Turner jumps for a knee.

Eventually Gamrot gets Turner down, and the Pole will end the fight on top! That could be a decisive round in his favour.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:55 , Alex Pattle

Gamrot vs Turner  Round 3

Turners corner tells him that hes down two rounds. Both rounds have been so close, though. Indy Sport gave Turner the first and Gamrot the second.

Gamrot lands a clean left cross. He shoots for a double-leg takedown and just about succeeds! Again Turner shuffles back to the fence.

Turner is able to stand once again. Hes dragged back down straight away, but he does well to stand once more.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:52 , Alex Pattle

Gamrot vs Turner  Round 2

Gamrot catches a kick and secures a single-leg takedown! Hes straight into half-guard and has Turner in a crucifix position for a few seconds, firing off short punches.

Gamrot gets the position back and launches another series of punches.

That makes the round much harder to score. Round 1 was close, too.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:50 , Alex Pattle

Gamrot vs Turner  Round 2

Both men trade leg kicks early on. Turner drops Gamrot again with a left hand!!

Gamrot stands and eats a teep kick to the body but fires back with a right hand! Now Turner lands a right of his own, and Gamrot shoots for a double-leg takedown.

Turner stuffs it and lands a body kick. Gamrot is wobbly still.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:47 , Alex Pattle

Gamrot vs Turner  Round 1

Turner does well to stand against the fence then times a clean strike off the break!

Now he drops Gamrot with a left hand! The Pole scrambles, and Turner tries to control Gamrot from an awkward position.

Gamrot slips free and gets into half-guard, however. Again, though, Turner is able to get to the fence and stand.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:43 , Alex Pattle

Gamrot vs Turner  Round 1

Turner, standing southpaw, is so tall at 6ft 3in; Gamrot, 5ft 10in, now goes southpaw as well.

A few leg kicks land for Gamrot early on. Still Turner presses forward.

Gamrot catches him with a single-leg takedown, and Turner looks to scoot his way back to the fence.

Turners shorts are actually coming down a bit, which is far from convenient for his movement!

UFC 285 LIVE

03:40 , Alex Pattle

Turner is 13-5 as a pro; Gamrot is 21-2 (1 No Contest).

UFC 285 LIVE

03:39 , Alex Pattle

American Turner is on a five-fight win streak with finishes in all of those bouts (three submissions; two KOs/TKOs), while Polands Gamrot is looking to bounce back from a points loss to Beneil Dariush  just the second defeat of his pro career.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:35 , Alex Pattle

Next: Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner clash at lightweight!

No 7 Gamrot replaces the injured Dan Hooker to face 10th-ranked Turner.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:27 , Alex Pattle

Bo Nickal def. Jamie Pickett via first-round submission (arm-triangle choke, 2:54).

UFC 285 LIVE

03:26 , Alex Pattle

Nickal is now 4-0 with four first-round finishes, after a 2-0 amateur career with two first-round finishes.

The hype is indeed justified.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:25 , Alex Pattle

Nickal vs Pickett  Round 1

And theres the tap! As many expected!

UFC 285 LIVE

03:25 , Alex Pattle

Nickal vs Pickett  Round 1

Nickal takes down Pickett early, tries for a guillotine but cant get it, then transitions to a rear naked choke...

Again he cant quite lock it in, so he attempts an arm-triangle... Pickett tries to hang in there...

UFC 285 LIVE

03:19 , Alex Pattle

Pickett is out first, looking nice and relaxed for this middleweight bout.

Now here comes Nickal, one of the best wrestlers in the US.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:15 , Alex Pattle

The main card begins with wrestling specialist Bo Nickal making his full UFC debut, after he previously competed on Dana Whites Contender Series.

The American is just 3-0 as a pro but is already highly touted as a potential future champion, with all of his fights having ended in the first round.

His two amateur fights went the same way, too. In fact, his total ring time is 5:25 across his pro and amateur bouts.

Nickal, 27, who has secured two knockouts and three submissions since his amateur debut, faces Jamie Pickett here.

UFC 285 LIVE

03:05 , Alex Pattle

The main card is upon us! If youre just joining us, here are all tonights results so far:

Prelims

Cody Garbrandt def. Trevin Jones via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Dricus Du Plessis def. Derek Brunson via second-round TKO (towel thrown in, 4:59)

Amanda Ribas def. Viviane Araujo via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Marc-Andre Barriault def. Julian Marquez via second-round TKO (strikes, 4:12)

Early prelims

Ian Machado Garry def. Song Kenan via third-round TKO (strikes, 4:22)

Cameron Saaiman def. Leomana Martinez via majority decision (29-26, 28-27, 28-28)

Tabatha Ricci def. Jessica Penne via second-round submission (armbar, 2:14)

Farid Basharat def. DaMon Blackshear via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Loik Radzhabov def. Esteban Ribovics via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC 285 LIVE

03:00 , Alex Pattle

Cody Garbrandt def. Trevin Jones via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

UFC 285 LIVE

02:59 , Alex Pattle

Garbrandt vs Jones  Round 3

Still Jones comes forward. Garbrandt circles away continuously.

More boos from the crowd. Garbrandt rolls under an overhand from Jones, but the next one connects and stings the former champion!

Now Jones gets a takedown. He ends the round on top, and hell likely take this frame, but it wont be enough for the win.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:55 , Alex Pattle

Garbrandt vs Jones  Round 3

Jones corner tells him that he shouldnt have tried for the takedown. His coach says Jones is down two rounds and needs a finish. Not wrong.

Garbrant ducks under a head kick. Jones comes forward, but the crowd boos due to a lack of output from both fighters.

Jones has landed just eight strikes so far, which is pretty remarkable.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:52 , Alex Pattle

Garbrandt vs Jones  Round 2

Garbrandt takes the back now, and he looks to lock in a rear naked choke against the fence.

Jones stands, but he eats a knee to the head off the break. Jones pressures Garbrandt then feints an overhand, before trying for a takedown against the cage wall.

The buzzer sounds.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:50 , Alex Pattle

Garbrandt vs Jones  Round 2

Garbrandt with a well-timed double-leg takedown! Jones stands, but thats another thing for him to think about.

Jones backs up Garbrandt, who circles away. The crowd boos a little due to a period of inactivity.

Another great takedown from Garbrandt, who picks up and slams down Jones!

Jones catches himin a guillotine, though, and it briefly looks to be in tight... but Garbrandt slips free!

UFC 285 LIVE

02:46 , Alex Pattle

Garbrandt vs Jones  Round 1

Garbrandt shows off some creative footwork, having a little fun by briefly taunting Jones.

Good patience and variety from Garbrandt so far. Another hard body kick from the former champ.

Jones just about blocks a heavy right cross from No Love. Now Garbrandt misses with a wild overhand.

More dancing from Garbrandt just before the buzzer.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:44 , Alex Pattle

Garbrandt vs Jones  Round 1

Nice body kick from Garbrandt early, then another. Jones is standing southpaw.

A unique, drop-down leg kick by Garbrandt, before he throws another hard body kick.

Garbrandt blocks a head kick then throws a heavy hook, which Jones blocks.

Garbrandt with a harsh cross to the body.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:41 , Alex Pattle

Garbrandts loss to Kara-France marked an ill-fated move to flyweight for the American (12-5), but hes back at 135lbs here.

Thirty-two-year-old Jones, a year older than Garbrandt, has a professional record of 13-9 (1 No Contest). So, he definitely marks a step down in opposition for Garbrandt.

Lets see if thats enough to see Garbrandt get back to winning ways...

UFC 285 LIVE

02:39 , Alex Pattle

Since winning the title in late 2016, Garbrandt is 1-5 with four knockout losses.

Its been a surprising, stunning fall for the former champion.

Check out our exclusive interview with the American ahead of his last fight, a stoppage loss to Kai Kara-France, in December 2021:

Cody Garbrandt: I went through 1,200 days of pain, and Id do it again

UFC 285 LIVE

02:35 , Alex Pattle

The final prelim fight sees former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt face Trevin Jones.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:28 , Alex Pattle

Dricus Du Plessis def. Derek Brunson via second-round TKO (towel thrown in, 4:59).

UFC 285 LIVE

02:27 , Alex Pattle

Brunson vs Du Plessis  Round 2

Brunson tries to catch a low kick and drive Du Plessis to the mat, but the South African is able to stay on his feet.

Brunson glances at the clock. Another hard low kick by Du Plessis.

Both men land clean punches in a scrappy exchange, then Du Plessis surprisingly manages to take down Brunson!

Brunson stands quicky then eats a brutal straight punch, then another, and another!

Hes wobbling... and finally goes down! Heavy elbows from Du Plessis in full guard!

Brunson barely makes it to the buzzer, absorbing two immense shots just before it sounds... but the towel comes in!!!

UFC 285 LIVE

02:24 , Alex Pattle

Brunson vs Du Plessis  Round 2

Du Plessis with a hard low kick. He blocks a front kick to the body.

Both men throw left hooks as Brunson blitzes forward. More front kicks by Brunson, these ones landing.

Both men stand southpaw. A left hand troubles Brunson, then a body kick hurts him.

Du Plessis lands another clean punch that staggers Brunson! He still hasnt fully recovered, and he keeps getting caught.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:21 , Alex Pattle

Brunson vs Du Plessis  Round 1

Both men try leg locks simultaneously! Brunson stays calm, slips his leg free and then circles around Du Plessis to take the back!

Both men soon stand, though, and Brunson catches the South African with a left hand as Du Plessis looks to move away.

He tags Du Plessis hard and chases him to the mat! Brunson again takes the back, this time trying for a rear naked choke, but Du Plessis doesnt panic.

He is able to escape, stand, and land a clean elbow off the break as the round ends.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:18 , Alex Pattle

Brunson vs Du Plessis  Round 1

Brunson catches a kick early and drives Du Plessis to the mat. Brunson tries to isolate the South Africans arm for an Americana, but Du Plessis fights out of it.

As he stands, Brunson tries for a guillotine, but again Du Plessis escapes. Now hes in the Americans full guard, throwing elbows.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:16 , Alex Pattle

Here we go! The fact that this fight is on the prelims  and not even the prelim headliner  speaks to how stacked this card is.

UFC 285 LIVE

02:07 , Alex Pattle

Three different scorecards: One judge gave Ribas all three rounds 10-9; another gave Ribas all three rounds, including a 10-8 in Round 2; and the third gave Ribas two rounds, including the 10-8.

Next up, middleweight veteran Derek Brunson faces rising contender Dricus Du Plessis!

UFC 285 LIVE

02:03 , Alex Pattle

Amanda Ribas def. Viviane Araujo via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-27).

UFC 285 LIVE

02:01 , Alex Pattle

Araujo vs Ribas  Round 3

Ribas catches a kick and drives back Araujo, before tripping her neatly!

Araujo reacts well, though, and looks to lock in an armbar! Shes struggling to extend Ribas arm....

And Ribas gets it free, before firing off punches in full guard!

Ribas ends the fight on top. Shes surely down enough for the come-from-behind win.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:59 , Alex Pattle

Araujo vs Ribas  Round 3

Between rounds, Araujos corner tells her: Vivi, we need to knock her out. The last round might well have been a 10-8 for Ribas, although Araujo probably won the first round 10-9. So, if Araujo wins this round 10-9, were looking at a draw.

Araujo buries a left hook into Ribas ribcage. Ribas with a spinning back kick to the body.

Now Ribas lands a clean right cross, the shot that first dropped her compatriot in Round 2.

Ribas lands a high kick then a right straight. Another spinning back kick.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:55 , Alex Pattle

Araujo vs Ribas  Round 2

Ribas pours on punches in half-guard, while intermittently looking to advance an arm-triangle choke attempt.

Araujo creates a bit of space and turns away, but that allows Ribas to take the back.

Araujo punches over her shoulder to try to slow down Ribas, who has been dominant in this round.

The buzzer sounds.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:52 , Alex Pattle

Araujo vs Ribas  Round 2

Almost out of nowhere at the start of this round, Ribas drops Araujo with a straight punch as her fellow Brazilian comes forward!

Araujo springs to her feet but is soon put down again  she never fully regained her senses!

Ribas gets straight into half-guard, but she might have been better off allowing Araujo to stand...

UFC 285 LIVE

01:49 , Alex Pattle

Araujo vs Ribas  Round 1

Ribas transitions into side control, before Araujo is able to scramble again and stand.

A left hand rocks back Araujos head. Both women are switching stances.

A clean right cross stings Ribas, then another. Ribas eyes are wide open, she looks almost startled.

More success for Ribas on the feet as the round comes to an end.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:46 , Alex Pattle

Araujo vs Ribas  Round 1

The women trade low kicks early on, both standing southpaw.

Araujo jumps for a guillotine choke already, and it briefly looks to be in tight as she drags Ribas to the canvas... until Ribas slips out!

Shes now in full guard on the mat, but Araujo scrambles and Ribas finds herself in side control.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:43 , Alex Pattle

After a bit of a delay, Araujo vs Ribas is about to get under way.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:28 , Alex Pattle

Next up: Viviane Araujo vs Amanda Ribas (womens flyweight).

UFC 285 LIVE

01:26 , Alex Pattle

Marc-Andre Barriault def. Julian Marquez via second-round TKO (strikes, 4:12).

UFC 285 LIVE

01:24 , Alex Pattle

Marquez vs Barriault  Round 2

Barriault sustains the pressure with a barrage of punches, as Marquez shells up against the fence...

And after a long assault, the referee steps in! Barriault gets the TKO!

UFC 285 LIVE

01:23 , Alex Pattle

Marquez vs Barriault  Round 2

Both middleweights trade right hands simultaneously. Marquez with a solid left hook off the break of a clinch.

Marquez blocks a front kick but immediately eats a jab. Now Barriault lands a short right cross, and he backs up his opponent.

The pair clinch against the fence, where Barriault digs body hooks into the body.

The fighters separate and trade wild shots! Marquez is tiring! Barriault backs him up to the fence again and blasts him with uppercuts, one of which knocks out Marquezs mouthguard!

UFC 285 LIVE

01:19 , Alex Pattle

Marquez vs Barriault  Round 1

More pressure from Marquez, who finds success with a couple of right overhands.

Barriault looks to fire back with shorter counter shots. Marquez blocks a head kick, but a one-two gets through.

Some scrappy exchanges ensue, with both men landing in the clinch. Barriaults face is visibly reddened as the round comes to an end.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:16 , Alex Pattle

Marquez vs Barriault  Round 1

Marquez presses forward early on, landing a jab and a right hand. Now he kicks low.

Barriaults guard is holding up so far, and he blocks a right overhand now. Marquez appears to sneak through an uppercut in close, though.

Barriault grazes Marquez with a left hook as his opponent lands a body kick.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:13 , Alex Pattle

Julian Marquez vs Marc-Andre Barriault is up first at middleweight!

UFC 285 LIVE

01:10 , Alex Pattle

The prelims are about to get under way, after Jake Gyllenhaal just took to the Octagon to film a fight scene for the upcoming Road House remake, in which Conor McGregor will have a role.

UFC 285 LIVE

01:09 , Alex Pattle

Ian Machado Garry def. Song Kenan via third-round TKO (4:22)

Cameron Saaiman def. Leomana Martinez via majority decision (29-26, 28-27, 28-28)

Tabatha Ricci def. Jessica Penne via second-round submission (armbar, 2:14)

Farid Basharat def. DaMon Blackshear via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Loik Radzhabov def. Esteban Ribovics via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC 285 LIVE

01:00 , Alex Pattle

Welcome to The Independents live coverage of UFC 285!

The early prelims have just concluded, so before we get going with live updates from the regular prelims, lets recap the results so far tonight...

UFC 285 LIVE

00:50 , Alex Pattle

Jon Jones weighed in for his heavyweight debut at 247.5lbs yesterday, while opponent Ciryl Gane came in at 248lbs.

UFC 285 LIVE

00:40 , Alex Pattle

Heres all you need to know:

How to watch Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 online and on TV tonight

UFC 285 LIVE

00:20 , Alex Pattle

This year marks 30 years of the UFC.

Check out our exclusive interview with the champion of UFC 1, Royce Gracie, on the night MMA was born:

UFCs first ever champion Royce Gracie on the night MMA was born

UFC 285 LIVE

00:00 , Alex Pattle

Who has the hardest job in the UFC?

You could argue that there are just shy of 600 correct answers to that question, with the name of any fighter who steps foot in the Octagon a valid response. Jon Anik, Megan Olivi and Brendan Fitzgerald wouldnt dare to dispute that notion, but the truth is that all three of them  as part of the UFCs wider broadcast team  are subject to a similar level of scrutiny and pressure to their colleagues on the other side of the Octagon fence.

Play-by-play commentators Anik and Fitzgerald provide vital layers to the soundtrack of the in-ring action on their respective nights on the job, their contributions for the viewers at home filling the space between the noise of the crowd and the sound of shins colliding. Olivi, meanwhile, is a reporter and host whose face is as familiar on UFC broadcasts as Anik and Fitzgeralds voices are. She is the go-to go-between in the connection of fans and fighters, tasked with asking UFCs roster members questions whether they are radiating in the glow of triumph or dwelling in the mire of defeat. She is also married to UFC flyweight contender Joseph Benavidez, so knows what goes through a fighters mind on fight week as well as anyone.

All four spend a significant amount of their time in front of cameras with microphones in hand, enlightening fans on what is unfolding in the cage. They also take great pride in exploring who it really is that is on the end  either end  of a hurtling first or elbow for the entertainment of thousands in arenas and on couches.

Below, however, Anik, Olivi and Fitzgerald allow The Independent to shed some light on who they really are, and on what they do to bring UFC broadcasts to life every weekend.

UFC's commentary team on what it's like to have the best seat in the house

UFC 285 LIVE

Saturday 4 March 2023 23:30 , Alex Pattle

Take a look at The Independents pound-for-pound UFC rankings.

Where will Jon Jones sit in this list if he wins tonight?

And should Gane enter our rankings if he beats Jones?

The Independents pound-for-pound UFC rankings

UFC 285 LIVE

Saturday 4 March 2023 23:00 , Alex Pattle

The early prelims will begin at 11.15pm GMT (3.15pm PT, 5.15pm CT, 6.15pm ET), with the prelims following at 1am GMT (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET tonight).

The main card is then scheduled for 3am GMT (7pm PT, 9pm CT, 10pm ET tonight).

The Independent will provide live updates from the prelims at 1am GMT through to the very end of UFC 285, and we will recap the early prelim results once our live coverage begins.

UFC 285 LIVE

Saturday 4 March 2023 22:45 , Alex Pattle

Jon Jones does not know what its like to lose  not in the Octagon, and not outside of it.

It may seem a strange thing to say about a man has one loss on his record, who has twice lost a UFC title, and who has repeatedly lost control to the point of being arrested several times, and yet the point stands.

Jones sole loss in mixed martial arts came courtesy of a controversial disqualification for the use of illegal elbows. His two title losses saw the light-heavyweight belt taken from him not by an opponent but by the UFC, due to an arrest and a failed drug test respectively. And any time the 35-year-old has found himself in handcuffs and a jail cell, it has not been long before he has traded them for 4oz gloves and a gym.

Read our UFC 285 main-event preview in full:

What if Jon Jones loses at UFC 285?

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
Photo: Contributed Alisa and Alinda Tunc, who came to Canada from Turkey two years ago, spearheaded a fundraiser at their school for earthquake relief in Turkey.

When a pair of deadly earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria last month, two Burnaby sisters wanted to help.

Alinda Tunc, 10, and her sister Alisa, 9, came to Canada from Turkey only two years ago, and news of the earthquake in their native country spurred them into action, according to Heather Kimmie, their principal at Brentwood Elementary School.

Its really hit home for them, and they wanted to give back and do something and make a difference, Kimmie said.

Three weeks ago, the sisters sat down with Kimmie and pitched the idea of a fundraiser.

They landed on Toonies for Turkey and Syria, Kimmie said.

After gathering a team of 24 Grade 2 and 5 students, they made posters and prepared an announcement. Kimmie also sent an email out to families. The two-week fundraiser was launched Feb. 21.

On the first day, the fundraisers went around to each class and explained what the funds were needed for and how they would help.

Then, every morning for two weeks, they went around to each class and collected donations.

Their goal was to raise $1,000. Their final total was more than twice that: $2,514.65.

They were so excited, Kimmie said Friday. Today, they screamed when I told them.

The students involved told Kimmie they felt really good about helping out, and she said that filled her with pride, especially since the work was spearheaded and led by students throughout.

I welled-up today, actually, she said.

The funds raised will go to the Red Cross for earthquake relief efforts in Turkey.

Support for Turkey and Syria

Brentwood isnt the only local school where students have raised funds to help people affected by the devastating earthquake.

Leadership students at Burnaby North Secondary held a pajama movie night, with proceeds going to the cause.

The Burnaby Mountain Secondary diversity club collected donations of food, clothing, blankets and more.

Leadership students at Alpha Secondary focused on gathering supplies for babies, such as diapers, clothes and blankets.

And Inman Elementary leadership students collected books by donation and then sold them to raise money. They also collected more money at a family movie night at the school.
Josh Hartnett is over talking about the exit he took from Hollywood at the height of his stardom, but he will tell you how much enjoyed spoofing Hollywood stars in his new action film, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre.

It's a lot of fun to be able to make fun of, or kind of just have fun with something that you're related to and you know a lot about, he tells Yahoo Entertainment about his role in the film. Hartnett portrays the movie industrys biggest action star, Danny Francesco, whos blackmailed into helping a team of spies led by Jason Statham take down a billionaire arms deal (and mega-Francesco fan) played by Hugh Grant.

I've never met anyone quite as narcissistic, maybe sociopathic, and bonkers as Danny in this industry. But there are stories of people and I've met some people that are close It is fun to make fun of. And I think it's also people's perceptions of actors that you wanna play with  how people see us.

He adds, laughing, I mean, everybody hates actors. We're the worst.

Harnetts own relationship with celebrity has been a point of fascination in the media for years  ever since the Pearl Harbor star turned down multiple superhero roles and eschewed Hollywood life in the mid 2000s, moving back to his home state of Minnesota and then London, where he has raised a family and focused on artier, more intimate projects.

Tamsin Egerton and Josh Hartnett attend the Prince's Trust Awards at the Theatre Royal, London on May 24, 2022. (Photo: Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)

I've been talking about this sort of moment in my life for 15 years now, and just like every time I talk about it, it gets more muddled in the press and I feel like I kind of have said everything I can say about it, says Hartnett, 44.

This has always been an industry full of opportunity and I've been extremely lucky to have 25 years in this business and make great films with really interesting directors and be able to play a bunch of disparate characters. And I'm really happy to be working with the people I'm working with right now. I find it remarkable and very lucky that I'm here after 25 years. It's bizarre. I never actually planned on this being a career, necessarily. It's now my life.

Story continues

Hartnett never stopped acting, but he has been more visible since co-starring on the Showtime series Penny Dreadful from 2014 to 2016.

Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett and Aubrey Plaza in 'Operation Fortune" (Photo: Lionsgate/ Courtesy Everett Collection

One of his current favorite collaborators is Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes), who wrote a last-minute role for Hartnett in 2021s Wrath of Man and recruited the actor again for Operation Fortune.

Ritchie, Hartnett says, has one of the loosest approaches to writing and directing hes ever witnessed.

All of the dialogue changed when we were on set, and a lot of the scenes as well, he says. I think this is the way Guy likes to work, and I like to work that way, too  Hugh and I talked about this in a couple interviews. It gives us less time to sort of sweat and be freaked out about the end product because we have no idea what we're gonna shoot. So we just have to kind of go with it, [and] works out. The dialogue in the film is 90% different from what's on the page in the script. What I really love about Guy [is that] hes right to do this because it's a visual medium. You read a script and it looks great on the page, but if you get it up on its feet and it's not working, we'll change it. There's no shame in that.

Operation Fortune is now playing.

Watch the trailer:
Joy Behar's new book club on "The View" will focus on banned titles. (Dario Cantatore / Invision / Associated Press )

Joy Behar is a woman who spent last year getting "lit." This year, she's a woman who wants bans off her books.

The comic and co-host of "The View" on Friday announced "Joy's Banned Book Club," a new weekly segment on the daytime talk show.

Book bans have become an almost daily occurrence, she said. Last school year alone, there were more than 2,500 instances of books being banned in over 5,000 schools, including some of the best books ever written, like To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men and The Catcher in the Rye. Even childrens books are under fire. So with that in mind, were introducing a new segment on the show this week.

Joys Banned Book Club kicks off with the award-winning children's book And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, with illustrations by Henry Cole.

The acclaimed 2005 book is inspired by the real-life story of two New York Zoo penguins who formed a bond during mating season and raised a baby chick together. Both adult penguins were male.

This is not some kinky '[50] Shades of Grey' for penguins, Behar quipped. Its a sweet, graceful way to introduce children to the concept of acceptance of same-sex relationships and non-traditional families.

The book was removed from school libraries in Escambia County, Fla., last week for being "unsuitable and inappropriate" for elementary students, she said.

Behar then nodded to the ACLU, saying "a person can decide that they dont want to read a book. A person can decide that they dont want their child to read a book but a person cannot decide that an entire school or town cant read a book.

She added, As for 'And Tango Makes Three,' our studio audience can decide for themselves, because youre all getting a copy.

And Tango Makes Three has been a point of contention since its 2005 release, appearing on the American Library Assn.'s Top 10 Most Challenged Books list as recently as 2019.

Conservative lawmakers and parents groups, such as Moms for Liberty and Mama Bears Rising, have been actively working to remove books like And Tango Makes Three from shelves  alleging that progressive ideas are confusing their children about race, sexuality and gender.

Story continues

Watch Behar's "Joy's Banned Book Club" announcement below:

JOY'S BANNED BOOK CLUB: @JoyVBehar highlights the award-winning children's book, 'And Tango Makes Three,' which was recently removed from schools in a Florida county. She calls it a "sweet, graceful way to introduce children to the concept" of non-traditional families. pic.twitter.com/sU50VMGKtP  The View (@TheView) March 3, 2023

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Joy Harjo (Photo/File Photo)

Former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Muskogee Creek) will receive the 2023 Harper Lee Award at the Monroe Literary Festival on Saturday, March 4, 2023.

The Harper Lee Award was named after the author of the classic American novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

Selected by a committee of writers and scholars, the annual award recognizes the lifetime achievement of a writer either born in Alabama or strongly connected to the state.

Harjo served three terms as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States from 2019-2022 and is the first Native American to hold the honor.

"Joy Harjo is one of the great American writers of our time. All her artistry has deep ties, familial and spiritual, to the state of Alabama," said selection committee member Frye Gaillard. "Ms. Harjo is a member of the Muskogee Nation  and celebrates a connection to her Alabama homeland that was broken, but not erased, by the Trail of Tears."

Harjo is the author of nine books of poetry, including the highly acclaimed An American Sunrise, several plays and childrens books, and two memoirs, Crazy Brave and Poet Warrior,

Harjo was the winner of the 2022 Academy of American Poets Leadership Award, She has several other honors that include the Ruth Lily Prize for Lifetime Achievement from the Poetry Foundation, the Academy of American Poets Wallace Stevens Award, two NEA fellowships and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

As a musician and performer, Harjo has produced seven award-winning music albums including her newest, I Pray for My Enemies. She is executive editor of the anthology When the Light of the World was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through  A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry and the editor of Living Nations, Living Words: An Anthology of First Peoples Poetry, the companion anthology to her signature Poet Laureate project.

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She is a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, Board of Directors Chair of the Native Arts & Cultures Foundation, and is the first Artist-in-Residence for Tulsas Bob Dylan Center.

Harjo resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
A judge on Friday ordered an expert to conduct a mental examination of the Matanzas High School student accused of beating a teachers aide and to provide a report on whether the teenager is competent to proceed in the legal case against him.

Circuit Judge Terence Perkins appointed Dr. Roger Davis to examine whether Brendan J. Depa meets the definition of "intellectual disability" or autism in Florida statutes, according to the order filed Friday. Davis is to provide a written report to the judge and attorneys within 30 days of examining Depa, according to the order.

The order states that Davis will examine Depa on the location, date and time that Davis directs. It states that Davis is authorized to have access to psychiatric and other records about Depa possessed by hospitals or mental health providers. He will also have access to records from prosecutors and defense attorneys.

The 17-year-old Depa was charged with aggravated battery on a school board employee, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, in the attack on a paraprofessional. The News-Journal is naming Depa because he was charged as an adult. A security video of the incident has gone viral.

Depa's defense attorney, Kurt Teifke, filed a motion Friday titled suggestion of mental incompetence to stand trial.

Bond set in Matanzas attackMatanzas student accused of attacking teacher's aide over Nintendo Switch held on $1 million bail

What's next in teacher's aide attackWill Matanzas High School student who attacked teacher's aide be expelled? Here's the process

"Review of pertinent school, medical and mental health records, as well as information learned through the defendant as well as collateral sources (to include family members), leads the undersigned to have a reasonable, good faith belief that the defendant is not mentally competent to stand trial," the motion states.

Teifke also filed a plea of not guilty and requested additional time to file motions. The motion also waives Depa's appearance at his arraignment, which is slated for Monday morning at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center. However, a notation on the court record indicates the case has been continued, which is routine when a defendants attorney files the plea ahead of the hearing.

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Perkins' order states that if the medical expert determines Depa meets the legal definition of "intellectual disability" or "autism," then the expert must determine whether Depa is competent or not to procced in the case against him. The expert must determine whether Depa has the ability to consult with his lawyers "with a reasonable degree of rational understanding." The expert must also decide whether Depa understands the legal proceedings against him.

The order is like a form letter with Davis's name placed in a blank for the expert.

The expert must provide an analysis of Depa's appreciation of the charges against him, the range of possible penalties and the adversarial nature of the legal process, according to the order. The expert must also opine on Depa's ability to behave appropriately in the courtroom, his capacity to "testify relevantly" and his ability to disclose relevant facts to his attorney.

If the expert determines Depa to be incompetent to proceed then the expert is to provide any "recommended training" for Depa to become competent, the order states. The expert also needs to report on how long the "training" will probably take and the probability of Depa regaining competence. The order also states that the expert will report on whether Depa would need to be committed until he is competent or whether there are less restrictive residential facilities in the community.

The expert must also report on whether "there is a substantial likelihood that in the near future the defendant will inflict serious bodily harm to himself" or another person as shown by recent behavior, according to the order.

Defendants who are ruled incompetent to proceed are often committed to state psychiatric hospitals for treatment until they are judged to have regained competency. At that point, the legal case against them can proceed.

The News-Journal contacted Depa's mother, Leanne Depa, who declined comment and said she had been directed to refer all calls to Teifke. Teifke could not be reached for comment.

Depa has a pre-trial set for April 5. He is being held in the Duval County jail on $1 million bond. The Flagler County jail does not have a facility for juveniles.

The attack on Joan Naydich

Depa attacked paraprofessional Joan Naydich on Feb. 21, according to a charging affidavit. A school security video shows a male identified as Depa walking quickly up to a woman, knocking her off her feet and onto the floor. The video then shows Depa beating Naydich as she lays unresponsive on the floor. People intervened and separated Depa from Naydich. Depa later threatened to kill her as he is being led away, the affidavit states.

While the affidavit stated that Depa was upset because Naydich took away his Nintendo Switch, a GoFundMe for Naydich stated that she did not take the Switch from him.

Court documents indicate Depa was staying East Coast Habilitation Options, known as ECHO, a group home in Palm Coast. The organizations Facebook page describes it as a group home agency for behaviorally challenged children and young adults. A help-wanted ad says the home helps children, teens and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavior challenges.

Depa had three prior misdemeanor battery charges in Hillsborough County.

Florida Statutes

Florida statutes defines autism in part as a developmental disability of extended duration which causes severe learning, communication and behavior disorders." Individuals with autism exhibit impairment in social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication.

Statutes describe intellectual disability as "significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning" along with "deficits in adaptive behavior which manifests before the age of 18 and can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Judge orders mental exam for student in attack on teacher's aide
Readers hoping to buy Rio Tinto Group (LON:RIO) for its dividend will need to make their move shortly, as the stock is about to trade ex-dividend. The ex-dividend date occurs one day before the record date which is the day on which shareholders need to be on the company's books in order to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is important as the process of settlement involves two full business days. So if you miss that date, you would not show up on the company's books on the record date. Meaning, you will need to purchase Rio Tinto Group's shares before the 9th of March to receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 20th of April.

The company's upcoming dividend is US$2.25 a share, following on from the last 12 months, when the company distributed a total of US$4.86 per share to shareholders. Last year's total dividend payments show that Rio Tinto Group has a trailing yield of 6.6% on the current share price of 61.44. Dividends are an important source of income to many shareholders, but the health of the business is crucial to maintaining those dividends. We need to see whether the dividend is covered by earnings and if it's growing.

View our latest analysis for Rio Tinto Group

Dividends are typically paid out of company income, so if a company pays out more than it earned, its dividend is usually at a higher risk of being cut. Rio Tinto Group paid out more than half (64%) of its earnings last year, which is a regular payout ratio for most companies. A useful secondary check can be to evaluate whether Rio Tinto Group generated enough free cash flow to afford its dividend. Over the past year it paid out 114% of its free cash flow as dividends, which is uncomfortably high. It's hard to consistently pay out more cash than you generate without either borrowing or using company cash, so we'd wonder how the company justifies this payout level.

While Rio Tinto Group's dividends were covered by the company's reported profits, cash is somewhat more important, so it's not great to see that the company didn't generate enough cash to pay its dividend. Were this to happen repeatedly, this would be a risk to Rio Tinto Group's ability to maintain its dividend.

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Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Businesses with strong growth prospects usually make the best dividend payers, because it's easier to grow dividends when earnings per share are improving. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. This is why it's a relief to see Rio Tinto Group earnings per share are up 9.3% per annum over the last five years. Earnings have been growing at a steady rate, but we're concerned dividend payments consumed most of the company's cash flow over the past year.

The main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. Since the start of our data, 10 years ago, Rio Tinto Group has lifted its dividend by approximately 12% a year on average. It's encouraging to see the company lifting dividends while earnings are growing, suggesting at least some corporate interest in rewarding shareholders.

The Bottom Line

Should investors buy Rio Tinto Group for the upcoming dividend? Earnings per share have grown somewhat, although Rio Tinto Group paid out over half its profits and the dividend was not well covered by free cash flow. It's not an attractive combination from a dividend perspective, and we're inclined to pass on this one for the time being.

So if you're still interested in Rio Tinto Group despite it's poor dividend qualities, you should be well informed on some of the risks facing this stock. For example, we've found 3 warning signs for Rio Tinto Group (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that deserve your attention before investing in the shares.

If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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A Kansas City man pleaded guilty to killing a 33-year-old who was found stabbed to death in a Gladstone apartment after a neighbor had called 911 to report a fire in the building.

Noah T. Cole, 24, has been jailed on a $1 million bond since his arrest 15 months ago. On Wednesday, Cole admitted in Clay County Circuit Court to one count of second-degree murder in the killing of Matthew Stauch, who died in November 2021.

As part of the plea agreement filed Wednesday, Clay County prosecutors will recommend Cole spend 28 years in prison on the murder conviction. Prosecutors also agreed to drop three other pending felony charges of armed criminal action, arson and burglary.

On Nov. 29, 2021, firefighters were dispatched to the London Towers Apartment Complex at 2505 NE Shady Lane Dr. after a person called 911 to report their apartment was filling up with smoke.

The source of the fire was determined to be a neighboring unit. After entering, firefighters discovered Stauch, the resident, face down in the back bedroom. Neighbors were ordered to leave the building as the fire was put out.

Homicide detectives found apparent puncture wounds on Stauchs back and neck. It also appeared that Stauch had been lit on fire, according to charging documents, based on burn patterns to his clothes and charring on his body.

An autopsy was completed two days later. It revealed that Stauch had been stabbed approximately 40 times with a small-bladed instrument. His death was ruled a homicide.

In addition to several valuable items missing from his apartment, including a guitar signed by the cast of Seinfeld, Stauchs vehicle and cell phone were not found at the scene of the killing.

Detectives connected Cole to the homicide by tracking the stolen vehicle and witness reports from other violent crimes, including a separate fatal shooting in Kansas City. He was also suspected of burglarizing a store where a shotgun was stolen from behind the counter, according to court documents, and detectives compared surveillance video with his drivers license photo.

Missing items from Stauchs apartment were recovered from Coles residence in the 6000 block of St. John Avenue in Kansas City after police executed a search warrant there. They also found tax papers and a prescription bottle with Stauchs name on them. Several knives were taken as evidence.

Cole is scheduled to be sentenced in Clay County on May 10 before Judge Shane T. Alexander.
White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway and her husband George Conway arrive for a candlelight dinner at Union Station on the eve of the 58th presidential inauguration in Washington, U.S., January 19, 2017. Picture taken January 19, 2017. Joshua Roberts/Reuters

Kellyanne Conway and George Conway are reportedly getting a divorce.

The prominent couple announced via Twitter they're calling it quits on their 22-year marriage.

The two have been known for their different stances on Trump.

Kellyanne Conway, the ex-senior advisor to President Donald Trump, and her husband George Conway, an overt critic of the former president, are divorcing, the couple announced Saturday evening.

In a joint statement, the Conways confirmed they were "in the final stages of an amicable divorce," and requested privacy.

"We married more than two decades ago, cherish the many happy years (and four corgis) we've shared, and above all else, our four incredible children, who remain the heartbeat of our family and our top priority," the statement said.

The New York Post was first to report the news. The high-profile Washington couple hired lawyers following a failed attempt to preserve their marriage of 22 years, Page Six reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The couple has four kids.

Representatives for the Conways did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Saturday.

The Conways tied the knot in 2001 and rose to national political prominence throughout the years. The couple has been known for having opposing views of Trump, as Insider previously reported. Kellyanne served as Trump's campaign manager during his 2016 presidential run and soon joined him in the White House as a senior aide before announcing her exit in summer 2020.

During that time, George quickly became a critic of the president's policies and ideology. George, a conservative attorney, introduced his wife to Trump shortly after getting married, a move he after said he regrets.

George and Trump have a history of taking digs at each other on Twitter. In one tweet in 2019, Trump referred to George as a "husband from hell." In her memoir "Here's the Deal," Kellyanne said that her husband's criticism on social media put a burden on their marriage, adding that he was "cheating by tweeting."

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"I had already said publicly what I'd said privately to George: that his daily deluge of insults-by-tweet against my boss  or, as he put it sometimes, 'the people in the White House'  violated our marriage vows to 'love, honor, and cherish each other," the memoir excerpt said.

Additionally, in a 2022 interview on CBS Mornings, Kellyanne admitted she and George don't wear their wedding rings.

After the news broke about the couple's alleged divorce, Trump responded on Truth Social with another jab at George.

"Congratulations to Kellyanne Conway on her DIVORCE from her wacko husband, Mr. Kellyanne Conway," Trump said Saturday morning. Free at last, she has finally gotten rid of the disgusting albatross around her neck."

"She is a great person, and will now be free to lead the kind of life that she deservesand it will be a great life without the extremely unattractive loser by her side!" Trump continued.

Read the original article on Insider
Theres so much news in the news that its hard to begin sorting it all out, but we can always try.

First up, the sad news that President Jimmy Carter was entering hospice care at home after several recent hospital stays. Hospice care provides pain control and other methods of keeping the patient comfortable, but no medical interventions are used.

Carter was a one-term president, probably done in most by American hostages being held in Iran for months.

Kendall P. Stanley

Of all the things Carter accomplished, the highlight was the Camp David Accords, signed by President Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in September 1978. It established a framework for a historic peace treaty concluded between Israel and Egypt in March 1979.

Imagine, peace between two countries that had battled each other for years. The classic photo of Sadat, Begin and Carter all clasping hands together is a reminder that peace is, indeed, reachable.

After leaving office Carter returned to Plains, Ga., with his wife Rosalynn. They formed the Carter Center, a nongovernmental organization. The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy and human rights; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care.

He also worked over the years with Habitat for Humanity.

A Baptist, Carter was a Sunday school teacher and led by example. He not only knew the Bible, he lived it in his own quiet way.

I have one life and one chance to make it count for something  my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference, he has said. If thats not living your beliefs I dont know what is.

One of these days if it hasnt occurred after I write this, he will no longer be with us. His legacy of good deeds done and humanity helped will, however, live on.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., yells during President Joe Biden's State of the Union address on Feb. 7, 2023.

Separate blue and red?

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has a great idea  its time for a divorce between Blue and Red America. What a splendid idea! Since blue states send more money to the federal government than they get back, it would be nice for a change to get more money for the projects we like.

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Certainly its the blue states and all their Democrats that are causing the rift in the relationship, so as punishment if they move to red states they shouldnt be able to vote there for at least five years.

Of course Republicans rose up and told her shes nuts and it wont happen  NOT. Silence is golden when the partys nut jobs go off into the wilds.

Biden marks 1 year anniversary of Ukraine war

Hurrah for Joe

You wake up in the morning and POW, theres President Joe Biden in Kyiv, Ukraine, walking down the street with Ukraines president while the air raid sirens wail in the background. What the heck?

Just our president reassuring Ukrainians that America stands with them in fighting off Russia as it tries to capture their homeland.

Which Russia and China claim the U.S. started. No really, they believe that. Well maybe not believe it, but its their story and they are sticking with it.

Biden then went on to a NATO gathering of our Eastern European allies, assuring them that weve got their back if Russias Putin decides to tangle with them.

It was a pretty gutsy move by Biden, who for the time being has Congressional support for providing much needed weapons and materiel for Ukraine.

Lets be clear here  Ukraine needs help from the West to drive Russia out of its borders. There is only one country on Earth that can lead that effort and that, for better or worse, is us.

Putin has long wanted to reunite the Soviet Union and decided to pick on Ukraine, a decision Im sure he now regrets. He is mired in a quagmire of his own making.

Now is not the time to be questioning whether support of Ukraine is the right or wrong thing to do. It is if we seek a world where countries dont have to fear their country being invaded by others.

 Kendall P. Stanley is retired editor of the News-Review. He can be contacted at kendallstanley@charter.net. The opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and not necessarily of the Petoskey News-Review or its employees.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Kendall Stanley: So much in the news 
Henry Berg-Brousseau and his mother Kentucky State Sen. Karen Berg

Republican lawmakers advanced a bill on Thursday intended to limit drag shows in Kentucky, leading to one senator, Karen Berg, invoking the memory of her late transgender son, transgender rights activist Henry Berg-Brousseau, to shame GOP lawmakers for the bigotry their votes enabled.

Under Senate Bill 115, drag shows would not be allowed on public property or in places where children could glimpse a queen.

During a hearing on Thursday, Republican lawmakers continued to dismiss the concerns of LGBTQ+ people who urged them not to move forward with their prejudice, but those calls fell on deaf ears, northern Kentucky news site Link NKY reports.

GOP lawmakers settled on a bill that did not include a thousand-foot distance requirement for how far from homes, schools, and parks any performance conceivably considered drag would be illegal.

Democratic Kentucky state senator Karen Berg, a physician, and mother of Henry Berg-Brousseau, a transgender man who worked as deputy press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign and died by suicide recently, invoked her son's memory to explain her no vote.

"I really do want to apologize for the hate that you have received," she said to witnesses who had spoken to the GOP-led panel. "Because the hate you give is the hate you get."

She continued, "I can tell you from my personal experience on the day I buried my child here in Kentucky  my proud trans child  the last thing he did at work before he went home and killed himself was to send out a press release to the country from the Human Rights Campaign, warning us of what was coming."

Berg added that before she could make it home from the cemetery after burying her son in December, she'd received hate messages from those who claimed she had killed her child.

Berg-Brousseau was 24.

"The hate that is coming out of this country is disgusting. It is scary. It is undemocratic, and [this bill] is unconstitutional," she said.

Republicans disagree and claim that they are the saviors of kids. They argue that the existence of transgender people and acceptance of trans kids is a manifestation of a "woke agenda" being pushed by liberals.

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"This bill is not anti-LGBTQ," Republican Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, the bill's lead sponsor, said, according to an Associated Press report. "This bill is pro-children. For some reason, people want this type of content in front of children. And I would dare ask, why? Why do we need to sexualize our children?"

A violation of the bill's provisions could result in losing a business license and an alcohol license. In addition, first-time violators would be punished with misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders would be charged with felonies.

"This bill not only compromises or asks me to explain my humanity, but it also brings into question my livelihood," drag performer Poly Tics told senators before they voted to advance the measure.

In February, Berg made an impassioned plea before her colleagues, asking them to recognize that transgender people are not a philosophical debate.

"There is no religious or ideological conflicts with children being trans. You need to find it for me in your Bible. You need to show me where this is such a deeply held belief that it is incontrovertible in your mind," Berg said.

"These are the children that have trouble fitting in, the ones who are just a little different from their peers, the ones who historically we have allowed to be bulliedhalf of the suicides in age 15 to 24 years of age in this country. The second leading cause of death in that age group is from our vulnerable, marginalized children," she said.

"Either you believe that trans children do not exist, or you believe that trans children do not deserve to exist. I can tell you, these children exist," Berg concluded.

The radical Republican-controlled state legislature in Tennessee recently passed, and on Thursday, Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed into law an almost identical law criminalizing drag queens, making it the first state in the nation to do so.

In their criticism of these laws, Democrats, LGBTQ+ advocates, and critics all point out that the words of these measures are intentionally vague in such a way as to restrict the lives of transgender people. While the target appears to be drag queens today, activists warn that Republicans actually want to legislate transgender Americans out of existence.

Far-right activists and GOP politicians across the country falsely claim that drag queens are "grooming" or "sexualizing" children at kid-friendly Drag Queen Story Hour events in libraries or at family-friendly drag brunches, popular at restaurants on weekends nationwide.

On Thursday evening, after the vote, Berg tweeted a warning to supporters of LGBTQ+ rights.

"Total ban on all gender affirming care for minors bill passed the KY House today. Another Senate Bill essentially makes it illegal for a man to dress as a woman or a woman as a man in public spaces. Guys, pay attention! The hate is being kindled. Our work is not over!!!" she wrote with a clip showing her speech from earlier that day.

\u201cTotal ban on all gender affirming care for minors bill passed the KY House today. Another Senate Bill essentially makes it illegal for a man to dress as a woman or a woman as a man in public spaces.



Guys, pay attention! The hate is being kindled. Our work is not over!!!\u201d  Karen Berg (@Karen Berg) 1677797964

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities.



Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations.

The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.
The stunning downfall of Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced former South Carolina lawyer and convicted killer, was capped Friday, March 3, when he was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of his wife and youngest son.

His oldest son, Buster Murdaugh, sat silently behind his father every day for weeks as dozens of witnesses gave their testimonies, and put his head in his hands when the jury's verdict was read on March 2.

Buster Murdaugh listens during Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C. on Feb. 16, 2023. (Joshua Boucher / The State via AP file)

Buster not only made an appearance on the witness stand, but he is mentioned several times in the Netflix documentary, "Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal," which charts his father's fall from grace as the scion of a multi-generational South Carolina legal dynasty to a man facing nearly 100 criminal charges.

Before Alex Murdaugh was disbarred by the South Carolina Supreme Court in July 2022, he was a personal injury attorney. The South Carolina Attorney General's Office alleges Alex Murdaugh stole nearly $8.5 million from his clients at his law firm over 11 years, accounting for 99 charges across more than a dozen indictments. He acknowledged fraud in during his testimony.

Buster Murdaugh (Joshua Boucher / The State via AP)

Alex Murdaugh's father, grandfather and great-grandfather all held positions as top prosecutors in the southern part of the state, giving the family large power over several counties in South Carolina for almost a century.

While Buster Murdaugh doesnt appear in the documentary and declined to comment for the series, viewers of the show and the trial may be curious to know about Alex Murdaughs only surviving son.

Buster was in law school

Image: (Andrew J. Whitaker / The Post And Courier via AP, Pool)

Buster Murdaugh graduated from Wofford College in 2018, according to his Instagram bio, and appeared to be following in his family's footsteps by enrolling at the University of South Carolina School of Law.

However, by spring 2021, he had been kicked out of law school for plagiarizing, according to court documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal.

The Post and Courier, a local South Carolina newspaper, obtained jailhouse phone calls from Alex Murdaugh, in which he said the Murdaugh family had paid a well-connected lawyer about $60,000 to secure Buster Murdaugh's re-admittance to the school.

Story continues

In a phone call published by The State, Buster Murdaugh speaks to his father about the efforts the lawyer, Butch Bowers, had gone to: He was supposed to be getting in touch with (William) Hubbard (Dean of the University of South Carolina School of Law), and Hubbard had to run it by admissions to be able to set the record clean.

You need to get ready for this law school, now OK, Alex Murdaugh told his son in a later phone call recorded from the prison, and published by the Post and Courier. I mean, youve got to really buckle down. Youve got to treat it like a job. Youre going to have to read these cases two and three times if you dont fully understand them.

He added: Because you know theres not going to be another chance.

But Jim Griffin, an attorney for Alex Murdaugh, told the Post and Courier in September 2022 the university and Buster Murdaugh had come to an agreement that he wouldn't yet return to school.

"He has put his desire to go to law school on hold for now," Griffin said. "There is no plan for him to start school in the fall or in the spring."

His connection to 2019 boat crash

Paul, Maggie and Alex Murdaugh. (Facebook)

As depicted in "Murdaugh Murders," Buster Murdaugh's younger brother Paul Murdaugh was facing three felony counts of boating under the influence at the time of his death stemming from a boat crash on Feb. 23, 2019.

On the night of the crash, then 19-year-old Paul Murdaugh took his familys boat out for a night of partying on the Beaufort River. Before getting into the boat, Paul Murdaugh used his older's ID to purchase alcohol for the night, as shown in footage played during the first episode of "Murdaugh Murders."

Survivors of the boat crash said in the documentary Paul Murdaugh was steering the boat when it crashed into a bridge, ejecting 19-year-old Mallory Beach from the vessel.

It took investigators eight days to find Beach's body, NBC reported in a 2022 "Dateline" episode.

The charges against Paul Murdaugh were dropped in August 2021 after the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office received his death certificate, NBC affiliate WSAV reported, and a settlement was reached between Beachs parents, other survivors of the crash and two of Murdaughs family members in January 2023, according to court documents published by NBC affiliate WTOC.

"Murdaugh Murders" also mentions the mysterious 2015 death of Buster Murdaugh's friend from high school, Stephen Smith, which remains unsolved. Investigators reopened the case into Smith's death after the deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, S.C. Law Enforcement Division spokesperson Tommy Crosby said in a June 2021 statement.

His connection to Alex Murdaugh's botched murder-for-hire plot

Alex Murdaugh made national headlines on Sept. 4, 2021, just months after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, when he was found with a gunshot wound to the head in Hampton County, South Carolina, NBC News reported.

Murdaugh's attorney Jim Griffin told news outlets at the time Murdaugh had pulled over after his vehicle got a flat tire, and then a person inside a pickup truck passed by and opened fire.

Authorities described Murdaughs injury as a "superficial" head wound on Sept. 5, and said he was expected to recover, NBC News reported.

But by Sept. 14, authorities had different version of events: Murdaugh allegedly arranged for his former client, Curtis Edward Smith, to kill him so that Buster Murdaugh could collect on his $10 million life insurance policy, NBC News reported.

Image: Buster Murdaugh (Joshua Boucher / The State via AP)

Dick Harpootlian, one of Murdaughs attorneys, said on TODAY on Sept. 15 his clients addiction to opioids led him to create the plot to have a Curtis kill him so Buster Murdaugh could make a claim his life insurance policy.

Murdaugh turned himself in to authorities on Sept. 16 after he was charged with insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and filing a false police report, NBC News reported.

Buster testified in his father's defense

Buster Murdaugh was the first witness the defense called to the stand, and he testified on Feb. 21 his father was barely able to speak the first time he saw him after the killings.

"He was destroyed, heartbroken," Buster Murdaugh told jurors.

He also spoke of their loving, "close-knit" family, which caused Alex Murdaugh to break down in tears several times during the testimony.

Image: (Grace Beahm Alford / The Post and Courier via AP)

Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing Maggie and Paul Murdaugh on March 2, and was sentenced to two life terms to be served consecutively  the maximum penalty  on March 3.

Buster Murdaugh put his head in his hands after the jury's verdict was read, and was seen hugging people in the courtroom after Judge Clifton Newman announced his father's sentence of life in prison.

Days after his father's sentence, Buster Murdaugh filed a police report after he saw a photo of himself inside of his home published in the New York Post.

He contacted police on March 5 after he was "made aware" of the photo, which appears to have been taken through the blinds of his home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, according to a copy of the police report obtained by NBC News.

Officers told him the Beaufort County Sheriffs Department would add extra patrols around his home, and to contact authorities if he noticed anything suspicious, the report said.

Less than an hour later, his girlfriend contacted police to report she and Murdaugh were being followed by a member of "the media" in a gray Chevrolet SUV, according to the report.

Officers made a traffic stop on the vehicle and noticed a bag in the front seat that was similar to a camera bag, according to the report, but let the driver go after a warning.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Photo: The Canadian Press Canadas Chief of the Defence Staff Wayne Eyre

The Department of National Defence says Canada's top soldier has just wrapped up a visit to Ukraine's capital.

A readout released by the department on Saturday says Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre received detailed briefings while he was in Kyiv from Ukrainian officials, including from his counterpart, commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Ukraine, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

It says he also met with Ukrainian soldiers, some of whom were trained by Canada under Operation Unifier, which trains Ukrainians in the United Kingdom and Poland.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced late last month that Canada will donate four additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks to support Ukrainian forces in their defence against Russia's invasion, doubling the number of tanks Canada is contributing.

Ottawa will also donate an armoured recovery vehicle and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

Saturday's readout says Eyre observed "the tangible results of Canada's support" and discussed "how Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces can contribute to Ukraines future needs."

"During his engagement with General Zaluzhnyi, General Eyre reiterated the Canadian Armed Forces unwavering commitment to continued solidarity with Ukraine and promised to continue supporting Ukraine directly or in cooperation with Allies in Eastern Europe," the statement said, adding Eyre was moved by his meetings with soldiers.

"He was humbled and inspired by their courage, their ingenuity, and their resolve as they continue to fight valiantly for their sovereignty against Russian forces."

The statement said Eyre also met with the Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine, Larisa Galadza, to share perspectives from both Ottawa and Kyiv.
TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea - AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

The Korean peninsula is turning into the "world's biggest powder keg" - and it's all Washington's fault, according to North Korea.

Pyongyang said its growing nuclear weapons programme was necessary to restore a balance of power as Washington strengthens ties with North Koreas surrounding foes.

"The Korean peninsula is turning into the world's biggest powder keg and war practice field due to a military expansion scheme led by the United States and its followers," its foreign ministry said in a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA.

Pyongyang is furious that the US is seeking to strengthen ties with Japan and South Korea as a deterrence against the recent rise in North Korean nuclear threats.

On Saturday the US and South Korea announced they will soon conduct more than 10 days of large-scale military exercises, including amphibious landings.

The US Air Force and South Korea's Air Force stage joint drills - AFP

The "Freedom Shield" drills will be held from March 13 to March 23 to strengthen against North Korean aggression, the two countries said.

Yoon Suk-yeol, South Koreas president, said earlier this week that cooperation between his country, the US and Japan has become more important than ever to overcome North Korea's growing nuclear threats and other crises.

"Japan has transformed from a militaristic aggressor of the past into a partner that shares the same universal values with us," he said.

North Korea says such joint military exercises are proof that the US and its allies are hostile and bent on regime change in the North, and justification for its escalation of weapons tests.

In February it showcased its missile might during a nighttime parade, displaying more intercontinental ballistic missiles than ever before and hinting at a new solid-fuel weapon.

North Korea showcased its missile might during a nighttime parade last month - KCNA/via REUTERS

Late last month it test-fired four long-range strategic cruise missiles in a drill designed to show its ability to launch a fatal nuclear counterattack.

The four Hwasal-2 missiles fired from North Hamgyong province towards the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula were aimed at honing the militarys rapid-response capabilities towards hostile forces, reported the KCNA.

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Last month Donald Trump expressed sympathy for the North Korean leader, saying the US drills have made him feel "threatened.

Kim Jong-un of North Korea, who I got to know and got along with very well during my years as president, is not happy with the US and South Korea doing big training and air exercises together, Mr Trump wrote.

He feels threatened. Even I would constantly complain that South Korea pays us very little to do these extremely expensive and provocative drills."
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Paul Pierrilus was deported two years ago from the U.S. to Haiti where he has been trying to survive in a chaotic and violent country where he wasnt born and had never lived.

Both his parents are Haitian but they emigrated to the French Caribbean territory of St. Martin where Pierrilus was born. The family did not apply for citizenship for him in either Haiti or St. Martin and later moved to the U.S. when he was 5. He grew up in New York speaking English.

Deported  after a long delay  because of a drug conviction two decades ago, Pierrilus is now in Haiti where he does not speak Haitian Creole, has been unable to find work and has little savings left as he hopes for a way to leave the increasingly unstable country.

You have to be mentally strong to deal with this type of stuff, Pierrilus said. A country where people get kidnapped every day. A country where people are killed. You have to be strong.

The 42-year-old financial consultant spends most of his days locked inside a house reading self-help, business and marketing books in a neighborhood where gunshots often echo outside.

Lawyers for Pierrilus in the U.S. are still fighting his deportation order, leaving him in legal limbo as the Biden administration steps up deportations to Haiti despite pleas from activists that they be temporarily halted because of the Caribbean countrys deepening chaos.

His case has become emblematic of what some activists describe as the discrimination Haitian migrants face in the overburdened U.S. immigration system. More than 20,000 Haitians have been deported from the U.S. in the past year as thousands more continue to flee Haiti in risky boat crossings that sometimes end in mass drownings.

Cases like Pierrilus in which people are deported to a country where they have never lived are unusual, but they happen occasionally.

Jimmy Aldaoud, born of Iraqi parents at a refugee camp in Greece and whose family emigrated to the U.S. in 1979, was deported in 2019 to Iraq after amassing several felony convictions. Suffering health problems and not knowing the language in Iraq, he died a few months later in a case oft-cited by advocates.

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Pierrilus parents took him to the United States so they could live a better life and he could receive a higher quality education.

When he was in his early 20s, he was convicted of selling crack cocaine. Because he was not a U.S. citizen, Pierrilus was transferred from criminal custody to immigration custody where he was deemed a Haitian national because of his parentage and ordered deported to Haiti.

Pierrilus managed to delay deportation with several legal challenges. Because he was deemed neither a danger to the community nor a flight risk, he was released, issued a work authorization and ordered to check with immigration authorities yearly.

He went on to become a financial planner.

Then, in February 2021, he was deported without warning, and his lawyers dont know exactly why his situation changed.

Lawyers for the nonprofit Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization in Washington have taken up his cause. We demand that the Biden administration bring Paul home, organization attorney Sarah Decker said.

French St. Martin does not automatically confer French citizenship to those born in its territory to foreign parents, and his family did not seek it. They also did not formally seek Haitian citizenship, which Pierrilus is entitled to.

Though he could obtain Haitian citizenship, his lawyers have argued that he is not currently a Haitian citizen, had never lived there and should not be deported to a county with such political instability.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a brief general statement to The Associated Press that each country has an obligation under international law to accept the return of its nationals who are not eligible to remain in the U.S. or any other country. An ICE spokeswoman said no further information about Pierrilus' case could be provided, including what proof does the U.S. government have that he's an alleged Haitian citizen and why 13 years passed before he was suddenly deported.

In 2005, the Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed an appeal by Pierrilus previous attorneys to halt his deportation, saying it is not necessary for the respondent to be a citizen of Haiti for that country to be named as the country of removal. Decker, his current attorney, disagrees with that finding.

Pierrilus said that while he was being deported he told immigration officers, Im not going anywhere. Im not from where youre trying to send me.

Overpowered and handcuffed, he said he stopped resisting. As he boarded the flight, he recalled that women were screaming and children wailing. Inside, he felt the same. Pierrilus did not know when and if he would see his family or friends again.

After being processed at the airport, someone lent Pierrilus a cell phone so he could call his parents. They gave him contacts for a family friend where he could temporarily stay. Since then, gang violence has forced him to bounce through two other homes.

Warring gangs have expanded their control of territory in the Haitian capital to an estimated 60% since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, pillaging neighborhoods, raping and shooting civilians.

The U.N. warned in January that Haitians are suffering their worst humanitarian emergency in decades. More than 1,350 kidnappings were reported last year, more than double the previous year. Killings spiked by 35%, with more than 2,100 reported.

Pierrilus says he saw a man who was driving through his neighborhood get shot in the face as bullets shattered the windows and pock-marked the man's car.

Can you imagine that? This guy is swirling around trying to flee the area. I dont know what happened to the guy, he said.

As a result, he rarely goes out and relies on his faith for hope. He says he stopped going to church after he saw a livestreamed service in April 2021 in which gangs burst into the church and kidnapped a pastor and three congregants.

Pierrilus talks to his parents at least once a week, focusing on the progress of his case rather than on challenges in Haiti.

He hesitated to share his first impressions of his parents homeland upon landing in Haiti two years ago. I had mixed feelings, he said. I wanted to see what it looked like on my time, not under these circumstances.
March came roaring in like a lion across the south-central United States on Thursday and Friday as a heavy-hitting, severe weather system ushered in fierce winds, damaging tornadoes and flash flooding, killing at least 13 people and injuring several others.

The fatalities occurred in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky over the course of the two days as the storms trekked east. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed with AccuWeather that the first fatality had happened when a tree fell onto a vehicle in Yazoo County, located in the west-central part of the state.

The second fatality occurred in Arkansas's Scott County after a man's truck was likely swept from the roadway and into the Poteau River by flash flooding, according to the Scott County Sheriff's Department. At least 7 inches of rainfall fell over Waldron, Arkansas, where the man had been found.

Three deaths in Kentucky were confirmed Friday evening by Gov. Andy Beshear, who had declared a state of emergency ahead of the severe weather.

"I am sad to report we have one weather-related death today in Simpson County," the governor said over Twitter. The second death, this one in Edmonson County, was reported a little over half an hour later. The third death was confirmed in Logan County on Friday night. No further details were provided on the fatality, though the state wasn't spared by the vicious winds that had raked across the south-central U.S. the previous day.

A fourth Kentucky death was also reported Friday, with the Fayette County coroner's office telling CNN that a 41-year-old woman died in Lexington after a tree fell onto a vehicle. Beshear confirmed a fifth Kentucky death on Saturday morning.

The Kentucky State Police reported several incidents over social media where semi-trailer trucks had been blown off the road and, in some cases, overturned. "This is an example of just how dangerous the winds are today across Kentucky," Beshear said over Twitter, sharing one of the images from the police. "In some areas, thunderstorms are producing winds of 80 mph -- strong enough to blow tractor trailers off the road."

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Similar circumstances led to three fatalities in Alabama. In Talladega County, a man was killed when a tree fell onto his parked car. Information regarding the two additional deaths, in Lauderdale and Madison counties, was not immediately available.

"Earlier today, a strong storm system made its way through our state and tragically claimed the lives of three Alabamians. Please join me in uplifting their families and communities in prayer during this heartbreaking time," Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced on Twitter.

Two deaths in Tennessee were both related to falling trees, including the death of an elderly woman in the city of Hendersonville after a tree fell on her while out walking. In Humphreys County, a man died after a tree fell on the vehicle he was riding in, county officials told CNN.

The winds were just as brutal on Thursday as the storms began to ramp up in Texas. Severe thunderstorm watches were issued for portions of North Texas, and a tornado watch issued shortly before 3 p.m. CST covered the Dallas-Fort Worth area and over 9.8 million residents. The punishing winds tearing across the flat landscape prompted a severe thunderstorm warning for Fort Worth and later Dallas, the National Weather Service warning it was a "life-threatening" situation as the "destructive storm" would contain wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour.

The warnings were issued around the evening rush hour, and at least 21 motor vehicle crashes occurred during the severe weather event in the Fort Worth area, MedStar Mobile Healthcare Chief Transformation Officer told AccuWeather National Reporter Bill Wadell. Among the crashes were three rollovers, including one involving an 18-wheeler. At least four people were transported to a local hospital.

At 6 p.m. CST, the Office of Emergency Management activated sirens for the city of Dallas due to damaging winds, officials warning residents to seek shelter immediately.

Wind gusts at North Fort Worth gusted up to 80 mph Thursday evening, and Comstock, located in the southwestern Texas county of Val Verde, reported a gust of up to 81 mph. One of the highest wind gusts from Thursday didn't occur in Texas, however, but in Caddo, Oklahoma, where a wind gust reached 100 mph.

One of the top wind reports in Kentucky on Friday was in Hardinsburg, a little over 50 miles southwest of Louisville, where a gust was reported at 75 mph. One of the highest wind gusts reported was in Wears Valley, Tennessee, at 98 mph.

Power outages across the U.S. surged into the hundreds of thousands by Friday evening amid the vicious winds that tore at power lines and downed trees. The highest number of customers without power was in Kentucky where over 470,000 customers were left in the dark by Friday evening, according to PowerOutage.US. The state was followed by Tennessee, which had over 332,000 customers without power.

Of those who lost power due to the storms on Friday, many were still left in the dark Sunday morning. In Kentucky, roughly 245,000 customers remain without power, along with over 42,000 in Tennessee.

Air travel was snarled as well, especially in Texas on Thursday when 382 flights were canceled and another 537 delayed at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, according to FlightAware. Another 98 flights were canceled and 124 were delayed at Dallas Love Field Airport. In Kentucky, Lexington's Blue Grass Airport lost power during the day on Friday, forcing the cancellation or diversion of the day's remaining flights. Power to the airport was not restored until early Saturday morning.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

While strong winds were one of the bigger threats throughout the event, a few tornadoes also spawned as the storms darkened the sky.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center recorded six preliminary tornado reports in Texas and Louisiana on Friday and an additional two in Kentucky on Friday. In addition to these reports, a survey team from the NWS office in Little Rock determined the damage in Kirby, Arkansas, from Thursday was consistent with a strong EF2 tornado.

NWS survey teams assessed damage in Pickton, Texas, located in Hopkins County, and confirmed an EF1 tornado with estimated max wind gusts of 110 mph had torn through the area. Other surveys have yet to be completed.

Additional reporting by AccuWeather National Reporter Bill Wadell.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Joe Biden will deliver a speech in Selma, Alabama, to recognize the 58th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march known as Bloody Sunday.

As President Joe Biden prepares to travel to Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Democratic leaders and activists are reflecting on the state of voting rights and racial equality, and the legacy of late civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis.

Biden will deliver remarks at the Edmund Pettus Bridge and participate in the annual commemorative bridge crossing event on Sunday. In his remarks, the president will argue that protecting voting rights is integral to delivering economic justice and civil rights for Black Americans today, according to the White House.

President Joe Biden and John Lewis during Bloody Sunday march. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nearly six decades ago, civil rights leaders led by a young Lewis were brutally attacked by police on the Edmund Pettus Bridge as they marched from Selma to the Alabama state capitol in Montgomery to protest voter suppression and racial inequality. Lewis notably suffered a skull fracture from the police attack and nearly lost his life.

When theGrio asked about the presidents visit to Selma during Thursdays White House briefing, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre noted that Biden accompanied then-Congressman Lewis during the annual civil rights commemorative event in 2019. The Georgia lawmaker died of cancer a year later.

It was an honor for him to do that, said Jean-Pierre, the first Black person to serve as White House press secretary. If you think about how the President got involved in politics, it was very much connected to the civil rights movement. So this is important to the President.

The Biden spokesperson added that its important to continue to remember those who fought very hard for the rights of many Americans.

Ahead of Bidens remarks, a congressional delegation of leaders and community members honored Lewis and martyrs of the civil rights movement on Friday during an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery. Before his death in 2020, Lewis led a bipartisan congressional delegation to the city and each year personally laid the symbolic wreath on the Civil Rights Memorial.

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The memorial was designed by Maya Lin and features the names of 41 people killed in the civil rights movement.

The Civil Rights Memorial, designed by Maya Lin, honours 40 individuals who died fighting for equal rights (between 1954 and 1968) on 3rd March 2020 in Montgomery, Alabama, United States. (photo by Barry Lewis/InPictures via Getty Images)

The wreath-laying ceremony resumed this year for the first time since Lewis death. Tafeni English, director of the Civil Rights Memorial Center, laid the wreath, this time to honor the 41 martyrs in addition to Lewis.

He would always say I have to step foot inside [the memorial center] because we never know if it will be our last time, English told theGrio while reflecting on the last ceremony Lewis attended.

English said Lewis also made sure to bring a group of young people to participate in the tradition.

It goes back to something Coretta Scott King said, which is we win these movements from generation to generation  and he very much understood that, she said.

After Bidens remarks on Sunday, he will join members of Congress, civil rights leaders and community members in the traditional march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell, who represents Alabamas 7th Congressional District including Selma, told theGrio, one cannot walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge without invoking the memory of John Lewis and the foot soldiers.

I think that Johns legacy looms large as we commemorate the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, she said. For me, every time I think about giving up, I think about Johns words. If you see something thats not just, not right, we all have a moral responsibility to do something about it.

Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., stands on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., in between television interviews on Feb. 14, 2015. Rep. Lewis was beaten by police on the bridge on Bloody Sunday 50 years ago on March 7, 1965, during an attempted march for voting rights from Selma to Montgomery. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Sewell said Bidens visit to Selma is also significant for her district after the city was ravaged by a tornado in January that destroyed or damaged 6,000 properties. Biden issued a declaration within days and provided federal assistance.

Sewell sees the presidents visit as sending a message to Selma residents that we are not alone.

So many of us who grew up in Selma, Alabama, feel as if the world comes to Selma to commemorate what happened on that bridge, she told theGrio. We are a declining and decaying city, and we need help. Its not enough to just come and walk across the bridge and keep on walking.

Sewell, who noted the trillions of federal dollars available to states from landmark legislation signed into law by Biden, added: There is transformational money, and my hope is that we as a community can come together and do a long-term strategic plan and leverage this opportunity [and] turn this disaster into an opportunity for us to build back better.

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., poses on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., on Feb. 15, 2015. Rep. Sewell represents Alabamas 7th Congressional district, which includes Selma. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Svante Myrick, president and CEO of the progressive advocacy group People For the American Way, commended Biden for his trip to Selma and his commitment to the Black community.

Hes certainly exceeded my expectations, Myrick told theGrio. Hes been a tremendous friend and ally of the Black community in particular when it comes to voting rights, not to mention, student debt relief and a host of other economic issues.

The social justice leader said that in addition to calling for passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act  which Biden did several times in the last session of Congress  he would also like to hear the president discuss the attacks on Black history courses in public classrooms by Republican leaders like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Myrick, who also named former President Donald Trump, described the GOP leaders as far-right extremist politicians who are trying to weaken and water down the Black history curriculum in our schools and attempt to censor and intimidate and bully teachers to stop them from teaching the true history of our country.

The former mayor of Ithaca, New York, said the recent targeting of Black history in schools is an insidious attack on our democracy. Myrick said he sees a direct connection between censuring Black history and voting rights.

Restricting access to information is the route to disenfranchise and misinform voters, he said. So I do hope President Biden takes a minute to talk about those attacks on our educational system.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Black leaders reflect on John Lewis, racial equality ahead of Bidens Bloody Sunday speech appeared first on TheGrio.
Rental scooter company Lime is suing rental car giant Hertz, alleging that the company has engaged in unfair business practices by poaching its workforce.

Lime filed a lawsuit in a California federal court seeking financial damages and to protect its trade secrets.

The suit also names two of its former employees, including now-Hertz executive Charlie Fang, accusing them of recruiting Lime employees and sharing Lime trade secrets with Hertz. Lime alleges that after Fang left Lime for Hertz, he repeatedly reached out to and recruited top engineers to the company, in violation with his written termination agreement.

The trade secrets in question are mostly regarding fleet management technology and technology for ridesharing, according to the suit. Lime is the worlds largest shared electric vehicle company, operating in 30 countries, according to its site and the text of the lawsuit.

Fang was Limes head of engineering before leaving in October to be Hertzs senior vice president of product engineering.

Immediately upon starting his new position at Hertz, Fang started posting messages to his [LinkedIn] network recruiting for engineers to join his new team at Hertz, the suit alleges.

The second former employee named in the suit, Kai Cong, left Lime in December after being recruited by Fang, the suit alleges. Cong also went on to recruit other Lime employees via LinkedIn and other methods, according to Lime.

The suit alleges that Hertz was aware and did not discourage Fang and Congs actions, holding the company responsible as well.

Fangs improper poaching of Limes employees has significantly harmed Lime because it now faces staff shortages, recruiting costs, and critical project delays that it would not have had to face absent Fangs violations of his non-solicitation agreements and Hertzs turning a blind eye to those violations, the suit says.

Hertz has argued that the non-solicitation clauses in Fang and Congs contracts are non-enforceable.

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Cong is also accused of downloading and distributing trade secrets to Hertz in the days before his departure from Lime, according to the suit.

Hertz entered bankruptcy in 2020, shortly after the beginning of the pandemic, but the company recovered a year later following a massive injection from new investors.

Hertz vehemently disagrees with the claims made in the lawsuit. As this is active litigation, we have no further comment at this time, a spokesperson for the rental car company told The Hill.

Updated 1:34 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Skyscrapers in the City of London, UK - Hollie Adams, Bloomberg

Reliable and affordable access to capital is critical to any advanced economy. Efficient capital markets, private and public company lending, are the beating heart providing the fuel to create products and services, and to grow the enterprises that provide them.

The UK is blessed with capital markets that are among the deepest, most liquid and most competitive of anywhere in the world. We are Europes leading hub for investment, and the second largest globally  continually powering ahead of economic behemoths such as India and China.

This achievement is built on fundamental strengths such as the rule of law, English language, a fortuitous time zone, and the fact that London is one of the worlds most diverse and liveable cities.

In 2021 alone, more than 17bn of capital was raised for firms in the UK, a 15-year high, with over 120 deals completed - helping an abundance of companies access the finance they need to grow, boosting jobs, investment, and prosperity across the UK.

Having just returned from Germany, where I met stakeholders from across its financial services industry, it was welcome that this strength of the UK is acknowledged and relied upon by some of the worlds largest businesses  and will be crucial in funding the global transition to clean, low carbon energy.

Ultimately different companies will have unique features and competing reasons to list in capital markets across the globe. And in the case of Arm, while it has chosen to list in the US, it is notable that in the same breath it confirms plans to open a new innovative hub in Bristol  and has committed to further building their business in the UK, with its headquarters, operations and material intellectual property remaining here.

As City Minister, I have always been of the view that we need to go further  and not just rely on past success. I never forget that companies have a choice where to locate or to raise or invest capital. The UK must compete for every pound, dollar or euro of that business, with the Government providing the supportive environment in which to do so.

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Its why we are giving financial regulators a new duty on international competitiveness and growth. Its why our Edinburgh reforms will be simpler and more flexible than when rules were set in Brussels. And its why we are releasing capital trapped in UK banks, insurers and pension funds into more productive investments.

Our plans include reforming the UKs prospectus regime  doing away with unnecessary bureaucracy so investors get the best possible information, more people can own public companies, and the capital raising process for businesses is simpler.

Were also reforming the UKs rulebook for our wholesale markets  having already removed unnecessary rules and burdensome reporting requirements - simplifying and widening retail participation in our markets while cutting costs for companies.

The UK is also seizing on new technological innovations, establishing a taskforce on faster trade settlement, completing in just a day. And we are working on plans to trial an entirely new class of wholesale markets venue: an intermittent trading venue. This market would be a world first, enabling companies to go public earlier in their growth cycle and widening the pools of capital accessible to them while democratising the chance for investors to buy into their growth even earlier.

We are also working with our regulators in delivering on these ambitions helping to make a reality of their new duty on growth and international competitiveness. In many cases, they have acted quickly and nimbly to change their rules, offering investors and firms access to dual class shares and facilitating greater choice over potential voting rights and dividends, for example; granting permission for special purpose acquisition companies (spacs) to list on UK exchanges, encouraging greater dealmaking; and easing friction by amending the rules on free float shares.

And if we need to go further, then we will. The Financial Services and Markets Bill will complete its journey through Parliament in the coming weeks. It grants us the power to quickly and effectively repeal and replace burdensome pages of European Union laws, and establishes a broader regulatory framework that is smarter, agile, and  crucially  proportionate to the risks posed.

The Chancellor and Prime Minister are unwavering in their commitment to grow the economy and make the UK the worlds next technology superpower. We already have world-class research infrastructure and open markets to scale up the businesses of the future here in Britain  and arguably have two of the three most important artificial intelligence companies anywhere in the world.

I have immense faith in the future for the UK s capital markets  and believe they will continue to prosper.

Andrew Griffith is City minister
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, ConvaTec Group fair value estimate is UK2.19

Current share price of UK2.27 suggests ConvaTec Group is potentially trading close to its fair value

The US$2.64 analyst price target for CTEC is 21% more than our estimate of fair value

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of ConvaTec Group Plc (LON:CTEC) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for ConvaTec Group

The Method

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$244.8m US$274.4m US$318.6m US$331.6m US$362.7m US$384.9m US$402.8m US$417.2m US$429.1m US$439.2m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x8 Analyst x8 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ 6.13% Est @ 4.63% Est @ 3.59% Est @ 2.86% Est @ 2.35% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 8.1% US$227 US$235 US$252 US$243 US$246 US$242 US$234 US$224 US$214 US$202

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$2.3b

Story continues

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (1.2%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 8.1%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$439m (1 + 1.2%)  (8.1% 1.2%) = US$6.4b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$6.4b ( 1 + 8.1%)10= US$3.0b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$5.3b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of UK2.3, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at ConvaTec Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.991. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for ConvaTec Group

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Medical Equipment market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the British market.

Significant insider buying over the past 3 months.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by earnings.

Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the British market.

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For ConvaTec Group, we've compiled three relevant factors you should assess:

Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 3 warning signs we've spotted with ConvaTec Group . Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for CTEC's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the LSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Key Insights

The projected fair value for Halliburton is US$38.87 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

With US$38.89 share price, Halliburton appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

The US$49.00 analyst price target for HAL is 26% more than our estimate of fair value

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you.

See our latest analysis for Halliburton

The Calculation

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$1.92b US$2.76b US$3.37b US$3.71b US$3.85b US$3.97b US$4.08b US$4.18b US$4.28b US$4.38b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x13 Analyst x12 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Est @ 3.02% Est @ 2.73% Est @ 2.53% Est @ 2.39% Est @ 2.30% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 12% US$1.7k US$2.2k US$2.4k US$2.4k US$2.2k US$2.0k US$1.9k US$1.7k US$1.6k US$1.5k

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$20b

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.1%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 12%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$4.4b (1 + 2.1%)  (12% 2.1%) = US$47b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$47b ( 1 + 12%)10= US$15b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$35b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of US$38.9, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Halliburton as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.613. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Halliburton

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings growth over the past year underperformed the Energy Services industry.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Energy Services market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the American market.

Threat

Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For Halliburton, we've put together three essential items you should assess:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Halliburton that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does HAL's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Join A Paid User Research Session

Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
A 58-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly stabbing a man to death in the Cedar Crest neighborhood on Friday, Dallas police said.

Officers responded to the 1400 block of Montague Avenue around 2:30 p.m., according to the Dallas Police Department. After a preliminary investigation they determined the suspect had gotten into an argument with another man, and then allegedly stabbed him.

The victim was taken to a local hospital, but later died from his wounds. Authorities havent released the name and age of the victim.

Darrell Aclese was taken into custody and charged with murder, police said.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot gets a hug from her sister, Angela Holdren, after giving a concession speech Feb. 28, 2023, during her election night watch party at the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a pre-election interview with The New Yorker that, I am a Black woman, lets not forget. Certain folks frankly dont support us in leadership roles.

Sad, but true. Yet that doesnt explain why she swept all 50 of the citys wards a mere four years ago to become the citys first Black lesbian mayor.

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What does explain her earlier victory was her showing up at the right time with the right campaign to address the issues of that time, particularly police accountability.

This time was not like that. This time she won only 17% of the overall vote, too low in the nine-person field to make the April runoff. She lost to Paul Vallas, a former Chicago Public Schools CEO, and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson.

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[ The battle for City Hall is on: Paul Vallas will face Brandon Johnson to become Chicagos next mayor ]

She might as well have said, The crime rate went up. Just about everyone in Chicago  or who knows someone from Chicago  seems to have stories to tell about friends or relatives who have been shot, robbed, carjacked or otherwise victimized by the citys crime surge.

Like other cities, Chicago had a crime surge after COVID-19 hit. Homicides jumped from 500 in 2019 to 776 in 2020, and peaked at 804 in 2021, according to Chicago Police Department statistics. Then homicides fell last year by nearly 14% to 695.

When rioters in August 2020 looted stores and broke windows on Michigan Avenues Magnificent Mile and other prestigious downtown properties, it looked like the city was falling apart. Still, Lightfoot didnt seem to have much of a plan for dealing with the problem, outside of her stern disapproval.

No, its not necessarily the mayors fault that such crises break out. But what really matters is how well he or she handles it and gets ahead of it. Lightfoot, for all of her earnest speeches about hope and reforms, never seemed to have much of a handle on the problems or much success at working with others to fix them.

I was sadly reminded of the blizzard of 1979, which dumped more than 20 inches of snow on the city and led to Mayor Michael Bilandic unexpectedly being unseated by challenger Jane Byrne, who served one term before she lost her reelection bid to South Side U.S. Rep. Harold Washington. Even in Chicago, many noted  including me  the voters know when enough is enough.

Then, in those days before Chicago turned to nonpartisan runoff elections, Washingtons Democratic bid against Republican nominee Bernard Epton set off one of the most racially contentious elections in Chicago history.

Politics aint beanbag, Washington often observed, quoting an old saying that goes back to 19th century Chicago novelist Finley Peter Dunne. Washington understood the times and worked to change them.

[ Kam Buckner: The next mayor of Chicago has a reform mandate ]

Today, we see race, ethnicity and gender continue to be issues in Chicago, but fortunately the voters seem to have gotten a little better at focusing on issues that affect all colors of Chicagoans.

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Vallas is white, and Johnson is African American. But, in the often-quoted spirit of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., I believe they should be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their platforms.

Of course, that approach can be complicated by the language that we use.

For example, Vallas is keeping his laser focus on crime, saying in speeches that its time to take our city back. Lightfoot compared that line to Vote for Epton before its too late as a racial dog whistle, echoing back to 1983. Well, not quite.

Johnson, by contrast, has backed away from his early support of the defund the police movement to call instead for reversing the lack of investment in high crime areas so police dont have to behave as crisis interventionists, therapists and social workers on emergency calls.

Vallas, backed by the Fraternal Order of Police, presented himself as the tough-on-crime candidate who also supports restoring a community policing model that builds strong relationships between police and the communities they serve.

[ David Greising: If Vallas and Johnson can stick with the issues, Chicagoans will be better off ]

I have long supported community policing as well as alternative services to take some of the burden off police in emergency calls. As departing Mayor Lightfoot showed, coming up with new ideas is great, but putting them into action can be quite another matter.

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Chicago politics, like elsewhere, still aint beanbag. Nevertheless, lets hope it stays civil.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime

Editors note: An earlier version of this column erroneously quoted Mayor Lori LIghtfoot as saying Im a Black woman in America, of course on election night to explain her loss. In fact, the quote came from a discussion the previous week about how Black women are perceived in leadership roles.
Phoenix police.

An arrest was made in connection with the Jan. 27 shooting death of Alexis Villegas, a 33-year-old man who died from his injuries after he was involved in a fight with multiple men, Phoenix police said.

The fight ended in Villegas being shot several times, Phoenix police said.

Detectives arrested 26-year-old Alexander Medina in the shooting death of Villegas, the department announced on Saturday. The arrest came after a monthlong investigation into the events that led up to the shooting, police said.

Phoenix police responded to calls of a shooting near 3600 West Missouri Avenue just after 2 p.m. on Jan. 27. Upon arrival, officers found Villegas with life-threatening injuries from multiple gunshot wounds. Villegas was taken immediately to a hospital where he later died, police said.

Early information indicated Villegas was involved in a fight with several adult men during which he was shot multiple times. Homicide detectives with the Police Department were investigating the shooting.

Medina was booked into Maricopa County Jail following his arrest on March 3.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police arrest man in fatal January shooting
Phoenix police.

A man is facing murder charges in the shooting death of a Phoenix short-term rental owner.

Carlos Hernandez, 28, of Phoenix, is charged with second-degree murder in the suspicion of fatally shooting Winston Sheih on the morning of Feb. 11 at Sheih's short-term rental unit, according to charging documents.

An investigation found Hernandez shot Sheigh 13 times following an argument between the men at the residence the victim owned on West Garfield Street near North 15th Avenue, according to court documents. Sheih was found outside the home by police dispatched on a shooting call, and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to court documents.

Surveillance video reviewed by police showed three people fleeing the scene at the time of the shooting before getting into a light-colored Nissan Altima with two other occupants. The vehicle then sped off, according to court documents.

Related:Most short-term rentals in metro Phoenix are still unlicensed

What led up to the shooting?

Shortly before the shooting, surveillance footage shows several people helping Sheih carry cleaning supplies and bedding from his car to the unit.

During an argument with Sheih, Hernandez took a gun from another person's waistband, a witness told police. The witness, who was not present for the shooting but recounted conversation with the suspect, provided police with Hernandez's phone number. The same number was found saved under Hernandez's first name in Sheih's phone with several communications between the suspect and victim shortly before the shooting, court documents note.

Phone records placed Hernandez's device at or near the crime scene when the shooting transpired, according to charging documents.

Another witness told police they had given Hernandez a ride to the scene of the shooting just a few hours before Sheih's killing, which was corroborated by surveillance video, according to court documents.

The Nissan Altima was found and, according to court records, "documents" led to further witnesses. Pne of those witnesses identified Hernandez in a photo lineup after saying they were present when an armed man fled the shooting and jumped into the car, court records show.

Story continues

Sheih rented out the unit on Airbnb and Vrbo, which are websites listing residences or rooms for short-term lodging. Police were unable to confirm if someone was scheduled to stay at the short-term rental unit, according to court documents.

Hernandez is also charged with possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, charging documents show.

Hernandez was taken into custody on Thursday. As of Saturday, Hernandez was being held in jail custody on a $1 million bond, according to Maricopa County jail and court records. Hernandez has a scheduled hearing for March 10, according to court records.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man suspected of murdering Phoenix property owner in shooting
Emergency lights on a us police car Getty Images

A man's iPhone alerted Florida authorities when he got in a crash and stuck in a canal, per police.

The signal gave deputies coordinates to track the man down.

Deputies were able to rescue the man, who was trapped inside his submerged car.

A Florida man crashed and submerged into a canal leaving him trapped, authorities said, but a feature on his cell phone sent coordinates to the deputies who saved his life.

The incident happened near Indiantown, Florida after the 38-year-old unidentified victim swerved into the canal after attempting to "avoid an animal in the road," per the Martin County Sheriff's Office and NBC Bay Area.

Officials said that it was an SOS alert from his iPhone that notified police of the crash and gave police the coordinates of the accident.

The Emergency SOS feature calls local emergency services when activated by the user, Insider previously reported. The iPhone 14 series also has two extra features including crash detection and emergency SOS via Satellite.

Deputies were able to use Google to track the victim's location. Body camera footage shared by the sheriff's office shows the man's car upside down in the canal while deputies work to rescue him. The man, who was trapped inside the vehicle, could be heard yelling, "Please help."

After trying to calm the man down, the deputies were able to pull him out. He was transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment, officials said.

"We would like to commend our brave deputies and incredible dispatchers for their perseverance and bravery locating and rescuing this crash victim using only coordinates automatically launched from the victim's phone. Amazing technology, and amazing work," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Read the original article on Insider
Keith Lee's review of Dynamite restaurant has gone viral. Steve Park

Jong Park was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after opening a restaurant in Las Vegas, his son said.

TikToker Keith Lee reviewed the Korean restaurant after hearing that it was struggling.

Lee's review has drawn attention to the restaurant, which has gone from 20 to 100 customers a day.

TikToker Keith Lee said his review of a family-run restaurant in Las Vegas has led to nearly $30,000 in donations from strangers who want to help the owner, who has stage 4 cancer, keep the business afloat.

Lee  who often makes content from tasting food from small businesses  shared a TikTok on February 26 where he said he was inspired to review Dynamite Korean Street Food & Sushi/Grill after an employee called Reggy emailed him to share the story of its owner, Jong Park.

In the clip, which has 11.3 million views as of Saturday, Lee says Dynamite recently opened but was struggling in the wake of Jong's cancer diagnosis.

"The email said, in my own words, 'I'm an employee here at this family-owned business. We just opened two weeks ago. It's been very slow'," Lee said. "'The owner, right after he found out he was getting his dream of having a restaurant, was diagnosed with stage four neck cancer and he still shows up and cooks every day'."

In his video, Lee said he spent $79.50 on food at the restaurant  ordering in a deep voice to conceal his identity  and, while he waited, spoke to the owner's son Steve. According to Lee, Steve told him business had been slow, with about 20 customers stopping by on an average day.

The TikToker went on to review the food he ordered, which included Galbi short ribs, japchae, and bulgogi. In his video, Lee suggested that some of the food could've benefited from the addition of various sauces, and ranked the dishes, giving most between seven and nine out of 10 points.

Story continues

Soon after Lee posted his review on TikTok, things started changing for the Park family

Speaking to Insider, Steve said he found it difficult to describe how grateful he and his family were to Lee for shining a light on their struggle.

Before Lee's TikTok, Steve said his family considered bankruptcy multiple times. He added that he himself had invested a "whopping" $200,000 in maxed-out credit cards and that his parents had invested their life savings in order to buy the restaurant and keep it running as they opened.

"It was beyond extreme financial burden and pressure," Steve said. "This really helps our family and my dad have some peace of mind."

Since the review, he said the number of customers a day on average has jumped to between 80 and 120, with sales rising from between $800 and $1,000 a day to between $2,000 and $3,000.

But because business has picked up so much, they've had to institute a 30-40 minute waitlist as Steve's mother and father, even with his condition, are still the only ones cooking in the kitchen.

"My parents still need more chefs on staff so we're actively working on that and hiring, but it will take time," he said. "We're still doing 15-17 hour days with 2-3 hours of sleep. It's real rough but we're thankful we have the opportunity to serve customers delicious food."

In a TikTok uploaded to the restaurant's account on Monday, which has over 2.2 million views as of Saturday, Steve showed viewers clips of his dad receiving cancer treatment.

"It hasn't been easy for us," Steve said in the video. "We're first-generation immigrants coming to America fulfilling the American dream. And I wanted to do everything we can to open up this new restaurant, which we did. When we lost all hope, Keith Lee gave us an amazing review and revived our restaurant, and saved my dad and our business from going down."

Due to the number of Lee's followers who reached out wanting to help, Steve said he created a GoFundMe page to raise donations that would help run the business and pay for Jong's medical bills. It's raised nearly $31,150 as of Saturday.

In the description of his GoFundMe page, Steve wrote that his family had spent six months worrying about how to afford the $8,000 a month restaurant rent on top of Jong's medical expenses.

Steve has shared more updates about his dad's treatment and the restaurant on TikTok, including a video from Thursday where he says they've decided to close the restaurant for a week every three weeks until May so that Jong doesn't have to work while undergoing chemotherapy.

The Park family restaurant has gone from having about five followers on TikTok to over 80,000

Lee shared an update on TikTok on Monday, a day after posting his review of the restaurant. In the clip, which has over 2.4 million views as of Saturday, Lee said he spoke to Steve on the phone about the restaurant's growing popularity.

"God is amazing. I'm appreciative and I'm thankful for everybody who traveled there and everybody who was really friendly," Lee said.

Lee also shared screenshots of the restaurant's TikTok followers before and after his review, showing how the number jumped from less than five to over 20,000 a day later. As of Saturday, Dynamite Korean Street Food & Sushi/Grill has nearly 81,400 followers on the platform.

Keith Lee did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

Read the original article on Insider
LAWNSIDE - A man accused of killing a Lawnside woman was himself fatally shot in the presence of law enforcement officers at a New Jersey Turnpike rest stop, authorities say.

Kyle Foggy, 29, of Cherry Hill, died Tuesday night from a gunshot wound he sustained hours earlier at the Clara Barton Service Area, the Attorney General's Office said in a statement Friday.

Foggy had been charged with the murder of Michelle Cruz, a 28-year-old Lawnside resident found dead on the 100 block of Mouldy Road shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Turnpike shooting involved law enforcement officers

Foggy was shot around 1:45 p.m. on Feb. 28, and was pronounced dead at a hospital at 10:16 p.m., the Attorney General's statement said.

"The incident involved members of the New Jersey State Police and the United States Marshals Service, it said.

The New Jersey Turnpike

The statement provided no additional details, including any information on who fired the fatal shot.

A criminal complaint, dated Feb. 25, alleged Foggy killed Cruz outside her home with a shot to the head.

Suspect seen near victim's home

Police officers repeatedly saw Foggy near Cruzs apartment in the hours before she was found slain, according to a statement giving probable cause for the charges against him.

In one incident, Foggy was holding binoculars as he stood across the street from the victims home around 8:30 p.m. on Feb.24, the court filing says.

More: Borgata incident leads to chargeValet employee's report leads to gun charge against WWE wrestler

Among other incidents, he was seen running to a vehicle before driving away around 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 25.

Officers contacted Foggy at Mouldy Road and Thomas Avenue at 1:50 a.m. "and advised him to leave the area," but he was seen walking on Mouldy Road around 3:15 a.m., the report continues.

Police found Foggys unoccupied car when they canvassed the area after the discovery of Cruzs body.

Investigators also determined someone had taken the woman's vehicle, cell phone and the keys to her apartment and car.

Story continues

Domestic violence

Cruz's phone, recovered near East Charlestown Avenue in Lawnside, included texts and videos supporting reports of domestic violence by the slain woman's family, it said.

A video from the afternoon of Feb. 24 showed Cruz telling Foggy to leave her apartment and saying she was going to get a restraining order against him.

Investigators also heard from a man whod visited Cruzs apartment on the night before her death. He said Cruz had warned him that Foggy had threatened to shoot the man if he saw them together.

The Turnpike shooting is the subject of a mandatory review being conducted by the Attorney General's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: NJ Turnpike shooting victim was suspect in woman's murder
PATERSON  Najee Seabrooks, a member of a Paterson violence intervention group, was fatally shot by a city police officer on Friday afternoon after a five-hour standoff while he was barricaded inside his home.

Social justice activists and law enforcement sources agree on those basic facts. But they are at odds over whether the shooting was justified.

Members of the Paterson Healing Collective condemned the shooting, accusing city police of preventing them from helping their friend and colleague. They said police should not have allowed the situation to escalate to the point where deadly force was used.

Law enforcement officers said they could not permit civilians to participate in the crisis negotiations with someone in an emotionally disturbed state of mind. A Paterson police union leader said the cops at the scene had no choice but to fire their guns when Seabrooks brandished a knife and moved toward them.

For subscribers: As Paterson grieves, the mother of a police shooting victim is displaced from her home

The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office announced Friday evening that it was investigating the incident. But the only details made public by state authorities were the location and time of the 12:30 p.m. shooting.

Paterson fatal shooting: New details emerge; BLM demands restructure of police department

Just 29 days prior to his death, Seabrooks was among 21 survivors of Patersons street violence who participated in a Healing Collective graduation ceremony for completing a leadership training course.

He was someone who wanted to bring peace to this city, said Healing Collectives Liza Chowdhury. He was a great mediator, and he did so much to help our youth.

Najee Seabrooks

It was not clear what prompted Seabrooks to barricade himself inside his apartment building at 20 Mill Street. Police officials said he was treated as an emotionally disturbed person and that the departments Emergency Response Team was deployed to negotiate with him.

Story continues

Documentary:Targeting Retaliation: Stopping the chain reaction of gun violence in Paterson

Chowdhury said members of the Healing Collective went to the scene to try to deescalate the situation.

We went there to support him and they did not let us do it, said Chowdhury. We begged them to let us talk to him. This was an injustice.

The president of Paterson Superior Officers police union, Mason Maher, said the officers at the scene tried various non-lethal techniques to get Seabrooks out of the barricaded basement apartment.

Maher said Seabrooks eventually let officers inside and that he came at them with at least one knife.

NJ AG: Man accused of shooting trooper in Paterson arrested in South Carolina

Unfortunately, he chose an option that ultimately led to this outcome, Maher said. The officers didnt have a choice. No one is taking any pleasure in what happened. The officers are going to be suffering too.

Maher said two officers fired their guns. Authorities have not revealed how many bullets struck Seabrooks.

Paterson police officials referred questions about the incident to the AGs Office. Patrick Caserta, a lawyer who represents Paterson cops in shooting incidents, declined to comment.

This is being investigated by the Attorney Generals Office, was all Mayor Andre Sayegh had to say when asked for his comments about the incident. Sayegh has come under criticism from community leaders for public statements he made about other police shootings in the city.

Sayegh recently said that all Paterson police officers have gone through de-escalation training during the past year. Sayegh in 2021 launched a de-escalation task force. But it took the mayor six months to appoint any members and the panel still hasnt had any meetings more than a year after its formation.

The New Jersey Violence Intervention and Prevention Coalition issued a statement about Seabrooks death, calling him a beloved father, brother, and an invaluable member of our community.

It is deeply distressing to hear that, in the midst of a mental health crisis, Najee's team, his family, was not allowed to do the work they were trained to do, the coalition said. When he needed his community the most, he was denied the help he required, and the police response failed him.

Seabrooks became involved with the Healing Collective  which is part of the coalition - after he was the victim of a shooting.

Najee's death is a tragic reminder that there is still much work to be done, and we must remain committed to our efforts, the coalition said. We will honor his memory by carrying on the mission he dedicated his life to, and we will not rest until we have created a safer and more just community for all.

Officials St. Joseph's University Medical Center, which works with the Healing Collective, expressed sadness of Seabrooks' death.

"I had the honor to know him personally, having worked alongside him in the pursuit of making our city a safer place for all," said the hospital's chief executive officer, Kevin Slavin. "We will continue the good work of Najee, together with the Paterson Healing Collective, to end violence through community-driven solutions."

"This senseless and tragic event amplifies the need for expanded mental health resources and intervention programs in our surrounding communities to support individuals in crisis," Slavin added.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ violence intervention activist killed in police shooting
The Department of Justice is looking into the death of Larry Eugene Price, Jr, an Arkansas man who died of starvation after spending more than a year in jail pre-trial because he couldnt afford his $1,000 bail, Newsweek reports .

When Price entered prison, he weighed 185 pounds; at the time of his death, according to a Jaunary lawsuit filed by his family, he weighed 90 pounds, and was suffering from a mental crisis and eating his own urine and feces.

Because he couldnt afford the $1,000 bail that wouldve allowed him to remain free as he awaited his day in court, Mr. Price spent the next year in jail, not convicted of any crime, just waiting, the lawsuit reads. For most of that year, despite his dire need of urgent psychiatric care, Mr. Price languished alone in solitary confinementin a state of active psychosisneglected by jail medical and custody staff.

Turn Key Health Clinics, the medical care provider at the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center where Price was housed, responded in February that it didnt have warning or responsibility that Price was at risk of serious injury. They also argued Price, who had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was aware of his medication regimen but refused to follow it.

Turn Key denied any causal connection to Mr. Prices death...(or) any knowledge...Mr. Price was ever at imminent risk of harm prior to the time of his medical emergency on August 29, 2021, according to court documents.

The Department of Justice oversaw the Arkansas jail for over a decade, ending in 2017, after complaints from inmates and family members of preventable deaths, poor healthcare, and a lack of basic infection control that allowed tuberculosis to spread behind bars.

According to the DOJ, inmates were routinely charged out of their commissary accounts for vital medical care, including pregnancy tests, and to be release from suicide watch.

"In the more than 25 years since (the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act) was enacted, we have never encountered a facility which charges for the release from suicide care," the DOJ said in its report about the facility.

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Under federal law, prisons are supposed to report the number of in-custody deaths, but data is woefully incomplete.

Simply put, the federal government does not know how many people die in U.S. jails and prisons each year, according to the Vera Institute of Justice , a criminal justice organisation.

Outside estimates suggest deaths spiked during the pandemic by nearly 50 per cent, according to a New York Times investigation.

Cash bail, in which those accused of crimes must pay a fee in order to be released from prison ahead of their trial, sometimes plays a role in these deaths.
grogu with some candy



Grogu may never meet any more Jedi on The Mandalorian.

In Star Wars, youre always wondering whats happening off-screen. Where was Luke when this was happening? Did Rey know about this? Wouldnt Yoda be around at this time? Its both the blessing and curse of telling new stories in an established canon, and Dave Filoni thinks that two major pieces of Star Wars lore arent as linked as you may think.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Filoniwho co-created The Clone Wars with George Lucas and is a producer and director on The Mandalorianwas asked if hes figured out where Grogu is during the sequel trilogy. This is a very fair question; after all, the reason Rey is such a crucial character is because shes so deeply connected to the Force. In fact, she becomes what many characters refer to as The Last Jedi. So the idea that there might be a little green guy flying around who is equally strong with the Force does make you wonder a bit. Heres what Filoni had to say.

Read more

Thats a great question, and we talk about many different things, he told the trade. Thats a question for a bunch of characters by the way, not just Grogu. Where are they during these events? If anything, having made The Clone Wars and weaving a tale so intricately between two movies that were much closer together, Ive learned that theres expansive room in this galaxy for us to tell stories and have characters doing things.



Then, in classic Filoni fashion (he even did this to us in our interview with him this week) he brought it back to the original trilogy. As a kid, when Yoda said, When gone am I, the last of the Jedi will you be, to Luke, I took that very literally, Filoni explained. Well, now we know thats anything but true. There are many different people that could wield the Force, and maybe Luke is the last Jedi as far as what Yoda would consider a Jedi. So well just have to wait and see how the story evolves and what makes sense. But in my experience, theres definitely a way to weave everything together and make it exciting. Its possible it would never even have to cross over with what we saw [in the sequel trilogy] if the story has us somewhere else.

Story continues

And theres the meat of it right there at the end: its possible it would never even have to cross over with what we saw if the story has us somewhere else. Because if The Mandalorian keeps going on for season after season like creator Jon Favreau has suggested, eventually the 20-ish years between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens that its currently happening in will end. And you have to think people will hear about Starkiller Base destroying planets, itself being destroyed, and that lone Jedi who stood up against an entire fleet to emerge victorious.

But, if Mando and Grogu are off a trillion miles away fighting Grand Admiral Thrawn with Ahsoka, maybe they dont get the memoand the question then becomes, will that bother Star Wars fans who take notice?





Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

More from Gizmodo

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Marianne Williamson, the self-help author and spiritual adviser, launched her 2024 presidential campaign Saturday in an unlikely space: Union Station, the Washington, D.C., transportation hub where commuters catch Amtrak and metro trains.

It is our job to create a vision of justice and love that is so powerful that it will override the forces of hatred and injustice and fear," Williamson told a crowd gathered in the stations East Hall. "I, as of today, am a candidate for the office of President of the United States."

Throughout much of her announcement speech, Williamson railed against economic inequality and the U.S. governing system, which she called "intrinsically corrupt." "I'm not saying one person can fix it, I'm not saying even one president can fix it. But let me tell you something, a president who lays it down and says it like it is would do a lot of good," she said.

Williamson also ran as a Democratic presidential candidate in 2020. While she had some viral moments during the campaign, she did not gain any real traction as a candidate.

She also faced scrutiny for her past comments on antidepressants, and for referring to vaccine mandates as "Orwellian" and "draconian."

So far, Williamson, 70, is the first candidate to enter the race for the 2024 Democratic nomination, launching a campaign ahead of even President Joe Biden, 80, who has strongly hinted he will run again.

Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson in the spin room of a presidential debate in Detroit in 2019. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images file)

In an interview with NBC News Friday, before her launch, Williamson said she believes she can defeat Biden in the Democratic primary  even though she did not come close in 2020  and then go on to beat former president Donald Trump or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the general election.

Im painted as a longshot candidate by those whose power and position are tied to keeping the status quo, Williamson said. The problem is that the status quo is inadequate to the task of facing the challenges in front of us today. And the status quo will not disrupt itself. Its time for the people to step in.

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Im not challenging Joe Biden. Im challenging the system."

Williamson also said she is planning to campaign in New Hampshire and South Carolina this month, and will also visit East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailment has fueled political tensions between the two parties.

In the last presidential election cycle, she barely registered in national polls and ended her unlikely bid in January 2020.

Prior to her political career, Williamson was known as a best-selling author of spiritual self-help guides.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara, second from right, greets police officers as they arrive to vote at the unions West Loop headquarters on March 3, 2023. He won reelection. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago police union President John Catanzara won a second term as the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7s top official Friday.

The union leader weathered a challenge from Detective Robert Bartlett, who argued in his campaign that Catanzaras confrontational style hurt the unions public image and effectiveness. Catanzara was elected to a four-year term.

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Finally, the members say they have a voice, they feel like theyve been represented, he said as he confidently campaigned outside the unions West Loop headquarters Friday morning.

Catanzara won 57% of the 7,192 ballots cast in the race, while Bartlett took 43%, according to results on the unions website. The slate of candidates Cantanzara ran with won nearly every top office. The unions members include about 10,000 active rank-and-file patrol officers, detectives and others, along with thousands of retired police.

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[ Chicago police union President John Catanzara faces election challenge ]

Elected in 2020, Catanzara helped secure a raise for officers during his first term. But the outspoken leader also faced criticism from within and outside the union for recurring controversies.

He played down the Jan. 6 riots as nonviolent, faced calls to resign from nearly 80 community groups that alleged he made racist remarks on social media and apologized after comparing a city vaccine mandate to the Holocaust.

Catanzara has pushed back on police reforms mandated by the U.S. Department of Justices consent decree, criticized Black Lives Matter protests and traded jabs with politicians, including outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot. His willingness to fight has garnered support from some in the rank-and-file.

Hes obviously not perfect, because no one is. But I really believe that he has good intentions and hes trying to stick up for us, said a 23-year-old officer who was walking out of the building after voting for Catanzara.

The officer, who asked to remain anonymous, praised Catanzaras efforts to secure benefits more quickly for young, newly hired officers. He wants good benefits so his police work can become a long career, he said.

We have a job where theres a lot of sacrifice, the officer said. A lot of times, we dont have a voice to represent us. A lot of times, no one speaks up for us.

Though most of the elections voting takes place by mail-in ballot, dozens of officers trickled into FOP headquarters Friday morning to vote. Some wearing police uniforms quickly ran in and out, while others lingered to talk with campaigners from Catanzara and Bartletts candidate slates.

Union members stood under flags rattling in the cold and wind while waiting outside to vote. Flown at half-staff, they were a reminder of the Wednesday death of police Officer Andres Mauricio Vasquez Lasso. Vasquez Lasso, a 32-year-old officer, was shot and killed as he responded to a call about a man chasing a woman with a gun.

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[ Accused shooter of slain Chicago police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso ordered held without bond ]

Hours before he won, Catanzara briefly disappeared during the morning voting rush, returning moments later hauling two metal space heaters. He greeted voters near the lodges front gate, where a Paul Vallas sign stood in the ground.

Challenger Robert Bartlett outside the FOP headquarters during voting on March 3, 2023. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

At both ends of the block, Bartlett and his supporters offered palm cards to voters. Officer Germaine Wrencher heeded their call and cast a vote for the challenger.

Everything is changing, might as well change, he said, referring to Mayor Lori Lightfoots Tuesday election loss and police Superintendent David Browns Wednesday resignation.

He said he voted for candidates from both slates in hopes that the groups would work together. He hopes the leadership focuses on uniting members and becomes a little less political.

Officer Jessica Venegas said she would like to see more personal support within the union and also planned to do a little back and forth as she walked in to vote.

Im going in there with some positives and some negatives, but I do think it might be time to switch it up, said Venegas, who unsuccessfully ran for 10th Ward alderman.

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Retired Officer Frank Richardson criticized Catanzara as abrasive as he walked in to vote.

Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

I think he brings too much negative heat to the police, Richardson said, likening the union president to Lightfoot for being confrontational. Theyre both in some ways two peas in a pod. I dont think thats the way you should get things done. I think you should work with people.

Bartlett, a 24-year CPD veteran, expressed confidence as he campaigned Friday morning. His administration would be professional and would not bash people that were trying to have conversations with, he said.

John has a history of making everybody his enemy, he said. Anywhere hes involved, theres a problem.

[ Chicago police union head John Catanzara wont run for mayor next year ]

The former union officer blew off Catanzaras allegations that his ticket of candidates represented the unions old guard. Asked about Catanzaras strategy to get the union more involved in elected politics in part by raising dues, he argued none of the campaign donations Catanzara directed changed the course of any elections.

But Catanzara, who previously flirted with the idea of running for mayor, took credit for the success of FOP-endorsed, tough-on-crime mayoral candidate Paul Vallas. The former CEO of Chicago Public Schools volunteered to help the police union negotiate its last contract.

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In part, Vallas success is also because I bowed out of the race, he said. I had every intention of running for mayor a year ago, because I just got sick of what the options were. Paul decided, we had a conversation, and it was more beneficial to concentrate on this race for me and for the membership.

jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
Marianne Williamson officially launched her 2024 bid to run again for the Democratic nomination for the presidency on Saturday, pushing for the party to turn the page from President Biden.

I, as of today, am a candidate for the office of president of the United States, she said.

Williamson, who Las ran as a Democratic presidential candidate in 2020, had previously confirmed last week in an interview with Medill News Service, which is run by Northwestern University, that she planned to run. She made the official announcement at a scheduled event at Union Station in Washington, D.C.

The self-help author is the first Democrat to launch an official challenge to President Biden, who has not formally announced his 2024 plans, but is expected to officially kick off his reelection campaign as soon as next month.

Williamson said in an interview with Good Morning New Hampshire recently that Democratic voters can balance praising Bidens successes with wanting a new leader.

You can appreciate what the president has done, defeating the Republicans in 2020, and still feel that it is time to move on, she said.

But she is likely a long-shot candidate to win the Democratic nomination, just as she was in 2020.

She struggled to raise money in 2020 and needed to lay off her campaign staff and suspend her campaign before the first contest of the Democratic nominating process, the Iowa caucus. She said at the time that she didnt want to get in the way of a progressive candidate winning and endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who ultimately came in second to Biden for the nomination.

Political strategists said after Williamson confirmed she planned to run that they did not make much of her candidacy, with one saying that he expects the White House and Democratic National Committee will completely ignore her run.

But many voters in polls have indicated they would prefer someone other than Biden to be the Democratic nominee, with some citing his age as a concern. Biden is already the oldest president that the United States has had at 80 years old. He would be 82 upon starting a second term, if he is reelected, and 86 at its conclusion.

Story continues

Still, top Democratic leaders have signaled they are standing behind Biden, and some of his most prominent potential challengers do not appear likely to run against him.

Williamson expressed some optimism about her chances in an online post last weekend, saying that many political spectators also did not expect former President Trump to win the election in 2016.

Since the election of 2016 its odd for anyone to think they can know who can win the presidency, Williamson wrote. And Im not putting myself through this again just to add to the conversation. Im running for president to help bring an aberrational chapter of our history to a close, and to help bring forth a new beginning.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Over the past year of Russias all-out war against Ukraine, our team at The Tellers Agency has considered closing up shop twice and seeking opportunities elsewhere due to the state of the advertising market.

At the outbreak of the full-scale invasion, thousands of employees directly and indirectly related to the advertising industry lost their jobs overnight. For many industries struggling to survive in Ukraine at the moment, advertising has become one of the last things on anyones mind.

But instead of total collapse, the advertising market has somersaulted from pre-war confidence in the future, to zero revenues, to finally, an evolving and partial recovery. Nobody sells classic advertising anymore. Brand stories about help, rescue, motivation, unity, and patriotism came to replace traditional advertising in Ukraine. The industry has learned to adapt to a totally different work environment along the way.

The following article is an attempt to understand the changes that the advertising industry has experienced in the last year, as well as a roadmap of how the advertising market in the media in Ukraine is currently being built.

Advertising in the media before Russias war

The Ukrainian media market was growing actively before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. More and more independent and niche media appeared (e.g. SPEKA), large market players became attractive to investors (Tomasz Fiala bought Ukrainska Pravda in 2021), and donor-dependent media began to actively generate commercial revenues (Zaborona, Hromadske).

In 2021, the media advertising market grew consistently, largely due to delayed demand. All the planned campaigns, events, and sponsorship projects that were supposed to take place during the Covid-19 lockdowns were finally able to see the light of day.

According to estimates of the Ukrainian Advertising Coalition, digital media advertising (which also includes advertising on social networks and banners) grew by 50% compared to 2020.

Story continues

The media industry actively developed during this time, with various outlets competing with one another not so much in terms of revenue generated or in the number of brands advertised, but rather in terms of image. Media companies looked to build a specific brand in the business and advertising community.

Media companies also began to experiment with native advertising on the short-form video sharing application TikTok; interactive layouts and games appeared on websites, attracting the attention of the audience and creating a higher demand among brands. Entire production departments with their own designers, creators, producers, editors, and journalists formed new commercial media teams. It seemed that everything was gaining a lot of momentum and the only challenge soon would be to enter the blue ocean of non-competition  to come up with such a value proposition that was not yet on the market. One could only envy the media companies with an advertising model that allowed them to be self-sustaining.

The expectations for 2022 were extremely positive and encouraging. Many companies ended the year with signed contracts for cooperation for the upcoming year. Everything changed on Feb. 24, 2022.

Russia declares war against Ukraine

On Feb. 24, 2022, the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the production of all planned advertisements came to a halt. Contracts were left unsigned. The "unforeseen circumstances" clause in contracts had become a reality.

My last normal work call was on Feb. 23 with a pharmaceutical company, just 12 hours before Russias full-scale invasion began. With the threat of war looming, I proposed the idea of a campaign around how to pack a first aid kit. The client said they would prefer their products to be associated with peace, not war. We never returned to our conversation. With the start of Russias full-scale invasion, the company continued to work with pharmacies even in areas where the Russian military was advancing and raised money for Ukraines Armed Forces.

The financial crisis caused by Russias full-scale invasion has affected most Ukrainian media companies. Those dependent on advertisements suffered the most, as businesses either suspended their operations or refocused on volunteering. Most media companies didnt even have funds to cover operations for a few months. Instead of suspending operations, however, they began to look for opportunities.

Donors became the first life jacket to support their operations. In the first weeks of the war, international organizations provided urgent support to allow editorial teams to continue working, covering much needed funds for relocation, insurance, and transportation.

But it quickly became clear that relying on donors was not possible in the long term. Ukrainian media needed to rebuild and diversify their revenue models. Since reader revenue couldnt cover the high cost of operations, media companies had to get back into advertising.

But how do you even talk about this when all anyone is doing is monitoring the news about Russian attacks, making donations, evacuating, and working to adapt their business to the new and constantly changing environment?

This is how our company, The Tellers Agency, did it.

The Tellers Agency (called Infopoint Agency prior to 2023) came out with an official release in the third month of the war. The main goal of our service was to help independent media companies work with businesses through advertising. We gathered a strong team of sales managers and creative producers and got to work. But instead of reaching out to companies to offer our services, we started with market analysis. When contacting companies we wrote a simple, How are you? Where are you now? Is your company still operating?

The questions ended up providing real insight. Some companies replied by telling us that they were no longer operating due to a missile attack on their warehouse that resulted in major financial losses. We then created a "map" of business areas and the level of their losses due to the war. We began to adapt advertising ideas to new realities. All past approaches and ideas were now unethical and out of date. Stories about successful entrepreneurs were replaced by stories about civilians on the front lines. Instead of promoting the company's products, we offered to talk about their volunteer initiatives.

By the spring of 2022, market players were ready to continue talking about brand communication in the media. The market by then could be described as the following:
A crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) booed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in absentia on Friday after Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R., Ga.) misleadingly claimed he wants our sons and daughters to go die in Ukraine.

Greenes comments seemingly referred to a viral video in which Zelensky said, The U.S. will have to send their sons and daughters exactly the same way as we are sending, their sons and daughters to war.

However, that clip was missing additional context: Zelensky was suggesting that if Ukraine loses the war against Russia, Russia could go on to attack NATO member states. Under the NATO treaty, allies pledge that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.

Zelenskys full quote read: If it happens so that Ukraine, due to various opinions and weakening, depleting of assistance, loses, Russia is going to enter Baltic states, NATO member states, and then the U.S. will have to send their sons and daughters exactly the same way as we are sending, their sons and daughters to war.

They will have to fight. Because its NATO that were talking about, and they will be dying, God forbid, because its a horrible thing, the Ukrainian president said. His comments came during a news conference marking the one-year anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine and came in response to a question about polling that found that more Americans were worried the U.S. was offering too much support for Ukraine.

Greene, who has been a vocal critic of the United States support for Ukraine, said during her remarks at CPAC that she was still committed to saying no money to Ukraine, and that country needs to find peace, not war.

I will look at a camera and directly tell Zelensky, youd better leave your hands off of our sons and daughters because theyre not dying over there, she added.

Last week, Greene reintroduced legislation to audit the military aid the U.S. has sent Ukraine in the year since Russia first invaded. She told Fox News that the United States continued investment in Ukraine could lead the U.S. into World War III.

Story continues

Greene was one of ten Republican lawmakers to co-sponsor legislation by Representative Matt Gaetz (R., Fla.) last month to end U.S. aid to Ukraine. On the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion, the Biden administration announced a $10 billion aid package to support the Ukrainian government in addition to $2 billion in military aid.

More from National Review
Far-right activist and white supremacist Nick Fuentes was removed from the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday when he tried to attend, CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp confirmed on Friday.

Schlapp said in a statement on his Twitter account that Fuentes was prevented from attending because his hateful racist rhetoric and actions are not consistent with CPACs mission.

We are pleased that our conference welcomes a wide array of conservative perspectives from people of different backgrounds, but we are concerned about the rise in antisemitic rhetoric (or Jew hatred) in our country and around the globe, whether it be in the corridors of power and academia or through the online rantings of bigots like Fuentes, Schlapp said.

Fuentes has repeatedly made antisemitic and racist comments online on social media and livestreaming platforms and denied that the Holocaust happened.

He received national attention recently after he and rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, had dinner with former President Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in November. Trump defended himself after receiving widespread backlash from across the political spectrum for the dinner, saying that he did not know Fuentes and only intended to meet with Ye to offer him advice.

Ye has also made a wide range of antisemitic comments, including false claims that Jewish people control financial institutions and the media.

Fuentes was suspended from Twitter in July 2021 and had his platform restored in January as part of Twitter CEO Elon Musks push to restore banned accounts. But Fuentes account was banned again less than 24 hours after being reactivated after he tweeted a video with a reference to an antisemitic tweet that Ye made.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Back in 1915, Woodrow Wilson was president and World War I was active. Its also the year Cosmas Eaglin was born. In January, he celebrated his 108th birthday.

Eaglin  who also happens to be my cousin  grew up during the Jim Crow era in Opelousas, Louisiana, riding segregated train cars and attending segregated schools.

It was a country town, and thats it, he said, I made the best of it after we got on our feet.

Cosmas Eaglin while serving as a Marine, top right. (Courtesy Eaglin Family)

During his lifetime, Eaglin has witnessed immense change in the United States, as the country transitioned into the civil rights movement and beyond.

But perhaps most notable are his memories of his military service. Starting at the age of 27, he served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

I stayed in one place all the time, Solomon Islands, Eaglin said about WWII.

He was also one of the first 300 Black recruits to break the Marine Corps color barrier, after then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order in 1941, which required all branches of the military to formally accept people of color.

Cosmas Eaglin in two of his military uniforms. (Family photos)

By this time, Black Americans had already been serving in every other branch of the military, but the Marines were the last to officially integrate African Americans into their ranks.

Eaglin headed to Montford Point, a segregated base in North Carolina, shortly after the executive order was signed to complete his training.

Even with this development in the armed forces, Black men in the Marine Corps were not trusted with being on the front lines or in active battle. Instead, many of them worked to transport materials, cooked or helped with logistics.

Eaglin said obedience was key.

Whatever they told you to do, thats what we did.

During the 1960s, Eaglin completed two tours in Vietnam.

We didnt know what was going to be next, that was always the worry, you know? he said about his time overseas, Id come back to Fort Bragg after I served that time in Vietnam.

Of the 16 million Americans who served in WWII, only about 167,000 were still alive in 2022, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eaglin is among this shrinking group of veterans who hold so much history and knowledge.

Story continues

The North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs honors Cosmas Eaglin. (NC DMVA )

He said progress within the Black community has varied during his lifetime.

Its up and down. If you made good for yourself, it was good.

We got a lady thats vice president of the United States, thats a lady  one of our ladies. Thats a big deal.

And as for advice for living a long life, Wait and see what tomorrow is going to bring, Eaglin said, theres no use in wasting time.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Update: Indiana State Police on March 6 announced the funeral arrangements for the slain Trooper James Bailey. Visitation will take place Friday, March 10, from 2-8 p.m. at County Line Church of God, located at 7716 N. County Line Road E. in Auburn. The funeral will take place Saturday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at Garrett High School at 801 E. Houston St. in Garrett. Bailey will be buried immediately after the procession at Calvary Cemetery at 600 S. Hamsher Street in Garrett.

Police on Monday said the procession route is still being determined.

A memorial fund has been established after an Indiana State Police trooper was struck and killed Friday while assisting police during a pursuit on Interstate 69, according to officials.

The Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation announced the official fund for Master Trooper James Bailey, who died Friday as a result of the collision on the interstate. He served more than 15 years for ISP.

Donations can be made at indianafallen.org/fallen-heroes, or through Venmo at @indiana-fallen-heroes

Indiana State Police officials said Bailey at about 4:30 p.m. Friday was helping other troopers with a traffic backup from weather-related crashes on the interstate, just south of Auburn.

Bailey, 50, was told a person who was evading Fort Wayne Police officers was heading toward his location. Bailey began deploying stop sticks when he was struck by the suspects vehicle and critically injured.

He died at a hospital and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family. We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Bailey's family, friends and co-workers, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter said in a statement after Baileys passing.

Police identified the accused driver as Terry Dewaine Sands II, 42, of Marion. He was arrested and booked in DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary felony charge of resisting law enforcement causing death to a law enforcement officer.

Story continues

The Dekalb County Prosecutor will determine final charges.

Contact Sarah Nelson at 317-503-7514 or sarah.nelson@indystar.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Memorial fund created for James Bailey, Indiana trooper killed on I-69
A Mexican official said Friday that her government thinks Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly should have faced first-degree murder charges in the fatal shooting of a Mexican migrant who was crossing his property.

An Arizona justice of the peace ruled last week that Kelly should face trial on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault in the death of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea at the ranch outside Nogales, Arizona, on Jan. 30.

That decision came after prosecutors lowered Kellys charge from a single count of first-degree murder, which would have required a finding of premeditated intent to kill, and could have led to a death sentence.

Mexicos head of consular protection, Vanessa Calva, said Mexico had told U.S. prosecutors that her country believes first-degree charges more accurately describe the circumstances of Cuen-Buitimeas death.

She said Cuen-Buitimea was unarmed, fleeing and was shot in the back.

Cuen-Buitimea was a 48-year-old from Nogales, Mexico, who was among several migrants that the rancher is accused of shooting at.

The judge ruled that Kelly, 74, can remain free on $1 million bail pending his March 6 arraignment, with restrictions including no contact with witnesses or Cuen-Buitimeas family and a ban on possessing firearms.

Chief Deputy County Attorney Kimberly Hunley told the judge that prosecutors intend to prove second-degree murder  that Kelly had no basis for intentionally, knowingly, or under circumstances recklessly shooting an AK-47 rifle toward eight or so unarmed migrants about 80 to 100 yards away.

There is no justification for shooting an unarmed man in the back, Hunley told the judge.

Kellys attorney, Brenna Larkin, has said her client shot into the air above the migrants. She has said Kelly feared for his and his wifes safety and the property, and that he had seen people with rifles and backpacks passing through his property.

Kelly apparently wrote about his borderlands ranching life in the self-published Far Beyond the Border Fence, described on Amazon.com as a contemporary novel which brings the Mexican Border/Drug conflict into the 21st century.

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The shooting has stirred emotions as the national debate over border security heats up ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Less than six months ago, a prison warden and his brother were arrested in a West Texas shooting in which one migrant was killed and another was wounded. Michael and Mark Sheppard, both 60, were charged with manslaughter in the September shooting.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mexico sought 1st degree murder charge for rancher George Alan Kelly
An Indiana State Police trooper was killed Friday when a suspect in a high-speed chase crashed into the trooper on Interstate 69 near Auburn.

Master Trooper James R. Bailey was assisting other troopers on Interstate 69 with traffic backup as a result of a weather-related traffic crash south of Auburn about 4:30 p.m. when he became aware of an individual driving at a high rate of speed, according to a statement from Indiana State Police.

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Bailey, who served with the Indiana State Police for more than fifteen years, attempted to de-escalate that vehicle pursuit by deploying stop sticks, but he was hit by the suspects vehicle and critically injured, according to the statement. Emergency medical care was rendered at the scene and he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family. We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Baileys family, friends and co-workers, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter said in the statement.

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Bailey, who worked the Fort Wayne post, is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

The suspect, Terry Dewaine Sands, 42, of Marion, IN, was taken into custody and has been incarcerated in the DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement, causing death to a law enforcement officer, according to the statement.

The investigation was ongoing.
By Steve Gorman

(Reuters) - A Michigan judge on Friday dismissed a school district and its employees as defendants in two wrongful death lawsuits stemming from a deadly 2021 mass shooting by a 15-year-old student armed with a gun his parents had bought him for Christmas.

Oxford Community Schools and its staff are shielded from such civil litigation by state law under the doctrine of governmental immunity, Oakland County Circuit Judge Mary Ellen Brennan ruled in one nine-page opinion.

Remaining as defendants in the civil lawsuits are the gunman, Ethan Crumbley, who has since pleaded guilty to murder charges, and his parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, who have been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting.

Armed with a semi-automatic pistol, Crumbley opened fire at Oxford High School, north of Detroit, on Nov. 30, 2021, killing four classmates and wounding six other students and a teacher.

Authorities said the teenage assailant had been given the gun by his parents as a Christmas present days before despite signs that he was emotionally disturbed.

The lawsuits sparked by the shooting also accuse teachers, counselors and administrators of the Oxford school district of failing to properly respond to warning signs in the youth's conduct the day before and on the day of the violence.

Prosecutors have said that on the morning of the shooting, a teacher discovered a drawing by Crumbley depicting a handgun, a bullet, and a bleeding figure next to the worlds "Blood everywhere" and "The thoughts won't stop - help me."

The parents were immediately summoned to the school and were urged to enter their son into counseling within 48 hours, but they resisted the idea of taking him home from school, and nobody searched the boy's backpack, where the gun was concealed, or asked him about a weapon.

Instead, he was returned to class, and emerged from a bathroom a short time later to go on his rampage.

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School districts cannot be sued over "the exercise or discharge of a governmental function," and none of the exceptions recognized under statutes or case law apply, the judge wrote.

Individual governmental employees can be subject to civil liability only if their conduct is deemed to be "grossly negligent," as the lawsuits claim, as well as the "proximate cause of the plaintiffs' injuries," Brennan said.

Ultimately, however, "Ethan Crumbley's act of firing the gun, rather than the alleged conduct of the individual Oxford defendants" was the proximate cause of injuries, the judge held.

A lawyer for one group of plaintiffs, Ven Johnson, vowed to appeal the ruling and urged Michigan legislators to amend state law, calling governmental immunity "wrong and unconstitutional."

Besides the two lawsuits in Michigan state court, at least half a dozen similar cases related to the shooting are pending in federal court, though none of the defendants named in those complaints has been dismissed on grounds of immunity as yet, Johnson said.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Former U.S. Secretary of State and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on March 03, 2023 in National Harbor, Maryland. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Mike Pompeo made veiled jabs at his former boss Donald Trump during his CPAC speech.

He appeared to be referencing Trump's big personality and refusal to accept his 2020 election loss.

The former secretary of state is widely believed to be considering a 2024 presidential bid.

Mike Pompeo, the former secretary of state under Donald Trump, appeared to make thinly veiled jabs against his former boss while speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday.

"We can't become the left, following celebrity leaders with their own brand of identity politics  those with fragile egos who refuse to acknowledge reality," Pompeo said.

"We can't shift blame to others, but must accept the responsibility that comes to those of us who step forward and lead."

While not naming Trump directly, Pompeo appeared to be referencing Trump's big personality and continued refusal to accept his 2020 election loss.

In the initial months after the election, Pompeo stood by his boss and also declined to accept the election results, at one point referring to an incoming "second Trump administration."

However, following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, Pompeo distanced himself from the claims and called the attack "unacceptable."

In his CPAC speech, Pompeo, widely believed to be considering a 2024 presidential bid, also referenced his former boss' electoral record and suggested that the GOP's current strategy was not working.

"We lost three elections in a row and the popular vote in seven of the last eight. There are many reasons for this, but one of them is they've lost trust in conservative ideas," he said.

Nikki Haley, who has declared her candidacy for 2024, also made similarly veiled criticisms of Trump during her CPAC speech on Friday and made a near-identical statement to Pompeo about the GOP's recent electoral track record.

Their speeches indicate the delicate balancing act that Trump's former allies are having to maintain in the run-up to the 2024 election  distancing themselves from their former boss while not infuriating his loyal base.

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Pompeo also tried to lay out his conservative credentials and called on "fierce" people who are "true believers" to take on the fight.

"Don't hand that government more power under the guise of conservatism," Pompeo said. "We shouldn't look for larger-than-life personalities, but rather we should fight power in the rooms like this one."

The Washington Post's Aaron Blake suggested that this line of argument could have been pointed at Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has not declared his candidacy but is widely expected to run.

DeSantis has generated some criticism from limited-government conservatives for being too heavy-handed in dealing with so-called "woke" entities.

The annual event in National Harbor, Maryland, appeared quieter than previous years, with photos and videos on social media showing many empty seats in the crowd.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Miss Oklahoma 2022 Megan Gold

Miss Oklahoma 2022 Megan Gold will share her personal passion for caring for aging adults during a special dessert social March 18 at Elder Care Bartlesville, 1223 Swan Drive.

She will speak from 2-3 p.m. at the event and guests will have a photo opportunity with her.

Over the past several years, Megan Golds interest in raising awareness involving aging adults has been visible in our state and nationally as she competed for the Miss America title earlier this year. She resides in an aging adult community in Tulsa to be near those she cares about so deeply," said Angie Thompson, director of development for Elder Care. "We are excited to host a social event where she can share her personal story with our community and make the hug bigger for friends to thrive and connect over light desserts.

Gold's interest in television began as a very young child. When other children watched cartoons, she tuned in to local television to watch weather forecasts. This early interest led her to the University of Oklahoma, where, in addition to being involved in many campus activities and organizations, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and a minor in Broadcast Journalism.

With her degree and the confidence and communication skills gained from the Miss Oklahoma Organization, Megan has worked as a television meteorologist in Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. She can be seen on weekend mornings on News on Six in Tulsa

As Miss Oklahoma, Gold travels across the state, speaking to various audiences about her efforts to end senior hunger. When her grandfather could no longer prepare nutritious food, Mobile Meals, delivered a hot, healthy meal each day with a volunteer visit. She was touched by the kindness of the Mobile Meals volunteers and she continues to advocate for ending food insecurity for older adults.

Gold is also a talented musician and has played the flute for many years. She used her performing skills to begin competing in Miss Oklahomas Outstanding Teen Competition in 2013. Over four years competing as a teen, she was named the Rookie Talent and Overall Activewear winner and a Top 5 Finalist. She continued in the Miss Oklahoma Competition, where she held the local titles of Miss Bethany, Miss Tulsa, and Miss Bricktown. As Miss Bricktown, she received preliminary awards for Onstage Question and Social Impact Pitch, Red Carpet, and Talent and was named Miss Oklahoma 2022.

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In celebration of Elder Cares 40th anniversary year, events like these are being planned hroughout 2023 to bring awareness to the broad range of services available to adults of all ages and Elder Cares commitment to serving adults over 60 in Washington, Nowata, and Osage counties, Thompson said.

The cost for the dessert social is $5 per person and all proceeds benefit Elder Cares many programs. Space is limited, and guests may RSVP by March 11 to Elder Care at 918-336-8500. To learn more about upcoming social events hosted by Elder Care, visit AboutElderCare.org/events.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Miss Oklahoma 2022 to share personal story at Bartlesville Elder Care
A close-up of a sleeper shark.

A close-up of a sleeper shark.

The remains of a missing person in Argentina were recently recovered from the belly of a dead shark. The shark had been caught by fishers near where the man went missing, leading to speculation in the media that the shark may have killed him. But shark experts and police suspect that the man was already dead before the shark ate him.

Diego Barria, a 32-year-old man who lived in the Patagonian province of Chubut, was last seen on Feb. 18, Spanish news site El Pais reported. Around four days later, local police found Barria's damaged all-terrain vehicle (ATV) along with his helmet, which had been cracked in two, on a nearby beach. But there was no body, which only added to the mystery surrounding the missing man's whereabouts.

But on Feb. 26, local fishers caught three school sharks (Galeorhinus galeus), also known as tope or soupfin sharks, near the beach. When the fishers were gutting the sharks, they found a human forearm, as well as other suspect human remains, in the belly of one of the sharks. The fishers turned the remains over to police, who identified a specific tattoo on the wrist of the forearm that matched one of Barria's tattoos, according to El Pais. A DNA test will now be carried out to definitively prove that the remains belong to Barria.

However, it is unlikely that the shark killed Barria. Instead, the police suspect that Barria likely died after colliding with a rock while driving the ATV and that his body was washed out to sea, where it was partially eaten by the shark.

Related: In rare attack, great white shark decapitates diver in Mexico. But why?

A shark being caught by a fisher.

"In my opinion, that's exactly what happened," Gregory Skomal , a marine biologist at Boston University and head of the shark program at Massachusetts Marine Fisheries, told Live Science in an email. It is "very very unlikely" that the shark killed Barria, he added.

School sharks are medium to large-size sharks found across the globe. The individuals caught by the fishers, including the one that ate Barria's arm, each measured around 5 feet (1.5 meters) long. They are mainly bottom feeders, dining on flatfish and sardines near the seafloor, but they will also target larger fish and squid in the open sea.

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Gavin Naylor , a marine biologist at the University of Florida who runs the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) at the Florida Museum of Natural History, agreed that it is highly unlikely that a school shark would attack a human, especially as people are too big to be confused for the shark's normal prey. It is practically "unheard of" for this species to kill people, he told Live Science in an email.

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Sharks do actually sleep, and sometimes with their eyes wide open

Instead, Naylor and Skomal think that the shark opportunistically scavenged on Barria's body.

"It is well documented that many species of sharks will opt for an easy meal by scavenging" when possible, Skomal said. This can include scavenging on humans, although this is likely "very rare," he added.
A Tesla logo. Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Like the rest of the US, Mississippi has laws that restrict car dealerships from selling directly to consumers.

But Tesla has skirted those regulations by calling its lone location in the state a "store" instead of a "dealership."

A new law that closes the loophole was passed by Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves Tuesday.

A Mississippi Tesla store gets to play by different rules than its counterparts in the traditional auto dealership industry. But a new state law is set to level the playing field.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a bill Tuesday that would force electric vehicle manufacturers to enter into franchise agreements in order to sell cars at brick-and-mortar stores, the Associated Press reported. The law will place EV companies under the same regulations as traditional carmakers.

Tesla currently has one store operating in the state, which has skirted regulations that face traditional car manufacturers by classifying itself as a "store" and not a "dealership," the AP reported.

"Almost 200 small businesses in communities across our state are seeking assurances that big manufacturers can't just destroy their businesses. That's fair!" Reeves wrote in a tweet Tuesday.

According to State Sen. Daniel Sparks, the law would not force the closure of the existing Tesla store in Mississippi  instead, the store would be grandfathered in under the law, but others like it would be prevented from opening, per the AP.

"We're saying if you choose to have a brick-and-mortar dealership, you have to follow the same laws that everyone else has to follow," Sparks said, per the Associated Press. "Please don't tell me Tesla's car doesn't identify as a car."

In a Twitter thread, Reeves seemed to agree.

"I also recognize that innovation in this industry is inevitable. And with innovation comes new companies with new business models," the governor wrote. "I am committed to find long-term solutionsin an ever changing market. I look forward to working with all parties going forward to do just that."

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Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) March 14, 2023

Opponents of the Mississippi bill have said it impedes the free market by imposing a regulation on Tesla and other EV manufacturers, while proponents argue the bill would level the playing field.

State Sen. Joey Fillingane said the bill could discourage EV companies from conducting business in Mississippi, warning that it could harm opportunity in the state.

"Maybe we just like being last all the time. Maybe it's a badge of honor  we're the last ones to change," Fillingane said, per AP. "If we're not careful ... we could deprive our citizens of opportunities they really ought not to be deprived of."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Welcome to This Week in Outer Space, where youll find a roundup of the best space coverage from Yahoo News and our partners from the past week or so. Last week, we covered black holes, budget space tourism and a small but significant glimmer of hope in U.S.-Russia relations. This week, weve got a victory lap from SpaceX, some good news about killer asteroids and planetary activity that probably has some astrological significance. But first, the incredibly complicated quest for a lunar standard time zone.

Now is the time for moon time

With dozens of lunar missions on the horizon, a joint international effort is being formed to standardize how we measure time on the moon. Establishing a special time zone for the moon is much more easily said than done  because knowing when you are has a lot to do with figuring out where you are. Let us explain:

Since 1967, we have measured time on Earth on a global scale using whats called Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, which is based on super-accurate atomic clocks. UTC stays the same no matter where you are on the planet, but your local time corresponds to the sun, with noon always being when its directly overhead.

Now, to avoid absolute chaos in daily life, we use time zones broken up by the hour  but technically speaking, every 101 feet east or west theres about a 1-second difference in local time. So, if you know exactly what time it is where you are and exactly what time it is in UTC, you can figure out where you are east or west of the international dateline. Theres also a much more complicated way to use local time to determine your position north or south of the equator, and those two measurements are critical for making things like navigation and communication systems operate with any kind of reliability.

So what does any of that have to do with space travel? Currently, the time on the moon is based on the local time at mission control for any individual spacecraft. So, say theres a rover from Cape Canaveral. If its 7 a.m. in Florida, its 7 a.m. on the moon, no matter where the rover actually is. However, lets say the rover from Cape Canaveral crossed paths with a lander from Wenchang, China. Even though they were right next to each other, it would be 7 a.m. for the rover and 8 p.m. for the lander.

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Right now, thats not really a big problem, as there just isnt that much stuff happening on the moon for it to matter. But as countries and private companies expand moon missions in the coming decades, the European Space Agency believes that a common lunar reference time will become pivotal in maintaining order.

The bad news is there isnt a clear solution yet. Atomic clocks, the kind we use to establish UTC on Earth, run ever so slightly faster on the moon, due to its lower gravity, and a more traditional solar model presents another set of problems. The time between one lunar high noon and the next is about 708.7 hours, and that doesnt factor neatly into minutes and seconds.

Luckily, at least for the foreseeable future, this really isnt going to have a major impact on the vast majority of earthlings  and there are literal rocket scientists working on the solution.

SpaceX really came out swinging this week

Apparently unaffected by some of Elon Musks more chaotic ventures, SpaceX has run like clockwork as of late  and this week, the hits just kept on coming. Although it had to call off a launch in partnership with NASA just minutes before liftoff on Monday, the private space company quickly regrouped and sent its first manned mission of the year into orbit on Thursday. The Crew-6 ferried four astronauts, including the first space traveler from the Arab world, Sultan Al Neyadi, to the International Space Station, where theyll replace a team from Crew-5.

While all of that was going on, SpaceX also managed to deploy the first set of second-generation Starlink internet satellites into orbit on Monday, then went right back to the launchpad to do it again on Friday afternoon.

So whats next for SpaceX? You guessed it: more launches.

Good news: We might actually be able to deflect killer asteroids

As you may recall, back in September, NASA crashed a spacecraft into an asteroid to see if it could nudge it onto a different course. Early data proved promising, but now that the results for the Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission have been more scientifically analyzed, we can say with some confidence that, yeah, it works. The kinetic impactors did indeed make a significant change to the asteroids trajectory.

Now, there are still a lot of variables when it comes to whether or not this would work in a specific real-life scenario with a planet-killer space rock hurtling toward Earth  but I, for one, am going to sleep just a little bit better with one less existential threat to worry about.

Venus and Jupiter got cozy

On Wednesday and Thursday, Venus and Jupiter appeared to nearly converge in the night sky. Obviously, those two celestial bodies are hundreds of millions of miles apart, and it just looked from our perspective that they partook in what Oregon Public Radio hilariously referred to as a nighttime kiss. Due to the relatively flat alignments of orbits in our solar system, perceived planetary convergences are pretty common. However, apart from any astrological implications, they dont really have any scientific significance other than looking really cool.

SpinLaunch wants to hurl satellites into orbit

When it comes to escaping Earths gravity, our options are limited: Rocket fuel is expensive, also dangerous, and balloons will only get you so far. But what if there was another way? Well, a company based in Sunnyvale, Calif., thinks it might have the answer.

The SpinLaunch prototype. (Business Wire/AP)

SpinLaunch has built a one-third scale proof of concept of what essentially amounts to a very high-tech catapult to hurl objects into space. As you might infer from the name, the device rapidly spins cargo in a vacuum chamber to build up kinetic energy, before letting go at a precise moment to launch the payload flying up into the sky. Tests have attracted attention and investment from the likes of NASA and Airbus, and while the idea of shooting objects into space sans rocket isnt exactly new, this is the first time its proven viable outside of science fiction.
As the Supreme Court heard arguments this week over President Joe Bidens student loan debt relief plan, the justices asked about the definition of relevant statutory language and whether the plaintiffs had standing to sue, as well as constitutional questions around the separation of powers. These are all typical matters to discuss during judicial review. But the conservative justices also spent a good deal of time asking about a more nebulous subject: fairness.

The fairness issue arose during arguments in Department of Education v. Brown, a case in which two individual student borrowers challenged the Biden plan because they did not qualify for any or all of the relief offered.

Since were dealing in a case with individual borrowers or would-be borrowers, I think its appropriate to consider some of the fairness arguments, Chief Justice John Roberts said.

Roberts then presented a hypothetical scenario involving two high school graduates, neither of whom can afford college. One takes out a loan to go to college, while the other gets a loan to start a lawn care service. The one who goes to college, we know statistically, Roberts said, is going to do significantly financially better over the course of life than the person without.

And then along comes the government and tells that person, You dont have to pay your loan, he said. Nobody is telling that person who is trying to set up the lawn service business that he does not have to pay his loan.

For a court that often pretends to sit above the political fray, this is a line of argument that appears purely political in nature. The court is not judging whether policies are fair. Indeed, the chief justice acknowledged that his opinion on fairness doesnt matter.

You may have views on [the] fairness of that, and they dont count, Roberts said to Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar. I may have views on the fairness of that, and mine dont count.

So why, then, is the chief justice wondering about the fairness of the governments plan?

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The answer is that Roberts was trying to shoehorn the political debate over fairness into what is known as the courts major questions doctrine.

We would like to usually leave situations of that sort, when youre talking about spending the governments money, which is the taxpayers money, to the people in charge of the money, which is Congress, Roberts said.

Why isnt that a factor that should enter into our consideration on our major questions  where we look at things a little more strictly than we might otherwise when talking about statutory grants of authority to make sure that this is something that Congress wouldve contemplated?

"Its appropriate to consider some of the fairness arguments, Chief Justice John Roberts said during debates over the student loan relief plan.

The major questions doctrine has emerged in recent years as a favorite tool of the courts conservative supermajority to squash executive branch actions it does not like. The doctrine states that agency regulations of vast economic and political significance must be specifically authorized by Congress.

The major questions doctrine, as currently stated by the high court, directs courts not to discern the plain meaning of a statute using the normal tools of statutory interpretation, but to require explicit and specific congressional authorization for certain agency policies, write Daniel Deacon and Leah Litman of the University of Michigan Law School in a draft paper on The New Major Questions Doctrine.

The Supreme Court deployed the doctrine in recent cases striking down the Biden administrations COVID-19 vaccine mandate for big employers, pandemic eviction moratorium and, in the 2022 case of West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, not-yet-proposed regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions at power plants.

EPA claimed to discover an unheralded power representing a transformative expansion of its regulatory authority in the vague language of a long-extant, but rarely used, statute designed as a gap filler, Roberts wrote in the West Virginia case. That discovery allowed it to adopt a regulatory program that Congress had conspicuously declined to enact itself. Given these circumstances, there is every reason to hesitate before concluding that Congress meant to confer on EPA the authority it claims.

The key issue here is a concern about the separation of powers  namely, that Congress is the proper venue for the adoption of economically and politically significant regulatory actions. As Roberts stated about the potential Biden administration actions on greenhouse gas emissions, Congress did not enact the exact regulatory scheme in that case.

But the student loan forgiveness program rests on fairly strong footing in terms of statutory authorization.

The HEROES Act of 2003 allows the secretary of education to waive or modify the terms of student loans held by the federal government during a declared national emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic is such an emergency. And the education secretary both waived and modified the terms of certain student loans according to the law Congress passed in providing up to $20,000 in forgiveness.

During arguments over whether the major questions doctrine should apply to the student loan relief plan, the conservative justices questioned whether forgiving debt fit the definition of waiving or modifying, and whether a benefits program is the same a regulatory action. Prelogar argued that Congress gave the authority to the education secretary to waive or modify any or all of the student loan terms.

Roberts injection of the political issue of fairness then came as a way to expand the major questions doctrine beyond whether Congress authorized the secretary to forgive some loans. Even if Congress authorized the waiver or modification of loan terms, did it consider whether that would be fair? And wouldnt Congress be the only body that can judge fairness?

Student loan borrowers and advocates rally during Supreme Court arguments on the White House's student loan relief plan.

Student loan borrowers and advocates rally during Supreme Court arguments on the White House's student loan relief plan.

I dont see any evidence that they took the person who is trying to start the lawn service because he cant afford college  I didnt see evidence they took him into account, Roberts said in response to Prelogar.

The other conservatives followed suit. Addressing the solicitor general, Justice Samuel Alito demanded to know whether the administrations education secretary thought the plan was fair.

Why is it fair? Alito asked. Why isnt the answer to say that it was wanted? Maybe it was wanted, but why?

It was fair because in the absence of this relief, its undisputed that there are going to be millions of student loan borrowers who are not going to be able to pay their student loans, Prelogar replied. They will default in delinquency, and the HEROES Act was specifically designed for the situation. This is Congress telling the secretary, You dont have to let that happen.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh declared that the plan creates big winners and big losers, and he speculated that Congress could try to hear all about all of that and factor all that in.

Should any of that factor into how we think about whether to give a broad reading to waive or a narrow reading? Kavanaugh said.

No, I dont think that that should factor into how to interpret the statute, Prelogar responded. The court needs to consider that text on its own terms.

Prelogar was asking the conservative justices to stick to the bounds of the major questions doctrine that they stated in prior case history, instead of trying to expand the doctrine to include whether Congress fully considered the fairness of the actions authorized by its laws.

The major questions doctrine has been criticized as a judicial power grab that enables conservatives to strike down executive actions they dont like without revisiting their precedents. This entire line of questioning during the student loan arguments underscored that critique.

When presented with a policy that doesnt quite fit the bounds of the current major questions doctrine, the conservative justices reached to expand it.
A Pennsylvania mother accused of pretending her daughter was seriously ill  in order to gain sympathy and reap financial reward  has been sentenced to prison.

The womans scheme resulted in needless medical treatment for her young child and more than $100,000 in losses for insurers, according to a March 3 news release from the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

In one instance, the 49-year-old Dillsburg resident instructed her 5-year-old adoptive daughter to fake having a seizure while she videotaped her, officials said.

The mother then sent the video to her daughters doctor, providing false information about her daughters medical condition along with it, officials said.

Though she never actually witnessed her child experiencing a seizure, the mother told medical providers on multiple occasions that her daughter did in fact suffer from them, officials said.

An attorney for the woman could not immediately be reached for comment by McClatchy News.

Her behavior appears consistent with a mental illness known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, officials, including the womans defense team, said. The disorder is characterized by the fabrication of an illness in someone else in order to gain sympathy and attention.

However, the mothers scheme also involved a strong financial incentive, officials said.

As a result of her false statements about her daughters health, the mother received enhanced Medicare and adoption subsidiaries for taking care of a medically ill child, and she promoted the minor childs purported conditions to seek donations from local organizations and through online fundraising efforts, officials said.

The woman has been sentenced to 30 months in prison and will also be required to serve three years of supervised release, officials said. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $137,710 in restitution.

Her daughter has been removed from her care, officials said.

Dillsburg is located about 120 miles west of Philadelphia.

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A barn in Darke County has been deemed a total loss after flames ripped through it Friday.

The fire broke out just before 3:00 p.m. in the 11000 block of State Route 49 in Rossburg.

>> Flooding, heavy rain forcing road closures in parts of the Miami Valley

Several fire departments were called to battle the fire including Rossburg, Ansonia, Greenville Township, North Star, Burkettsville, St. Henry, Southwest Mercer, and Union City, Ohio, a spokesperson for the Darke County Sheriffs Department told News Center 7.

Farm equipment and at least one trailer were in the barn when the fire broke out; however, there were no livestock or other animals.

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No one was in the barn the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported on the scene.

The estimated damages are not known at the time. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Two Cook County Jail detainees died this week, one of whom was beaten to death, officials said.

The suspicious death, which was ruled a homicide, happened about 5:10 p.m. Thursday, after a correctional officer found Marvell Reasonover, 28, unresponsive in his cell in Division 9, a maximum security section at the jail, according to a statement from the Cook County sheriffs department and the Cook County medical examiners office.

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Reasonovers cellmate was escorted out of the cell and secured, the statement said.

A Friday autopsy determined Reasonover died of multiple injuries from an assault, according to the medical examiners office, which said Reasonover was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital.

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Reasonover was ordered held in custody at the jail Dec. 12, 2020, for aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm charge. Reasonover also was being held on $100,000 D-bond for charges including: armed habitual criminal, felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon, the statement said.

Reasonovers convictions included receiving or possessing a stolen vehicle and burglary.

Another jail death occurred Friday morning, when Melvin Turner, 35, was found in his bed in the jails residential treatment unit, according to an earlier statement released by the sheriffs office.

Turner, of Carol Stream, was previously placed on electronic monitoring in February after charges of retail theft but was re-incarcerated at Cook County Jail late Thursday night after his housing site refused him when he was discharged from Jackson Park Hospital, according to the earlier statement.

Once discharged from Jackson Park, sheriffs electronic monitoring unit investigators took Turner to the jail, where he was evaluated by Cermak Health Services staff before he was placed in the RTU.

Turners autopsy was inconclusive and pending further studies, according to the medical examiners office.
Raquel Saraswati and Rachel Dolezal are both white women who have posed as persons of color. Monica Schipper/Getty Images; Nicholas K. Geranios/AP

Muslim activist Raquel Saraswati was exposed for lying about being of South Asian, Arab, and Latin descent, The Intercept reported.

Other white people, like Rachel Dolezal, have similarly tried to misrepresent themselves as people of color.

'Costuming' as other races presents real dangers to actual communities of color, experts said.

In February, Raquel Evita Saraswati, a Muslim activist, was exposed for posing as a woman of color, The Intercept reported. Saraswati claimed to be of Arab, South Asian, and Latin descent, and was the chief equity, inclusion, and culture officer of the American Friends Service Committee, a peace and social justice organization.

But, according to her friends and family, Saraswati was actually born Rachel Elizabeth Seidel, a woman of British, German, and Italian descent.

"I'm as white as the driven snow and so is she," her mother told the Intercept.

Saraswati landed the prominent diversity position at the AFSC because "it seemed that there was an element of lived experience and understanding of the lived experience" of a "queer, Muslim, multiethnic woman," a human resources professional involved in hiring her told the Intercept.

AFSC members published an anonymous letter on February 10, raising concerns about Saraswati's background and how her alleged misrepresentations hurt marginalized people.

"There have been attempts since 2015 to call for accountability in light of Saraswati's cultural vulturism," the letter read.

Saraswati resigned from the AFSC on Tuesday, the Daily Beast reported. She did not respond to a request for comment from Insider.

Saraswati isn't the only person to have faked her race. In fact, she's been dubbed the "Rachel Dolezal" of the Muslim community after the woman who falsely claimed Black and Native American ancestry for years. Dolezal was the chapter president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and later resigned amid the controversy in 2015.

Rachel Dolezal in an interview with Matt Lauer on the "Today" show. Screenshot / Today show

A history of race faking

There's no shortage of other examples of people who have misrepresented their race or ethnicity: Hilaria Baldwin, Alec Baldwin's wife, attracted controversy over allegations that she misled people into believing she was Spanish in 2020. That same year, actress and filmmaker Michelle Latimer was found to have falsely claimed Indigenous ancestry. And, in 2021, British influencer Oli London claimed they had "transitioned" races from white to Korean.

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In September 2020, Jessica Krug, a historian and former tenured professor at George Washington University, was embroiled in a similar scandal after she lied about being Black her entire career. Krug had written articles in Essence and the race-exploring website RaceBaitR, as well as a book on African American history and Latin America. She also received fellowships and financial support for her research on Black culture.

In a Medium post published under her name, Krug was revealed to be white, and had been living "under various assumed identities within a Blackness that I had no right to claim," at times having claimed to be of North African or Caribbean descent, and from the Bronx.

"I am not a culture vulture. I am a culture leech," Krug wrote.

A reversal of 'white passing'

People of color have historically had to pass as white in order to survive or get ahead. Famed actress Merle Oberon hid her South Asian and Maori heritage to avoid prejudice, while sex symbol Raquel Welch grew up with a father who tried to assimilate at all costs, even banning Spanish at home.

"It was told to me that if I wanted to be typecast, I would play into that," Welch told the New York Times in 2002. "You just couldn't be too different. My first big breakthrough part in 'One Million Years B.C.' they dyed my hair blond."

For people of color, passing was about survival, affording them privileges, resources, and opportunities that are typically available only to those who were white, according to Whitney Pirtle, associate professor of sociology at University of California Merced.

Dr. Albert Johnston was a biracial doctor who passed as white in order to practice medicine in the 1920s. The Johnstons became national news after they revealed their true racial identity. Historical Society of Ches

A white person passing as another race is fundamentally different because it misunderstands the way race and racism work in the United States, experts told Insider.

"People like Rachel Dolezal and Raquel Saraswati didn't experience the structural barriers that women of color experienced. Yet when they 'become' women of color, they're able to get certain jobs and become leaders of movements because they had a different path," Pirtle said.

There are potential reasons why someone who is white would want to pose as a person of color, from family trauma to a desire to evade "responsibility for white oppression of other racial groups," according to Maryann Erigha, associate professor of sociology at the University of Georgia.

Playing up racial ambiguity  as some celebrities like Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, and Kim Kardashian have been criticized for  can also be a means of commercializing "Otherness," Jonathan Rosa, associate professor of race and ethnicity at Stanford, told Insider.

Iggy Azalea in the 'I Am The Stripclub' music video. YouTube/Iggy Azalea

The dangers of 'costuming' racial identities

Racial misrepresentation not only takes up a space meant for actual people of color  just as Saraswati had when she took the diversity role in AFSC  but also undermines real efforts to provide representation and resources to communities, Erigha said.

"Costuming" also facilitates a misunderstanding of the concept of race as a social construct, which denotes how racial categories have shifted depending on the historical, political, social, and economic contexts of a particular time. Pretending to be a person of color wholly ignores the historical trauma and discrimination that marginalized communities have experienced in what Pirtle called an "amplification of white privilege."

"A costume is not something you are; it's something you put on and can then take off," Pirtle said. "It's harmful for those people who don't have that identity as a costume. Are you making a caricature of me, of my people? Are you gaining the resource that you need at this time, but not dealing with the ramifications of what it means to truly live in our shoes?"

Read the original article on Insider
NASCAR superstar Chase Elliott had successful surgery for an unspecified injury to his left leg Friday night, hours after a snowboarding accident in Colorado. He will miss this weekends NASCAR race at Las Vegas.

Team owner Rick Hendrick told The Associated Press that Elliott was just out of surgery and it went well. Hendrick gave no additional details about Elliotts condition or the accident.

Hendrick is NASCAR's winningest car owner and Elliott is NASCARs most popular driver.

Josh Berry will drive the No. 9 Chevrolet on Sunday in place of Elliott.

Elliott would need a waiver from NASCAR to be eligible for this years playoffs because hes missing a race. NASCAR has granted waivers to drivers for a variety of medical and non-medical reasons.

Chases health is our primary concern, Hendrick said ahead of Elliott's surgery. Hes spoken with several members of our team and is understandably disappointed to miss time in the car. Of course, he has our full support and well provide any resources he needs.

Elliott is a second-generation driver and the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott. The Georgia native is NASCARs five-time fan-voted most popular driver.

Elliott was runner-up to Kyle Busch last week at Fontana, California. He was part of a crash in the season-opening Daytona 500.

Las Vegas is the third race of the season. Berry is a two-time winner in the Xfinity series at Las Vegas and is the defending Xfinity winner. Berry also will race Saturday for Hendrick affiliate JR Motorsports.

Elliott is a part of NASCARs shrinking group of true superstars and was signed to a developmental deal by Hendrick when he was just 14 years old.

He blossomed into a bona fide elite racer and won the Cup title in 2020. The 27-year-old has 18 career Cup victories and has advanced into the championship finale the last three consecutive years.

The injury comes at a time when Hendrick dramatically shifted his stance on extracurricular activities. He was a firm believer in that his drivers could not race in other series or partake in daredevil behavior for fear of injury.

Story continues

But he did a complete U-turn after signing Kyle Larson for 2021. Larson runs at small tracks all over the country and persuaded Hendrick not to force him to quit.

In fact, Hendrick is even partnering with McLaren and Chevrolet to enter Larson in the Indianapolis 500. The deal has been announced for 2024, but the AP has learned it is a two-year deal that includes the 2025 race.

Hendrick the previous two seasons also entered a car in the IMSA sports car series endurance races and in June is going to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of a special project with NASCAR. Elliott was thought to be an early contender for a seat in the historic entry, but NASCAR has a conflicting race weekend and Elliott has always said he wouldnt miss a Cup race.

Hendrick's new position opened the door for all four of the HMS drivers to start racing other events, and Elliott has taken the offer.

Elliott's snowboarding accident, however, happened during a physical activity, and it isnt publicly known what he can and cant do under his Hendrick contract.

Elliott is a licensed pilot and because hes never left his Dawsonville, Georgia, hometown he often helicopters himself to meetings at Hendricks North Carolina race shop.

Once he relaxed his view on extra racing, Hendrick explained that a driver knows very well if they get injured, they will be replaced. This will be his first test.

Hendrick driver Alex Bowman missed five races last year with a concussion suffered in a NASCAR race. He received a contract extension last month.

The 32-year-old Berry normally drives for JRM in the second-tier Xfinity Series. He is a five-time winner for JRM and has two previous Cup starts.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli, said that Russia has lost more than 200,000 troops since the start of its invasion in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, describing the extent of the war as "unbelievable."

He added that over 1,800 Russian officers were killed or wounded, German magazine Der Spiegel reported.

Cavoli also said that Russia has lost "far more" than 2,000 large battle tanks and that its army fires an average of 23,000 artillery shells per day.

The U.K. Defense Ministry previously estimated that Russia's army and private mercenary groups have likely lost 175,000-200,000 people in Ukraine, with up to 60,000 killed. According to a report, prisoners recruited by the Kremlin-backed private mercenary Wagner Group have suffered a casualty rate of up to 50%.

"The Russian casualty rate has significantly increased since September 2022 when 'partial mobilization' was imposed," reads the report.

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on March 4 that Russia had lost 152,190 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24 last year.

This number includes 820 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
Christopher Cavoli

The general spoke at a traditional dinner at Hamburg City Hall and noted that "the scale of this war is incredible.

Read also: Russias losses up to 200,000 soldiers, most killed by artillery  UK MoD

According to him, the aggressor state has lost more than 2,000 tanks and on average its military fires more than 23,000 artillery rounds a day.

Cavoli believes that after Russia's attack on Ukraine, NATO must adapt to the new reality.

Read also: Russian failures at Vuhledar show poor training of Russian conscripts  ISW

"If someone comes with a tank, you have to have a tank too," the general stressed. "However, one of the lessons of the Cold War is that the precision of weapons is what matters. In addition, the defense industry's production capacity is important. The war is won by the one who can produce the fastest."

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces estimates Russian losses since the beginning of the full-scale war at 152,190 troops in February 2022, including 820 on March 3, 2023, alone.

Read also: Russia loses 2,000 soldiers for every 100 meters of captured territory in Ukraine

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Nevada Democrats are grappling with turmoil in their ranks ahead of a critical state party chair election this weekend, sparking fears that the divisions could hinder them as they head into 2024.

Top elected officials have called on Nevada Democratic Party Chair Judith Whitmer to resign as she has fielded unflattering headlines in recent weeks  the latest developments in a series of longstanding tensions between progressive and moderate factions of the party.

Democrats worry that the conflict could roll into the 2024 election cycle, where Nevada holds a crucial early presidential primary for Democrats and one of the Senates most vulnerable candidates, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), is up for reelection.

What has happened to the Nevada state party is an embarrassment to progressives and Nevada, said Peter Koltak, a staffer for Sen. Bernie Sanderss (I-Vt) 2020 presidential campaign in Nevada. A lot of it is rooted in incompetence.

Is the party going to get new leadership and be a partner in elections or is it going to continue to be an isolated, rump organization? he added.

Roughly two years since a group of democratic socialist candidates, led by Whitmer, took the reins of the state party formerly run by operatives associated with the famed Reid machine  a group of establishment Democrats once led by the late Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.)  Nevada Democrats have seen a growing rift between progressive and establishment members of the party.

Not long after the 2021 state party chair elections, career Democratic operatives and the entire permanent staff of the Nevada Democratic Party resigned. Progressives allege that those staffers took much of the partys money with them and left the organization in financial and logistical disarray.

Those divisions deepened heading into the 2022 midterm elections as the same operatives who fled the Nevada Democratic Party founded a new organization, Nevada Democratic Victory. It acted as what some called a shadow party, fundraising and campaigning on behalf of candidates like Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.) while the state party coordinated its own campaign efforts focusing on down ballot races  creating a split screen of two different campaign efforts run by Democrats in the state.

Story continues

Finally, the bubbling tensions between progressives and establishment Democrats in the Silver State came to a fore last month. Officials started calling on Whitmer to resign following reporting that the state party had removed over 230 members of Nevada State Democratic Partys governing body ahead of their state party chair elections  a move that Whitmer argues was not politically motivated. Meanwhile, top politicians like former Gov. Steve Sisolak (D), along with influential organizations like the Culinary Workers Union, have endorsed her challenger, state Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno.

Its time for our State Party to get back to basics and to reunite our Democratic family. That means raising the resources to be successful, restoring trust with our grassroots members and local elected leaders, and serious year-round organizing in every corner of the state, Monroe-Moreno told The Hill in a statement.

Now Nevada Democrats are staring down contentious state party leadership elections just months after the midterms and the Democratic National Committees (DNC) move to make Nevada one of the second presidential primary states.

The state Democratic Party is not the party respected by elected officials, said Jon Ralston, founder of The Nevada Independent newspaper and a respected political commentator in the state. Theres no evidence that theyve done what a party needs to do.

Some suggest the damage has already been done. Even if the party split is mended, it has already had a negative impact on the state, Koltak and Ralston said. As infighting makes headlines, large donors may be less likely to spend in the state, and Nevadas reputation in the Democratic National Committee may falter.

And while Nevada Democrats, including Cortez-Masto, won most of their major seats in 2022, some insiders believe it was more despite Whitmers influence than because of it, raising questions of whether Democrats might work around the state party again next cycle if tensions persist.

If youre ultra-ideological, the state party is the wrong place for you, Koltak said.What they got was a big electoral machine that they were not prepared to run.

Some politicos believe that Sisolak, who lost reelection to Republican Joe Lombardo by about 30,000 votes, could have at least lost by a smaller margin without party infighting.

It didnt make things easier having to navigate a new process, one longtime Nevada Democratic staffer said, who asked to be anonymous out of concern for their career future in state politics.

In an interview with The Hill last month, Whitmer argued that the operatives who ran the state party before she was elected sort of burned the house down before we even got the keys following the state party elections and explained that our intent has always been to build a stronger, more inclusive party, where every voice is heard, everybody has a chance to participate.

But the state party chair also voiced concern that unresolved tensions between Nevada Democrats could hurt them going into 2024.

I think it will have an impact if the narrative continues to be from the other side of this electron that theyve got to get control of a party back away from progressives and that theyre embarrassed by progressives, thats going to be a problem, Whitmer said.

Because that  sets us up for a wider conflict that I dont want to see happen, she added.

Others suggest if the lingering tensions persist, that could trickle down to intraparty divisions in key races.

The first part is, do we see a lot of primary challenges, right? said David Damore, professor and chair of the political science department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

[Rep.] Dina Titus, for example, got challenged from this group of, sort of, the leftover Sanders campaign people. She crushed it. I think the open question is what happens when seats [become] open?

While the last election suggests that Nevada Democrats can stillremain competitive in holding onto key Senate and House seats despite internal turmoil, it could come at the cost of a united front among members.

You have two trains of thought. One is we need unity, dont upset the applecart. And then the second thing that you need is a functional organization that supports candidates and actually works to get them elected, said former Nevada GOP executive director Zachary Moyle.

Ideally, you want both of those. But you know, honestly, the past decade it feels like parties [have been having to choose] which one do I want more instead of aiming for both.

Whitmers leadership has now inspired the same Reid machine Democrats to attempt to wrestle control of the party back again.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, who backed Whitmer in her leadership election in 2021, have declined to endorse her, saying that the party has turned its back on the principles the leadership slate it was elected to fulfill.

Some observers suggest that the state party chair outcome could mean a return to the way things were before Whitmer took the reins.

Assemblywoman Monroe-Moreno is someone who people who already have a vested interest prefer, the longtime staffer said. If Assemblywoman Monroe-Moreno were to win, the coordinated campaign would likely go back to the state party.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley mocked the collection of GOP politicians who are still considering a bid for the presidency but haven't yet announced they're running.

"Don't wait around for the guys who are sitting on the sidelines unable to make up their mind," she said Saturday at an exclusive donor retreat in Palm Beach, Florida, where the Club for Growth, a conservative group, is holding a donor retreat with multiple potential presidential candidates.

"Once I decided I was going to run, I didn't see the point in waiting. When it comes to saving America, being decisive matters," she said at the beginning of her remarks.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke on Thursday at the retreat, while former Vice President Mike Pence addressed the gathering on Friday. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, whom Haley first appointed to the position in 2012, is also speaking on Saturday.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy also spoke at the retreat. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin were both invited to the Club for Growth retreat but couldn't attend, according to a source familiar with the planning.

But Haley's focus on Republicans didn't stop at her potential primary opponents. She also took issue with "the last two Republican presidents" who, she noted, both added to the national debt, though she didn't explicitly name former presidents Donald Trump and George W. Bush.

"Lots of Republican politicians love spending and wasting taxpayer money almost as much as Democrats. The last two Republican presidents added more than $10 trillion to the national debt. Think about that. A third of our debt happened under just two Republicans," she said.

"If we nominate another big spender in 2024, we're going to lose," she added.

Former President Donald Trump, whose Mar-a-Lago residence is just a few miles from the Club for Growth's retreat, did not receive an invitation to the gathering. Trump is the keynote speaker on Saturday at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and publicly clashed with the conservative economic group in 2022 over congressional primary candidates.

Story continues

Ramaswamy has launched his presidential campaign  for now he's longshot in the race, but DeSantis, Pence, Scott and Sununu have not yet declared they're running. Several of them have, however, been visiting early presidential primary states or plan to in the coming weeks.

In her remarks, Haley also suggested Club donors look at supporting primary challengers against the 158 House Republicans who voted for the recent omnibus spending bill. She derided them as "squishy Republicans" and criticized them and blamed them for getting "the ball rolling" for "trillion-dollar pandemic blowouts."

"Don't let the media tell you Republicans and Democrats can't work together. They always seem to work just fine when they're spending your money," she said.

Haley also said she's "not afraid" to talk about "saving" Social Security and Medicare. The question of whether the two programs should be reformed has exposed some rifts in the 2024 field, with Haley and Pence arguing changes are needed to keep the programs alive in the long term.

In his remarks on Friday, Pence told the donor retreat that the party "cannot abandon our commitment to fiscal responsibility and that includes common-sense reforms to Social Security and Medicare."

"I can't walk by the debt crisis our nation's facing and neither can you," he said. This was first reported by Fox News.

Since launching his third bid, Trump has said he would not support cuts to the programs and has used the issue to attack DeSantis.

Haley also repeatedly went after "pro-union" politicians, a dig at Democratic President Joe Biden who prides himself on his ties to unions, and said she would bring her "union buster" reputation from her tenure as South Carolina governor to the White House.

A day before, Haley addressed the CPAC crowd in near Washington, D.C., where she argued she represents the generational change needed for the GOP. Trump and Ramaswamy were the only notable presidential candidates who attended the gathering, with DeSantis and Pence declining their invites.

Haley's presence resulted in mixed reactions at the conference, a Trump-friendly gathering featuring several former members of his administration and allies. Trump supporters chanted "Trump! Trump! Trump!" as she was leaving the conference.

In his remarks to the retreat on Thursday, DeSantis framed himself as a new leader for the party who doesn't shy from "culture war" issues such as critical race theory and sexuality being taught in schools.

"I'm going on offense," DeSantis said in a 40-minute speech, according to a source in the room. "Some of these Republicans, they just sit back like potted plants and they let the media define the terms of the debate, they let the left define the terms of debate, they take all this incoming because they're not making anything happen."

According to a source familiar with his remarks this evening, Scott will continue his rhetoric from his "Faith in America" tour that recently stopped in Iowa.

During his tour, Scott has said Biden and Democrats have provided "a blueprint to ruin America" and has painted himself as a figure that could unite the party and the country.

"Will we be a country that chooses grievance or greatness?" he's expected to say in his remarks.

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Highland Heights City Council member Edward Fessler.

A Highland Heights City Council member could be removed from office following his arrest on drug charges, officials say.

Edward Fessler, 44, is facing charges of drug trafficking and possession, court records show. He was arrested Feb. 21 after the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force executed a search warrant on Fessler's Highland Heights home.

He's accused of regularly selling and buying drugs, according to Campbell County District Court filings.

During the search of Fessler's home, agents located over two grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, marijuana, LSD and psilocybin, or psychedelic mushrooms, according to a criminal citation.

Court records state Fessler is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, a felony. He told agents that he sells around half a gram "a week to every other week" to two people, the citation states.

According to the document, Fessler also told agents he buys a quarter ounce of the drug every week.

He appeared in court Thursday afternoon. During that appearance he waived a preliminary hearing and his case was sent for consideration before a grand jury.

James Tanner Duncan, Fessler's lawyer, declined to comment on the case. Fessler did not immediately respond to a phone call and email from The Enquirer.

Highland Heights' city attorney, Steve Franzen, said council has the power to remove Fessler should he decide not to resign.

In order for that to happen, there would need to be a hearing and a unanimous vote, Franzen said, noting there hasn't been a city council meeting since the charges were filed. The city's next council meeting is scheduled for March 7.

Fessler is a first-term councilmember, one of six candidates elected to the Highland Heights City Council last year. He's lived in Highland Heights for roughly 18 years, according to the city's website.

Fessler pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on Feb. 23 and he posted bond the same day, court records show. He doesn't have any other felony arrests in Kentucky or in Hamilton County.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Edward Fessler, Highland Heights council, arrested on drug charges
Russia has not taken control of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, there has been no mass withdrawal of Ukraines troops.

Source: Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesperson for the eastern grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in an interview with CNN

Quote: "The fighting in Bakhmut is more on the outskirts, with the city controlled by Ukrainian defense forces: the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Border Guard and the National Guard

There is also no mass withdrawal of Ukrainian troops."

Details: Ukrainian troops are rotating positions in Bakhmut in controlled, planned rotations, he said in response to reports of the withdrawal of some units.

So far on Saturday, Cherevatyi said there have been hostilities surrounding Bakhmut, in the villages of Vasiukivka and Dubovo-Vasylivka to the north of the city, and in the villages of Ivanivske and Bohdanivka to the west.

"There were 21 enemy attacks with the use of various artillery systems and MLRS near Bakhmut alone, and 9 combat engagements. 131 attacks and 38 combat engagements took place on this front in total," Cherevatyi said.

Over 150 Russian soldiers were killed and 239 were wounded, and 3 were taken prisoner, he added.

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Chinese companies crucial to mobile industry's ecosystem: GSMA

Xinhua) 09:55, March 04, 2023

People visit the exhibition area of Huawei at the 2023 edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

China, a leader in 5G and related applications, is not just an important market but also plays an important role in how people think, discuss and exchange ideas about how to build the digital world of the future.

BARCELONA, Spain, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese companies are crucial to the ecosystem of the entire mobile industry, experts from GSMA, an industry group representing the world's biggest mobile phone operators, told Xinhua in recent interviews.

During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona, some media questioned whether Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE were eligible to participate following the "entity list" issued by the United Stats.

A spokesperson for GSMA, organizer of the congress, told Xinhua that the association was fully allowed to conduct activities with companies such as Huawei and ZTE.

"Part of our role, as a global industry association, is precisely to align technological developments for the benefit of people, industries and the society in a fragmented geopolitical environment," the spokesperson said.

Visitors walk past the booth of ZTE at the 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, March 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Companies such as Huawei "have always been important partners of GSMA and an important part of our ecosystem. We will not shut out Huawei and ZTE," said Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer (CMO) for GSMA.

"China is a leader in 5G and related applications," she said, adding that the country is not just an important market but also plays an important role in how people think, discuss and exchange ideas about how to build the digital world of the future.

John Hoffman, GSMA's CEO, said the number of Chinese attendees during this year's MWC, from Feb. 27 to March 2, reached about 5,000.

Hoffman said that he was very impressed by the huge crowds visiting the stands of the Chinese companies including Huawei, ZTE and Xiaomi.

Mats Granryd, director-general of GSMA, said the huge exhibition areas of Huawei and ZTE at the conference site showed the importance of Chinese enterprises to the industry's ecosystem.

Chinese enterprises could bring innovation, scale and advanced technology, which is crucial to the whole industry, he noted.

This photo taken on Feb. 26, 2023 shows the new products launch event of Chinese tech firm Xiaomi in Barcelona, Spain. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
A display case, shown Jan. 26, 2023, holds an assortment of rifles that could not be sold to customers, at Accuracy Firearms in Effingham. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

A downstate judge on Friday struck down the ban on high-power firearms and high-capacity ammunition magazines that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law earlier this year, a ruling the Illinois attorney generals office immediately appealed to the state Supreme Court.

The scope of the ruling was a subject of dispute, with the attorney for the state lawmaker who was the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit arguing that it applies statewide and Pritzkers office contending it does not.

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We expected political grandstanding from those more beholden to the gun lobby than to the safety of their constituents and todays ruling comes as no surprise, Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough said in a statement, adding that the governor is confident the law ultimately will be held constitutional.

Macon County Judge Rodney Forbes wrote in a two-page ruling that the ban, passed by the Democratic-controlled legislature in response to the mass shooting at Highland Parks Fourth of July parade, violates the equal protection and special legislation clauses of the Illinois Constitution.

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The ruling in some ways mirrors earlier circuit and appellate court rulings that temporarily lifted the ban for hundreds of plaintiffs in legal challenges brought by unsuccessful Republican attorney general candidate Thomas DeVore.

An attorney for GOP state Rep. Dan Caulkins of Decatur, lead plaintiff in the Macon County lawsuit, said in a statement that Fridays ruling applies more broadly.

Under well-established Illinois authority the ruling means the ban is void, as if the law never existed, and is unenforceable in its entirety, in all applications, Decatur attorney Jerrold Stocks said.

Caulkins lawsuit, which names Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, among others, as defendants, alleges the ban violates a state constitutional provision that guarantees no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law nor be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Among other issues, the lawsuit, like those brought by DeVore, argues that the law violates the equal protection clause by exempting certain groups, such as retired police officers, but not others, such as retired members of the military.

Fridays ruling, represents a victory in one battle that is not, necessarily, the end of the war against the subject legislation, Stocks said, acknowledging both the states intention to appeal and other ongoing legal challenges to the law.

In this case, the final decision likely will rest in the hands of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Raouls office filed its notice of appeal with the high court Friday and expects it to be accepted Monday, spokeswoman Jamey Dunn-Thomason said in a statement.

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We will ask the court for an expedited schedule, and we look forward to defending the act, Dunn-Thomason said.

A federal court in Chicago last month denied a Naperville gun shop owners request for an injunction blocking the citys newly minted ban on the sale of certain semi-automatic weapons along with the state ban.

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall found that the city and state bans constitutionally sound.

Illinois and Naperville compellingly argue their laws protect public safety by removing particularly dangerous weapons from circulation, Kendall wrote.

At the same time, the Illinois Supreme Court last month agreed to consolidate three related cases brought by DeVore but declined to include the Caulkins case.

The state also is defending the law against a group of lawsuits brought in federal court in the Southern District of Illinois.

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In at least one of the cases, plaintiffs are seeking a temporary restraining order on Second Amendment violation grounds. The plaintiffs cite two U.S. Supreme Court cases, including one from last year that greatly expanded Second Amendment protections by imposing a new constitutional test requiring gun laws to be historically consistent with laws on the books in the 18th century.

Signed by Pritzker hours after it was passed by legislators in early January, the law immediately banned the delivery, sale, import and purchase of guns that are designated in the law as assault weapons.

Starting next year, people who possess guns covered by the ban must either register them with the state or face a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses.

dpetrella@chicagotribune.com

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hsanders@chicagotribune.com
A Nobel Peace Prize winner was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in Belarus on Friday for what the human rights organization he leads is calling politically motivated charges.

A statement from the Viasna Human Rights Center, a human rights organization based in the capital Minsk, says Ales Bialiatski was sentenced to a decade in prison. Bialiatski serves as the chair of the organization and won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for his efforts as a human rights activist.

Three other human rights advocates were also sentenced to extensive prison terms. They are Viasna board member Valiantsin Stefanovic, who was sentenced to nine years in prison; campaign coordinator for Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections Uladzimir Labkovich, who was sentenced to seven years in prison; and Viasna member Zmitser Salauyou, who was tried in absentia and sentenced to eight years in prison.

A Belarusian court found them guilty of training or other preparation of people to participate in group actions grossly violating the public order and financing or other material support of such activities and of smuggling, described as the illegal movement of cash across the customs border of the Eurasian Economic Union on a large scale by an organized group.

The court also fined them the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars each in Belarusian rubles, according to the statement.

The center slammed Belarusian officials for creating unacceptable conditions for human rights activists and organizations, saying that no registered groups of those types are left in the country.

We strongly reject any pressure on members of our organization and other human rights defenders as well as their persecution for carrying out such activities, considering it as politically motivated persecution, the center said.

It said the organization has been denied in its attempts to register as a human rights group, which the United Nations Human Rights Committee has twice declared a violation of the right of free association.

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Viasna said it believes the true motivation for persecuting the four individuals is their involvement in human rights work and their push for democratic values for Belarus.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has led the country for almost 30 years, taking office shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union. He has called himself Europes last dictator and significantly stifles free speech in the country.

The official Twitter account for the Nobel Prize posted after the sentencing that Bialiatski has advocated for fundamental human rights, democracy and freeing political prisoners from Belarusian jails for many years. It quoted him as saying last year that, It just so happens that people who value freedom the most are often deprived of it.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also slammed the imprisonments, saying that the 10-year sentence for Bialiatski demonstrates what Lukashenkos regime is.

The shameful sentence against Ales, Valiantsin & Uladzimir is the regimes revenge for their steadfastness. Revenge for solidarity. Revenge for helping others, Tsikhanouskaya said.

The three individuals who stood trial, not including Salauyou, who was able to leave Belarus, were arrested following widespread protests in the country over a 2020 election that elected Lukashenko to a sixth term and that much of the international community denounced as rigged.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexicos Democratic governor says she believes vetting of her Cabinet members is crucial. But with two weeks left in the legislative session, she has yet to submit her pick to lead the state Indian Affairs Department to the Senate for confirmation.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams nomination of James Mountain has sent shockwaves through tribal communities, particularly among advocates dedicated to stemming the tide of violence and missing persons cases in Indian Country.

That's because Mountain, a former San Ildefonso Pueblo governor, once was indicted on charges that included criminal sexual penetration, kidnapping and aggravated battery of a household member. The charges were dropped in 2010, with prosecutors saying they did not have enough evidence to go to trial.

Native American women who spoke to The Associated Press say they've been told by some in their communities to stay quiet about the appointment, but they refuse.

I think relationships are at risk right now that have taken generations for us to build," said Angel Charley, executive director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women. "And while we understand the pain and division that this is causing, its important to remember that its not the women who are bringing this up who are causing the division. We are simply highlighting a concern.

It's much like the narrative surrounding a nationwide movement to confront the disproportionate numbers of missing and slain Indigenous women and how women themselves are being asked to solve a problem they didn't create, said Christina M. Castro, a founding member of the social justice organization Three Sisters Collective.

"Were not only being tasked with taking this on, but were villainized for speaking up, Castro said.

The governor's office said in a statement Thursday night that it was prioritizing sending appointments for university regents to the Senate during the final days of the legislative session, since regents cannot work without being confirmed.

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Mountain still can serve as head of Indian Affairs without confirmation. If no hearing takes place before the Legislature ends March 18, the next likely opportunity for the full Senate to vote on confirming him wouldn't come until January 2024.

A request made a week ago on behalf of the states Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force to meet with the governor went unanswered, and many state elected officials have remained mum about the governor's choice not to push for a hearing.

Advocates call the silence deafening.

It's really up to the governor at this point to do the right thing and to recognize the pain and hurt its creating and look for other nominees who can do the job, said Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, a member of the task force. And theres plenty of New Mexicans out there from different tribal nations who can do this job."

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren outlined his concerns in a letter sent to Lujan Grisham this week.

Governor, I greatly appreciate your strong advocacy on behalf of the Navajo and Indigenous people of New Mexico and across the country, he wrote. However, on this particular issue, I must stand with our leadership and my people whose voices are so often unheard on concerns like this.

The governor has defended Mountain's nomination, saying those who disagree should respect that charges against him were dismissed. Lujan Grisham spokesperson Maddy Hayden said substantiated allegations against someone in a leadership position would be cause for concern and, likely, disqualification.

We are certainly not in receipt of any such allegations nor is anyone else, to our knowledge," Hayden wrote in an email to The Associated Press. "We would strongly encourage anyone with substantiated allegations to bring them to light.

Mountain has not directly addressed the concerns about his nomination, but he has defended himself, telling the online outlet New Mexico in Depth that he dedicated himself to reestablishing connections and confidence among tribal communities.

The Indian Affairs Department declined Friday to share details of Mountain's vision for the agency but pointed to a letter of support from his daughter, Leah Mountain, that was directed to state lawmakers. She described a devoted father who instilled cultural identity, confidence and aspiration in her after her mother left.

She said the allegations against him are false.

It has been painful for only half of this story to be told, she wrote.

For some Native American women, trusting the judicial system as the governor has suggested and having a platform from which to raise their concerns have been challenges. Task force members have countless stories about families who are left to search for loved ones when law enforcement didn't.

Having an advocate overseeing Indian Affairs who can relate to survivors and families who are missing relatives would create a pathway for Native women's voices to be heard, said Ashley Sarracino, president of the Laguna Pueblo Federation of Democratic Women.

While she comes from a family that empowers women, not everyone has that support, she said.

A lot of the women are silent," she said. "A lot of the women experience oppression and, you know, theyre just not willing to speak up, she said.
SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea's foreign ministry on Sunday called on the United Nations to demand an immediate halt to combined military drills by the United States and South Korea, saying they were raising tensions that threaten to spiral out of control.

The drills and rhetoric from the allies are "irresponsibly raising the level of confrontation," Kim Son Gyong, vice foreign minister for international organisations, said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

The United States and South Korea will conduct more than 10 days of large-scale military exercises in March, including amphibious landings, officials from the two countries said on Friday.

The U.S. and South Korea say the exercises are in self-defence and are necessary to counter the rising threats from North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programmes, which are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions.

North Korea on Saturday blamed the United States for what it said was the collapse of international arms control systems and said Pyongyang's nuclear weapons were a just response to ensure the balance of power in the region.

The allies also conducted a combined air drill with an American long-range bomber and South Korean fighter aircraft on Friday, and have been staging weeks of exercises for special rations troops.

"The UN and the international community will have to strongly urge the U.S. and South Korea to immediately halt their provocative remarks and joint military exercises," Kim said.

It is regrettable that the U.N. has been consistently silent on the exercises, which have a "clear aggressive nature," he said.

Last month Kim issued a statement saying UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been "extremely unfair, unbalanced" on North Korea's missile tests.

(Reporting by Josh Smith; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
The parents of a high school student have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a Lake Worth restaurant and a couple who are accused of driving drunk when they crashed into the familys White Settlement home in August, killing their 18-year-old daughter.

Amy Kirkland and Kevin Kirkland, the parents of Katey Kirkland, are suing Donald Gruber, Peggy Cox, The Point on Lake Worth, and the owners of the restaurant, which they accuse of overserving Gruber and Cox, according to the lawsuit.

The suit filed Thursday by Amy Kirkland on behalf of herself and her husband in Tarrant County district court seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million. The defendants also include Wildcat Canyon LLC and Woods Inlet LLC, which own and operate the restaurant, according to the suit.

The restaurant did not immediately respond to messages requesting comment.

Gruber and Cox, who police have said were intoxicated, lost control of their vehicle and crashed into the Kirklands home in the 9300 block of Jason Court on the evening of Aug. 7, 2022, according to the suit.

Police said Gruber was behind the wheel but both he and Cox are accused of steering the pickup truck at some point before it ran into the house. Cox told police Gruber had a coughing fit while driving, which caused him to pass out, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. She told police that when he did pass out, he slumped down onto the steering wheel and his foot pressed the gas pedal all the way down. Cox said she reached over and grabbed the steering wheel to try to control the truck as it accelerated.

Katey was in her bedroom at the time of the crash and was killed. Her father, Kevin, was hospitalized in critical condition.

Gruber, 63, and Cox, 69, were arrested and charged with intoxicated manslaughter.

Before the couple got behind the wheel, they were overserved alcohol at The Point on Lake Worth, the lawsuit alleges.

Gruber and Cox were obviously intoxicated when they were served, and the Points employees knowingly served them alcohol. The Point failed to have properly trained employees, and/or encouraged its employees to ignore the law, in serving Gruber and Cox, which directly led to Kateys death, the lawsuit states.

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The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is investigating the Point and the restaurants staff for alleged violations of TABC regulations and Texas law, according to the lawsuit.

Amy brings this lawsuit to hold all defendants accountable for their utter disregard for the safety of Amys family and the destruction of human life in the process, the lawsuit states. This case involves the destruction of lives because an alcohol-selling establishment served drinks to two obviously intoxicated individuals, who then drove out of the establishment onto public roads. They would eventually lose control of the vehicle (seemingly both operated it), and at high speed, drove across a private lawn, through a fence, and through the Kirklands house.

The staff of The Point at Lake Worth were familiar with Gruber and knew that he regularly drank to intoxication, the suit says. Gruber has previously been arrested and charged with multiple crimes involving a history of drunk driving, according to court records.

Toxicology reports showed Gruber had a blood alcohol level of .085 and Cox had a blood alcohol level of .1, both over the legal limit, according to arrest warrants. Cox told investigators that Gruber had two vodka mixed drinks at the bar and she had three, police said.

Amy and Kevin have been left without a daughter. Their lives and family have been destroyed, the lawsuit states. The bar that served these individuals alcoholic beverages while in an obviously intoxicated state has not been held responsible for its actions. This lawsuit hopes to accomplish that.

The actions of the restaurant, its owners and staff, and Gruber and Cox were negligent, the lawsuit further alleges.

The actions of the defendants led to mental anguish, loss of companionship, funeral and burial expenses, and other damages, the lawsuit claims.

Katey Kirkland was going to be a senior at Saginaw High School, where her mother is a teacher. Her father teaches at Boswell High School. Amy Kirkland was inside the home at the time of the crash but she was not seriously injured.
An early-morning police shooting Saturday sent one man to the hospital in critical condition after Columbus police said the man shot at them, prompting them to return fire.

According Columbus police, officers responded just after 12:30 a.m. Saturday to a business in the 4000 block of East Dublin Granville Road after several callers reported an armed man in the parking lot was firing shots into the business.

Officers found the man with a gun outside of the Northeast Side business. The man began shooting towards the officers, police said. Multiple officers fired back at the man, shooting him. Nobody else was injured.

Officers gave the man medical aid until medics arrived. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was in critical condition Saturday morning, according to police. A gun was found at the scene.

Columbus police have not released the man's name or provided any motive. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the police shooting.

Columbus OH., PD Officers respond to a shots fired call. They were fired upon and left no choice but to return fire. Saved the lives of patrons inside the bar. Suspect in hospital/firearm recovered. Good guys all ok. God Bless The Peacemakers  pic.twitter.com/hTJ1OtMvjL  Jeff Simpson (@Lodge9President) March 4, 2023

shendrix@dispatch.com

@sheridan120

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus police shooting leaves one man in critical condition
Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Crest Nicholson Holdings plc (LON:CRST), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

See our latest analysis for Crest Nicholson Holdings

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Crest Nicholson Holdings

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by CEO & Director Peter Truscott for UK194k worth of shares, at about UK2.28 per share. That implies that an insider found the current price of UK2.33 per share to be enticing. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. The good news for Crest Nicholson Holdings share holders is that insiders were buying at near the current price.

In the last twelve months Crest Nicholson Holdings insiders were buying shares, but not selling. Their average price was about UK2.05. We don't deny that it is nice to see insiders buying stock in the company. However, we do note that they were buying at significantly lower prices than today's share price. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Crest Nicholson Holdings is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Does Crest Nicholson Holdings Boast High Insider Ownership?

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Our data suggests Crest Nicholson Holdings insiders own 0.3% of the company, worth about UK1.6m. But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we haven't picked up on. We prefer to see high levels of insider ownership.

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What Might The Insider Transactions At Crest Nicholson Holdings Tell Us?

The fact that there have been no Crest Nicholson Holdings insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think Crest Nicholson Holdings insiders are doubting the company. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 3 warning signs with Crest Nicholson Holdings and understanding these should be part of your investment process.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
Two gay men who ended up dead with their bank accounts drained after leaving New York City bars last year were both homicide victims, authorities said Friday.

The men died in separate incidents.

In November, the New York police said that detectives were investigating a string of robberies and assaults connected to night spots in Manhattans Hells Kitchen neighborhood.

Investigators wanted to know more about the deaths of Julio Ramirez and John Umberger and if they were among several incidents where individuals have been victims of either robberies or assault," police said at the time.

John Umberger; Julio Ramirez. (Linda Clary / Family photo)

The deaths of both men have been ruled homicides caused by a "drug-facilitated theft," the Office of Chief Medical Examiner said Friday.

Ramirez's death in April was caused by "acute intoxication by the combined effects of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin, cocaine, lidocaine and ethanol," the medical examiner said.

The 25-year-old social worker was found dead in the back of a taxi an hour after being seen leaving the Ritz Bar and Lounge with three unidentified men on April 20.

His family has said that approximately $20,000 was drained from his bank accounts and that they believed he was drugged.

A month later, Umberger, a 33-year-old political consultant, was found dead after he and two unidentified men left another popular Hells Kitchen gay bar, the Q.

The unidentified men transferred about $20,000 out of Umbergers bank accounts and maxed out his credit cards, his mother, Linda Clary, said. She also believes her son was drugged.

Umbergers death was caused by "acute intoxication by the combined effects of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, cocaine, lidocaine and ethanol," the medical examiner said.

Family members of the two men could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.

In the months following the deaths, more gay New Yorkers came forward with accounts that had similarities. The NYPD also confirmed additional accounts of grand larcenies at other New York City gay bars that resembled Ramirez's and Umberger's cases.

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On Friday, New York City Council member Erik Bottcher, whose district includes Hells Kitchen, called on the Manhattan District Attorneys office to move forward with charges as soon as possible.

We demand justice for the people who murdered Julio Ramirez and John Umberger, Bottcher said in a text message. As we approach the one-year anniversary of their murders, the pain experienced by their families, friends and our entire community has only been exacerbated by the fact that their killers have not been brought to Justice.

Kay Nguyen, a press officer for the Manhattan District Attorneys Office, said in a statement that the investigation is ongoing," and declined further comment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Many street signs are nearly covered as Big Bear Valley digs out from successive storms that blanketed communities in the San Bernardino Mountains. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

San Bernardino County officials acknowledged that they were unprepared for the historic back-to-back winter storms that swept through the mountains, leaving many residents stranded for more than a week amid gas leaks and diminishing food supplies.

Snowplows that usually clear the mountain roads were ineffective and now crews are working around the clock to reach the communities that are still snowed in as of Friday.

"When it comes to clearing the roads, Id say we learned some valuable lessons," San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey said during a joint news conference with state and local officials.

"Unfortunately, the snow came down so quickly and stacked up so quickly those front-end plows that were so used to using on a routine basis became ineffective."

Over the last week, historic levels of snow blanketed the San Bernardino Mountains. Running Springs received 12 feet, Big Bear Lake 11 feet and Lake Arrowhead a little over 9 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

Emergency officials say they did not have the right type of equipment to respond to a blizzard of this size and scope.

"The warning that we had for the blizzard wasn't weeks. We only knew 24 to 36 hours there was a strong potential this was going to occur," Munsey said, adding the county would not have been able to receive the necessary equipment on such short notice.

Now road crews are using the tools they have available, including front-end loaders and hand shovels to clear snow berms that are 10 feet high in some areas.

Residents have become increasingly outraged by the inability to plow roads, leaving them stranded and unable even to get supplies.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus addressed the frustration at the news conference. He directly spoke to residents in Lake Arrowhead during his update.

"We're going to dig you out and we are coming," Dicus said. "We are making tremendous progress. I saw this from the air yesterday. The roads are being cleared. There are snowplows everywhere and you are going to see direct relief coming to your doorsteps shortly."

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Residents have felt stranded for days, unsure when help is due to arrive.

Katie Mead, 43, considers herself one of the "lucky" ones in Lake Arrowhead  her street has been plowed at least once, and she has gotten less snow than some neighbors because she lives on the "sunny side" of the lake, she said.

Men shovel snow off the roof of a Big Bear Village gift shop. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

During a break in the weather Sunday, she brought groceries to a family staying in her Airbnb property, dug them out of the snow and drove them to a plowed main road so they could get home. Before another wave of storms hit Monday night, Mead also picked up a neighbor who had been walking miles in the snow to get groceries.

Her street was plowed Sunday night, but since then around 3 feet of snow has accumulated.

It does feel like they didnt start soon enough, Mead said. They waited for the snow to accumulate to the point where our normal plows cant deal with it [and] we have to wait for heavy equipment to come. They literally have to move snow shovel-load by shovel-load and dump it somewhere else. Theres so much snow.

Mead was one of many residents who tuned in Thursday afternoon to a livestreamed town hall hosted by Dawn Rowe, the San Bernardino County supervisor who represents most of the hardest hit areas in the mountains. County officials assured residents that they've been working with nonprofits to create distribution points in communities where food and other supplies have been running low, noting that some grocery store parking lots in Big Bear and surrounding areas had been cleared of snow.

Mead, however, pointed out in the comments on the video that some people aren't able to get to those distribution points.

"How is an elderly person supposed to walk even a block to a distribution center in 4 feet of snow?" she asked.

Our main issue is that theyre bringing in National Guard and bringing supplies up the mountain, but were all snowed in, she said in an interview. Unless you happen to be close to the area where theyre doing distribution, its kind of irrelevant.

Members of the California National Guard's Joint Task Force Rattlesnake, who typically work with wilderness firefighting crews, were dispatched to Lake Arrowhead this week after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino and 12 other counties.

Lon Verstuyft has been trying to get help for his friends who are stuck at his cabin in Lake Arrowhead. The roads around the cabin are snowed in, and Verstuyft doesn't know when those will be cleared.

There were seven people in his cabin, and two were taken away by an ambulance that had to dig its way to the group, Verstuyft said.

"They took a diabetic person and an 80-year-old person who was not doing good in the cold," he said. "But they won't take the rest, because the ambulance said they'll only take them if there's a medical emergency."

The group were running out of food last week, but Verstuyft managed to contact a local who brought them groceries before the last storm arrived over the weekend. Now he's worried that they'll run out of food again.

"I can't get a straight answer from the county about what's going to happen," he said. "If I could get some information about the roads, I'd drive up there myself."

Mounds of snow still block the roads. Even firefighters are finding it difficult to respond to medical calls and blazes. Firefighters in Blue Jay, Crestline and Lake Arrowhead are responding to calls with snow cats  snowmobiles they typically deploy for backcountry rescues.

Crews have had to lug their equipment through the snow and dig to access fire hydrants, draining precious time to respond to emergencies, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

At least two people were injured in a house fire Wednesday afternoon in the community of Blue Jay, about a mile from Lake Arrowhead Village.

The cause is under investigation, and Southern California Gas Co. is working with emergency responders to address reports of gas leaks, said Battalion Chief Mike McClintock.

"There's a lot of variables and a lot going on with 10 feet of snow dumped on our homes and communities," he said. "We're seeing structural instability, we're seeing utility issues, downed power lines, trees into power lines, and we had more than 70 reports of gas leaks in the area."

The mountains have seen more structure fires than normal, Fire Chief Munsey said at the news conference.

"We believe that these are due to natural gas leaks," he said. "Over the last 48 hours, we've had five of these gas fires that our firefighters have to fight. I spoke to one of our incident commanders last night, and he said that he hadn't slept in over four days."

After multiple reported explosions, emergency officials are urging residents to clear the snow around their gas meters and hydrants.

In addition to the fires, homes and businesses have faltered under the weight of the heavy snowfall.

Goodwin & Son's Market in Crestline was red-tagged after its roof collapsed. The family-owned business said there is still food, but it's unsafe for anyone to go inside.

"We would love more than anything to give the food out, but at this time are waiting for a structural engineer and the adjuster who are heading up the mountain this morning to meet with us," the store wrote in a Facebook post Thursday.

Aerial footage from KNBC-TV Channel 4 showed most of the building collapsed under the snow, with only its perimeter walls left standing. Crestline has received more than 8 feet of snow in the last week.

Supervisor Rowe surveyed the damage at Goodwin & Son's with fire officials Thursday.

"We are working hand-in-hand with the owners to rebuild as quickly as possible," she wrote in a statement on social media. "The Unified Command is working on a location to stage food and supplies for residents as quickly as possible."

Another market in Blue Jay, Jensen's Foods, was also red-tagged due to a compromised roof, the market wrote in an Instagram post Thursday.

It's unclear what caused a fire that destroyed Debra White's home in Lake Arrowhead shortly before midnight last Friday.

Her son, Joe Simons, lives just two miles away but couldn't leave his home because he was snowed in. His mother wasn't home when the house caught fire, but Simons knew right away because neighbors started to post images on Facebook of a fire on her street.

"I immediately knew it was her street," Simons said.

White is staying with family outside of Lake Arrowhead, but she is determined to return.

"She plans to rebuild when she can," Simons said. "She loves it up here and she wants to come back."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) said on Saturday that he was being encouraged to run for Senate in 2024 and was actively considering a run.

Im getting a lot of encouragement. I have not made an announcement. It is something Im actively thinking about, LaRose said in a brief interview with The Hill at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md.

This week when Ive been in Washington and in the halls of CPAC, a lot of people have been encouraging me because they know that Sherrod Brown is a national embarrassment, he continued.

LaRose was in Washington this week for a fundraiser on Wednesday and to take part in panel at CPAC on Saturday. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, tickets for the fundraiser ran up to $5,000. The proceeds went to the secretary of states state candidate fund which cannot be used for any federal campaign.

Ohio is one of three states won by former President Trump that is being targeted by Senate Republicans. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as a toss-up.

While Trump won the state by eight points and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Oh.) won the state by six points, Brown will be a formidable opponent. The incumbent senator is a known name in the Buckeye State, having served in elected office since 1975 and in the Senate since 2007. Brown even held LaRoses post as secretary of state in the 1980s and early 1990s.

LaRose called Brown a talented politician, but referred to him as one of the most liberal members of the Senate.

His values are misaligned from Ohio, LaRose said. For many years he has been portraying himself as this working-class hero, man of the people. Its not true.

A good candidate can beat him, he added. We need a battle-tested candidate thats ready to go and thats why Im exploring it.

Ohio state Sen. Matt Dolan (R), who came in third in last years GOP Senate primary, announced his Senate candidacy in January. Other contenders include 2022 Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), and Attorney General Dave Yost (R).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Worldwide oil demand is racing toward an all-time high and some of the smartest minds in the industry are forecasting $100-a-barrel crude in a matter of months, but US producers are playing the short game and looking to turn over as much cash as possible to investors.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Shareholders in US oil companies reaped a $128 billion windfall in 2022 thanks to a combination of global supply disruptions such as Russias war in Ukraine and intensifying Wall Street pressure to prioritize returns over finding untapped crude reserves. Oil executives who in years past were rewarded for investing in gigantic, long-term energy projects are now under the gun to funnel cash to investors who are increasingly convinced that the sunset of the fossil-fuel era is nigh.

For the first time in at least a decade, US drillers last year spent more on share buybacks and dividends than on capital projects, according to Bloomberg calculations. The $128 billion in combined payouts across 26 companies also is the most since at least 2012, and they happened in a year when US President Joe Biden unsuccessfully appealed to the industry to lift production and relieve surging fuel prices. For Big Oil, rejecting the direct requests of the US government may never have been more profitable.

At the heart of the divergence is growing concern among investors that demand for fossil fuels will peak as soon as 2030, obviating the need for mutlibillion-dollar megaprojects that take decades to yield full returns. In other words, oil refineries and natural-gas fired power plants  along with the wells that feed them  risk becoming so-called stranded assets if and when they are displaced by electric cars and battery farms.

Story continues

The investment community is skeptical of what assets and energy prices will be, John Arnold, the billionaire philanthropist and former commodities trader, said during a Bloomberg News interview in Houston. They would rather have the money through buybacks and dividends to invest in other places. The companies have to respond to what the investment community is telling them to do otherwise they're not going to be in charge very long.

The upsurge in oil buybacks is helping drive a broader US corporate spending spree that saw share-repurchase announcements more than triple during the first month of 2023 to $132 billion, the highest ever to begin a year. Chevron Corp. alone accounted for more than half that total with a $75 billion, open-ended pledge. The White House lashed out and said that money would be better spent on expanding energy supplies. A 1% US tax on buybacks takes effect later this year.

Global investment in new oil and gas supplies already is expected to fall short of the minimum needed to keep up with demand by $140 billion this year, according to Evercore ISI. Meanwhile, crude supplies are seen growing at such an anemic pace that the margin between consumption and output will narrow to just 350,000 barrels a day next year from 630,000 in 2023, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

The companies have to respond to what the investment community is telling them to do otherwise they're not going to be in charge very long.  Billionaire John Arnold

Management teams from the biggest US oil companies recommitted to the investor-returns mantra as they unveiled fourth-quarter results in recent week and the 36% slump in domestic oil prices since mid-summer has only reinforced those convictions. Executives across the board now insist that funding dividends and buybacks takes priority over pumping additional crude to quell consumer discontent over higher pump prices. This may pose a problem in a matter of months as Chinese demand accelerates and global fuel consumption hits an all-time high.

Five years ago, you would have seen very significant year-on-year oil-supply growth, but youre not seeing that today, Arnold said. Its one of the bull stories for oil  that the supply growth that had come out of the US has now stopped.

The US is crucial to global crude supply not just because its the worlds biggest oil producer. Its shale resources can be tapped much more quickly than traditional reservoirs, meaning that the sector is uniquely placed to respond to price spikes. But with buybacks and dividends swallowing up more and more cash flow, shale is no longer the global oil systems ace in the hole.

In the waning weeks of 2022, shale specialists reinvested just 35% of their cash flow in drilling and other endeavors aimed at boosting supplies, down from more than 100% in the 2011-2017 period, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. A similar trend is evident among the majors, with Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron aggressively ramping buybacks while restraining capital spending to less than pre-Covid levels.

Investors are driving this behavior, as evidenced by clear messages sent to domestic producers in the past two weeks. EOG Resources Inc., ConocoPhillips and Devon Energy Corp. dropped after announcing higher-than-expected 2023 budgets while Diamondback Energy Inc., Permian Resources Corp. and Civitas Resources Inc. all rose as they kept spending in check.

On top of shareholder demands for cash, oil explorers also are grappling with higher costs, lower well productivity and shrinking portfolios of top-notch drilling locations. Chevron and Pioneer Natural Resources Co. are two high-profile producers reorganizing drilling plans after weaker-than-expected well results. Labor costs also are rising, according to Janette Marx, CEO of Airswift, one of the worlds biggest oil recruiters.

US oil production is expected to grow just 5% this year to 12.5 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration. Next year, the expansion is expected to slow to just 1.3%, the agency says. While the US is adding more supply than most of the rest of the world, its a marked contrast to the heady days of shale in the previous decade when the US was adding more than 1 million barrels of daily output each year, competing with OPEC and influencing global prices.

Demand, rather than supply-side actors like the American shale sector or OPEC, will be the primary driver of prices this year, Dan Yergin, Pulitzer Price-winning oil historian and vice chairman of S&P Global, said during an inteview.

Oil prices will be determined by, metaphorically speaking, Jerome Powell and Xi Jinping, Yergin said, referring to the Federal Reserves rate-hike path and Chinas post-pandemic recovery. S&P Global expects global oil demand to reach an all-time high of 102 million barrels per day.

With the case for higher oil prices building, US President Joe Biden has fewer tools at his disposal with which to counteract the blow to consumers. The president already has tapped the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the tune of 180 million barrels in a bid to ease gasoline prices as they were spiking in 2022. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is likely to get a frosty reception at the CERAWeek by S&P Global event in Houston staring March 6 if she follows Bidens lead and attacks the industry for giving too much back to investors. That business model is here to stay, said Dan Pickering, chief investment officer of Pickering Energy Partners.

Theres going to be a point at which the US needs to produce more because the market is going to demand it, Pickering said. Thats probably when investor sentiment shifts to growth. Until then, returning capital seems like the best idea.

--With assistance from Lu Wang and Tom Contiliano.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
LONDON (AP)  Two senior clergymen in Jerusalem have consecrated the holy oil that will be used to anoint King Charles III during his coronation, as the Anglican Church seeks to underscore the monarchys long history and the royal familys links to the Middle East.

The oil was consecrated Friday morning at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site of Christs crucifixion and burial, Buckingham Palace said in a statement. The ceremony was conducted by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, and the Most Rev. Hosam Naoum, the Anglican archbishop in Jerusalem.

The oil was pressed from olives harvested on the Mount of Olives, which plays a prominent role in the Bible, and has been perfumed with sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber oil and orange blossoms, the palace said.

Charles paternal grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece, is buried at the Monastery of Mary Magdalene on the Mount of Olives.

This demonstrates the deep historic link between the coronation, the Bible and the Holy Land, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said in the statement. From ancient kings through to the present day, monarchs have been anointed with oil from this sacred place.

Charles will be formally crowned on May 6 at Westminster Abbey in London, during a ceremony the palace says will combine elements of tradition with modern touches that highlight the changing face of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Charles became king on Sept. 8 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for more than 70 years.
If the Supreme Court strikes down the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness initiative, then another relief measure the president promised last year becomes an even more important lifeline for struggling borrowers.

The one-time payment adjustment the Education Department announced last year will count certain months toward student loan forgiveness that were previously ineligible under income-driven repayment plans, or IDRs. Around 3.6 million borrowers would receive at least three years of credit toward forgiveness as a result, according to Federal Student Aid.

The adjustments, which just got underway, are separate from Bidens up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness and aren't contingent on the outcome of the Supreme Court cases heard this week.

The one-time adjustment hasnt gotten the attention it deserves, as it remedies decades of a broken system due to forbearance steering on behalf of loan servicers, Persis S. Yu, deputy executive director of Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC), told Yahoo Finance. Millions of borrowers will benefit.

US President Joe Biden announces student loan relief on August 24, 2022, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP)

'4.4 million people who should have gotten their debts canceled'

In April 2022, the Education Department announced the one-time payment adjustment for all Direct Loans and federally owned Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs). The adjustment to student loan accounts would go toward helping borrowers get closer to forgiveness under income-driven repayment plans, which offer cancellation after 20 or 25 years depending on the particular plan.

Under the initiative, the department would add the following months to an accounts payment history:

Months in repayment status, regardless of the payments made, loan type, or repayment plan;

12 or more straight months of forbearance or 36 or more months of total forbearance;

Months in an economic hardship or military deferments after 2013;

Months in any deferment (except in-school deferment) before 2013; and

Any months in repayment on earlier loans before loans were consolidated.

Story continues

After the adjustment, borrowers with 20 or 25 years of repayment history automatically get forgiveness even if they arent enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan. FFEL borrowers with commercially-held loans can benefit from the adjustment, too, if they consolidate their loans with Federal Student Aid by May 1, 2023.

The one-time payment adjustment helps to reverse some of the damage caused by loan servicers that did not properly track deferments or steered borrowers to forbearance instead of income-driven repayment plans that would have counted toward years of payment.

Of the 4.4 million people who should have gotten their debts canceled if IDR worked, fewer than 200 ever have, Thomas Gokey, policy director at the Debt Collective, told Yahoo Finance. The IDR [one-time] adjustment should address some of that, but let's be honest about what that means: IDR was a broken promise and people are being let out after an enormous amount of damage was done.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Many borrowers may be unaware of the adjustment and how it may help them  especially as the student loan forgiveness case in front of the Supreme Court takes the limelight. Thats because some loan servicers and the Education Department have not done a good job of informing borrowers about the one-time payment adjustment, according to Katherine McKay, associate director of insights and evidence at the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program.

ED should do everything in its power to address administrative shortcomings like these while everyone waits for the SCOTUS ruling, McKay told Yahoo Finance. Doing the one-time adjustment should be a top priority because they are aware that servicers under-counted millions of peoples payments [and] it makes sense for them to make adjustments, especially for people who have been paying the longest.

Originally, the Education Department was to begin discharging loans for certain borrowers in November 2022, with the remaining following in July 2023. That timeline has since been adjusted, according to the Federal Student Aid.

Borrowers with 240 or 300 months of payments for income-driven repayment forgiveness or 120 months toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness will start to see their loans forgiven in spring 2023. All other borrowers will see their accounts update in the summer.

The Department is already making one-time adjustments to borrower accounts, starting with borrowers who are close to reaching 120 months of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), an Education Department spokesperson told Yahoo Finance. This year, we expect to begin adjusting accounts for borrowers who reach 240 or 300 months worth of payments for IDR forgiveness.

Some borrowers in the public service loan forgiveness program have already seen payment adjustments to their accounts. One borrower who asked her name to not be used because she previously filed for personal bankruptcy during the Great Recession found her student debt had finally been wiped out.

My husband and I are high school teachers and our student loan debt has been a weight around our ankles since 1995, she told Yahoo Finance. On December 31, 2022, I checked my loan balance and it said zero  I couldnt believe it  and a few days later my husband's balance was also zero.

The couple, who enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, still had 10 more years until loan forgiveness because payments they had made during bankruptcy didnt count on their account history  even though they had been paying on their student loans since 1995.

The one-time adjustment underway changed all that.

I still check to see that zero balance, she said. Now we can actually start to save for retirement.

Ronda is a personal finance senior reporter for Yahoo Finance and attorney with experience in law, insurance, education, and government. Follow her on Twitter @writesronda

Read the latest personal finance trends and news from Yahoo Finance.

Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Flipboard, and LinkedIn
Imagine a private tutor that never gets tired, has access to massive amounts of data and is free for everyone. In 1966, Stanford philosophy professor Patrick Suppes did just that when he made this prediction: One day, computer technology would evolve so that millions of schoolchildren would have access to a personal tutor. He said the conditions would be just like the young prince Alexander the Great being tutored by Aristotle.

Now, ChatGPT, a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot with advanced conversational abilities, may have the capability to become such a tutor. ChatGPT has collected huge amounts of data on a wide range of topics and can pass graduate school exams. As a researcher who studies how computers can be used to help people learn, I think ChatGPT can be used to help students excel academically. However, in its current form, ChatGPT shows an inability to stay focused on one particular task, let alone tutoring.

Philosophy, engineering and artificial intelligence scholars envisioned using the computer as an intelligent tutor well before the internet became a global commercial network in the 1990s. I believe lessons from developing those early tutoring systems can offer insight into how students and educators can best make use of ChatGPT as a tutor in the future.

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Computers as tutors

Suppes  the Stanford philosophy professor  was a pioneer of a field called computer-assisted instruction. He developed some of the earliest educational software. That software provided individual instruction via computer and led students to have better test results than those who didnt use the program. I worked for Suppes in developing software and other online programs from 2004 to 2012.

Since then, experiments in building intelligent tutors to help students have driven advances in artificial intelligence, social networks and computer hardware. And today, the abilities of ChatGPT to write essays, answer philosophical questions and solve computer coding problems may finally achieve Suppes goal of truly personalized tutoring via computer.

Story continues

Related: As OpenAIs ChatGPT Scores a C+ at Law School, Educators Wonder Whats Next

Early versions of personalized learning

In 1972, a new personalized learning system called PLATO, for Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations, made its debut. It was the first widely available personalized learning system of its kind.

Created by Don Bitzer, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of Illinois, PLATO allowed up to 1,000 students to be logged onto a mainframe computer simultaneously. Each student could complete different online courses in foreign languages, music, math and many other subjects while receiving feedback from the computer on their work.

PLATO enabled students to reach the same level of achievement as in-person classes in less time. And most students preferred this mode of instruction over sitting in a large lecture class. Yet, the system was too expensive to be used by many colleges and universities. Each computer terminal was marketed at over US$8,000  about $58,000 today  and schools were charged additional fees every time a student used the system. Still, PLATOs success with students inspired a number of companies to create software that provided a similar kind of tutoring, including the College Curriculum Corporation, which was co-founded by Suppes.

Popular personal computer brands, such as Apple and Commodore, advertised the availability of educational software as a reason for families to invest in a home computer.

By 1985, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University were designing software using advances in artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology. They claimed that the current technology had advanced to a level that enabled computer systems to be designed to serve as effective as human tutors. However, even though there were over 10,000 pieces of educational software available at the time, much of it was of fairly low quality and did not provide real tutoring.

Although the more advanced designs of the educational software developed at Carnegie Mellon enabled students to learn significantly more than students in traditional classrooms, they were not widely used in schools.

In the 1980s and 1990s, a school would need a sizable number of expensive, high-powered computer workstations for students to use an intelligent tutor. Today, the computers are much more powerful and much less expensive.

And early intelligent tutors were used primarily in math, science and technology courses, which limited their appeal. Students could not ask the software programs a question. However, students could get feedback on answers to quizzes and tests.

In 2001, the next generation of intelligent tutoring systems was able to have conversations with students in written English. These systems, early chatbots, used advances in natural language processing to have dialogues with students about a range of subjects. Each system was designed specifically for one subject, such as physics. Adding another subject, like English, would require its own specialized tutoring system.

The next few years brought three developments, which enabled a forward leap in achieving the dream of computerized tutoring. One was the availability of broadband internet, which was faster than the dial-up connections of the 1990s. The second was the lower cost of more powerful computers. The third was investment by technology companies and government funding for university research in artificial intelligence, which led to the development of what we now call chatbots.

The first chatbots

By 2007, early AI chatbots provided tutoring by talking students through their answers to questions. Research showed these chatbots supported learning outcomes similar to the effects of human tutors.. Even so, using chatbot technology to provide tutoring was primarily experimental.

During the 2010s, social networks and advances in artificial intelligence dramatically changed the way people interact with technology. Chatbots are integrated into many parts of our lives and are no longer experimental. People now talk to their phones, to their cars and their home appliances. Many people have virtual assistants at home. They can ask Alexa, Siri or Google for directions or the answers to simple homework questions.

Today, ChatGPT has advanced abilities that enable more complex conversations and can provide individualized tutoring much like what Suppes predicted in 1966.

I asked ChatGPPT why it would be a good tutor, and it responded: I am a good tutor for a student because I am able to understand and respond to a wide range of questions and prompts, and I can provide detailed and accurate information on a wide range of subjects. Additionally, I am able to communicate this information in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, making it accessible for students of all levels of understanding. Because I am a machine-learning model, I can also provide a large amount of information quickly and efficiently, which can be especially helpful for students who are trying to learn a lot of new material in a short amount of time.

By contrast, Siri said, Hmm  I dont have an answer for that. Is there something else I can help you with?

Recent research in using chatbots in college courses shows that how chatbots are used is important in encouraging students to learn more deeply. For instance, AI chatbots enabled significant improvements in learning in a graduate course on cloud computing at Carnegie Mellon. These learning gains occurred when these chatbots asked students to build on an existing argument or to provide more information about a claim they had made. In this case, the chatbot asked the student a question, rather than vice versa.

Related: The Future of the High School Essay: We Talk to 4 Teachers, 2 Experts and 1 AI Chatbot

Many educators are worried about students learning less with ChatGPT since it can be used to cheat on assignments and papers. Others are worried about ChatGPT giving wrong answers or spreading misinformation.

Yet the history and research of intelligent tutors show that using the right design to harness the power of chatbots like ChatGPT can make deeper, individualized learning available to almost anyone. For example, if people use ChatGPT to ask students questions that prompt them to revise or explain their work, students will have better learning gains. Since ChatGPT has access to far more knowledge than Aristotle ever did, it has great potential for providing tutoring to students to help them learn more than they would otherwise.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


Orca whales Port and Starboard, who are notable due to their unusual fins

Orca whales Port and Starboard, who are notable due to their unusual collapsed finsMarine Dynamics Conservation Trust

A pair of orca whales in South Africa killed 17 sharks in just "one sitting," said marine biologists.

An Orca duo was spotted ripped-open sevengill sharks to eat their oil-rich livers.

The male duo had previously terrorized great white sharks that used to hunt in the area.

An infamous pair of adult male orca whales in South Africa killed 17 sharks in "one sitting," according to marine biologists.

The team at Marine Dynamics Conservation Trust has been tracking the two whales, named Port and Starboard, who are known to prey on several species of sharks.

They found the orcas "repeatedly diving down in a small area for almost two hours before they departed offshore."

Days later, they found the remains of 11 of the 17 killed sevengill sharks in Pearly Beach. Sevengill sharks can grow up to 10 feet in length.

"Each sevengill shark was torn open and missing its liver," said the Maine Dynamics Conservation Trust. The orcas had also devoured the contents of the sharks' stomachs.

A shark killed by Port and Starboard who had its liver removed by the pair Marine Dynamics Conservation Trust

The conservation trust said the sharks were washed to shore as due to storm and surge conditions, Alison Towner, PhD candidate at Rhodes University and research lead, said, "this is the largest amount of sharks these orcas have killed in this area in one sitting," says Towner, "There could well be more that didn't wash out."

The orca duo have been tracked since 2009 but are most commonly seen in False Bay, South Africa, where they were first spotted in 2015.

They are easy to identify due to their rare collapsed dorsal fins.

A researcher inspects the carcass of a great white shark. Cari Roets/Marine Dynamics, Dyer Island Conservation Trust:

Before 2015, great white shark sightings were common in the region and were famous for spectacular breaching when they hunted seals, but their population is now negligible.

The carcasses of several great white sharks have since washed up on the shores of False Bay, all grossly injured and with their oil-rich livers ripped out. For the first time in May 2022, scientists were able to film Starboard killing a great white shark.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero / The Daily Beast

This is a preview of our pop culture newsletter The Daily Beasts Obsessed, written by editor Kevin Fallon. To receive the full newsletter in your inbox each week, sign up for it here.

This week:

A PR disaster like Ive never seen.

Maybe the Oscars wont suck this year!

The funniest/most traumatizing clip of the week.

Another iconic Jennifer Coolidge moment.

Something lovely for the 90s kids.

The Oscars Should Learn a Lesson

The Academy Awards are coming in just over a week, after Titanic-its-been-84-years.gif of campaigning and arguing over snubs, surprises, and broken systems within the industry. Even film and award-show fans have become disillusioned with the ceremonys telecast in recent years, reflected in poor reviews and dwindling ratings.

But theres good news! There is at least one thing that the shows producers can and should do ahead of the Mar. 12 ceremony to help make the proceedings more watchable and less infuriating: view this years Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Michelle Yeoh accepts the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role award for Everything Everywhere All at Once during the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

When SAG announced that its annual awards ceremony would not be presented this year on TV, but in a livestream on Netflixs YouTube account instead, I felt a little bit of a second-hand embarrassment for the organization. How janky-seeming! How un-prestigious! Then I watched the telecast on Sunday night, and came to the conclusion that it was the best award show I had seen in years. (Sorry for pre-judging you, livestreamed-on-YouTube SAG Awards!)

While I doubt the Academy would ever give up on a televised broadcast, there are some tips that I think it could glean from last Sundays event.

To begin with, the ceremony was refreshingly devoid of insecurity. Each year, in a panic to attract young audiences or viewers who may not be familiar with smaller films in contention, the Oscars puts on a manic, disjointed spectacle filled with cringe-inducing bits, production numbers, and errant displays of bombast that have little to do with the purpose at hand: to honor the years best movies. Its the awards themselves that are often sacrificed for this, with categories siphoned to commercial breaks or winners played off during speeches.

Story continues

This year, the SAG Awards went without a host. The presenters banter was brief and pithy, and therefore far more successful than the stilted exchanges the Oscars has become notorious for. The speeches were all incredibly touching and, in the cases of winners like Michelle Yeoh and Jennifer Coolidge, went viral. A key reason for that: No one was played off. The winners were allowed to say what they wanted and really make a point, entertaining us while doing so.

And because there was such a collegial spirit, with everyone in attendance on the same page of celebrating their peers and great cinema, even the more frustrating upsets didnt sting the way they usually would. Would I have given Jamie Lee Curtis the Best Supporting Actress win? Definitely not. But it was such a wonderful moment for the veteran actress, capped off with, again, a spectacular speech.

Mostly, the show had good vibes, something I cant say about most awards telecasts in recent years. Oscars: Be like the SAGs!

The Weeknds New Show The Idol Already Pissed Off the Whole Internet

The Destinys Child Clip That Haunts Me

Theres a clip that resurfaced and went viral this week of Destinys Child being interviewed at the 2001 BRIT Awards that made me laugh hysterically, until the giggles eventually devolved into traumatized tears. In the video, the group is being interviewed on the red carpet, when the reporter inexplicably asks them for their opinion on what the government should be doing about the foot-and-mouth epidemic happening at the time.

Why in the world would anyone be asking Beyonce, Kelly, and Michelle about this on the red carpet for a music awards show? Welcome to my hell.

Beyonce . I have been looking for this clip since I was little. pic.twitter.com/zjexQ103yA  Chan (@sinaead) February 27, 2023

Everyone has different entry points into this business. My first real, exciting job was doing research during the day and then red carpet reporting at night for a major celebrity magazine. For about a year, I felt my soul leave my body, skin cell by skin cell, nearly ruining this pop-culture beat that I love.

On a red carpet for his new single release, I asked Terrence Howard what he thought about Sarah Palin. (My first print magazine credit!) Ive asked random-ass CW stars for the advice theyd give Rihanna following the horrific incident with Chris Brown. At the opening of Padma Lakshmis charity, I was told by my editor to ask her how she felt about Madonna dating much younger men.

The worst is when the people dont dismiss the questions, thinking long and hard for a good answer. Even more alarming, though, was that the celebs didnt blink an eye, because this sort of horseshit was what they expected and had been prepped for by their team.

When you see a photo of Jennifer Coolidge beaming on the red carpet, know that as often as she has been asked about her turn on The White Lotus, she has been asked her take on Lisa Marie Presleys death, her five spring fashion musts, and what she would say to the people of Syria and Turkey. This is heinous! Why must we do this!? I have tried my whole career to evade that nonsense, while still finding the balance of whats fun and whats important. I hope Ive done it. At the very least, I know that I never asked Beyonce about foot-and-mouth disease.

Another Flawless Photo Shoot

Speaking of Jennifer Coolidge, the actress is on the cover of W magazine this month, and the corresponding photo shoot is predictably iconic.

The DANIELS directing Jennifer Coolidge for W Mag is everything I didnt know I needed. Photography by Lenne Chai pic.twitter.com/Fy01v9XbHx  Tim Lampe (@timlampe) March 1, 2023

The shoot was directed by the Daniels, who are favored to win Best Director at this years Oscars for Everything Everywhere All at Once, and lensed by Lenne Chai. The whole shoot is an homage to the Japanese Tokusatsu genre, which is known for heavily relying on practical special effects. (Nineties kids, think Power Rangers.)

There is a lot that Im not too stoked about with the world right now. But that were in an era of Jennifer Coolidge adulation that features amazing photo shoots like this as an accompaniment is at least one reason to be happy to be alive.

Important Nostalgic News

There is a population of people for whom this is incredibly important, meaningful information: Lisa Ann Walter, who currently stars on Abbott Elementary, brought former co-star Elaine Hendrix as her date to the SAG Awards. The two were in Lindsay Lohans 1998 version of The Parent Trap together, Walter playing the kind nanny and Hendrix the conniving fiancee, and have remained best friends ever since.

I said aww when I saw the photos; I said aww when I watched this touching interview they gave about it; and I said aww just now while typing all of this up. Some heartwarming news we could all use!

What to watch this week:

Creed III: Gazing at Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors respectfully. (Now in theaters)

Daisy Jones & the Six: Or, if not watch, at least listen to the great music. (Now on Prime Video)

Top Chef: The greatest reality series there is, and I will not hear otherwise. (Thurs. on Bravo)

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre: Aubrey Plaza showcase alert! (Now in theaters)

What to skip this week:

Children of the Corn: Already one of the worst-reviewed movies of the year. (Now in theaters)

More From The Daily Beasts Obsessed

The Real Housewives of New Jerseys new season is already a winner. But theres one huge mystery: Why is everyone sored? Read more here.

The most important piece of journalism of the winter so far: Here is everything you need to know about Baby Yoda in The Mandalorian premiere. Read more here.

Cocaine Bear is composed of three essential elements: cocaine, a bear, and a spectacularly fun performance from Margot Martindale. Read more here.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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CPAC attendees voted online, not using voting machines.

CPAC attendees voted online, not using voting machines.

OXON HILL, Md.  Donald Trump topped the straw poll of declared and likely 2024 presidential candidates at this weeks Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)  a shock to no one who has followed the increasingly Trump-dominated gathering of activists in recent years.

Trump was the clear winner on the question of whom respondents would support if the 2024 presidential primary were held today, earning 62% of the vote. In second place was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) with 20%. DeSantis, widely seen as Trumps chief rival, has yet to declare his candidacy officially. However, he is reportedly heading to Iowa, the first presidential nominating state for Republicans, later this month and is sitting on a massive campaign war chest. Roughly 2,000 CPAC guests voted in the poll online using their conference credentials.

Kari Lake, the 2022 Arizona Republican gubernatorial nominee who spoke several times at CPAC, was the top choice for vice president. Of the respondents, 20% said they want Lake to be Trumps running mate.

Support for Trump had noticeably softened from last years poll when Trump topped the hypothetical matchup, with 85% of respondents citing him as their top choice for GOP nominee.

CPAC hosts conferences nationwide and internationally throughout the year, but the late-winter event is historically the countrys biggest gathering of conservative activists. Saturdays poll preceded Trumps keynote speech and was the first taken for the organization since Trump launched his third presidential campaign in November. It showed that at least the people willing to shell out roughly $300 for a CPAC ticket are still in thrall to Trump, far more than in other national polls of the 2024 field.

We believe in the man, and we want him to win in his terms bigly, said Allyse Wolf, a Texan who made up one-fifth of a group whose sequined jackets spelled out T-R-U-M-P. A lot of people say, I dont like the way he tweets or I dont like the way he talks about people. Who cares? As long as he does the job of getting this country back on its feet and where it belongs.

Story continues

Ruth Goetz, a Maryland GOP central committee member wearing a homemade, bright red Trump 2024 dress, said she didnt get the impression that any other 2024 candidate had a major base of support. Im wearing a Trump 2024 dress, so its all they talk to me about, Goetz said. [Trump] did so much for our country. He accomplished so much.

Trumps possible opponents mostly avoided the conference, and the reception wasnt necessarily warm for those who did show up. Trump backers accosted former Republican South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley after her speech, NBC News reported. Anti-woke activist Vivek Ramaswamy, who had a solo speaking slot, barely registered at 1%, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Only 2% of CPAC attendees were undecided.

The biggest surprise was Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, whom 5% of respondents said they would vote for today (Johnson came to CPAC with a massive bus of supporters). Johnson beat Haley, Trumps former U.N. ambassador, by 2 percentage points.

Related...
A group of hippos formerly owned by drug lord Pablo Escobar are set to soon leave South America.

Colombia plans to move about 70 of the so-called cocaine hippos to India and Mexico, according to a tweet Thursday from the governor of Antioquia province, where the mammals are located. Though some researchers have suggested the hippos could be restoring Colombias ecosystem, they are still considered an invasive species.

The animals, descendants of four African hippos illegally imported by Escobar in the 1980s, became a tourist attraction after he was killed by police in 1993. However, their population has since grown to more than 130 in the Antioquia area, settling far beyond Escobars Hacienda Napoles ranch.

Environmental authorities estimate this number could climb to 400 in the next eight years, fueling the push to move the hippos to foreign sanctuaries, according to an Associated Press report Friday.

It is possible to do, we already have experience relocating hippos in zoos nationwide, David Echeverri Lopez, a spokesperson for the Cornare environmental authority undertaking the effort, told the outlet.

The hippos are reportedly threatening local biodiversity and crowding out other animals.

The hippos are reportedly threatening local biodiversity and crowding out other animals.

Lina Marcela de los Rios Morales, director of animal protection and welfare in Antioquias environment ministry, told the AP that these relocations will only affect hippos living outside Escobars ranch  and not in its controlled environment.

This mission, reportedly brewing for more than a year, marks a big shift from Colombias initial plan to sterilize or kill the animals  which spurred a lawsuit that made them the first nonhuman creatures to be legally considered people by a U.S. court.

Hippos are far from sociable, however, and annually kill 500 humans in their native Africa, according to National Geographic. The highly territorial animal can weigh thousands of pounds, with a bite nearly three times stronger than a lions.

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The hippos outside Escobars ranch are also threatening the biodiversity of local rivers with their feces. The booming population has been crowding out other animals like manatees and capybaras, prompting the need for desperate measures.

Pablo Escobar's hippos have moved beyond the limits of his ranch and into local rivers.

Pablo Escobar's hippos have moved beyond the limits of his ranch and into local rivers.

The plan is to lure the hippos into iron containers to drive them to Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Rionegro, 94 miles away. Sixty will be flown to the Greens Zoological Rescue & Rehabilitation Kingdom in Gujarat, India, while 10 will head for zoos in Mexico.

Though some have reportedly described the animals as village pets, others are relieved to see the hippos go. Antioquia local Alvaro Molina, for instance, told AP he was once attacked by a hippo while fishing.

Related...
Trucker Tim Chelette has been making the same twice-daily drive for 16 years hauling empty whiskey barrels from Louisville, Kentucky, to the Jack Daniels distillery in Tennessee, yet his workday keeps getting longer due to time lost in Nashville traffic.

Although trucks wouldn't be eligible for the pay-to-use express lanes Republican Gov. Bill Lee is advocating for some of Tennessee's most-congested highways, Chelette supports them because he thinks enough drivers in the fast-growing state capital would take advantage to benefit everyone.

They're going to have to do something, said Chelette, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who gets paid by distance, not time  even when his 245-mile (394-kilometer) return trip to the Lynchburg distillery spikes by an hour or more during afternoon rush. When I get stuck in traffic, I lose money."

Unlike traditional toll plazas where every vehicle that passes through pays a standard fee, price-managed lanes allow some drivers to pay up to circumvent congestion  and the fee usually increases as the traffic does.

According to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), which lobbies on behalf of the projects, 54 of the 89 tolling facilities that opened in the U.S. in the past decade were for price-managed lanes. They can be found across the South in Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, as well as such other places as California, Colorado, Washington and Minnesota.

Opponents call them Lexus lanes, implying that only drivers of expensive cars can afford to use them, but Lee prefers another name: choice lanes.

I think (the name) is brilliant. I wish I had invented it, said Robert Poole, director of transportation policy at the libertarian Reason Foundation and a vocal advocate for price-managed lanes.

The marketing pitch is important, particularly in the conservative South where voters have long resisted anything resembling a tax hike. But with fuel tax revenues and federal infrastructure payments failing to keep up with the need to repair aging roads or add capacity to reduce congestion, the projects are winning favor  even, and perhaps especially, in Republican-led states where toll has been considered a four-letter word in more ways than one.

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All youre doing is allowing those wealthy enough to use those lanes a quicker ride to work, said Terri Hall, founder and director of Texans for Toll-free Highways. Its like a scapegoat for state legislatures to say, We solved the problem. No, you kicked the can down the road.

Supporters counter that the lanes are a way to pay for roads without raising taxes, though they acknowledge they're sometimes a tricky sell  particularly the public-private partnerships that have funded many of the projects.

If you have somebody who is anti-tax and pro-free market, they might say its a great idea," said Pat Jones, IBTTA's executive director and CEO. Then, if you tell them the company is from Spain or Australia, theyll say, I dont want there to be foreigners owning highways.' You often see opposition to toll facilities before people use them, but once theyre open and people realize theyre getting value ... the resistance tends to go down.

California's experience with tolling  both traditional plazas and price-managed lanes  has provided fodder for advocates on both sides of the heated debate.

A grand jury in Orange County examined a state agency that was created to build three traditional toll roads. Its report, issued in 2021, found that on one hand, California produced excellent roads with minimal tax dollars. But on the other, the jurors found ballooning debt and the need to change the initial plans amid financial downturns meant that drivers are on pace to shell out $28 billion by 2053 for roads that cost a tenth of that to build.

The nations first price-managed lane opened in 1995 in Orange County, using a public-private partnership to fund it. Poole, who advised on the project and still calls it a model for others, said officials agreed not to add free lanes on the corridor for 35 years. Surging growth ultimately made that impossible, so the county terminated the contract and paid the company for its lost revenue. New bonds were issued, and the tolls had to stay in place to pay for them.

These agencies often become self-fulfilling entities, said Jay Beeber, director of public policy for the National Motorists Association, which advocates for drivers' rights. They have huge organizations with lots of staff members, lots of salaries, huge pensions from the government, and they want to stay in business forever. Nobody wants to legislate themselves out of a job.

Lee is seeking legislative support to authorize a public-private partnership for the project in Tennessee  one of 14 states that don't have tolls on any roads.

Republican state Sen. Frank Niceley said he expects Lee will get enough votes to pass the plan, but he strongly opposes it  even pointing out that fascist Italian dictator Benito Mussolini liked public-private partnerships, too.

We're not really giving these things to the private sector, Niceley said. We're kind of co-signing the note. And most people who co-sign the note end up paying the note.

The governor's administration brushes off such criticism. Will Reid, chief engineer and deputy commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Transportation, said the state is uniquely positioned to establish a partnership that avoids the financial pitfalls seen in California and elsewhere.

We're one of six no-debt states, Reid said. We own every piece of pavement. We own every bridge. We have a strong belief in paying as we go, and paying for the things we decide to build.

Mark Burris, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Texas A&M University, researched public sentiment for price-managed lanes in four metro areas: Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami and the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. His review found widespread support from drivers in those areas, with more than three-quarters of those surveyed saying they wanted to see more price-managed lanes open.

Some of the paid express lanes in Texas have allowed speed limits as much as 10 mph higher than general-purpose lanes, and Hall, with Texans for Toll-free Highways, said the fee can rise to $3 a mile when traffic is busiest. She argues that's a regressive double-tax that doesn't alleviate congestion nearly as much as building additional free lanes would  something she contends the state can afford.

Texas also proves how fleeting the support for these projects can be  even with the same party in control. Former Gov. Rick Perry advocated for price-managed lanes, but his successor, fellow Republican Greg Abbott, has backed a moratorium on new tolls.

Fifteen years ago it was all the rage, Mark Muriello, IBTTA's director of public policy and government affairs, said of the appetite for the projects in Texas. The politics tend to change. Nothing stays still.

It typically takes 15 years in the U.S. for a road project to open after winning approval, though Tennessee officials are determined to cut that in half. Considering a recent study showing a $34 billion need, Reid  the state transportation official  acknowledges the clock is ticking.

As far as whether it works 10, 20, 30 years from now, the proof will be in the pudding, Reid said. But one thing is certain  in order to keep pace with the demands on our infrastructure in Tennessee, we're going to have to find a different way to generate revenue.
Retired Army Col. Paris Davis, 83, stood in the East Room of the White House on Friday as President Joe Biden draped the Medal of Honor around his neck, nearly six decades after he saved the lives of three fellow troops during the Vietnam War.

The retired Green Beret, who was a trailblazer as one of the first Black officers to join the Special Forces, told Military.com on Thursday that he wouldn't have done anything differently even if he had to do it over again.

He would tell his 26-year-old self -- a captain then serving in Vietnam on June 18, 1965 -- to "make sure you're wearing your boots, and you have some food, and you do what you did."

Read Next: Veterans and Others Who Helped in Afghanistan Evacuation Honored at White House

He would have also invited that colonel down to the battlefield, the one hovering overhead in a helicopter who ordered him to abandon his Special Forces troops wounded in the rice paddies of Binh Dinh province. Davis, who disobeyed the order, said he would have "kicked [the colonel's] ass if he'd come down there."

During a 19-hour battle, Davis saved three Americans under his command and killed more than a dozen enemy fighters using a pistol, M16, machine gun, grenade and a 60mm mortar -- all while suffering wounds to his legs and losing half a finger while under fire from hundreds of Viet Cong fighters.

Biden told the story Friday of one of Davis' rescuees, his unit's medic, who had just learned the day before that his wife had given birth to his first child.

"He pinpointed the medic's position and began crawling toward them with gunfire and grenades still exploding around him," Biden said during the White House ceremony. "When he got there, the medic's still alive and asked him, 'Am I gonna die? Am I gonna die?' Capt. Davis said, 'Not before me.'"

The president's words and the White House ceremony were not just recognition of Davis' heroism in Vietnam but also the hard-fought battle to get the former Green Beret the medal. In the decades that followed, there were two lost Medal of Honor recommendations, a grass-roots campaign headed by dozens of supporters, and several false starts to the path that finally ended with the nation's highest military honor.

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Davis was also a trailblazer as one of the first Black Special Forces officers, and he committed himself to civil rights issues in his post-military civilian life as the founder of a suburban newspaper in Virginia.

"The Green Berets, like our country then, weren't free from discrimination either," Biden said. "People pulled Paris aside to warn him. 'Are you sure you want to join? There aren't a lot of people who look like you in this outfit.'"

The Confident, Brave Commander

In 1965, Davis was looking at his second deployment to Vietnam, this time as a commander with the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces.

Ron Deis, the youngest surviving member of Davis team, who said he joined the relatively new elite unit because of a recruiting poster he saw showing a Green Beret eating a snake, first met then-Capt. Davis in Okinawa, Japan, as they were preparing to deploy.

"When we started going on operations and got into firefights ... he never flustered, [he was] extremely confident and brave," Deis said. "He was an example for all of us."

The raid that eventually led to Davis' Medal of Honor began shortly after midnight in June 1965, according to his after-action report. That day, he, his Special Forces troops and a company of inexperienced South Vietnamese completed a successful raid on a Viet Cong stronghold.

After the raid, one of the South Vietnamese platoons broke off from the group. Davis chased them down before leading them back toward the rest of the troops holding in a rice paddy in Binh Dinh province.

As dawn broke, the troops started taking machine-gun fire in what appeared to be a coordinated attack by hundreds of Viet Cong. Davis quickly organized the South Vietnamese platoon and regrouped with the larger element, plunging into intense combat.

"I ran down to where the firing was and found five Viet Cong coming over the trench line. I killed all five, and then I heard firing from the left flank," Davis wrote in his report. "I ran down there and saw about six Viet Cong moving toward our position. I threw a grenade and killed four of them. My M16 jammed, so I shot one with my pistol and hit the other with my M16 again and again until he was dead."

Part of Davis' trigger finger had been blown off by an enemy grenade, so he continued to fire an M16 with his pinky. As he regrouped with his team, he discovered Staff Sgt. David Morgan had been knocked unconscious by enemy mortar fire, and Master Sgt. Billy Waugh was shot in the foot -- both were pinned down by heavy fire.

And though Davis did not know it at the time, Spc. Robert Brown was lying face up in the rice paddy with a head injury.

After three painstaking attempts, Davis pulled Waugh from the muck of the rice paddy and fireman-carried him back to a nearby knoll.

Morgan, who was in a daze, started yelling. He had fallen into a "human cesspool" as Davis later described on a "Phil Donahue Show" special recounting the battle. The rice field that Morgan was wading through, wounded, had been fertilized with sewage. Davis ran into fire and pulled Morgan out too.

Davis shifted between medical treatment for his men and killing enemy fighters, a total of more than a dozen whom he dispatched with machine guns, grenades and a 60mm mortar. He also called in two 155mm Howitzers back at the team's base camp to target the Viet Cong peppering the rice paddy, according to Davis in the 1969 interview with Donahue.

As noon approached, Davis knew that Brown had been lying in the rice paddy for seven hours, but was unsure whether the specialist was alive or dead.

"A colonel came by and, since we had two of the Americans and I wasn't really sure of the disposition of the third, he gave me a direct order to ... move out of the area, right now," Davis told Donahue.

Davis refused the order. Twice.

"I just disobeyed the order," Davis said. "I said some words over the telephone I don't really care to repeat right here, I did do a little swearing."

A South Vietnamese soldier told Davis that Brown was indeed alive, but unconscious. Davis ordered Morgan to provide suppressive fire with a machine gun over the rice paddy, and the captain started crawling out to find Brown.

He located him. The specialist's eyes were fluttering, he was covered in mud and aspirating raggedly. He had been in the muck for nearly 14 hours. Davis pulled the American out -- his third rescue in the rice paddy that day -- and loaded the specialist onto a helicopter.

The fight lasted nearly 19 hours, and Davis himself had at least eight wounds, including being shot in the back of his legs.

He was the last American to step off the battlefield that day.

Deis, the junior member of the team, recounted speaking to Morgan later about the battle, not initially understanding the gravity of what Davis, a junior Black officer, had done in refusing an order in combat.

"That evening, when he got back in camp, [Morgan] had leeches all over his body from being pinned down in the rice paddy," Deis said Thursday, remembering how he took the lit end of a cigarette and burned 17 suckers off the staff sergeant's back that night.

"But Sergeant Morgan said to me, when he was telling me about what went on that day out in the field. He said, 'I think Capt. Davis deserves a Medal of Honor for what he did today.' And that really resonated with me; I never forgot it in all these years."

The Lost Award

Davis earned a Silver Star for his actions. His commanding officer immediately put him up for the Medal of Honor. The paperwork was subsequently lost. When it was submitted a second time, it was lost again.

"One of the great things about being Paris Davis, [is] there are times when other people speak for you," the retired colonel told Military.com on Thursday.

He had just recounted a phone call he received the day prior. A general -- Davis did not catch his name -- had called him. He asked Davis why it had taken so long for him to receive the Medal of Honor.

"And I said, 'You're probably in a better place to know than me," Davis said. The general told him that he believed the award was not processed due to racism.

"This is a general talking," Davis said. "And that's probably my answer too."

Amid the heraldry, celebration and reverence, the underlying question of what took so long for Davis to get the Medal of Honor lay beneath the festivities Thursday at the Sheraton Hotel Pentagon City, where current and former Special Forces members, family and friends talked to the media.

For many of Davis' supporters, the answer to that question was also racism. At the height of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Davis was a Black Special Forces officer who had refused an order from a superior. Davis said he was reprimanded for the refusal, and believes it likely prevented him from reaching the rank of general officer. He retired from the military in 1985.

Medal of Honor paperwork, the documents that are tied to the national highest military honor, doesn't simply disappear -- not twice.

"I just imagined what would happen if paperwork for the Medal of Honor ended up on my desk. It would be almost an honor to process that," Deis said. "The only conclusion I can come to is that he was Black."

Regan Hopper, Davis' daughter, seemed unsure of whether to point the blame at the Army as whole -- an organization that she and her father love.

"A few cowards that did this horrible, cruel deed that kept the world from knowing who my dad is -- the American hero that he is, in the truest sense of the word," she told Military.com on Thursday, adding that discrimination did indeed play a role. Just how is unclear.

"Dad is a strong, empathetic, humble leader. That's who I see him as. And we could have used another hero; the African American community could have used another hero to look up to -- to help inspire us to look for those opportunities, and to look for that purpose," she said, referring to her dad not getting the honor sooner, especially at a time when civil rights for Black Americans were so critical.

It wasn't until 2019 that Hopper learned about what happened on June 18, 1965.

"I didn't even really want to know that side of Dad," Hopper said. "To really understand what your father's eyes have seen is scary and terrifying."

She said that the battle in Vietnam was never discussed while she was growing up. But recently, as the push for Davis to receive the Medal of Honor reached a fever pitch, she began to see a reverent pain behind the "strong, empathetic, humble leader" she'd grown up with.

Davis is not the only Black service member who has seemingly been blocked from military honors. In 1997, the Army commissioned a study with Shaw University titled "The Exclusion of Black Soldiers from the Medal of Honor in World War II."

But on Thursday, Army officials said there wasn't any evidence that race played a part in Davis losing out on receiving the award earlier, despite what the retired colonel and his supporters believe.

"I don't exactly know. I don't think the Army knows exactly why it took so long," Maj. Gen. Patrick Roberson, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Special Operations Command, told Military.com. "I'm just glad that in the end he got what he deserved, for sure."

Roberson added that Gen. William Westmoreland, commander of U.S. Forces in Vietnam, placed special trust in Davis and his unit to "put the best team in this place, because this is where the enemy is at."

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Weimer, the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Special Operations Command and incoming Sergeant Major of the Army, said that the award was "well deserved."

"How did we get here? I don't have that for you," he said. "We do know there were other African American service members from the '60s that received the honor also, so I just don't know."

Weimer acknowledged the role discrimination has played in American institutions -- including the military -- over the years.

"You have to know it existed. It was there. It's part of American history. I'm proud of the Army, though," he said. "And we have our own history over time. You can literally walk the redemptive timeline on when we changed, when we evolved, when we integrated."

When asked whether the Army had any plans to investigate why Davis' award was delayed, Roberson and Weimer said they did not know.

"I think the Army is very focused on the fact that, 'Hey, he's getting this and he deserves this, and let's celebrate it,'" Roberson said.

Hopper said that the push that got Davis to the White House on Friday really started nearly a decade ago. Supporters like volunteer researcher and Army veteran Neil Thorne and Jim Moriarty, a father to a Special Forces soldier -- Jimmy -- who died in Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror, were instrumental in pushing for her dad's honor.

She refers to the group of dozens of supporters as "the team."

"When we talk about it, he doesn't really like to be called a hero. He wants to be called a soldier," Hopper said.

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence.

-- Travis Tritten can be reached at travis.tritten@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @Travis_Tritten.

Related: Black Vietnam Vet at Last Getting His Due: the Medal of Honor
American socialite and television personality Paris Hilton at age 15 in 1996. Colin Davey/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has become an advocate for abolishing abusive residential-treatment centers for teens.

In a new essay, she described strangers taking her from her bed to a treatment facility.

The then-teenager thought the men who took her to the center would kill or sexually assault her.

"I'm about to be raped. I'm about to be murdered," Paris Hilton recalls thinking when, as a teenager, being jolted awake by a pair of men who then would take her from her home in handcuffs.

In a new essay for The Times of London, the hotel heiress recalled in detail being taken from her bed in the middle of the night and transported to one of a series of residential-treatment centers where she lived as a teen, and where she said she faced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Her parents, who she said watched from their doorway as she cried for help, had called the men to take her to therapy for her "wild child" antics.

"One man clamped a sweaty palm over my mouth, wrenching my head back," Hilton wrote. "The other held up a pair of handcuffs."

Representatives for Hilton did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Hilton, who has in recent years become an advocate to end abusive therapeutic boarding schools for teens, said she was then taken to a school run by CEDU, transferred to a wilderness program, and eventually sent to Provo Canyon School in Utah  where other celebrities, including Kat Von D, have said they were forced to attend.

Mel Wasserman, who founded CEDU Educational Services, Inc., died in 2002. The CEDU therapeutic schools and treatment facilities stopped operating in 2005 after multiple allegations of abuse. Representatives for Provo Canyon School did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Cavity searches and forced snuggling

Hilton wrote that, at the CEDU school, staff subjected her to an invasive cavity search and hours of screaming abuse by staff and other patients, as well as forced cuddling with the people who had abused her in a giant, forced snuggle puddle called "smooshing," which she was told was part of the therapeutic program.

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She tried to run away multiple times, but was ultimately caught each time. She said the CEDU staff used her escape attempts against her "especially the moment I kangaroo-kicked the door into the transporter's face  to convince my parents that I was on a dangerous downward spiral," so she was sent to a more restrictive mountain-wilderness program.

"I mean, think about it: On the advice of a mental-health professional, you send your struggling kid to this beautiful boarding school that costs a fortune," Hilton wrote. "When the kid tries to run away, do you believe the kid who's been royally pissing you off? Or do you believe the psychiatrist who says the kid is a crazy, incorrigible liar?"

The teenager was later transferred to Provo Canyon School, where she said staff "got off on the power they had" over patients.

"They took us to the infirmary and made us lie on the table," Hilton wrote. "Made us open our legs for their stubby fingers. If we resisted, there was always a tray with syringes. I don't know what was in the 'booty juice,' but I saw kids hit the floor the moment it was injected."

Treatment centers compared to juvenile detention

As of 2016, 678 facilities identified themselves as residential-treatment centers, or RTCs, according to 2019 statistics by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Hilton, now married with a child, has become an outspoken advocate of ending abusive RTC practices for teenagers.

"There appears to be a general acceptance that the youth being sent to RTCs present increasingly intense and severe behavioral and emotional problems, academic problems, and substance-use problems," a 2019 OJJDP report found. "However, there is almost no research on the best target population for this type of facility and treatment."

The OJJDP report added that, in a study of 693 licensed and/or accredited child and adolescent RTCs in the United States, 82% of the facilities reported using seclusion or restraint in the prior year.

And, while the OJJDP said mental-health and substance abuse professionals called for clearer admission criteria to prevent "incarcerating youth in inappropriate settings," the department found children incarcerated in juvenile detention facilities may be more likely to receive meaningful mental-health help.

Representatives from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Insider
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized President Bidens handling of a GOP-led resolution that would overturn parts of a District of Columbia crime bill, decrying that he should have given Democrats a heads up.

If he was going to do it I wish he wouldve told us first, because this was a hard vote for the House members, Pelosi said at a University of Chicago event on Friday, after being asked whether she agreed with Biden on the bill. And its a hard vote for the Senate members. And the mayor of District of Columbia even differed from the legislators who passed it, so it wasnt that clear.

Im a big supporter of statehood for the District of Columbia. I voted with the District of Columbia, said Pelosi, who rarely strikes a critical tone with the president. I understand why some people voted against. But if the presidents going to do it, hey, could you give us a heads up too in the House?

Biden met with the Senate Democratic caucus on Thursday and revealed his intentions to not sign the resolution. This only sparked criticism from House Democrats, who claimed that they were blindsided by the news.

The White House f this up royally, one House Democrat told The Hill via text message, noting the White House had previously issued a Statement of Administration Policy opposing the resolution and backing D.C., and that House Democratic leadership told lawmakers that Biden was prepared to veto the measure.

In total, 173 House Democrats voted against the resolution, but Bidens decision scored Republicans a huge political win. Meanwhile, Democrats disapproval of it highlights the divisions within the party  as they attempt to combat attacks that they are too soft on crime.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Bidens decision and his communication on Friday, claiming he had informed House Democrats on Wednesday during their annual issues retreat in Baltimore, the day before the president announced he wouldnt veto the measure.

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Meanwhile, liberals are furious with Bidens decision, which they see as a disregard for the citys autonomy. Biden has voiced support for statehood, but many on the left see this move as working against the D.C. City Councils governing abilities.

The crime bill would do away with most mandatory sentences, lower penalties for a number of violent offenses  including carjackings and robberies  and expand the requirement for jury trials in most misdemeanor cases.

The bill passed the city council unanimously in January. After Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) vetoed it, the city council overrode it 12-1.

The GOP-controlled House passed the legislation with 31 Democrats backing it. It is also likely to pass the Senate with bipartisan support in a vote as early as next week, despite the Democratic majority in the upper chamber.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Pittsburgh skyline. Steven Adams/Getty Images

A Pennsylvania woman who was missing for 30 years and declared dead was found alive in Puerto Rico.

DNA samples were able to confirm her identity, authorities said.

Her sister and husband were shocked and relieved to hear she was alive.

The family of a woman who was believed to be dead after vanishing several decades ago is shocked and relieved to hear she was found alive in Puerto Rico.

Patricia Kopta, who went missing in Pittsburgh in 1992, was later declared legally dead by authorities. In fact, she had been found wandering the streets of northern Puerto Rico in 1999 and now lives in a nursing home on the Caribbean island, according to a news conference this week in Ross Township, Pennsylvania.

Once a street preacher in Pittsburgh known as "The Sparrow," Kopta began to reveal details of her past after years in Puerto Rico, CBS Pittsburgh reported, and staff at the nursing home made contact with Pennsylvania authorities who were able to "connect the dots."

DNA samples were able to confirm her identity, Ross Township police said.

Kopta, who is now 83, is diagnosed with dementia, and before leaving Pennsylvania, doctors said she was showing some signs of schizophrenia, the Associated Press reported.

"She was concerned she was going to be institutionalized," authorities said Friday. "Which is what we believe led her to decide to flee the country."

Her husband Bob Kopta, who said they had been married for over 20 years, said at the conference, "You wouldn't believe what we've been through, it's such a relief to know she's alive."

Her husband, now 86, said he had previously asked a psychic about her whereabouts and put advertisements in newspapers to try and find her, per NBC News.

Her surviving sister Gloria Smith said, "Shock. I didn't believe it. Total shock," when she learned the news, according to CBS Pittsburgh.

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Smith, who is 78, told the Associated Press in an interview that her sister often went to Puerto Rico with her friends before she got married.

"She just loved the ocean, the beach, the warm sunshine," Smith said. Smith added that she would like to go to the island to visit.

"Whether she knows me or not, I still want to see her and give her a hug and tell her I love her," she said.

Read the original article on Insider
LAS CRUCES  The former administrator who oversaw New Mexico State University's compliance with discrimination laws filed a lawsuit claiming the university retaliated against her for doing her job.

Laura Castille, who held the title of Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Equality and Title IX Coordinator until October 2022, filed a lawsuit in the Third Judicial District Court on Feb. 7. Castille accused NMSU's top leadership of gross mismanagement, abuse of authority and violation of university policy and said NMSU violated her civil rights under the state's Whistleblower Protection Act.

Specifically, Castille alleged that NMSU Vice Chancellor Ruth Johnston moved to ensure that a "close ally of hers" would become the Chief Audit Officer. Castille said Johnston then tried to cut Castille out of the hiring process after Castille reported the incident.

Ruth Johnston is New Mexico State University system vice chancellor and chief operating officer.

Finally, Castille said that NMSU leadership  including Chancellor Dan Arvizu  refused to evaluate Johnston's conduct and forced Castille to resign in August 2022.

Castille is the second administrator to allege a culture of retaliation and power politics at NMSU's highest levels in the aftermath of a leadership shake-up last year, and the second to file such a lawsuit. In December 2022, former Provost Carol Parker accused NMSU leadership of firing her because she sought to investigate allegations of sexist and racist pay discrimination.

NMSU declined an opportunity to comment on either lawsuit. Justin Bannister, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications, told the Sun-News that NMSU does not typically comment on pending litigation.

Ben Gubernick, Castille's attorney, said Castille filed the lawsuit after a long history of working with and attending NMSU as a student. In a call with the Sun-News, Gubernick said Castille cares deeply about NMSU and the university's role in Southern New Mexican communities.

But the actions university leadership took against her were "so contrary to NMSU's principals," Gubernick said Castille felt litigation was her only recourse.

Story continues

"This is people trying to remove checks and balances," Gubernick said. "This is like Game of Thrones-type stuff."

Palace intrigue and retaliation  The allegation's timeline

Before starting her job overseeing NMSU discrimination and harassment compliance mechanisms, Castille was a student at NMSU and an attorney in Southern New Mexico.

A biography written by her current employer says Castille received two degrees from NMSU  including a B.A. in Political Science in 1992 and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction in 1994. After teaching high school in Mexico, Texas, and New Mexico for over a decade, Castille enrolled in UNM's School of law in 2012. Castille graduated in 2014.

After practicing law in Albuquerque, she returned to her alma mater in 2018 as Executive Director and Title IX Coordinator. Castille also oversaw NMSU's Office of Institutional Equality. One of Castille responsibility's included reviewing NMSU job postings to ensure compliance with state law, federal law and NMSU policy.

In June 2022, Castille reviewed the posting for Chief Audit Officer and discovered Vice Chancellor Johnston had changed the posting, according to Castille's complaint.

Castille found the position was altered so that the new Chief Audit Officer  who oversees NMSU's audit, fraud, risk management, accountability, and transparency functions  would report to Johnston. The position previously reported directly to the chancellor and the Board of Regents.

Castille said Johnston also changed the job qualifications "so that only one person  a close ally of (Johnston's) at NMSU  would be eligible for the job," the complaint reads.

For Castille, this amounted to a policy violation. She then reported the issue to Kenneth Van Winkle, another vice chancellor who oversaw the Chief Auditor Officer's hiring committee. Castille's lawsuit said Van Winkle relayed the concerns to Johnston.

Instead of correcting the issue, Castille said Johnston ordered one of her subordinates to cut Castille from the process.

Castille alleged that Abigail Denham, a human resources director, used Castille's NMSU computer credentials to remove the auditor job posting from Castille's access.

When Castille found out, she reported Denham and Johnston to NMSU's top leaders, including Arvizu, the interim chief audit officer, the general counsel, the chief IT security officer, and the vice president of human resources.

According to the complaint, Castille told the cadre of NMSU leaders they needed to conduct an audit into Denham and Johnston's conduct.

"NMSU officials did not address Denham and Johnston's actions," Castille's complaint states. "Instead, in the weeks that followed, NMSU officials engaged in a pattern of retaliatory action against (Castille)."

Castille said in the complaint that she was reprimanded without due process and disparaged among her peers, all at Johnston's discretion.

On Aug. 11, 2022, NMSU put Castille on leave and evicted her from office. She resigned shortly after that.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Second high-ranking admin files lawsuit against NMSU
In Simferopol, Crimea, Russian invaders are creating a "People's Volunteer Militia", fearing the strengthening of the pro-Ukrainian movement.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "In Simferopol, in the temporarily occupied Republic of Crimea, the Russian occupation authorities are creating so-called "People's Volunteer Militia", fearing the activation of the pro-Ukrainian movement and the actions of patriotic groups."

Details: According to the General Staff, there is a shortage of law enforcement officers due to the war in Ukraine, therefore one of the tasks of these units should be to identify artillery spotters and saboteurs, in addition to patrolling the city.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Michigan State Police are investigating a dead body found at the abandoned Boysville Juvenile Detention Center in Frenchtown Township.

Troopers who were dispatched to the facility found Monroe resident Kayla Sedoskey on the floor inside the building, a news release issued Friday by the state police's Monroe Post said. Monroe Community Ambulance personnel responded to the scene and pronounced her to be deceased.

The cause of death is still under investigation. Anyone with information relating to the cause of Sedoskey's death is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Michael Peterson at the Michigan State Police Monroe Post.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, Monroe Community Ambulance and the Frenchtown Township Fire Department.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Person found dead at abandoned Boysville Juvenile Detention Center
By Marco Aquino

LIMA (Reuters) - Key copper mines in Peru are cranking up activity again after protests and blockades dented production, power data analyzed by Reuters showed, potentially boosting supply from the world's no. 2 producer of the red metal.

Major copper mines including Las Bambas, owned by China's MMG Ltd, and Glencore Plc's Antapaccay are drawing on full power, publicly available electricity data up to Friday show, after reduced usage amid disruptions.

The data from Peruvian power sector body COES gave the most rapid and detailed gauge of Peru's mining activity, key for understanding the supply outlook for the metal, with global prices already elevated at around $9,000 per tonne.

Peru has been roiled by anti-government protests since the Dec. 7 ouster of former leftist President Pedro Castillo, including road blockades in the copper-rich south which have at times prevented supplies reaching mines and copper leaving.

However, protesters eased road blockades on a key mining highway last month, which has allowed mines to return progressively to normal levels of activity, the data showed. The data did not indicate whether transport of ore has improved.

Graphic: Las Bambas: maintenance mode? https://www.reuters.com/graphics/PERU-MINING/klvygdlojvg/chart.png

Copper mines in the country have long faced disruption from community protests that have at times led to lengthy shutdowns.

Peru's copper production dropped 3.63% in January from a year earlier, official data showed, the first decline after three straight months of increases.

Las Bambas, producer of some 2% of global copper, has operated at full power since the start of March after choppiness since early February.

Antapaccay, hit by attacks on its site and supply trucks, has returned to full activity this week, according to the data and a source close to the mine, after a lengthy downturn, also since early February.

Graphic: Antapaccay: Protest hit https://www.reuters.com/graphics/PERU-MINING/mopaklewlpa/chart.png

Story continues

Representatives of Las Bambas and Antapaccay were not immediately available for comment.

However, communities in Chumbivilcas province, a key area for the southern mining corridor, were planning to meet on Friday to discuss a possible restart of protests.

"For now (the mining road) is free, but we have a meeting tonight and we will see what measures we take," Carlos Quispe, a leader of the Chumbivilcas Defense Front, told Reuters.

"If we maintain things or block the road again, that is decided by the communities themselves."

Graphic: Peru Mines: 7-day average power use https://www.reuters.com/graphics/PERU-MINING/gdpzqdxqjvw/chart.png

(This story has been refiled to fix a typo in the headline)

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Cynthia Osterman)
Thitu Island in the South China Sea. The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images

The Philippines said Saturday that it had spotted a Chinese naval ship off the coast of a Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed the presence of "a People's Liberation Army Navy vessel," along with a Chinese Coast Guard ship, off the coast of Thitu Island. In addition, Philippine officials said that they identified at least 42 vessels that were reportedly operated by Chinese militia officers.

Reuters reported that Thitu is "Manila's biggest and most strategically important outpost in the South China Sea." The sea has been largely under a series of political clashes in recent years, with China claiming  over the objections of several Asian countries  that it controls the water's territories.

It is unclear what the Chinese ships were doing in the area, or if they were conducting a military operation. Tensions between the Philippines and China have been increasing in recent months. This came to a head in mid-February, when the Philippine Coast Guard accused the Chinese Coast Guard of pointing a military-grade laser at its crew, temporarily blinding them.

The alleged incident occurred in the same chain of islands as Thitu, CNN reported, with Chinese officials claiming the vessel "defended China's sovereignty and maritime order" after the Philippine ship encroached on its territory. The exact details of the incident are still disputed.

As tensions flare, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously said that his country "will not lose an inch" of territory to China. Marcos added that China's actions "do not conform to our ideals of peace" and would "threaten the security and stability of the country, of the region, and of the world."

"We will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our constitution and with international law," Marcos said.

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WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden faces growing pressure to develop an alternative plan to cancel student loan debt for millions of Americans after the executive action he took last year ran into a buzz saw from a majority of Supreme Court justices Tuesday.

The court's conservative majority expressed deep skepticism over Biden's plan to wipe out $400 billion in student loan debt, suggesting the president overstepped his authority during oral arguments in a closely watched challenge of Biden's program.

Some liberal constituency groups and student loan advocates want Biden to work on a backup plan to provide sweeping debt relief given the strong possibility the high court strikes down Biden's plan.

More: 'Massive new program': Supreme Court majority signals skepticism over Biden's student loan forgiveness plan

But publicly, the White House won't even entertain the idea of a Plan B, insisting Biden followed the law when he cited a provision in the 2003 HEROES Act that allows the education secretary to waive or modify student loans during a national emergency.

As the 26 million Americans who applied for student loan cancellation await a court decision likely to come in June, the White House is only willing to talk about Plan A.

Student loan debt forgiveness on shaky legal ground

"Not confident": Even Biden seemed doubtful this week the Supreme Court will uphold his action. Im confident were on the right side of the law, Biden told reporters the day after the court hearing. But Im not confident about the outcome of the decision yet.

Authority questioned: Chief Justice John Roberts questioned a central premise of Biden's argument: that the president has authority to cancel student loans without explicit authority from Congress. "We take very seriously the idea of the separation of powers and that power should be divided to prevent its abuse," he said.

Fairness: Roberts' support is likely crucial for Biden to garner the five votes needed for a majority. Yet in another troubling sign, conservatives justices led by Roberts raised what they called "the fairness argument," echoing a common criticism from Biden's opponents that forgiving debt punishes Americans who didnt attend college and those who already paid off their student loans.

Could standing save plan? The best chance for Biden's plan to prevail could be on standing  that the states suing the Biden administration weren't actually injured by Biden's action and therefore can't sue. Justices Amy Coney Barrett posed several questions on standing, suggesting she could side with the court's three liberals, but one more vote would still be needed for a majority.

"Multiple options": The NAACP's Wisdom Cole, national director of the group's Youth and College Division, told USA TODAY the White House needs to have "multiple options" to make sure debt forgiveness happens if the court overturns Biden. "We need to make sure that we are ready to attack from all angles."

Story continues

More: Supreme Court's conservative justices signal skepticism of Biden's loan forgiveness plan: Recap

President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 3, 2023. "Im confident were on the right side of the law, Biden said this week. But Im not confident about the outcome of the decision yet.

What else could Biden do to forgive student loan debt?

If the high court strikes down Biden's plan, what next? This is the tricky part  and there is no consensus.

White House officials had reservations about the legality of canceling student loan debt before Biden took action in August. Ultimately, in choosing the HEROES Act, Biden's legal team pursued what they thought was the most viable path that could withstand legal scrutiny.

The clearest option to achieve the same goal  forgiving up to $20,000 in student loan debt for low- and middle-income households  would be for Congress to act. But even when Democrats controlled both chambers, canceling student loan debt lacked enough support for passage. Now that Republicans have taken over the House, there's likely no legislative route.

Biden could propose a narrow plan that still invokes the HEROES Act, some legal experts argue.

More: Four takeaways from the Supreme Court's feisty arguments over student loan forgiveness

People rally in support of the Biden administration's student debt relief plan in front of the the U.S. Supreme Court on February 28, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Others believe Biden could turn to the Higher Education Act of 1965, which Biden and past administrations have cited to provide student loan debt relief to certain categories of borrowers such as teachers and the disabled.

The White House has touted its previous efforts to cancel debt through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. However, that approach is only available to borrowers working in the public sector. No existing programs provide comparable relief like that posed by Bidens plan.

More: 'Not confident': Biden unsure how Supreme Court will rule on student loan forgiveness plan

Instead, Biden might have to revert to smaller steps.

For example, alongside the debt forgiveness plan, Biden introduced a new program designed to more directly tie borrowers' monthly loan payments to their income. The plan, which is still going through the Education Department's regulatory process, would reduce some borrowers' payments to 5% of their discretionary income.

Could a SCOTUS defeat actually boost Biden politically?

While a Supreme Court defeat on student loan forgiveness would certainly be a setback for Biden, it could help him politically.

Biden, who is widely expected to announce a 2024 reelection bid this spring, could point to the Supreme Court blocking student loan debt forgiveness as another example of a court he's argued is part of an increasingly extreme "ultra-MAGA" Republican Party.

The court's Dobbs decision last year, which found no constitutional right to an abortion and overturned Roe v. Wade, energized female voters during the midterm elections, helping Democrats defy headwinds and exceed expectations.

More: As Biden prepares 2024 reelection run, Democrats worry blue-collar voters are slipping away

More:Joe Biden holds off red wave, gets unexpected boost from midterm election

Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, executive director of NextGen America, the largest young voter mobilization group in the U.S., foresees a similar dynamic in 2024 if the Supreme Court rejects Biden's debt cancelation.

"Blocking progress for 40 million Americans, especially young Americans, on student debt policy to radically transform their lives will be a huge mobilizing factor to turn people out in 2024," she said.

Supporters of President Joe Biden's action to cancel student loan debt rally outside the Supreme Court on Feb. 28, 2023 as the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases challenging the president's authority.

Biden has already warmed up a message tailored for the campaign trail  contrasting his efforts to help Americans saddled with student debt to Republicans passing tax cuts for corporations.

"Theyre the same folks who had hundreds of thousands of dollars  even millions of dollars  in pandemic relief loans forgiven," Biden said Monday, "and who voted for tax cuts for overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest people in America."

More: As Biden prepares 2024 reelection run, Democrats worry blue-collar voters are slipping away

What they're saying

"The White House should absolutely be thinking about how to deliver on student loan relief should the Supreme Court come down with an unfavorable ruling," said Braxton Brewington, press secretary of Debt Collective. He noted 16 million Americans have already been approved under Biden's plan but not gotten relief amid the legal standoff. "Probably more important than having a backup plan is having a backup plan that is executed swiftly."

Paco Fabian, communications director of the progressive-aligned political action committee Our Revolution, said the White House "needs to figure out how to effectively use their executive authorities to deliver on some of the promises they've made." But he acknowledged Plan B might have to be congressional action that would depend on Democratic wins in the 2024 election.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, repeatedly pressed about a Plan B, said the White House is focused on the plan before the Supreme Court. "We're confident in our authority," she said. "We never know on any case how the Supreme Court is going to rule."

Some debt forgiveness advocates aren't getting ahead of the court's decision. "I don't think we're in a place yet to talk about a plan B," said Natalia Abrams, president and CEO of the Student Debt Crisis Center. "I think there's just a lot of faith in the administration right now that something will be done."

Given the backlash to the current proposal, its understandable that the administration doesnt want to tip its hand about any Plan B , said Abby Shafroth, a senior staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center and director of the Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project. But regardless of the court's action, she said something must be done to relieve the debt burden before borrowers are forced to begin monthly payments again.

Not everyone is assuming a Supreme Court defeat, however. Dalie Jimenez, a professor and director of the Student Loan Law Initiative at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said anxious borrowers should consider that the nations high court might not actually kill Bidens plan. I think it is important to think about this as: Theres still a possibility this is approved.

The big picture

Having invested so much in a student loan debt plan tied up in court, the White House isn't eager to talk about possible defeat.

But they might have to pivot.

As a Supreme Court decision draws nearer, millions of student loan borrowers are going to start asking, "What's next?" if Biden loses the fight.

A moratorium on student loan payments  extended multiple times during the pandemic  will come to an end two months after the court's decision.

Without a Plan B, at least 16 million Americans who banked on their debts getting erased might see their hopes dashed.

Contributing: Chris Quintana, Nirvi Shah and John Fritze

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Student loan forgiveness at Supreme Court: Biden might need a Plan B
A man and a nine-month-old baby have been reported missing in Clayton County.

Police say no one has heard from Chastin Brinkley, 31, since 11:30 p.m. on Friday night. They say he also has nine-month-old Iva Murray with him.

Family members reported to police that Brinkley borrowed a gray 2010 GMC Sierra truck with Georgia license plate TCM0250, but did not return it.

He was last seen on Mortons Way in Ellenwood, Ga.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police say Brinkleys phone is now going straight to voicemail.

Brinkley is described as being six feet tall and approximately 200 pounds. Police say he was wearing black jeans, a green and black checkered sweater vest and black slippers. They add that he has been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Murray was last seen wearing jeans and a gray jacket.

TRENDING STORIES:

The relationship between Brinkley and Murray is unclear.

Anyone who knows where Brinkley and Murray may be should contact investigators at 770-477-3550.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has called for more EU sanctions against Moscow.

Source: Metsola during her visit to Lviv, as quoted by European Pravda

Quote: "There are still gaps in measures implemented because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and there are countries that abuse these gaps."

Details: The President of the European Parliament has mentioned Russia's diamond industry and added that certain members of the State Duma [the lower house of the Russian parliament  ed.] who are close to the Kremlin are still not under sanctions.

During her second visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Metsola has said that Moscow has to be held accountable, and "there will be no peace" without that.

Background: The European Union approved the 10th package of sanctions against Russia on 24 February 2023, one year after the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This package includes 121 individuals and legal entities.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Vimeo / Random House

Prince Harry said he has lost a lot in the process of escaping his family, but that it was worth it to break the cycle and not pass on the trauma of his own upbringing to his children.

He also said that therapy had made him more distant from his family and suggested he had tried, and failed, to encourage them to get therapy.

In an interview with the psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Mate, Harry also implied that he was, politically, against the invasion of Afghanistan, despite having said in his book that he regarded it as vengeance for 9/11 and saying that he had killed 25 Afghans in the course of the combat.

Harry was asked by Mate what he felt the impact of the lack of touch he experienced as a child, as described in his book, was on him.

Harry said: It leaves me in the position of a father having two children trying to smother them with love. I feel a huge responsibility not to pass on any trauma or negative experiences that Ive had as a kid or as a man growing up.

Harry said that his book was designed as an act of service and said it may help save someones life by giving them permission to deal with their stuff by sharing his experiences through his book.

Mate asked Harry if he had achieved his goal to break free and live, Harry responded that he had, adding that he felt a great weight off my shoulders after leaving the Royal Family, but added, Ive lost a lot, but at the same time Ive gained a lot.

Asked about his experience of therapy, Harry said: A lot of families are complicated, a lot of families are dysfunctional. But for me when I was doing therapy regularly, I felt that I learned a new language.

He said that because his family did not speak that language, he found himself feeling more and more distant from my loved ones and my family.

Harry suggested that he may not have agreed with the invasion of Afghanistan, after Mate voiced his opposition to the war in Afghanistan.

Harry said: Once you sign up, you do what youre told to do. A lot of us didnt agree... but you do what you're trained to do.

Story continues

New Prince Harry Interview DropsAlong With an Update on Spare

Harry said that taking the psychedelic drug ayahuasca had helped clean the windshield and admitted he used the drug recreationally before realizing how good it was for me.

He said: It was the cleaning of the windshield, removal of lifes filters. It removed it all for me and brought me a sense of relaxation, release, comfort, a lightness that I managed to hold onto for a period of time.

For me I started doing it recreationally and then started to realize how good it was for me. I would say it is one of the fundamental parts of my life that changed me and helped me deal with the traumas and the pains of the past.

Asked about his relationship with Meghan, Harry said: People have said my wife saved me. I was stuck in this world. She was from a different world and helped draw me out of that.

Harry said he had a crash course in understanding racism as a result of marrying Meghan. He said it was shocking, that he had been naive and that racism caused immense pain to society.

Apparently referencing his own behavior, which included dressing up in Nazi uniform as a young man, he said: I had to take accountability for it. I had to grow from it and learn from it.

Harry blamed William and Kate for encouraging him to wear the uniform to a costume party in his book.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
The Duke of Sussex will appear in a new interview on Saturday evening (4 March) to speak about his controversial memoir, Spare.

But the livestreamed event for readers of the book comes just days after it emerged that he and the Duchess of Sussex have been asked to vacate their UK residence, Frogmore Cottage.

Experts believe that Prince Harry has more ammunition against the royal family and could reveal further bombshells during the interview tonight as he has nothing to lose following the eviction.

The live event will see Harry speaking with Dr Gabor Mate, author of The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture. He will also answer questions from Spare readers.

This week, the Sussexes confirmed that they have been asked to move out of Frogmore Cottage. Sources said the couple were stunned by the Kings reported plans to offer the keys to their former home to the disgraced Duke of York.

Royal biographer Phil Dampier, who has authored several books about the royal family, told the Daily Mail that what Harry says tonight will likely determine whether or not he and Meghan will be invited to the Kings coronation this May.

He said that the King and the Prince of Wales expected Harry to stop giving interviews after giving a number of interviews to promote Spare, but it seems not.

In fact, he may feel he has nothing to lose after being booted out of Frogmore Cottage, Dampier claimed. So sadly, with just nine weeks to the coronation, relations between him and his family seem to be getting worse, not better.

The experts comments come after a source claimed that the Sussexes were not fighting their eviction and recognised they were very privileged to have had a second home.

(Getty)

Dampier said there is no telling what Harry will say during the interview, but suggested it will be part publicity for his book and part therapy.

He has said his book could have been double the length, so he still has plenty of ammunition, he continued. His personal attacks could get much more vicious, which could result in him and Meghan not being invited in May.

Story continues

This week, a royal commentator told The Independent that if Harry and Meghan were to be absent from the coronation, it would cast a shadow over the big event.

Mayah Riaz, who is also a celebrity manager, said that the Kings decision to evict the couple from their UK home suggests there is clearly a rift between them.

King Charles III has asked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to vacate their Frogmore Cottage home (Getty)

This shows that King Charles is making a clear break from Harry and Meghan and sends a loud message to everyone because of their position, she added.

Harrys tell-all autobiography became the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever, with 400,000 copies across hardback, ebook and audio formats sold on its first day of publication.

In the book, he claimed that the Prince of Wales physically attacked him and knocked [him] to the floor. Harry also alleged that Prince William called Meghan difficult, rude and abrasive.

He also claimed that, following his birth, the King told Diana, Princess of Wales, that his arrival was wonderful but now that she had given him an heir and a spare, his work was done.

The Independent has contacted the Sussexes representative and Buckingham Palace for comment.
A custodian with Poudre School District who was arrested after officials said he made threatening statements about the safety of others at Timnath Middle-High School entered a guilty plea Thursday on a misdemeanor charge of interfering with school staff, faculty or students.

He received a deferred sentence, court records show.

Cullin Bell, 21, will be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea and have the charge dismissed if he complies with a number of stipulations, a spokesperson for the 8th Judicial District Attorneys Office explained Friday in an email. He will be allowed to continue to work during nonschool hours at specific PSD schools.

The agreement was reached, in part, due to the DA Offices understanding that PSD had performed their own internal threat assessment of Mr. Bell and determined that he did not present a threat to the school district, such that PSD was comfortable retaining Mr. Bell as an employee, the DAs office wrote in its email.

It went on to say: "Balanced against these considerations is the reality that Mr. Bell's poor choice caused real harm to the student community, their families, and PSD faculty and staff. There is no question that the subject of gun violence in our schools is a deeply traumatizing one. It is our hope that this outcome will highlight the serious consequences of Mr. Bell's words while also offering Mr. Bell a restorative path forward."

Bell must remain law-abiding, not possess any firearms, complete a Making Better Choices course and comply with a no-contact order with the Poudre School District facilities, with the exception of nonschool hours at select schools, the DAs office wrote.

The plea agreement was approved in Larimer County Court by Judge Thomas Lynch.

A PSD spokesperson confirmed Friday that Bell has been working as a night custodian at two PSD sites since Feb. 7, 2023. Those two sites are not Bethke Elementary School and Timnath Middle-High School, the two schools where he worked as a night custodian prior to his arrest.

Story continues

"Students are not present during his work shifts," the spokesperson wrote in a text message to the Coloradoan. "These are the only two PSD locations where he's allowed to be during work hours, and only during work hours."

Bell has been employed by PSD since Aug. 19, 2021.

Bell was arrested Jan. 12 at his Fort Collins home following an investigation by Timnath Police and PSD officials, Police Chief Terry Jones said previously. The arrest was made, Jones said later that day, just to be precautionary, in the interest of public safety. We will get this young man the help he needs.

The investigation stemmed from allegations that Bell had made concerning statements regarding the safety of others while working at TMHS, Timnath Middle-High School principal Jesse Morrill wrote in an email sent the to staff and parents. The statements were not made about a specific person or group of people, Morrill wrote.

Reporter Kelly Lyell covers education, breaking news, some sports and other topics of interest for the Coloradoan. Contact him at kellylyell@coloradoan.com, twitter.com/KellyLyell or facebook.com/KellyLyell.news.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: PSD custodian gets deferred sentence, has chance to keep job
Generally speaking the aim of active stock picking is to find companies that provide returns that are superior to the market average. And while active stock picking involves risks (and requires diversification) it can also provide excess returns. For example, long term PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM) shareholders have enjoyed a 84% share price rise over the last half decade, well in excess of the market return of around 40% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the more recent gains haven't been so impressive, with shareholders gaining just 13% , including dividends .

The past week has proven to be lucrative for PulteGroup investors, so let's see if fundamentals drove the company's five-year performance.

See our latest analysis for PulteGroup

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During five years of share price growth, PulteGroup achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 51% per year. This EPS growth is higher than the 13% average annual increase in the share price. So it seems the market isn't so enthusiastic about the stock these days. This cautious sentiment is reflected in its (fairly low) P/E ratio of 4.79.

The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

It is of course excellent to see how PulteGroup has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on how its financial position has changed over time.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. In the case of PulteGroup, it has a TSR of 96% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

Story continues

A Different Perspective

It's good to see that PulteGroup has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 13% in the last twelve months. Of course, that includes the dividend. Having said that, the five-year TSR of 14% a year, is even better. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for PulteGroup (2 don't sit too well with us) that you should be aware of.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story even if these companies are loss-making. But the reality is that when a company loses money each year, for long enough, its investors will usually take their share of those losses. Loss making companies can act like a sponge for capital - so investors should be cautious that they're not throwing good money after bad.

If this kind of company isn't your style, you like companies that generate revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in Pebble Group (LON:PEBB). While this doesn't necessarily speak to whether it's undervalued, the profitability of the business is enough to warrant some appreciation - especially if its growing.

View our latest analysis for Pebble Group

How Fast Is Pebble Group Growing Its Earnings Per Share?

Even modest earnings per share growth (EPS) can create meaningful value, when it is sustained reliably from year to year. So it's easy to see why many investors focus in on EPS growth. Pebble Group's EPS skyrocketed from UK0.035 to UK0.048, in just one year; a result that's bound to bring a smile to shareholders. That's a fantastic gain of 39%.

Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. EBIT margins for Pebble Group remained fairly unchanged over the last year, however the company should be pleased to report its revenue growth for the period of 35% to UK129m. That's encouraging news for the company!

You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.

While we live in the present moment, there's little doubt that the future matters most in the investment decision process. So why not check this interactive chart depicting future EPS estimates, for Pebble Group?

Story continues

Are Pebble Group Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

It's a necessity that company leaders act in the best interest of shareholders and so insider investment always comes as a reassurance to the market. Pebble Group followers will find comfort in knowing that insiders have a significant amount of capital that aligns their best interests with the wider shareholder group. As a matter of fact, their holding is valued at UK10m. That's a lot of money, and no small incentive to work hard. That amounts to 5.7% of the company, demonstrating a degree of high-level alignment with shareholders.

It means a lot to see insiders invested in the business, but shareholders may be wondering if remuneration policies are in their best interest. A brief analysis of the CEO compensation suggests they are. For companies with market capitalisations between UK83m and UK333m, like Pebble Group, the median CEO pay is around UK602k.

Pebble Group offered total compensation worth UK399k to its CEO in the year to December 2021. That is actually below the median for CEO's of similarly sized companies. CEO remuneration levels are not the most important metric for investors, but when the pay is modest, that does support enhanced alignment between the CEO and the ordinary shareholders. It can also be a sign of good governance, more generally.

Should You Add Pebble Group To Your Watchlist?

For growth investors, Pebble Group's raw rate of earnings growth is a beacon in the night. If that's not enough, consider also that the CEO pay is quite reasonable, and insiders are well-invested alongside other shareholders. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to investing but it definitely makes Pebble Group look rather interesting indeed. Now, you could try to make up your mind on Pebble Group by focusing on just these factors, or you could also consider how its price-to-earnings ratio compares to other companies in its industry.

Although Pebble Group certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, then this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying, could be exactly what you're looking for.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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It's rare, but there is a contested race for election to the Estero Village Council on Tuesday.

There are four City Council seats up for election, but three candidates, incumbent Jon McLain, District 3, and first-time candidates Lori Fayhee, District 4, and George Zalucki, District 7, are unopposed and will have a walk-over victory. Wards 1, 2 and 6 will be on the ballot in 2025.

The only challenge comes in District 5, where Jim Bosch must step down because of village term limits. Two candidates are on the ballot to replace him, Gary Israel and Rafael "Ralph" Lopez. Only one other time following the initial council election have any challengers emerged.

Gary Israel

Ralph Lopez

Israel, a former advertising executive with the News-Press for nearly a decade, now publishes Estero Life, a color magazine on events, trends and activities in Estero.

Lopez is a retired police officer who served on police departments in North Miami and in Broward County. He also worked as a fraud security investigator for Mastercard International.

The campaigns of the two candidates for the open seat are similar in one important respect, they are happy with the way the village operates, it's "government light" policy on operating government, and share visions for what the future might be for Estero.

While gaining a reputation as a retirement-centered community, younger families have been moving to Estero, and others have been moving into new developments beyond Estero that depend on the village community for shopping, recreation and amenities unique to an incorporated community.

From his vantage point on the top of the masthead at publication distributed to Estero residents, Israel has been a source for news and developments in the village community.

"We have been collaborating with the village manager and his staff for a page each month called Village Connected, a vital connection to help the village communicate positive accomplishments in the community to our residents," Israel said.

Story continues

He ran for the council in the first village election, in 2015, but lost to Bosch, but didn't pass on keeping an eye on what was happening with the new government, first in the Estero fire house and later in its own village hall quarters.

"I have attended nearly every village council meeting since they incorporated eight years ago," Israel said in an interview.

Lopez says his goal in running is to keep Estero on the right track, with low property taxes, a minimal government bureaucracy, and a relatively low crime rate.

"People are happy with the way everything is going," said Lopez, who said he was urged to run by members of the community who, he said, were referring to him as "honest and competent," and that he had done a credible job as a member of the Stonebrook community's homeowners association.

"At first, they would mention my name and I would put my figures like you do when a vampire is coming," he said. "It was a family affair, I talked to my wife, the most non-political person you would meet, she and I talked and we had a family meeting and they realized I was serious."

Coincidentally, Israel, Lopez and Bosch are residents of Stoneybrook.

Estero was founded on the concept that local government can be run well without creating a large bureaucracy. Estero relies on employing key department heads as employees and uses contract hires for many other functions of local government.

Israel notes that the government-light concept helped the county pay off some bonds it used to borrow funds to get the new village started and gives the credit to Village Manager Steven Sarkozy

"We are about as financially strong as any community could expect," Israel said. "He is just so good at his job, he's just so good at building consensus and moving things along."

One issue that may be run past the Estero council is whether to encourage incorporation of additional territory. There has been an explosion of development to the east of the Estero border. Lee County has authority over developments erected in the unincorporated county.

"That's a question I get asked all the time, shall we annex -- should we keep the village of Estero this nice little village or do we annex," Lopez said. "A lot of people say we don't want to make it big, we want Estero to be a nice little place -- we are going to be impacted regardless, so the question to me is do you want to control it, do you want the funds coming in or do you want to be impacted but have no control."

Israel agreed that Estero's standards for construction is cherished by most residents, and offers an example of how local control can be a benefit.

"There are a lot of communities that developed haphazardly with no real plan in mind, they seem to spend a lot of time trying to retrofit and back track," Israel said. "They kept Walmart out of Estero for seven years until they agreed to meet certain architectural standards and not to have a tire store."

The long talks between Estero leaders and the world's biggest retailer centered on changing the colors and dimming the lights while getting an agreement not to include a tire shop on the property, so residents would not have the solace of the day ruined by the constant whirring of air wrenches spinning bolts on and off tires.

Both candidates took a strong position on a proposal to put a new gas station, complete with the accompanying store with alcohol and tobacco sales, setting up right near Pine Brooke Elementary school.

"We don't want a gas station with 24-hour gas sales, nearby residents property values may plummet with a gas station near them," Lopez said.

Israel favored rejection of the gas station

He also worried that the political election of the next school superintendent may complicate the fact that as more families move to Estero, more classrooms will be needed for students, and it is uncertain if an elected school superintendent, which will begin in next year, will slow progress in education.

"We're kind of disappointed that Lee Public Schools backed out of a new K-8 (school) on Three Oaks Parkway," Israel said. "Twenty-thousand new homes east of us is going to do nothing but put stress on the schools here in our (community)"

One problem with running for office in Estero, however. With dozens of gated communities, it's not easy for candidates to meet the electorate.

Lopez said he has distributed mail literature to voters on the list maintained by the election supervisor's office. Israel's magazine similarly reaches active members of the community.

Polls in Estero are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. The deadline to return vote-by-mail ballots is 7 p.m. Tuesday at any office of the Superintendent of Elections from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. The nearest election branch office to Estero is at 25987 S. Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Estero election draws publisher, retired lawman for council seat
Rebel Wilson has described the Duchess of Sussex as not as cool or naturally warm as her husband, the Duke of Sussex.

The Pitch Perfect star recalled her first encounter with the royal couple, which she said happened through a mutual friend who is a polo player.

Appearing on Andy Cohens Watch What Happens Live, Wilson, 43, said she introduced her mother to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

We went up to Santa Barbara, met Harry, he could not have been nicer, she said.

Cohen asked if she had met the couple before, to which Wilson said: No, we just had a mutual friend in common, a polo player.

She continued: But then, Meghan was not as cool. Meghan wasnt as naturally warm but then, maybe, my mum, being Australian, asked her all of these slightly rude questions, like, Where are your kids? and things like that.

I was like, Mum, dont ask her that!

Cohen suggested: Maybe thats why [Meghan] was a little standoff-ish.

Wilson agreed and joked: Maybe thats why she was like, Who are these annoying convicts from Australia?

The Senior Year star added that Harry was lovely.

Last May, Wilson alluded to Harrys decision to step down as a working member of the royal family after meeting him at the Santa Barbara Polo Club.

She posted a photograph of herself, her mother, and Harry posing together at the club and wrote in the caption: Team Harry.

The Australian actor, who recently got engaged to her girlfriend Ramona Agruma, also opened up this week about why she was officially banned from Disneyland.

During a recent appearance on The Daily Show with Hasan Minhaj, she said she had broken on of the famous theme parks big rules.

I did get banned from Disneyland for 30 days because I took a photo inside a secret bathroom, which is illegal, at Disneyland, she said. And I got officially banned.

However, she revealed that the park ensured the ban fit into her schedule, adding: They called me up and they said, Rebel, what 30 days do you not want to come to Disneyland because youre away filming a movie or something?

And I was like, Oh, June is fine.
This photograph taken on September 11, 2022, shows a Ukranian soldier standing atop an abandoned Russian tank near a village on the outskirts of Izyum, Kharkiv Region, eastern Ukraine, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images

Drafted Russian soldiers made a video appeal to Vladimir Putin for help.

They feared they would be "slaughtered" and criticized their commanders' "lawless and criminal orders."

Most of the soldiers in the regiment have died in Donetsk since recording the video, a report says.

Almost an entire regiment of mobilized Russian troops have reportedly died after they recorded a video appeal to President Vladimir Putin saying they were being sent "to be slaughtered" in Ukraine.

The soldiers from Russia's Irkutsk region in Siberia said they were "illegally" placed under the command of Russian-backed separatists in Donetsk and asked for Putin's help dealing with their "lawless and criminal orders," according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

"Please help," the soldiers say in the video while in their uniforms with their faces covered. "There is nowhere else to turn."

Relatives of two of the soldiers told reporters that nearly the entire regiment was destroyed between February 28 to March 1 after they were sent to storm Ukrainian fortifications near occupied Donetsk, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Siberian branch reported.

Some of the troops are wounded but the rest have died and are marked as "missing," the outlet said.

In the video, which was published by Telegram channel of the Siberian news outlet Lyudi Baikala on February 25, the soldiers directly ask Putin for help.

The draftees said they were sent to the Donbas region in Ukraine and put into assault units within a day and ordered to attack the city of Avdiivka without any support, heavy weapons, or preparation, according to the Russian outlet Meduza.

"Command told us directly that we are expendable and that the only chance we have of returning home is getting injured," the soldiers say in the video, per Meduza.

They further claimed that commanders from the Donetsk People's Republic, the unrecognized breakaway republic formed by Russian-backed separatists, would fire machine guns at troops who refused to join the assault units.

Story continues

The video was the soldiers' third such appeal, according to the Russian outlet The Insider. The outlet said the men were from Regiment 1439, second battalion. A Russian battalion's strength ranges from 250 to 950 soldiers and officers.

The Russian Governor of Irkutsk, Igor Kobzev, said on Telegram that he had asked the military prosecutor's office to look into the video message and added that draftees would be sent to a different place in the future.

Putin ordered the partial mobilization of the country's military reservists in September, which sparked anti-war protests and thousands of fighting-age men fleeing the country.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The RWDSU union accused REI of aggressive

The RWDSU union accused REI of aggressive "union-busting" tactics.

Workers at an REI store near Cleveland voted 27-12 in favor of unionizing on Friday, adding more fuel to a labor organizing campaign at the national outdoor retailer.

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union said it prevailed in the vote following a tally by the National Labor Relations Board. The company has a week to file any objections to the results.

The Ohio election marks the third union victory at an REI outpost over the past year, following other votes in New York City and Berkeley, California. The Cleveland store, which is in the suburb of Orange, employs around 55 workers who would be part of the union.

REI said in a statement that it believes in the right of every eligible employee to vote for or against union representation.

We fully supported our Cleveland employees through the vote process and we will continue to support our employees going forward as they begin to navigate the collective bargaining process, the company said.

RWDSU, however, said pro-union workers had endured intimidating one-on-one meetings with managers.

They have stuck together through a horrendous, relentless, and unlawful union-busting campaign and have come out the other side stronger, the unions president, Stuart Appelbaum, said in a statement.

The union said its margin of victory in the election was greater than the results suggested, since the company challenged the eligibility of nine workers to cast ballots. Those ballots were not counted but likely would have favored the union, a spokesperson said.

REI, which is structured as a customer-owned cooperative, is one of a number of high-profile retailers whose workers have recently chosen to unionize amid a wave of organizing. Since late 2021, employees have formed the first U.S. unions at Starbucks, Amazon, Apple and Trader Joes and are now trying to bargain their first contracts with those companies.

As with those other organizing campaigns, the share of REIs workforce that has formed unions so far remains small. The Kent, Washington-based retailer has more than 160 locations and nearly 15,000 employees around the U.S.

Story continues

Despite its progressive image on climate change and other issues, REI has not exactly rolled out a welcome mat for the union. When the New York organizing drive got underway, the retailer released a widely shared podcast that warned that a union could impact our ability to communicate and work directly with our employees.

In February, the REI workers in Ohio walked off the job on an unfair labor practice strike, accusing the company of trying to delay the upcoming election and surveilling pro-union workers. REI soon agreed to terms for a vote, and workers returned to their jobs.

Related...
An attorney for Madera Community Hospital shared new details about the hospitals delay in filing for bankruptcy, saying there was renewed interest by potential partners and the hospital had hoped it wouldnt have to file for Chapter 11.

Initially, the Madera hospital said it was going to file bankruptcy on January 3, 2023 at 12:00 a.m., the same day the hospital closed.

Around Jan. 3 there was renewed interest by possible suitors and it was decided to postpone the filing in the hope a deal could be put together that would avoid need to file Chapter 11, attorney Riley Walter told The Bee in an email.

Walter said he was not at liberty to discuss names of suitors, but some of them had shown an interest in the past.

Hospital officials, he said, had hoped a bankruptcy filing wouldnt be needed, after all.

The filing of the petition and layoffs are not connected, he said. The hospital had no funds with which to pay employees or suppliers so it shut down. A new operator or owner would need to reengage with laid-off employees.

Jerry Lowe, a bankruptcy attorney in Fresno, earlier this week told The Bee the Madera hospital certainly could have filed for bankruptcy without having to lay off the majority of its staff.

After plans with potential suitors didnt come through, the hospital now plans to file for bankruptcy soon, Walter said, without providing a date.

The Madera hospital continues to employ more than 30 workers as of Friday, including its Chief Executive Officer Karen Paolinelli.

During a community event Thursday night, Stell Manfredi, vice chair of the Madera Community Hospital board, told those in the audience that the hospital owed former employees about $2 million, but it will be going toward bankruptcy, according to a Fresnoland documenter who live-tweeted the event.

I am sitting here and embarrassed that we cannot pay our former employees, Manfredi said, according to the live tweets.

Walter wouldnt say how much the hospital is paying to file for bankruptcy and to maintain the hospital, noting details will become public when the Chapter 11 is filed.
German arms concern Rheinmetall is negotiating the construction of a tank factory in Ukraine.

Source: Armin Papperger, the companys Chief Executive, as European Pravda reports with reference to German news publication Der Spiegel.

"The Rheinmetall plant can be built in Ukraine for about 200 million euros," Papperger said.

He said that the plant could produce up to 400 Panther main battle tanks per year. He called the talks with the Ukrainian government "promising." Papperger hopes for a solution "within the next two months."

Panther is the concept for a new tank, which the Rheinmetall concern presented in summer 2022. This is a development based on the Leopard 2 and is most convenient for countries that already have Leopards in service. In the following months, Ukraine should receive first such tanks from the allies.

Rheinmetalls CEO is convinced that the plant can be protected from Russian air raids. "Protection by air defence won't be difficult," he said.

Papperger believes that Ukraine needs from 600 to 800 tanks to win the war. "Even if Germany gives up all 300 Leopard 2 tanks available to the Bundeswehr, it will still be too few," he said.

Currently, Rheinmetall produces about 250 tanks per year. "We are working at full speed. We have already put more than 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles into operation, and by the end of the year, there will be about 100 of them. Of the 50 Leopard 2A4 tanks, about 30 are ready. There are also about 100 older Leopard 1 models, 88 of which we can make usable again from today's perspective," Papperger said.

He believes that the war will last "probably for years." "The Western allies are sending enough weapons there for Ukraine to defend itself, but today the Ukrainians do not have enough equipment to fully reclaim their territory," he explained.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German defence contractor Rheinmetall is in negotiations about building a tank factory in Ukraine, the newspaper Rheinische Post reported on Saturday, citing an interview with CEO Armin Papperger.

Rheinmetall makes ammunition, other military equipment and also the Leopard tanks that Germany decided to send to Ukraine, which the company produces jointly with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.

"A Rheinmetall plant can be set up in the Ukraine for around 200 million euros ($212.64 million), which can produce up to 400 Panthers a year," Papperger was quoted as saying. Panthers are the company's latest battle tanks models.

"Talks with the Ukrainian government are promising and I hope for a decision in the next two months," he added.

While the Western Allies were sending enough arms for Ukraine to defend itself, the Ukrainians currently do not have enough equipment to fully retake their territory, Papperger said.

He said Ukraine needed 600 to 800 tanks and the construction of new tanks must start quickly to achieve that number, he said.

Rheinmetall will join Germany's blue chip DAX index this month, Deutsche Boerse said on Friday, citing increased defence spending due to the war in Ukraine.

Its shares hit a record high in January after Germany's decision to send the heavy Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

($1 = 0.9406 euros)

(Reporting by Vera Eckert, editing by Jane Merriman)
River Region Human Services is going mobile. Its all hands-on deck as counselors, medical staff and executives take their services to those who need care the most.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

They will begin an Outreach Blitz on the first Saturday of every month.

This Saturday, the event will be from noon to 4 p.m. at the7-Eleven at the intersection of Main Street and Union Street.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

River Region is the place where hope comes alive, and we want to bring that message to communities all over Jacksonville. We want people to know there is help and we are here for them. We will be on site to connect residents to our mental health supports and substance abuse treatment programs. Our mobile HIV unit will be on site. Our team of experts will offer free HIV testing, counseling and prevention services, said Dr. Jacqueline Dowdy, River Regions chief executive officer.

River Region Human Services, Inc. has been serving residents in Northeast Florida for more than 50 years. It provides integrated health services that change lives, rebuild families and restore communities.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The staff is dedicated to the recovery, restoration and promotion of strong, healthy individuals and their loved ones.

Health experts and mental health counselors will be available during the blitz. No one will be refused service due to inability to pay.

Read: GATE River Run on Saturday, registration open for runners and vendors alike





Read: Jacksonville Councilman gives free food to those in need





Read: Inaugural Lift & Lead Conference for Black male and Latino teachers happening this weekend





Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Rolls-Royce Holdings (LON:RR.) Full Year 2022 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: UK13.5b (up 21% from FY 2021).

Net loss: UK1.19b (down from UK123.0m profit in FY 2021).

UK0.14 loss per share (down from UK0.015 profit in FY 2021).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Rolls-Royce Holdings Revenues Beat Expectations, EPS Falls Short

Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 8.6%. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 4.8% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.3% growth forecast for the Aerospace & Defense industry in the United Kingdom.

Performance of the British Aerospace & Defense industry.

The company's shares are up 10.0% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

You should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Rolls-Royce Holdings (including 1 which is a bit unpleasant).

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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By the end of episode 10 of RuPauls Drag Race season 15 on March 3, Salina EsTitties found herself lip synching for her life for the third time. This week she was pitted against Malaysia Babydoll Foxx in the ultimate Beyonce-off to Single Ladies. Once again the judges favored Salina in the LSFYL and Malaysia was sent packing. Vote in our poll below to tell us if the judges made the right choice.

More from GoldDerby

Salina went in to this weeks celebrity interview challenge thinking that it would finally be her chance to shine and possibly score a win. Unfortunately her sit-down interview with Love Connie got the best of her. During critiques the judges pointed out that Salina wasnt patient enough with Connie and interjected or spoke over her too often.

Malaysia hosted a segment with Frankie Grande where she was supposed to make pizza with him, but her nerves got the best of her. When the judges asked her what was holding her back, Malaysia admitted to getting inside her own head and actively choosing to play it safe rather than take the kind of risks that could land her in the bottom.

Both queens had an inclination that they might fall into the bottom following their challenge performances, but Mistress Isabelle Brooks had also faltered so there was hope. On the Night of 1000 Beyonces runway, Mistress saved herself with what the judges called a creative take on the theme with her triple-headed Destinys Child costume. RuPaul Charles actually told Mistress that oddly shes never looked more beautiful. Salina and Malaysia also had looks that the judges liked, but not good enough to save them from the bottom in the way Mistresss had.

Story continues

Did the judges make the right choice sending Malaysia and Salina to the LSFYL, and was Malaysia most deserving between the two of going home?

Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Dont miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why?

SIGN UP for Gold Derbys free newsletter with latest predictions

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Click here to read the full article.
HBO

A clip of a histrionic Russell Brand on Real Time with Bill Maher went viral on Saturdayin which the comedian, who owns multiple multi-million-dollar homes, accused political analyst and fellow guest John Heilemann of hypocrisy for criticizing Fox News from within the castle of MSNBC.

In the two-minute clip, a shouting Brand maintained that MSNBC was fundamentally no different from Fox News. All this, he loudly insisted, contrasts with the real journalism of National Security Agency consultant-turned-Russian defector Edward Snowden and former RT host Julian Assange.

Russell Brand : "It's disingenuous to claim that the biases are exhibited on Fox News are any different from the biases exhibited on MSNBC"



"I've been on that MSNBC mate it's propaganda"



John Heilemann: "You've been on MSNBC once. Big fucking deal" pic.twitter.com/zFcxMkwTew  Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) March 4, 2023

Talking over Heilemanns attempts to answer his criticism, Brand asserted that both channels are merely mouthpieces for their affiliate owners in Blackrock and Vanguard, naming a pair of controversial investment firms.

Just spiritually, mateif I may use that word in your great countrywe have to take responsibility for our own perspectives, Brand said, citing his own infamous appearance on the channels Morning Joe program a decade ago as evidence.

Heilemann and Maher finally managed to cut in on Brand, with the host and the Recount founder telling the Get Him to the Greek star that he was engaging in false equivalency.

Comedian Russell Brand Has Become a Powerful Voice for Anti-Vaxxers

You dont actually know anything about any of these organizations youre talking about, said Heilemann. You went on MSNBC once. Big fucking deal.

Story continues

Pressed to provide evidence that MSNBC had ever engaged in comparable practices to Fox hosts amplification of election fraud conspiracies they knew to be false, Brand decried the liberal networks ludicrous, outrageous treatment of podcaster Joe Rogans promotion of ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment.

Deliberately referring to it as a horse medicine when they know it is an effective medicine, said Brand.

Studies have repeatedly shown that ivermectin, which can treat parasite infestations in humans and animals, is not an effective treatment for COVID-19. Brand also ignored that even enthusiasts for this off-label and medically discouraged use of the drug refer to it as horse paste and have openly celebrated its equine applications.

Russell Brand Ribs Megyn Kelly: Youre Like an Escaped Stormtrooper

Brand also highlighted MSNBC host Rachel Maddows incorrect description of how the COVID-19 vaccine functions in a March 2021 broadcast, in which she repeated a common misunderstanding that the vaccine completely inoculates against symptoms and transmission. In fact, the vaccine builds up antibodies and enormously reduces the likelihood of fatality in the event of infection, a subtle distinction which Maddow acknowledged in the same broadcast.

Brand did not explain in the segment why he believed this incident was comparable to Fox hosts repeatedly airing conspiracy theories about President Joe Bidens 2020 victory over ex-President Donald Trump that recent court filings show the conservative networks stars referred to as total bs and mind-blowingly nuts. The networks founder Rupert Murdoch even admitted in a deposition that some of the stations top shows endorsed these baseless allegations, which form the basis of a $1.6 billion defamation suit Dominion Voting Systems has brought against the channel.

Brand ended his tirade with a loving paean to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders that won raucous applause from Mahers Los Angeles audience.

Did you not just listen to Bernie Sanders, someone who plainly, legitimately believes in this country and believes its possible to change, but is bound by corruption, is bound by the lobbying system? said Brand of the independent lawmaker, who is a frequent guest on MSNBC.

The Documentary Russell Brand Doesnt Want You to See

For more, listen and subscribe to The Last Laugh podcast.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Sergey Shoigu in a helicopter

The ministry said that Shoigu had visited a command post in the south of temporarily occupied Donetsk Oblast, where he heard reports and discussed the supply of troops.

Read also: Russias Shoigu inspected occupied Crimea, not forward positions, investigation shows

The video shows the minister handing out orders and medals to the occupiers, saying that they are fighting with dignity and have a lot of work ahead of them.

The video has not been authenticated and it is unclear where or when it was taken.

Read also: Russian Defense Minister Shoigu admits Russias offensive pace has slowed

Russias Defense Ministry published a similar video in June 2022, pretending Shoigu visited occupied areas. Likewise, there was no evidence that the video had been taken in Ukraine.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

Russia looks to be successfully working around European Union and Group of Seven sanctions to secure crucial semiconductors and other technologies for its war in Ukraine, according to a senior European diplomat.

Russian imports in general have largely returned to their pre-war 2020 levels and analysis of trade data suggests that advanced chips and integrated circuits made in the EU and other allied nations are being shipped to Russia through third countries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan, the diplomat said, pointing to those private assessments.

EU and G-7 countries have introduced multiple rounds of sanctions since the invasion of Ukraine a year ago in an effort to degrade the Russian war machine and undermine its economy. The data suggest that the real impact in some areas is so far falling short of what officials might have hoped for.

Just signing up to new sanctions is not enough, said Daniel Tannebaum, global anti-financial crime practice leader at consulting firm Oliver Wyman. Governments now need enforcement mechanisms.

Shipments from China to Russia have also surged as Beijing plays an increasingly important role in supplying Moscow, the diplomat added, asking not to be named discussing sensitive information. Those countries outside the EU havent sanctioned Russia themselves, but most have repeatedly denied they are helping the Kremlin.

The EU has sanctioned nearly 1,500 individuals, restricted exports on hundreds of goods and technologies, and targeted many of Moscows key revenue sources. But some officials worry that the bloc still lacks an effective apparatus to enforce those measures and lags behind the US.

Story continues

With a longer history of sanctioning foreign powers, the US has a centralized agency, more efficient procedures for gathering information as well as stringent legislation and the tools to enforce the rules at home and abroad.

In the EU, enforcement is a patchwork effort that mostly falls to member states.

While the European Commission, the blocs executive arm, monitors implementation and provides guidance, national authorities are responsible for identifying breaches and imposing penalties. And that means the results are inconsistent.

Ultimately, its about political will, said one EU official involved in the process, and national officials can come under pressure when it comes to taking tough action against their own companies.

Our sanctions are biting hard and contributing to sustained economic recession in Russia, Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said in Bulgaria last week. But their effectiveness also depends on how well they are enforced.

Kazakhstans Semiconductor Sales

On the surface of things, sanctions appear to be effective. Russias economy has contracted and many of its banks and companies remain cut off from international financial and trading systems. There is also evidence that the restrictions on European and US technologies have weakened key Russian industries and hampered their ability to innovate in the future.

But information collected by the Geneva-based Trade Data Monitor indicates that some sanctioned goods  particularly advanced semiconductors  are being diverted to Russia via third countries, many of which abruptly changed their trading habits following Russias invasion.

In some cases, the exports to Russia of technologies that could be used for military purposes in Ukraine have gone from effectively zero to millions of dollars.

Kazakhstan provides a key example. In 2022 the Central Asian nation exported $3.7 million worth of advanced semiconductors to Russia, up from a mere $12,000 worth the year before the war started.

Russia was buying an average of $163 million worth of advanced chips and integrated circuits from the EU, the US, Japan and the UK each year between 2017 and 2021. In 2022, that slumped to about $60 million.

The data show Turkey, Serbia, the UAE and a half-dozen other economies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia helped make up the shortfall. Meanwhile, shipments of high-tech components to those countries from the allied nations surged by a similar amount.

The same sort of patterns are apparent across hundreds of product categories, but it is especially acute when it comes to advanced chips and integrated circuits that can be used for military purposes, the diplomat said.

With Russias war in Ukraine now into its second year, the EU and its allies are increasingly focused on tightening any loopholes and preventing successive rounds of sanctions theyve introduced from being circumvented.

Evading the Tracking Systems

But tracking shipments isnt a straightforward process. Buyers sometimes use complex corporate vehicles and distribution models to obscure the final destination of their goods. Incomplete paperwork can add to the opacity, as well as so-called transshipment points, where goods are moved between vehicles or rerouted.

On Thursday, the Biden administration released a compliance note aimed at cracking down on intermediaries used to evade sanctions and export controls on Russia. The notice names China, Armenia, Turkey and Uzbekistan as locations that may be used to illegally redirect restricted items to Russia.

The G-7 announced last week a new mechanism to bolster enforcement and the EU has also introduced several tools in its recent packages to go after those aiding Russia.

But EU countries have so far been shy about using some of those tools and going after potential breaches at home, at least publicly. Discussions on toughening up the EUs enforcement regime has opened a debate over where the share of responsibilities between Brussels and Europes capitals should lie when it comes to policing measures, officials and diplomats say.

Patchwork of Enforcement

It would of course be more convenient for everybody if there was one EU level institution in charge, Toms Platacis, the acting director of the Latvian Financial Intelligence Unit, said in an interview.

Latvia has criminalized sanctions violations, while other EU countries have not, so violators can look for other countries where evading sanctions carries less potential penalty, he said.

In implementing successive rounds of sanctions, EU nations have been careful to limit the impact on their own bottom line and the wider global economy. That has at times led to often tortuous discussions between member states over exemptions and reporting requirements.

With every round of sanctions we take a step forward with new measures and one step back with new exemptions, one senior European minister said. Some member states are less enthusiastic about enforcement and are not doing enough, the minister added.

Enforcement of export sanctions is not trivial, said Beata Javorcik, chief economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Every government wants all other countries to enforce them but prefers to be lenient vis-a-vis its own firms. The experience with export restrictions during the Cold War shows this clearly. Thus, leaving enforcement of sanctions to national governments may not always work perfectly.

--With assistance from Bryce Baschuk and Aaron Eglitis.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Russia wants to continue waging war

Read also: Canadian Defense Minister announces transfer of 200 Senator armored vehicles to Ukraine

"Russia has constantly claimed that it is open to negotiations to end its war in Ukraine. Based on our analysis, Russia continues to demonstrate a commitment to its maximalist war aims, which is at odds with its professed openness to a negotiated settlement to the conflict," the Canadian intelligence revealed.

To prove its point, the agency gives an example of Russias insistence on remaining in occupied territories of four Ukrainian oblasts.

"Russia knows its preconditions are a non-starter for Ukraine, indicating Russia is currently unwilling to negotiate a good-faith peace agreement," the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command concluded.

On March 2, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Russia had not given up hope for a "serious negotiation" with Ukraine.

Read also: Lavrov says its out of the question that Russia will accept Zelenskyys peace formula

In response to these claims, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak proposed that Putin's minister assess the "new realities on the ground of hostilities" and "withdraw troops from foreign territory, restore the 1991 border, and begin 'serious negotiations.'"

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russia is not going to repair damaged Nord Stream in the near future

Despite Russias Gazprom claiming the pipelines can be repaired, sources told the news agency that that Moscow has effectively deemed the project buried, as diplomatic and economic relations with the EU are unlikely to normalize in foreseeable future.

Read also: UAV reportedly crashes near Gazprom facility outside Moscow

At the same time, the Kremlin seeks to preserve the material base of Nord Stream, sealing the pipelines to prevent further corrosion from sea water.

Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 (NS-1 and NS-2, respectively) were major supply routes of Russian gas to northern Europe  chiefly Germany and the Netherlands.

Read also: Nearly simultaneous leaks in Nord Stream undersea gas pipelines could be sabotage

On Sept. 26, 2022, pressure in NS-2 pipes has rapidly declined, with the same happening in NS-1 a day later. Despite being out of operation at the time, both pipelines were filled with technical gas.

The incident that damaged the pipelines occurred some 70 kilometers away from Danish Island of Bornholm  in neutral waters, but within Denmarks exclusive economic zone.

Bjorn Lund, Professor of Seismology at Swedens National Seismology Center, said the pipelines were damages by clearly artificial explosions  as opposed to some kind of geological phenomenon.

Read also: Two dark ships with trackers turned off passed by Nord Streams few days before leaks, Wired reports

The Kremlin denies any responsibility for the incident. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed that Anglo-Saxons were behind the act of sabotage.

The pipelines operator, Nord Stream AG, said its currently impossible to evaluate how long it could take to repair both NS-1 and NS-2.

Read also: Swedish investigation confirms sabotage of Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines

German security services suggested both pipelines could remain inoperable indefinitely, according to a report by German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russian forces launched attacks on eight regions across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, killing at least four and wounding 12, local authorities said early on March 4.

A 52-year-old civilian man was injured by Russian shelling of the village of Berestove in the Kupiansk area of the northeastern Kharkiv Oblast. He was hospitalized, according to Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

At least nine residential buildings and a healthcare facility were damaged in Kupiansk, while several commercial buildings and garages were completely destroyed, Syniehubov said.

The governor reported that a 37-year-old civilian was killed in the Chuhuiv district of the oblast after stepping on a mine.

Russian forces attacked the Nikopol district of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, damaging four houses and a power line, Serhii Lysak, the local governor, said. The Marhanets community of the oblast also came under fire over the past 24 hours. There were no casualties reported.

In the eastern Donetsk Oblast, Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko reported that two people were killed over the past 24 hours. One person was killed in Maksymilianivka and another in Siversk. One person was injured in Chasiv Yar and one in an unspecified settlement in the Lysychansk area, Kyrylenko said.

Luhansk Oblast Governor Serhiy Haidai said that Russian troops continue trying to advance in the area of Kreminna, throwing more heavy equipment into the battle. The situation in the region remains difficult, he said.

In the southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Moscow forces shelled the civilian infrastructure in the areas of 14 settlements with 18 reports about the destruction of houses and infrastructure sites received, Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reported. The consequences of the attacks are being verified.

Meanwhile, in southern Ukraine, Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported that Russia shelled the region 69 times over the past day, using mortars, artillery, tanks, UAVs, and MLRS. The liberated city of Kherson came under Russian fire four times, with the apartment buildings and a utility company getting damaged.

The Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast killed one and injured ten people, according to the administration.


(Reuters) -Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has paid a rare visit to Russia's forces deployed in Ukraine, awarding medals to military personnel and meeting senior commanders during the trip, a statement and videos issued by his ministry showed on Saturday.

Russia's top military chiefs have visited front lines in Ukraine only sparingly since Moscow sent tens of thousands of Russian troops into the neighbouring country just over a year ago in what it calls a "special military operation".

Shoigu "inspected the forward command post of one of the formations of the Eastern Military District in the South Donetsk direction" during the visit, the Defence Ministry said in a statement published on messaging app Telegram.

In a video released by the ministry, Shoigu is seen awarding medals to Russian military personnel and touring a ruined town together with the district's commander, Colonel-General Rustam Muradov.

In a second video, published by the ministry later on Saturday, he is seen chairing a meeting with senior commanders, including Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and General Sergei Surovikin, one of Gerasimov's deputies in the Ukraine campaign.

Shoigu, who has served as defence minister since 2012, has come under harsh criticism over his performance in the conflict from pro-war advocates.

Last month, Wagner Group mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose force has played a significant role in Russia's war effort in Ukraine, accused Shoigu and others of "treason" for withholding supplies of munitions to his militia.

(Reporting by ReutersEditing by William Mallard, Mark Heinrich and Helen Popper)
The Russian Defence Ministry has stated that Sergei Shoigu, Russian Defence Minister, ostensibly inspected the Russian grouping of troops on the front line in Ukraine.

Source: Russian Defence Ministry

Details: It was reported that Shoigu reportedly was at a Russian command post on the territory of Ukraine.

Shoigu allegedly listened to reports, discussed the provision of troops and distributed orders and medals.

He also told the soldiers that they are "fighting with dignity" and that they have "a lot of work ahead of them".

The Russian Defence Ministry did not provide any evidence of his stay on the territory of Ukraine.

It is also impossible to understand where and when the video was recorded.

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People visit the exhibition area of Huawei at the 2023 edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]



Chinese companies are crucial to the ecosystem of the entire mobile industry, experts from GSMA, an industry group representing the world's biggest mobile phone operators, told Xinhua in recent interviews.

During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona, some media questioned whether Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE were eligible to participate following the "entity list" issued by the United Stats.

A spokesperson for GSMA, organizer of the congress, told Xinhua that the association was fully allowed to conduct activities with companies such as Huawei and ZTE.

"Part of our role, as a global industry association, is precisely to align technological developments for the benefit of people, industries and the society in a fragmented geopolitical environment," the spokesperson said.

Companies such as Huawei "have always been important partners of GSMA and an important part of our ecosystem. We will not shut out Huawei and ZTE," said Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer (CMO) for GSMA.

"China is a leader in 5G and related applications," she said, adding that the country is not just an important market but also plays an important role in how people think, discuss and exchange ideas about how to build the digital world of the future.

John Hoffman, GSMA's CEO, said the number of Chinese attendees during this year's MWC, from Feb. 27 to March 2, reached about 5,000.

Hoffman said that he was very impressed by the huge crowds visiting the stands of the Chinese companies including Huawei, ZTE and Xiaomi.

Mats Granryd, director-general of GSMA, said the huge exhibition areas of Huawei and ZTE at the conference site showed the importance of Chinese enterprises to the industry's ecosystem.

Chinese enterprises could bring innovation, scale and advanced technology, which is crucial to the whole industry, he noted.
Debris of a drone that fell 150 kilometers from Moscow

"There are fairly inexpensive means of combating unmanned aerial vehicles that every self-respecting corporation can purchase and install at its facilities," he explained.

Read also: Air defense system appears on roof of Interior Ministry building in Moscow

The lawmaker noted that the locations of Russian air defense systems are known to NATO and Ukraine. The Kremlin primarily protects state facilities.

Read also: Air defense system seen deployed near Putins residence outside Moscow

"That is, they know roughly where our air defense facilities are located, and it is quite possible to launch a drone along the route so that it goes not only around the terrain, but also bypasses these air defense areas," Kartapolov said.

On Jan. 19, Russian media published photos and videos of air defense installations placed on rooftops and vacant lots in Moscow.

An air defense system was also spotted in Moscow near Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's residence in Novo-Ogaryovo.

According to media reports, Pantsir-S1 air defense systems have been spotted on buildings in the center of Moscow, likely to protect Putin and his family.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russian forces deployed artillery to shell the Nikopol district (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast) on the night of 34 March and in the morning of 4 March, causing destruction.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote from Lysak: "The aggressor has once again attacked the Nikopol district. The Marhanets hromada came under fire last night. In the morning, so did Nikopol. There has been destruction." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a city, town or village and its adjacent territories  ed.]

Details: Lysak said that the premises of a private business, four houses, a power line, and two outbuildings were damaged in Nikopol. One of the outbuildings caught fire, which was extinguished by emergency workers.

"All consequences of the attacks have yet to be confirmed. Emergency workers are inspecting areas that have been hit by the Russian army," Lysak added.

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Russia's attack on Ukraine continues in the frontline city of Bakhmut. (Reuters)

A Russian pundit shocked his fellow guests after saying the country needed to acknowledge it could lose the war in Ukraine.

Filmmaker Karen Shakhnazarov said those who claimed the Western alliance was on the verge of falling apart were wrong and Russia should admit a military defeat was a possibility.

The clip of him speaking on state broadcaster Russia-1 was shared by BBC journalist Francis Scarr on Twitter on Thursday, who said he hadn't seen an outburst like it since Ukraines counter-offensives last year.

Ukrainian forces repelled Russia's advance on Kyiv early in 2022, and the conflict, which Moscow calls a "special military operation," has become one of grinding trench warfare in the east and south.

I havent seen anything like this on Russian state TV since Ukraines counter-offensives last year



Karen Shakhnazarov says Russia needs to recognise the fact that it might lose and that anyone who thinks the West is about to fall apart is deluding themselves pic.twitter.com/FpPQDR2txo  Francis Scarr (@francis_scarr) March 2, 2023

Shakhnazarov said: "It really is a situation [in] which [we] may have the most serious consequences for us in the event of us losing.

"And we need to admit that we could lose. I dont agree with those who say, Dont say that! Well win.

I dont know about that. I dont know. We need to admit that we could lose. If you dont youre not looking for different possible outcomes.

"If you believe that things will just happen by themselvesno, thats not right.

Read more: Ukrainian forces face continued heavy Russian attacks, army says

"Its weakness! Its not strength, its weakness. You have to be able to look the truth in the eyes. You have to be able to at your strengths and weaknesses and see the situation."

Story continues

He also dismissed claims Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was just being controlled by the West.

He added: "We need to treat Ukraine and Zelensky seriously. Hes dangerous. Hes not stupid. Hes energetic.

"Hes playing a large role in this story. Hes not just a puppet."

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) with filmmaker Karen Shakhnazarov in 2003. (Reuters)

It comes as Ukrainian forces defending Bakhmut are facing increasingly strong pressure from Russian forces, British military intelligence said on Saturday.

Ukraine is reinforcing the area with elite units, while regular Russian army and forces of the Russian private military Wagner group have made further advances into Bakhmut's northern suburbs.

The British Defence Ministry said two key bridges in Bakhmut have been destroyed within the last 36 hours, adding that Ukrainian-held resupply routes out of the city are increasingly limited.

Ukraine's military command said Russia was still trying to surround Bakhmut but added that over the past day, Ukrainian forces had beaten back Russian attacks in the city.

Read more: Russias Sergey Lavrov provokes laughter from audience as he claims Ukraine started war

The battle for Bakhmut has raged for seven months. A Russian victory in the city, which had a pre-war population of about 70,000 and has been blasted to ruins in the onslaught, would give Moscow the first major prize in a costly winter offensive, after it called up hundreds of thousands of reservists last year.

Russia says it would be a stepping stone to completing the capture of the Donbas industrial region, one of Moscow's most important objectives.

The United States and its allies have committed billions of dollars of military aid to Ukraine, including Bradley fighting vehicles, tanks and advanced air defences.
Denis Nikitin, the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), has said that the Ukrainian authorities were aware of the RVC's operation in Bryansk Oblast, Russia.

Source: Nikitin in an interview with the Financial Times

Details: Nikitin said that the operation was allegedly "agreed [with Ukrainian authorities], otherwise it couldnt have happened."

Quote: "How do you imagine that I passed through the dark of night there? There are mined bridges, there are cameras, heat-seeking drones, there are hidden open observation points. If I did not co-ordinate it with anyone [in Ukraines military  FT] ...

I think we would simply be destroyed."

More details: Nikitin stated that about 45 people took part in the operation, many of them members of a partisan underground network in Russia.

He also said that there was indeed a firefight in one of the villages, but, as movements leader states, he was not aware of any civilian casualties.

Quote: "They have felt how defenceless they are. We were running around and working in a border zone that should be under the strictest protection.

The main thing was to remind Russians that you dont have to live in shackles, put up with and participate in someone elses war carrying out someone elses will. You can and must take up arms. We will support everyone who wants to remove these Kremlin usurpers from power."

Background:

On the morning of 2 March 2023, the governor of Russia's Bryansk Oblast that borders Ukraine, reported that a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group allegedly had entered the region, took local civilians hostage and shot at a car.

This information was quickly spread by propaganda media outlets, but controversial details had been posted then. Amidst this, rumours surfaced that Putin would hold an emergency meeting of his Security Council, but his press service denied this.

At the same time, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported that the situation on the border with Russia was under control, and the information suggesting that there is some "Ukrainian reconnaissance and sabotage group" on the territory of the Russian Federation was an information provocation of the aggressor country.

Later, the so-called Russian Volunteer Corps declared that it was not a "Ukrainian reconnaissance and sabotage group", but their soldiers who entered the territory of the Russian Federation on 2 March to show that free Russian people with weapons in their hands can fight against Putin's regime.

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The Russian occupiers have withdrawn one more Kalibr cruise missile carrier from the Black Sea.

Source: Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: As of the morning of 4 March, 16 Russian warships are deployed for combat duty in the Black Sea, including 3 Kalibr missile carriers armed with a total of 16 cruise missiles.

There were 4 such carriers yesterday, and there were 5 of them two days ago.

At the same time, one Russian warship is deployed in the Azov Sea.

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In Luhansk Oblast, the Russians imposed restrictions on movement for residents who do not have Russian citizenship.

Source: summary of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "The forced passportization of the population of the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast continues. Russians imposed restrictions on free movement between localities for all civilians who do not have a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation. Starobilsk, Rubizhne and Stanytsia Luhanska are subject to restrictions."

Details: It is also reported that Russia continues to conduct covert mobilisation in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.

In Horlivka, Donetsk Oblast, it is planned to start another wave of mobilisation of residents to join the ranks of the Russian occupation forces on 5 March. All heads of educational institutions were given written instructions from the Russian occupation administration regarding the military registration of men born from 1995 to 2005.

The General Staff also reports that in the temporarily occupied city of Energodar, at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, there is now a catastrophic shortage of professional workers who can ensure the life of the nuclear power plant. Russians employ people without appropriate education and without experience [of working in the industry  ed.] at nuclear power plants, which can lead to unpredictable consequences.

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PMC Wagner Centre. OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images

The Wagner Group, accused of numerous war crimes, has sent tens of thousands of mercenaries to fight in Ukraine. Here's everything you need to know:

What is the Wagner Group?

It is a private military company that, despite having no formal ties to the Kremlin, does the dirty work of flexing Russia's geopolitical muscle around the world. Wagner forces have operated in Syria, Libya, Ukraine, and dozens of other countries, where they've committed a long list of atrocities. The group, which first appeared in eastern Ukraine in 2014 following the Russian invasion of Crimea, was originally commanded by Dmitry Utkin, a Russian military intelligence veteran who reportedly so admired Adolf Hitler that he named the group after the Nazi leader's favorite composer. Wagner forces were assigned to hunt down and kill Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv when the invasion began in February 2022, but failed. Nonetheless, the group's presence in Ukraine has expanded during the war from a few thousand mainly professional fighters to more than 50,000, including some 40,000 ex-convicts. Wagner forces claimed credit for taking the town of Soledar in Donetsk Oblast in January, and they've taken over key operations in the Russian campaign to capture Bakhmut. "It's pretty apparent to us," said U.S. national security spokesman John Kirby, "that Wagner is emerging as a rival power center to the Russian military."

Who is its leader?

Oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, who finally acknowledged owning and running Wagner in September after years of denials. A thuggish St. Petersburg native jailed for most of the 1980s for assault, robbery, and other crimes, he established a hot-dog stand when he was released, as the Soviet Union collapsed. By the early 2000s, his business empire included high-end restaurants where Vladimir Putin chose to entertain George W. Bush and other foreign dignitaries. "Putin's chef," as Prigozhin would become known, would eventually reap more than $3 billion in government catering contracts. He also founded the Internet Research Agency, the troll farm that spread misinformation on Facebook and other social media about the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Though Prigozhin became one of the world's most sanctioned people, an elaborate system of shell companies and Wagner-controlled drilling and mining operations overseas appear to keep his pockets well-lined.

Story continues

Where are recruits coming from?

Originally, Wagner attracted veterans of Russian special operations and military intelligence. It also recruits elite fighters from Afghanistan, Syria, and other countries. But for non-command posts, its standards are lower: Prigozhin himself was filmed in 2022 visiting Russian prisons, claiming anyone who joined Wagner in Ukraine for six months  even convicted murderers  would be pardoned. The catch is that many of the convicts who enlist don't live for six months. U.S. intelligence estimates that convicts make up 90 percent of Wagner casualties, and Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak recently tweeted that 77 percent of Russian convict recruits have been killed, wounded, or captured, or have gone missing. The company deters desertions by immediately executing any recruit who tries to escape or disobeys orders. "They would round up those who did not want to fight and shoot them in front of newcomers," said former Wagner unit commander Andrei Medvedev, who fought near Bakhmut before defecting to Norway in January. "There were more dead bodies, and more and more."

How do Wagner forces fight?

In Ukraine, Wagner generally deploys forces in mobile groups of about a dozen or fewer fighters. The infantrymen go into battle in World War Istyle formations, with waves of more experienced, better-equipped fighters behind them. When the Ukrainian army mows down the frontline Wagner recruits with machine guns and artillery, the Ukrainians reveal their positions, enabling Russia to attack them. Wagner forces have been savagely brutal in territory they occupy, and played a central role in the March 2022 massacre of more than 400 Ukrainians  including nine children  in Bucha, as well as other towns near Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have alleged that Wagner forces have committed thousands of other war crimes.

Will Wagner continue to expand?

Not necessarily. Hard-line Russian nationalists may often tout Prigozhin online as a potential successor to Putin, but he has publicly antagonized the country's top military brass, accusing them of eating off "golden plates" while skimping on supplies to Wagner forces. The Kremlin has recently taken steps to curb his influence. In January, Putin placed one of Prigozhin's major nemeses, Gen. Valery Gerasi-mov, in direct charge of Russian forces in Ukraine. Facing pushback from Russian authorities, Prigozhin stopped recruiting in prisons and last week backed off his earlier criticism, saying the Russian military is now supplying more ammunition to Wagner forces. Russia has committed about 80 percent of its ground forces to Ukraine but is still struggling to hold territory, so Putin can't afford to lose the support of Prigozhin or Wagner. That means an uneasy truce between Prigozhin and the Defense Ministry  at least for now. "Prigozhin has no shortage of enemies," writes journalist Tatiana Stanovaya, but "every day, the gap is growing between the role that Putin has assigned to Wagner and the place that Prigozhin himself believes he deserves."

Plundering Africa

Wagner boots have touched ground in at least 18 African countries, helping corrupt dictators battle insurgents in exchange for a share of the nations' raw goods. About 1,000 Wagner mercenaries are thought to be stationed in Mali, helping Russian-backed President Assimi Goita fight off Islamist rebels as troops from France  Mali's onetime colonial occupier  withdraw. In exchange, U.S. military sources estimate, the poor nation pays Wagner $10 million a month, mainly in gold and precious stones. Since the group's arrival, killings of civilians have increased threefold, and Russian mercenaries have been implicated in several massacres. Wagner runs a massive gold-mining operation in Sudan, where in 2019 forces trained by the group mowed down more than 100 protesters. And in Central African Republic, Wagner mercenaries beat back a 2021 rebel advance on the capital Bangui and have allegedly killed dozens of civilians. U.S. officials are trying to convince the country's leaders to cut ties with Wagner, but so far, they've been rebuffed by Prime Minister Felix Moloua. "At least Wagner does something," he said.

This article was first published in the latest issue of The Week magazine. If you want to read more like it, you can try six risk-free issues of the magazine here.

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[Source]

In a viral TikTok video, an Asian American customer accused discount department store Saks Off 5th of racism for refusing to process her refund as the item smelled like soy sauce.

In the video posted on Sunday, Tiffany Chen, 26, recalls the incident that took place at the Saks Off 5th Avenue store at the Beverly Connection in Los Angeles.

She notes receiving her purchased item in the mail on Feb. 24. However, the item  a black dress  did not fit Chen so she decided to return it to the store the next day.

I brought it in and immediately the woman scanned my receipt and then she picked it up to smell it and walked over to her manager and basically was like, I cant accept this return. The kicker was she smelled the dress and said the dress smelled like soy sauce. She looked at me and said, Yes, it smells like soy sauce. You cant return this. This is a damaged item. More from NextShark: Tulsi Gabbard says Democrats push 'cowardly wokeness,' 'anti-white racism' after leaving party

Chen says she felt that the response was racially charged, adding that her boyfriend Kevin defended her in the situation. When Kevin confronted the employee, the employee allegedly said that she could say whatever she wants.

In an interview with NextShark, Chen says she wanted to share her experience and record her reaction so similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

More from NextShark: Former Apple lawyer sues company for discrimination, colleague who allegedly sent her death threats

The 26-year-old, who is of Taiwanese descent, shares that she used to be bullied in school for the way her food smelled.

I used to wish to fit in and not have weird-smelling food, Chen says, adding that she would ask her parents to pack her Lunchables instead.

Story continues

I wanted to film my reaction because this is definitely something that hits home for me, as I am sure other Asian American kids can relate to it. I just felt so shocked that someone would feel so empowered to speak to another person like that, and this video was for the younger version of me that, yes, I am able to make my voice heard and make an actual impact so that future things like this can be prevented. More from NextShark: Racist, homophobic flyers target Asian American San Francisco Supervisor Gordon Mar

After the TikTok video went viral, Chen uploaded an update video on Tuesday, noting that her dress was ultimately returned after she spoke to a store manager.

Chen thanked everyone who rallied around her and amplified her voice to call out Saks Off 5th.

Chen says she called the store and spoke with the manager shortly after the racist encounter with the employee.

More from NextShark: Confusion, terror heard in newly released 911 calls made during Monterey Park shooting

She [the store manager] did apologize profusely and she asked us to come back to the store, and she did process my return. However, the comment just didnt sit right with me, and I just felt like this had to reach the proper channels within corporate so that actual change could be done.

Chen tells NextShark that she has spoken with the companys vice president regional manager, who also apologized for the incident.

While I did not get her name, the company is very well aware of who this individual is, and a full-scale investigation has been launched regarding this incident. Furthermore the VP has stated that they will be doing further diversity and inclusion training to fill the gap so that another incident like this wouldnt happen again at the stores.

As of this writing, Chen says she has not received any updates regarding the employment status of the worker who made the comment, but noted that she will be updated after the company concludes its investigation.
Sam Bankman-Fried is currently serving house arrest at his parents' home on the Stanford campus. AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Sam Bankman-Fried has been serving his house arrest at his parents' home, located on Stanford's campus.

Students are joking about his presence and walking by the home to look for the FTX founder, the Washington Post reported.

Some students have allegedly taken steps to make the ex-billionaire feel unwelcome through threats or egging.

The house arrest of disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has drawn significant attention from surrounding residents  namely Stanford students.

The fallen executive is currently out on a $250 million bond and awaiting trial at his parents' home on Stanford's campus, where they both work as law professors. According to the Washington Post, the house has become a bit of a spectacle, as students walk by in hopes of catching a glimpse of Bankman-Fried or use his presence as the punchline of jokes and inspiration for themed parties.

The Post spoke to several students about Bankman-Fried's presence on campus, which has recently become littered with party fliers emblazoned with Bankman-Fried's face. Some students have started equating his parents' home with other notable landmarks on campus, biking or walking by the home on dates, according to the Post.

Others have allegedly turned to a variety of strategies to make Bankman-Fried feel unwelcome. Reports have emerged of the Stanford home being egged, according to the Post, and Bankman-Fried's lawyers claimed in January that a car drove into the barricade surrounding the home.

One student who spoke to the Post claimed to have stolen a "PATH CLOSED" sign in January from the fence around the home. The student said he took it to a crypto networking event, and has had it in his closet ever since.

While some may see Bankman-Fried's presence as an embarrassing situation for university, others told the Post that it isn't as bad as other scandals associated with the school.

"We already had Elizabeth Holmes  we've already dug the grave," Seraj Desai, a 24-year-old law student, told the Post. "If anything, if a white-collar criminal is found guilty, people will get more interested and  there's a fascination in how they did it. Stanford has a very strong reputation that won't be tainted, but it'll trend on Twitter."

Story continues

Holmes, who dropped out of Stanford to start her company Theranos, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for fraud and other charges related to the failed medical technology company in November. She recently argued the start of her sentence should be delayed after she gave birth to her second child.

Bankman-Fried was released on bond late last year, and has had the conditions of his house arrest modified several times as prosecutors have alleged witness tampering and argued that the FTX founder should have his internet access severely limited.

Bankman-Fried's lawyers have claimed that he and his parents have received repeated threats since the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange and subsequent arrest last year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metzola

"We have done unprecedented work, adopted numerous packages, but there are still gaps and there are countries that abuse the gaps. We can still move further. Sanctions are working," she said at a briefing in Lviv.

Read also: European Parliament calls for all kinds of military aid for Ukraine

Metsola proposed sanctioning Russias diamond industry and Russian companies that are still present on the European market in the next package of sanctions.

"I believe that is only a matter of time before Europe stops questioning whether enough has been done to address the issue," Metsola said.

Read also: EU Parliament president calls for long-range systems, jets to be sent to Ukraine

She added that the European Parliament was impressed with the pace of Ukraines progress on its EU application. She said she hopes that accession negotiations can begin by the end of this year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a bilateral meeting with Metsola in Lviv on March 4.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Students learn about job opportunities at a job fair in Xiamen, China's Fujian province, on Feb. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]



China's continued economic recovery will provide solid support for stabilizing employment, a spokesperson said Friday.



With the optimization and adjustment of epidemic prevention policies and further implementation of various measures to stabilize the economy, the Chinese economy will continue to recover and provide solid support in stabilizing employment, said Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

CPPCC National Committee members have put forward many good suggestions on how to promote employment, Guo said when answering questions at a press conference.

Some CPPCC National Committee members believe that only when enterprises are stable can employment be stable, and only when enterprises grow can employment grow. Therefore, it is necessary to sustain and develop existing enterprises.

Some other members pointed out that it is necessary to speed up the development of new industries, and increase supportive and preferential efforts in such areas as finance, taxation and social security for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in order to maintain and create more jobs, Guo said.

Some believe that the protection of the rights and interests of employees in industries including express delivery, take-away service and online ride-hailing should be strengthened, and the development of new employment forms should be actively promoted and guided, according to Guo.

Stabilizing employment still faces many difficulties and challenges, according to Guo, given that it is estimated that there are more than 11.5 million college graduates this year. At the same time, there is a gap between workers' skills qualification and job requirements, and structural contradictions are prominent.

Some CPPCC National Committee members suggest that it is necessary to innovate working ideas and methods for the employment of college graduates and introduce practical and effective measures to help them, which requires the joint efforts of the government, enterprises and relevant institutions as well as individuals.
By Rodrigo Viga Gaier

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Sao Paulo's state government will hire the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) in the next few days for studies on the possible privatization of state water utility Sabesp, Governor Tarcisio de Freitas said on Friday.

"The privatization of Sabesp is a very complex matter," Tarcisio told Reuters after attending an event in Rio de Janeiro.

Freitas said utility would only be privatized "if we reach the conclusion that we are going to increase efficiency, have upsides, reduce tariffs."

"I think that all these objectives are possible and I understand that studies will show this," he said.

Freitas said the privatization would take place in 2024 and be similar to that of Eletrobras in 2022, when the federal government diluted its controlling stake in a share offering.

"I believe it is an operation for next year," Freitas said.

The board of directors of Sao Paulo's state privatization program had earlier this week authorized the body to commission studies on Sabesp's possible privatization.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Sarah Ferguson and Meghan Markle. Getty Images

Sarah Ferguson told The Telegraph she doesn't "really know" and hasn't "really met" Meghan Markle.

It comes after Meghan said Ferguson, the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, taught her how to curtsy.

Meghan said Ferguson taught her the formal greeting before she met the Queen for the first time.

Sarah Ferguson said she hasn't "really met" Meghan Markle, despite the Duchess of Sussex saying that Ferguson taught her how to curtsy to the Queen.

In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Ferguson, 63, said she doesn't have a close relationship with Meghan, although the pair have relatives in common. Ferguson is the ex-wife of Prince Andrew and mother of Prince Harry's cousins, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.

"I don't really know Meghan. I haven't really met her," said Ferguson, who is often referred to by her nickname "Fergie." She went on to say that she spoke to her at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and thought she "looked absolutely beautiful."

Her comments come after Meghan, 41, repeatedly said Ferguson was one of the first of Harry's relatives that she met.

During her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan recalled Ferguson teaching her how to curtsy moments before she met the Queen for the first time in 2016.

"I learned it very quickly," she said, laughing. "Right in front of the house, we just practiced and then walked in. I met her and, apparently, I did a very deep curtsy."

Meghan retold the anecdote in the second episode of her and Harry's Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," which was released in December.

Meghan Markle re-enacting the curtsy she gave the Queen on their first meeting. Netflix

"I just thought it was a joke," she said, explaining that she did not think Harry was serious when he asked her whether she knew how to curtsy.

"It was so intense," Meghan added. "And when she left, Eugenie, Jack, and Fergie say 'You did great!'"

When asked if Meghan had "damaged" the royal family, Ferguson did not give The Telegraph a direct answer but said the Duchess of Sussex had affected Harry in a positive way.

Story continues

"It is absolutely not my place to answer that," Ferguson said. "She has made Harry very happy, and that is so nice. Honestly, he's so happy with her. She really loves him. And I think that's beautiful  and that Diana would be proud of him and her lovely grandchildren."

Representatives for the Duchess of Sussex did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

Read the original article on Insider
Stephen Lorenz (pictured), the acting chief of the Sarasota County Schools Police Department, was appointed following the removal of Duane Oakes on Friday.

The Sarasota County School District abruptly announced late last Friday it had removed Duane Oakes from his position as the chief of the district's police department and executive director of safety and security.

Oakes had been the chief of the Sarasota County Schools Police Department since January 2022, and had been an officer with the School District agency since it was established in 2018.

The district's interim superintendent, Allison Foster, appointed Stephen Lorenz to fill both positions left vacant by Oakes' removal. Lorenz was previously a captain with the district's police force, which he had joined as a lieutenant in August 2019.

Asked about why Oakes was removed, district spokesperson Kelsey Whealy provided no additional information beyond a news release, which did not state a reason.

School Board Chairwoman Bridget Ziegler said Monday that information regarding Oakes was brought to Foster, prompting an investigation that uncovered concerns. She declined to provide more detail, citing privacy in personnel matters.

The Herald-Tribune filed records requests for Oakes' personnel file and correspondence from the interim superintendent regarding the former chief of police, which have not yet been returned.

"We have to raise our standards for a code of conduct for staff and students, and raise our standards and expectation for academic excellence, which is our mission," Ziegler said.

Tom Edwards, often the dissenting voice on the School Board, echoed Ziegler's emphasis on confidentiality. He did, however, question whether the district should implement its updated visitor policy, which welcomed parents to morning arrival in schools, amid a security leadership change.

"The fact that we're down the chief of police, or chief of security, this is not the time to take on any additional risk," Edwards said.

Oakes succeeded Tim Enos, who, after leaving the police department ran for a seat on the School Board and won last August.

Story continues

Lorenz is the fourth person to serve as chief since the school district police agency's inception in 2018.

First chief:Former Sarasota County Schools Police Chief Paul Grohowski files complaint against district

The district's news release said Lorenz holds a teaching certificate in adult education from St. Petersburg College and is pursuing a bachelors degree through the college. He has a background as a U.S. Air Force security policeman and worked for the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office and the North Port Police Department.

Interim administrator: School Board appoints Allison Foster as interim superintendent, sets new meeting times

In mid-February, Foster named Brad Porinchak as a "Principal on Assignment" to focus on unspecified essential initiatives she assigned. Linda Daniels was named to replace him at Cranberry Elementary for the rest of this school year.

During the School Board meeting in which Foster was named interim superintendent, board member Tom Edwards had suggested the board put restrictions on the interim administrator, requiring some personnel changes to be subject to their approval. He likened his suggestion to not allowing a substitute teacher to rewrite lesson plans.

But the board majority disagreed, with Robyn Marinelli saying whoever she voted to appoint as interim would have her full confidence to make the best decisions for students in the district.

Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at sbwalker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Schools police chief removed over unspecified concerns
When close to half the companies in Malaysia have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") above 14x, you may consider SBC Corporation Berhad (KLSE:SBCCORP) as an attractive investment with its 9.7x P/E ratio. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the reduced P/E.

With earnings growth that's exceedingly strong of late, SBC Corporation Berhad has been doing very well. One possibility is that the P/E is low because investors think this strong earnings growth might actually underperform the broader market in the near future. If that doesn't eventuate, then existing shareholders have reason to be quite optimistic about the future direction of the share price.

View our latest analysis for SBC Corporation Berhad

pe

Although there are no analyst estimates available for SBC Corporation Berhad, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What Are Growth Metrics Telling Us About The Low P/E?

SBC Corporation Berhad's P/E ratio would be typical for a company that's only expected to deliver limited growth, and importantly, perform worse than the market.

Taking a look back first, we see that the company grew earnings per share by an impressive 191% last year. However, this wasn't enough as the latest three year period has seen a very unpleasant 46% drop in EPS in aggregate. Accordingly, shareholders would have felt downbeat about the medium-term rates of earnings growth.

Weighing that medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 10% shows it's an unpleasant look.

With this information, we are not surprised that SBC Corporation Berhad is trading at a P/E lower than the market. Nonetheless, there's no guarantee the P/E has reached a floor yet with earnings going in reverse. There's potential for the P/E to fall to even lower levels if the company doesn't improve its profitability.

Story continues

What We Can Learn From SBC Corporation Berhad's P/E?

Typically, we'd caution against reading too much into price-to-earnings ratios when settling on investment decisions, though it can reveal plenty about what other market participants think about the company.

We've established that SBC Corporation Berhad maintains its low P/E on the weakness of its sliding earnings over the medium-term, as expected. At this stage investors feel the potential for an improvement in earnings isn't great enough to justify a higher P/E ratio. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it's hard to see the share price moving strongly in either direction in the near future under these circumstances.

Before you settle on your opinion, we've discovered 1 warning sign for SBC Corporation Berhad that you should be aware of.

If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on SBC Corporation Berhad, explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Youll receive a US$30 Amazon Gift card for 1 hour of your time while helping us build better investing tools for the individual investors like yourself. Sign up here
An armed threat to a high school student led to a short police chase and an arrest of a 12-year-old driver and several teens, according to the Seattle Police Department.

At about 4 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to the report of a high school student that was threatened with a gun in the 8800 block of Seward Park Avenue South.

Police were told an unknown teen threatened to kill a 16-year-old while showing them a gun in their waistband.

A school staff member told the teen to leave.

The teen then left with another boy in a silver Chrysler 200 series car. The car was reported stolen.

Officers were eventually able to locate and stop the car near the intersection of South Henderson Street and Martin Luther King Junior Way South.

Of the five male boys in the car, three were arrested and booked into the King County Child and Family Justice Center.

The driver, a 12-year-old boy, was arrested for possession of a stolen car and eluding.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and harassment.

A second 14-year-old boy was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm.

The two other boys were released from police custody to their guardians.
Seattle police are searching for the suspect in a hit-and-run where a man was hit while walking on a sidewalk in the Chinatown-International District, according to the Seattle Police Department.

At about 3:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a car striking a man near the intersection of South Washington Street and 2nd Avenue South.

According to police, the man yelled, Watch out! to the driver of car was it went by, then the driver turned around and drove the car onto the sidewalk, striking the man.

The driver then got out of the car and punched the man several times before driving off southbound on 2nd Avenue South.

The car was described as a black Mercedes, four-door, with possible temporary tags in the window.

Police found the suspected car shortly afterward, but the driver fled the scene.

If you have information about this incident, call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
Regional One Health is located at 877 Jefferson Ave.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the funding source for a new Memphis-Shelby County Schools high school in Cordova.

Shelby County is exploring options including hiking car-renewal fees or county sales tax as it enters into more serious debate over how $350 million could be found to help build a new Regional One Health.

With budget season in swing and the hospital  West Tennessees only level 1 trauma center  saying a dramatic improvement in facilities is needed to provide the level of care its perpetually-increasing patient pool requires, the county is looking at any avenue that could yield funds for a new hospital.

Harold Collins, Shelby Countys chief administrative officer who has been part of a committee examining funding possibilities as well as how the state and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center should be involved with Regional One, told the commissioners a new hospital was needed for multiple reasons, including the fact that the current one does not meet seismic standards.

If a major earthquake were to hit us, where would we go? he said. Were it.

Previously:Regional One Health needs millions to update facilities for Memphis residents

Regional One Health is located at 877 Jefferson Ave.

The hospital has long needed a significant facilities overhaul that would cost hundreds of millions. A study completed last year by A2H Inc. found replacing all the current facilities could cost about $850 million. The hospital is a nonprofit that leases its facilities and land from Shelby County Government for $1 annually.

The discussion came during the commissions budget retreat at the Memphis Zoo Saturday. Commissioners heard presentations from a variety of county officials on topics ranging from Regional One to Memphis-Shelby County Schools to fiscal year 2023 revenue collections. No action was taken Saturday.

Commissioners are set to discuss a resolution about funding for the hospital on Wednesday.

Phased construction plan

Regional One has requested the county fund the first two phases of facilities construction. The first phase would include a new women and infants center with antepartum and postpartum rooms, c-section operating rooms and neonatal intensive care beds and a new power plant. The current power plant is more than 75 years old.

Story continues

The second phase would be an acute care tower that would include emergency and trauma services. The price tag for those two phases has fluctuated but was estimated at about $350 million.

Funding for the third phase, which would include a critical care tower, could come from public and private sources, such as the state, the federal government and philanthropic donations, officials have said.

President and CEO of Regional One Health Reginald Coopwood stands outside the hospital Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, in Memphis.

Tish Towns, chief administrative officer for Regional One, said the hospital gets money from the county annually to provide medical care to inmates and uncompensated care for uninsured patients but not for capital improvement projects.

Regional One also receives operational funding from the federal government, the state and from the states of Mississippi and Arkansas, since the hospital treats patients from across the region. Neither the hospital nor the county have the legal authority to require additional payment from Mississippi or Arkansas.

Towns said $234 million has already been invested in updating the existing facilities and continuing to renovate  rather than building a new hospital  was cost prohibitive. Seismic retrofitting of the current buildings alone could be upwards of $600 million, hospital officials said previously.

In addition, hospital officials said they also simply do not have enough room currently for all their patients.

Dr. Peter E. Fischer, medical director of the Elvis Presley Trauma Center at Regional One Health, said the hospital was built to care for about 4,000 patients a year. Theyre now seeing about 15,000 a year and about 6,000 of those will require admission, he said.

Local news:Shelby County to study reparations to descendants of slaves, allocates $5 million

County news:Special adviser will analyze issues, offer solutions in Clerk Wanda Halbert's office

'Ripe for replacement'

Charles Franklin, director of engineering services for Regional One, said the oldest buildings on the campus date back to the 1940s while what the hospital calls the new buildings were built in the 1990s.

The age of the facilities and the way the buildings are laid out are not conducive to bringing in the latest medical technology. The old buildings also do not meet current seismic standards, a big concern in one of the most seismically active regions of the country.

Regional One Health is on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, in Memphis.

Any renovations, Franklin added, would require shutting down multiple other parts of the hospital complex.

If you were to try to renovate you would lose services, he said. All those things coupled make this ripe for replacement," Franklin said.

Late last year, the commission did ask the state for money for the new hospital when it presented its legislative asks to the governor and General Assembly.

Commissioners have also promised $77 million to Memphis-Shelby County Schools to build a new high school in Cordova. That is being funded through bonded indebtedness, according to the county.

Shelby Countys unassigned fund balance was at 18.6% of revenue as of Feb. 22. The countys policy is to maintain an unassigned fund balance between 20% and 30%, in order to have enough money to cover ongoing costs before revenues come in.

The county has been facing financial issues for years and used an influx of federal funds during the COVID-19 pandemic to plug holes, county officials said on Saturday.

Reporter Katherine Burgess contributed to this report.

Corinne S Kennedy covers economic development, real estate and healthcare for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Corinne.Kennedy@CommercialAppeal.com

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Shelby County explores fee hikes to help to build new Regional One
Police have arrested a man and a woman in connection with the Friday shooting death of a 30-year-old woman inside a south Sacramento home.

Traydeon Jamarr Holmes, 22, and Monique Renee Moore, 41, were arrested by the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office on suspicion of murder, authorities said Saturday.

Deputies were called to the home on the 6900 block of Casa Grande Way around noon after paramedics were called to the home in the residential neighborhood just south of 53rd Avenue, said Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a Sheriffs Office spokesman. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

He said the womans death was first deemed to be suspicious before investigators later confirmed she was a victim of homicide.

The sheriffs spokesman said a gunshot wound was found by coroners officials, who have yet to release her identity.

Family members told ABC10 she was 30-year-old Cynthia Frazier, a mother of four.

Both Holmes and Moore are being held without bail. They will appear in court Tuesday.
My name is April Wilkens, and Im a 52-year-old domestic violence survivor in my 25th year of incarceration. Im imprisoned at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud, Oklahoma.

Prior to being locked up, I was verbally, mentally, physically and sexually abused by my ex-fiance. The abuse left me utterly broken and humiliated.

In 1998, my ex-fiance brutally raped me, handcuffed me and threatened to sodomize and kill me. As he lunged toward me, I shot him with one of his own guns and could not stop firing until the gun was empty. He was shot eight times. Later that day, a sexual assault nurse documented my numerous injuries, including bruises all over my body and vaginal tears. Despite my injuries, the prosecution asserted, This wasn't rape, members of the jury; this was consensual sex.

The jury convicted me of first-degree murder, their only option, and suggested the minimum sentence of life in prison with parole possible after 15 years. Despite being recommended for parole by the states own parole investigators, I have been denied parole four times and commutation twice.

Opinions in your inbox: Get exclusive access to our columnists and the best of our columns

Countless survivors are incarcerated  and the odds are stacked against us

Im just one of countless domestic violence survivors behind bars in America. Studies indicate nearly 90% of women imprisoned in some states were domestic violence victims prior to incarceration.

The odds are certainly stacked against women in Oklahoma. Mothers, daughters, sisters and even grandmothers like me are far more likely to be abused and end up behind bars in Oklahoma than in nearly any other state.

'Who are you going to believe?': When a prison is known as the 'rape club,' our justice system has a credibility problem

Criminal justice reform: Trump, Kim Kardashian got me clemency. Second chances aren't soft on crime.

Prosecutors hold too much power: Plea bargaining and mass incarceration go hand in hand. We need to end both.

Story continues

And consider this: Domestic violence reports in Oklahoma increased annually from 2016 to 2020, with domestic violence reaching a 20-year high in 2020.

Oklahoma consistently has one of the highest rates of women killed by men in America. Its deplorable that so many of Oklahomas female prisoners are domestic violence survivors.

Prison is teeming with abuse and violence. The strip searches are especially dehumanizing, particularly for rape survivors.

Prison is teeming with abuse and violence. Nearly every aspect of a prisoners life is controlled. The strip searches are especially dehumanizing, particularly for rape survivors like myself. In many ways, being in prison is like being in an abusive relationship.

To this day, in almost every state including Oklahoma, it is unusual for courts to consider the abuse a survivor has suffered in sentencing. What does it say about a society that it treats some of its most victimized and vulnerable citizens with so little compassion and mercy? How do we fix such a terrible injustice?

We need to consider prior abuse at sentencing

There is hope. In 2019, the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act was passed in New York, allowing courts to give shorter sentences to abuse survivors who can show that the abuse they suffered contributed substantially to the crime for which they were convicted.

Numerous abuse survivors have received shorter sentences since then. Now, attorneys Colleen McCarty and Leslie Briggs, with Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, are building the Oklahoma Survivor Justice Coalition to educate and encourage Oklahoma lawmakers to pass a similar law.

Rep. Toni Hasenbeck plans to introduce the bill in Oklahoma during this legislative session.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

April Wilkens in 1988.

Like me, about 85% of women imprisoned in Oklahoma are mothers, making Oklahomas astronomical female incarceration rate even more devastating.

My son was only 7 when I was locked up, and our separation has been extremely difficult for us. He is 31 now with a child of his own. I think of my 4-year-old granddaughter often and pray for change so that neither she nor anyone else ever has to go through what I have gone through.

Everyone, especially survivors and others impacted by domestic violence, should join the movement and follow #SurvivorsDeserveRealJustice to help survivors in prison and those facing criminal charges.

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org

April Wilkens is an inmate at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud, Oklahoma.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: I killed to survive domestic violence. Why am I in prison?
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? Typically, we'll want to notice a trend of growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and alongside that, an expanding base of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. In light of that, when we looked at Mueller Water Products (NYSE:MWA) and its ROCE trend, we weren't exactly thrilled.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. To calculate this metric for Mueller Water Products, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.099 = US$127m  (US$1.5b - US$214m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022).

Thus, Mueller Water Products has an ROCE of 9.9%. In absolute terms, that's a low return but it's around the Machinery industry average of 11%.

View our latest analysis for Mueller Water Products

roce

In the above chart we have measured Mueller Water Products' prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Mueller Water Products here for free.

What Can We Tell From Mueller Water Products' ROCE Trend?

Over the past five years, Mueller Water Products' ROCE and capital employed have both remained mostly flat. It's not uncommon to see this when looking at a mature and stable business that isn't re-investing its earnings because it has likely passed that phase of the business cycle. So unless we see a substantial change at Mueller Water Products in terms of ROCE and additional investments being made, we wouldn't hold our breath on it being a multi-bagger. With fewer investment opportunities, it makes sense that Mueller Water Products has been paying out a decent 31% of its earnings to shareholders. Unless businesses have highly compelling growth opportunities, they'll typically return some money to shareholders.

Story continues

The Key Takeaway

In a nutshell, Mueller Water Products has been trudging along with the same returns from the same amount of capital over the last five years. Unsurprisingly, the stock has only gained 35% over the last five years, which potentially indicates that investors are accounting for this going forward. So if you're looking for a multi-bagger, the underlying trends indicate you may have better chances elsewhere.

Mueller Water Products does have some risks, we noticed 2 warning signs (and 1 which is potentially serious) we think you should know about.

While Mueller Water Products may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here.

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China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday voiced firm opposition to the United States' arms sales to China's Taiwan region.

Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China's defense ministry, made the remarks in response to a press inquiry on the U.S. State Department's approval on Wednesday of a new round of arms sales to Taiwan.

Noting that the U.S. move has flagrantly interfered with China's domestic affairs, Tan said China is strongly dissatisfied and has lodged stern representations with the U.S. side.

The move has seriously breached the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique, severely undermined China's sovereignty and security interests, and posed a severe threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Tan said.

"We urge the United States to cease arms sales to and military contacts with Taiwan, and stop meddling in the Taiwan question and raising tensions across the Strait," said Tan.

"The Chinese People's Liberation Army is always well prepared to take countermeasures against all sorts of provocations seeking 'Taiwan independence' and external interference, and to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Tan said.
Will Smith at the premiere of Apple Original Films' "Emancipation" in November 2022. Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Will Smith accepted the AAFCA's Beacon award earlier this week.

The actor gave his first in-person awards show speech following the Oscars slap in March 2022.

"'Emancipation' was the individual most difficult film of my entire career," Smith said.

Nearly a year since he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, Will Smith returned to the awards show stage to accept a special honor at the African-American Film Critics Association Awards this week.

While accepting the AAFCA's Beacon award on Wednesday with "Emancipation" director Antoine Fuqua, the actor thanked the film's cast and crew, according to Variety.

"'Emancipation' was the individual most difficult film of my entire career," Smith said, before joking, "It was all outdoors, that is true."

The actor continued to recall the film's production challenges, which included an uncomfortable moment with another actor who improved during a scene.

"It was the second day of shooting and 110 degrees  I was in a scene with one of the white actors," he continued. "The actor decided to ad lib. So we're doing the scene. I did my line. He did his line. And then  ad lib  he spit in the middle of my chest."

"The actor felt that the ad lib had gone well," he continued. "So we do take two. I do my line. He does his line  and spits in the middle of my chest again In the distance, I hear a voice. And Antoine says, 'Hey, let's do a take without the spit.' And in that moment, I knew that God was real."

This year's AAFCA Awards marked the first awards ceremony Smith has appeared at since the Oscars in March 2022, where he slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.

"There is no part of me that thinks that was the optimal way to handle feelings of disrespect or insults," Smith said in his video apology in July 2022, adding he was "deeply devoted and committed to putting light and joy into the world."

Smith has also had vocal supporters, including former "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" costar Nia Long, who weighed in this January on the actor and the current state of stardom.

Story continues

"I don't think that  at least when we were growing up  there was room to be human," Long explained. "I think he's now able to be human."

Smith wrapped up his speech on Wednesday by sharing some words of gratitude to the organization and everyone who helped make the film possible.

"I want to thank Gil and AAFCA," he said, referring to AAFCA cofounder Gil L. Robertson IV. "I want to thank all of you in this room for doing what you do, keeping our stories alive."

He also went on to "thank Apple, because the budget was one thing, then the budget was another thing, and then the budget was another thing, and Apple never flinched."

"It was the first time I had heard from a studio that the story was more important than how much it costs to get it done," he continued. "They make iPhones. They can do it."

In late February, Smith also received the 2023 NAACP Image Award for outstanding actor in a motion picture, however, he was not present.

"I would like to thank the NAACP for honoring our film!" Smith wrote in the caption of an Instagram post at the time, before calling out NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson. "@derricknaacp  you and your entire organization  and the work you do all year round  is truly important, so to be recognized by y'all  it means a lot."

Read the original article on Insider
Editors note: This story was updated at 5 p.m. Friday with additional information from an updated statement from officials.

A series of online threats against Granite City High School were posted on social media on Thursday night, a day after fights broke out between students in a hallway at the school, according to officials.

One juvenile, who will not be identified because of their age is believed to be responsible for the threat, was taken into custody by police and is expected to be charged, according to a joint statement from Superintendent Stephanie Cann and Maj. Nick Novacich, spokesman for Granite City police.

Cann and Novacich did not describe the specific threat.

Multiple police officers were on the high school premises Friday, according to their statement.

Cann did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrats request for comment Friday, including about how many students were involved in the fights and what the district is doing to prevent further incidents.

Novacich also did not respond to the BND.

School staff called police to the school on Wednesday to help respond to the fights. Novacich said previously that students involved received citations.
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast

For two days in March 2021, the Las Vegas outpost of the Democratic Socialists of America was perhaps the most powerful DSA chapter in the country, with its candidates gaining control of the whole Nevada Democratic Party.

Then the intra-party bloodletting began. Two years and one election cycle later, some DSA-aligned candidates are running for re-electionbut the Las Vegas DSA isnt endorsing them. This is our lesson, and we hope socialists everywhere will pay close attention: the Democratic Party is a dead end, the socialist group announced in a statement last month.

At Saturdays Nevada Democratic Party elections, more than 400 members of the partys central committee will gather to vote for its next leadership. The results could have serious implications for the partys future. A more centrist bloc of candidates, with its roots in Nevadas longrunning Reid Machine, is seeking to retake the party from the left-wing faction that swept party elections in 2021. But the left isnt trying hard to defend its turf, with the DSA backing away from its own incumbent candidateand from the Nevada Democratic Party entirely.

Top Arizona GOPer Was Involved in 2nd Domestic Violence Incident, Police Reports Show

The rivalry between Nevadas socialists and the states establishment Democrats has its roots in the 2016 presidential primary, when the DSA rallied behind Bernie Sanders and the state partys elected leaders behind Hillary Clinton. Rather than dissipate during Donald Trumps presidency, the DSA built its ground game in Nevada, with an eye on Democratic Party leadership.

Some mainstream Democrats viewed their moves with apprehension. In February 2021, with DSA-backed candidates poised to sweep party leadership elections, Nevada Democratic leadership moved $450,000 out of state party funds, and into a national fund for Democratic candidates. When DSA candidates won every single leadership position, they inherited a significantly lighter party bank account.

Story continues

Tick Segerblom, a former state senator and current member of Nevadas Clark County Commission, is a DSA member. He said the socialist group had been optimistic after its 2021 wins.

I think from the DSAs perspective, they felt like they were getting control of a mechanism which they could use to pursue their ends, their policies, Segerblom told The Daily Beast. But as a person whos been there before, I could see that winning that election didnt mean too much.

After the money, the state partys establishment staffers were the next to go. Two days after the election, the entire Nevada Democratic Party staff quit rather than work with the new leftist leadership.

I honestly dont think they had any idea what they were getting into, Segerblom said. It started out bad and got worse.

Still, some socialists viewed the election as an opportunity. Sanders and his aides backed the progressive effort, throwing their weight behind the new DSA-backed Nevada Democratic Party chair Judith Whitmer. Whitmer, in turn, pledged to propel Democratic candidates to victory in 2022.

Instead, the opposite happened. Disgruntled Democrats aligned with the partys former leadership decamped to the Washoe County Democratic Party, which began running campaigns independently of the state party. Whitmer allies mulled retaliatory moves, drafting a plan to de-charter the Washoe County Democratic Party, NBC News reported this week. (The plan was ultimately scrapped.)

Amid the infighting, Nevadas Democratic governor, Steve Sisolak, became the only incumbent governor to lose his 2022 re-election bid.

Even Sanders camp expressed dissatisfaction with their allies.

The senator is pretty disappointed in Judiths chairmanship, specifically around her failure to build a strong grassroots movement in the state, a person familiar with Sanders thinking told Politico. A lot of us feel sad about what could have been. It was a big opportunity for Bernie-aligned folks in the state to prove some of the folks in the establishment wrong. And that hasnt happened.

Whitmer did not return The Daily Beasts requests for comment, but told Politico that she was surprised by the senators reported disappointment.

During Saturdays election, Whitmer will face off against rivals on the right to retain control of the state party. But she shouldnt expect much support from the DSA chapter that helped her score her initial victory.

In a Feb. 13 open letter, the Las Vegas DSA announced that as the election for a new Nevada State Democratic Party Chair approaches, the Las Vegas chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America feels compelled to state publicly that the chapter has not endorsed any candidate.

We also want to shed light on what the admittedly disappointing relationship between LVDSA and the NSDP [Nevada State Democratic Party] has been like for the last two years, the letter reads, listing grievances like the partys decision to transfer $450,000 in funds and what the group decried as a lack of communication with establishment Democrats.

Inside Hakeem Jeffries Quiet Standoff With the Left

Ready to be mobilized, we awaited instructions, the group wrote. The instructions never came. Nor, indeed, did any real communication. We openly acknowledge our part in allowing the relationship to fall flat. We deferred to the people whod actually won these offices, naively expecting them to think of us as partners in organization and mobilization.

The statement comes amid an ongoing debate among DSA members as to the roleif anysocialists should seek in the Democratic Party. The DSAs New York City chapter, its largest, has succeeded in getting members elected to office on the Democratic Party line, inspiring a fierce debate over what socialist lawmakers should actually do.

To participate in lawmaking, retain their committee chairs, and bring bills to the floor, socialist members have toat least occasionallycompromise and play nice with the leaders of their chambers, Dissent magazine described the dilemma last year. Whereas DSAs strategy was once exclusively about running candidates, breaking things, and being maximally confrontational, electeds must now balance that antagonistic spirit with an obligation to pass things that materially improve their constituents lives, even if they fall far short of revolutionary reforms.

In its open letter, the LVDSA accused its candidates of moving away from the DSA after winning office. Whitmer, in particular, came under scrutiny from both wings of the state Democratic party, following concerns about members being purged from the partys central committee rolls.

Fuck this, Kara Hall, internal chair of the LVDSA, tweeted about the scandal. Doubt youll see socialists supporting Judith again this time around. The Democratic Party is a dead-end.

Segerblom said the group felt burned by the candidate whod represented their first big foray into the Democratic party.

I think they felt betrayed, he said. They felt that she would at least be consistent with them and keep them involved. Per their statement, she hasnt done that.

For now, the LVDSA says, its taking on a more antagonistic relationship with the Democratic party it once hoped to run.

We dont want milquetoast progressive reformist-reforms; we want socialism, the groups letter reads. We wont get it by playing the DNCs games, and we wont get it by being a mildly obnoxious thorn in their side, either. Our task is to out-organize them entirely, and not merely within the confines of the voting booth.

Segerblom suggested that the move might come at the expense of political influence.

Its unfortunate because they can be a vehicle for progress, and truthfully it is a vehicle for progress. But I guess they just have a bad taste in their mouth, Segerblom said. They would rather be on the outside pushing progress than on the inside.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Ukrainian courts will soon begin considering criminal proceedings on war crimes of the Russian Federation concerning the genocide of the Ukrainian People en masse, Vsevolod Kniazev, Chairman of the Supreme Court said.

Source: Kniazev on Saturday in Lviv at the international United for Justice conference, reports Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "Soon these cases in the courts [on genocide  ed.] will begin en masse, and we must already qualify certain actions."

Details: According to him, there are two points of view regarding the subject of this crime. According to one of them, the subject of the crime of genocide can only be the highest military-political leadership, which gave orders to destroy the nation, according to another version, it is possible to bring to justice every soldier who killed Ukrainians, being convinced that the Ukrainian nation does not exist.

"In my opinion, there are not just perpetrators or organisers of these crimes... Therefore, it will be so difficult to decide in court on the subject of these crimes... All these crimes have a very complex structure," Knyazev said.

He said that now the Ukrainian court is currently considering only one case on genocide  in one of the courts in Kyiv.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
An exterior view of the South Carolina State House, Columbia Epics/Getty Images

Several states have banned and criminalized abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

A South Carolina legislator proposed the death penalty as punishment for women who get abortions.

The new bill, still in the legislature, would equate abortion to homicide.

South Carolina is the latest GOP-led state to propose a bill that would make the death penalty a punishment for abortion.

State Rep. Rob Harris introduced the South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023 last week, which could make getting an abortion the same as committing homicide. The bill had been prefiled in December and is now sits in the Judiciary Committee.

"What I did the other day is I took the opportunity while the rest of the house was dealing with H. 3774, Human Life Protection Act, a different bill, I put the first amendment on that bill when we were processing it on the floor and I tried to amend it to basically strike the whole thing and replace it with my bill," Harris told WBTW.

South Carolina state law currently punishes abortion with up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. The new bill would work to define a fetus as any state of development as a person that "should be equally protected from fertilization to natural death."

The bill states its purpose was to "ensure that an unborn child who is a victim of ASSAULT is afforded equal protection under the assault laws of the State, with exceptions."

"If we call it life and define it as life, then why should anyone, not just mothers, why should anybody be able to take that life? If it's life, it needs to be protected like any other life," Harris told WPDE.

Vicki Ringer, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, criticized the bill.

"That's a hard pill to swallow for anybody," Ringer told WBTW. "To recognize that you are not valuable. To call this equal protection, it is far from equal. It is giving greater weight to a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus than it is to a human being. You can consider a fetus to be a person, but you can't consider it to have more weight than the living person who is a life fully lived on this planet."

Story continues

The development comes as at least 13 states have banned abortion following the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade last June.

The penalty is one of the harshest, but this isn't the first time a state lawmaker has proposed the death penalty for abortion. In March 2021, Texas state Rep. Bryan Slaton proposed legislation that would ban and criminalize abortion which could carry the death penalty, the Texas Tribune reported. The bill, similar to those like it in the past, did not pass the state legislature.

Harris did not respond to Insider's email request for comment at the time of publication.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A South Carolina woman was arrested for allegedly self-administering an abortion pill to terminate a 2021 pregnancy.

The 33-year-old woman was taken to a hospital in Greenville with contractions and told medical staff that she had taken a pill to end the pregnancy, according to an incident report.

The woman later gave birth to a stillborn foetus at 25 weeks and four days reported The Greenville News.

The newspaper says that investigators obtained an arrest warrant on 20 September 2022, after concluding that the woman had illegally self-administered the pill.

Greenville Police Department Spokesperson Johnathan Bragg told the newspaper that the hospital notified them about the incident.

He confirmed that the woman was arrested this week and released from jail after posting a $2,500 bond.

The current law in South Carolina bans abortions after 20 weeks and during the second trimester of pregnancy does not allow abortions without the presence of a doctor or in a certified hospital.

People deserve the ability to make decisions about the kind of reproductive health care they want, Farah Diaz-Tello, senior counsel and legal director for the national nonprofit If/When/How Lawyering for Reproductive Justice, told USA Today.

When the state imposes criminal penalties like this, it strips people of the dignity of making those decisions.

Republicans in the state attempted to introduce a six-week fetal heartbeat abortion ban, which was blocked by a federal court in 2021.

It went into effect in the summer of 2022 when the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade.

But in January it was permanently blocked by the South Carolina Supreme Court, which ruled that the bill violated privacy rights guaranteed by the states constitution.

South Carolina and Nevada are the only two states in the US that have criminalized self-managed abortions, according to Ms Diaz-Tello.

Similar laws have been repealed in states such as Oklahoma, Arizona, New York and Delaware.

Its extremely rare in the present day and historically, she said.

Theres been a long-standing principle of law in most states that people cant be charged with a crime against their own pregnancy, and there is consensus across the political spectrum that we dont want to see people criminalized for their own abortions.
Desperate Crestline residents help one another while awaiting assistance from San Bernardino County

A man shovels snow off the roof of a store in Crestline on Friday, March 3, 2023, as buildings remain buried in several feet of snow from recent winter storms. Credit - Watchara PhomicindaMediaNews Group/The Press-Enterprise/Getty Images

Thousands of residents of Southern California who have been stranded by up to 10 feet of snow since Feb. 28 could be stuck for another week, officials warned.

A remarkable blizzard tore through the San Bernardino Mountain region, east of Los Angeles, as much of Southern California experienced harsh arctic cold last week. With a population of more than 2 million, San Bernardino County is home to thousands of people living in isolated mountainous and forested areas, many of whom are seasonal visitors.

Across the region, rescuers are working around the clock to plow roads and open paths to buried homes and businesses. But, they are being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the storm, local authorities say. Highways leading up to the mountains have been mostly closed since the storm, opening intermittently for residents and to deliver supplies.

There are snow plows everywhere and you are going to see direct relief coming to your doorsteps shortly, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus told reporters on Friday.. Id love to give you exact times and dates to be able to do that, but it just isnt possible at this point, he said.

Response after the storm

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared states of emergency in 13 counties following the storm, which brought snowfall heavy enough to collapse rooftops and freezing temperatures that coated roads in black ice.

A grocery store in the mountain resort town of Crestline was eager to help the community with supplies, but on Wednesday, the building collapsed under the weight of several feet of snow.

People have been lining up outside the collapsed grocery store in Crestline. The @sbcountysheriff has set up a food distribution site there. pic.twitter.com/gEmEzoqMd1  BlakeTroliKFI (@BlakeTroliKFI) March 3, 2023

San Bernardino County officials had previously estimated that it could take up to two weeks to rescue everyone, but the estimate has since grown shorter. Because of the states efforts and the equipment thats coming in behind us were hoping to drop that down to a week, Dicus said.

Story continues

Authorities only received warning about the severity of the storm about a day and a half in advance, officials said Friday, which was not enough time to prepare and get specialized equipment to plow and dig through the snow.

We need better plans when it comes to severe blizzards. We need to have leases set up to allow us to get the equipment quicker. We need to have agreements set up to allow private contractors to come in, San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey said Friday.

At the end of the day, were not going to be able to support the immense population that in some cases are just not prepared for this weather event, he added.

Big Bear Lake streets are still choked with snow following successive storms which blanketed San Bernardino Mountain communities on Friday, March 3, 2023 in Big Bear Lake, Calif. Brian van der BrugLos Angeles Times via Getty Images

Whats happening now?

About 80,000 people live in the city of Big Bear Lake, which sits at 6,700 feet of elevation, and smaller unincorporated mountain communities nearby. The area is popular for year-round recreation and is largely occupied by vacationing or seasonal visitors. Many of these people werent prepared for inclement weather, and have run out of food, water and other essentials, and some are no longer able to heat their homes, according to county officials, prompting authorities to take rescue efforts very seriously and respond rapidly.

In some locations, resident have been stuck even longer. Graham Smith and his husband, living in Blue Jay, were unable to leave their home for 10 days, and spent most of their time shoveling snow, trying to make sure their cars wouldnt be buried, the Los Angeles Times reports. Our backs are broken, everything aches, Smith told the L.A. Times. Whatever help is coming now should have been here days ago.

The narrow windy roads through the mountains can be treacherous in the winter. Some people who tried to leave during the storm abandoned their cars on the impassable roads, adding a challenge for snow plows combing through the routes now, along with power lines and other debris brought down by the blizzard.

Rescuers are having greater success clearing roads and driveways with dump trucks and front-end loaders than traditional snow plowers, and according to the California Department of Transportation, crews have cleared almost two million cubic meters of snow from state highways so far.

#SBCo continues to work around the clock in Mountain communities including #Wrightwood and the surrounding area. #SBCoFD continues to staff a Engine Company, Snow Cat, Medic Ambulance & a Hand Crew at Fire Station 14. pic.twitter.com/vPmqPT45wt  San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) March 3, 2023

Authorities closed access to the San Bernardino National Forest on Friday, until at least March 16, where response crews are working to plow the snowy roads.

Officials havent been able to estimate how many people are trapped yet, but theyre optimistic that the worst has passed. The weather looks great for the next seven days, and thats great news, Munsey said.
MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday announced a gender equality law that will require more equal representation of women and men in politics, business and other spheres of public life.

The Equal Representation Law will apply gender parity measures to electoral lists, the boards of directors of big companies and governing boards of professional associations.

Sanchez made the announcement during a Socialist party rally ahead of International Women's Day on March 8. It will be approved during Tuesday's cabinet meeting before going for debate in parliament.

He said the government was "not only taking a step in favour of feminism, but in favour of Spanish society as a whole".

It is the latest in a series of equality measures announced by the leftist coalition government. In December, lawmakers passed a transgender rights bill, as well as a pioneering law covering sexual and reproductive heath that, in a first for a European country, offered state-funded paid leave for women who suffer from painful periods.

"If they represent half of society, half of the political and economic power has to be women's," Sanchez said on Saturday.

The Equal Representation law will require women to make up 40% of the management of any listed company with more than 250 workers and an annual turnover of 50 million euros ($53 million).

In politics, the law will require parties to offer equal numbers of male and female candidates during elections, with the aim of increasing gender parity in parliament. At the moment women make up 44% of Congress and 39% of the Senate.

It will also require professional associations to have at least 40% women on their boards, as well as juries for any awards financed with public money.

($1 = 0.9406 euros)

(Reporting by Jessica Jones; Editing by David Holmes)
TOMS RIVER - A Stafford man was found guilty Friday of manslaughter and assault by auto after a jury concluded that his reckless driving led to the death of a 15-year-old Pinelands Regional High School student in Little Egg Harbor and the injuries of another teen.

Michael Pillarella, 28, faces up to 15 years in state prison for his crimes when he is scheduled to be sentenced by state Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan on May 5, said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

The fatal crash took place on the night of Jan. 30, 2021 in the area of Radio Road and Baltusrol Court, which one neighbor testified had sounded like an explosion, during the nearly three-week jury trial in Ryans courtroom at the county Justice Complex.

Related: Stafford man on trial in Little Egg Harbor crash that killed teen, badly injured another

Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Alyssa Mandara said that Pillarella was under the influence of alcohol, Xanax, methadone and fentanyl when he got behind the wheel of his 2017 white Hyundai Elantra and drove 80 mph in a 45 mph zone on Radio Road.

Hours before the crash, Pillarella had been fired from his job after his boss caught him nodding off at work, Mandara said. He proceeded to a bar, where he drank two double shots of vodka and a pint of beer.

Surveillance video from the bar showed him swaying and nodding, with his head down on a table. Ultimately, he was asked to leave the establishment, Mandara said.

A short time after, while driving at almost twice the speed limit on Radio Road, Pillarella lost control of the car at a curve in the road, crossed over the centerline, and collided with an oncoming 2006 Toyota XB, according to the Prosecutors Office.

Opening of the vehicular homicide trial of Michael Pillarella, accused of driving intoxicated and striking two teen-aged girls, one of them fatally. Toms River, NJWednesday, February 15, 2023

Little Egg Harbor Patrolman Robert Peschko was among the first police officers on the scene. He testified that the driver of the mangled red Toyota, Kaitlyn Edwards, then 17, was complaining of chest pain and starting to lose consciousness. Her left leg had a half-dollar-size hole in between her knee and her shin bone, he said.

Story continues

The passenger in the Toyota, Gianna Palmieri, 15, was doing something called a death chortle, having a hard time breathing, Peschko said.

Palmieri had become compressed between the front passenger seat and the dashboard of the car and local firefighters were forced to cut off the roof of the car to free her, which took awhile, Peschko said.

Both girls were students at Pinelands. Palmieri suffered a traumatic brain injury and died from her injuries on Feb. 9, 2021. Edwards was hospitalized for two weeks and endured multiple surgeries, including the removal of part of her intestines, Mandara told the jury.

Related: Stafford man charged with vehicular homicide after girl dies from injuries

Defense attorney Alex Molloy of the Public Defenders Office told the jury in his opening statement that the fatal crash was a tragic accident, but it was an accident, and not manslaughter.

Molloy argued that Pillarellas blood-alcohol level was below the legal limit after the crash, and that drinking and driving, or taking medication and driving, is not illegal unless it impairs a drivers ability to operate a vehicle.

Due to his own injuries, Pillarella was taken by helicopter to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City where a warrant was obtained for a sample of Pillarellas blood. After he was treated, he signed himself out of the hospital against medical advice, according to the Prosecutors Office.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporters Erik Larsen and Kathleen Hopkins at elarsen@gannettnj.com or khopkins@app.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Stafford NJ man found guilty in death of high school student
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  The station master involved in Greeces deadliest train crash is set to appear before a prosecutor and an examining magistrate Sunday after his deposition was postponed Saturday.

The 59-year-old is accused of placing two trains running in opposite directions on the same track. At least 57 people died when a passenger train slammed into a freight carrier late Tuesday at Tempe, 380 kilometers (235 miles) north of Athens.

The government has blamed human error, and the station master faces multiple charges of negligent homicide and bodily harm, as well as disrupting transportation. Days of protests against the perceived lack of safety measures in Greeces rail network have taken place in the wake of the disaster.

Stephanos Pantzartzidis, the station masters lawyer, told reporters waiting outside the courthouse Saturday in the central Greek city of Larissa that very important new evidence emerged that force us to request a postponement in his client's deposition.

The lawyer didn't elaborate. Per Greek law, authorities have not released the accused station masters name.

Also Saturday, one of the three members of an expert panel named by the government to investigate and issue a report on the collision resigned after opposition parties and some media outlets panned his appointment.

Thanasis Ziuliaskopoulos served as chairman and CEO of the countrys train operator, since privatized, from 2010 to 2015 and is currently the chairman of the agency in charge of privatizing state-owned assets.

Funerals for some of the people killed in the crash, many of them in their teens and 20s, took place in northern Greece. The force of the crash and a resulting fire complicated the task of identifying the victims, which is being done through next-of-kin DNA testing.

Some families have yet to receive the remains of their loved ones. Police said 54 victims have been positively identified.

Rallies protesting the conditions that led to the tragedy continued Saturday. A peaceful rally in central Athens organized by the Communist Partys youth wing drew over a thousand people.

Story continues

A rally organized by a rail workers' union is scheduled for Sunday morning, also in Athens. The union, which is organizing rolling labor strikes, has asked members of the public to take part.

Greek media have published damning accounts of mismanagement and infrastructure neglect in Greeces railways.

A former head of the railway employees union, Panayotis Paraskevopoulos, told Greek newspaper Kathimerini that the signaling system in the area where the accident occurred malfunctioned six years ago and was never repaired.

Station masters and train drivers communicate via two-way radio and track switches are operated manually over parts of the main rail line from the capital Athens to the northern city of Thessaloniki.

The station master, who formerly worked as a porter at the state-owned Hellenic Railways, or OSE, was transferred to a desk job at the Ministry of Education in 2011, when Greeces creditors demanded personnel cuts in railways.

He transferred back to the company in June 2022 and was appointed station master in Larissa, an important railway hub, in January, after five months training.

Police early Friday searched a rail coordination office in Larissa, removing evidence as part of an ongoing investigation.

The since privatized train and freight operator, renamed Hellenic Train, is now owned by Italys Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane.

___

Kantouris reported from Thessaloniki, Greece
You are here: China

Xi Jinping attended the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, Saturday afternoon in Beijing.
Kyle Mazza / NurPhoto

Feb. 28 marked the first day of the Supreme Court hearings on President Bidens student loan forgiveness program. Many borrowers are keeping a close eye on this court hearing, as they could potentially qualify to have up to $20,000 of student loans dismissed.

Student Loan Forgiveness: Bidens Fresh Start Plan Deemed $34 Billion Success  How It Benefits Borrowers

Find: 3 Signs Youre Serious About Raising Your Credit Score

One case was brought against the program by six Republican states: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Carolina. These states allege that the Biden administration does not have the legal authority to cancel billions of dollars of student loans. A second was filed by two borrowers who do not, either partially or fully, qualify for student loan forgiveness. Their case is based on the argument that their procedural rights were ignored because the public was not given the opportunity to provide their opinions and input on the forgiveness plan.

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Here are 5 key takeaways from the first day of the Supreme Court hearings on student loan forgiveness:

Bidens administration argues that the plaintiffs do not have standing for their cases: The Biden administrations main argument is that there is no basis for the cases brought by challengers of the loan forgiveness program. If they can prove this, then they can avoid arguing the merits of the cases altogether.

Another main argument hinges on presidential authority during a state of emergency: The Biden administration argues that the 2003 Heroes Act gives the Department of Education the authority to provide student loan forgiveness. This law grants the Secretary of Education authority, during national emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration, to alter the federal student loan system.

Conservative justices seem skeptical: At times throughout the hearing, the six conservative justices of the Supreme Court seemed unconvinced of the Biden administrations arguments.

Justice Barrett may support Bidens argument of lack of standing: According to University of Texas law professor Steve Vladek, it seems possible that Justice Barrett might be a fourth vote agreeing that neither of the cases have sufficient standing in court. He tweeted: It seems like Justice Barrett may well be a *fourth* vote to hold that neither the six red states nor the two private plaintiffs have standing to challenge the Biden student loan debt relief program. The multi-billion dollar question is whether theres a fifth. Im skeptical.

Biden still needs to find a fifth vote: To prove lack of standing, the Biden administration is still challenged to find support among at least one more of the six conservative justices to get the majority ruling in their favor. At this time, there is no clear indication of which justice besides Justice Barrett would support this argument.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Student Loan Forgiveness: 5 Takeaways From Supreme Court Hearing Day One
Cody Nobles hopes to study environmental science or marine biology at a college on a shoreline town, where he can observe ocean life firsthand.

But after his native Florida adopted legislation restricting LGBTQ rights, Nobles, who is gay, is planning to find a similar environment in a different political climate. The 19-year-old says he wouldn't have to worry as much about discrimination or even physical assault in California.

I came to reality and realized that I might actually have to involve those things into where I go, because you never know where I might be going," Cody said, expressing concern about the possibility of having to attend school in "a place that has a record of hate crimes or a very old-fashioned point of view when it comes to gender.

For me personally, I just naturally assumed I was going to college down here," he said. "But if things got worse, then I suppose I would have no choice.

Florida state lawmakers have passed laws that block classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools and aim to restrict race-based conversation and analysis in business and education. Another recent bill would let the state board that oversees public universities give direction on removing majors and minors in subjects like critical race theory and gender studies and bar spending on programs or activities that support such curricula.

Codys mother, Cindy Nobles, who serves as president of the Jacksonville chapter of the LGBTQ advocacy group PFLAG, said Floridas legislation has "changed how Im looking at every school."

Now instead of worrying about whether its going to be a fit for the major he wants to go into, I have to look at the board of trustees. I have to look at the political viewpoints of the people who are in charge of the schools and figure out whether or not theyre going to be a good fit before I even worry about his major.

Interviews with students, parents and college counselors suggest LGBTQ young people are striking colleges in states where such legislation is being pushed. Some students worry about having access to hormone therapy while away at school, some want to attend schools with all-gender housing options, and others fear hostile rhetoric puts them at a heightened risk of physical violence.

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Across the country, state legislators have moved to restrict LGBTQ rights with hundreds of bills already this year, including in Texas, Alabama, Tennessee and Arizona. Some of the bills would ban transgender students from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity, while others would stop people from changing their gender identity on official documents or force teachers to tell parents about any information they learn on a student's gender identity.

Advocates say a shift in college applications from LGBTQ students could lead to diminished diversity at colleges, where part of the learning experience is encountering people of different backgrounds. Others, like Sarah Eckhardt, a Democratic state senator from Texas, also caution that legislation targeting LGBTQ rights could stifle academic research and harm the state economy.

"Our state is home to some of the top universities in the country, yet many GOP lawmakers are set on infringing on the rights and safety of the very students, faculty and staff that make up these world class institutions," a spokesperson for Eckhardt said in a statement to NBC News. "With almost 75 bills filed that would be detrimental to our LGBTQ+ community  and state as a whole  Texans have an uphill battle in advocating for simple equality."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 presidential candidate, recently asked Floridas state universities to report data on the number of students who sought or received gender dysphoria treatment, including sex reassignment surgery and hormones. And last week, the bill that would direct universities to remove majors and minors on gender studies and other programs dealing with diversity  an issue DeSantis has championed  was introduced in the Florida Legislature.

Like DEI and CRT, radical gender ideology has supplanted academics at many institutions of higher education, Jeremy Redfern, DeSantis deputy press secretary, wrote in a statement, referring to policies on diversity, equity and inclusion and critical race theory, which teaches about structural racism. We are committed to fully understanding the amount of public funding that is going toward such non-academic pursuits to best assess how to get our colleges and universities refocused on education and truth.

Redfern declined to provide evidence for his claim or comment on whether he thought fewer LGBTQ students would want to attend Florida's public colleges and universities as a result of state actions.

While research on how anti-LGBTQ legislation could affect college applications is limited, college counselors say families are increasingly raising the issue as a factor in their decisions on where to attend. Venkates Swaminathan, the chief executive of LifeLaunchr, a college admissions counseling firm, said between 20 and 30 of the few hundred students he works with each year express concerns about state legislation. Daniel Santos, CEO of Prepory college counseling, echoed the point, adding that one of his gay students struck every college in a red state from their list this year, deleting the University of Florida, the University of Texas at Austin, Washington and Lee University, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Eric Sherman, a counselor at IvyWise, a college admissions counseling company in New York, said between 10% and 15% of the students he works with flag campus climate for LGBTQ students as an issue of concern. LGBTQ students tended to categorically exclude certain parts of the country, he said.

Brandon Wolf, press secretary for the LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Florida, said fear is driving the issue.

Sending a kid out of the nest and into the world for the first time is already really scary when youve spent 18 years making sure that they eat three square meals a day and have clothes on their back and take a shower in the morning," Wolf said. "Its scary to send them off into the world for the first time, and that becomes infinitely more terrifying when you are concerned youre sending them to a state where simply the person they are may put them in grave danger because the most powerful leader in that state has placed a target on their back.

Instances of violence targeting LGBTQ people more than tripled in the last year, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Renan Barker, a 17-year-old Ohio resident who uses they/he pronouns, said they wanted to attend school in California, where they wouldnt fear for their safety. But Barker couldnt afford the out-of-state tuition and will attend Kent State University instead. Barker expressed fear about leaving home, beyond the nervous excitement many students feel before starting college.

If something were to happen to me, if I am hate-crimed or something like that, I cant just go home and be like, 'Mom, help me.' I dont have that comfort, that net, Barker said.

Stella Keating is refusing to go to school in a state where anti-trans bills have reached the legislative floor, indicating support among lawmakers. She added that politicians rhetoric about LGBTQ people has adversely affected her mental health. It excuses the behavior. It allows for transphobia everywhere, Keating said. It makes it seem, Oh well, my senator can do this so so can I. And I can make fun of the trans kids at my school, thats okay. That seeps into everyday life.

Stella Keating (Jamika Scott)

According to a 2021 survey by the Trevor Project, a LGBTQ youth suicide prevention group, 94% of LGBTQ young people said recent politics had negatively affected their mental health.

Parents of LGBTQ students also said that concerns over state politics are influencing how they approach school choices for their children.

Melissa McLaren, an Ohio resident with a transgender daughter, said she scoured college sites to see whether they had LGBTQ-specific housing as an option, health services for LGBTQ students, and mental health programs for LGBTQ young people.

Cindy Nobles researched campus crime rates and anti-LGBTQ violence for schools of interest to Cody.

At this point there are so many things that we have to worry about, to be honest I dont even know where to start, Nobles said. It just made what should be a fun time of his life very scary for me as a parent.

Some colleges in conservative states have taken action to counter the potential influence of anti-LGBTQ legislation, emphasizing their openness to LGBTQ students, said Ellen Kahn, senior director of programs and partnerships at the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group. Anti-LGBTQ legislation has been a clarion call for higher education leaders, and some colleges and universities have begun to compete to be a school of choice for LGBTQ students, she added.

Duke University, for example, added an option to its application form to allow LGBTQ students to write about their identity and how it affects them, Santos said. Sherman added that students seem more receptive to applying to schools with websites that emphasize an LGBTQ student center and other support mechanisms.

Shane Windmeyer, founder and executive director of Campus Pride, which helps students identify LGBTQ-friendly campuses, said sympathetic policies are crucial for students who for financial reasons must attend a public university in their state. Some colleges in red states, like the University of North Florida and the University of Texas at Austin, are serving as a safe haven for LGBTQ students, Windmeyer said.

Wolf, of Equality Florida, said that Floridas higher education system loses out on talented students because of the states legislation, a point that Kahn mirrored, saying she worries about brain drain."

Cindy Nobles, meanwhile, said shes considering sending Cody to school in Michigan, where his sisters live and she feels hed be safer. It has definitely been put on the table, Cindy Nobles said. As much as I dont want to see him move across the country, for his safety I might have to.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
STURGIS  Kari Hatt was selected by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors as the chamber's new executive director.

Hatt, who started March 1, replaces Roxanne Persing, who recently left the position to teach at Sturgis Public Schools.

Bret Hamlin, the chamber's president, said the board is "excited to recruit someone with Kari's experience and talent."

Kari Hatt

"She has an understanding what it takes to be successful and is extremely passionate about our community," Hamlin said.

Hatt moved to Sturgis nearly 30 years ago and is a 2001 Sturgis High School graduate. She has a degree in marketing from Central Michigan University, and for the past 12 years has been a partner at Culture by Choice, which helps organizations nationwide with developing and improving communication and leadership skills. Hatt has worked at the chamber as an executive assistant and most recently served as the board's vice president.

"I am so delighted to bring my focus back to my own community where my family and friends live, grow and thrive," Hatt said. "Having the opportunity to connect with businesses and community members on a new level excites and energizes me."

Hatt's hiring as executive director came the day before the chamber of commerce marked its 100th anniversary.

According to the 1923 Sturgis Daily Journal, the chamber was organized at a meeting held March 2, at the Episcopal parish house. The house at the time was serving as a community civic center. Nine directors were appointed at that first meeting. On March 9, 1923, the directors met in the basement of the Sturgis library and elected its officers, including Mark Haines as president. Haines was editor and publisher of the Journal.

The chamber is currently looking at ways to mark its 100th anniversary throughout the year.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis chamber hires new director, celebrates 100 years
Tense relations between the U.S. and China and the looming 2024 presidential race are likely to dominate the Sunday talk shows circuit this weekend.

U.S.-China relations have faced repeated complications in recent weeks, from the Chinese spy balloon debacle to Beijings potential involvement in the war in Ukraine to renewed interest in the COVID-19 lab leak theory.

A Chinese surveillance balloon spent a week traversing the U.S. in early February, before being shot down off the coast of South Carolina. The initial balloon, as well as a trio of high-flying objects that the military shot down in its wake, caused an uproar among lawmakers in Washington.

Beijing accused the U.S. of overreacting to the incident, which it claimed was simply a weather balloon blown off course. However, the U.S. military has maintained that the balloon was surveilling strategic sites in the U.S.

The balloon drama was quickly followed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other top U.S. officials warnings in mid-February that China was strongly considering providing Russia with lethal aid for its war in Ukraine.

China hit back at the allegations, urging the U.S. to seriously reflect on the role it has played in the Russia-Ukraine war and do something to actually help deescalate the situation and promote peace talks.

Beijing has sought to portray itself as a neutral arbiter in the war, even releasing a 12-point peace plan and calling for a cease-fire and peace talks alongside Belarus last week.

However, the U.S. has accused China of providing Russia with non-lethal aid, and Beijings relationship with Belarus  one of the few countries to stand by Moscow amid its invasion of Ukraine  has been eyed with suspicion.

Renewed interest in the COVID-19 lab leak theory has also inflamed tensions with China. After reports emerged on Sunday that the Department of Energy had found with low confidence that COVID-19 may have been caused by a lab leak, the Biden administration is facing increased pressure to confront China on the issue.

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FBI Director Christopher Wray also said on Tuesday that the agency had assessed that the origin of the pandemic was most likely a potential lab incident. However, the White House has warned that there is not yet widespread government consensus on the issue.

In response to the allegations, Chinese officials claimed that the country has been open and transparent on origins tracing efforts and accused the U.S. of politicizing the issue.

By politicizing the issue, the U.S. will not succeed in discrediting China. Instead, it will only hurt the U.S.s own credibility, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), who serves as chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, will chat about the unresolved questions on COVID-19s origins with CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday. Wenstrups subcommittee is set to hold its first hearing on the pandemics origins on Wednesday.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, will also join ABCs This Week on Sunday to discuss rising tensions with China and Russia, while Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will join Fox News Sunday to discuss the current state of foreign relations.

Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures also appears to have a particular focus on U.S.-China relations this weekend, with a group of Republican lawmakers and leading GOP figures lined up to react to President Bidens stance on China.

The looming 2024 presidential election is also likely to a major talking topic of discussion on the Sunday shows.

Marianne Williamson, who officially launched her 2024 campaign on Saturday, will join ABCs This Week on Sunday to discuss her long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination.

Several potential Republican contenders will also make the rounds  including Pompeo, Gov. Chris Sununu (R-N.H.), former Gov. Larry Hogan (R-Md.) and former Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.)  as the GOP race heats up.

Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this weeks Sunday talk shows:

ABCs This Week  Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska); Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson

NBCs Meet the Press  Reps. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and Jim Himes (D-Conn.); Gov. Chris Sununu (R-N.H.)

CBS Face the Nation  Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.); Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.); Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio); former Gov. Larry Hogan (R-Md.)

CNNs State of the Union  New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D); Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.); former Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.)

Fox News Sunday  Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.)

Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures  Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio); Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas); Stephen Miller, former White House Senior Advisor and president of America First Legal; Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican presidential candidate

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Class 464 of the sheriff's training academy graduates Friday in a ceremony at East Los Angeles College. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

This was no ordinary graduation speech.

It had to balance celebration  the achievement of 56 recruits graduating from the L.A. County sheriff's academy  with tragedy  the fact that 12 classmates weren't able to share this momentous day.

One remains in critical condition. Two are in rehabilitation. All are grappling with the trauma of a terrible Wednesday four months ago.

That Nov. 16 morning, an SUV veered into the wrong lane during an academy training run and crashed into the formation. Bodies went flying, leaving behind what one witness likened to "a war scene."

They were just eight weeks into the academy, and the recruits  training to become deputies and police officers  found themselves applying tourniquets and packing wounds with their white T-shirts.

The wreckage of the Nov. 16 crash, after a car plowed into members of Class 464 who were on a training run. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)

Even as the months passed and they returned to the academy, reminders of that day remained: in updates on a recruit fighting for his life in the hospital; in the green water bottles bearing the names of two injured classmates, left on their desks; in the drive to make it to graduation day to honor those who couldn't.

Capt. Pat Macdonald, who leads the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments training bureau, struggled with how to capture hope, resilience and loss in one speech.

On Friday morning, in front of a crowd of hundreds, Macdonald found the words.

"Class 464 is a resilient and remarkable group, and they had to grow up quick," he said. "Unlike most police officers, they did not get six months of academy training before they found themselves in the middle of a high-risk, life-and-death situation."

::

Deputies Christopher Cenderelli and Arin Davidian demonstrate a hold during a defensive tactics class at the STARS academy in Whittier. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Seventy-six recruits started the training program Sept. 22 at STARS, the Sheriffs Training Academy and Regional Services Center, in Whittier. Although the majority hoped to become sheriff's deputies, several were preparing to launch careers at smaller police departments.

Their reasons for getting into law enforcement were as varied as their life stories.

Oscar Mora became a Los Angeles Police Department cadet when he was 14. After he and his family became homeless, officers in the program bought him groceries. They helped him get his first job, at Ross Dress for Less, after he graduated high school.

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"If it weren't for them, I probably wouldn't be here," said the 23-year-old, who has applied to become a sheriff's deputy. "I have to follow in their footsteps and inspire other young people."

Sylvia Granados, 28, wants to help change the perception of law enforcement and "humanize the badge." Born in Mexico, she hopes to help Latinos "feel safe to approach someone like me."

Brendan Kilgore is a Marine turned registered nurse who has "always had a desire to be of service." After deciding that law enforcement was his calling, he applied to the Glendale Police Department.

Class 464 after a grueling defensive tactics class, in full uniform at STARS in Whittier. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

The men and women would spend a punishing 22 weeks at the academy. They would endure Black Monday, the boot-camp-style initiation, practice defensive tactics on one another, go through intense physical training.

Their biggest challenge, though, came in their eighth week  on Nov. 16.

That day, Kilgore rose at 3 a.m. and met up with his carpool to head to STARS. Once there, he was briefed on the plan for physical training  a four-mile off-campus run. Class 463 had left for the same run about 20 minutes before.

One of eight road guards, Kilgore had to block traffic and help guide Class 464 through intersections. He ran at the back of the formation and wore a yellow reflective vest.

They were about a mile into the run when it happened. Yadira Fernandez, 29, had just finished tying her shoe and caught up to her spot in the third row when she spotted an SUV coming straight at them.

A resident surveys the scene after a motorist plowed into Los Angeles County sheriff's cadets during a morning run Nov. 16 in Whittier. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

As the car barreled toward her, Fernandez froze. A fellow recruit yanked her out of harm's way. They crashed into a black fence.

"After that, it was just chaos," she said. "I just remember chaos."

The Honda CR-V had crashed into recruits in the middle of the formation who didn't have time to jump out of the way. The vehicle then slammed into a lamppost, which prevented it from striking more recruits. The pole knocked down a wire, which caught fire.

Everyone sprang into action. Two staff instructors rushed to detain the driver, 22-year-old Nicholas Gutierrez.

Fernandez ran to a recruit who was on the ground, hysterical and trying to get up.

"Is my leg still there?" he asked Fernandez. He couldn't feel it.

"Your leg is still there; you just have to relax," she reassured him. She told him he might have a spinal injury, and getting up could make it worse.

Mora tended to another recruit who was bleeding profusely. With bare hands, he fished concrete shards from a gaping wound in her leg. Another recruit, who had experience as an emergency medical technician, came to help.

Kilgore's military and nursing experience kicked in. He told fellow recruits to roll a man who was coughing on his own blood onto his side. Then he ran to Alex Martinez, who had been thrown about 20 feet. Martinez's legs appeared to be broken; one had already swollen to the size of a small trash can. Kilgore put a tourniquet on the left leg.

Soon after, Kilgore heard a familiar voice shout his name. When he turned around, he saw his older brother, an L.A. County firefighter and one of the first responders. His brother asked if he was OK.

Kilgore held up his bloodstained hands and broke down in tears.

::

"464 until the day I die. ... Second to none, that's my battle cry."

Class 464 runs along the strand in Huntington Beach. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Members of Class 464 present a plaque to the father and brother of fallen Monterey Park police officer Gardiel Solorio in Huntington Beach. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The cadence call rang out as Class 464 ran down the Huntington Beach boardwalk Feb. 10. The recruits were on the four-mile Colors Run, which they dedicated to Gardiel Solorio, a Monterey Park police officer who was off duty when he was fatally shot last fall.

Alondra Reyes trailed after the group with her 5- and 10-year-old in tow. Her son held a sign that read "Go Class 464 We Love You!!!" Reyes was supporting her husband, who for decades had wanted to be in law enforcement.

"Being able to see them in their final stages is overwhelmingly joyful," she said.

The group ran past surfers with half-zipped wetsuits, washing off sand. As other runners spotted the recruits, they wondered aloud about Gutierrez, who had mowed down the trainees three months earlier.

"Has he been charged yet?" one woman asked her running partner. He didn't know.

Gutierrez was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of peace officers shortly after the incident but was released the day after the crash. His lawyer said Gutierrez had fallen asleep at the wheel on his way to work.

No case has been presented to the district attorneys office, according to a spokesperson, so Gutierrez has not been charged with a crime. The California Highway Patrol said the investigation remains active.

Class 464 works out in Huntington Beach. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

As the recruits finished their run Feb. 10, Rachel Macdonald was there to cheer them on. If not for the crash, she would have been running with them. She and 11 other recruits had to separate from the class due to injuries. They left the academy and would not be graduating in March.

Macdonald, who broke her ankle in the crash, plans to join another academy class in the summer. The separation was devastating, she said, because she lived through the experience with Class 464.

"They just get it, and you had that community," she said. "To get ripped from that  that was probably the hardest part of getting separated."

But being there for the Colors Run, all she felt was joy for the recruits.

"Theyve created this legacy of overcoming what seemed like insurmountable trauma, and now theyre here on the other side of it," the 31-year-old said. "I can follow in the same footsteps too."

::

The 56 recruits helped one another pin badges to blue or tan uniforms on graduation day Friday. The ceremony would start in less than two hours. They wore white gloves and black shoes so shiny they reflected the fluorescent lights backstage in the auditorium at East Los Angeles College.

In the waiting crowd, family members held cutouts of graduates' faces and carried bouquets. They wiped away tears as video played of the moments before last year's crash, showing the SUV barreling forward in the wrong lane.

"They were tested early on and worked together as a team to make it through that horrifying event," Macdonald told the crowd. "This incident does not define them; however, it will make them stronger as they move forward in their lives and careers."

Soon after, the recruits stood, raised their right hands and repeated after Sheriff Robert Luna as they swore their oath. They stood up as recruits. Then Luna told them, "You may now be seated as peace officers for the state of California."

Class 464 celebrates Friday during graduation at East Los Angeles College. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

The graduates erupted into cheers. They high-fived and held tight to their partners  whom they'd come to see as brothers and sisters.

Although they weren't graduating with Class 464, the recruits who had separated sat behind the formation. They cheered for the recruits turned peace officers and knew their turn would come soon.

For Kilgore and others, the day felt bittersweet.

"For the most part, it feels great. Im very excited to start my career," said Kilgore, who will start with the Glendale Police Department on Monday. "And then theres the other part of me that feels very saddened that those that we lost on Nov. 16 arent here with us. Im sure theres no price that they wouldnt pay to be here with us."

As the ceremony neared its end, Luna invited Martinez's sister and father to the stage. Martinez, who remains in critical condition, had been sworn in as a full deputy soon after the crash. Luna embraced them.

Sheriff Robert Luna presents a service badge for Alex Martinez to sister Dayanna Martinez and father Arturo Martinez during the Class 464 graduation ceremony. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Amid a standing ovation, Luna handed the teary-eyed relatives Alex's graduation certificate.

And his badge: No. 464.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WORCESTER  A Sutton man plead guilty in federal court Wednesday to possessing child pornography.

Oliver Smith, 47, a dual American-Swiss citizen, is alleged to have videotaped his preschool students in Sweden urinating and downloaded images of children on toilets, according to court documents.

Since its not hurting them, I have them for the beauty of it, investigators quoted Smith as telling them of the recordings, some of which were allegedly located in a folder labeled cute children.

IT company Yahoo! told authorities that the children in the images allegedly linked to Smith's email account were likely around the same ages as the preschool children he taught, and police raided Smiths home in Stockholm in August 2020.

In November 2020, a search warrant was executed at Smith's Sutton residence after authorities were notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Swedish law enforcement.

Several devices were seized and a forensic review of a memory card in Smith's backpack revealed videos and images containing child pornography, according to the office of U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Rachael S. Rollins.

Authorities also said Smith had access to an email account which contained images of child pornography and he had emailed child pornography from his account to another that he also controlled in 2019.

U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 11.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Former Swedish preschool teacher living in Sutton pleads guilty to possession of child pornography
A Minneapolis taqueria experienced an unexpected brush with online fame after a regular customers video celebrating and gently mocking the restaurants Millenial grey bathroom went viral on TikTok.

In the video, TikTok user @chloeisag, whose real name is Chloe Guild, warns viewers, Nothing can prepare you for what the bathroom looks like, before entering Pineda Tacos Pluss restroom.

Inside, the camera pans over the bathrooms modern grey interior and wall art with an inspirational quote, as Ms Guild sings in autotune.

Theres a Millennial gray looking restroom inside the Mexican restaurant, she sings. Its giving sponsored by Hobby Lobby. Its giving house flipping renovated kitchen looking. Its giving airport. Its giving Live Laugh Love. its giving corporate. Its giving womens conference. Im not trying to hate. Im trying to say, I didnt expect a Mexican [restaurant] bathroom to look that way.

The video has been viewed more than 3m times.

Luis Reyes Rojas, who has owned the business for nearly 10 years on Minneapoliss Lake Street, said that hes grateful, if slightly surprised, by the sudden attention.

Its free publicity, and thanks to God since that day that she came, he told Sahan Journal . Many Americans have comeeven if its just to see the bathroom.

The restaurateur explained that the bathroom has a unique origin. In 2020, a neighbouring business vacated their property amid the civil unrest and looting that followed the Minneapolis police murder of George Floyd. Mr Rojas expanded into that building and constructed a new bathroom with his wife, who has an interest in decor and took the lead on designing the bathrooms.

My wife told me, Give me a chance to build that bathroom how I want to, Mr Reyes added in Sahan Journal.

Millennial grey is a loosely defined term, describing a matte light grey look that has popped up often in minimalist Airbnbs, IKEA furniture, recently renovated homes , and other products and spaces marketed towards Millenials.

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On TikTok, videos describing the aethestic tagged under the topic  Millenial grey core  have nearly 3bn combined views.

Notably, social media commentary about the look tends to have a negative slant.

Every time original hardwood floors are replaced by gray plank vinyl a year is taken from my life, one Twitter user wrote , showing a side-by-side of a hardwood floor gone Millenial grey.

Some have even argued that Millenial grey is a defining colour for this generation, representative of the homogenising aesthetics of globalism, online retail, and banal direct-to-consumer brands.

If The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit once offered a warning about conformity, he is now an inspiration, although the outfit has gotten an upgrade, the editors of the n+1 literary magazine recently wrote in an article titled, Why Is Everything So Ugly?

Today he is The Man in the Gray Bonobos, or The Man in theGray Buck Mason Crew Neck, or The Man in the Gray Mack Weldon Sweatpantsaaall delivered via gray Amazon van, they continued. The imagined color of life under communism, gray has revealed itself to be the actual hue of globalized capital.
UN continues to deliver cross-border aid into Syria

Xinhua) 10:08, March 04, 2023

Workers transfer furnitures from a residential building that was damaged during the earthquake in Hama, central Syria, on Feb. 18, 2023. (Str/Xinhua)

The United Nations has carried out 18 inter-agency cross-border missions to Northwest Syria since the first interagency visit to Idlib on Feb. 14, said a UN spokesman.

UNITED NATIONS, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-two truckloads of aid from the World Food Programme and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) crossed into Northwest Syria from Turkiye on Friday, bringing the total of cross-border delivery to 557 trucks since Feb. 9 in the wake of massive earthquakes, said a UN spokesman.

The United Nations has carried out 18 inter-agency cross-border missions to Northwest Syria since the first interagency visit to Idlib on Feb. 14, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a daily press briefing.

On Thursday, a joint delegation by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and UNICEF carried out a mission focused on gender and accountability to affected people, including a field visit to a site for internally displaced persons in Kelly Mountain and to Al-Iman hospital in Sarmada, Idlib, he said.

"Our humanitarian colleagues also tell us that over 105,000 households have reportedly been displaced following the earthquakes. Many are staying with host communities or going back to their inhabitable homes, making it very difficult to estimate the total number of displaced," said Haq.

The world body is currently supporting structural damage assessments of affected buildings to help facilitate families' return. Longer-term shelter operations are also being identified for families that cannot return to their homes due to the scope of the damage, he said.

The 400-million-U.S. dollar appeal in response to the Feb. 6 earthquakes has so far received 173 million dollars, or 43.5 percent of the funding required, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Hongyu)
The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) of China plans to deliberate 35 bills this year, some of which will be submitted for the first hearing, said a spokesperson Saturday.

The bills will cover eight areas, namely upholding and improving the system of people's congresses, building a high-standard socialist market economy, invigorating the country through science and education, turning China into a country with a strong socialist culture, improving people's wellbeing, pursuing green development, perfecting social governance system, and improving the legal system for national security, said Wang Chao, spokesperson for the first session of the 14th NPC, at a press conference ahead of the opening of the session scheduled for Sunday.

The legislative plan for the next five years is being made, and the priorities will be the legislation in key and emerging areas as well as in areas related to foreign affairs, Wang said.

Historic achievements were made by the 13th NPC Standing Committee in building a sound legal system, Wang said, adding that 47 new laws were formulated and 111 revisions to laws were adopted during its five-year tenure, while the channels for citizens to take part in legislation were expanded and whole-process people's democracy manifested throughout the legislative process.
Phoenix police.

Phoenix police have charged and arrested a teen boy on suspicion of bringing a firearm to school.

On Wednesday, just after 12:45 p.m., officers responded to Moon Valley High School regarding reports of a student on campus possessing a firearm, police said. The student was located however, a gun was not immediately found.

During follow-up investigation, officers located the firearm that was in the students possession, according to Sgt. Brian Bower, a spokesperson for Phoenix Police Department.

On Friday, the student was arrested by Phoenix police officers and booked into the Juvenile Correction Center for several charges stemming from this investigation.

According to police, Glendale Union High School District notified parents of the incident.

"This investigation showed that no specific threats were made by the teenager with the firearm and that there was not an intention to use the firearm in anyway," Bower said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Teen arrested in Phoenix on charges that he brought gun to school
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas was censured Saturday in a rare move by his state party over votes that included supporting new gun safety laws after the Uvalde school shooting in his district.

The Republican Party of Texas voted 57-5 with one abstention, underlining how the two-term congressman's willingness to break with conservatives on key issues during his short time in office has caused GOP activists and some colleagues to bristle.

That independent streak includes opposing a sweeping House GOP immigration proposal over the U.S.-Mexico border, which includes a large portion of his South Texas district. He has also voted to defend same-sex marriage and was an outright "no" against a House rules package after Republican leader Kevin McCarthy became speaker.

Gonzales was defiant before the vote and did not attend the meeting of Texas GOP leaders and activists in Austin.

Well see how that goes, he told reporters in San Antonio on Thursday.

Gonzales spent the day working, according to Sarah Young, his spokesperson.

He talked to veterans, visited with Border Patrol agents, and met constituents, Young said in a statement. The Republican Party of Texas would be wise to follow his lead and do some actual work."

The vote followed an hourlong, closed-door executive session in which party members were allowed to debate the resolution.

There were no public comments by members before or after the executive session, and the vote was held about one minute after the meeting resumed, followed by applause and cheers from committee members.

In practical terms, a censure allows the state party to come off the sidelines if Gonzales runs again in 2024 and to spend money to remind primary voters about the rebuke. Passage of a censure required a three-fifths majority, or 39 votes of the State Republican Executive Committee, according to committee Chair Matt Rinaldi.

More than a dozen county GOP clubs in Gonzales' district had already approved local censure resolutions.

Story continues

Gonzales cruised through his GOP primary and easily won reelection last year in his heavily Hispanic congressional district. He first won in 2020 to fill an open seat left by Republican Will Hurd  who also didn't shy from breaking with the GOP, and whose aides say is now considering a run for president.

The censure illustrates the intraparty fights that still flare in America's biggest red state even as Republicans celebrate 20 years of having full control of the Texas Legislature and every statewide office.

Last year, former Texas GOP Chairman Allen West stepped down from the job to mount a faint primary challenge against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The state party in 2018 also censured a former moderate Texas House speaker who opposed bathroom restrictions for transgender people.

After the Uvalde school shooting, which killed 19 students and two teachers, Gonzales supported a sweeping and bipartisan gun violence bill signed by President Joe Biden. He is also the only Texas Republican in the statehouse or Congress who has called for the resignation of the state's police chief over the fumbled law enforcement response to the attack.

_____

Miller reported from Oklahoma City.
Channel 11 is monitoring how power outages are impacting surrounding areas.

UPDATE 3/6/23 8:55 a.m.

West Penn Power says they are making progress and power has been restored to about 94% of affected customers.

UPDATE 3/6/23 5:45 a.m.

Westmoreland County still has about 1,925 power outages while Fayette has 481, according to the West Penn Power website.

Washington has 24 while Indiana has about 17.

UPDATE 3/5/23 11:50 p.m.

Power outages have dropped drastically since they first started during Friday nights wind storms. Indiana County is primarily back to normal, with only 25 reported power outages remaining.

According to the West Penn Power website, there are still 538 power outages in Fayette County.

Westmoreland County currently sits with the highest amount of power outages. 2,013 customers still do not have power in Westmoreland County.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Westmoreland County residents try to stay warm during power outages, community opens warming center

UPDATE 3/4/23 11:50 p.m.

Outages have reduced since Friday night but thousands are still without power in Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland counties.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> Strong winds cause damage, thousands of power outages throughout Fayette County

Here are the power outage numbers at last check, according to the West Penn Power website:

Fayette County: 3,123

Indiana County: 781

Westmoreland County: 4,857

As of 11:30 p.m., Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland counties continue to report thousands of outages.

Here are the power outage numbers at last check, according to the West Penn Power website:

Fayette County: 20,882

Indiana County: 2,736

Westmoreland County: 11,912

There is no estimated time of restoration at this time. The power company plans to have crews working extended shifts to restore power.

Crews will be working overnight in 16-hour shifts for around-the-clock coverage until power to all customers has been restored.



Thanks for your ongoing patience!

3/3 pic.twitter.com/bayYpL9OZG  West Penn Power (@W_Penn_Power) March 4, 2023

Weve learned that more than 80% of Connellsville is without power.

Story continues

Stay with 11 News as we continue to monitor changing conditions.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

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A mother is in custody and charged with stabbing three of her elementary school-aged children to death and injuring two others at a home in Italy, Texas on Friday afternoon, according to officials.

The mother was identified as 25-year-old Shamaiya Hall of Forney by Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV.

Child Protective Services told WFAA that all five children were siblings. Hall allegedly stabbed the children when a CPS worker dropped in unannounced to check if Hall was having unsupervised visits with her children.

CPS had previously placed the children with another relative, according to WFAA.

Child Protective Services had been at a home on the same street where the crime took place, and then quickly called for help, according to the Ellis County Sheriffs Office.

Paramedics responded to call at a home on the 300 block of South Harris Street near Stafford Elementary School at around 4 p.m., according to a report from KTVT.

Ellis County Judge Todd Little told WFAA in a statement that he believed the childrens mother was the suspect, but the investigation is ongoing.

The two children who were wounded were transported via helicopter to hospitals, according to the report.

Italy is about 1 hour south of Fort Worth.

There is no current additional threat to the greater community, officials said.
Controversy has abounded in the community of Jackson, Miss., over the past month in the aftermath of the GOP-controlled state house passing a bill that could heighten control from overwhelmingly white state leaders on a predominantly Black community.

The Mississippi state House passed House Bill 1020 mostly along party lines last month, sending the proposal to the state Senate. The legislation would establish a separate court system for part of the states capital city with judges appointed by the state chief justice and the area under the systems jurisdiction patrolled by a state-run police force.

Most of the areas impacted are the more predominantly white neighborhoods of the city.

The state representative who proposed the legislation has said the bill is necessary to address rising crime, but opponents have slammed it as racially motivated and branded it as an updated version of a Jim Crow law.

Heres three things you should know about the bill and its background:

Opponents of the bill say it calls back to the Jim Crow era

Black leaders and community members from Jackson have decried the proposal over the past weeks. They come from a community that is more than 80 percent Black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and that has elected its own judges for years.

The Hinds County Circuit Court, which currently has jurisdiction over the county that Jackson is located in, is composed of four judges who are elected by voters in the community to their positions. But the legislation states that the chief justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court would appoint each judge for the new court system to a four-year term.

The current chief justice is a white conservative first appointed by former GOP Gov. Haley Barbour.

The state-run Capitol Police are responsible for patrolling in and around state government buildings and in downtown, but the legislation would expand their jurisdiction to include wealthy shopping and residential areas, The Associated Press reported.

Story continues

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba (D) has been a top opponent of the plan, which would put a white Republican state official in charge of choosing the judges overseeing a heavily Democratic-leaning city with mostly Black residents, at least until the current chief justice retires.

AP reported that Lumumba compared the proposal to apartheid and said it institutes plantation politics.

If we allow this type of legislation to stand in Jackson, Mississippi, its a matter of time before it will hit New Orleans, its a matter of time before it hits Detroit, or wherever we find our people, he said.

Lumumba told CNNs Brianna Keilar in an interview last month that calling the bill anything other than racist would be less than honest.

It is fraught with constitutional issues, and it is an attack on Black leadership, he said.

Brooke Floyd, who works for a local nonprofit organization called Peoples Advocacy Institute that advocates for Black community members of Jackson, told The New York Times that she is worried that the Capitol Police and court system will not be accountable to the citys residents.

Its concerning on a lot of levels, because it seems theres no oversight and no accountability, Floyd said.

State Sen. John Horhn (D), who represents the Jackson area in the state senate, said the proposal has produced the most toxic atmosphere between the city and the legislature that he has seen in the more than 30 years he has served in office, the Times reported.

Chief sponsor of the bill says the legislation is to address rising crime

State Rep. Trey Lamar (R), who was the principal author of the bill, has rejected claims that the legislation has any racial motivation, instead pointing to addressing rising crime in the states capital city as the motivation behind it.

Lamar told the Times in an interview that he wants to tackle the rising crime rates and a backlog in the citys court system hearing cases.

Theres absolutely nothing about House Bill 1020  when I say nothing, I mean absolutely zero  that is racially motivated, he said.

Jackson had the highest murder rate of any major U.S. city last year despite the number of homicides dropping from the previous year.

But critics have said the area that will be covered by the new court system and the expanded jurisdiction of the police force already has the lowest crime rate of anywhere in Jackson. The police force was originally given its jurisdiction in its current areas to add to the Jackson police instead of replacing them.

The Times reported that Lamar and other backers of his bill have noted that the area the legislation would affect would still be 55 percent African American. But most Black residents of the city would still be left out of the new district because Jacksons white population is small.

Lamar said during debate on the state House floor that he is only interested in making Jackson safer and he spoke to several Hinds County residents about the bill before introducing it.

I like to come to Jackson because its the capital city, and so do my constituents back home, he said, according to The Times. White, Black, yellow, brown, it doesnt matter.

Lumumba told CNN that the stated goal of reducing crime and improving public safety is a Trojan horse. He said that the judges appointed would have the authority to hear civil and chancellery matters, which have nothing to do whatsoever with crime, in addition to criminal ones.

If your true intention is to deal with crime rate, then you wouldnt choose the safest portions of the city in order to create this district, he said.

Lumumba said state leaders have had either deliberate indifference or willful neglect to provide resources to the citys police that Jackson leaders have requested. He said this includes ballistics technology to help officers close cases and violence interruption training.

Those of us who work on these issues every day know what we need, and what we dont need is a takeover of our city and a plan in order to protect the most densely white populated portions of our city, he said.

One of multiple state efforts to increase influence over Jackson

The bill is not the only effort from Mississippi officials to further involve the state in Jacksons affairs.

The state Senate passed a bill last month that would set up a regional board to govern the citys water system, which has had difficulties over recent months in ensuring clean water that is safe to drink and use for other purposes gets to the citys roughly 150,000 residents.

The failure of the citys main water treatment plant toward the end of the summer has caused some residents to go up to weeks without tap water to use.

State Sen. David Parker (R), who proposed the bill, said the board is necessary to ensure the water is safe and because the situation is limiting the states economic development, AP reported.

This crisis has been a black eye on the city of Jackson. But its also been a problem for the state as a whole, he reportedly said, referencing an incident where a German company was considering an expansion to Mississippi but asked if the state had running water.

Lumumba and Democratic state senators have denounced the bill as an effort for the state to overreach into the citys affairs.

Mississippi looks like the old Mississippi that we heard about and some of us have lived through. We look like we are doing a taking on some Black folks, Horhn reportedly said about the water bill.

A majority of the members of the board would need to be approved by the Republican-controlled state Senate.

Gov. Tate Reeves (R) has at times slammed Lumumba over his leadership of Jackson, centered on the water system.

The Times reported that Reeves said during a visit to Hattiesburg last year that its a great day to not be in Jackson as he did not have to oversee its emergency response efforts.

Another Republican-proposed bill from this year would reallocate the citys use of sales tax collectors, according to the Times.

Jackson newspaper The Clarion-Ledger reported that the state legislature approved a 1 percent increase in Jacksons sales tax in 2014 to use the revenue gained for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, water and sewer.

But the Mississippi House passed a bill last month that would require the city to use the revenue, which totals $120 million from 2014 to 2022, only on water and sewer. Lamar, who also brought this bill forward to the House floor, said it is meant to allow the citys water administrator to use the revenue, according to the outlet.

But Democratic opponents of the legislation have said the money from the 1 percent sales tax increase would not sufficiently address the citys water issues but would significantly help with roads and bridges.

State Rep. Edward Blackmon (D) said the legislature should provide Jackson with additional funding to help the water issues instead of forcing it to reallocate funding from other objectives, The Clarion-Ledger reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
File: Tom Sizemore attends the world premiere red carpet for "Night of the Tommyknockers" at the Fine Arts Theatre on 19 November 2022 in Beverly Hills, California (Getty Images)

Tom Sizemore, the actor best known for his appearance in Saving Private Ryan, has died aged 61.

Sizemore died in his sleep on Friday at a hospital in Burbank, California, his manager Charles Lago confirmed.

He had been in a coma in an intensive care unit since he suffered a brain aneurysm on 18 February at his home in Los Angeles.

It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore  passed away peacefully in his sleep today at St Josephs Hospital Burbank. His Brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger were at his side, Mr Lago said.

Last Tursdaay (28 February), doctors caring for Sizemore said there was no further hope for his recovery after he suffered the brain aneurysm.

Born in 1961, Sizemore made one of his first movie appearances in Oliver Stones 1989 film Born on the Fourth of July. He later starred in 1991s Point Break and 1993s True Romance.

Sizemore became a star with acclaimed appearances in Natural Born Killers and the cult-classic crime thriller Heat.

He earned a reputation for playing tough-guy characters in war and action films in the 1990s and 2000s.

In the war epic Saving Private Ryan (1998) he played Mike Horvath, long-time friend of Tom Hankss Captain John Miller and second-in-command.

Sizemore was the father to 17-year-old twin daughters and was previously married to actor Maeve Quinlan.

His career was eclipsed by serious substance dependency, abuse allegations and multiple run-ins with the law, which eventually destroyed his career leaving him homeless and sending him to jail.

He has been vocal about his struggles with addiction in the past, and was convicted of domestic violence in 2003 against his then-girlfriend, Heidi Fleiss. In 2006, he pleaded no contest to using methamphetamine outside a motel.

Sizemore was arrested in Los Angeles in 2009 for a suspected battery of a former spouse, and again in 2011 for the same offence.

As the global MeToo movement wave crested in late 2017, Sizemore was also accused of groping an 11-year-old Utah girl on set in 2003.

He called the allegations highly disturbing, saying he would never inappropriately touch a child.
Tom Sizemore has died after being taken off life support, his manager Charles Lago confirmed to Variety on Friday. The 61-year-old actor suffered a brain aneurysm on Feb. 18.

It is with great sadness and sorrow I have to announce that actor Thomas Edward Sizemore (Tom Sizemore) aged 61 passed away peacefully in his sleep today at St Josephs Hospital Burbank, Lago said in a statement. His brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger (17) were at his side.

More from Variety

Lago had previously said on Feb. 27 that doctors informed his family that there is no further hope and have recommended end of life decision.

On Feb. 18, Sizemore collapsed in his Los Angeles home and was transported to the hospital by paramedics. There, doctors determined that he had suffered a brain aneurysm as the result of a stroke. Sizemore had remained in critical condition since then and had been in a coma under intensive care.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my big brother Tom, his brother Paul Sizemore said in a statement. He was larger than life. He has influenced my life more than anyone I know. He was talented, loving, giving and could keep you entertained endlessly with his wit and storytelling ability. I am devastated he is gone and will miss him always.

Born in Detroit on Nov. 29, 1961, Sizemore moved to New York City to pursue acting in the 80s. One of his first credits came in 1989 with an appearance in Oliver Stones best picture nominee Born on the Fourth of July.

Known for playing the tough guy, he rose to fame in the 1990s with films like Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, Passenger 57, True Romance and Natural Born Killers. He got his big break in Steven Spielbergs 1998 war film Saving Private Ryan, in which he played Technical Sergeant Mike Horvath. Saving Private Ryan went on to score a best picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Along with his co-stars, among them Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, Sizemore received a Screen Actors Guild nomination for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture. Over the course of his career, Sizemore has worked with directors including Michael Mann, Martin Scorsese, Peter Hyams, Carl Franklin, Oliver Stone, Ridley Scott and Michael Bay.

Story continues

Sizemore was also a convicted abuser. In 2003, he was convicted of domestic violence against his girlfriend at the time, and in 2017, Sizemore pled no contest to two charges of domestic violence after being arrested a few months earlier on suspicion of assaulting his partner.

In 2005, Sizemore was sentenced to several months in jail after being caught attempting to fake a urine test. In 2007, he was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, and in 2019, he was arrested for possession of various illegal narcotics. Sizemore has been public about his struggles with substance abuse, appearing on Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew and Dr. Phil to discuss his legal troubles.

In 1998, the actor shared that his Heat and Witness to the Mob co-star, Robert De Niro, personally assisted in helping Sizemore enter a drug rehabilitation program. In 2013, the actor released a memoir detailing his career and personal battle with addiction, titled By Some Miracle I Made It Out of There.

Sizemore is survived by his two children, Jagger and Jayden. There will be a private cremation service for Sizemores family, with a larger celebration of life event planned in a few weeks.

Best of Variety

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Click here to read the full article.
Tom Sizemore attends the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. (Victoria Will / Invision / AP)

Actor Tom Sizemore, known for his work in films such as "Saving Private Ryan," "True Romance" and "Black Hawk Down," has died at 61 after a brain aneurysm.

Sizemore died Friday at a hospital in Burbank, according to his manager, Charles Lago. The actor had been taken to the intensive-care unit of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank on Feb. 18, where he was listed in critical condition and remained in a coma.

Earlier this week, Lago released a statement on behalf of the "Heat" actor's kin: "Doctors informed his family that there is no further hope and have recommended end-of-life decision."

Lago said in a statement that Sizemore "passed away peacefully in his sleep ... at St Josephs Hospital Burbank. His brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger were at his side."

In 1998, Sizemore starred opposite Tom Hanks and Matt Damon in Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning World War II drama "Saving Private Ryan." Sizemore portrayed Capt. Millers (Hanks) right-hand man, Sgt. Mike Horvath, a loyal and courageous soldier who delivers the movie's titular line and keeps souvenirs from each military tour he's completed.

Sizemore accepted the career-altering role of Horvath on a whim. He was just about to start shooting Terrence Malicks "The Thin Red Line" in Australia when Spielberg called and asked him, "Do you want to go to Australia with Terry Malick or do you want to come to Great Britain and Ireland with me and Tom Hanks?"

"I told him I wanted to go to Great Britain and Ireland," he said in 2018.

It was a seminal experience for me because it was like being invited behind the curtain of Oz. Steven and his crew were operating on a total different level than I had ever witnessed," he added, "the scope of his vision, the attention to detail was beyond anything I had ever dreamed of.

Tom Sizemore in 2014. (Jordan Strauss / Associated Press)

Born Nov. 29, 1961, Thomas Edward Sizemore Jr. grew up in Detroit. His father was a lawyer and professor and his mother an ombudsman for the city.

Story continues

"I was a tough kid," Sizemore recalled in 1995. "I dont punch people anymore.

Eventually, Sizemore's family relocated to the suburbs until his father got a divorce, and the children moved back to Detroit with their mother. By the age of 16, Sizemore "wanted to get on with" his life.

"I knew I wanted to be an actor," he told The Times in 1995. "I wanted to get out of Detroit.

After attending Wayne State University, Sizemore earned a master's degree in theater from Temple University and moved to New York City to pursue acting. His first break came when Oliver Stone cast him for a small role in "Born on the Fourth of July."

Sizemore played tough-guy roles throughout the 1990s in films such as "Natural Born Killers," "Wyatt Earp" and "Heat" and later had a recurring role in the television series "China Beach." In 2000, he received a Golden Globe nomination for his leading performance as a former mobster on the run in the TV movie "Witness Protection." He also had a starring role in the high-profile military drama "Black Hawk Down."

Outside his film and TV work, Sizemore also dabbled in theater. At Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse in 2011, he staged a private reading of his one-man show, "I Am Not Sam," that explored his biracial identity. During the performance, he adopted the voice of his Black grandfather, who warned him to never reveal his biracial heritage if he wanted to make it in Hollywood.

"I hate this stuff," Sizemore said as people gathered to congratulate him after the reading. "Im going to leave in a second."

Sizemore accumulated more than 200 acting credits spanning movies, video games, theater and TV. His final role was as a doctor in the 2022 comedy series "Barbee Rehab."

Throughout his career, Sizemore was often in the headlines for his run-ins with law enforcement. In 2003, he was convicted of abusing his girlfriend, Heidi Fleiss, and served 17 months in jail.

During his trial, Sizemore's attorneys denied Fleiss' allegations and accused her of trying to blackmail him. He was found guilty of domestic violence, criminal threats and harassing phone calls.

He was also arrested once on suspicion of assaulting another girlfriend in downtown L.A. and twice on suspicion of battery of a former spouse. Additionally, he was formerly detained on suspicion of transporting or selling a controlled substance, and he pleaded no contest in 2006 to using methamphetamine outside a Bakersfield motel.

Sizemore was open about his struggles with drug addiction  once even volunteering to detox on national television by participating in a season of the VH1 reality series, "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew."

Appearing on "Larry King Live" in 2010, Sizemore told the late TV host that he became addicted to cocaine after using the drug for the first time with "a famous actor" when his Hollywood dreams were starting to come true. He also struggled with addiction to heroin and crystal meth.

"If I didn't do it, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't get out of bed," Sizemore told King. "But I got no pleasure from it, and it was destroying my career. ... I'm an actor. I've been acting for 30 years, and I wasn't doing it anymore. I didn't have any money. ... I was fairly hopeless."

In 2011, Sizemore announced that he would write a book about his experiences with "substance abuse." He released his memoir, "By Some Miracle I Made It Out of There," in 2013.

The fact that Im now sober over two years  and that Im acting as much as I did before  proves that people can overcome obstacles even when theyre sure they cant, Sizemore said ahead of the book's release.

Sizemore is survived by his 17-year-old twin sons, Jagger and Jayden.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Reuters

Tom Sizemore, the powerful character actor known for his roles in films including Saving Private Ryan, Natural Born Killers, Heat, Black Hawk Down, and Pearl Harbor, has died at the age of 61.

Earlier this week, a representative for Sizemores family shared that they were deciding end of life matters in the wake of the actors brain aneurysm earlier this month.

Late Friday, a rep for the actor told TMZ he had passed away peacefully at an L.A.-area hospital after being taken off life support.

His Brother Paul and twin boys Jayden and Jagger (17) were at his side, spokesman Charles Lago was quoted as saying.

Sizemore, born in Detroit, began his screen career in the late 1980s and achieved notoriety in the 1990s, when he often played a mixture of police officers and con artistsor some middle ground between the two. Roles in such films as Heart and Souls and True Romance in 1993, Wyatt Earp in 1994, and Oliver Stones Natural Born Killers in 1994 cemented his reputation as a charismatic powerhouse.

In 1995, the public became aware of Sizemores substance issues after his Heat co-star Robert de Niro staged an intervention. In a recent report about Sizemores health, The Wrap quotes an Access Hollywood interview from 2013 in which the actor reflected on the moment: I walked in to see my shrink and I walked in and there were all these people there and I sit down and Bob came in and goes, OK. OK, now we can talk Now you listen to me, Im no psychiatrist but youre either going to go to rehab or go to prison, and in walks a cop.

I was trying to make a joke out of it because all these people are there and Im embarrassed and he went, Tom, Im not playing. Theyll put you in jail for a year! Sizemore reportedly added.

Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Sizemore continued to turn in performances that would define his career in such films as Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down. Still, his career began to languish amid his personal troubles, which came to include drug-abuse arrests and domestic violence and abuse allegations.

Story continues

As the Daily Mail noted in a 2011 report, Sizemores now ex-wife Maeve Quinlan accused the actor of spousal abuse in 1997. In 2016, TMZ reported that Sizemore had been arrested for domestic violence and noted hed received a six-month jail sentence in 2003 for allegedly assaulting Heidi Fleiss, his girlfriend at the time. In 2005, a sex tape leaked in which the actor was shown having intercourse with multiple women.

In 2017after Sizemore had begun to mount a surprising career comeback fueled in part by a stint on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. DrewThe Hollywood Reporter reported that Sizemore had previously been removed from the set of Born Killers (a separate film from Oliver Stones Natural Born Killers) in 2003 after a then-11-year-old actress told her parents hed touched her genitals. As People magazine noted in a recent report about Sizemores health, the actress sued Sizemore, who denied her allegations, in 2018 when she was in her twenties. When a Utah judge dismissed the case in 2020, the actresss lawyer told USA Today that the decision had been made due to a recent, separate decision in Utah regarding the statute of limitations. In an emailed statement to the paper at the time, Sizemore wrote, I hope this highly disturbing matter is finally over for all concerned.

In spite of his frequently public personal issues, Sizemore received multiple awards and nominations throughout his career. His turn as Milo Peck in Ron Underwoods 1993 film Heart and Souls earned him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 1999, Sizemore received a SAG nomination alongside his co-stars in Saving Private Ryan, for outstanding performance by a cast. And in 2000, his performance in Witness Protection scored a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television.

In recent years, Sizemore has appeared in dozens of films. On Feb. 18, he was found unconscious in his home, and earlier this week his manager, Charles Lago, said in a statement that hes been in a coma in intensive care since then. He noted in a statement Tuesday that doctors had told Sizemores family that there is no further hope.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The diesel-electric submarine Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky of the Russian Pacific Fleet test-launched a Caliber cruise missile from the Sea of Japan, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

As part of a combat training plan, the submarine secretly arrived at the designated area in the Sea of Japan and launched the missile from underwater, which successfully hit a coastal target located over 1,000 km away in Russia's Khabarovsk region, the ministry said in a statement.

Ships and aircraft of the Russian Pacific Fleet closed the missile firing area in advance, the ministry added.
By Phil Stewart

NORTHEAST SYRIA (Reuters) -The nearly eight-year-old U.S. deployment to Syria to combat Islamic State is still worth the risk, the top U.S. military officer said on Saturday, after a rare, unannounced visit to a dusty base in the country's northeast to meet U.S. troops.

Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, flew to Syria to assess efforts to prevent a resurgence of the militant group and review safeguards for American forces against attacks, including from drones flown by Iran-backed militia.

While Islamic State is a shadow of the group that ruled over a third of Syria and Iraq in a Caliphate declared in 2014, hundreds of fighters are still camped in desolate areas where neither the U.S.-led coalition nor the Syrian army, with support from Russia and Iranian-backed militias, exert full control.

Thousands of other Islamic State fighters are in detention facilities guarded by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, America's key ally in the country.

American officials say that Islamic State could still regenerate into a major threat.

But the mission, which former President Donald Trump nearly ended in 2018 before softening his withdrawal plans, is remnant of the larger global war against terrorism that had included once the war in Afghanistan and a far larger U.S. military deployment to Iraq.

Asked by reporters traveling with him if he believed the Syria deployment of roughly 900 U.S. troops to Syria was worth the risk, Milley tied the mission to the security of the United States and its allies, saying: "If you think that that's important, then the answer is 'Yes.'"

"I happen to think that's important," Milley said.

"So I think that an enduring defeat of ISIS and continuing to support our friends and allies in the region ... I think those are important tasks that can be done."

The mission carries risk. Four U.S. troops were wounded during a helicopter raid last month when an Islamic State leader triggered an explosion.

Story continues

Last month, the U.S. military shot down an Iranian-made drone in Syria that was attempting to conduct reconnaissance on a patrol base in northeastern Syria.

Three drones targeted a U.S. base in January in Syria's Al-Tanf region. The U.S. military said two of the drones were shot down while the remaining drone hit the compound, injuring two members of the Syrian Free Army forces.

U.S. officials believe drone and rocket attacks are being directed by Iran-backed militia, a reminder of the complex geopolitics of Syria where Syrian President Bashar al-Assad counts on support from Iran and Russia and sees U.S. troops as occupiers.

America's NATO ally Turkey has also threatened a broad offensive in Syria that would threaten the U.S. military's Syrian Kurdish partners, who Ankara views as terrorists.

U.S. Army Major General Matthew McFarlane, who commands the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, described attacks against U.S. forces as a "distraction from our main mission."

McFarlane cited progress against Islamic State, including through the reduction in the numbers of internally displaced people at refugee camps -- a pool of vulnerable people who could be recruited by Islamic State.

The al-Hol camp houses around more than 50,000 people, including Syrians, Iraqis and other nationals who fled the conflict, and McFarlane estimated around 600 babies were born there every year.

Lieutenant Kamal Alsawafy from the Michigan National Guard is one of the U.S. soldiers in Syria helping provide security for Iraqis leaving al-Hol to be repatriated back to Iraq in protected convoys.

The son of Iraqi refugees who emigrated to the United States, Alsawafy said helping Iraqi refugees brings him joy and described watching people at al-Hol cheering as Iraqis departed the camps for better lives back in Iraq.

"It's a good feeling," Alsawafy said.

McFarlane said he believed there would come a time when U.S. partners in Syria could manage on their own. But there is no publicly known target date to complete that transition.

"Over time, I do envision us transitioning when the conditions are met, where our partners can independently have a sustainable capacity and capability to keep ISIS in check," he said.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Diane Craft)
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD) First Quarter 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: CA$11.5b (up 2.9% from 1Q 2022).

Net income: CA$1.50b (down 59% from 1Q 2022).

Profit margin: 13% (down from 33% in 1Q 2022). The decrease in margin was driven by higher expenses.

EPS: CA$0.82 (down from CA$2.03 in 1Q 2022).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Toronto-Dominion Bank Revenues Beat Expectations, EPS Falls Short

Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 9.3%. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 56%.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 1.9% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 5.4% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Canada.

Performance of the Canadian Banks industry.

The company's shares are down 2.3% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

We don't want to rain on the parade too much, but we did also find 1 warning sign for Toronto-Dominion Bank that you need to be mindful of.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Students comfort each other on the Michigan State University campus after a gunman killed 3 people on February 13. Scott Olson/Getty Images

On Feb. 13, a gunman shot and killed 3 people on MSU's campus and injured 5.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the MSU community joined together to support.

"Unscrupulous businesses" are accused of selling unlicensed MSU items possibly under the guise of donating proceeds.

The Michigan State University is still reeling from an on-campus mass shooting just last month, and the university is warning the community about scammers capitalizing on the tragedy.

Lisa Parker, senior director of alumni engagement at MSU, blamed "trauma entrepreneurs" in a tweet claiming a photo of two of her friends had been edited to look like they were wearing an "Always a Spartan" sweatshirt design.

In her tweet, Parker urged users not to buy the sweatshirt as it wasn't the design her friends actually were wearing in the photo, which was taken at MSU's "Spirit Sunday" when the university came together for emotional support following the shooting that left multiple people dead.

"They were NOT wearing this sweatshirt design. The company altered the photo," Parker wrote.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the original sweatshirt design was that of MSU donor recognition coordinator Andersen Herminia Boyer, who made sweatshirts for herself and other members of her alumni group. But the edited photo was being used to sell another design.

While neither design was authorized by MSU to be sold, Detroit Free Press reported that the brand promoting the edited design is "Love MSU," and its Facebook profile picture was reportedly changed to Oxford High School shooting survivor Emma Riddle following the tragedy at MSU.

"It's unconscionable. It's like soulless. I don't understand how anyone can live with themselves profiting off the death of three kids, injuring so many more and the ripple effects into their families," Boyer said, per the local publication.

Story continues

Boyer's design isn't currently for sale, but an MSU alumni group told followers that she was working with the university to make the sweatshirt available for purchase.

In a statement on February 21, MSU warned its community of potential scammers selling merchandise under the guise of donating to the school's "Spartan Strong Fund." The university also provided a list of approved vendors; Love MSU was not among those.

"Unscrupulous businesses and individuals have engaged in selling unlicensed apparel and other merchandise. The university cannot verify that proceeds from the sales of these unlicensed products will be donated to the Spartan Strong Fund," the university said in a statement, according to CBS News.

Michigan police identified 43-year-old Anthony McRae as the suspect responsible for fatally shooting three people and injuring five more before taking his own life on February 13 on the campus of MSU.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ina Garten loves making tiramisu for her husband Jeffrey (pictured together). I recently tried her easy and delicious recipe. Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images

Ina Garten loves making a classic tiramisu for Jeffrey, her husband of 54 years.

I tried making her easy recipe, which only took me 15 minutes of work.

The dessert is simple, delicious, and foolproof  and also great for kids.

I love making Ina Garten's recipes, and recently I've been trying to whip up more of her desserts.

My version of Ina Garten's favorite chocolate cake. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

From her foolproof pastas to her easy weeknight dinners, the "Barefoot Contessa" has been my biggest source of inspiration when it comes to improving my skills in the kitchen.

And while I've always been intimidated by baking, I've found success trying Garten's favorite chocolate cake recipe and her incredible mocha icebox cake  which she said is so good it "makes grown men weep."

Garten loves whipping up tiramisu for her husband Jeffrey.

Ina Garten and her husband Jeffrey have been married 54 years. Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Garten and Jeffrey have been married for 54 years, and Jeffrey was even a source of inspiration for one of Garten's cookbooks.

When Garten made tiramisu in an early episode of "Barefoot Contessa," she said she wanted to whip up the classic Italian dessert for her husband.

Tiramisu happens to be one of my favorite desserts and Garten's recipe looked super easy, even for a novice like me. I knew I had to try it.

Garten's tiramisu features dark rum, espresso, and ladyfingers.

The ingredients for Garten's tiramisu. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

To make Garten's tiramisu  which serves eight  you'll need:

6 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature

30 Italian ladyfingers (Garten recommends the brand Savoiardi)

17 ounces mascarpone cheese

1  cups brewed espresso

 cup good dark rum

 cup sugar

Bittersweet chocolate, shaved or grated

Confectioners' sugar (optional)

I began by separating my egg yolks.

My egg yolks for Garten's tiramisu. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

"The best way to separate eggs is just do it in your hand," Garten says in the episode. "The whites fall right through your fingers and the yolk goes right into the bowl, and it's done!"

Then I began making the classic tiramisu filling.

I combined my egg yolks with sugar. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I added my egg yolks and  cup sugar into the bowl of my electric mixer, which was fitted with the whisk attachment.

I whisked together my egg yolks and sugar on high speed for five minutes.

Story continues

I whisked until my mixture was light yellow. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Garten says you'll know it's ready when the mixture is light yellow and has a very thick consistency.

Then I lowered the speed to medium and added my rum and brewed espresso.

I added rum and brewed espresso to the filling. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I added  cup of the rum and  cup of the brewed espresso into the mixer.

I also added the mascarpone cheese.

I whisked again until my mixture was smooth. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Then I whisked the filling until it was smooth, per Garten's instructions.

Once my filling was ready, I prepped the mixture for my ladyfingers.

I mixed rum and espresso for the ladyfingers. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I combined the remaining  cup of rum and 1  cup of espresso in a shallow bowl and gave it a stir.

I dipped each ladyfinger in the espresso-rum mixture and lined the bottom of my 9-inch by 12-inch baking dish.

My first layer of ladyfingers. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

"The key to the ladyfingers is if you dip them for too long, they get very soggy. If you dip them for too little time, they're not going to absorb enough flavor," Garten says.

Garten's technique is to do a quick dip on both sides. Since I was using American ladyfingers instead of the crispy Italian Savoiardi ladyfingers that Garten recommended (which I couldn't find at my local grocery store), I only dipped one side. American ladyfingers are much softer, and I was worried they'd get too soggy.

Then I poured half of my espresso-cream mixture over the ladyfingers.

My espresso-cream mixture on top of the ladyfingers. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I used a rubber spatula to spread the cream evenly on top of the ladyfingers.

I added my second layer of ladyfingers right on top.

My second layer of ladyfingers. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

"The good news about this is it's not rocket science," Garten says in the episode. "All I'm doing basically is assembling this  and I didn't have to cook a thing!"

I poured the rest of my espresso cream on top of the second layer of ladyfingers.

My second layer of the espresso-cream mixture. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

I smoothed the top again with my rubber spatula, then covered the dish with plastic wrap and popped it in the refrigerator.

Garten says the tiramisu should sit in the fridge for at least one or two hours, but you can leave it for up to two days. I let my tiramisu sit overnight.

Once my tiramisu was ready, I decorated it with chocolate shavings.

I used a vegetable peeler to make the chocolate shavings. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Garten recommends using a vegetable peeler to create the shavings, which was a super quick and easy hack.

It was time to dig in!

My tiramisu was ready. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The tiramisu filling had a really nice flavor, and the depth of the dark rum really came through. I also loved the added sweetness from all those chocolate shavings.

But I wish I had ordered some Savoiardi ladyfingers ahead of time or searched for them at an Italian specialty store. The American ladyfingers I got from my local supermarket were just a tad too fluffy, and their texture overpowered the filling  which should've been the star of the dessert. Next time I make Garten's tiramisu, I'll definitely plan ahead.

Overall, I think Garten's tiramisu is a delicious and super easy dessert to whip up for a dinner party or date night.

I would make Garten's tiramisu again with different ladyfingers. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The prep barely takes 15 minutes, and I think this would also be a great dessert to make with kids.

But if you can't get those Savoiardi ladyfingers in a pinch, I recommend trying my dad's delicious no-bake chocolate cake instead. It uses Nilla wafers, which are super easy to find, and will fulfill your tiramisu craving in no time!

Try out some of Ina Garten's other delicious recipes in her popular cookbook:

Read the original article on Insider
Donald Trump has sought to block Mike Pence from testifying before a grand jury as part of a criminal investigation into 2020 election interference, according to a report.

Mr Trump submitted a secret court filing asserting executive privilege over conversations with his former vice president about efforts to overturn his defeat in the presidential election, CNN reported, citing confidential sources.

The Justice Department is trying to compel Mr Pence to provide evidence to the grand jury, after he indicated he would fight a subpoena issued by special counsel Jack Smith.

The criminal probe is investigating the events on and leading up to January 6th, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the US Capital in an attempt to prevent Joe Bidens election victory from being certified.

Mr Pence was placed under enormous pressure by Mr Trump and his allies to delay certifying the results, leading to the crowd of riled-up January 6 rioters chanting hang Mike Pence.

Previously, Mr Pence claimed that he cannot be forced to provide testimony because he was acting in his role as president of the Senate that day, which he argues would grant him immunity.

Mr Smith, the special counsel, is locked in at least eight secret court battles as he tries to unearth evidence related to Mr Trumps efforts to overturn the election results and his handling of classified material.

He has also issued subpoenas for Mr Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
Former president Donald Trump unveiled his utopian ideas for the future of America in a campaign video released Friday. Painting a bleak picture of Americas present compared to a sunny perspective on his own former administration, he promised to implement radical ideas to get back Americas boldness.

Our objective will be a quantum leap in the American standard of living. Thats what will happen, Trump said in the video.

That quantum leap includes using 0.5 percent of all federal land  3.2 million acres  to charter up to ten freedom cities, he said. The federal government would run a contest to select designs for the cities submitted by the general public.

These freedom cities will reopen the American frontier, re-ignite American imagination and give hundreds of thousands of young people and other people  all hard-working families  a new shot at homeownership and in fact, the American dream, Trump said.

Almost all of the federal governments 640 million acres of land is completely undeveloped and much of it is in the rural west of the country. Nevada is home to the most federal land in the country, with 63 percent of the state owned by the federal government.

The freedom cities plan shares some similarities with NEOM, the city building project by the Saudi Arabian government in the countrys west. The most notable Saudi project, The Line, plans to build a 110-mile long, 660 foot wide, completely self-sustaining and car-free city in the desert.

Trump also called for massive investment into vertical takeoff and landing personal vehicles (eVTOL). Trump claimed that companies in the U.S. and China are developing the technology and that the U.S. should take the lead.

No major U.S. or foreign automaker has proposed such a design. In 2009, NASA released a concept for an eVTOL, which was followed by concepts from Boeing, Bell and Airbus.

Trump also called on lowering the cost of living and making cars and housing more affordable, as well as launching a beautification campaign, tearing down ugly buildings and building parks.

Story continues

He did not specify how he planned to implement those ideas.

Another proposal from the 4-minute video was for baby bonuses, grants from the government given to new mothers.

Trump launched his presidential campaign in the days after the November 2022 midterm election. He leads early polls for the Republican primary for president.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Donald Trump; Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley; Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Getty Images

Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis are top of mind at the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference.

CPAC participants suspect 2024 will come down to those two, while others vie for the VP slot.

Some second choices include GOP Sen. Tim Scott, and Govs. Kristi Noem and Chris Sununu.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland  Many attendees at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference predict that the next GOP presidential primary will culminate in a Sunshine State showdown.

Though the 2024 election won't roll around until over a year from now, dozens of CPAC patrons Insider interviewed over the first two days of the political temperature-taking seemed fairly certain that the race would come down to embattled former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"Really, the only two big fish in the race are Donald Trump and DeSantis  assuming that he does run," Kenneth Wang of New Jersey told Insider of the endgame that makes the most sense to him for the next cycle.

Getting to that binary choice will still take some doing, given that DeSantis hasn't even declared that he's running (but certainly seems to be acting like a presidential contender).

Former South Carolina governor and Trump administration alumna Nikki Haley and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are the only ones officially challenging Trump for the nomination at this time.

Others like former Vice President Mike Pence, former Trump cabinet secretary Mike Pompeo, and Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina have already started popping up in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, sparking chatter that they'll jump in before the GOP base chooses who will face off against President Joe Biden.

While some skittish CPACers said freezing the field now is preferable to enduring another 2016-style circular firing squad, others had no issue with watching the process play out.

'An interesting race'

Rory McSchane, a GOP political strategist from Austin, Texas is in the more the merrier camp.

Story continues

"It's going to be an interesting race," he told Insider.

McShane, who said he's worked on campaigns for Republican Reps. Bob Good of Virginia, as well as Arizonans Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs, billed Trump and DeSantis as the likeliest main event, but expects to see "Never Trump-types" like former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in the mix.

"The question will be, 'Is Ron DeSantis powerful enough to unify all the non-Trump candidates behind him?'" McShane said.

Michael Yadeta, a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland who ran in the 2022 GOP primary (and lost) to try and unseat Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, told Insider that the time is ripe for a Trump comeback.

"Nobody wants Trump to run. It's like the whole world is fighting him," Yadeta said of the polarized political climate. "But I think he's coming back."

He didn't have too much to say about the other declared candidates. But Yadeta did float one way he could get behind Haley.

"My sincere hope is that she would be the vice president," Yadeta said of having Haley round out the 2024 ticket.

Wang had a similar thought, casting the Haley and Ramaswamy campaigns as professional networking.

"I think they're running more to potentially become the vice presidential nominee or be picked up by whoever wins the presidency as cabinet members," Wang estimated.

If Haley is simply fishing for the number two spot, she didn't seem to do herself any favors at CPAC on Friday.

The main ballroom was half-empty during her midday address. And while she drew some modest applause while ripping into CNN host Don Lemon for calling her past her prime, that was nothing compared to the "Trump! Trump! Trump!" chants she was bombarded with as she left the hotel.

Checking boxes

Fresh off a Thursday night dinner where he said he met 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and failed 2022 Arizona gubernatorial hopeful Kari Lake, Paul Johnson was excited about the prospects for 2024.

Having traveled from Morris County, New Jersey, Johnson said he was interested in hearing Haley's speech and planned to look more into Ramaswamy's anti-woke platform.

"He says a lot of the right things," Johnson said of the first-time candidate.

As for others jumping in, Johnson said he could see New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu making a go of it.

"He has his own lane, sort of a moderate Republican lane, if he ran," Johnson said. "So it would be interesting to see all those guys mix it up."

Marcus C. Williams, from Rochester, New York, said Haley and Ramaswamy have already rubbed him the wrong way.

"I used to be a big Nikki Haley fan. And then she said that we should continue our forever wars. So that sunk her ship with me," Williams said of her disqualifying behavior.

He added that Ramaswamy stepped in it by saying "we should be able to pick winners and losers" during an economic discussion with Fox News personality Tucker Carlson. "I didn't like that very much," Williams said, citing his support for "free market principles."

The duo Williams said he wouldn't mind seeing in the 2024 contest include South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Sen. Tim Scott.

"They stand up for conservative values. And they also check some of the boxes that people who are more left-leaning would like to see in power," Williams said of the potential cross-over appeal of a "motherly" woman with a strong legislative record, and a relatively young Black man.

Tim Scott isn't Fe Bencosme's first choice for 2024.

But the self-styled candidate running for her local school board in Houston, Texas, told Insider Scott has one distinct advantage over the likes of Pence, Haley, Pompeo  he didn't abandon Trump following the deadly siege at the US Capitol.

"Their position and their behavior after the events of January 6 were pretty disgraceful," Bencosme said.

Should Scott wind up taking the plunge, Bencosme said she could see herself supporting him in the GOP primary  and possibly beyond.

"If he ends up the nominee, then of course, I'm going to vote for him," Bencosme said. "What am I going to do  vote for those other people? Absolutely not."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Then-President Donald Trump with then-Florida governor candidate Ron DeSantis at a July 2018 Make America Great Again rally in Tampa, Florida. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Donald Trump has plans to ramp up his attacks on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the coming weeks.

Axios obtained Trump's 5-point plan which includes shaming DeSantis for his likeability and disloyalty.

DeSantis has not formally announced whether he will run for president in 2024.

Former President Donald Trump has plans to further increase his attacks against Ron DeSantis in the coming weeks with the hope that a constant stream of criticism might dissuade the Florida governor from running for president in 2024  and dissuade Republican voters from offering him their support, according to a new Axios report.

Trump believes the mean-spirited nicknames and personal insults he regularly hurls at DeSantis, 44, are already having an impact on the still-early race, the outlet reported this week, slowly eroding support for the young GOP governor who has not yet announced whether he plans to run but is believed to be a strong contender to be the Republican nominee.

In recent months, Trump has brandished a mocking nickname at DeSantis, the oft-used "Ron DeSanctimonious." The former president, however, rejected a New York Times report last month that alleged he had taken to referring to DeSantis as "meatball Ron" in casual conversations.

Trump, who announced his 2024 candidacy in November of last year, has reportedly created a five-point plan, obtained by Axios, to streamline the coming onslaught against his possible rival. The blueprint offers insight into Trump's growing insecurity that DeSantis is likely the only opponent who could present a serious challenge to his candidacy.

Among the political points Trump plans to hammer home in forthcoming weeks, according to Axios, is DeSantis' previous support for changes to Social Security and Medicare, including his Congressional vote to raise the eligibility age for the latter.

Trump also reportedly plans to castigate DeSantis for his likeability and for being disloyal to Trump after the former president supported his 2018 gubernatorial candidacy. Trump also wants to highlight DeSantis' loyalty to former House Speaker Paul Ryan, a bygone politician of the GOP past, according to Axios.

Story continues

Rounding out the five-point list will be ramped-up attacks on DeSantis' early COVID-19 response in Florida, as well as his ambiguous stance on the ongoing Ukraine war, the outlet reported.

"There's a pre-Trump Ron and there's a post-Trump Ron," a Trump ally told Axios of DeSantis. "He used to be a Reagan Republican. That's where he comes from. He's now awkwardly trying to square his views up with the populist nationalist feeling of that party."

A spokesperson for DeSantis did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Despite his carefully-laid plans, Trump continues to publicly posture as being unbothered by DeSantis' rising star, all the while, launching semi-regular, rage-filled Truth Social rants targeting his likely opponent.

DeSantis, meanwhile, presented a nonchalant attitude toward Trump's criticism during a Fox News appearance this week, telling Jesse Watters that the nicknames and insults are "background noise."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Donald Trump easily won the Conservative Political Action Conferences (CPAC) closely watched straw poll on Saturday, notching a symbolic win among the Republican grassroots as he seeks to reclaim the White House in 2024.

Trump won with 62 percent, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), likely his closest rival, came in at 20 percent. Businessman Perry Johnson, who announced his candidacy for the White House this week, earned 5 percent.

The results arent especially surprising; the former president has claimed the top spot in each of the previous five CPAC straw polls, which gauge the presidential preferences of conference attendees.

Trump won last years straw poll at CPAC in Orlando, Fla., with 59 percent support. DeSantis scored 28 percent in that straw poll.

At the same time, CPAC has transformed into a Trump-friendly venue over the years, and several prospective 2024 presidential contenders, including DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), skipped out on the event this time around.

Trump is set to address the conference on Saturday evening, while two other declared presidential hopefuls, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, delivered remarks earlier in the week.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
For nearly three hours on Thursday, former President Donald Trump met with a group of Nevada State GOP officials at his Mar-a-Lago club, which was his first direct outreach to party leaders of the early primary state, a Trump campaign official confirms.

Trump discussed political strategy and campaigning in the battleground state and said he would make a trip within the next couple months, or sooner, to the Silver State. Trump campaign officials also briefed the Nevada GOP leaders on their 2024 path.

The dinner was the latest example of the Trump campaign's aggressive outreach to state and local party officials in the early primary states like Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and beyond. Unlike his disorganized 2016 bid for the White House, Trump and his 2024 campaign have pushed a strategic, and early, focus on state GOP leaders and likely delegates to next year's Republican National Convention, according to Trump campaign sources.

Senior Trump campaign adviser Brian Jack, who was at Thursday's dinner along with senior campaign cohorts Susie Wiles and Jason Miller, among others, has taken the lead on reaching out to state party leaders.

Other 2024 rivals, like former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and potential primary opponents to Trump like former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina also are increasing their presence and imprint in early states like Iowa, South Carolina and New Hampshire. Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, another potential GOP contender, head to Iowa next week, respectively. Trump heads to the Hawkeye State three days later.

On the same day as the Nevada GOP dinner, and only three miles away from Mar-a-Lago at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, DeSantis addressed a closed-door Club for Growth donor retreat. DeSantis framed himself as a new Republican leader who was not afraid to engage in a culture clash on issues that matter most to the GOP base.

"I'm going on offense," DeSantis said in a 40-minute speech, according to a source in the room." Some of these Republicans, they just sit back like potted plants and they let the media define the terms of the debate, they let the left define the terms of debate, they take all this incoming, because they're not making anything happen."

Story continues

The Club for Growth, who previously supported Trump, did not invite the former president to attend. The influential conservative group with connections to high-dollar donors told CBS earlier this year that they are looking for a new GOP standard bearer to move past Trump, and win back the White House.

DeSantis remarks at the Club for Growth meetings were first reported by CNN.

Former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty on career, new book and the state of technology

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The annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) made one thing especially clear this week: This is former President Trumps convention.

Im not at CPAC. Im at TPAC, said John Fredericks, a conservative radio show host who served as the chairman in Virginia for Trumps 2016 and 2020 campaigns.

CPAC is long gone. The Trump forces, the America First movement and the populist movement, of which Im a key member of and a protectionist, has hijacked CPAC. We own this convention.

CPAC has long been a major event for conservatives of all stripes to gather and mingle with some of the most popular figures in the Republican Party. But this years event has underscored two realities: One, that the annual conference is drawing thinner crowds than it has in the past, as the auditorium where the major speeches were held were often half-full; and two, that most in attendance werent particularly interested in seeing party luminaries besides the 45th president.

Over the past few days, visitors and speakers alike have made clear their support for the former president, whether it was in the trademark red Make America Great Again hats and other pro-Trump attire seen among the crowds, or in the overwhelming presence of some of the former presidents biggest allies.

[Trump] has a special magic, an energy, a coalition that excites people and welcomes people in, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) told The Hill in a brief interview regarding his support for Trumps 2024 presidency.

Of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Gaetz said he thought very highly of him, but that selfishly, I want him to stay my governor for the full eight years that Floridians elected him for.

Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), among the most vocal supporters of the former president in Congress, were also at CPAC, as was Trumps former chief strategist, Steve Bannon.

Dont fall for the primary stuff. You have good and decent people: Gov. DeSantis, Mike Pompeo, [Sen] Tim Scott, you have Nikki Haley. Thats all fine, Bannon told a raucous audience during his speech on Friday. Its not relevant. We dont have time for on-the-job training for a man that gave us four years  four years of peace and prosperity.

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Bannon also used his speech to assail Fox News and the Murdochs, accusing them of avoiding coverage of Trump, which drew applause from the crowd.

Trump and DeSantis cutouts were on display at one booth in CPACs expo center on Thursday. When asked whether the group supported DeSantis, one of the attendees standing behind the booth said they would likely have to take down the DeSantis cutout if he announces a presidential bid.

Though some attendees expressed openness or a preference for other options for a GOP presidential pick, some of the speakers, including Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, received a lukewarm reception during their speeches. At one point, Haley was heckled by Trump supporters while taking photos with CPAC attendees.

Trumps a proven entity, said Walt Davis, who serves as an at-large member of the Ohio State Board of Education. We watched him over four years accomplish so many things. Its a record that exists. He doesnt have to promise anything.

The events timing offered a split screen with the conservative group Club for Growths donor retreat in Florida, highlighting the divisions within the Republican Party.

DeSantis, who declined to take part in CPAC this year, attended the donor gathering in Florida. Former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (R), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) are also expected to attend. Haley is participating in both events, while Pompeo was unable to attend the donor retreat.

Some have attributed the absence of potential high-profile presidential candidates to the sexual assault allegations against CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp, who was accused of groping a male staffer who worked on Herschel Walkers Georgia Senate campaign. The embattled chairman was seen by media row on Thursday and did not answer questions from a reporter about the allegations.

Some Republicans have pushed back on the notion that CPAC and Club for Growth are dueling events.

Theres a bunch of donors down there, I think thats great, said former Trump White House press secretary Sean Spicer. I wish we could all be here and split that so they can have their event and we can be here.

I hope next year were able to bifurcate these events, he added.

Spicer said that while the former president is the 800-pound gorilla in the Republican Party, the gathering at CPAC is not all about him.

Theres no question he is the frontrunner, but this is not a Trump event, Spicer said.

Other Republicans in attendance, including Michigan GOP Chair Kristina Karamo, who was not endorsed by Trump in her election, maintained her neutrality as a state party chair while emphasizing the importance of the former presidents role.

I think he definitely has a strong influence. He was a fearless leader in the conservative movement, did a lot of great things for the country, Karamo said. The Make America Great Again movement, the America First movement is just a massive movement.

Trumps hold on the conservative summit will be tested in the straw poll taken on Saturday. Though many attendees and speakers have their eyes on Trump, some Republicans dont see the former president as a shoo-in in the straw poll.

MAGA, ultra MAGA, and America First often get used interchangeably, but they really are distinct constituencies. Im not sure Donald Trump wins a majority in the straw poll. I think thats the real question, said GOP strategist Dennis Lennox, who has attended CPAC since 2007, said. He probably wins the straw poll, but does he get a plurality? Does he get a majority? And then how big is the majority.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
OXON HILL, Md.  Donald Trump returned to a Conservative Political Action Conference recast in his image Saturday, capping a three-day agenda heavy with adoration for the coup-attempting former president but considerably less-well attended by activists and presidential contenders alike.

Trump, within minutes of taking the stage at the Gaylord National Resort, went into his typical remarks, disparaging the United States as a filthy communist country and attacking Democrats and the news media.

Theyre not coming after me. Theyre coming after you. Im just standing in their way, he said. We will drive out the globalists. We will kick out the communists.

And even though dozens of rows in the back remained empty, Trump thanked the fire marshal for letting in so many of his supporters. Look at all these people. Theyre up to the rafters, he said.

Trump called prosecutors investigating him racist  the ones in New York and Georgia are Black  and claimed they only went after him because he is likely to win the presidency again. He continued lying about the 2020 election having been stolen from him: We did much better in 2020 than we did in 2016. He added later, I won that second election, and I won it by a lot.

He relitigated, at length, his two impeachments: The first for his attempted extortion of Ukraine and the second for his incitement of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol that capped off his coup attempt to remain in office.

And he promised that if he won reelection, he would take revenge on those who didnt respect his followers. I am your retribution, he said.

Trump, during his presidency, repeatedly attacked NATO and had planned to withdraw from the alliance in his second term  thereby giving Russian dictator Vladimir Putin his top wish. After Putin invaded Ukraine last year, Trump called him a genius for doing so.

On Saturday, he promised that if he won the White House, he would quickly end the war because he gets along great with Putin.

Story continues

Im the only candidate who can make this promise: I will prevent  and very easily  World War III. Very easily. And youre going to have World War III, by the way, youre going to have World War III if something doesnt happen fast, he said.

His aides had promised reporters that Trump would offer a forward-looking vision for his return to the White House. Instead, his 105-minutes on stage was largely a repeat of his oft-repeated lies and grievances.

Saturdays attendance was higher than on the first two days of speakers. Still, the crowd was nevertheless smaller than in previous conferences, particularly the previous two, which were held in Orlando, Florida, to evade stricter COVID-19 restrictions in the Washington area.

Also not attending were most of the potential 2024 Republican contenders. Of the 14 major names either running or considering a run, only three attended CPAC: Trump, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Eight years ago  the last time CPAC was held with an approaching presidential election and without a Republican incumbent in the White House  the conference attracted a full dozen aspirants.

GOP consultants said the decision by likely 2024 candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, not to attend makes sense, given how overtly pro-Trump CPAC has become.

Indeed, on Saturday alone, speakers included former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, pillow monger and election conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell, failed Arizona gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake and House GOP conference Chair Elise Stefanik  all of whom spoke glowingly about Trump.

Most candidates make rational political decisions based on their path to victory, said Saul Anuzis, a former chair of the Michigan Republican Party and a CPAC attendee since 1978.

Trumps speech to several thousand of his fans was the closest thing to a rally he has staged since announcing his 2024 candidacy in November. Trumps fundraising has been weak compared with what he was collecting during his 2020 campaign and its immediate aftermath, and rallies cost several hundred thousand dollars apiece to stage.

He has done smaller visits to New Hampshire and South Carolina, as well as a recent trip to the site of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. After DeSantis set up a trip to Iowa later this month, Trump announced that he would be there, too, on the same day.

Trump faces criminal investigations by Atlanta prosecutors and the Department of Justice for his Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt and his actions in the weeks leading up to that day, including his efforts to coerce Georgia officials into overturning his election loss in that state.

DOJ prosecutors are separately investigating his retention of top-secret documents in defiance of a subpoena, while the New York City district attorney has renewed a probe into his hush-money payment to a porn actor just ahead of the 2016 election.

Related...
via Fox News

Tucker Carlson asserted Friday that the December arrest of Andrew Tate, the pro-Trump, misogynistic social media figure currently imprisoned in Romania on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and organized crime, was obviously a set up.

Carlson spoke with Tina Glandian, an attorney of Tates, to discuss her clients situation, but not before prefacing the interview with the claim that Joe Bidens State Department is thrilled by it. The Fox News host also commented that Tates arrest and imprisonment looks like a human rights violation.

Glandian explained to Carlson that Romanias legal system is different from that of the U.S. in that Tate was the target of a preventative arrest but has not yet been charged. Tates imprisonment (and that of his brother), she added, was extended by a month in January after prosecutors made a request, and again in February.

[Prosecutors] have up to 180 days in which they can extend this detention without formally charging them with any crimes. So its an ongoing criminal investigation, but they are detained, Glandian said.

Carlson wasnt satisfied.

Theyre rotting in a Romanian jail, and we can only imagine what a Romanian jail is like, he huffed. This is the definition of a human rights violation.

Glandian added that she believed that while the legal procedure authorities are using is proper, how it has been applied to Tate is completely a violation of international human rights law.

Carlson summed up what he believed to be the cause of Tates imprisonment.

Pretty obviously a set up, Tina! I mean, lets stop lying. These guys were super unpopular with the people in charge, and now theyre in a Romanian jail under Romanian law, he said, adding air quotes to the last two words. I mean, obviously, no?

I think you said it yourself, Tucker, Glandian replied.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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TUNIS (Reuters) -Tunisia's powerful UGTT labour union rallied in the capital on Saturday in what appeared to be the biggest protest yet against President Kais Saied, staging a show of strength after his recent crackdown on opponents.

Many thousands of protesters filled Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the main street in central Tunis, holding banners that read "No to one-man rule" and chanting "Freedom! End the police state".

They were marching after weeks of arrests targeting prominent opponents of Saied, who has staged his first major crackdown since he seized wide-ranging powers in 2021, shutting down parliament and moving to rule by decree.

"We will continue to defend freedoms and rights, whatever the cost. We do not fear prisons or arrests," UGTT leader Noureddine Taboubi told the crowd.

"I salute the jurists and politicians in Mornaguia prison," he added, referring to recent detainees.

Hamma Hammami, head of the Workers Party, said protests were the answer to what he called Saied's "creeping dictatorship". "He wants to spread fear but we are not afraid," he said.

The crackdown is the biggest since Saied's seizure of powers and his opponents say it is increasingly clear that he has dismantled the democracy won in the 2011 revolution that triggered the Arab Spring and will end the freedoms it brought.

Saied has denied his actions were a coup, saying they were legal and necessary to save Tunisia from chaos.

CRACKDOWN

The UGTT was initially slow to criticise Saied while political parties accused him of staging a coup, but as the president consolidated his grip while ignoring the union and other players, it began to openly challenge him.

A senior union official was detained last month for organising a strike by highway tollbooth operators, prompting the UGTT's newspaper to accuse Saied of declaring war on the organisation and its million members.

This week authorities barred foreign labour union leaders from entering Tunisia to take part in the rally in solidarity with the UGTT, and Saied said he would not accept foreigners joining protests.

Story continues

The size of Saturday's rally underscored that the union remains a powerful adversary that Saied may struggle to bat aside as he moves to sideline other opponents in the wake of a parliamentary election that had very low support.

With Tunisia's economy in crisis, state finances on the brink of bankruptcy and shortages of key goods, the potential for public anger may grow.

Over recent weeks police have detained more than a dozen prominent opposition figures, mostly tied to the coalition of parties and protesters that is planning to rally on Sunday, accusing them of conspiring against state security.

Those arrested include politicians from the Islamist Ennahda, which was the biggest party in the shuttered parliament, leaders of a protest group, the head of Tunisia's main independent media outlet and a prominent businessman.

"Saied is threatening everyone here. Parties, civil society, unions. All freedoms ... Tunisians are here to say we cannot accept populism and nascent dictatorship," said Najeh Zidi, a teacher at the protest

(Reporting by Tarek Amara, writing by Angus McDowall, editing by Giles Elgood)
GAZIANTEP, Turkey  The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been accused of contributing to the devastation caused by last months earthquakes by undermining long-established construction safeguards, which allegedly helped to pave the way for the disaster that unfolded.

The death toll in the massive Feb. 6 earthquakes stands at more than 45,000, according to Turkeys disaster management agency, making it the worst national disaster in a century. Some 214,000 buildings containing 608,000 apartments either collapsed or suffered heavy damage, Erdogan said, as quoted by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

The tragedy has brought to light decades-old urbanistic mismanagement and placed the ruling AK Party under intense pressure.

The most important reason why this disaster caused such great destruction is the government not showing the will to bring the fragile building stock up to safety standards, said Gencay Serter, the president of the Chamber of Urban Planners, a powerful association that has clashed with Erdogan and the AK Party in the past.

NURDAGI, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 13: A man walks past a destroyed building on February 13, 2023 in Nurdagi, Turkey. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit near Gaziantep, Turkey, in the early hours of Monday, followed by another 7.5-magnitude tremor just after midday. The quakes caused widespread destruction in southern Turkey and northern Syria and has killed more than 30,000 people. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX *** (Chris McGrath / Getty Images file)

While the Ministry of Justice has arrested more than 230 people mostly contractors  in connection with the building collapses, many have focused and cast the blame on existing building regulations. Of particular note is a 2018 amnesty law legalizing hundreds of thousands of structures across the country that did not have planning permission or had disregarded building codes, including earthquake safety measures.

Under the amnesty law, the owner of an unauthorized construction could just pay a fee and have it legalized without extensive inspection. In other words, according to critics, the new regulation allowed builders to skirt building codes while the government collected fees and fines.

The government collected 23 billion Turkish lira (about $4 billion at the time) after the 2018 legislation went into effect, Murat Kurum, the minister of environment, urbanization and climate change, told parliamentarians in 2019.

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The amnesty is murder, the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects said in a 2021 statement. It should be assumed that all buildings legalized under this amnesty have not received any engineering services, and should be inspected, the organization added.

Professional chambers, which defend the interests of some 650,000 engineers, architects and urban planners, play an important role in Turkey, with the Constitution stating that the organizations function as public institutions in order to protect professional discipline and ethics.

Also in 2021, a parliamentary report found that close to 8 million buildings constructed before the year 2000 were very vulnerable to earthquakes.

Erdogan, who cultivates a pro-business reputation, campaigned on the amnesty legislation.

At an election rally in 2019 in Hatay, one of the cities that suffered the most damage in the earthquakes, he said, We built 8,000 residential projects and solved the problems of 205,000 Hatay residents with the amnesty, a reference to the amnesty granted to unlicensed buildings.

According to Kurum, more than 7 million units were legalized thanks to the amnesty.

Neither Turkeys Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change nor Erdogans office responded to requests for comment on this story. On Feb. 8, during a speech in Hatay, Erdogan said it was not possible to be prepared for a disaster this big.

Building boom

Turkeys central government and local municipalities both play a role in shaping cities. The reason the ruling AK Party has come under so much criticism is that it holds the most seats in Parliament and can pass critical legislation such as the amnesty. It also controls the public housing authority, which carries out urban development projects.

Local municipalities, some run by the ruling party and some by the opposition, also play a major role, as they are responsible for creating zoning plans that determine building rights, such as deciding which areas are open for construction and imposing floor area caps and height limits. Additionally, municipalities are responsible for inspecting construction projects in their districts and issuing permits if they are up to code.

Laws like the 2018 amnesty fueled the building boom, giving developers throughout the country hope that the government would support the sector, experts say.

Turkeys economic growth since the late 2000s has relied heavily on construction, said Bengi Akbulut, associate professor of geography, planning and environment at Concordia University in Montreal.

This is reflected in the growth rate of the construction sector between 2002-2014, which has exceeded the rate of GDP growth, and even doubled it at times, added Akbulut, who has written widely about Turkeys economy and government.

Massive development projects, wide highways, bridges and airports have been showpieces of the AK Party, advertised during rallies and covered by pro-government media.

Construction workers are seen at the top of a building under construction during their weekend shifts in Ankara on April 22, 2018. Turkey prepares to go to the polls for the early presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24. ( Altan Gocher / NurPhoto via Getty Images file)

Construction peaked after the introduction of another much-debated law in 2012, which addressed the transformation of areas at risk from natural disasters. While the government promised to use the legislation to rebuild unsafe buildings, the new regulations granted the government expanded powers to designate entire neighborhoods as at risk and forcefully seize property through eminent domain.

Renewing old and unsafe building stock has been one of AK Partys most well-known pledges over the years. But, despite the expanded powers granted by the 2012 law, critics like Gencay Serter, from the Chamber of Urban Planners, say authorities did not focus on rebuilding older structures to make them earthquake-safe and instead gave priority to new construction.

Also, allegations of widespread corruption that undermine building safety have long dogged the construction sector in Turkey.

Building regulations, enforced at a local level, have often not been followed because of cozy relationships between construction firms and the government, according to Howard Eissenstat, an associate professor of Middle East history at St. Lawrence University in New York.

Another factor that contributed to a lack of proper supervision was a building inspection system put into place in 2011 and in force until 2019, according to the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects. Under this system, contractors could choose any inspection company they wanted and pay the inspectors themselves.

This led to some illegality in the system, said Mustafa Erdik, a professor in the department of earthquake engineering at Istanbuls Bogazici University.

The law was revised in 2019 so that the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change began assigning inspectors to contractors. Announcing the revision, the ministry wrote the most important goal was to eliminate shortcomings in inspections caused by illegal commercial ties established between building contractors and inspection companies, something all actors agreed was the biggest problem of the system.

Zoning changes made by central or local government authorities were also an issue.

Areas that were not safe for construction, such as river beds and other unstable areas, underwent zoning changes and were opened up for construction, said Serter.

Over the years, the Chamber of Architects and the Chamber of Urban Planners have sued the government many times objecting to the safety of construction projects. They have won in some of the cases, delaying projects and angering Erdogan himself.

These chambers, their names are architects, engineers, Erdogan said in 2016. But their goal is to demolish, not to build.

Two outspoken critics of the governments construction policies, architect Mucella Yapici and urban planner Tayfun Kahraman, have been jailed since April over their involvement in the Gezi park protests, which were sparked by the governments plan to build a shopping mall in what is now a park in Istanbul.

Yapici, a vocal proponent of rigorous earthquake proof standards, asked her lawyers to send a tweet from her account on Saturday.

After the search and rescue is over, prosecutors and experts must come to each wreck, Yapici wrote. Concrete/iron etc. samples must be taken as evidence from the wreckage!

CORRECTION (March 4, 2023, 5:37 p.m. ET): A previous version of this story misstated the number of buildings a parliamentary report found were vulnerable to earthquakes. It was 8 million constructed before 2000, not in 2000.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
ISTANBUL (Reuters) -The five remaining leaders of Turkey's opposition alliance renewed their commitment to its original principles on Saturday after one of the group's main members quit in disagreement over the candidate for presidential elections in May.

"The alliance is determined to continue its work in the same direction, in line with its foundation principles and objectives," the five said in a statement after holding a five-hour meeting.

The public split on Friday in the alliance of opposition parties followed months of simmering discord in the group, and was seen by analysts as a blow to opposition hopes of unseating President Tayyip Erdogan, who has been in power for two decades.

Meral Aksener, leader of the centre-right nationalist IYI Party, the second-biggest in the alliance, announced on Friday the party was leaving the bloc.

She said that at a presidential candidate selection meeting this week, five parties in the alliance proposed Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), as their candidate.

Aksener accused members of the alliance of pressuring her party and defying the people's will, adding that she proposed Mansur Yavas and Ekrem Imamoglu, CHP mayors of capital Ankara and Istanbul respectively, as candidates.

The CHP has the largest voter base in the alliance.

Kilicdaroglu has said there is no room for political games in the alliance and signalled that more parties could join the bloc.

Erdogan said his ruling AK Party and its nationalist ally MHP will continue on their planned course and dismissed the opposition split, according to state-owned TRT Haber.

Opposition leaders said they will announce their joint candidate to challenge Erdogan on March 6.

Erdogan's popularity had been dipping amid a cost of living crisis even before last month's earthquakes that killed more than 45,000 people. However, analysts have said the opposition disagreement benefited the ruling alliance.

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"The best hope for the crisis-struck opposition now is to keep Erdogan under 50% in the first round (of voting) and show unity in the second round," said Erdem Aydin, founder of London-based RDM Advisory.

"As things stand both IYI and CHP showed poor leadership and communications which culminated in a crisis ... Nobody wins in this scenario, except for Erdogan," Aydin added.

Separately, Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), a key actor in the bid to defeat Erdogan on May 14, called on the opposition to unite around democracy, justice and freedom.

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Ezgi Erkoyun; Writing by Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by Frances Kerry and David Holmes)
(Reuters) - Twitter Inc reported a drop of about 40% year-over-year in both revenue and adjusted earnings for the month of December, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday citing people familiar with the matter.

The report comes after several advertisers slashed their spending on the social-media platform after Elon Musk took charge of the company on Oct. 27, resulting in a 71% drop in advertising spend on Twitter during December, data from advertising research firmStandard Media Index showed.

Twitter did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Musk, who warned in November about the possibility of the Twitter going bankrupt, said in December that the company was on track to be "roughly cash flow break-even" in 2023.

Twitter made its first interest payment in January on a loan that banks provided to help finance billionaire Musk's purchase of the social media company last year.

(Reporting by Anirudh Saligrama in Bengaluru; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
The United Nations is painting a grim picture of the challenges Haiti is facing right now.

Among the warnings included in the report issued Friday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime:

 Increasingly sophisticated and high-caliber firearms and ammunition are being trafficked into the crisis-wrecked Caribbean nation.

 The country remains a transshipment point for U.S. bound cocaine and cannabis from Jamaica.

 Haitis police, customs and coast guard agencies remain far too small in size, unevenly trained and under-resourced to provide security, or patrol its porous land and sea borders.

If left unchecked, the deteriorating cascading crises will further destabilize and could spill over into other countries in the region, the U.N. warns.

Already, Haitis chronic instability  which deepened after the high-profile July 7, 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise  is contributing to rising food prices, surging hunger, dangerous cholera outbreaks, deepening poverty, a collapsing healthcare system and the potential for a major migration exodus.

50 years of Haitian migration to South Florida: A story of protests, detention and triumph

Years of recovery and development investment are unraveling, the report said. Organized violence is being deployed as a well-defined strategy on the part of gangs and their backers to subdue populations and expand territorial control.

The report concludes that if the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate and its security and development institutions disintegrate, a significant international response will be required, including large-scale relief assistance and a stabilization or peace support operation.

Haiti faces many challenges to security that impact its borders and also put its population at risk, the U.N. found.

An estimated 150 to 200 heavily armed criminal gangs are targeting ports, highways, critical infrastructure, customs offices, police stations, court houses, prisons, businesses and neighborhoods.

Story continues

Virtually every metric of insecurity, from homicide, sexual violence and kidnapping to the killing of police and migration out of the country is trending upward, the U.N. said.

Another police substation  this one in the well-to-do Fort-Jacques neighborhood in commune of Kenskoff in the hills above Port-au-Prince  was set ablaze this week. In the last 72 hours, two Haitian police officers, including a former inspector general, were also kidnapped. The latest abductions have raised concerns that ongoing operations to crackdown on gangs may now be further compromised. One of the kidnapped officers was in possession of his police radio at the time of his abduction.

Meanwhile, the porous borders, which include 1,100 miles of coastline and 243 miles of land bordering with the neighboring Dominican Republic  are severely challenging the ability of the ill-equipped, understaffed police force, as well as customs, border patrols and Haitian Coast Guard, all of whom are increasingly being targeted by gangs. The threat of kidnapping and ransom is ever present.

Haitis customs agents are operating in a context of extreme insecurity, the report noted. According to the director general of customs, multiple offices have been sacked and forced to close since September 2022, with several officials forced to abandon their posts.

A former diplomat from Ecuador will soon head the U.N. political office in Haiti

Customs offices in Port-au-Prince, Saint-Marc and Gonaives, along with the Leogane road checkpoint, have all been vandalized, the report noted.

The U.N.s assessment of the scope, scale and dynamics of firearms and drug trafficking in Haiti, including sources, routes, vectors and destinations, was based on published and unpublished information and 45 interviews conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime with representatives of the Haitian government, bilateral and multilateral agencies, subject matter experts, and Haitian civil society.

The report says that a recent poll, commissioned by a Port-au-Prince based organization shows that Haitians are no longer bristling at the idea of an international force and some 70% support external security assistance, especially those living in gang-controlled areas.

Still, in the absence of such an international security force or agreement over its deployment within the international community, the United States, Canada, France and now the 15-member Caribbean Community, known as CARICOM, are focusing their efforts on bolstering the Haiti National Polices capacities to deter and suppress armed gangs, including the trafficking of firearms.

But the HNP, whose formation in 1994 coincided with the disbanding of the Haitian armed forces, has been hobbled by its mandate, leadership, capacity and budgetary constraints, the U.N. argues.

One persistent deficiency relates to the management and accountability over existing firearms holdings of law enforcement officers and stores of seized weapons, the report said, raising a long-standing concern in U.S. circles over the disappearance of police weapons and them ending up in hands of criminal gangs.

The most serious challenge facing the national police is its lack of strength  which the United States says should be around 22,000 cops  and its lack of resources.

The HNP has a ratio of 1.06 officers per 1,000 residents  well below the 2.2 per 1,000 recommended by the U.N. The U.N.s political mission in Haiti says the force actually consists of fewer than 9,000 active duty officers. Haitis population is roughly 12 million.

Regardless of the true number, everyone agrees that polices ability to be effective is hampered by their uneven operational presence across the country, among other factors. A sizable share of the officers are in the capital as well as the specialized units. Also poor allocation of police who have been assigned to provide protection to senior government officials, for example, has further degraded the forces effectiveness.

With the exception of a handful of staff stationed at Haitis two international airports and selected border crossings, there are virtually none policing key air, land and maritime entry and exit points, the report said. The HNP also struggles to manage, share and analyze data within the organization, much less across government agencies.

Other crime and corruption fighting agencies face similar challenges.

The Haitian Coast Guard, which is under the Haiti National Police, has just 181 officers and had, of its 12 vessels, just a single operational boat, at the time of reporting. Others were either undergoing repairs in the United States or just not working.

The countrys anti-narcotics police brigade, known as BLTS, is also under-resourced and under-staffed. It has just one functioning boat for maritime interdiction and only 317 personnel. The unit is severely under-resourced and over-stretched, the report said, noting that all of these shortfalls are contributing to a weak chain of custody over seized contraband, including drugs and firearms.

Arms trafficking

Haiti doesnt manufacture guns. Most of the weapons coming illegally into the country are from the United States, which has an arms embargo preventing the police and government from easily purchasing guns.

While a 2020 report by Haitis disarmament commission estimated there could be as many as 500,000 small arms in the country, the U.N. said the absolute number of weapons in Haiti may never be known.

Even still, the vast majority in circulation are believed to be illegal.

According to the Superior Council of the National Police, the HNP registered just 38,000 legal firearms in 2015, less than 15% of the estimated national stock at the time, the report said. Assuming these figures are remotely accurate, Haitis law enforcement agents are outgunned by Haitian residents, private security company personnel and armed gangs.

For instance, while drugs are more likely to enter via the northern and southern coast of Haiti  notably the city of Les Cayes, Jacmel and Jeremie  the guns and bullets are mostly being funneled through the western and northwestern coasts including Port-au-Prince and Port-de-Paix, where there were two major seizures in 2021.

The latest uptick in firearm seizures together with intelligence and law enforcement reporting suggests that firearms trafficking between the U.S. and Haiti is surging, the report said.

According to the U.N., firearms and ammunition typically enter Haiti via land and in cargo ships from Florida, and drugs usually transit the country from seaports, airports and across poorly monitored border points. The weapons and ammunition make their way to gang members and private residents through intermediaries, often through public and private ports and porous checkpoints.

Meanwhile, the cocaine produced in Colombia and the cannabis from Jamaica is shipped directly from those countries or pass via the neighboring Bahamas or Turks and Caicos Islands and Venezuela. From Haiti they are shipped to the Dominican Republic, Western Europe and, primarily, the United States.

Drugs, the report said, are shipped out and are also shared among the rank and file of gangs and serve a modest demand in larger Haitian cities.

Haiti has long served as a transshipment hub, but the U.N. fears that its increased instability may be influencing its attractiveness to traffickers.

While countries such as the U.S.,Canada and France have invested in strengthening local customs and police capacities, particularly in the north of the country, Haiti lacks meaningful surveillance and patrol infrastructure at the border, the report said. The continued high levels of cocaine production in source countries and increased gang influence in Haiti are additional factors that suggest that the HNP may only be capturing a modest share of the drugs passing through the country.
The head of U.S. News and World Report responded to the departure of several medical and law schools throughout the country from its rankings, saying the organization is one of the only places for students to compare institutions based on the factors that matter most to them.

Eric Gertler, the CEO and executive chairman of U.S. News and World Report, said in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal earlier this week that students would have trouble finding accurate, comprehensive information to compare potential colleges and universities they might attend without the rankings.

Our rankings dont capture every nuance. Academic institutions arent monolithic or static; comparing them across a common data set can be challenging, Gertler said. But we reject our critics paternalistic view that students are somehow incapable of discerning for themselves from this information which school is the best fit.

Harvard and Yale universities law schools both announced in November that they would leave the rankings after their officials decided against the methodology used, which they said is partly based on how much debt a student has and disincentivizes need-based financial aid.

Since then, most of the top law schools in the country have followed Harvard and Yales lead in departing the rankings, and some medical schools, including Harvards, have also dropped out based on issues with how the results are determined or the idea of rankings altogether.

Gertler criticized the elite schools that have left the rankings, saying that their decisions do not reflect the majority of institutions. He said almost 75 percent of the schools outside the top 14 that submitted surveys for the rankings in 2022 did so again in 2023, while engagement among medical schools rose this year.

Our rankings also dont prevent any school from pursuing greater diversity or transparency. Nor do they seem to prod schools to shine light on the most opaque part of admissions: how schools decide who they accept, he wrote.

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Instead, elite schools object to our use of a common data set for all schools because our rankings are something they cant control and they dont want to be held accountable by an independent third party, Gertler continued.

The rankings have also received criticism from top federal officials, including Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, who has gone after their significance. He said in August that the system rankings are a joke and denounced institutions focusing on rising in the rankings.

He reportedly said at an event that Harvard Law School held on Wednesday that institutions should stop worshipping at the false altar of U.S. News and World Report.

The Journal op-ed is only one of the ways U.S. News has hit back at its critics this week. On Wednesday, it also took out a full-page advertisement in The Boston Globe and called on law schools to release more data about themselves in an open letter to Cardona, The New York Times reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russian media report that a drone has attacked a substation of the Transneft-Druzhba oil pipeline in Belgorod Oblast.

Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza, citing Astra and Baza Telegram news outlets

Details: As the Telegram channels state, a drone equipped with an explosive device hit an empty oil tank with a capacity of 3,000 tonnes in the village of Razumnoye, Belgorod Oblast on 3 March, at around 7:00.

The explosion allegedly created a 1-square-metre hole in the tank.

Telegram channels noted that four people were evacuated from the substation; no one was injured.

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LONDON (AP)  Britain has reasserted its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after Argentina pulled out of a cooperation agreement and demanded new talks over the South Atlantic territory that sparked a 1982 war between the two countries.

The pronouncement came after Argentine Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero said on Twitter that he informed British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly about his countrys decision when the pair met on the margins of the Group of 20 summit in India last week.

The Falkland Islands are British, Cleverly tweeted late Friday. Islanders have the right to decide their own future  they have chosen to remain a self-governing U.K. Overseas Territory.

Earlier, Cafiero said he told Cleverly that Argentina had decided to pull out of a 2016 agreement in which the the two countries pledged to work together on a variety of issues. While that agreement sought to improve cooperation in the South Atlantic, both sides continued to assert their claims to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, known as Islas Malvinas in Argentina.

Cafiero also said he proposed new talks in line with a 1965 U.N. General Assembly resolution that encouraged Britain and Argentina to find a peaceful solution to the dispute over the islands.

Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the islands, which are about 300 miles (480 kilometers) from South America and home to some 3,500 people.

Argentina argues that the islands were illegally taken from it in 1833. Britain, which says its territorial claim dates to 1765, sent a warship to the islands in 1833 to expel Argentine forces who had sought to establish sovereignty over the territory.

Argentina invaded the islands in 1982, triggering a two-month war that claimed the lives of 255 British service members, three islanders and 649 Argentine personnel. The Argentine forces were ultimately expelled and Britain reasserted its control.

Residents in 2013 voted overwhelmingly in favor of remaining an overseas territory of the United Kingdom.

David Rutley, Britains minister for the Americas, expressed disappointment in Argentinas decision.

Argentina has chosen to step away from an agreement that has brought comfort to the families of those who died in the 1982 conflict, Rutley, who recently visited Buenos Aires, said on Twitter. Argentina, the U.K. and the Falklands all benefited from this agreement.
KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian forces defending Bakhmut are facing increasingly strong pressure from Russian forces, British military intelligence said on Saturday, with intense fighting taking place in and around the eastern city.

Ukraine is reinforcing the area with elite units, while regular Russian army and forces of the private military Wagner group have made further advances into Bakhmut's northern suburbs, the British Defence Ministry said in its daily intelligence bulletin.

The Ukraine armed forces' general staff said in a Facebook post late on Saturday that Russian troops were trying but failing to surround Bakhmut, adding defenders had repelled numerous attacks in and around the city.

The battle has raged for seven months. A Russian victory in the city, which had a pre-war population of about 70,000 and has been blasted to ruins in the onslaught, would give Moscow the first major prize in a costly winter offensive.

Oleh Zhdanov, a prominent Ukrainian analyst of military affairs, said late on Saturday that he could not detect any immediate signs Kyiv was going to order a retreat from the city.

"At the moment the situation is more or less stabilized. In terms of the advancement of Russian troops, we practically stopped (it)," he said in a YouTube interview.

The British defence ministry said two key bridges in Bakhmut have been destroyed within the last 36 hours, adding that Ukrainian-held resupply routes out of the city are increasingly limited.

One of those bridges connected Bakhmut to the city's last main supply route from the Ukrainian-held town of Chasiv Yar, about 13 km (eight miles) to the west, it said.

Russian artillery pounded the last routes out of Bakhmut on Friday, aiming to complete the encirclement of the besieged city and bring Moscow closer to its first major victory in the war in six months.

The Ukrainian general staff also said Russian attacks had been foiled in the villages of Vasyukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Dubovo-Vasylivka and Hryhorivka, all of which lie just to the north of Bakhmut's city centre.

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Russia says Bakhmut would be a stepping stone to completing the capture of the Donbas industrial region, one of Moscow's most important objectives.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who has described Bakhmut as a "fortress", on Saturday thanked defenders in the city in a video message but gave no details of the fighting.

(Reporting by Max Hunder in Kyiv, David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Jose Joseph in Bengaluru; Editing by Frances Kerry and Daniel Wallis)
Ukraine will receive twice as many Challenger 2 tanks from the UK than London originally promised.

Source: Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, in an interview with Radio Liberty

According to Prystaiko, the UK promised Ukraine 14 Challenger 2 tanks, but following the results of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Britain in February, it was agreed that this number would double.

The ambassador said that the UK is gradually forming a consensus regarding certain types of weapons through its decisions.

Quote: "It was the same, by the way, with tanks  it was a breakthrough moment when it was necessary to move the reluctance of all other allies. And, if you remember, despite the fact that the announcement was made, the official confirmation by the Prime Minister took almost a week, for him to officially repeat it," Prystaiko said.

"At this time, the British were trying to convince all the other allies that there were two options: either the UK proceeds with this announcement alone and makes this breach that everyone else has to go into, or let's do this very important step all together as one front, as NATO. The UK was successful this time. I think the same process is happening now with fighter jets," he added.

Background: According to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, British Challenger 2 tanks will arrive in Ukraine in March 2023.

Ukrainian tank crews arrived in the UK for training on Challenger 2 tanks at the end of January.

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LONDON (Reuters) - A new law to crack down on migrants arriving in Britain in small boats from Europe across the English Channel will be unveiled on Tuesday, with a senior minister saying "enough is enough", the Sun on Sunday newspaper reported.

The British government has been promising to step up action to tackle the issue after the numbers making the perilous crossing soared to more than 45,000 last year.

The paper reported the proposed new legislation will mean that all those who arrive on small boats will have their asylum claims ruled inadmissible, and will be removed to a 'safe third country' as soon as possible.

"Enough is enough. The British people want this solved," Home Secretary (interior minister Suella Braverman told the paper. "They are sick of tough talk and inadequate action. We must stop the boats."

The number of migrants arriving on the English coast has more than doubled in the last two years and tackling the issue was one of five key priorities outlined in January by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose party is languishing in polls, under pressure from his own lawmakers to find a solution.

Last year, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed a deal to send tens of thousands of migrants, many having made the journey from Afghanistan, Syria or other countries suffering war, more than 4,000 miles away (6,400 km) to Rwanda.

But the first planned deportation flight was blocked in June by a last-minute injunction granted by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), and the strategy's lawfulness was subsequently challenged at London's High Court.

London's High Court subsequently ruled it lawful in December, but opponents are seeking to appeal that verdict. It is expected the legal battle will end up in the UK Supreme Court and so may not be resolved for months.

The policy has been denounced by human rights groups and even reportedly by King Charles.

Last November, Sunak agreed a deal with France to step up efforts to address illegal immigration, and he is due to travel to Paris this week for a bilateral meeting when the issue is set to be a major topic of discussion.

(Reporting by Michael Holden, Editing by Louise Heavens)
Ukraine asks the EU to increase supplies of ammunition

The outlet gained access to a letter written by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, saying that the Ukrainian forces are "only firing a fifth of the rounds they could" due the restricted supply.

The minister wrote that the artillery plays a "crucial role in eliminating the enemy's military power."

Read also: Defense chief Reznikov to participate in meeting of NATO defense ministers

"If only we hadn't been limited with the amount of available artillery rounds, we could have used a full ammunition that would have totalled 594,000 per month," the minister said.

Read also: Over 20 EU countries support joint procurement of ammunition for Ukraine, says Slovenian FM

NATO members have already depleted their potential of supplying weapons to Ukraine, the New York Times has reported, though NATO is considering investing in facilities in Czechia, Slovakia, and Bulgaria to revamp manufacturing of Soviet-era artillery shells for Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called on the allies "to ramp up production" of weapons and ammunition to further provide military assistance to Ukraine.

EU countries are urgently exploring ways to jointly purchase 155-mm shells for Ukraine, wrote Reuters.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borell said on Feb. 20 that Ukraine could be threatened should partners fail to provide the country with ammunition.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russian forces have not taken the city of Bakhmut, according to Serhiy Cherevatyi, a spokesman for the eastern grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Cherevaty told CNN that fighting is ongoing on the outskirts of the beleaguered Ukrainian city. When asked about certain units' withdrawal, he said that Ukrainian troops are rotating in and out of their positions in a planned manner.

Some news outlets reported that Ukraine's withdrawal has begun.

The Institute for the Study of War stated that Ukrainian forces appear to be preparing conditions for a planned withdrawal from the city. Two bridges near Bakhmut have been destroyed, according to geolocated footage posted on March 3. This includes a vital bridge connecting the town to the last major supply route from Bakhmut to the neighboring town of Chasiv Yar.

The Russian forces have been trying to take Bakhmut since May 2022 without success. The Donetsk Oblast town continues to see some of the war's heaviest fighting since the full-scale invasion began.

Ukrainian forces in the town of Kostiantynivka told the Kyiv Independent that Russian attacks have intensified even more in the past several weeks. British intelligence said in its daily update that regular Russian forces and the Wagner Group mercenaries have advanced further into the town's northern suburbs. Ukraine is said to be reinforcing the area with elite units.

Ukrainian commander Volodymyr Nazarenko said the situation in Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine, is "critical" and that there are more Russian troops surrounding the city than there is ammunition to kill them all.

In a video posted on social media, Russia's Wagner private army chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that only one road out of Bakhmut remains under Ukrainian control and called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to abandon the city.
Ukrainian servicemen ride a tank on a road towards the frontline town of Bakhmut amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, Ukraine March 2, 2023. Lisi Niesner/Reuters

Ukraine is sending elite units to Bakhmut as Russian forces make further advances, the UK MoD said.

Ukrainian forces are now vulnerable to Russian attacks from three sides of the city, it said.

Two bridges in Bakhmut have been destroyed, and Ukraine's supply routes are being squeezed.

Ukraine is reinforcing the bloodsoaked city of Bakhmut with elite units as Russian forces make further advances, the UK Ministry of Defence said Saturday.

"Ukraine is reinforcing the area with elite units, and within the last 36 hours, two key bridges in Bakhmut have been destroyed, including a vital bridge connecting the city to the last main supply route from Bakhmut to the city of Chasiv Yar. Ukrainian-held resupply routes out of the town are increasingly limited," the MoD said.

The Russian army and Wagner Group forces have been making advances into the city's northern suburbs amid intense fighting, and Ukrainian forces are now vulnerable to Russian attacks from three sides, the department said in an intelligence update.

Ukrainian soldiers shelter in the woods along a road outside of the strategic city of Bakhmut on January 18, 2023 in Bakhmut, Ukraine. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A Ukrainian commander said on Friday that the situation in Bakhmut is "critical" as there are more Russian troops surrounding the city than there is ammunition to kill them.

"We need as much ammunition as possible," he said, according to Reuters' translation. "There are many more Russians here than we have ammunition to destroy them."

The city's deputy mayor told the BBC on Saturday that while the city is "almost destroyed," Russia does not have control of it.

Ukrainian emergency workers try to extinguish a fire caused by Russian attacks in the center of Bakhmut on December 23, 2022. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The head of Russia's mercenary Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed that the city is "practically encircled" and that there are limited routes out, the BBC reported.

Bahkmut has been the center of some of the most deadly fighting in the war for both Russia and Ukraine.

Taking control of the city would be a rare battlefield triumph for Russia, which has had limited successes in recent months.

Bakhmut has been referred to as "the meat grinder" by soldiers, and a retired US Marine fighting alongside Ukrainian forces said a fighter's life expectancy on the front lines in Bakhmut was around 4 hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces Commander, Viktor Khorenko, visited Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast on March 4 to inspect the positions of his units.

The Special Operations Forces is a branch of Ukraine's Armed Forces that conducts covert operations and reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines.

Khorenko praised the soldiers' dedication and hard work despite the difficult conditions they face.

All units of the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine involved in defense of Bakhmut clearly fulfill their assigned tasks. Our soldiers work continuously in extremely difficult conditions and do everything to reduce the number of enemy forces daily," Khomenko said during the trip, as quoted by the Special Forces.

The visit came after the founder of the Russian state-backed Wagner Group mercenaries, Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed that Bakhmut was "practically surrounded" by Wagner forces and called on Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the city on March 3.

However, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces, visited Bakhmut on the same day.

Ukraine's military is reportedly weighing the option of withdrawing from Bakhmut as it becomes increasingly difficult to hold the city.

Eastern Operational Command spokesman Serhiy Cherevaty said on March 2 that the Armed Forces have the option to withdraw from Bakhmut, but such a decision will only be made if it is "absolutely necessary."

Ukraine continues to hold Bakhmut despite the seven-month-long Russian attempt to capture the city as Moscow tries to increase its grip over the entirety of the eastern Donetsk Oblast, around half of which it currently occupies.

[embed-post url=/national/ukraine-war-latest-us-announces-additional-400-million-military-aid-to-ukraine title=Ukraine_war_latest:_US_announces_additional_$400_million_military_aid_to_Ukraine image=/storage/austin-350x350.jpg id=50501
The Ukrainian defenes in the city of Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, is under increasing pressure, and intense fighting is taking place in the city and its vicinities.

Source: the daily summary of British intelligence, cited by European Pravda

"The regular Russian army and Wagner Group forces have moved further into the northern suburbs of the city, which are now a Ukrainian held border vulnerable to Russian attacks from three sides," the report said.

It is noted that Ukraine is strengthening the area with elite units, and in the last 36 hours, two key bridges in Bakhmut were destroyed, including a vital bridge connecting the city with the last main supply route from Bakhmut to the city of Chasiv Yar.

"The supply routes controlled by the Ukrainian authorities from the city are becoming increasingly limited," the report says.

Earlier, the UK Defence Ministry provided for a deterioration in conditions for movement around the area in the Bakhmut area, which is likely to be advantageous for Ukrainian defenders.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Editors Note: This is issue 77 of Ukrainian State-Owned Enterprises Weekly, covering events from Feb. 25  March 3, 2023. The Kyiv Independent is reposting it with permission.

Ukrainian SOE Weekly is an independent weekly digest based on a compilation of the most important news related to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state-owned banks in Ukraine. This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union within the project Supporting Ukraine in rebuilding and recovery implemented by the KSE Institute.

The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the editorial team of the Ukrainian SOE Weekly and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Corporate governance of SOEs

HACC Appeals Chamber sets bail for former Naftogaz CEO Kobolyev at Hr 229 million ($6.2 million). According to the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO), the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) partially satisfied the motion of SAPO and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).

The Appeals Chambers ruling overturns a lower court ruling that the motion to detain former Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev was unfounded. The Chamber set bail at Hr 229 million ($6.2 million).

According to the information from HACCs earlier decision, Kobolyev received Hr 267 million ($7.3 million) in bonuses in 2018. Nearly all that amount was the bonus for Naftogazs victory over Gazprom in Stockholms court of arbitration, Hr 261 million ($7.1 million). The total amount of his 2018 bonuses exceeded the limit set by government regulations by Hr 229 million ($6.2 million), according to NABU.

Kobolyev must abide by the following rules for the next two months:

he must appear at every request of the detective, prosecutor, or court;

he cannot leave Kyiv without the permission of the detective, prosecutor, or court;

he must notify the prosecutor, detective, and court of any change of residence;

he must refrain from communicating with other suspects in the case and witnesses;

he must hand his travel passport(s) to appropriate authorities.

Story continues

According to the courts ruling, Kobolyev must pay the bail within five days of the ruling.

No information is available on what sort of detention Kobolyev faces if he does not pay the bail within this time frame.

Kobolyev wrote on his Facebook page that he was considering his options and had no comment at that time. Later, he added that Hr 229 million ($6.2 million) was much more than he could pay now, considering that his bank accounts were blocked.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 71), we reported that on Jan. 19, NABU and SAPO notified Kobolyev that he was suspected of misappropriating over Hr 229 million ($6.2 million) in 2018.

According to NABU, Kobolyev illegally awarded himself Hr 261 million ($7.1 million), based on the supervisory boards decision to give him a bonus for extraordinary achievements. This payment was part of the bonuses granted to Naftogazs management team in May 2018 for the companys historic victory against Russias Gazprom in Stockholms court of arbitration.

It is unclear why NABU and SAPO posed no questions to supervisory board members who took the primary decision on paying this bonus, including members of the boards nomination and remuneration committee, which should have examined any decisions related to the remuneration of the CEO and provided a recommendation to the supervisory board regarding the approval of such decisions. Under Ukrainian law, supervisory board members of joint-stock companies (as well as CEOs and company officials) are responsible for losses caused by their actions or inaction.

For a more detailed overview of this case, see SOE Weeklys Issue 71.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 72), we reported that on Jan. 23, HACC refused to grant the NABU detectives request to detain Kobolyev.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 73), we reported that the judge of the HACC ruled that SAPOs motion to detain Kobolyev was unfounded.

The judge decided that the prosecution was not able to support the claim that Kobolyev abused his office and deceived Naftogazs supervisory board in order to award himself a bonus that was beyond the limitations set by government regulations. In addition, the court saw no risk that Kobolyev would try to flee Ukraine or obstruct the investigation.

The motion was based on SAPOs suspicion that Kobolyev illegally awarded himself a multi-million bonus in 2018.

Note that this HACC ruling concerns the NABU detectives request to detain Kobolyev. It does not concern the merits of the case, i.e., the legality of the decision to award bonuses.

On Jan. 31, SAPO challenged HACCs decision.

Ukrzaliznytsia CEO Kamyshin announces his resignation. On Feb. 27, Oleksandr Kamyshin, the CEO of Ukraines state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia announced that he was stepping down.

The dismissal of the CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia is effected via a government order. We have not identified any such orders on Kamyshins dismissal. According to YouControl, he is still the CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia.

Notably, according to SMIDA, the CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia is Yevhen Kravtsov, who was dismissed in 2020, suggesting that the company has not reported this information to the stock market regulator as required.

Kamyshin said he would head up Ukrzaliznytsias European integration office in Europe, per his joint decision with Oleksandr Kubrakov, Minister for Communities, Territories, Infrastructure Development, and Restoration of Ukraine.

It is unclear whether Kamyshin referred to an existing European office of Ukrzaliznytsia or one that would yet be established.

Kamyshin did not say who would replace him.

According to Ukrzaliznytsias charter, CEO appointment and dismissal should be decided by the General Shareholders Meeting (the Cabinet of Ministers in the case of Ukrzaliznytsia) on a proposal of the supervisory board. It is unclear whether the supervisory board was involved in this decision.

In a Facebook post, Ukrzaliznytsias supervisory board member Serhiy Leshchenko stated that the resignation of Kamyshin was a personal decision, and that despite the boards desire to influence that decision, they were not able to do so.

According to Forbes Ukraine, Kubrakov asked Kamyshin to resign two weeks before he announced it. The Presidents Office was surprised, but the president approved the dismissal, Forbes wrote.

Apparently, Forbes is referring to an informal approval, since formally, the president has no powers with respect to the appointment or dismissal of the CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia.

Forbes spoke to nearly a dozen politicians and officials involved with Ukrzaliznytsia, inside the Presidents Office and Kubrakovs ministry. So far, no one knows for sure what exactly made Kubrakov demand Kamyshins dismissal. The media reported possible reasons ranging from pending NABU charges against Kamyshin to Kubrakov eliminating rivals.

Yevhen Lyashchenko, a member of Ukrzaliznytsias executive board, will serve as the temporary CEO. This was first communicated by Orest Logunov, another member of the companys executive board, in comments under his Facebook post.

In normal corporate practice, a new CEO would be formally announced by the company via official channels, such as the companys website and media releases.

According to Forbes sources in Ukrzaliznytsia, Kubrakov believes that Lyashchenko will do a better job than Kamyshin. According to the media, Kamyshin proposed four candidates for succession, and Kubrakov immediately chose Lyashchenko, who was responsible for personnel and financial issues.

On March 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Kamyshin as his advisor.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 39), we reported that the acting CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia, Ivan Yuryk, filed his resignation in August 2021. After that, the Cabinet of Ministers appointed Kamyshin as acting CEO.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 49), we reported that in October 2021, Kamyshin was re-appointed as CEO until Dec. 31, 2021.

On March 24, 2022, Kamyshin reported that based on the supervisory boards proposal, the Cabinet appointed the executive board of Ukrzaliznytsia on a permanent basis. Board members were approved for three years, and Kamyshin, for four years.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 68), we reported that after Russias full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022,, the Ukrainian government effectively gave Ukrzaliznytsia new tasks, including:

Free evacuation of millions of Ukrainian citizens caught in war zones (the company evacuated 3.7 million passengers from active war zones);

Delivery of critical supplies and equipment to war zones;

Transport of Ukrposhtas parcels by train, as private logistics companies were not prepared to provide services when this was dangerous or unprofitable  Ukrzaliznytsia and Ukrposhta took on the responsibility to deliver these services;

Purchase of petroleum products from abroad for the needs of the state after the Cabinet granted Ukrzaliznytsia the right to do so.

In their 2021 article Beheaded PrivatBank: What threatens a bank without a CEO and how to appoint one, two members of the SOE Weekly team, Andriy Boytsun and Dmytro Yablonovskyi, named the following important aspects to be considered when replacing the CEO of a state-owned company or bank:

Uncertainty during the period when there is no permanent CEO creates uncertainty regarding SOEs future performance and can impact the stability of its operations.

Succession planning is important for reducing uncertainty: it implies that if something happens to the current CEO at any point of time, there is a plan or pre-selected competent successor(s).

A major role of the supervisory board is to develop a succession plan for the CEO and other key executives and maintain proactive communication to ensure stakeholders confidence.

HACC sentences Dykhne, former acting CEO of Boryspil, to five years in prison for abuse of power. On March 1, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) sentenced Yevheniy Dykhne, the former acting CEO of the Boryspil International Airport, to five years in prison. He was found guilty of abuse of office which caused more than Hr 15.7 million ($430,000) in damage.

In addition to his five-year sentence, Dykhne is forbidden from holding positions related to organizational, management, administrative, or economic functions for a term of three years. He must also pay a fine of Hr 8,500 ($233).

The head of the airports rental relations service, Olesia Levochko, was sentenced to four years in prison. She also got a three-year ban on holding the above positions and a Hr 8,500 ($233) fine.

According to SAPO, between 2014 and 2019, Dykhne and Levochko leased out Boryspils property to private companies at below-market prices. The property belonged to the Ministry of Infrastructure, fulfilling the ownership function for the airport, and it was only the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPFU) who had the right to lease it out via a competitive procedure. Despite this, Dykhne and Levochko unlawfully rented the airports space out to entrepreneurs at reduced prices, which resulted in losses of more than Hr 15.7 million ($430,000), SAPO added.

The court verdict may be challenged in the appeal court within 30 days. The Miller law firm, which represents Dykhne, said that there would be an appeal.

According to Miller, in 2016, Dykhne signed lease agreements with the airports potential tenants while the SPFU was conducting a tender. The SPFU was a slow-moving manager who did not meet deadlines, and the tenders for the contracts dragged out for about two years, Miller added.

In other words, the lawyers refer to opportunity costs  that is, how much revenue the SOE would have forgone during the two-year period if the property remained idle. If the lease revenues for the two-year period exceed the estimated damages, then the net effect of the CEOs decision would be positive for the state as the owner.

This means that for two years, airport passengers would not receive services because the airports facilities (such as shops and restaurants) would not operate, and the airport itself would have to pay the operating costs of unleased space, without receiving any rental income, Miller claimed.

According to Miller, all previous Boryspil CEOs have signed similar agreements since 2011 (about 150 of them were signed), because the problem did not arise yesterday, and its solution was not invented by Dykhne.

It is unclear from publicly available information if Boryspil management used competitive procedures for renting out the property. It is also unclear how SAPO or HACC computed the value of the damages.

Dykhne was the Boryspil International Airports acting CEO in 2014-2017.

Energy

Naftogaz wants to dump regional gas companies debts of Hr 17 billion ($465 billion) on GTSOU. On March 1, Naftogaz CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov reported that Naftogazs subsidiary, Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine LLC, would not take over the debts that the recently seized regional gas companies owe to the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU).

According to Chernyshov, this issue should be resolved at the legislative level as part of settlements  apparently, between regional gas companies, Naftogaz, and GTSOU.

There are issues of settlements that need to take place  actually, this debt must be written off  but settlements must take place. There must be an appropriate transparent verification of these debts, this is the role of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) and (a matter of) working with regional gas companies, Chernyshov added.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 71), we reported that Naftogaz changed the management of regional gas distribution companies Kharkivgaz and Dniprogaz on Jan. 16. Both were part of fugitive oligarch Dmytro Firtashs Regional Gas Company (RGC) Group and were seized in criminal proceedings earlier.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 76), we reported that, on Feb. 17, the Cabinet approved the transfer of shares in another several gas distribution companies to Chornomornaftogaz, a Naftogaz subsidiary, to prevent the risk of an emergency in the energy sector.

In September, Naftogaz established a new subsidiary named Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine LLC, to consolidate the regional gas distribution companies.

The Ekonomichna Pravda media outlet wrote earlier that, besides the transfer of shares of the gas distribution companies to the Naftogaz group, their gas networks are being transferred to Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine, also part of the Naftogaz group (or such transfers are planned). At the same time, the debts of the gas distribution companies are not transferred along with their networks. According to the Ekonomichna Pravda, Naftogaz is doing this in order to clear itself of these companies debt and impose that debt on the GTSOU.

The Ekonomichna Pravda reported earlier that GTSOU management warned that a nationalization based on the model chosen by Naftogaz puts the GTSOU in jeopardy of losing Hr 17 billion ($465 million) and going bankrupt.

Naftogaz estimates its net losses in 2022 at Hr 40 billion ($1 billion). On March 1, Naftogazs CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov reported that Naftogaz expects to post a loss of Hr 40 billion ($1 billion) in 2022, according to preliminary results.

Chernyshov blamed significant receivables that arose due to the states use of Naftogazs working capital to meet the needs of energy consumers.

Chernyshov said that the underlying receivables of the company have three components: the difference in tariffs (Hr 36 billion, or $985 million), the debt of regional gas suppliers and gas distribution companies (Hr 76 billion, or $2 billion), and public service obligations (PSOs) for 2022-2023 (Hr 158 billion, or $4.3 billion).

It is not clear from the interview why the difference in tariffs is treated as a receivable. Also, it is not clear how the debts of regional gas distribution companies would be collected if many of them would be written off, as Chernyshov suggested  see item immediately above.

Chernyshov would not disclose Naftogazs exact revenue, which is estimated at hundreds of billions of hryvnias, he added.

The company posted Hr 57 billion ($1.6 billion) in losses in the first half of 2022.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 68), we reported that in 2022, the government ordered Naftogaz to sell gas at a discount to multiple types of consumers, including households, heating companies, certain thermal power plants, non-household consumers from the defence sector, and regional gas distribution companies. Most of the PSOs are linked to the duration of martial law.

As we reported in Issue 67, the Cabinet added another PSO: Naftogaz also had to supply gas to electricity producers well below the market price.

In its 2021 annual report, Naftogaz estimated that indirect gas subsidies to consumers in 2022 would increase to Hr 842 billion ($23 billion)  an astonishing 19% of Ukraines nominal GDP. According to the report, the net profit in 2021 was Hr 12 billion ($328 million), and the net loss in 2020 was Hr 19 billion ($520 million).

Ukrtransgaz passes preliminary certification under European rules. On March 1, the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) made a preliminary decision to certify Ukrtransgaz as a gas storage operator under European rules.

NEURC has to notify the Energy Community Secretariat of its decision within the next five business days. The publication of NEURCs final decision on certification in accordance with European standards would be possible within a month after the Energy Community Secretariats opinion is received.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 73), we reported that on Jan. 27, Ukrtransgaz stated that it was ready to be certified as a gas storage operator under European rules and submitted a certification request to NEURC.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 66), we reported that the Verkhovna Rada passed draft law No. 8158 on Dec. 13, which laid the groundwork for Ukrtransgazs certification as a gas storage operator compliant with EU regulations. The certification is necessary to allow the EU countries strategic gas reserves to be stored in Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities, Ukrtransgaz explained.

Infrastructure

NABU demands Hr 20 million ($547,000) bail for former Infrastructure Minister Pyvovarsky for alleged abuse of power. On Feb. 27, Pyvovarsky wrote on his Facebook page that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) asked the court to set his bail at Hr 20 million ($547,000). He has been charged with abuse of power for allowing private companies to charge harbour dues at Pivdenny seaport.

NABU claims that when the ministry  not Pyvovarsky personally  prepared the order on the distribution of the harbour dues, it lobbied the interests of one of the owners of private berths (TIS), Pyvovarsky said.

Pyvovarsky claimed that NABU accused him of speaking at a Cabinet meeting and signing a document that had been previously approved by appropriate ministries, secured a favorable vote in the Cabinet, and certified by the Ministry of Justice.

Pyvovarsky emphasised that he fully disagreed with the charges and the motion to set bail. The motion will be considered on March 6 at a High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) hearing, he added.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 76), we reported that on Feb. 22, NABU and SAPO charged Pyvovarsky with abuse of power, which allegedly caused more than $30 million in damage in 2015. Pyvovarsky served as the Minister of Infrastructure in the Arseniy Yatsenyuk government from December 2014 to April 2016.

His First Deputy, Volodymyr Shulmeister, who had been the First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and chaired the Ministrys Tariff Council, was also charged in absentia.

Confiscation of the aggressor states assets, nationalization, and asset seizure

Confiscated assets of sanctioned Shelkov transferred to the SPFU. On Feb. 24, the Cabinet of Ministers transferred the assets of sanctioned Russian oligarch Mikhail Shelkov to the State Property Fund of Ukraine.

These are the assets that the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) seized in February. The most significant asset on the list is Demurinsky Mining and Processing Plant.

According to the First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, Shelkovs assets would be privatized or leased.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 75), we reported that on Feb. 15, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) exposed attempts by sanctioned Russian oligarchs Sergei Chemezov and Mikhail Shelkov to prevent the nationalization of assets that both men formerly owned in Ukraine.

In SOE Weekly (Issue 74), we reported that on Feb. 3, the HACC satisfied an appeal by the Ministry of Justice and confiscated the Demurinsky Mining and Processing Plant formerly owned by Shelkov.
(Reuters) -The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said on Saturday talks were ongoing with Iran on two sets of important matters, including the science sector, and there was "great expectation" about the process.

Rafael Grossi began meetings in Tehran on Friday that diplomats said were meant to push Iran to cooperate with an IAEA investigation into uranium traces found at undeclared sites that had been enriched close to nuclear-weapons grade.

"Globally speaking, there are two sets of matters that are important. Clearly, there is great expectation about our joint work in order to move forward in the issues that Iran and the agency are working on, to clarify and to bring credible assurances about the nuclear programme in Iran," Grossi told reporters in Tehran.

"The second set of issues, which is very important, has to do with (the) scientific, technical cooperation we are having and will continue to have with Iran," he said, speaking alongside Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

Grossi said the talks were taking place in an "atmosphere of work, honesty and cooperation".

His visit comes amid contacts with Tehran on the origin of the uranium particles enriched to up to 83.7% purity, very close to the 90% threshold for weaponisation, at its underground Fordow enrichment plant, according to a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog seen by Reuters.

JOINT AGENDA

Eslami told reporters on Saturday that the Islamic Republic was enriching uranium up to 60% fissile purity.

Grossi later met President Ebrahim Raisi and "expressed satisfaction with achieving a joint agenda with the Atomic Energy Organization on measures to smooth the path of cooperation", Raisi aide Mohammad Jamshidi tweeted.

Raisi added that "cooperation is a bilateral matter, which could continue based on maintaining the independence of the IAEA and the rights of the Iranian nation", Jamshidi added.

Story continues

Iran often accuses the IAEA of being manipulated by the West and Tehran's arch-foe Israel and of disregarding the Islamic Republic's right to develop a peaceful nuclear programme. The IAEA rejects the accusations.

Under a 2015 agreement with six world powers, Iran curbed its disputed uranium enrichment programme in return for relief from international sanctions. But the accord began to unravel in 2018 after then-U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out and reimposed tough U.S. sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to start violating the deal's strict limits on enrichment.

Iran's stonewalling of a years-long IAEA investigation into uranium traces found at three undeclared sites prompted the United Nations watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors to pass a resolution at its last quarterly meeting in November ordering Tehran to cooperate urgently with the inquiry.

That cooperation has not materialised and Grossi hoped the meeting with hardline President Raisi would help smooth the way towards ending the deadlock, diplomats in Europe said. The board's next quarterly meeting starts on Monday.

Grossi said it was an "issue of necessity to have a very deep, serious, systematic dialogue with Iran. This is why I am here. Its been too long". He said he would "judge our degree of satisfaction at the end of the day".

(Writing by Hatem Maher and Dubai newsroom; Editing by Mark Heinrich and David Holmes)
Merrick Garland

The attorney general held several meetings and reaffirmed our determination to hold Russia accountable for crimes committed in its unjust and unprovoked invasion against its sovereign neighbor, the official said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also was Lviv on March 3, meeting with justice ministers of Ukraines partners and representatives of international institutions, discussing joint efforts to hold Russia accountable for its illegal aggression against Ukraine.

Read also: US Treasury Secretary visits Kyiv

On the same day, the Netherlands and Ukraine announced a joint project to document and register evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, while Ukraines Cabinet has approved an agreement with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an ICC Office in Ukraine.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
John Joseph Carano

Johnny Carano couldnt wait to go to war like his big brothers. So he didnt wait.

The teenager from Akron, Ohio, left high school, lied about his age, joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard a submarine during World War II.

Sadly, he never came home.

Naval historians on Feb. 16 confirmed a shipwreck site off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan, as the USS Albacore (SS-218), which was lost at sea Nov. 7, 1944, after striking a mine.

All 85 crew members, including 18-year-old Carano, were killed in the explosion.

The Naval History and Heritage Commands underwater archaeology branch at the Washington Navy Yard verified the submarines identity using images provided by Dr. Tamaki Ura of the University of Tokyo, according to Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abigayle Lutz.

As the final resting place for sailors who gave their life in defense of our nation, we sincerely thank and congratulate Dr. Ura and his team for their efforts in locating the wreck of Albacore, announced Retired U.S. Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox, director of the command.

Nation: Japanese Americans lives' during WWII mass incarceration shown in rare Ansel Adams' images

Vietnam War: He found an enemy soldier's diary after a Vietnam War battle. Now, he seeks its owner.

It is through their hard work and continued collaboration that we could confirm Albacores identity after being lost at sea for over 70 years.

The Naval History and Heritage Commands underwater archaeology branch has confirmed a shipwreck off the coast of Japan as the USS Albacore, a submarine lost Nov. 7, 1944. This screenshot was captured from a video taken by Dr. Tamaki Ura of the University of Tokyo.

Nephew discusses family tragedy

Akron sailor John Joseph Carano, a motor machinists mate third class, was among the casualties.

My grandmother was so distraught over what happened with Johnny, said nephew Rick Maconachy, 70, of Akron. She didnt want him to go off to war.

When Maconachy was growing up, the family seldom mentioned the tragedy around the kids. Maybe thats because they didnt have many details  other than the sailor was lost in the Pacific.

Nobody knew anything, he said. Missing in action. Period. Nothing resolved.

The USS Albacore (SS-218) was commissioned in 1942 and lost off the coast of Japan in 1944. All 85 crew members were killed.

Born April 28, 1926, Johnny Carano was a son of Italian immigrants Silver and Angela Carano. He and his twin sister, Jean, were the youngest of seven siblings, including Marie, Phillip, Esther, David and James.

Story continues

One by one, Johnnys older brothers volunteered for military duty at age 18 after graduating from high school. Phillip joined the Navy in 1938, David entered the Marines in 1941 and James joined the Marines in 1942.

Nation: Long-lost love letters bonded a couple separated by WWII. 80 years later, the family has them back.

Carano was barely 17 when he enlisted May 5, 1943, although the Navy apparently believed he was older. According to enlistment records, he told recruiters that he had completed four years of high school and worked as a welder.

They have his birthdate as April 22, 1923, Maconachy said. But in my moms records that I found, his birthday was April 28, 1926.

Carano trained at Navy Pier in Chicago and graduated from submarine school in Groton, Connecticut, around March 1944.

USS Albacores final mission

Carano was assigned to the USS Albacore, a 311-foot, Gato-class submarine that had been in service since 1942.

According to the Navy handbook, Caranos duties as a motor machinists mate included running the engine plant, repairing broken and worn parts and operating and tending many kinds of auxiliary equipment  everything from distillers and refrigerators to hydraulic couplings and bilge pumps.

The Albacore was ranked as one of the most successful U.S. submarines against enemy combatants during World War II, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command. During 10 missions, the sub sank at least 10 enemy vessels, earned nine battle stars and received four Presidential Unit Citations.

On its 11th mission, the Albacore departed Pearl Harbor on Oct. 24, 1944, refueled at Midway on Oct. 28 and left for a patrol northeast of Honshu and south of Hokkaido. With Lt. Cmdr. Hugh R. Rimmer in charge, the ship had orders to stay outside of waters less than 100 fathoms deep because of the danger of Japanese mines.

The submarine was due back Dec. 12 at Midway but never arrived. In March 1945, the Navy notified families that the ship was presumed lost.

Shipwreck found: Long-lost ship found in Lake Huron: the Ironton 'remarkably preserved'

After the war, Japanese officials confirmed that a patrol craft had witnessed an underwater explosion Nov. 7, 1944, with heavy oil, bubbles, cork, bedding and other debris rising to the surface.

The search for the Albacore

Ura, the Tokyo professor, began searching for the Albacore in 2020, but had to suspend efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gathering latitude and longitude data from the Japan Center for Asian Historical Records, he used sonar to pinpoint a shipwreck about 750 feet down in May 2022.

Dr. Tamaki Ura of the University of Tokyo captured video footage of the USS Albacore (SS-218), which was lost at sea Nov. 7, 1944, off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan.

His team used an underwater robot to capture murky video of a rusting hulk on the seafloor. Ura sent the findings to the Naval History and Heritage Command, which had also been trying to locate the submarine.

Strong currents, marine growth and poor visibility on site made it challenging to fully document the wreck or obtain comprehensive images, Lutz reported.

However, U.S. experts were able to identify several documented Albacore modifications, including the presence of an SJ Radar dish and mast, a row of vent holes along the top of the superstructure and the absence of steel plates along the upper edge of the fairwater, to confirm the ships identity.

Final resting place of sailors

The wreck of the Albacore is a sunken military craft protected by U.S. law. The Navy command must authorize any future exploration if it involves intrusive or potentially intrusive activities.

Most importantly, the wreck represents the final resting place of sailors that gave their life in defense of the nation and should be respected by all parties as a war grave, Lutz noted.

Maconachy was taken aback to learn that his uncles submarine had been found after so many years. He hadnt even considered it a possibility.

I shouldnt be surprised  with todays technology and all the underwater mapping that goes on, he said.

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day.

He only wishes that the older generation was here to see it.

I just think of my mom and her siblings and Johnnys parents, how they would have felt being able to read something like this, he said. For a little bit of closure, knowing what their son was involved in.

Johnny Carano was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart. His name is among 28,788 etched in marble on the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: World War II submarine USS Albacore wreckage found off coast of Japan
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R). Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said Friday that he would sign a bill effectively outlawing abortion clinics in his state, The Associated Press reported.

Cox's remarks came after the Utah state Senate passed legislation that would stop the issuance of abortion licenses to private clinics in May. The bill now goes to Cox's desk for him to sign, something that he has pledged to do. When it goes into effect, AP noted, hospitals will be the only places in Utah where a woman will be able to obtain a legal abortion.

However, Cox, who Time magazine noted is often considered one of the nation's most moderate Republican governors, also said that he ensured the bill had a provision that would address liability concerns brought up among healthcare providers.

"One of the concerns with the trigger bill that medical providers had across the state was there was a lack of clarity that would have made it hard for them to perform legal abortions," Cox said, calling the provision a "compromise" among himself and more far-right Republicans.

Despite these assurances, though, abortion providers in Utah have raised concerns that the legislation, which comes less than a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, could have more far-reaching consequences than intended.

"Allowing some clinics to ... be viewed as a hospital and offer these services doesn't change the fact that it's going to cause additional restrictions," said Jason Stevenson, the policy director of Planned Parenthood Utah, per the Salt Lake Tribune.

The Utah ACLU also sent a letter to Cox urging him to veto the legislation, saying they were "deeply concerned about the restrictions this bill places on the right of Utahns to decide if and when to have a child."

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Child protective services had opened an investigation of a Utah man over alleged child abuse and threats to his family just weeks before he killed seven of his family members and then himself, new documents reveal.

Caseworkers were at the Haight house in the small town of Enoch on Dec. 19, two weeks before Michael Haight fatally shot his wife, their five children and his wife's mother before killing himself, show the Utah Division of Child and Family Services case documents obtained by the Deseret News through a public records request.

The agency had opened the investigation 11 days earlier based on abuse of the couple's oldest daughter that had occurred in previous years.

The latest alleged abuse happened just days before the visit when Haight was accused of throwing his 7-year-old son to the ground after he got upset with him. His wife, Tausha Haight, told a caseworker that she was concerned about the tone her husband had used and how he looks when he is angry, the report revealed.

She asked caseworkers not to interview her husband until after she filed for divorce, which happened Dec. 21. She told caseworkers that her husband had threatened to take his own life or make her life hell if she left him.

Caseworkers never interviewed Michael Haight.

They were not waiting for the wifes approval to do the interview, but rather gauging next steps in the investigation, said Department of Child and Family Services spokesperson Miranda Fisher in a statement to the Deseret News.

Unfortunately this tragic incident occurred prior to further intervention," the agency's summary report said.

Previously released records showed that authorities had investigated Haight for child abuse in 2020 but that police and prosecutors decided not to charge him.

The newly released report documents detail several reports of abuse, including an incident in 2021 when Haight suddenly slammed on the brakes on the highway. It scared the family and left red marks from the seat belts on their bodies. In another incident, Haight grabbed his oldest daughters head and threw her into the hard part of the couch.

Story continues

The daughter, Macie, told caseworkers that her dad would tower over her and her siblings and get close to make them feel intimidated.

Dad jumps to react to anything he doesnt like, said Macie, the records show. He yells a lot and wants to make sure they know he is right."

A previously released police search warrant returned revealed that a search of Michael Haights phone showed he searched Google with the question, can you hear a gunshot in a house. He also researched how loud 9mm and 40mm guns were. Relatives have also said Haight, 42, had previously taken guns from the home, leaving his wife and mother-in-law unable to defend themselves.
It might seem bad, but the worst that can happen when you buy a stock (without leverage) is that its share price goes to zero. But when you pick a company that is really flourishing, you can make more than 100%. For instance the Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) share price is 124% higher than it was three years ago. That sort of return is as solid as granite. On top of that, the share price is up 11% in about a quarter. This could be related to the recent financial results, released recently - you can catch up on the most recent data by reading our company report.

Since it's been a strong week for Valero Energy shareholders, let's have a look at trend of the longer term fundamentals.

Check out our latest analysis for Valero Energy

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During three years of share price growth, Valero Energy achieved compound earnings per share growth of 74% per year. The average annual share price increase of 31% is actually lower than the EPS growth. Therefore, it seems the market has moderated its expectations for growth, somewhat. This cautious sentiment is reflected in its (fairly low) P/E ratio of 4.56.

The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

It is of course excellent to see how Valero Energy has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. This free interactive report on Valero Energy's balance sheet strength is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Valero Energy the TSR over the last 3 years was 160%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

Story continues

A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Valero Energy shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 69% over one year. That's including the dividend. That gain is better than the annual TSR over five years, which is 13%. Therefore it seems like sentiment around the company has been positive lately. Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Valero Energy .

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of companies that have proven they can grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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If theres one thing everyone at CPAC is sick of, its those goddamned globalist liberals. If you hate America so much, then why not move, amirite?! Loyal, conservative CPAC attendees know that being a Republican is about small-government patriotism. No one tells us how to govern and if they try, well, their teas going straight in the harbor! Thats why CPACs Thursday night guest of honor was Nigel Farage, the British politician who graciously agreed to fly to Maryland and tell Americans how to run their country.

Nigel often struggles to make it work at these events, because he gets carried away with recounting various minor details about British process that dont excite Americans. On the Texas-Oklahoma border in 2021, I watched him try to convince a room of locals who had mainly gathered to hear from an evangelical priest that British passports going back to blue was a Really Big Triumph. People shuffled in their seats and looked confused. Most of them werent exactly sure what Brexit even was. A man who struck up earnest conversation with me after the speech referred to our Nige repeatedly as Neil.

Tonight, however, he managed to get a surprising amount of traction out of some quite boring stuff about Scotland, New Zealand and the one time he went to the pub in violation of lockdown rules. It didnt seem to bother people in the room that they had never heard of the UKs former health secretary Matt Hancock: When Farage called him a pipsqueak of a loser who you wouldnt even let wash cars, in my opinion, they lapped it up. There were genuine laughs. Emboldened, Farage added that people in the British government who heard of his illicit lockdown pub trip wanted and I quote to lock him up. Just who Farage was supposed to be quoting from there is a mystery. But details are for bleeding-heart liberals!

If it ever happens again, Farage promised, then Im going to be a rebel from day one. The crowd went wild. Ah yes, the dreams of people who will absolutely and definitely be rebels in the imaginary future, led by Nigel Farage, their imaginary righteous leader! Roll on the next pandemic, during which a British man who has never been elected to any UK office will step in to save America from science. Its like a movie, really, isnt it? Its almost worth another deadly pathogen circulating just to see it.

Story continues

Then our man gave a summary of all the countries that have, in his opinion, become too leftie for his liking. A big boo for Canada. Castro! someone shouted. Oh, you dont like Justin Trudeau? Farage remarked, workshopping a bit of back-and-forth with the crowd. Hes a loser! came the answer from a woman in the front. Farage smiled before reminding her that no, Trudeau is not a loser, because hes in power, steering the great ship of Canadian menace, and thats whats so dangerous about this whole affair.

Next came Australia, one of the wokest places on Earth. Thats what they say about Australians, isnt it? Just a bunch of hyper-PC bureaucrats with sticks up their asses, barbecuing tofu on the beaches so as not to offend the fish. New Zealand, Farage added, is in many ways even worse  but the good news is that Jacinda Ardern is gone! For some reason, everyone cheered very loudly at that.

Back to Great Britain, where the Conservatives were elected with a massive majority, much of which I gave them on a plate. Unfortunately, Nigel continued, theyve governed as liberals, because of carbon zero or something. The depleted NHS and the cost-of-living crisis proliferating in Britain seems to suggest that they very much governed as conservatives, but no one in the US has to know that.

Probably the weirdest part of this entire descriptive trip around the western world was when Farage suddenly exclaimed, Im not ashamed to admit that Giorgia Meloni is my new pin-up! Im sure that Italys new far-right prime minister will be delighted to hear that. The good news is that theres absolutely no historical precedent suggesting that throwing your support behind an extreme right-wing Italian government might go wrong, so Id say Farage is on pretty safe ground here.

Why is conservatism a bit more popular in France and Italy than in the English-speaking world, Farage pondered? Well, the answer is pretty clear to him. It comes from the west coast, it comes from big tech! What is it? Come on, keep up! The scourge of progressivism! Mark Zuckerbergs hyper-tolerant, drag queen-infused vision of the future! San Franciscos start-up founders need to keep the English-speaking world liberal, because theyre just too in love with paying their taxes and their secret transgender immigrant army will vaccinate you as soon as your back is turned! (Then, according to Marjorie Taylor Greene, theyll add insult to injury by sending your kids to Ukraine.) Apparently, however, Nigel Farage is fairly confident that Elon Musk will sort them all out. By taking over Twitter, he can surely silence those radical leftists once and for all with a nice, big crackdown. Because thats what freedom of speech looks like, libs!

To round it off, there was another imaginary scenario in which boys and girls of 11 are being told there are 73 different genders when they go to school in the morning. In this class, says Nigel, a kid says, My mummy and daddy say there are only two genders. And that kid gets kicked out of class. The hall got so energetic at this point that some people genuinely jumped to their feet. This wasnt a real story, of course. Never did this actually happen. But why would you care about that unless maybe youre a communist?

Farage came to the end of his speech with another risky move. He asked people, Can you turn this around? and when some of the crowd chanted, Yes!, he responded, like in a pantomime, I cant hear you! WILL YOU TURN THIS AROUND? It wouldnt have worked in most places. Ive seen him try this tactic and fall on his face. But CPAC got into it. They chanted, they pumped their fists, they gave him a standing ovation. It was all so encouraging that Farage, a little rosy-cheeked, ended with: Save America and youll save the free world and I love you!

As a buttoned-up Brit myself, I cringed a little. I love you? It was a bit much. But theres not much left for Nigel in Britain now, especially with Brexit having gone so horrendously wrong with the whole trashing the economy thing, and him having taken full advantage of his other passports and started living internationally to get away from it. (Not like a globalist. Just like...you know, something else but right-wing.) I suppose, perhaps, then, when Nigel says, I love you, to America, he does. And isnt the love of a desperate, far-right Brexiteer with a pin-up poster of an Italian prime minister the greatest love of all?
Walmart announced its plan to close its final two locations in Portland, Ore., at the end of March following underwhelming financial results.

We have nearly 5,000 stores across the U.S. and unfortunately some do not meet our financial expectations, the corporation said in a statement according to KPTV. While our underlying business is strong, these specific stores havent performed as well as we hoped.

The closures, which will result in nearly 600 employees being laid off, come after a statement by Walmart CEO Doug McMillion in December 2022 noting that record-breaking retail theft had undercut the companys economic performance of late.

Theft is an issue. Its higher than what it has historically been, McMillon told CNBC. Prices will be higher and/or stores will close, the executive added if Oregon authorities failed to address rampant shoplifting.

Companies shuttering stores in Portland has become increasingly common. Last year a clothing store, Raind PDX, shut down operations with the company specifically citing the cost of doing business in the wake of historic retail theft.

Small businesses (and large) cannot sustain doing business, in our citys current state. We have no protection, or recourse, against the criminal behavior that goes unpunished, a letter posted on the companys store read. Our city is in peril.

In a similar vein, Nike and Cracker Barrel locations closed in 2022 with companies citing similar reasons.

We consider many factors, including current and projected financial performance, location, population, customer needs, and the proximity of other nearby stores when making these difficult decisions. Our focus right now is taking care of our associates during this transition and working with our customers to transition their pharmacy, and other, shopping needs to nearby stores, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

In late February, Walmart announced a series of other closures across the United States including in Florida, Illinois, Arkansas, and Wisconsin.

More from National Review
Officers in Tucson on Friday night fatally shot a man police say pulled a gun on them as they tried to arrest him.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., officers located a moving vehicle with a man suspected of aggravated assault and other felonies, with a warrant for violating his probation, according to police. The vehicle did not stop when the SWAT team tried to apprehend the man tried to pull it over near East Grant Road and North Park Avenue, police said.

A chase ensued and the suspect's vehicle crashed into another vehicle a short distance up the road just west of North Campbell Avenue on East Grant, police said. As officers approached the vehicle, the man pulled out a handgun and there was an exchange of gunfire with the suspect being shot, according to police.

The man was declared dead on the scene, police said.

According to police, detectives had probable cause for two counts of aggravated assault, one count of prohibited possession and one count of discharging a firearm within city limits.

A woman inside the suspects vehicle sustained injuries that were not life-threatening from the crash and was taken to Banner University Medical Center, police said. The woman is considered a suspect "from the original incident," police added.

No officers or others reported injuries from this incident. Police did not identify the suspect.

The Pima Regional Critical Incident Team was working the case, and the Pima County Sheriffs Department will lead the criminal investigation, according to police. The Tucson Police Departments Office of Professional Standards will conduct "a separate, but parallel" investigation to determine whether there were any policy violations in this incident.

All findings will be presented to the Pima County Attorneys Office for review upon the investigation's completion, police said.

Law enforcement have shot at least 10 people in Arizona so far this year, according to an analysis by The Arizona Republic.

A six-month analysis by The Republic revealed police statewide not only shot people more times in the first half of 2021 than they did in the same time span the last two years, but more of those shootings also were fatal.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wanted man killed by Tucson police following vehicle chase
Looking at The Warehouse Group Limited's (NZSE:WHS ) insider transactions over the last year, we can see that insiders were net buyers. That is, there were more number of shares purchased by insiders than there were sold.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

Check out our latest analysis for Warehouse Group

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Warehouse Group

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Group Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Oram bought NZ$96k worth of shares at a price of NZ$3.21 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of NZ$2.62. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock when an insider has bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price. Jonathan Oram was the only individual insider to buy during the last year.

Jonathan Oram purchased 40.00k shares over the year. The average price per share was NZ$3.19. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Warehouse Group is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Does Warehouse Group Boast High Insider Ownership?

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Warehouse Group insiders own about NZ$267m worth of shares (which is 29% of the company). Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders.

Story continues

What Might The Insider Transactions At Warehouse Group Tell Us?

There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, Warehouse Group insiders feel good about the company's future. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Warehouse Group. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Warehouse Group (1 is a bit concerning) you should be aware of.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Heres whats on TV tonight.

Black Girl Missing (8 p.m., Lifetime)

In this new Lifetime movie, a Black mother enlists the help of a dedicated community of amateur internet sleuths to try to find her missing daughter after authorities and the media quickly dismiss her case and focus on the search for a missing white girl instead. This is followed at 10 p.m. by a special Beyond the Headlines episode that details the stories of two young Black women who have gone missing, and the families who battle a system stacked against them. With the help of the Black and Missing Foundation, these families hope to bring their daughters home.

48 HOURS: The Trial of Alex Murdaugh (10 p.m., CBS)

48 HOURS correspondent Nikki Battiste explores the double life of once prominent South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh with updates from his double-murder trial and guilty verdict this week. Lead prosecutor Creighton Waters gives his first one-on-one interview since the sentencing, says CBS.

Battiste first traveled to South Carolina to cover the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh in the summer of 2021 and has been reporting on the case ever since.

 How to stream: This will be available to stream on Paramount+.

 More on Murdaugh: You can see full coverage of the Murdaugh murder case at thestate.com/topics/murdaugh-family.

Saturday Night Live (11:30 p.m., NBC)

Travis Kelce hosts and Kelsea Ballerini performs.

Some programming descriptions are provided by networks.
This week underscored how much the 2024 presidential race is warming up as former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are heading to Iowa in the coming days.

Recent polling shows Republican voters could be swinging back to Trump over his presumed chief rival after previous surveys found the former president slipping.

On the Democratic side, the biggest tussle was over President Joe Biden's goal to erase billions of dollars in student loan debt, which was picked apart by the Supreme Court.

And former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, who was soundly defeated in her GOP primary last year for defying Trump, has a new gig.

Stay in the conversation on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter

What happened this week in politics?

Donald Trump, who is running for president in 2024, and Ron DeSantis, who has yet to announce, will be heading to the first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa in what could be a preview of their primary clash.

Hundreds of grassroots activists attended the Conservative Political Action Conference to hear what Republicans plan to boot Biden from office.

The president's goal to forgive student loans was met with sharp skepticism by conservative-leaning justices on the Supreme Court.

Rep. George Santos's multiple scandals may have finally caught up with him as congressional colleagues launch an ethics probe.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney is coming back to politics, but this time in the classroom at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

Trump, DeSantis journey to Iowa

The tug-of-war Trump and DeSantis are waging for top dog in the Republican Party will come more into focus this month as both are making the political pilgrimage to The Hawkeye State.

DeSantis is up first, with stops in Davenport and Des Moines on March 10. Trump will be in Iowa three days later at Davenport's Adler Theater.

Money: What's behind the GOP backlash against ESG?

Story continues

More: DOJ tells appeals court Trump can be sued over role in Capitol attack

Iowa has been good to the former president in the past. Trump carried the state in the 2016 and 2020 elections, and a 2021 Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll showed 57% of Iowa Republicans wanted him to run again versus 33% who did not.

President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Canal Point, Fla., on March 29, 2019.

DeSantis is the most often mentioned GOP alternative to Trump, but a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll released last month shows the Florida governor trailing by roughly eight percentage points.

CPAC or Trumpalooza?

The annual conservative conference didn't always embrace Trump, but many supporters have dominated the stage this year and he is closing the event as the keynote speaker on Saturday.

Other presidential hopefuls  such as DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence  have skipped it entirely.

One exception is Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who is the only big-name Republican to announce a presidential run against Trump so far.

More: Haley to speak to conservatives ahead of Trump; Marjorie Taylor Greene attacks trans rights

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks to voters at a town hall campaign event, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in Urbandale, Iowa.

The former UN ambassador has staked her campaign on carving out an alternative, and younger, GOP vision.

SCOTUS knocks student debt relief

One of President Biden's big priorities has been to cancel $400 billion in student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans.

But the plan's chances of survival appear grim after oral arguments this week heard by the Supreme Court and its 6-3 conservative majority.

Activists and students protest in front of the Supreme Court during a rally for student debt cancellation in Washington, DC, Fe. 28, 2023.

Chief Justice John Roberts struck at the heart of the matter and questioned if the president has the power to cancel student loans without a thumbs up from Congress.

"We take very seriously the idea of the separation of powers and that power should be divided to prevent its abuse," he said.

Courts: SCOTUS majority signals skepticism over Biden's student loan debt plan

More: Biden to sign bill blocking new DC crime laws

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who is arguing on behalf of the Biden administration, pushed back, saying that if the president can postpone paymentsas was done during the COVID-19 pandemiche can cancel the debt.

A decision is expected by the end of June.

Cheney's new job

Rep. Liz Cheney paid the price for being one of the few elected Republicans willing to stand against Trump in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol.

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks during the Washington Post Global Women's Summit at the newspaper's headquarters on Nov. 15. in Washington, D.C.

Wyoming voters last year sided with a Trump-backed primary challenger by a whopping 37%, which is one of the more lopsided loses for an incumbent in U.S. history.

Politics: Lawmakers share stories on mental health with Fetterman hospitalized

But Cheney isn't done with politics just yet.

She is joining the University of Virginia's Center for Politics and will teach through the fall 2023 semester holding university-wide lectures and contributing to the center's politics research.

Is this Rep. George Santos's reckoning?

The New York Republican has been caught in a series of lies about his personal life and employment history. That has blossomed into serious questions about his campaign spending, multiple criminal investigations and a sexual abuse claim by a staffer.

Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., leaves a House GOP conference meeting on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Jan. 25, 2023.

In one of the easiest decisions for the 118th Congress, the House Ethics Committee unanimously voted to investigate Santos for any "unlawful activity" during his 2022 campaign and the staffer's claims.

Politics: AOC might have broken House rules with Met Gala dress, watchdog says

More: Manchin floats 'better program' for Social Security, Medicare benefits

Speaker Kevin McCarthy said in January he would consider removing Santos from Congress if an investigation into his background by the ethics committee found he broke the law.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Santos investigation launched, SCOTUS jabs Biden's student loan debt
By Timour Azhari

ANTAKYA, Turkey (Reuters) -From an old black cassette player, Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" rings out through a damaged neighbourhood of the ancient Turkish city of Antakya, where few residents remain since a devastating earthquake left it in ruins nearly a month ago.

Almost all of the city's shops were closed and rows of buildings lay in heaps of rubble, but Mehmet Serkan Sincan, an antique trader who decided to stay put, laid out his wares on the street and played music for passersby - just as he did before the quake struck.

A print of Salvador Dali's famed melting clocks hung prominently on the outside wall of his damaged shop, alongside tapestries of a large mosque and another depicting Jesus leading a flock of sheep to water.

Close by was a mosaic portrait of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, old magazines and several Turkish flags.

In a city where life has come to a standstill, 50-year-old Sincan, who counted friends and neighbours among the more than 50,000 killed in the disaster, said setting up the display as usual was a way to maintain some semblance of normalcy.

"Even before the earthquake, these chairs were outside, I had items outside to show that we run an antique shop ... This is normal, classic life for us ... So we have returned to normal," he said. "We're happy here."

In streets once bustling with tourists, most passersby are now soldiers, police officers and other emergency workers.

Sincan said the historic building housing his store has been deemed safe by engineers, with the damage limited to plasterwork and a few non-load bearing walls.

But there was also damage to thousands of antique items he has gathered over the years.

Inside the building, vases, teacups, saucers and other crockery lay jolted from their places in cabinets and shattered multicoloured glass and broken stone covered the floor among pieces of silverware, a candelabra and smashed wooden furniture.

Story continues

Sincan walked through the store salvaging what he could: a portrait of his father, a cartoonish image of Albert Einstein with his tongue out; a faded copy of the Mona Lisa.

In one room, a wall collapsed on top of his collection of Turkish antique glassware.

"I saved a bit, the rest is under there and I don't think it's all broken. When we tidy up here a few more glasses will come out, God willing," he said with a toothy grin.

'WE'LL REBUILD'

The earthquake left many of the historic buildings in a city with a strong history of religious diversity in ruins - including churches dating back to antiquity and many of the city's old mosques.

The imams who used to make the Muslim call to prayer five times a day also left, Sincan said, prompting him to take on the sacred task himself.

"I'm not hearing the calls for the prayers. I have been praying for 20 years, and so that hurt me," he said.

Several times a day, he climbs up the stairs of his building onto a patio perched above the street and, in a loud voice, calls believers to pray.

"It is a matter of honour for Turks. We say that the flag doesn't go down and the Adhans (call to prayer) don't stop," he said.

A man who has made a living from old things, Sincan said he took a historical view of the earthquake's devastation.

Antakya, formerly called Antioch, has been heavily damaged or destroyed several times over more than 2,000 years, both by earthquakes and conquest as it changed hands between ancient Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Ottomans.

Sincan said he was confident the city would rise again.

"Antakya has fallen six times, this was the 6.5th time. God willing, we'll rebuild it until the 7th time."

(Reporting by Timour AzhariEditing by Helen Popper and Frances Kerry)
Del. Barry Knight, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said hes ready to return to state budget negotiations.

I am certainly willing and able to go back, said Knight, R-Virginia Beach. We will see if we can resolve the rest of it. Sometimes you just need a little cooling off period.

The General Assemblys legislative session ended last week, but budget conference committees  headed by Knight, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Janet Howell and Co-Chair George Barker  were unable to reach an agreement.

The state passed a two-year budget last year. But conferees were debating a series of changes to last years plan, including an extensive series of $1 billion in tax cuts proposed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and backed by Republicans.

Youngkin, who campaigned on a promise to cut taxes, sought the reductions on top of $4 billion in tax cuts the General Assembly approved last year.

Although legislators are not required to update the budget, Knight believes they absolutely will reach a consensus in the coming weeks or months.

Among the cuts, Youngkin is pushing to increase the standard income tax deduction for individuals and couples, lower the corporate tax rate from 6% to 5%, and remove age requirements so younger veterans could benefit from a law passed last year allowing those 55 or older to deduct from their taxable income tens of thousands of dollars in military retirement pay.

Democrats, meanwhile, have stressed that the state has other priorities, such as education and schools. They voiced especially strong opposition to lowering the corporate tax rate.

In a Friday statement, Howell, a Reston Democrat, said negotiations are ongoing.

Slowly we are narrowing our differences, although some major ones continue, she wrote. Tax relief and the amount of funding for education from pre-school to graduate school are major outstanding issues.

Knight said this years shorter 46-day session also created extra challenges.

Story continues

At the very end of the session, they decided they didnt want to go quite as far on tax cuts as I did and it kind of broke down from there, he said. I think maybe politics got into play a little bit. Everyone is running in the primaries, and I think there were some sensitivities there.

But the delegate said they were largely on the same page about allotting $900 million for various education and mental health initiatives.

We were in agreement on a lot of that, he said.

Knight added he understood corporate tax cuts may be off the table for this year.

We had talked about maybe not doing much of that or any of that and focusing more on other tax initiatives, he said.

Youngkin recently told reporters he believed it was possible to cut taxes while still supporting schools and behavioral health.

We were successful last year in finding common ground and that was good for Virginia, he said. And Im hopeful we can find the same place again.

After budget conferees reach an agreement, the General Assembly will reconvene to vote on the updates.

Although the purpose of a state budget is to divvy up funding, in many instances it has also been used to resurrect legislation that had otherwise died, meaning other surprises could be in store.

Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com
Close director Lukas Dhonts discovery of one of his films stars, Eden Dambrine, is straight out of a book of Hollywood legends.

Dhont approached Dambrine on a train in their native Belgium and asked if hed like to audition for his movie. I was a bit worried, Dambrine, 16, recalls. I asked my friends to search on Google to see if it was really Lukas Dhont who was talking to me. It was so I felt a bit more safe.

More from Variety

Fast forward to 2023, and Close is up for best international feature at the Oscars. The A24 film is a drama about 13-year-old best friends Leo, played by Eden, and Remi (Gustav De Waele). Tragedy occurs when Leo begins to distance himself from Remi after they become the target of school bullies who believe the boys are a couple.

I caught up with Dhont, Dambrine and De Waele at A24s offices in West Hollywood while the trio was in L.A. in February for a series of screenings and Q&As.

Lukas, tell me why you cast Eden and Gustav.

Dhont: Our casting process was quite elaborate in the sense that we organized full days with a group of boys so we could do workshops with them, and so that we could give them the time to grow and to dare to show things. This is very different [from] if you only invite them for 20 minutes, because theyre uncomfortable, theyve never done it before, do they even like it? But what happened with these two is that in between all the moments where we were doing exercises with them, every time these two gravitated toward each other, like we would see them standing together somewhere. Then there was lunch, and they were sitting together and talking nonstop. Also, at the end of the day, there was this questionnaire in which they had to fill in all these questions about themselves. We just wanted to feel, who are they? Where are they in their lives? How do they feel about themselves? We also asked, Who is your favorite person in the world? They had filled in each others names.

Story continues

CLOSE, from left: Eden Dambrine, Emilie Dequenne, Gustav De Waele, 2022.  A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

De Waele: We just had an intense moment with each other, where we actually did a scene. And yeah, something happened there that we were inseparable.

I dont think Ive talked to any gay men who have seen the movie who havent said they could see themselves in both Leo and Remi. When I was in high school, I fell in love with a boy. I didnt really understand what was going on at the time but he pushed me away and ended our friendship without any explanation.

Dhont: This film starts from this deep place of regret that I carried around with me as an adult. I have a few who I pushed away at a young age because I feared the intimacy. I think Im Leo, but I also think I have been Remi in many occasions. I started to fear every vulnerable part or any tenderness that I felt inside of me. I started to fear it profoundly, and saw it as an absolute weakness for years and years and years.

But now you get to make movies about it.

I always thought I was going to make movies about zombies and vampires  But I realized that there was something to say about that young perspective on the world, of someone who feels he wants to belong to many rather than to himself and therefore betrays so many parts. So yes, thats the films I make now. Maybe Ill return to zombies someday.

You can do a queer zombie love story.

Exactly. I think A24 would be up for it.

Eden and Gustav, what did your friends think of the movie?

Dambrine: A whole group of us went to see it. At the end of the movie, everyone started crying in my arms and everyone started hugging me. It was the sweetest thing. I felt loved.

De Waele: It was very interesting because I saw that when my friends went together to see the movie, they were less expressive and didnt show their emotions to each other. But when a friend of mine went alone to the movie, they talked to me like they really get the message and they really loved it. But when Im with other friends, they do not dare to speak that language.

You both were in school when the Oscar nominations were announced.

Dambrine: I had my phone, sneakily, with YouTube on, so the teacher couldnt see. When I heard it, I started crying and I was jumping up in the air and rolling on the ground.

De Waele: I was in dance class. I couldnt watch it because you cant have your phone when youre dancing. When my friends and I heard the news, we ran to the other classes to tell them, but they already knew because they were watching it live.

Gustav, you said during one of the Q&As the other night that you would have loved to have met Billy Wilder. How the heck do you know who Billy Wilder is?

De Waele: My parents are in the film industry, so they let me watch a lot of movies. On Christmas Eve, we always watch Some Like It Hot. After the first time, I said to them, Can I continue watching Billy Wilder movies?

The Academy Awards are on March 12. The ceremony will broadcast live on ABC.

Close is available for streaming now.

This Q&A has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
ADDIS ABABA, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Achieving Africa's sustainable growth requires leveraging the power of science, technology and innovation to fight multidimensional vulnerabilities, experts have emphasized.

They made the call during a session on science, technology, and innovation (STI) on the margins of the 9th African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development that was held in a hybrid format in Niamey, the capital of Niger on Thursday, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) said in a statement issued Friday.

According to the UNECA, the experts emphasized the crucial role of STI as a key driver and enabler for ensuring economic growth, improving well-being, mitigating the effects of climate change, and safeguarding the environment.

They underscored the need to strengthen national and regional STI ecosystems by fostering innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and investing in research and development.

The experts agreed that Africa can harness the potential of STI to accelerate its socioeconomic progress and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

"We need a clear political will from governments to ensure science, technology, and innovation is a reality. By doing so, our education systems will be capacitated to deliver knowledge that is vital to solving Africa's sustainability challenges," the statement quoted Mamoudou Djibo, Niger's Minister of Higher Education and Research.

The experts highlighted that despite advances in STI, significant gaps remain in bridging the scientific and technological divide between developed countries and Africa.

The highly uneven global distribution of scientific capacity and access to knowledge threatens to derail the goal of leaving no one behind, which is the central and transformative promise of Agenda 2030, the experts noted.

Emma Theophilus, Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technologies of Namibia, on her part, underscored the need that national systems need to be strengthened.

"Strengthening our national systems for STI is a key game changer for rapid structural transformation in Africa. Leveraging digital transformation can achieve a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive recovery," she said.

According to the UNECA, over the last decade, Africa has embarked on a trajectory to strengthen its science, technology and innovation capacity. 
Russias missile strike on Jan. 14 caught Kyiv residents off-guard.

After nearly a year of Moscows repeated attacks, something unusual happened: The explosions sounded before the air raid alert went off, which is rarely the case in what is believed to be the most protected city in Ukraine.

On that day, Russia launched the first officially confirmed attack on Kyiv with the S-400 surface-to-air missile system, the newest and most advanced air defense system in Moscows arsenal. The S-400 was also likely used in the attack on Kyiv on Dec. 31, according to the Air Force of Ukraine.

Russian forces have been using other air defense systems, such as S-300, for strikes on Ukrainian cities presumably due to a shortage of high-precision missiles. Designed primarily to take down targets in the air, these systems also have a surface-to-surface function. When used in this way, their key difference compared to other types, such as cruise missiles, is their extremely poor accuracy.

Oleg Katkov, editor-in-chief of Ukrainian military-focused online media outlet Defense Express, says that based on the Soviet data, the effective use of air defense missiles against ground targets is limited to a mere 40-kilometer radius. It is in this range that the missile can still be directed by Russian radar systems.

As soon as it disappears from Russian radar, it is not controlled anymore. After leaving this radius, the rocket simply falls somewhere, Katkov told the Kyiv Independent.

That is why the targets for strikes by air defense systems are cities, and not more specific areas or structures.

Russia uses such missiles at a distance of more than 100-200 kilometers, which is why Katkov says they are needed in order to kill the civilian population.

At the distances at which they are used, there are physically no options for their other use, he said.

Air defense missiles also fly at comparatively high speed, which renders them almost immune to Ukraine's anti-air systems.

Story continues

These missiles can travel approximately 200 kilometers in two minutes. Even less, Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraines Air Force, told the Kyiv Independent.

According to Ihnat, even the growing supply of Western air defense systems is not enough to protect Ukraine from all threats.

According to Defense Express, the country's aging Soviet air defense systems  as well as those that were previously donated by Western partners  are able to effectively shoot down the Kh-101, M-54 Kalibr, P-500, Kh-59 class cruise missiles, but they are unable to counter Russia's missiles that fly along a ballistic trajectory, like the Kh-22, 9M723 (missiles for the Iskander systems), short-range Tochka missiles, and air defense missiles.

Russias Jan. 14 strike on Kyiv was part of a coordinated large-scale attack across Ukraine.

During the attack, Russia also launched a Kh-22 missile on the city of Dnipro, hitting a residential building and resulting in one of the largest civilian death tolls from a single strike since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. It killed 46 people, and injured 80.

S-400 defense systems, sent by Russia, are seen at the Brestsky training ground ahead of the Allied Resolve 2022 joint military exercise near Brest, Belarus, on Feb. 3, 2022. (Photo by Russian Defense Ministry / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Greater threat

Both the West and Ukraine have highlighted the shortage of high-precision missiles faced by Russia for months. In late November, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov proclaimed that Moscow had used most of its high-precision arsenal.

However, Russias much larger stocks of air defense missiles may pose a much greater threat to Ukraine.

According to Kyiv, Russia still has about 8,000 S-300 missiles. The number includes both standard missiles, with a range of 120-150 kilometers, and modified versions able to fly over 200 kilometers. This kind of range allows Russia to strike at Kyiv from Russias Bryansk Oblast, a region that borders Ukraine to the north. The proportion of the two missile types within this 8,000 figure is unknown.

Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Defense Ministrys Main Intelligence Directorate, said that Russia has "significantly less" missiles for the latest S-400 systems. Kyiv claims that a mass bombardment of the country with S-400 systems is extremely unlikely, since they are currently Russia's most sophisticated means of protecting its airspace.

However, the risk of increased use of S-300 missiles to attack Ukraine remains extremely high. Defense Express analysts have calculated that Russia can even strike at Kyiv with the shorter-range version of the missiles if fired from the territory of Belarus.

Although Belarus has not officially declared war on Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Russian forces have used Belarusian territory to launch attacks on Ukraine, including strikes with Iskander and Tocka-U ballistic missiles.


One of the best investments we can make is in our own knowledge and skill set. With that in mind, this article will work through how we can use Return On Equity (ROE) to better understand a business. To keep the lesson grounded in practicality, we'll use ROE to better understand The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW).

Return on Equity or ROE is a test of how effectively a company is growing its value and managing investors money. In simpler terms, it measures the profitability of a company in relation to shareholder's equity.

View our latest analysis for Sherwin-Williams

How Do You Calculate Return On Equity?

Return on equity can be calculated by using the formula:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Sherwin-Williams is:

65% = US$2.0b  US$3.1b (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022).

The 'return' is the yearly profit. So, this means that for every $1 of its shareholder's investments, the company generates a profit of $0.65.

Does Sherwin-Williams Have A Good Return On Equity?

By comparing a company's ROE with its industry average, we can get a quick measure of how good it is. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. As you can see in the graphic below, Sherwin-Williams has a higher ROE than the average (17%) in the Chemicals industry.

roe

That is a good sign. Bear in mind, a high ROE doesn't always mean superior financial performance. Especially when a firm uses high levels of debt to finance its debt which may boost its ROE but the high leverage puts the company at risk. To know the 2 risks we have identified for Sherwin-Williams visit our risks dashboard for free.

The Importance Of Debt To Return On Equity

Most companies need money -- from somewhere -- to grow their profits. That cash can come from retained earnings, issuing new shares (equity), or debt. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but won't affect the total equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used.

Story continues

Sherwin-Williams' Debt And Its 65% ROE

It seems that Sherwin-Williams uses a huge volume of debt to fund the business, since it has an extremely high debt to equity ratio of 3.41. While its ROE is no doubt quite impressive, it could give a false impression about the company's returns given that its huge debt could be boosting those returns.

Conclusion

Return on equity is one way we can compare its business quality of different companies. In our books, the highest quality companies have high return on equity, despite low debt. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, I'd generally prefer the one with higher ROE.

But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. It is important to consider other factors, such as future profit growth -- and how much investment is required going forward. So I think it may be worth checking this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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A Sedgwick County judge on Friday ordered a Wichita man to serve nine years, three months in prison for killing a 19-year-old during a botched drug deal last summer.

Authorities have said Brian Lee Youngman shot Donovan Graves of Wichita in the head outside of 5205 S. Clifton on July 11, 2022, after Graves pulled a gun to rob a then 17-year-old girl of a quarter-pound of marijuana. According to his Jan. 4 plea agreement, Youngman had asked the girl to help him find someone to purchase a small quantity of marijuana that he had for sale, so she contacted Graves through social media and arranged the deal, for $450.

The Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office has said two women  Lanita Baugh and Myrashia Griffin  drove Graves to Youngmans home for the transaction. The deal turned deadly when Youngman shot Graves during the robbery attempt, authorities have said.

Youngmans plea agreement says the men didnt know one another and Youngman and the girl were not aware that Graves had a history of committing robberies. They didnt know Graves had planned to rob them that night, the agreement says.

Graves was found dead in a car at the QuikTrip gas station at 47th Street South and Hydraulic.

Youngman was convicted of one count of second-degree reckless murder through an Alford plea, which allows a defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors have enough evidence to potentially win a conviction.

Sedgwick County District Judge Jeffrey Goering imposed Youngmans sentence on Friday morning, said Dan Dillon, a spokesman for the Sedgwick County District Attorneys Office.

Youngmans co-defendants are awaiting resolution of their cases:

Baugh, 19, is facing a possible prison sentence of nearly eight years when she is sentenced March 16. She pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and attempted robbery in separate cases on Jan. 27, court records show.

Griffin, 20, is expected to receive a year of probation when she is sentenced March 16 on one count of attempted robbery, according to her Jan. 23 plea agreement.

The girl whom Graves allegedly pulled the gun on, Nancy Miller, is charged as an adult with first-degree felony murder and marijuana distribution. She is due in Sedgwick County District Court again on March 14, when shes expected to enter a plea, a note in court records shows.

Miller is currently 18. She was initially charged in juvenile court because she was 17 when Graves was killed, but prosecutors sought successfully in January to move the case to adult court. The Eagle typically does not identify minors charged with crimes by name unless they are charged as adults.
Ellen Gilland, accused of killing her terminally ill husband, is escorted back to the holding cell by VCSO bailiff, Thursday March 2, 2023 following a bond hearing before Judge Raul Zambrano at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

Ellen Gilland was released Friday night from the Volusia County Branch Jail where she had been held since Jan. 21 when she shot her terminally ill husband at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, according to a police report.

Gilland was released at 8:31 p.m., according to the jail's online records. That was about 30 hours after Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano set a $150,000 bond in her case during a bond hearing Thursday afternoon.

Zambrano also set conditions for her release. Gilland must not possess any firearms and not to go any hospital unless it's an "absolute emergency" and must first notify the State Attorney's Office and the court.

Gilland, 76, had been denied bond at a hearing on Feb. 10. But at that point she still faced a charge of first-degree murder in the killing of her 77-year-old husband, Jerry, in his hospital room. She was not legally entitled to bond on the first-degree murder charge.

Gilland has two nieces who have said at hearings she could live with them. One of them lives in New Smyrna Beach and the other in Oviedo.

Bond set in hospital shooting$150K bond set for woman, 76, accused of killing sick husband in Daytona Beach hospital

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But Gilland was indicted on Feb. 22 on a lesser charge of assisting self-murder/manslaughter, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. She was entitled to bond on the lesser charge.

Gilland was also indicted on two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, stemming from accusations she pointed her gun at the nurse and the security officer. Each is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison

Additionally, Gilland was indicted on a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (firearm), which is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and which carries a minimum mandatory prison sentence of three years if convicted.

Story continues

Her next court hearing is set for March 22.

T

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Woman accused of killing terminally ill husband released from jail
https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-for-barbie?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer Memorial for Barbie

gofundme

A family is mourning their beloved family member who died while reportedly trying to save someone who was stuck in the snow during California's severe winter storms last weekend.

Barbie Hughes was in Polique Canyon in Big Bear on Saturday when she was "run over and sustained fatal injuries," her sister, Sarah Hughes, explained in a Facebook post on Monday.

"While we're not sure on all the little details yet, something happened," she added.

A San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department spokesman confirmed Barbie's death to Fox News, explaining that "she was killed from a vehicle vs. pedestrian incident."

RELATED: Hawaii Faces Extreme Cold Front and Winter Storm Warnings Weeks After Mauna Loa Eruption

The SBCSD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

With travel restrictions and road closures set in place because of the weather, Sarah explained in her Facebook post that airlifting her sister to a local hospital was difficult after emergency services were called.

Her sister, however, was able to be escorted by an officer to a local hospital, where she says she got "into the wheelchair on her own power" and was met by their mother, Sheree Hughes, who "was able to be there with her while she was awake."

RELATED: 'Once-in-a-Generation' Storm Has 110 Million Under Winter Weather Alerts Ahead of Holiday Weekend

"She was able to hold her hand and tell her how much we love her, so we're grateful for that small piece. Barbie couldn't really talk but was able to say, 'I love you, momma," she added.

After Barbie underwent examination, her family learned that her injuries were "substantial and severe," continued Sarah in her post.

RELATED VIDEO: Winter Storm Death Toll Rises to 49  with 27 Victims in Buffalo, New York - 'So Many Bodies'

"As the pain set in, the decision was made to intubate her to provide some relief. The doctors tried, but the broken bones had punctured her lung(s), and one punctured her heart. We were pulled in by the doctor around 3 am on February 26th, she passed away while under sedation," she explained.

Story continues

On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared San Bernardino and twelve other counties under a state of emergency due to the record amount of snowfall that stemmed from what the National Weather Service called a "once-in-a-generation storm."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

To offset the cost of Barbie's memorial expenses, her family has created a GoFundMe campaign. It has currently acquired $18,800 in donations.
A Yamnaya grave of a male horse rider found in Malomirovo, Bulgaria. He died between the ages of 65 and 75.

Archaeologists accidentally discovered the world's earliest horseback riders while studying skeletons found beneath 5,000-year-old burial mounds in Europe and Asia, a new study finds.

The ancient riders were part of the so-called Yamnaya culture, groups of semi-nomadic people who swept across Europe and western Asia, bringing the precursor to the Indo-European language family with them. The findings strengthen the hypothesis that the horse played an integral part in the expansion of this group, and therefore, in the spread of the Indo-European language.

The new analysis came from 217 human skeletons from the Pontic-Caspian steppe, a geographical area that runs roughly from Bulgaria to Kazakhstan. For decades, researchers have debated when horses were domesticated. In Kazakhstan, 5,000-year-old horse skeletons show wear on their teeth that could have been from bridles, while others have found possible fenced enclosures. In the same time period, horse milk peptides have been detected in the dental plaque of people from Russia. Importantly, the geographical explosion of the Yamnaya culture  which expanded across 3,000 miles (4,500 kilometers) over a mere century or two  suggests horses may have assisted as transportation animals.

A map of the Yamnaya and Afanasievo distribution in Eurasia about 5,000 years ago.

But there was no direct evidence that the Yamnaya culture regularly domesticated horses.

So archaeologist Martin Trautmann of the University of Helsinki in Finland and his colleagues collected data on six diagnostic skeletal traits that have been collectively called "horsemanship syndrome." Since bone is a living tissue, it responds to stresses placed on it. Consistent horseback riding can cause trauma and spine degeneration, but it can also result in more subtle changes to the leg and hip bones as the human body adapts to regular riding.

Related: 1,400-year-old remains of headless horse and rider discovered in Germany

Image 1 of 2

An Egyptian drawing of the goddess Astarte on horseback that dates to the 19th dynasty, about 1,500 years after the first known Yamnaya riders. This horse has a stock build and is smaller and shorter than modern horses are.

Image 2 of 2

This limestone Egyptian relief shows a messenger on horseback from the Horemheb tomb, Saqqara, late 18th dynasty. Bronze Age riders are usually show a rider position known as

In the skeletons from 39 sites across Eastern Europe, Trautmann and colleagues found that two dozen had at least half of the traits of horsemanship syndrome.

Story continues

They are most confident, however, about the identification of five Yamnaya culture individuals hailing from what is now Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary as likely equestrians.

"Our findings provide a strong argument that horseback riding was already a common activity for some Yamnaya individuals as early as 3000 [B.C.]," they wrote in their paper.

The Yamnaya people didn't ride Przewalski's horses, but these hoofed animals are likely close to what ancient horses looked like in terms of appearance, color and size.

Birgit Buhler , an archaeologist at the University of Vienna, told Live Science in an email that she is "excited about their research." However, Buhler, who has studied horsemanship syndrome but was not involved in this work, was concerned about the researchers' ability to measure changes to the hip sockets given the poor state of conservation of many of the bones. "Because two major traits are missing, I feel that caution is required in interpreting the evidence," she said.

Most of the skeletons were in such poor condition that horsemanship couldn't be analyzed. Taking that into account, however, "we guess that more than 30% of male adult Yamnaya individuals were riding frequently," Trautmann told Live Science in an email.

The remains of a horse rider found in Malomirovo, Bulgaria. He had a Yamnaya-style burial, and radiocarbon dating puts him in the 30th century B.C.

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Shevan Wilkin , a biomolecular archaeologist at the Institute of Evolutionary Medicine at the University of Zurich, who was not involved in this study, told Live Science in an email that the researchers' findings about the Yamnaya are interesting but "not surprising considering their vast Early Bronze Age expansions." Expanding so quickly and spreading their genes over such a vast area would have been difficult without horses.

Although skeletons with horsemanship syndrome are rarely found, their identification by archaeologists gives us new information about what it was like to live on the eastern steppe five millennia ago. "For now," Trautmann said, "it seems riding was mostly a male activity, probably connected to herding, and training probably started early."
TEHRAN, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian nuclear chief said on Saturday Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to regulate their relations on the basis of the safeguards agreements.

President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami made the remarks in an address to a joint press conference with visiting IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran following their meetings earlier in the day.

Eslami said basing the two sides' relations on the safeguards agreements helps the IAEA be assured of Iran's nuclear activities and prevent any discrepancy or contradiction.

The AEOI president noted that the communication "should be in a way to build trust," adding the two sides should shield it from external interference so as to let cooperation and exchange continue in a "trustworthy manner" for resolving their issues.

He revealed that the AEOI and the agency have agreed that the latter should take part in the 30th Iranian Nuclear Conference to know better about Iran's nuclear program and the capabilities of the country's scientists.

On the possibility of the issuance of an anti-Iran resolution in the next meeting of the IAEA Board of Directors, Eslami said should such a thing take place, Iranian authorities will definitely make decisions accordingly and the AEOI will act based on them.

Grossi, for his part, said the IAEA is ready to continue its cooperation with Iran and seeks to have a "serious and systematic" dialogue with Iran, adding that the talks on the JCPOA's revival are on the agenda and will continue.

The cooperation between the agency and Tehran and the "good agreement" the two sides are expected to reach will contribute to the JCPOA's revival, he noted.

He condemned any military action against nuclear facilities and power plants anywhere in the world.

He also gave the assurance that the IAEA has never been and will not ever be used as a political tool.

In recent months, the IAEA has criticized Iran for its lack of cooperation with the agency.

In November last year, the IAEA's Board of Governors passed a resolution proposed by the United States, Britain, France and Germany that called on Iran to collaborate with the agency's investigators regarding the alleged "traces of uranium" at a number of its "undeclared" sites.

Iran has repeatedly rejected such allegations and insisted on the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

Iran signed the JCPOA with world powers in July 2015, agreeing to put some curbs on its nuclear program in return for the removal of the sanctions on the country. The United States, however, pulled out of the deal in May 2018 and reimposed its unilateral sanctions on Tehran, prompting the latter to reduce some of its nuclear commitments under the deal.

The talks on the JCPOA's revival began in April 2021 in Vienna. No breakthrough has been achieved after the latest round of talks in August 2022. 
Florida teens looking for year-round and summer employment opportunities will have the chance to meet with a wide range of employers at the Career & College Fair hosted by the YMCA of Central Florida.

The YMCA of Central Florida, a nonprofit organization, committed to strengthening the community, will host its annual Teen Career and College Fair on Monday, March 13, and will be held at the South Orlando YMCA located at 814 West Oak Ridge Road in Orlando from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The event is designed to help students ages 14-17 connect with career and educational opportunities, build important life and self-management skills, and prepare for the workforce, according to a news release.

Our annual Teen Career and College Fair is another important example of the YMCAs commitment to youth development and helping young people reach their fullest potential, said Jocelyn Boyd, executive director at the YMCA of Central Florida. We are excited to have a variety of local companies and educational institutions work alongside our program to provide employment opportunities and post-secondary access to these dynamic students.

Read: Businesses react to bills they say could target drag shows, impede operations

Some of the employers that will be in attendance include Amazon, Orange County Parks and Recreation, Panera Bread, Publix, SeaWorld Parks & Recreation, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, YMCA of Central Florida, and many more.

Read: Joan Jett, Chris Janson to headline 2023 Ocoee Music Festival

For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.

Read: Local woman who allegedly killed terminally ill husband at hospital out on bond, records show

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Sonoma County, California hired this herd of sheep from Sweetgrass Grazing to reduce invasive plants and flammable fuels and make room for native plants on protected land. Sonoma Open Space, CC BY-ND

As California contends with drought, wildfires and other impacts of climate change, a small yet passionate group of residents are attempting to lessen these effects and reduce the states carbon emissions. They are ranchers  but not the kind that most people picture when they hear that term.

These first-generation ranchers are young, often female and ethnically diverse. Rather than raising beef cattle destined for feedlots, many are managing small grazing animals like sheep and goats. And they are experimenting with grazing practices that can reduce fire risk on hard-to-reach landscapes, restore biodiversity and make it possible to make a living from the land in one of the most expensive states in the country.

Our research focuses on food systems, rangelands and livestock production. In our recent work, we found new ranchers in California using innovative strategies that they believe can mitigate fire risk to communities and improve soil through grazing.

We see an opportunity for the public and government agricultural agencies to support these producers, who are reframing livestock production systems in ways that could benefit the environment.

A hard industry to enter

Ranching is a family operation in California, with the vast majority raising beef cattle. The primary ranchers on traditional operations are mostly male, mostly white and generally in their late 50s to early 60s. They typically work together with their children, which lets younger generations draw on decades of knowledge and experience, as well as long-term connections to the land and to rural communities.

Because land in California is expensive, there are few independent first-generation beef cattle ranchers. Several first-generation ranchers whom we interviewed relayed stories of friends leaving the state to find places with cheaper land and fewer regulations. One explained that expanding urban edges and more profitable land uses are rapidly transforming rural landscapes and making it difficult, if not impossible, to make a go of it as a new rancher.

Story continues

New ways to ranch

Climate change is challenging farmers and ranchers across the U.S. in many ways. On western rangelands, climate variability has increased the magnitude and number of extreme wildfires that occur each year. Wet years cause vegetation to thrive, while subsequent severe droughts turn it into deadly fuel.

Our research team wanted to understand how first-generation ranchers were adapting to Californias changing climate. Our preliminary research indicated they were less prepared for future droughts than more established ranchers, and they were less likely to use drought adaptation strategies, such as raising fewer animals than their land can support in good years. This approach hedges against the risk of bringing animals to market during dry years, when prices are less favorable.

But we soon discovered a new generation of ranchers who are creating different and often entirely new types of production systems in response to Californias climate extremes and high costs. Because they are starting from scratch, many of them do not view their practices as adapting, we learned. Rather, they see these techniques as central elements of a new kind of ranching.

A herd of dairy goats grazing in Southern California. Kate Munden-Dixon, CC BY-ND

For example, we interviewed one young first-generation cattle rancher who is experimenting with mob grazing  putting animals on small areas of land in dense groups for periods as short as a few hours, then moving them to new plots. Moving his herd as a close-knit unit across pastures mimics the natural movements of historical elk herds that use to roam coastal California.

His goals are to increase soil carbon storage and native vegetation by using hoof trampling to break up and incorporate residual plant matter into the soil after grazing. Then the pasture receives a long rest, which allows the soil and grass to recover.

An emerging model

New ranchers are spread throughout the length of California, from grassy foothill regions of the Sierra Nevada along the states eastern edge to the Pacific coast ranges. Many established California ranching families have large land holdings in multiple locations, but new ranchers tend to have smaller and fewer parcels of land.

Diversification is a key economic and ecological strategy. The average new rancher raises two types of livestock, and one-third of them also produce crops. The majority of these new ranchers (53%) are managing sheep, while less than half (47%) are raising beef cattle.

Many of these new ranchers view improving the environment with grazing animals as a way to positively affect the world. Like millennials in general, they want their work to be purpose-driven and are seeking work-life balance.

Although many are struggling to survive economically, these emerging ranchers believe they are providing a public service to communities. Some of them suggested to us that California should reconceptualize ranchers as ecosystem stewards who use grazing animals to restore watersheds and habitats, creating more resilient communities.

These services are valuable in California, where active management of landscapes can foster and enhance the states incredible biodiversity. It also reduces grasses and other forages that are potential fuel for devastating fires.

Beyond beef

So far, however, new forms of ranching have received little public buy-in or assistance. While this type of ranching has been gaining popularity, many policymakers and agricultural agencies still tend to equate livestock production with Californias US.19 billion beef cattle industry.

We see a critical opportunity for the public and government agencies to actively support ranchers who are working to mitigate the climate crisis. Several new and expanding funding streams could provide public support to new producers, including Californias Healthy Soils Program and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

Consider the staggering impact of wildfires, which generated billion in insurance claims in California in 2018. Expanding incentive programs for new and beginning ranchers who are interested in fire mitigation and climate adaptation could support Californias land management goals.

However, without an increase in outreach and support, the future of these new ranchers is uncertain. Help from university researchers and agricultural and natural resource extension advisers is crucial to increase the number of new ranchers who begin and stay in ranching. And partnerships among universities, government agencies and nonprofits can help the next generation pursue innovative solutions to offset carbon emissions and reduce wildfire risks.

Kate Munden-Dixon is a member of the American Association of Geographers

The association is a funding partner of The Conversation US.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation has a variety of fascinating free newsletters.

It was written by: Kate Munden-Dixon, Indiana University and Leslie Roche, University of California, Davis.

Read more:



Kate Munden-Dixon receives funding from USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). She is a member of the American Association of Geographers.

Leslie Roche receives funding from USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).
VANCOUVER, Canada (AP)  New Zealand, Britain, Argentina and Ireland finished the day unbeaten on the first day of the Vancouver Sevens tournament on Friday while the United States, Australia, France, Ireland and New Zealand did the same in women's play.

In men's matches, series leaders New Zealand were 2-0 and will meet Samoa in a rematch of last weekends pool match in Los Angeles which ended with a win by the Pacific Islanders. Pool play concludes Saturday ahead of the quarterfinals, with semifinals and finals set for Sunday.

Argentina, which lost to New Zealand in the Los Angeles men's final, got its campaign off to a winning start in Pool B, while South Africas Ricardo Duarttees slotted an extra-time conversion for the Blitzboks to draw level with France.

Ireland is at the top of Pool D, outscoring its opponents 85-12, while hosts Canada clinched a 29-12 win over Australia in the final match of the day.

New Zealand leads the mens series standings with 107 points, followed by Argentina and South Africa with 86 each and Fiji in fourth with 84 points through six tournaments.

The New Zealand Black Ferns continued their impressive recent form in women's play, which includes Cup victories in the last three tournaments in Cape Town, Hamilton and Sydney, outscoring their opponents 1037 to lead Pool A.

Reigning series title holders Australia  led by Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Caslick who featured in her 250th rugby sevens series match against Japan  opened its tournament with a pair of victories to lead Pool B.

New Zealand leads the overall women's standings with 78 points. Australia, the only other country to have won a tournament  in Dubai  is tied with the United States with 66 points each.

___

More AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during his visit to Lviv, a western Ukrainian city, on March 4.

Zelensky thanked Metsola for her leadership in supporting Ukraine and for the European Parliament's decision to adopt a resolution supporting Ukraine and granting the country the status of a candidate for EU membership in June last year.

Ukraine aims to complete the implementation of the European Commission's recommendations and begin negotiations on joining the EU this year, Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

Ukraine obtained EU candidate status in June after applying for membership a few days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Membership in the EU has long been a key aspiration for Ukraine, which is reflected in the Ukrainian Constitution among the main goals.

This is Metsola's second visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. During this trip, she also met with Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.

Metsola promised that cooperation between Ukraine and the EU's parliament would "only grow stronger."

Good to be back in Ukraine, Metsola tweeted on the evening of March 3. With those brave people who inspired the world. With those heroes who refuse to give in. With those who sacrificed everything for our values. With Europeans whose home is in our European Union.


President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola

Read also: European Parliament calls for all kinds of military aid for Ukraine

"I am grateful for the support of Ukraine from the first days of this terrible war and for important decisions adopted by the European Parliament. In particular, last year on March 1, the day after we applied for EU membership, the European Parliament voted in favor of the resolution to support Ukraine and grant EU candidate status to it," said Zelenskyy.

He emphasized that the country is committed to implementing the European Commission's recommendations as soon as possible and ready to begin accession negotiations this year.

Read also: Ukrainian official explains importance of EP resolution on creating tribunal to punish Russia

"I have learnt many things from Ukraine the past year. But perhaps the most important lesson is one articulated by Taras Shevchenko: 'Keep fighting, you are sure to win.' True in the quest for peace & freedom as it is in life. Never give up," Metsola tweeted after her meeting with Zelenskyy.

Metsola arrived on an unannounced trip to Lviv the day before, on March 3. On that day, she met with her Ukrainian counterpart, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk.

It is Metsola's second visit to Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. She visited Kyiv in April 2022 and was the first leader of a major EU institution who came to Ukraine since the invasion.

Read also: EU Parliament president calls for long-range systems, jets to be sent to Ukraine

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, is convinced that Ukraines protection, as a civilisation and in terms of security, will be ensured by its full membership of the EU and NATO.

Source: Zelenskyy during a meeting with students in Lviv together with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, as reported by the Presidents website

Details: The meeting, which took place at Ivan Franko Lviv National University, was attended by students of Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Ground Forces Academy, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv National Stepan Gzhytsky University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Lviv National Danylo Halytskyi Medical University, and Lviv National Agrarian University.

Asked how Ukraine can continue to live next to such an aggressive neighbour as Russia, Zelenskyy answered that Ukraines protection, as a civilisation and in terms of security, will be ensured by full membership of the EU and NATO.

Quote: "In addition, we will be a victorious country. And we will have agency. It is very important to change the paradigm that has existed for many years. We are making Ukraine a powerful actor in Europe, so that people wont say that Ukraine is somewhere near Russia, but everyone will say Russia is somewhere near Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

For her part, Metsola expressed her belief that Ukraine will become a member of the European Union.

"Europe and the EU are your home too," she said.

The President of the European Parliament assured everyone that Europe will be with Ukraine until the war is won.

"And only Ukraine can decide when the war will end. We cannot talk about peace without justice, without freedom, without sovereignty and territorial integrity," Metsola emphasised.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
The City of Lynchburg is partnering with Randolph College and Sweet Briar College in a design contest to create a public space site plan to replace the historic 3.75 million-gallon reservoir on Clay Street.

Were a really young city, and really wanted to get that perspective in the process of thinking about what we might want there, said Hollie Jennings, the citys diversity, equity and inclusion strategist.

The challenge is for each school to sponsor a team of students to create a plan that incorporates the historical components of the reservoir and fits the need for a public space.

Tim Mitchell, director of Lynchburg Water Resources, said the reservoir was taken out of service about 20 years ago, with a couple of reasons being its overall condition and its roof.

Mitchell said the current plan for the site is to remove the roof, which was added in 1963, and fill in the reservoir with dirt to prepare it for future use.

Id say, to various degrees, its been on the radar for probably 20 years, but as time progresses and everything, we really felt like we needed to do something with the reservoir, Mitchell said.

Each teams proposal will be scored by a committee of employees from the city, such as engineers, city planners, finance professionals and community members.

The winning team will earn a commemorative trophy to display at their school and a $500 scholarship for each student on the team.

Jennings said all of the colleges in the area with engineering programs were invited, but only Sweet Briar and Randolph submitted teams for the contest.

The Randolph College group has six students with majors including environmental science, engineering and studio art.

Amanda Jagdeo, a junior studying biology, said its really nice that a college community like Lynchburg is allowing students to get involved and have a say.

I think its nice that we get to incorporate our own ideas, Jagdeo said.

The group meets once per week and currently is brainstorming different ideas and possibilities for the space.

Aleighson Robertson, a junior studying environmental science, said as a group they discussed the space having a lot of ties to nature, ties to water and a hands-on experience where children can get in the water.

Jagdeo mentioned also a place for people to gather for a barbecue or reunions, a possible area for people to sit and enjoy the view and interactive activities for children.

Senior media and culture major Mengna Zhao said this contest is a great opportunity as a college student to contribute back to the city and to apply what weve learned and see how it can actually work practically.

The group at Sweet Briar has three students.

Kaitlyn Justice, a senior studying engineering and mathematics, said so far the group has begun laying out general ideas for the project.

The Sweet Briar students are currently seeing how the ideas match up to the criteria of the project. One general idea is repurposing the space to something children can get involved in, for example a small recreational park, but nothing is set in stone.

I personally got involved because I want to see something positive come out to the community. I want to see the community thriving, Justice said.

Lily Terwilliger, a senior studying business and environmental science, said she is really excited for this opportunity, because its a great way for the group to be involved with the community thats so close to Sweet Briar.

I just hope that we bring something good to the table for the community, and people end up liking it, Terwilliger said.

Mitchell said discussions with various city staff evolved into the current contest.

He said the thought was, Why dont we reach out to the local colleges and universities to see if theyd be interested in participating in some sort of design competition to see what they would come up with, from a public space perspective?

We felt like that was a great idea. Whether or not we utilize their design or their ideas [is] yet to be determined, but regardless of that, we felt like it was a good way to engage our local colleges and universities in a public project to inspire interest in the city and inspire interest in the various careers that are available in the city, Mitchell added.

The deadline to submit proposals is April 20. Presentations and winners will be announced during a reception held at The Virginian hotel on May 4.

Overall, Jennings said she is curious to see students ideas and thoughts on what to do with the space.

Thats probably the most exciting part for me, but for the city and speaking for the city, really to just get their ideas and input on how to use the space, Jennings said.
This photo taken on March 4, 2023 shows the site of an explosion at an oxygen refilling plant in Chattogram, Bangladesh. An explosion occurred Saturday afternoon in an oxygen refilling plant at Sitakunda on the outskirts of Bangladesh's southeastern Chattogram city, leaving at least five people dead and dozens others injured. (Xinhua)

CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh, March 4 (Xinhua) -- An explosion occurred Saturday afternoon in an oxygen refilling plant at Sitakunda on the outskirts of Bangladesh's southeastern Chattogram city, leaving at least five people dead and dozens others injured.

The explosion took place during refilling of oxygen cylinders at the plant of Sheema Automatic Re-Rolling Mills Limited. More than 200 people were working at the plant at the time of the explosion, which was followed by a fire.

Md Fakhruzzaman, deputy commissioner of Chattogram district, told the media: "The rescuers found five bodies from the site of the blast."

At least 25 people suffered injuries in the explosion, he added.

The fire service department said 10 units of the firefighters brought the flames under control in less than an hour at around 5:40 p.m. local time.

The injured are being treated at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

TV footage from the incident site showed the blast ripped through metal structures.

A three-member committee has been set up to investigate into the incident. 

This photo taken on March 4, 2023 shows the site of an explosion at an oxygen refilling plant in Chattogram, Bangladesh. An explosion occurred Saturday afternoon in an oxygen refilling plant at Sitakunda on the outskirts of Bangladesh's southeastern Chattogram city, leaving at least five people dead and dozens others injured. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 4, 2023 shows the site of an explosion at an oxygen refilling plant in Chattogram, Bangladesh. An explosion occurred Saturday afternoon in an oxygen refilling plant at Sitakunda on the outskirts of Bangladesh's southeastern Chattogram city, leaving at least five people dead and dozens others injured. (Xinhua)

Relatives of victims of an oxygen refilling plant explosion wail at a hospital in Chattogram, Bangladesh, March 4, 2023. An explosion occurred Saturday afternoon in an oxygen refilling plant at Sitakunda on the outskirts of Bangladesh's southeastern Chattogram city, leaving at least five people dead and dozens others injured. (Xinhua)
Spain is expanding its so-called circular migration program to its first sub-Saharan African country by hiring at least 100 Senegalese to boost Spains agricultural sector, while also seeking to reduce the death toll of Africans illegally migrating to Europe.

By including Senegal into the program, companies in Spain will be able to hire at least 100 people from the African country to work on their farms during the harvest season, a government source said. The new scheme with Senegal replicates a similar 22-year-old program with Morocco, in which 15,000 seasonal workers are annually brought in to work in Spains agricultural industry for a brief period before returning home. The program has recorded some measure of success.

Spanish government said it implements circular migration programs to reduce illegal immigration and address labor shortages in its essential agricultural industry.

The death of at least 65 individuals off the coast of Italy on Sunday (26 February) brought attention to the dangers illegal immigrants encounter when traveling to Europe.

Spain has been grappling with illegal migration from Senegal for decades. In 2006, the arrival of more than 30,000 Senegalese migrants to the Canary Islands was resolved with an agreement for increased vigilance by EU border police of boats leaving Dakar in exchange for aid and a commitment to take in legal workers.

The expansion of the circular program follows a memorandum of understanding signed by Senegal and Spain in April 2021 which aimed to encourage circular migration as part of efforts to mitigate illegal migration flows that have been increasing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A parliamentary delegation of the Pacific Alliance Monitoring Inter-Parliamentary Commission, welcomed, Friday in Laayoune, the development dynamics that the region of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra witnesses in various areas.

The members of the delegation noted the development of basic infrastructure in the region and the efforts of the state to give a new impetus to development, as part of the new development model of the southern provinces launched in 2015 by King Mohammed VI.

This visit allowed the delegation, including members of the Colombian Senate, the Peruvian Congress and the National Congress of Chile, to see the progress made in the province of Laayoune, the climate of security, peace and stability prevailing in the region, as well as the role of elected councils in the management of local affairs.

In a statement to the press at the end of meetings with local elected officials, Colombian senator Jose Luis Perez Oyuela said that this visit is part of the participation of the delegation in the joint meeting of Moroccos House of Representatives and this inter-parliamentary body.

The delegation, which supports the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 to resolve the conflict over the Sahara, is pleased with the level of development in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, noted Perez Oyuela.

For her part, Maria Del Pilar Cordero of the Peruvian Congress, said she was impressed by the process of reforms launched by Morocco, welcoming the efforts made by the kingdom to strengthen development in all regions of the country and in the southern provinces in particular.

The member of the National Congress of Chile, Miguel Angel Calisto Aguila, highlighted the efforts of local authorities in improving the living conditions of the population of the southern provinces.

At a joint meeting it held Thursday with members of the Moroccan House of Representatives, the Interparliamentary commission in charge of monitoring the Pacific Alliance expressed its support for Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara.

The commission called the Moroccan initiative a serious and credible effort, in a declaration issued after the joint meeting.

The extended autonomy plan, proposed by Morocco to resolve the Sahara conflict, meets the expectations of all parties, the declaration noted, adding that the plan would allow residents of the Sahara region to manage their affairs within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.

The commission additionally pointed out that the Moroccan proposal has garnered support in the United Nations, where various resolutions recognized the initiative as serious and credible. The proposal is likewise gaining growing support as a basis for a political solution to the dispute.

The commission has thus joined the growing list of countries and institutions that have voiced their support for the Moroccan plan, such as the United States, Germany, Spain.

Morocco is an observer member of the Pacific Alliance, which is a regional integration initiative comprising four countries: Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, in addition to more than 60 observer members.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita reaffirmed, Saturday in Dakhla, Moroccos commitment to the pan-African ideals of solidarity, cooperation, peace, and development, as well as its determination to consolidate, in line with the royal directives, the spirit of unity, solidarity and coordination on strategic themes of common interest for better integration and sustainable development of the African continent.

This came in an address read on his behalf at the opening of the second edition of the MD Sahara Forum, organized at the initiative of the media group Maroc Diplomatique, under the theme Morocco in Africa, a Royal choice for a global and integrated continent. The two-day forum is devoted to Africa, the actions undertaken by the Kingdom in favor of the continent and the Moroccan diplomacys achievements.

Moroccos African policy has reached today a new threshold, a new level in terms of its geographical scope, its content, the nature of its projects and its institutional dimension, Bourita said in his address.

The Kingdom has moved to a dense and multidimensional policy by establishing multisectoral partnerships, created according to a comprehensive, integrated and inclusive approach to promote peace and stability, foster sustainable human development and preserve the cultural and spiritual identity of African peoples, he said.

Bourita explained that Moroccos reintegration within the African Union, its institutional family, has enabled the Kingdom to get involved in the various sectoral development strategies in Africa and contribute effectively by enriching them with the experience that Morocco has accumulated in many sectors.

He recalled that since his accession to the throne King Mohammed VI has made more than 50 official visits to more than 25 countries in different regions of the continent, reflecting in many respects, the royal strategy to raise the Kingdoms cooperation relations with African countries to an acting and united strategic partnership, said the Minister, highlighting the magnitude of investments made and projects inaugurated in agriculture, housing, telecommunications, banking and basic infrastructure in addition to strengthening trade.

Bourita recalled that since 2000, Morocco has concluded, in various cooperation areas, more than 1000 agreements with African countries, thus providing its expertise and sharing its know-how with its African peers to achieve the ambitions of a new model of mutually beneficial South-South cooperation, involving public/private formulas and triangular cooperation with northern partners.

He added that the implementation of this model is already materialized by a strong presence of Moroccan companies in Africa, making the Kingdom the second largest African investor in the continent and the first in the West African region.

Thus, the Royal visits have led to establishing large-scale strategic projects, including the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project which will benefit the entire West Africa and will help structure a regional electricity market, and will be a substantial energy source for industrial development, improving economic competitiveness and accelerating social development, he said.

This is, he said, a desire that goes hand in hand with the goals of the African Unions Agenda 2063 for the achievement of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, representing a force on the international scene, and which is in our responsibility to set it up as a privileged instrument for our joint collective and concerted action.

The Minister added, in this context, that this vision of regional integration is also supported by the Kingdoms membership in the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA), whose operationalization will open a market of 1.2 billion consumers and increase intra-African trade.

As a committed partner for peace and security in Africa, Morocco, which hosted in May 2022 the Ministerial Meeting of the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS, contributes to the international communitys efforts to restore peace and stability, he said, noting that the Kingdom also continues to make available to brotherly African countries all its experience and its means to help them establish and preserve security and peace at home.

Bourita noted that food security is also one of the major security challenges and an important pillar to accelerate the development of human, economic and social capital in Africa.

In addition to the climate of instability and insecurity that prevails in several regions of the continent, epidemics, locust invasions, instability of international food markets, climate change, particularly drought, aggravate the phenomenon of food insecurity in the continent, he noted.

It is in this spirit that the King launched, on the occasion of COP22, the Triple A initiative in order to advocate for food security in Africa and ensure awareness of the challenges of African agriculture in international negotiations, the Minister recalled, noting that the launch by the King of large-scale fertilizer production projects in several African countries attests to the Kingdoms vision of solidarity to contribute to food security in Africa.

Reinforcing the fruitful partnership in the agricultural field established by the Kingdom with many African countries, these initiatives are in line with the South-South Cooperation policy, advocated by Morocco, which, through concrete actions, provides support for efforts made in the context of the ambitious goals set in the African Union Declaration of Malabo 2025, and the objectives of the World Health Assembly and the Sustainable Development Program for 2030, said Bourita.

He also recalled that part of solidarity actions to strengthen the resilience of the continent against epidemics, Morocco has started in late 2022, the production of 20 million doses of vaccines and intends to produce from 2025 over 2 billion doses in the manufacturing plant for Covid-19 and other vaccines, located in Ben Slimane.

He concluded that this initiative is an extension of Moroccos solidarity actions towards its home continent and emanates from its deep conviction in its quest for unity within a shared destiny.

The Forum is attended by scores of experts, diplomats and decision-makers of the private sector from Morocco and other African countries.
A father and son in Lincoln County have been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect.

Larry Mikoloyck, 75, and Matthew Mikoloyck, 41, of 4908 N. Homestead Road, were arrested on Wednesday after deputies found over 150 dead cattle on their property. Both men are out on bail.

The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office investigation has spanned the last several weeks, according to a LCSO Facebook post on Friday.

With the help of the Nebraska Brand Inspectors Office and Nebraska State Patrol Aircraft, deputies completed an investigative search warrant on Wednesday. The inspection spanned at least five sections (one square mile each) of property under the control of the Mikoloycks.

They seized over 1,000 head of bulls, cows and calves. Many of them were in very poor health. Very little substantial food and no water were available to for most of the herd, according to LCSO.

The sheriffs deputies were assisted by Logan and Thomas County Sheriffs offices and Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse. Numerous other individuals from Lincoln and Logan Counties also helped to collect the cattle.

The cattle were taken to North Platte Sale Barn to be inspected by a licensed veterinarian. Many had to be euthanized on site because they were very sick, injured and dying.

So far, Larry and Matthew have each been charged with 10 counts of abandon/cruel neglect of livestock leading to injury or death (a class 4 felony), and 10 counts of intentional cruelty to an animal (a class 3A felony).

LCSO indicated that this is an ongoing investigation and other charges could be forthcoming.

The men have each posted 10% of $100,000 bail. They were ordered to have no contact with a sale barn or veterinarian, or to purchase any livestock.

Matthew and Larry are also scheduled to appear in Logan County Court on March 14 on animal abuse and neglect charges, stemming from January and February.
LINCOLN  The latest effort to allow Nebraskans to carry concealed weapons without a permit cleared a major hurdle Friday when it passed the first round of debate in the Legislature.

Lawmakers passed Legislative Bill 77 in a 36-12 vote after eight hours of grueling debate that spanned the course of three days. LB 77, introduced by Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, would allow Nebraskans 21 and older to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

Brewer said the advancement was a "weight off his shoulders," having worked for more than five years to pass such a measure.

"I kind of had a feeling that this might be the year," Brewer said.

Measures like LB 77 are sometimes called constitutional carry in reference to some gun rights advocates belief that the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives people the right to carry concealed guns without a permit.

Currently in Nebraska, getting a concealed-carry permit requires passing a criminal background check, paying a $100 fee and taking an eight- to 16-hour gun safety class.

The bill has to pass two more rounds of debate before it goes to Gov. Jim Pillen's desk to be signed into law. Passing the first round doesn't necessarily mean the bill is in the clear. Brewer's previous attempt to pass similar legislation last year was killed in the second round of debate after an amendment to gain the support of local law enforcement fell through.

LB 77 was the subject of an hours-long public hearing in January before it went to the floor. Many of the same arguments presented during the hearing also popped up on both sides of the Legislature's debate, and persisted through all three days.

Supporters argued the bill would protect Nebraskans' Second Amendment rights and help law-abiding citizens defend themselves. Opponents, largely led by Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, countered the bill would make Nebraska more dangerous, and that training is a necessary step to responsible gun ownership.

Much of the debate also focused on an amendment Brewer introduced that he said swayed the opinion of several law enforcement organizations. He said the amendment gained the support of the Nebraska Sheriffs Association and the Police Officers Association of Nebraska, and changed the Omaha police unions position to neutral on the bill.

Brewer said passage of the amendment in the first round of debate was important for ensuring success in the remaining rounds of debate. He said a vote on the amendment to last year's bill being pushed to the second round ultimately contributed to its failure.

Under the amendment, an individual would receive an added misdemeanor charge if they carry a firearm while committing certain dangerous misdemeanors, including domestic assault, shoplifting or stalking. It would also be a felony upon the third offense of an individual failing to notify a law enforcement official that they are carrying a weapon.

The amendment was not enough to change the minds of Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins, who remain opposed to LB 77, along with Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and a majority of Omaha City Council members. City Council President Pete Festersen said the bill would require the city to repeal some of its gun ordinances that he said limited gun violence.

"I don't think it's a positive for public safety," Festersen said.

LB 77's advancement Friday was bolstered by the support of several Democrat lawmakers, including Sens. Justin Wayne, Terrell McKinney, Anna Wishart and Mike McDonnell, who contributed to the 36 votes that passed a filibuster-ending cloture motion before the 36-12 vote to officially advance the bill.

However, that support may not hold through upcoming rounds of debate. Wayne said he supports the original LB 77, but he does not support the amendment that passed, and he didn't know if he will continue to support the bill in future rounds because of it. Wayne voted against adoption of the amendment.

"This is a tough issue for me," he said.

Wayne said he liked that LB 77 would remove a tool police use to discriminate against people of color, by adding on charges if they are found carrying concealed weapons without a permit. For similar reasons, he said he didn't like the additional charges the amendment included with the bill.

Brewer said he's open to making further changes to address Wayne's concerns, but he is also wary of "monkeying around" with the language out of fear that too many edits may lose the support of other lawmakers.
Here's how to watch the Unicameral from afar

Heres how to watch the Legislatures activities and follow bills by using the Unicamerals website at nebraskalegislature.org:

Click on the Nebraska Public Media logo and look under Streaming Now or Coming Soon for the schedule of livestreamed floor debates and public hearings by committees.

Floor debate also is telecast live by Nebraska Public Media on NE-W, formerly known as NET2 (Allo Communications Channel 11 or Spectrum Channel 190 in North Platte).

If you know the number of a legislative bill or constitutional amendment, type it under Search Current Bills to call up the measures text and related votes and documents. (For the language of current state laws, type their number or keywords under Search Laws.)

Computer users can leave comments of up to 500 words on individual bills by clicking the appropriate spot on the main page for that bill.

If the bill hasnt yet had its public hearing, users may ask their comments to be included in the bills official hearing record. Such requests must be made by noon CT (11 a.m. MT) on the last work day before the hearing.

Nebraskans with disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act can do likewise but also can attach PDF files or supporting documents.

Click on Hearing schedules on the main Unicameral webpage, choose the appropriate week and click either Submit Comment Online or ADA Accommodation Testimony, depending on whether you qualify for the latter.

The Unicameral website offers many other documents for understanding and following the Legislature, including its online Unicameral Update newsletter.

 Todd von Kampen
After conducting a traffic stop on Monday, Auburn police arrested two Georgia men on multiple charges.

Police arrested Marquavious Bernard Favors, 25, from Peachtree City, Ga., on warrants for two counts of identity theft, three counts of possession of a forged instrument third degree, possession of marijuana second degree and obstructing governmental operations. Police also arrested Marquez Lezhaun Abernathy, 26, from East Point, Ga., on warrants for two counts of identity theft.

The traffic stop was initiated after police say they observed a traffic violation, and police identified Favors and Abernathy as the vehicles occupants.

Police said during the stop, an investigation was initiated in which illegal narcotics as well as contraband associated with forged checks and identity theft were recovered from the vehicle.

None of the evidence associated with fraud originated from local victims, police said.

After the investigation, Favors and Abernathy were placed under arrest, and both were transported to the Lee County Jail. Favors is held on a $16,500 bond and Abernathy on a $10,000 bond.
Auburn alumnus Dr. Chris Carpenter, founder and president of Vet Set Go, is on a mission to help aspiring young veterinarians start pursuing their dreams.

According to Carpenter, about one in five kids between the ages of 9 and 12 years old say they want to become veterinarians. Most veterinarians today will say they decided to pursue the profession before they were 13 years old.

At the age of 11, Carpenter knew he wanted to become a veterinarian. After telling his mom one day, he remembers there being a moment of what now?

It was so hard to find a place to volunteer, so hard to find a place to do animal work, so hard to find even a veterinarian that would bring me in, Carpenter said. So I just remembered that experience, and said I never want that to happen to anyone again.

With this goal in mind, he established Vet Set Go in 2006 to help show kids ways to get experience, to learn about the profession and to explore their dream. On the organizations website, kids can order the Vet Set Go Book and download a free app that will log their volunteer hours.

Prior to creating this organization, Carpenter graduated from Auburn University in 1989 and worked in a variety of different veterinarian-related positions including in the Army, in private practice and for corporations. In 2002, he also founded the nonprofit organization Companion Animal Parasite Council, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of the threat parasites present to pets and family members.

About seven years ago, Carpenter discovered the vet camps Auburn University was hosting for kids and was impressed that the campers had the opportunity to do things that he didnt get to do until he was a junior in college.

Wanting to be a part of the process of inspiring the next generation, he started an essay contest to pay for the winners to attend the vet camp.

This year with the help of VCA Animal Hospital, Vet Set Go is sponsoring its seventh annual essay contest Become a Veterinarian Camp Contest for incoming 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from across the U.S.

March 31 is the deadline to submit an essay, and the 45 selected winners will get to attend vet camp at Auburn University June 18-23.

Students are asked to write a 300-word essay that addresses one of three topics: why they want to be a veterinarian, why they love animals or what they have done to get animal experience or learn more about science.

The prize package is valued at $1,200 and includes camp tuition and room and board.

Auburn University Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Calvin Johnson, said the college has been hosting this camp for over 10 years, but this is the first year that an organization like Vet Set Go has sponsored an entire camp.

Auburn University hosts three summer camps that are divided into two types, either for middle school students or high school students. Each group is comprised of 45 participants.

Over the past seven years, Vet Set Go has been able to sponsor three students every year. This year with the veterinarian shortage becoming more prevalent, the organization is able to sponsor 45 students entering 6th, 7th and 8th grade.

According to a study by Mars Veterinary Health, nearly 41,000 additional veterinarians will be needed by 2030. The study predicts that it will take more than 30 years of graduates to meet the 10-year industry need.

Carpenter said he thinks the shortage was slowly brewing and the COVID-19 pandemic brought the problem into focus.

There was an increased demand during COVID, and then when we emerged from it, everyone started realizing we are really short on veterinarians, he said.

Johnson said there are many veterinarian jobs that go unfilled every year, and Auburn is working to encourage young students, through these camps, to consider entering the career field.

That camp is a way to provide a really immersive experience for kids that are either in middle school or high school to really understand what veterinary medicine is all about, Johnson said. By having them in our college for a week, theyre able to see firsthand the various aspects of the veterinary profession and start to learn about what its like to be a veterinary student.

The camp instructors are Auburn students who are typically in their second year of veterinary school. They will teach the campers about surgery, wildlife, anatomy, parasitology and first aid in Auburn University classrooms, laboratories and outdoor facilities.

Johnson said the college is starting to see the real benefits of hosting the camps and recruiting young people to be interested in veterinary careers as hes starting to see these students come through Auburns program.

Were looking forward to bringing in another group of students from around the nation to experience what veterinary medicine is all about on the Auburn campus, Johnson said.
VALLETTA, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Interior ministers of five European Union (EU) Mediterranean countries on Saturday called for more EU solidarity on migration and more efforts to prevent irregular migration.

At the end of the so-called "Med 5" ministerial-level meeting held in Malta's capital Valletta on Friday and Saturday, ministers of Malta, Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus signed a joint declaration.

The meeting was held just days after a deadly migrant shipwreck off Italy. At least 64 migrants died on Feb. 26 when their boat hit rocks near the coast of the southern Italian region of Calabria.

The five ministers agreed that more work needs to be done at a European level to address the root causes of migration and prevent irregular migration, according to the joint declaration released by the Maltese Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality.

They reaffirmed their position on the need to "strike a balance between (EU) Member States' responsibilities on the one hand and the need for solidarity on the other," the joint declaration said.

They also called for more efforts for "the establishment of a permanent and mandatory solidarity mechanism that factors the real needs of frontline Member States and ensures that these needs are fully met through the solidarity contributions." 
I wonder if they can ask for the money instead? Who wants all that crap

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With the taxation it ends up not being worth it, most of this stuff gets given to friends and family since gifts are taxable income

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They can afford it

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I was like, oh the monkey pillow is cute ... then I saw the PETA logo.

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A combo of 3 nights and 7 celebs up on a lighthouse in Italy sounds like a great next White Lotus series

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Hope they can sell the Italy lighthouse stay. If youre early in your career/financially unstable in any way its not much of a gift if you have to self-fund travel to Italy.

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I'd sell the rest and go to Italy.

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the first one is so odd to me... couldn't they make it a week long stay for 4 people instead? i live close to italy and even I wouldn't go through the hassle of going to Ischia just for three nights. Also the juxtaposition of having one of the fanciest things being a trip to an island (for which you would probably have to take 3 flights and a boat trip or a pretty long private jet trip) with going down the list and find eco friendly and sustainable products...

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I'll take a dozen

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Food-flavored intimate wipes

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Bon appetit

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Is this Felicity in her senior year or something?

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Right?! I'd be stuck on which flavor I'd choose..pina colada, cinnamon bun, or mojito!  JK..but like..WHO is actually BUYING this aka not getting this for free?!

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My pussy tastes like pepsi cola 

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Sounds like a yeast infection waiting to happen lol

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They are expensive as hell too. $20 for a box of 10. Imagine paying $2 for your business to smell like an artificial cinnamon roll. Couldnt be me.

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Japanese milk bread?!



I went to the source and this is my next favourite complimentary project management on the recipients next remodel or ground up project lmao

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Milk bread is so delicious, though! I bought a small loaf yesterday to make French toast this weekend but mine wasnt $18, of course

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Jealous. Ive been wanting my celebrity arms sucked out and just cant afford it. I shouldnt have eaten them in the first place I guess.

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How loaded are these businesses where they can give out that much goods/services in the hopes that a celeb might like their product?

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Reeks of desperation tbh.

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They probably also pay the company to be included, seems like a scam.

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They know most of this shit wont even be redeemed

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Most of the stuff offering services will most likely never be redeemed. In general I think they consider it advertising because outlets will write lists on 'what's in the gift bag' and their company will be mentioned. And then if a celeb likes a product they're gifted, it's a bonus. But idk.

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This can't be profitable for brands. Celebrities almost never talk about these gift bags and there have been stories of them forgetting to take them except for like the booze. lol



I also can't imagine celebrities talking to their other powerful friends about these brands.

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It gets reported in articles like this. I think thats the benefit.

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....there have been stories of them forgetting to take them except for like the booze. lol



In one of William Shatner's books about his life & work he said that was was at some event & someone left their gift bag (Kid Rock, maybe?) and he took it. He has his own too.



Edited at 2023-03-05 01:46 am (UTC)

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Lol Milk Bread. Shokupan surely worked its way up the ladder

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Rural ottawa? A piece of Australia? USA, USA.

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Sweetums food-flavored intimate wipes - because god forbid you taste like yourself.

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Didnt that person in the gif used to send unsolicited dick pics to women? Gross.

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The strife-torn Latin American nation of Colombia is facing considerable uncertainty after the first leftist president in the countrys modern history Gustavo Petro embarked upon a plan to end contracting for hydrocarbon exploration. Industry tax hikes have already ratcheted-up the level of fear and there are significant concerns Petros plan will not only shock Colombias petroleum-dependent economy but endanger the Andean countrys energy security and even spark a crisis. It is an ever-growing shortage of natural gas which will be the most likely trigger of an energy crisis, with declining domestic supply and rising demand already having forced Colombia to significantly increase liquified petroleum gas imports. The risks of such a crisis emerging are very real if Petro proceeds with his plan to cease issuing new oil exploration contracts.

For roughly a decade, Colombias national government in the capital Bogota has been grappling with growing natural gas supply constraints at a time when demand for the fuel is rising rapidly. The dwindling natural gas supply can be primarily blamed on inadequate proven reserves, a lack of exploration and aging mature gas fields with rising decline rates. By the end of 2021, according to Colombias energy ministry, the country had only 3.1 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, which at the current rate of production of around 1.1 million cubic feet daily, is only sufficient for another eight years. This points to current reserves being incapable of meeting domestic demand for natural gas in the near future. It is for this reason that Bogota started bulk imports of liquified petroleum gas in late-2017.

The Santos and Duque administrations introduced policies aimed at garnering greater energy investment from foreign energy companies and stimulating hydrocarbon exploration. Those measures included introducing a well-head price for natural gas that was substantially higher than the international market rate and providing tax incentives for natural gas development. By 2021 demand for fossil fuel had grown so significantly that Colombia was planning to quadruple LPG imports during 2022. Even that has proven incapable of resolving Colombias natural gas supply crunch.

A pressing issue is that replacing Colombias aging gas fields and boosting the countrys meager reserves is proving highly problematic. There have been no major world-class hydrocarbon discoveries in Colombia for almost three decades, and despite 100 years of exploration, only four giant oil and gas fields have been discovered during that period. This indicates that Colombia does not possess the hydrocarbon potential that previous governments, the regulatory authority, the National Hydrocarbon Agency (ANH  Spanish initials) and the peak industry body, the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP  Spanish initials) believe.

Another complication is that much of the natural gas discovered and produced in Colombia is associated with gas which is contained in oil reservoirs and is a byproduct of petroleum extraction. Drillers in Colombia are utilizing nearly all the natural gas they produce for use in enhanced recovery techniques, notably gas injection. This is where the natural gas is injected into wells to elevate the reservoir pressure making it easier to extract the petroleum, thereby increasing the commercial life of the well. A lack of major oil discoveries and the fact that most producing oilfields are mature with aging wells means that there is a growing necessity to use gas injection to optimize petroleum extraction.

Demand for dry gas is also high because petroleum industry participants use it as a fuel for the gas-fired plants which power their operations. This even includes national oil company Ecopetrols Cartagena and Barrancabermeja refineries. Gas condensate is also a crucial element used in Colombias petroleum production. It is employed as a necessary diluent that is added to the heavy crude oil, which comprises most of the petroleum produced in the Andean country, to make the bitumen-like oil flow so that it can be easily transported and process.

There is also surging demand for natural gas from Colombian households and industry where it has become a key low-cost fuel used for a variety of purposes from heating and cooking to manufacturing applications. Gas-fired electricity generation is also becoming progressively more important in Colombia. A sharp decline in water levels due to an extended drought and the El Nino weather phenomena during 2015 and 2016 caused electricity output from Colombias hydroelectric plants to decline sharply. That placed considerable pressure on a national electric grid that was already plagued by inadequate infrastructure, faults and frequent outages. To ensure that adequate electricity is produced, Bogota implemented a strategy aimed at building gas-fired plants to provide additional electricity production during times hydroelectric output low. That placed greater pressure on already constrained natural gas supplies.

Analysts fear if Petro proceeds with ending hydrocarbon exploration, then Colombias already meagre oil and natural gas reserves will rapidly dissipate, meaning the country will no longer be energy self-sufficient and face a potential crisis by as early as 2024. To assuage those fears Colombias president announced toward the end of 2022 that he had secure a deal through a privately held company for Venezuelas national oil company PDVSA to export natural gas to Colombia. While aspects of the plan make sense, particularly with Venezuela possessing the worlds largest petroleum reserves, it is fraught with considerable risk and may not be a viable solution. Petros plan to cease awarding hydrocarbon exploration contracts will exacerbate Colombias existing natural gas shortage, potentially roil the oil dependent economy and trigger an energy crisis.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

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The oil industry is a vast and complex field that offers numerous job opportunities for those interested in working there. The oil and gas sector is responsible for producing, exploring, transporting, and refining crude oil and natural gas. Various types of jobs are available in the oil industry, each requiring different levels of experience and education.

In this article, we will delve deeper into some of the most common types of jobs in the red-hot oil industry, what they involve, and why they are essential.

1. Geologists

Geologists play a crucial role in the oil industry by identifying potential areas for drilling and exploration. They analyze geological data to determine whether an area can potentially contain oil or gas deposits. A geologist's work involves mapping out rock formations using sophisticated technology such as seismic imaging to identify where natural resources may be located. In fact, geologists played a crucial role in the shale boom by using advanced technology and techniques to locate and extract oil and gas from previously inaccessible shale formations.

Education Required: A Bachelor's degree in geology or a related field is required, while a Master's degree is often preferred.

Experience Required: Entry-level positions may require little to no experience, but senior-level positions may require several years of experience.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

Identifying potential drilling sites

Analyzing geological data

Mapping rock formations

Collaborating with other professionals such as engineers

Preparing reports on findings

2. Drilling Engineers

Drilling engineers design and oversee the drilling process for oil wells. They work to ensure that drilling operations are conducted safely and efficiently. Drilling engineers play a critical role in designing efficient systems that can extract as much crude oil as possible from underground reserves while minimizing environmental impact.

Education Required: A Bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field is required while a Master's degree can be beneficial for career advancement.

Experience Required: Entry-level positions may require little to no experience, but senior-level positions may require several years of experience.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

Designing drilling plans

Overseeing drilling operations

Ensuring safety protocols are followed

Analyzing data collected during drilling operations

3. Rig Managers

Rig managers oversee all aspects of drilling operations on an oil rig. They ensure that safety protocols are followed and that drilling operations are conducted effectively. Rig managers are essential in coordinating on-site activities so that everyone works together towards achieving operational goals safely.

Education Required: A high school diploma is required, although some employers prefer candidates with post-secondary education or training.

Experience Required: Several years of experience working on an oil rig is typically required for this position.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

Coordinating activities on-site

Ensuring safety protocols are followed

Monitoring equipment performance

Managing personnel

4. Petroleum Engineers

Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. They work closely with geologists to identify potential drilling sites and develop plans for extracting resources safely and efficiently.

Education Required: A Bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related field is required while a Master's degree can be beneficial for career advancement.

Experience Required: Entry-level positions may require little to no experience, but senior-level positions may require several years of experience.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

Designing extraction systems

Developing new technologies

Analyzing geological data

Collaborating with other professionals, such as geologists

5. Pump Operators

Pump operators work on oil rigs to operate pumps used to extract crude oil from underground reservoirs. They also monitor equipment performance to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently. Pump operators play an essential role in ensuring efficient extraction practices by monitoring equipment performance so that problems can be detected early before they become more significant issues affecting productivity or safety standards.

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Education Required: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for this position, although some employers prefer candidates with post-secondary training or certification.

Experience Required: Experience working on an oil rig is beneficial but not always required for entry-level positions.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

Operating pumps used in extraction processes

Monitoring equipment performance

Conducting routine maintenance checks

Troubleshooting equipment malfunctions

Why Are These Jobs Important?

The jobs listed above play critical roles within the oil industry as they help companies find new sources of crude oil while ensuring safe extraction practices. Without these professionals, it would be impossible to access much-needed resources that fuel our transportation systems, power plants, heating systems, etc. Oil and gas jobs provide stable employment opportunities across many countries globally, contributing immensely towards economic growth.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies, the six countries of the GCC are rapidly building more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to respond to the evolving nature of cyberthreats.

In a January 2023 survey of 117 global leaders from 32 countries and 22 industries, 91% of respondents believed that a far-reaching, catastrophic cyber-event was at least somewhat likely in the next two years, while 43% believed that a cyberattack would materially affect their organisations. The findings were published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023, produced in collaboration with Accenture.

Cyber-resilience in the GCC

Since experiencing their first major cyberattacks in the early 2010s, GCC countries have looked at ways to bolster their cybersecurity by increasing cyber-resilience and upgrading capacity.

However, Russias invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, which saw an increase in the number and sophistication of global attacks, has prompted more urgent action.

Some GCC countries have already forged strong cybersecurity defences, according to the Portulans Institutes Network Readiness Index 2022, which ranks countries using a host of metrics related to digital transformation. In terms of cybersecurity, Saudi Arabia ranked second globally behind the US, while the UAE ranked eighth, Oman 28th, Qatar 34th, Bahrain 68th and Kuwait 73rd.

While these rankings suggest that the GCC is in a relatively strong position, the average cost of cyberattacks is also higher in the region, with a data breach costing $6.93m per incident, above the global average of $4.24m, according to Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, managing director of the National Data Centre under the UAEs Supreme Council for National Security.

Al Kuwaiti made this claim in December in Bahrain, which hosted the first Arab International Cybersecurity Summit, a platform for the global industry to gain entry to the regions emerging cybersecurity sector.

Given the size and scope of the challenge, the GCC has embraced political and technical cooperation. In October the GCC Ministerial Committee for Cybersecurity held its first meeting in Riyadh at the headquarters of the GCC Secretariat General, with the heads of cybersecurity from all six countries in attendance.

The meeting covered matters of mutual interest and ended with plans to implement joint cybersecurity exercises to bolster the exchange of information and expertise and to develop the sector across the region.

Threats to digital economies

The changing nature of cyberthreats is prompting a holistic reassessment of strategy and approaches to cybersecurity. A key takeaway from the WEFs outlook is that respondents believe that cyberattacks are more likely to focus on causing business disruption and reputational damage going forwards.

GCC countries have long-term plans to diversify their economies away from extractive industries towards technology and innovation and have already invested in a raft of technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), data and cloud computing. These plans not only underscore the need for robust cybersecurity, but also require a more holistic approach to protecting data-driven networks.

As data is increasingly distributed in wide networks, clients are only as secure as their vendors; as a result, cybersecurity should put the focus on the integrity of the network, which requires both cybersecurity firms and regulators to establish mechanisms that allow for the protection of data on the side of clients, vendors and partners, Mirza Asrar Baig, CEO and founder of CTM360, a Bahraini digital risk-protection company, told OBG.

Meanwhile, momentum to expand the GCCs international reach in cybersecurity and ICT continues apace.

In November 2022 Saudi Arabias National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) hosted the Global Cybersecurity Forum  first held in 2020  to address the macroeconomic, geopolitical and strategic considerations shaping global cybersecurity.

Last year the NCA launched the National Portal for Cyber Security Services (HASEEN), a body that aims to develop and manage cyber-services, support communication mechanisms and enhance cybersecurity capacities. All government agencies have access to HASEEN, which the NCA plans to use to conduct 7000 cybersecurity assessments in 2023.

In October Dubais Gitex Global 2022 brought together 10,000 programmers and developers from various international technology companies including US tech giant Microsoft and 26 of its partners, which introduced a slew of new technologies for cloud computing, mixed-reality experiences, AI and cybersecurity.

Last month, Saudi Arabias Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also held the second annual LEAP tech conference, which produced a host of partnerships and over $16bn in investment, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 digitalisation goals.

There is potential in the region to turn the local landscape, which is dominated by systems integrators, into one with IT companies driven by local talent and developing proprietary solutions with a global reach, in cybersecurity and other areas, Baig told OBG. One of the key challenges in recruiting IT specialists in the region is finding those eager to build new solutions from the ground up and who understand that regional talent can deliver innovation, rather than replicating models applied elsewhere.

Local capacity building

Ambitions to strengthen cybersecurity in the GCC will require training initiatives to build local human capacity.

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In August 2022 the NCA launched the CyberIC programme to develop national capabilities and localise technology development in cybersecurity. The programme is slated to increase the number cybersecurity start-ups by assisting more than 60 national companies, 40 through the cybersecurity accelerator programme and 20 through the cybersecurity challenge.

Earlier last year Saudi Arabia also established Wamda, an initiative to foster the leadership skills of female Saudi cybersecurity specialists.

Meanwhile, Dubai Cyber Innovation Park held its second Cybersecurity Bootcamp in February 2023 to train a specialised and qualified cybersecurity workforce from a pool of new graduates and others looking to build a career in the field.

Bahrains labour fund Tamkeen is following suit by graduating the first cohort from its eight-month Cyber Security Training Programme conducted in partnership with SANS Institute, a cybersecurity training and education provider. Graduates are expected to address the needs of government organisations and private sector companies at the local and international level.

By Oxford Business Group

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The London Metal Exchange (LME) has suspended the inflow of Russian base metals into its U.S. warehouses prior to the planned imposition of tariffs on Russian metal by the United States. Aluminum will be the hardest hit with the U.S. slapping penal tariffs of 200% on imports of Russian metal, effective March 10. Import tariffs on other metals including copper and lead will now double to 70% while nickel will be subjected to a 35% duty. Only 400 tonnes of Russian metal was already in U.S. warehouses registered with the LME during the time of the announcement, which means it will no longer be available to settle NASAAC futures.

The full package of the latest set of sanctions and trade measures now covers over 100 metals, minerals and chemicals. The LME has been under intense pressure to suspend deliveries of Russian aluminum across all its global warehouse network but has so far rejected the idea.

"The LME does not believe that the recent U.S. announcement changes this position, given that many U.S. consumers had already 'self-sanctioned' in respect of Russian metal," the exchange said in a Feb. 28 notice. The LME appears to have borrowed a leaf from the British government which unilaterally hiked import duties on Russian goods in August last year.

The tariffs have led to widening time spreads, with cash-to-three-months contango ballooning to $50.50 per tonne at the weekly close, the biggest spread since 2013. The LME three-month aluminum price has, however, remained largely unmoved by the news, currently trading around $2,350 per tonne, the lower end of its year-to-date range of $2,250-2,680 per tonne.

Light Punch

Following the metals ban, the White House has issued a statement saying that the ...measures are designed to target key Russian commodities generating revenue for the Kremlin while reducing U.S. reliance on Russia. But how effective have western sanctions been at limiting funding for Putins war machine? Apparently, not as much as many would have hoped for.

During the early days of the war, a cross-section of experts predicted that sanctions would lead to Russias economy contracting as much as 15%. However, the latest forecasts by the IMF show that Russias economy contracted only a little over 2% in 2022, with moderate growth expected in 2023. Several reasons have been advanced to explain why Russias economy is faring much better than expected.

First off, the EU largely refrained from sanctioning Russian energy commodities in 2022 in a bid to avoid compromising its own energy security. For most of 2022, only about 8% of the export value of Russian energy was under sanctions, practically all of it by third countries. Even better for Russia, the huge increases in energy prices, oil and gas revenues led to a nice 45% bump in revenue for the Russian government budget.

Second, Russia deployed an effective economic policy that succeeded in preventing the economy from tanking. First, Moscow provided tax breaks, social benefits and subsidies for loansequivalent to 3% of GDP and also increased the minimum wage. This move was similar to the support EU countries provided to homes and businesses to help them cope with high energy prices. For instance, Germany, Europes largest economy, ditched earlier plans for a gas levy on consumers and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz set out a 200 billion ($194 billion) defensive shield to protect companies and consumers against the impact of soaring energy prices. Moscow also increased government consumption as a way to compensate for the big drop in private consumption and investments. Meanwhile, the Russian Central Bank intervened with several measures that helped to stabilize the exchange rate and provide liquidity to the banking system.

The third reason is simply because a big part of the world has failed to condemn Russia for its war in Ukraine. Indeed, nearly 10% of the worlds total population is either neutral or actively endorses Russian aggression, with Belarus, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Kyrgyzstan in direct support while Syria, UAE, Kazakhstan and Armenia have supported Russia indirectly. Some African countries have also been sympathetic to Russia, with reports that Russia has started sending crude to Ghana for storage.

But things are bound to get tougher for Russia with EU sanctions meaning that a good 40% of the export value of Russian energy will be under sanctions going forward. Although the EU still has not sanctioned Russian gas, the quantities it imports from Russia via pipeline are down to a trickle though its taking in Russian LNG. In the first few weeks of 2023, the EU energy imports from Russia crashed 80%, a situation exacerbated by the fact that China and India have been unable to fully cover the shortfall. Further, with upwards of80% of US and EU multinationals having either left or suspended activities in Russia, its only a matter of time before Russian industries and the economy start feeling the heat.

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By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Some Nebraska school districts did not receive bulletins warning that schools across the state could be subject to a string of phony shooting reports.

But the apparent communication slipup, according to education officials, did not impede responses to a wave of hoax calls that involved at least 10 schools across Nebraska on Thursday morning, including Omaha South High School.

The Nebraska State Patrol issued multiple bulletins regarding the trend of swatting, or making a prank call to elicit a large emergency response. Such incidents have occurred across the country in the past month, including in Kansas, Minnesota and Colorado, among others.

However, multiple districts, including the Omaha Public Schools, the states largest district, did not receive the bulletin.

The bulletin was distributed via email earlier in the week to law enforcement agencies across the state and to the Nebraska Department of Education, said Cody Thomas, a spokesman for the Nebraska State Patrol.

The previous week, bulletins were sent directly to law enforcement agencies and numerous school districts that are actively engaged in a growing partnership with the State Patrols Nebraska Information Analysis Center, Thomas said.

The Department of Education did not distribute the bulletin to districts because officials felt comfortable with the State Patrol sending it directly, said David Jespersen, department spokesman.

Jespersen said he heard some schools received the bulletin, but it was filtered into junk folders. And, he added, the State Patrol may not have as extensive a distribution list as the Nebraska Department of Education.

But overall, Jespersen said emergency response teams and local law enforcement handled the situations well in affected districts.

The school districts that got the call, there were a lot of different reactions and responses to it and they all did great, he said. Sometimes people think if an incident happens, everyone should follow this and its just not reasonable. Whats good for one district might not be good for another.

The Omaha Public Schools did not receive a bulletin, said Bridget Blevins, OPS spokeswoman.

We work closely with local and state agencies when there is a safety concern at one of our schools, but we are not aware of anyone in our district receiving a specific bulletin in advance of this weeks swatting incidents, Blevins said in an email to The World-Herald.

The district follows a standard response protocol for all safety concerns, regardless of whether officials have advanced warning, Blevins said. Officials were grateful for the quick response from law enforcement partners at South on Thursday.

Blevins said there havent been any other swatting calls in the district in recent years.

While the district does not currently have a formal partnership with NIAC, Blevins said conversations are ongoing on how district officials can best connect with them on safety matters in the future.

The Lincoln Public Schools received the bulletin, but a spokeswoman was unclear on what agency distributed it to the districts security director.

An LPS school was among those subjected to a hoax call Thursday, according to a statement from LPS.

Lincoln Police working with our staff were able to quickly determine the call was a hoax and part of a national trend aimed at disrupting the learning environment in our schools, the statement said.

This wasnt the first time the district experienced a swatting call, said district spokeswoman Mindy Burbach. Another incident occurred last fall.

But the bulletin issued by law enforcement allowed school officials to prepare for a potential incident  and eventually manage things once the hoax call was made, Burbach said.

The Kearney Public Schools did not receive a bulletin, but officials did receive a call from the Kearney Police Department last week regarding the trend, said spokeswoman Tori Stofferson. It speaks highly, she said, of the positive relationship between local police and the school district.

Officials at Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus received communication from NIAC, but it was filtered into a junk folder. Officials never saw notice of the swatting trend.

It was troubling yesterday, reading that law enforcement and NDE had received information about this. I felt like we were not privy to this information, said Jeff Ohnoutka, school president.

But Ohnoutka praised local police, who arrived inside the school building in less than one minute from the time the hoax call was placed.

All districts previously were invited to join a partnership between NIAC, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska Department of Education and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Public Policy Center.

A large number have signed-on to the effort and NIAC will continue working to add schools to the school safety partnership, Thomas said in an email to The World-Herald.

After Thursdays incident, Thomas said the State Patrol has been in communication with numerous schools that are joining the NIACs partnership program, which includes providing threat assessments, safety presentations in schools and situational awareness bulletins.

Public school districts in the Omaha metro area Bellevue Public Schools Bennington Public Schools Douglas County West Community Schools Elkhorn Public Schools Fort Calhoun Community Schools Gretna Public Schools Millard Public Schools Omaha Public Schools Papillion La Vista Community Schools Ralston Public Schools Westside Community Schools